Draslei Remembers [IC]

[PersonMan]

Draslei Remembers


Arsen.
Capitol city of Draslei, they call it.
Once seat of the dragons' power.
Now ruled by dwarves and men.
Once its spires saw flights of dragons fill the sky and work their great magic.
Now home to the most powerful merchants and priests who can do neither.



http://i.imgur.com/tX3D0wM.jpg

You've found it. The "red alley" described in the letter that had somehow found you. Whoever delivered it made sure to be gone by the time you looked, so your choices on how to reply were relatively limited.

Addonexus,

we have heard rumors that you seek employment. We have it. Find our representative in the red alley of the middle layer. She will be the tan elf in a brown cloak. When you find her, ask to speak of a matter regarding Lord Louccin. Dress well, if you accept there will be a meeting with important people following shortly thereafter.

Sincerely,
Negoti Divites

After a bit of thought, you decided that it was something worth pursuing - someone who could get a letter snuck into a place your old partner turned enemy couldn't is at least worth listening to. If all else failed, you could at least determine if the old spot is safe to stay in while looking for other work. So you looked for a way up into the middle layer, hoping to avoid paying the exorbitant fees for traveling up via the main roads, and eventually found one. A winding path that at times separated from the wall it seemed to be supported by, leaving you more high-strung than usual. But finally you reached the middle layer, not a copper poorer and much closer to your destination.

Only moments after you stepped out from the alley between a pair of two-story buildings you noticed the difference from the layer below. There was no sickness in the air, the atmosphere was one of business and energy, rather than desperation and bare survival. Light streamed from above, as if there wasn't another layer of the city atop this one. The people were much happier to answer your questions, much less suspicious of your presence. It didn't take long for you to find your way to the red alley, so named for the red cloth that is hung off the buildings, casting light shadows over the ground and the purchases made between the rows of buildings.

It's been perhaps a quarter of an hour, walking up and down the alley and a few times accidentally leaving it, before you spot someone who meets the description you've been given. A tall elf woman, draped in a brown cloak, skin obviously colored by a lifelong exposure to the sun (although it bears the tint given only by heritage as well), her face framed by long brown hair, left straight on her left side and braided on her right. Hazel eyes return your gaze as she looks over you, but they pass quickly, giving the impression that you were just another passerby to her.


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The warm summer breeze blows lightly across you all, an odd trio trecking through the forest path near the edge of the monolithic construction that is Arsen. Were it not for the shield of endless branches and leaves, you would surely see the shining pillars of its top, the golden statues left unmolested for a millennium. Instead, your view is limited to the forest, bright with the light of day and the summer's green. The stones, split and in many places covered by the growth of plants, reveal that the path you walk on now was once a stone road, possibly even imperial.

Your journey along this path (which was still a road when you entered the woods) has taken nearly three hours, but finally you see the light of a clearing. At first, it seems to be just like the last seven you've seen - a simple place where the trees thin out and the sun shines directly onto the path - but as you approach, you can tell that it is more than that. The woods have finally come to an end, which means that you are almost in the city. The forest near the grand metropolis, commanded by the Sacer Magni to be protected from the axes of those looking for lumber due to the redemption of a great villain turned saint in their center, is said to end just outside the door of the poorest of the city.

But instead of the shacks of the outer slums, you see fields, sparse trees, a solitary stone booth long empty and beginning to be covered in green sprouts. As well as two figures waiting for you in the light. Stitches spots them first, and their details become clear to the odd being shortly before they do for her companions.

One, the taller of the two, wears a green cloak with a shining clasp, hood pulled up. Covered by the cloak, it's essentially impossible to determine more about them at this distance. The shorter companion, however, is not entirely hidden by her cloak. Brown in color, it has a clasp that doesn't reflect the bright sun and covers far less of her than the one to her right. Her brown hair, extending down to her collarbones, is braided on her left side but not the right, framing a face tanned not only by the sun but also by her heritage. Long ears show that she is an elf, and as you get closer you can see that her eyes, hazel in color, are moving between each member of your group.

Half of her cloak is cast over one shoulder, revealing leather armor bearing the knot of the guild councils that are known across the continent as the wealthy oligarchs of Arsen. At her belt is an axe and a short blade, the former casually gripped by a strong hand as you approach.

"Hail and well met, travelers! If you are the ones you appear to be, then we have an offer for you," the one concealed in - you realize as you hear the voice - his cloak says, lowering his hood to reveal a pale human face. Short, brown hair ends above his brown eyes, which seem alert but friendly as they look across you. Smiling, the man continues. "But I am sure that you have been walking a long way. Would you like to sit down with us and partake of some refreshment?"

The elf woman seems bored by the man's words, and she looks between each of you slowly, a crooked smile growing on her face as she registers, one by one, the weapons your group is carrying.

[Yawielas]

Selena

As the trio leaves the last trees behind, and spots the two figures in the distance, the slender elf tenses slightly. Not out of fear, but from an inbuilt response to possible threats, her body preparing herself to move, to grab her bow from her shoulder, to snatch an arrow from the quiver, to find the best vantage point. Recognizing the tension from what it is, she lets herself be ready for whatever, but does not act upon it, finding it unlikely someone should attack them in the middle of the road, just outside of town.

Selena pulls a wispy strand of silvery hair away from her face, and studies the two waiting for them as they draw closer. Especially the cowled one wakens her curiosity, and when they finally stand before the citizens of Arsen, she nods to them. "Our greetings to you as well. We have indeed been travelling for a while, and refreshments sounds tempting. May I ask, before we hear your offer, who do we appear to be?" She glances briefly to her companions, then back at the man who has now revealed his face. A friendly face. Good. She looks at the elven woman, taking note of her weapon, her armor and her smile. She smiles in return.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches, gangly and graceful, stalks a few feet behind Selena as they emerge from the clearing. Her piecemeal armor glows dull in the fallen rays of sunlight, each step accompanied by a subtle clank and the cracking of branches beneath her boots; her golden eyes are cast downwards, shielded from the bright light by a thick wooden mask. In the absence of noise from the upcoming clearing, her head perks up and her eyes narrow against the horizon to spot the figures that linger at the end of the abandoned road.

She continues her leisurely pace even as her fingers twitch at the beginning of an aggressive stance from the archer, settling back to her sides when the trio is addressed and Selena responds in turn. The masked woman glances over the bared weaponry of the couple, then gives a tug at the rough strap of her pack, hefted over her shoulder and lets it jangle with the assortment of hammers that are strapped around its mouth. Her tongue flicks between her crimson lips as she twists her head, following the length of the treeline and the stony booth that sits not far from the group.

With one swift movement, she heads towards the stony, moss-covered booth and catches the eyes of the cloaked elf, glancing down at the insignia emblazoned across her armor and nodding. When she arrives at the abandoned piece of civilization, she peers inside, gripping the edge of it tightly and preparing to climb inside.

[PersonMan]

"A wandering woman who seeks adventure, a sellsword whose dance is as lethal as it is beautiful, and a monster woman who is rumored to eat the hearts of those she kills with her claws," the man says, still smiling, nodding as Selena mentions refreshment. The arm he used to lower his hood emerges from his cloak once again, displaying the same circle-knot symbol as that of his companion, holding what seems to be a small wooden box. Supporting it with his other hand, the man opens the lid to reveal a small assortment of cakes and four flasks, tightly packed to keep them from rolling into the sweets. "I've found that business discussions are much more enjoyable when there is food present. We can offer you some water to drink, if you don't enjoy the taste of wine," he continues.

As Stitches moves further forwards, the elf's eyes lock onto her, and her expression changes from amused, mild curiosity to surprise. She seems somewhat stunned by the feral elf and stands still for a few moments, before shaking her head, cheeks reddening slightly. Looking between her companion and the two women across from him, she gives the man a meaningful nod after a moment of consideration. He replies with his own, and she follows Stitches' path to the old booth, seeming mildly irritated. The hand that formerly rested on her axe can no longer hold still, and her fingers dance along the smooth wood of the handle. As she reaches Stitches, she speaks, voice hushed.

"Are you mad, monster woman?" She asks, tone halfway between angry and incredulous. "Do you know who I am?" Her accent is thick - she's obviously from southern Telkerin. Oddly enough, her inflection lacks the kind of tilt that educated Dracolini has. To put it simply, she sounds like a confused, angry peasant.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches lifts her boot from the floor and delicately pushes her toes against the entrance of the booth when her ears twitch, buried in the mess of her black hair and she spins around to face the hushed woman. Her eyes travel across the elf's agape lips, then up to her tilted eyebrows and the lull of improper eloquence in her tongue. The masked woman leans against the cool stone pillar, cord-like muscles unrelenting to the hard rock. She rests her skull against it and gives the slightest shake of her head as she meets the elf's eyes, a pleasant smile playing on her plump lips.

She stretches out her other hand, offering it to the other woman slightly tilted upwards.

Taking 10 on Diplomacy for 23.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus had no idea what the phrase "dress well" even meant. How well should he dress? What if he overdressed? What if he under dressed? Where would he find these clothes? This was all very ludicrous to him as he always wore his telltale robe with his cowl up wherever he went anyway. He never really understood the necessity to be socially acceptable as he had only ever had to present himself in "nice attire" in front of his Order which, coincidentally, consisted of his robe. He eventually settled on his normal dress as he figured that, if these people knew of him, then they knew of his reputation and his description. Therefore it would be almost criminal to rob them of the true appearance of the Addonexus. Heavens, they might feel cheated or lied to if he showed up in anything less than his normal reputable garb. Downright disrespectful to withhold that from them, he thought. So he did put on his less weathered adventurer's clothes and donned his familiar robe, pulling the cowl up as he always did. Lastly he strapped his trusty weapon to it's familiar place on his back, ignoring any unusual stares he would get by the commoners as he walked down the streets. It actually worked in his favor as people tended to avoid him and he could then be certain that these were not the people with whom he was supposed to meet. That and he never went anywhere without it as he had learned on a job two years prior, your enemies are always watching and waiting for when you are at your weakest... So it is in this attire then that the woman sees him in when he finds her.

Anduriel studies the elven woman a moment and sees that her description matches that which had been described in the letter. Such a peculiar letter it was too for the deliverer found him in a place the Proditorem could not. Nonetheless, after a moment's pause, Anduriel procures the letter from the folds of his cloak, unfolds it, and begins to re-fold it in a new way. He folds it in such a fashion that only the words "Lord Louccin" are visible. In doing so he also covers his name and the name of the sender for security and confidentiality purposes. If this woman was the woman in question, she should know who he was by seeing the name, if not, then it would mean nothing to her and he could continue his search.

Never being one for many words, Anduriel approaches her and wordlessly shows her the folded letter revealing the "access key" as some mercenaries call it. The "access key" is the word or phrase that lets your contact know you are who you claim to be, in this case, the "access key" being "Lord Louccin". As he shows her the name he gazes steadily at her from within his cowl for a reaction, maintaining his silent presence.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Listen check [roll0]

Selena watches Stitches walk over to the stone booth, and turns towards her other companion, shrugging a little to signal that she will take the man up on his offer. She takes a step forward, then sinks gracefully down crosslegged on the ground. She smiles at the man. "Wine is very enjoyable. And your description of us is interesting, although I couldn't tell you if you're completely right. Please...tell us more." The light chain links on her elven mail clinks softly as she moves a little, turning her head to follow the elf woman with her gaze. She was talking to Stitches. Good luck with that.... Satisfied her feral friend could handle herself, she turns back to the man. "I'm Selena." She lets Sera decide for herself whether or not she wishes to introduce herself.

[PersonMan]

Seeing you approach, the elf shifts her gaze to you as he draws closer, shifting her posture and folding her arms beneath her own cloak. Their movement reveals them - thin, clad in what looks to be thin leather armor bearing the knot of Arsen's oligarchic councils. They stay still as you reach her, unmoving just like the eyes that stare into yours until you present the paper. Looking down at it, the elf smiles and nods.

"You're not mute, are you?" She asks, speaking a lilting Dracolini that holds a slight difference in intonation from that of most elves. She's a Wood Elf, you realize. An educated one, at that, far more clear in her speech than most. She sounds like a highborn. "That would make this significantly more bothersome to deal with," the woman continues, shrugging. "Follow me."

With that, she turns and opens a wooden door into a small building bordering the alleyway she stood at the entrance of, slipping into a room lit only by the light spilling in from the outside. Once inside she works on opening what seems to be a reinforced iron door, checking to make sure that you've followed and gesturing to the door if you haven't closed it before she opens the massive barrier with the twist of a metal bar. Stepping to the side as the door opens outwards, she gestures for you to enter the room first. Inside is a well-lit room with a medium-sized table at its center, covered by a rich meal. The smell of roasted meat meets your nose as the dwarf inside looks to you and smiles.

"Greetings. I am Lord Louccin; it is a pleasure to meet you, Addonexus," he says, the jeweled rings on his fingers glittering in the light. The man is clearly dressed as a noble, adorned with many signs of wealth - as if the meal in front of him wasn't enough. Another chair sits at the other end of the table, and he gestures to it, bidding you to sit down.

The man seems pleased by Selena's reaction, lowering the box carefully as he sits down opposite her, placing it such that she can easily take some of the contents.

"These two are imports. Elven wine from southern Terei. This one is wine from the southern canal province, and this is water, taken from the melt rivers of the Mantadivas," he explains, pointing to each of the flasks in turn as he describes their contents. Despite how casually he does so, the fact that what the man is offering is far outside the range of drinks the average person would ever see, much less have placed in front of them as a refreshment during a first meeting, is impossible to miss. In your travels, you've met only a few who are so free with things that cost this much, and most of them have been ones with great amounts of wealth.

"I'm Terson," the man replies, his smile widening. "My partner and I have come to offer you three employment. You will be working with our employer in a matter that must be taken care of with utmost discretion. We believe that you have the talent and skill needed to complete this task, and obviously a group of three will cause far less ruckus than a group of mercenaries or similar. So, before I continue, I'd like to know if you would be willing to travel up to the mountains on a job for us. I promise you, the pay will be generous," he leans in at the final portion, as if sharing a secret. "Mine certainly has been. And if it's this good for sending word to the people being hired for the real work, then you'll be getting a king's ransom."

"Mmmm. Well, fine. I guess you don't have a reason to know," the elf says with a sigh. "I'm Sorella Sorordili. You know that name? It's a noble house. I'm highborn," she says, smiling and obviously proud. "So you can't just come up to me and eye me up like I'm some blossoming farmer's daughter." As Stitches extends her arm, Sorella looks at it for a moment before the hand at her axe comes up to meet it. Taking the pale fingers in a firm grip, she gives Stitches' hand a good shake before releasing it.

"I won't hold it against you, though. There's too much to do in the world to get hung up on little things, and you don't look like you meant it in a bad way. I'll take it as a compliment," Sorella decides, smiling and nodding. "Is it true that you never speak?" She asks.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches gives the slightest of nods to the elven woman whose mood changed so swiftly from infuriation to pride, at the mention of her family name. The crimson smile on her lips widens at the mention of a blossoming father's daughter, baring just the hint of her pristine white teeth, and she wraps her slender fingers around Sorella's hand as they shake; her grip equally firm though delicate at the tips.

Her head tilts slightly, mask tapping the wall of the shaded stone booth, when Sorella expresses curiosity about her motions. Her eyes play over the woman's smiling and nodding, and a glint comes to Stitches eyes as she slowly tilts her own head up to expose the lithe, pale neck beneath. As she arches her head back, she gently pulls the armored woman's fingers towards it with their held hands. She pushes Sorella's fingertips gently along the stitches that are weaved through the skin, releasing her grip on the woman's hand and gazing soothingly at the stranger's hazel eyes.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Seeing that the woman was, in fact, one of his kinsman was somewhat comforting. Seeing that the question the woman asked him seemed somewhat rhetorical, Anduriel simply follows her into the building. Once he enters and the smell of food hits him his stomach protests in hunger. The slums aren't exactly the best place to get a meal and that was where the Addonexus had spent the past few months. It took much of him to resist sitting down right away and devouring the delicious food in front of him to at least hear the introduction of this dwarf.

After he identifies himself as Lord Louccin, Anduriel inclines his head in a slight bow and moves to sit down. To do this he unstraps his scythe from his back and places it leaning on the arm of the chair so he can see it and it is within grasping range should the need arise. After waiting for Lord Louccin to reach for some food to ensure that at least the meal is not poisoned, he reaches to fill his own plate. Anduriel's stomach is screaming for him to over fill his plate but he knows that, not only could it be considered somewhat rude, but it would also not do him any good, filling his craving stomach with such rich food so quickly. He then settles to take a modest amount and watches Lord Louccin, waiting for him to begin. It was he, after all, who summoned Anduriel, not the other way around. All would be explained in its due time.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena lets her fingers hover over the different flasks, curious about this display of wealth. Obviously their would be employer wished them to know he or she was good for the promised rewards. But also, if the job paid so much, it was probably very dangerous. A grin plays on her lips as she picks up the wine from the southern canal province and turns the small flask in her hands. "I am intrigued," she says, as she uncorks it, and lifts it to her nose to smell the liquid. "Very nice..." She looks at Tersen, tilting her head slightly as she studies him. "Tell me, Tersen....Why do you think this mission pays so handsomely? It must be very important....or very risky...And if it is very important...Why send three strangers on this mission?" She takes a sip of the wine, and awaits his answer.

[Lentrax]

Sera watches the interaction between her travelling companion and the man. His words ring hollow in her ears. The only people who ever wanted to watch her dance found out quickly they never wished to see it again. If they survived long enough to have a doubt about it. She watches her sit down and begin to have a snack with him. Deciding that whatever they are talking about can do without her until they get to details about this supposed job, Sera instead keeps her eye on the elf woman talking with the other of her companions.

[PersonMan]

"I do believe he's mute, or close to it," the elf from the street says as you sit down, closing the door behind her as she steps into the room, responding to the questioning look the dwarf sends her. After she speaks, she moves to the side of the door, standing behind you and falling silent.

"I see. That does complicate things a bit, but not overmuch," Lord Louccin replies, shrugging and picking up a chicken leg from his plate. "There's a job for you. Mayora, would you be so kind as to tell him what he needs to know? You know how much I dislike speaking during a meal," he says, looking over your shoulder to the elf behind you, who sighs, before he bites into the meat and begins to eat it, clearly enjoying eat bite.

Stepping back into your field of view, Mayora turns to you and begins to speak, the same highborn Dracolini coming from her once again. "There's an issue in the mountains that's come up recently, and it needs to be dealt with. Discreetly. Ideally, you'll be working with three others, with the goal of eliminating the cause of the problem," she turns to Lord Louccin, who has finished one chicken leg and is currently bathing several steaming potatoes in a dark sauce. The dwarf notices her gaze and nods, getting a similar gesture in response before she continues.

"There's a tribe of normally peaceful bugbears in the area to the north, which have recently turned violent. The trading post we set up with them was attacked and burned down, the representatives we sent to investigate killed. One of the survivors of their attack claims that their leader is a sorcerer, but we doubt that they possess true magic," Mayora continues. "We'd like you to go there with the others we're hiring and undo whatever change has caused them to turn violent. Preferably they will still be willing and able to trade with us afterwards, but that is less important than ensuring that their attacks are stopped."

"The pay will be generous. I won't speak of specific numbers yet, but it should be enough to give you the means to stay up out of the slums for some time, if you wish. In addition to gold, you'll also have made contacts in the upper city, and the importance of that really cannot be exaggerated," Lord Louccin says, pausing in his enthusiastic consumption of the meal. "If you're interested, you'll be joining us and the others we will be hiring in a meeting in the upper city, where the exact details of your mission will be discussed."



"Well, if you ask me, I think it's because of the nature of the job. It's supposed to be pretty discreet, and it's a dangerous job, so why not send in some people no one here has heard of? If you get the job done, good, no one will think much of a few folks going up into the mountains and coming back down a bit later. If you can't do it and you die, well...it doesn't cost our employer much to find new people, his losses are minimal and there's no ruckus about the disappearing troop that went into the hills," Tersen replies, shrugging. "In the upper city, there's a lot of that kind of thing. Risk, reward, balancing the two. You'll get a troop of personal guards with your sign all over them, then send some unassuming strangers to take care of most of your important business, because no one will know you're involved and if they die you can just get more. There's never a shortage of people looking for a job in Arsen," he continues. "It's not pretty, it's not nice, but it can mean a big pile of gold for the right people. And in this case, you're the right people."

The elf and Stitches seem to be conversing (as much as a conversation can exist with only one person speaking), and your companion offers the tanned elf her hand. A brief handshake follows, before Stitches guides the elf's hand to her neck, leading to a brief pause before the elf takes her hand back and speaks again.

"What are...ah, I see. You can't speak," Sorella nods, understanding. For a moment she's still, looking at Stitches' namesake, before she withdraws her hand. "I must admit, you're quite tender for a monster woman. Do you have any interest in coin? My companion and I are here to offer you three a job, you see. The pay's gonna be damn good, but I don't know if a beastie like yourself would be interested in money," she explains.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Not a single flinch crosses Stitches' face as Sorella's fingers touch her stitches, simply waiting for the woman to come to her own conclusion. When the elf makes her request clear, she shrugs and reaches for the pendant that's hanging from around her own neck and pulls it off with a quick, sharp movement. With the ornate and well-polished pendant in her palm, she holds it out towards Sorella and looks down at it, then back up at the elf, tilting her head.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

As the elf, Mayora, talks to him, Anduriel eats enough food for his stomach to stop screaming at him. The food was delicious and he was still savoring the last tastes of cooked meat in his mouth when Louccin finishes dispelling his information. He reaches for something to wipe his mouth with and leans forward looking at Louccin.

My lord, Anduriel begins, his voice quiet and smooth from not much use, I mean no disrespect to your plans but the last time I had a partner it did not end too well. I would need to know, by evaluating them myself, that these people are not only competent, but can be trusted. I usually work alone and therefore I have only ever had to look out for myself. I don't want to be accompanied by people who can't handle themselves. If these people seem genuine and experienced, I would consider accepting your offer.

Anduriel did not like the idea of having to work with companions being that his last one was the Proditorem, but he could feel the scars on his body from his last mission and knew that, at least for the first job after his recovery, it might not be a terrible idea to have some assistance. He also knew that this job was offered by a fairly wealthy, if not influential, person. This could help him greatly in the future in the way of informants and contacts and such. And of course the there was always the spreading of his name for fear and work that was a bonus to this offer. It was all a very tempting offer but before anything else was even considered, the Addonexus had to be sure he was working with people who could hold their own and wouldn't try to stab him in the back... He does have many enemies after all.

He then turns to Mayora and asks in the language she addressed him of Dracolini What's the catch?

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena nods, it was as she had thought. She takes another drink of the wine, savoring it before answering. "As it happens, I am looking for work. I cannot speak for my travel companions, but I am interested even if they aren't. Let's wait for them to join the discussion." She looks to Sera first, since she is the closest. "What do you think? We've worked together before, successfully." She turns to look towards Stitches and the elf woman who she still don't know the name of. "She wanted to go to Arsen. She's looking for something, so I don't know if she'll be willing to take a detour to the mountains, but she is very capable in dangerous situations..." Looking back to Tersen, she smiles.

[Lentrax]

I know who I work for. I accept nothing until I know the job, the pay, and my employer.

[PersonMan]

Dracolini is the language that's being spoken by all three of those present, unless you're responding in a different language. In Arsen it's the lingua franca.

"It matters little if you complete the task as a group or separately. If you wish to speak with them after the meeting later, feel free to do so. If you don't think you can trust them, feel free to travel without them. In this matter, I have taken a page from the book of Ovis. All that matters to me is the result of your efforts," Lord Louccin replies, shrugging as he drinks deeply from a golden goblet.

"It's expected that none of you will speak of the specifics of what you see and do in the mountains to anyone but us. Apart from that, there are no other conditions. Apart from having to come to two meetings in the upper city, which could be considered a sort of trial by fire," Mayora says in response to your question, smiling. "But it's a fairly open-ended job. Go in, solve the problem, come back, keep it all quiet," she continues.

"Well, I'm afraid I can't tell you everything - I don't have all of the information involved, actually. I just know it's a dangerous job in the mountains and where to bring you if you're interested. There's going to be a meeting where the specifics will be discussed. If you don't like them - too little pay, or what have you - and can't haggle it out, then you can just get up and leave as long as you swear to not spread the information about the mission to anyone," Tensen replies. "If your friend is looking for something, our employer can probably help. Arsen is the heart of many webs, and someone with the kind of money and power he has won't have trouble helping someone find something. She can ask for that instead of gold, if she likes."


"No? Then what..." Sorella's voice trails off as Stitches presents her pendant, considering it for a moment before looking back up into the eyes of the odd elf. "So, you're looking for...the owner?" A pause. "No? The place it came from? Maybe more of 'em? Well, the people we're working for can help you find whatever it is you're looking for. Trust me, they have people all over," she says. "I'm sure Lord Louccin will be happy to give you some help with that rather than pay you gold, or maybe pay you less or whatever kind of deal you two work out."

For a few moments, Sorella is silent, shifting her weight. "Tensen can give you more details. We should probably head back over to them."

[Yawielas]

Selena


The archer nods and looks to Sera again. "Would that be agreeable? Not much to lose from meeting them and hear about the job. We're going to Arsen anyway."

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf mulls it over in his mind... On the one hand, it would be a well paying job and a good way to get back in the swing of things. On the other hand, he'd be working with people for wealthy influential people. This could be a potential danger to his laying low. However Louccin did say that, if he didn't trust the other members enough he could do it himself. This left Anduriel in a position of control over how he wanted to handle the situation. And with two meetings, that would be ample time to study his prospect companions and analyze their competence.

Anduriel silently analyzes the dwarf and the elf once more before giving his response; when's this meeting?

[Lentrax]

Sera thinks for a moment, her mind running through various scenarios.

After a few seconds she shrugs, giving a brief inclination of her head.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman gives a shake of her head in response to Sorella's final statement, leaning against the stone booth and folding her arms over her chest as she rests in the cool shadow. She pulls the string of the pendant back around her lithe neck, looking over it once more before letting it hang upon her breast and looking over at the sitting trio. She stands mostly still until one of her companions looks over, at which point she inclines her head in a beckon.

[Lentrax]

Sera, noticing the gesture, walks over. A feat made easier by her not lounging and eating sweetcakes.

Sera grunts to stitches, an easy to understand vocalization, meaning, roughly. What'd you want?

[PersonMan]

"Not long from now. We have a bit more time to eat, but then we'll need to make our way up to the upper city before long. The others will join us there when our friends from the south have gotten them to accept the job," Lord Louccin says, pouring himself some more wine. "Personally, I've always thought that these meetings are an affair that should be kept as short as possible. Luckily, they generally are, but in the case that they aren't..." the dwarf chuckles, raising his goblet. "I'll have something to help me endure it."

"Eat your fill - on the off chance that the meeting drags on, you won't want hunger to distract you. Drink will be allowed, but no food," Mayora adds. "Despite how informal this has been so far, what will come will be somewhat more strict in regards to some issues. Of course, those with the wealth and power will flaunt being above those restrictions..." her tone makes it clear that the last bit is something more than a simple comment - she's clearly not happy with something.

Tersen seems rather pleased that you have both agreed to come to the meeting, and he closes the box after pausing to let you take anything you might want beforehand. Standing, he returns it to where it had been before, hidden surprisingly well beneath his cloak and barely visible beneath the brown fabric. As he's about to speak, Sera walks over to where Stitches and the Wood Elf stand, at the old booth. Looking at Selena, he inclines his head to indicate that joining the others would be a good idea. Assuming that the elf doesn't protest, he does so, following Sera at a distance.

"I think she wants to stay over here," the elf begins, as Sera grunts to Stitches. "I'm Sorella of House Sorordili; we've briefly spoken, well, I spoke, but-" she stops as Tersen and Selena join the group next to the booth, shifting to address all of those present.

"Tersen, I think this one would prefer help with a personal matter to gold. That could be arranged, correct?" Sorella asks, receiving a nod in response.

"The details will be discussed at the meeting in the upper city, but that should be possible. If you are interested, we can leave for it now - your companions have already agreed to come, and if the matter does not interest you enough for you to undertake the mission, you can leave the meeting," Tersen says, offering the masked elf a smile.

You can tell that Tersen's friendly attitude and smile isn't quite sincere as he speaks to Stitches.

You can tell that this man is unnerved by you, despite his attempts to hide it. He doesn't seem to be fearful, simply uncomfortable.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches gives a nod as Sorella speaks on her behalf, then gives another nod to Tersen as he speaks of leaving for the meeting. She shifts away from the wall, letting her lanky arms hang at her sides and tilting her gaze to watch the horizon the group had been heading towards. Her eyes travel along the line of the trees, eyes squinting in the shadow of her mask, before she offers a brief smile to her companions and Sorella and hefts the pack on her shoulders.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus studies Mayora and Louccin from beneath his hood, allowing the silence to permeate the room. He likes to maintain the silence and already feels he has spoken more than he should have to these two. He also doesn't particularly like people in general but he is forced to deal with them for they are, after all, his source of income. He studies Mayora as she seems almost imperceptibly put off by something. Even though the he doesn't much like people, Anduriel cares even less for people who could potentially put a knife in his back and this elf certainly seemed capable if he let her.

Seeing that there is a plentiful amount of food, in an act of "extending the olive branch", Anduriel wordlessly motions for her to grab some of the food for herself to eat as well. He does this for two reasons, one to try and calm her down a bit. The other reason was to see the reaction on Louccin's face to see what kind of man he was dealing with. If Louccin objected, then Anduriel would know that Louccin kept a tight ship, liked to maintain control, and held himself and his dealings above his hired muscle. If Louccin showed no reaction, Anduriel would assume that Louccin does not mind if his hired muscle eats his food on the clock.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena smiles. It's so practical that job offers come along all by themselves, in stead of having to go search for paid employment. She's no fool, though. A lot of things about this opportunity are mysterious. How did they know about this little group of travellers? What does the job entail? She nods to the others. "Let's go, then."

[Lentrax]

Sera glowers.

Her hand comes to rest on the hilt of the scimitar resting at her hip as she follows her erstwhile companions down the road to this... meeting.

[PersonMan]

As you offer food to Mayora, she and Lord Louccin exchange glances and the dwarf shakes his head. The wood elf nods and turns back to you with a shrug.

Lord Louccin continues to eat for a bit longer, his attention on the food while Mayora keeps her eyes on you and the door. Before too long, she turns back to the dwarf and speaks. "The meeting will begin soon. We must leave soon if we want to arrive on time," she says. With a sighs, Lord Louccin finishes the white asparagus on his plate and wipes his mouth with one of the napkins at the table. Standing, he takes a final swig of wine from his goblet and nods to Mayora, who opens the reinforced door you came through to enter the odd little room. Waiting for both of you to leave before she follows, the elf closes the door carefully behind her, and the three of you emerge from the building moments later. Lord Louccin stops just before you enter the alley and Mayora steps forwards to stand in front, walking down the badly-lit corridor between buildings and eventually stopping before a perfectly smooth wall. It appears to be made of stone, unblemished and untouched by cracks of any sort. A large, circular metal door sits in it, the same symbol carved into it as is on Mayora's armor.

Lord Louccin steps forwards and fishes a small key out of one of his pouches, slipping it into what seemed to be solid metal until it offered no resistance to the key pressed into it. A second of shifting later, the dwarf withdraws the small piece of metal and Mayora pulls the door open, revealing a well-lit stairwell going upwards. Again, she stays behind you and the dwarf to close the door behind you, and once you are all in the room, which seems to be a landing of sorts. The stairs continue up and down, easily wide enough for four men to walk side by side and still have comfortable room to swing their arms a bit. The walk upwards seems to go on for ages, and you begin to feel the climb taking its toll before you finally stop, having reached a landing covered in dark wood. The door, again opened by Mayora, leads directly into a fairly small wooden room.

The room bears no true furnishings, apart from a simple wooden hanger for clothes and a simple chair in one corner. Apart from the door behind you there is a carved wooden door before you, complete with rare glass panels in the center, that leads into the next room.

"That will do for now, Mentum," Mayora says suddenly, reaching up to the clasp of her cloak and undoing it before handing it to the dwarf, who nods and places it on the hanger. "Wait here for the meeting to end," she orders him, and he nods again, bowing lightly.

"Yes, my lady," the dwarf says, before turning to you. "Your cloak, sire?" He asks, extending an arm to be ready to receive the garment. If you turn to Mayora, she grins at you, offering you only one reply to any question you might ask.

"Louccin. L-o-u-c-c-i-n. Council. Same letters, you'll notice," Mayora says, winking briefly and turning to the door. "Come in as soon as you've sorted out whether or not to wear your cloak, you can keep your scythe if you feel unsafe without it," Mayora adds, before slipping through the door. You get the briefest of glances into the room she enters, but can't make out anything apart from bright windows and more of the same, dark wood.

Tensen and Sorella lead you the last bit of the way into the city proper - you really were at the edge, you realize. After perhaps two minutes under the branches of trees, you emerge again into the light and see the massive city rising before you, massive metal walls extending from its central ring down to a few hundred feet above the ground. Tensen begins to speak, telling of how it is said that during the imperial era the steel of the wall could be extended by dragon magic to completely cover the city, but still allow light and air through to the inhabitants. As you enter the city, joining a large street that runs through the slums, he continues his monologue, a seemingly endless flow of random detail pouring from his mouth. As you turn from the road and into a dark alley, he whispers about the Slum Rebellions of the years 465, 468 and 470, stopping only when you arrive at a perfectly smooth stone wall. Unblemished and untouched by cracks of any sort, it seems entirely out of place among the slums surrounding you. A large, circular metal door sits in it, the same symbol carved into it as is on the armor of your brief companions. Tensen steps forwards and fishes a small key out from under his cloak, slipping it into a small hole in the steel. A second of shifting later, the man withdraws the small piece of metal and Sorella pulls the door open, revealing a well-lit stairwell going upwards. She stays at the door, gesturing for you all to enter, and closes it behind you. The room you enter is fairly small, and bears the signs of standing water having been left to dry in it. Tensen speaks again, mentioning that the room had been affected by the flooding of the slums last year. The stairs continue up and down, easily wide enough for four men to walk side by side and still have comfortable room to swing their arms a bit. Upwards, the stairs are brightly lit, but downwards they fall into total darkness and you can see what seems to be a door covered in chains not far down.

The walk up is a change for all of you - none of you have ever experienced this many stairs, at least not all at once. Tensen falls silent after what feels like five minutes of climbing them, and Selena can feel her legs begin to complain from the unusual, repetitious effort when you all finally stop. You're at a landing, the first that is covered by something other than light stone. Dark wood, clearly well-worked and polished, makes up the door as well. Again, Tensen unlocks the door with a heretofore hidden key, although this time he pushes it open, entering into a small room made of the same wood as the landing.

"The council room is on the other side of the door. If you'd like to remove your cloaks, packs or similar, you can do so and I will keep them here," Tensen says, gesturing to a simple table and wooden cloak hanger on one side of the room. Apart from those, a simple chair completes the furniture, and the only other noteworthy feature is the door, clearly worked on by a highly competent woodcarver and even containing several rare pieces of colored glass. "You can keep your weapons, if you like, but entering unarmed is considered a compliment to the others present," he adds, looking at the various swords and bows your group carries.

After a few moments of shuffling around - Sorella removes her cloak and hands it to Tensen, revealing that she is indeed wearing leather armor, adorned with the crests of stag and Arsen circle in several places, as well as a pair of knives on her other hip - the door is opened by your elven guide, revealing a large, well-lit room. Massive windows line the wall opposite you, offering a view of the Arsen's greatest monuments. A grand table, perhaps ten feet in length, adorns the center of the room, all carved from the same dark wood as before. While there is room for significantly more chairs to be placed at the table, currently there are only nine, five of which are occupied and on the side of the table opposite you. Sorella quickly makes her way around the table, to the one sitting on the far left of the group facing you. A woman who looks very similar to her has just sat down there, wearing armor that's almost identical. She seems to be somewhat thinner than Sorella, and her hair is braided on the opposite side, but otherwise they look very similar.

To the right of her sit two women, on a single chair, although one of them is dressed in a manner far more formal than the other, who wears a simple blouse and skirt. As you enter, the more formally dressed woman whispers into the other's ear and she departs, although not without a parting kiss. No longer obscured by her companion, the woman is now fully visible. Compared to the two elves to the left of her, she is all but glowing - a white dress, pearl jewelry, skin that clearly hasn't seen the sun very often, bright blue eyes and hair that could accurately be described as golden in color, all shine in the light of the windows and in the contrast to the brown-and-green of the chairs and the dark brown of the wood. Once her companion has gone beyond arm's reach, her attention turns briefly to the approaching Sorella, who seems to avoid her gaze, before going to you. Her gaze sweeps over you all once, before following again, seeming to pause on your weapons as her smile grows.

Further to the right sits a dwarf, clad in significantly less ostentatious clothing, fingers adorned with several rings and wearing a pair of spectacles with rims of gold. He looks at you all briefly, frowning when he looks over Stitches. To his right sits a woman who looks about middle aged, wearing a dress that clearly displays wealth without seeming to flaunt it. She glances at each of you, nodding and seeming to mouth a word for each of you, before smiling. The dwarf on her right is armored, although lightly, wearing a vest of chain. His green eyes flit over you, seeming to muster each of you, and he nods once his brief inspection is concluded.

A golden goblet sits in front of each chair, occupied or not, and several larger containers sit within easy reach from them. Around the room, you see twelve guards, all wearing the same leather armor as Sorella, minus the stag emblem. Each stands at attention, a spear in their right hand and a sword on their left hip. They have been placed between the windows, where the wall blocks the light, and cast no shadows over the room, standing with their backs to the wall. None of them moves, staring straight ahead as if frozen in place.

"The fourth should be here momentarily, at least if he deals with the shock relatively quickly. We will begin then. For now you may sit, if you wish," the sitting tanned elf says, gesturing to the four chairs on your side of the table. At her side, Sorella looks at you somewhat distantly, standing with both hands resting on the hilt of a weapon.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

As she had through the forest, Stitches stays slightly behind Selena and Sera as they are led and informed about the city of Arsen by the all too talkative human male. She nods along occasionally with what he says, though her eyes seem to wander with every step the group takes and she receives a few curious glances when they pass by the civilians of the three-tiered city. Although her attire seems to distract some, she has no issue with slipping through the occasional crowd, her slender form lending itself well to weaving a path and her height allowing her keen eyes to remain on the heads of their wandering party. Particularly vibrant sights manage to make the masked woman linger, but only for a few moments, before she's back on the heels of the group.

When they come to a rest at the top of the winding stairs, Stitches' gangly limbs seem to recover from their swingy fatigue with relative ease, and she tilts her head at their guide as he requests weaponry. After looking back at the party, she reaches for her pack and slips a sharpened finger through the string that holds a necklace of throwing hammers around the top of her pack, catching it with ease and holding it out to the man. With that, she strides into the room after Sorella and gives a narrowed glance at the twelve guards that line the walls, before flicking over to the Dwarf that takes a disapproving interest in her. She smiles softly at the man before seeking a seat.

Stitches stalks over to far left seat, slipping into it with ease and resting her hands on the table, fingers folded together and her back sitting up straight. After a few moments of sitting, she takes the time to smile at each of the other guests and hosts.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena shifts from one leg to the other to work out the muscles after the endless flight of stairs. She leaves her pack and cloak in the antechamber, and puts her bow up against the wall. The feywrought kukri hanging at her side she keeps, and steps into the larger room after Stitches and Sorella. Once inside, she glances at the guards by the window, glad she kept at least one weapon, then she turns to the four people behind the table. A small smile flickers briefly on her lips as Sorella takes her place behind the table. She nods at the other four, then listens as one of the women speaks. Raising an eyebrow, she says: "Fourth?"

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

He couldn't believe he had been fooled. This was the only thought running though Anduriel's mind as he saw Mayora (if that was even her real name) enter the next room. Sure, it was common to take some safety precautions when meeting your hired mercenaries but he, of all people, had fallen for it. Anduriel figures he has been out of the game maybe a little too long and then remembers the dwarf who posed as "Lord Louccin" at his side waiting for a response. The Addonexus turns to him slowly.

You fooled me... Anduriel says quietly, I shall remember that.

Intimidate
[roll0]

In truth, Anduriel was not furious with the dwarf so much as he was annoyed with himself for not seeing things sooner. He held nothing against Mentum, but he didn't know that. Let the dwarf's blood run cold for a while. Maybe he'd learn to know better than to try and trick the Addonexus again. After he says this to the dwarf, Anduriel turns and heads through the door still wearing his cloak and scythe.

[Lentrax]

Sera climbs the stairs, her years of dancing and fighting giving her enough stamina to climb them without exerting herself overmuch, but of course she is still breathing heavily. At the request to remove her gear and weapons, Sera pulls the belt around her waist tighter, making sure the scabbard to her scimitar is square upon her hip.

But in a gesture of, in her view, extreme charity, Sera loosened the strap holding the second sword at her back. With a twirl and a small flourish, she laid the weapon upon the table.

Seeing the table and the empty chairs before her, Sera is versed enough in court matters to know they are wanting to dictate their control over the situation. She will not bow and scrape and sweep the floor before these people. She long ago swore to never kneel or grovel to the nobility, and she will not begin now.

She moves to a chair and remains standing behind it. She maintains a formal posture, ready for whatever may come in this meeting, this job offer. Her hands remain very clearly in sight, and nowhere near her weapons.

[PersonMan]

The dwarf says nothing as you speak, and as you enter the room he stays silent.

You open the door, revealing a large, well-lit room. Massive windows line the wall opposite you, offering a view of the Arsen's greatest monuments. A grand table, perhaps ten feet in length, adorns the center of the room, all carved from the same dark wood as before. While there is room for significantly more chairs to be placed at the table, currently there are only nine, five of which are occupied and on the side of the table opposite you. Mayora is seated on the far left of the five people sitting on that side of the table. Next to her stands another woof elf woman, who looks rather similar to her. She seems to be somewhat thicker set than Sorella, and her hair is braided on the opposite side, but otherwise they look very similar. As you enter she looks at you, a smile on her face.

To the right of her sits another woman, this one human. Compared to the two elves to the left of her, she is all but glowing - a white dress, pearl jewelry, skin that clearly hasn't seen the sun very often, bright blue eyes and hair that could accurately be described as golden in color, all shine in the light of the windows and in the contrast to the brown-and-green of the chairs and the dark brown of the wood. Her gaze runs over you and her lips purse slightly.

Further to the right sits a dwarf, clad in significantly less ostentatious clothing, fingers adorned with several rings and wearing a pair of spectacles with rims of gold. He looks at you briefly, fingers tapping on the table. To his right sits a woman who looks about middle aged, wearing a dress that clearly displays wealth without seeming to flaunt it. She looks at you, smiling, but not for long. The dwarf on her right is armored, although lightly, wearing a vest of chain. His green eyes flit over you, seeming to muster you briefly before he shakes his head and murmurs something inaudible.

A golden goblet sits in front of each chair, occupied or not, and several larger containers sit within easy reach from them. Around the room, you see twelve guards, all wearing the same leather armor as Mayora, minus the stag emblem. Each stands at attention, a spear in their right hand and a sword on their left hip. They have been placed between the windows, where the wall blocks the light, and cast no shadows over the room, standing with their backs to the wall. None of them moves, staring straight ahead as if frozen in place.

A few moments later, a door to the right of the one you entered through opens and a cloaked figure enters, gender made difficult to determine by their cloak. After a moment, you come to the conclusion that it's a man, but first you notice that he has scythe strapped to his back. The blade looks strange, clearly not made of metal, and looks like it's frosted over, as if it were a solid piece of ice rather than steel.

The man garners a look from each of the other five present. The elf seated next to Sorella smiles at him, but none of the others seem impressed - the woman in white pouts a bit, clearly disappointed, the dwarf immediately right of her looks at the newcomer with a neutral expression, the middle-aged woman seems the most happy, smiling briefly, and the final dwarf seems more focused on the man's odd choice of equipment than on the cloaked figure himself.

As Anduriel enters, the seated elf stands to speak, briefly clearing her throat.

"Now that we are all present, I will open this meeting of the 14th Upper Guild Committee Council of the Northern Near Border Issue. I am Lady Mayora of House Sorordili, presiding over this meeting as Representative of Lord Orden of House Rursus, Lord Endei of House Lorem and Ladies Isile and Elise of House Multum. Present are myself, Lady Sara* of House Estridsen, who is acting Lady of this Council, the Grand Master of the Guild of Mints and Order of Institutions of Investment, Lady Postmaster of the Committee of Arsen's Messagers, Master of Arms and the Arsen Guard, as well as four Freepeople of various backgrounds.

Matter at hand is the Northern Near Border Issue and the hiring of the present Freepeople to deal with the issue in a discreet manner. Details of the Issue are the first issue to be discussed, then nature and amount of payment," she says, voice calm and somewhat monotonous. It sounds rather like she's reading a text aloud, rather than speaking something she's thinking. Anduriel notices a definite change from her former tone. Shortly after she finishes, Mayora sits down again, looking to her left at the others gathered on her side of the table before looking to you all. She seems about to speak again, before the woman to the right of her, Lady Sara, does so herself.

"While your introduction leaves some things to be desired - you didn't mention your lovely sister, Sorella, at all - it does work well enough to get things going. As the acting Lady of the Council, I'll be leading the discussion to inform you about the mission you will, should you accept it, be beginning today," the pale noblewoman begins, a slight accent in her voice. Despite it, her speech clearly shows her noble status. "There is an issue in the mountains to the north. A formerly peaceful group has become significantly less so, to put it lightly. Grand Master, if you would..." Lady Sara gestures to her left, at the dwarf in question, and reaches for her goblet. As the dwarf speaks, she drinks deeply.

"They attacked a trading post we had set up in the area. It brought us regular trade, potentially even with the group who attacked it, via various mountain goods only obtainable in the Mantadivas. The destruction recently caused has cost the Order of Institutions of Investment a great deal of money," the dwarf says, his gaze slowly moving across your group, looking at each of you roughly equally. As he finishes, he turns to look back to Lady Sara, who nods to him before turning to you all again.

"So, obviously, we want to solve the issue. However," she ends abruptly this time, but once again gestures to her left. As the armored dwarf, the aforementioned Master of Arms and the Arsen Guard, begins to speak, her eyes slowly move over the party again, staring directly into those of anyone who return her gaze, a smile always on her lips.

"Ahem, well, our issue is that we cannot send a large group of soldiers into the mountains without it being noticed. It would reveal that something was happening. The Arsen Guard is sworn to never leave the city walls, so we would need to use the other forces at our disposal. They are easily recognized and we could not move the numbers needed without making it an issue of its own," he says, glancing over you and occasionally turning back to Lady Sara. As he finishes, she nods to him and speaks once again.

"Our dear Lady Postmaster will be providing you with information that will be helpful in your mission - some of the more sensitive details won't be mentioned until you accept, but feel free to ask questions. This is your time to bring up what you find most important for your decisions," the noblewoman says, gesturing to you all before taking another deep drink from her goblet.

*Pronounced Sah-rah

[Lentrax]

Which group is it, and what do you want done.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman waits patiently as the rest of the people file into the room and find themselves seats, the sight of a man with a farmer's tool walking dourly into the room making a silent chuckle escape from her plump crimson lips. It's soon swallowed up as Lady Mayora begins to speak, turning back into a pleasant smile as her gaze shifts over to the speaking elven woman. She keeps her hands folded on the table, flicking over to the other guests periodically and watching the lips of those who speak as they espouse their instructions and thoughts on the deal that they are proposing.

Stitches' golden eyes intensify slightly as Lady Sara starts to stare over the freelancers' side of the table, meeting the woman's gaze unerringly and tilting her head slightly to the side, her black locks of hair scattering across her armored shoulder. After a few moments, she quirks her lips up into a bigger smile. When all the the talking is finally finished, she reaches into her pack and tears a patch of solk from the inside, then places it on the table and slices it into three pieces with her fingers.

Upon one scrap, she cuts in the shape of a fist inside a stylized castle; the symbol of The Huba Dwarves. In another, she cuts a few crests belonging to prominent Horyani leaders. And in the final one, she cuts a mountain and an arrow pointing to its peak. She then pushes each of the three scraps towards Lady Sara, tilting her head at the woman again.

[PersonMan]

As Stitches returns her stare, the pale noblewoman's smile grows, but she says nothing, although she seems almost bothered by it when it becomes her time to speak again. Nearby, Mayora sits silently, her own gaze going from Lady Sara to Stitches before she takes a brief sip from her goblet. At her side, Sorella visible avoids looking at either of the two, either shifting to throw a glance behind her, look at her sister or turning towards the current speaker. As Sera speaks, several eyebrows go up - Mayora's, as well as that of the Grand Master and the middle-aged woman. The target of the gruff request herself seems unperturbed, however.

"We want the threat removed. Killed, sent elsewhere, pacified - it doesn't matter, as long as they never bother us again," Lady Sara replies, shrugging. "When you come back, we'll write down what you did and put that in a vault where no one will read it unless there's more trouble like this," she continues, looking briefly at Stitches as she begins to slice up a piece of silk but not devoting her full attention to the apparent impromptu craft session until the results are pushed over the table to her. At that point she grins, looking directly at the masked elf. "A clever one, aren't you? It's a shame you can't speak. As for who you're fighting, we'll give you that information in the letter, assuming you agree to the job."

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena turns her head when the stranger with the scythe enters. Ah....the fourth... She studies him briefly, without gleaning much from his caped form, but the weapon was interesting. She offers a slight nod, before turning back to the council. As Stitches makes her small tokens, she looks from the scraps of silk to Lady Sara. "So...There's a threat in the mountains, disturbing your trade, and you want us to remove it, but you won't tell us what the threat is before we agree to it? Other than it being a formerly peaceful group...How many are we talking about? How are they armed? Are they fortified?"

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Anduriel enters the room and assesses those present. He is fully aware of the disapproving and skeptical looks his entrance receives from those present. He is also fully aware of the fact that he doesn't care. If they don't know who he is they probably aren't worth his time. He came to a summons from two people: Mayora and "Lord Louccin" or Mentum as his real name appears to be so as far as he is concerned he answers to them not these other people.

Anduriel then sees the three facing the group of nobles. These, he assumed, were his prospective companions for this job. The one on the far left appears the most curious, hiding behind a mask, much like him beneath his cowl. He could respect that. The one standing up behind her chair appears very tense, as though ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Also respectable, if not slightly arrogant. The third appears to be the most "normal" for lack of a better word. She appears relaxed although alert which would make the characteristics of the spokesperson of their group and thus able to converse with these people seated before them. Upon seeing him she nods in acknowledgement. He gives the slightest tilt of his head beneath his cowl in a form of a bow. Anduriel respects other mercenaries, he just doesn't particularly like working with them.

With his preliminary assessment of these people over, Anduriel walks around the room, taking his time to stare at the guards and architecture of the wood before making his way up to the table, makes eye contact with the gathered nobility to acknowledge them, and returns his gaze to Mayora. These people may be nobles, but they did not call upon him, Mayora did. He remains standing but relaxed, impassive as he hears the speeches from everyone gathered. As before, he assumes everything will be revealed in its due time and thus remains silent, listening to the others. He was never one for asking many questions, which made him a good mercenary to hire.

[Lentrax]

I do not take jobs that I know nothing about. Who is this group of people?

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Hearing the standing woman's question it becomes apparent to the Addonexus that Mayora had given him more information than these three had been given. Either that or that was a ruse as well... Anduriel listens for the answer from the nobles...

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches' eyes slowly travel between the people sitting on the opposite side of the table, watching each little movement they make and the expressions scrawled across their faces. She leans a little further across the table, ears pricking up at the sound of Sera making demands and Lady Sara countering them with ease, then gives another wide smile as the leader of the employers gives her a compliment. She steadily reaches over the table, keeping her sharpened fingers tucked against her palm, and grasps the patches of silk again, then slides them in front of Sera.

With that done, the masked woman sways her head a little until she can manage to catch Sorella's gaze, meeting her eyes and holding her hand up a little. She uses her raised hand to subtly beckon the elven woman over, as the other freelancers negotiate.

[PersonMan]

Seeing Stitches' offered hand, Sorella shakes her head, and everyone but Anduriel, whose attention isn't on the woman, can see that she would like to join the masked feral elf, but feels that she cannot do so because of the other present. Primarily Lady Sarah, who begins to speak just a moment after the armored elf has turned back from Stitches to her sister, who in turn shifts her attention to the pale noblewoman. A brief exchange follows, as the latter begins to repeat herself while Mayora interjects that the group would be able to do the same with the information they had received already, regardless of whether or not they knew the details.

"Alright, this is the one," Lady Sarah says after a few moments of silence, lifting up one of Stitches' silk cuttings. "The tribe of bugbears has turned into a significantly less peaceful one," she explains, looking at the sliced piece of silk with a smile. Then she turns back to the dwarf to her left, giving him a brief gesture which prompts him to nod and raise his arms, clapping his hands twice. A moment later, one of the doors behind you open and a pair of dwarves enter, carrying a chest between them. The two come to the table and set the finely worked stone container onto the table, moving aside several decanters of wine before hefting it again to move it to the rough center between all of those sitting at the table.

http://i.imgur.com/gi5A88e.jpg

The Grand Master of the Guild of Institutes of Investment reaches forwards, grabbing the chest's lid and pulling it back towards him, revealing the contents: gleaming gold coins, stacked from the stone bottom to the now-opened top of the chest.

"Those are six thousand gold pieces. One and a half thousand for each of you," Lady Sarah says, smiling, as the two dwarves who had carried the chest in bow and disappear back into the side room they had come from. One thousand five hundred gold pieces per person - that was about thirty pounds of solid gold for each of you, enough to live like a high noble for almost half a year. The best of the best inns, the best food (and lots of it), the finest drink, expensive clothes, an aura of wealth that would quickly call a small crowd of socialites to your person, for seven months, with a bit left over. All this for a single job. That made it by far the best paying of any work you've ever done before, apart from perhaps some kind of several month long task.

The meeting continues, Mayora mentioning that the council would be willing to pay you in other ways, if you would prefer that to gold, but that the details would be discussed upon your successful return. A few more matters are brought up, the most important being loot acquired during the job (you can do with that whatever you will) and an official letter assuring the reader that you are all on council business and are not to be disturbed on your way to the north, before it ends with a formal speech from Mayora similar to the one with which she began it.

With the meeting over, both of the dwarves take their leave, the two from the other room returning to bring the chest away again. The middle-aged human woman leaves as well, after giving your group the letter of information that you not to open until you reach the foot of the mountains, explaining that a mage in the employ of the council has cast a charm on it, so that they will be alerted if it is opened before then. After that, she leaves as well. Mayora and Sorella stay, the former in her seat and sipping wine while the later stands. The two converse quietly.

Lady Sarah waits for the Lady Postmaster to leave before standing, drinking two gobletfulls of wine in the meantime. Then she stands as well, looking to Stitches and gesturing for the masked being to join her before walking to the windows, looking out with a slim smile.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches doesn't interact much past the point of beckoning Sorella, watching the coin with calm eyes and fidgeting little until the meeting finally comes to end. She taps Selena on the shoulder and gestures to Sara, before leaving the elf's side to approach the smiling woman's side.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus listens to the rest of the meeting, remaining silent for the duration. One of the scars from his recent job starts to act up. This leaves Anduriel with the realization that, if he is going to succeed, he needs company. He can only train so much. The scars would never go away and thus the dull periodic pain would always be there. As much as he might not like the idea, he concedes that he can't do this alone.

He walks up to Mayora, standing opposite the table as her and says quietly so only she would hear I don't appreciate being fooled however necessary it may be. If there's anything else you're withholding from me about this job I'd implore you to tell me now before I find out the hard way. If that happens I will be most displeased with this arrangement.

[PersonMan]

As you reach Lady Sarah's side, her gaze goes to you, smile widening. Outside, grand estates and massive monuments fill your view. Streets of white marble, wide enough to accommodate large groups but rarely close to filled, perfectly maintained gardens, shimmering pools, all in the shadows of spires hundreds of feet tall, gold tips flashing in the sun. The wealth of old Arsen is displayed prominently in several more structures - the massive statue of the first Dragon Emperor that sits atop the chambers of the grand councils of Arsen, once home to the gatherings of the draconic lords of Draslei. Supposedly, the statue is made of thousands of individual scales, made from rubies, gold and crystals from all across the continent. Great curses supposedly protect it, and an old story tells that it once came to life and breathed flames on three hundred thieves who had banded together to take it apart scale by scale.

The massive size of the buildings, the spires of gold, the shining metal and polished white limestone - it's a view unlike anything you've ever seen before. But before long, the woman at your side speaks, breaking the silence in which she had perhaps also been examining the striking skyline of Arsen's uppermost layer.

"You have a very unique appearance. You aren't a member of the Solfedi faith, are you?" The noblewoman asks, turning to you. "You have the look of a heathen, you see," she adds, face severe for a moment before her smile returns. "I like that. I've been looking for someone more...exciting, than the usual fare here. Would you mind coming with me for a bit of cultural exchange? I don't think you'll gain much from staying here while the others become acquainted with each other, due to your seeming inability to speak."

As Anduriel approaches Mayora, she turns from her sister to the cloaked man, goblet still in one hand, leaning back in her chair, an easy smile on her face. As he whispers to her, she shrugs and sits up, bringing the goblet to her lips again before setting it on the table. "Seeing as I'd like to get this problem taken care of as quickly as possible, I have not withheld any important information from you regarding it," she begins. "The deception was a way of gathering some information about you - a final screening before the meeting, if you wish to see it that way. But..."

The elf gestures for Anduriel to come closer, her voice falling so low that he doubts even her sister, standing barely two feet away, can hear. "If you have further dealings with the council, be prepared for far more deceit. The upper level of Arsen is where the wealthiest and most powerful people come to become wealthier and more powerful. More coin changes hands here in a day than in the rest of the world put together. Everyone here has their reasons to lie, to cheat, to hide. I have things I hide, as well. I just act for the good of my family and for Arsen, rather than for myself alone. It makes me more easily trusted," she says, before leaning back into her seat, briefly closing her eyes.

"Arsen is a city of lies. They're just buried in gold. The council is the only thing that offers truth, honest work, honorable exchanges."


Lady Sarah and Stitches stand at the window, the pale noblewoman turning to speak quietly to your masked companion after a moment of looking out into the bright upper layer of Arsen. Meanwhile, Anduriel has a hushed exchange with Mayora.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches pushes her hand against the frame of the window as she looks out of it, eyes trailing over the streets, the statues, and the sighs, as she watches the reflection of Sara in the glass. She tilts her head to the side when the woman makes her proposition and, with a light smile, gives a nod of her head in response, eyes flashing over to the door.

[PersonMan]

Lady Sarah's smile grows and she nods at Stitches' response. "That's perfect. Luckily, I have made sure to prepare for such events. In my experience, quite a few especially talented and unique people come through these doors to take jobs for the council. It pays to be prepared for such eventualities, you see," she explains.

With a wave of her arm at one of the two doors of the wall on the right of where you originally entered, she makes her way there, taking a moment to make eye contact with and nod to Mayora. Reaching the door, she opens it, stepping inside and making room for Stitches to follow before closing it again. Another small room, identical to the one Stitches came through earlier. Opening the second door, rather thick and made entirely of wood, Lady Sarah reveals another chamber, in which a large bed takes up most of the space.

"It's truly a shame you can't speak. Still, that shouldn't be a problem here. I've found that one can say very much without a single word being used..."

Lady Sarah and Stitches make their way to one of the two doors on the wall to the right of where you entered and sat, disappearing through the door into a room darker due to the lack of sunshine pouring into it. On the way the pale noblewoman and Mayora exchange a glance. As the door closes behind the two, Mayora sighs, muttering something about exotic flowers before turning back to Anduriel.

[Lentrax]

That went well... Sera mutters under breath. She turns to Selena and the... Whatever he was.

I need a drink. You coming?

Sera exits the room, grabs her other sword, strapping the worn scabbard to her back before turning to the long staircase down.

[Yawielas]

Selena

The elf glances back towards the door to the room where Stitches remains, then looks back to Sera. "Sure. Might want to let Stitches know where we're going, unless our employers have set us up with rooms." She gives the cloaked man a look to see if he's coming as well. The scythe gave her a pretty good idea who he was, but it wouldn't hurt to get to know him better. "How about you? Will you join us?"

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus ponders what the elf had told him. This is why he didn't like dealing with nobles. The poor did not lie because they had nothing to hide. They were already treated poorly so they would have no need to risk embarassment or humiliation. He hears the inquiries from the two remaining women in the room.

I'll see about this job of yours... thank you.

He backs up from Mayora, taking one more slight bow before turning to follow the elf and her stoic friend.

[Lentrax]

She'll be able to find us. Besides. I don't think she will be... available for some time. Now let's find some hole I the wall, and find me a strong bitter.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena nods, and straps her weapons back on before descending the stairs.

Have we heard of Addonexus? Enough to recognize him?

[PersonMan]

Heading back through the smaller room they had entered via, Sera, Selena and Anduriel find a man the women recognize as Terson. He wears the same sort of light armor as Sorella and Mayora, bearing the circle but not the stag. He doesn't strike Anduriel as especially noteworthy, looking normal - short brown hair, brown eyes, nothing out of the ordinary. As you all move to leave, he stands from where he had been seated, gaze lingering on the cloaked man for a moment before he turns to Selena.

"I assume you're leaving now. In that case, I'll accompany you down the council stair - it's both required and, well, it's difficult to be sure of where one is without a guide," the man says, smiling. "Are you looking to stay in the upper city, or will you be going all the way down to the middle one?" He asks.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Recognizing that this man must have been their guide much like Mayora was his, the Addonexus remains silent and allows Selena and Sera to answer. He holds the man's gaze until after the guard turns away.

[Yawielas]

Selena

She looks from Tersen to the other two, then back to Tersen. "What would you recommend? Someplace with good drink, good food and the opportunity for a bath." She runs a hand through her hair, pulling it out of her face. "Wherever it is, please inform Stitches where we've gone."

[PersonMan]

"That would depend on your budget. There are many very nice places here in the upper city, but they all cost a great amount of gold. The further down you go, the less expensive things get, but they aren't as luxurious, either," Terson replies. "Although if you stay up here it'd be best to avoid any of the noble places. They'll let you in, but they'll overcharge you horrendously if they don't think your family line is impressive enough. There are enough that only care about how impressive your coinpurse is, though," he says, clearly thinking for a few moments. "Most of the things up here will want a few gold for their meals, more for a bath and drinks."

[Lentrax]

I wouldn't dare sully your noble bars with my dirty blood. I will find my own hole in the wall somewhere that accepts coin without caring much where it came from.

[PersonMan]

After a rather enjoyable time in Sara's private room, you and the noblewoman collect your clothes and return to the council room, where you see that the others have almost all left. The guards are gone, apart from two who still stand at the windows, and Sorella stands alone at the end of the table opposite where you emerge from the door. Seeing you enter, she shifts uncomfortably and begins to speak after a deep breath.

"I was, ah, told to tell you that your comrades have gone off to relax and celebrate their new job in some taverns and...yes. But that was a while ago, so they may be finished soon. Terson mentioned that they had agreed to meet up again at the northern road not long from now," the elf says.

"I'm sure they'll enjoy their time in whatever place Terson convinces them to waste their coin at," Sara says with a slight chuckle, turning towards you with her smile still in place. "I think that means you have some time left before you need to leave to rejoin your little group. How about a drink? It's been too long - almost half a day, I think - since I've gotten to enjoy some wine with two lovely ladies at once," she continues, turning towards Sorella shortly before she finishes. The tan elf says nothing for a few moments, her fingers drumming on the chair that her sister had been sitting in earlier for a few moments before she shakes her head.

"I can't. You know that, my Lady. No wine while..."

"While you're on duty. Yes, yes, I understand," Sara replies, sighing. "But you're always on duty, at least whenever I'm around," she adds, an exaggerated tone of complaint in her voice before she turns back to you. "So, just the two of us. How about a goblet or two before you go off on your trip, then?"

After a brief exchange between Terson and Sera, where the former makes a quip about the 'noble' bars and their lack of anything that could be called such before promising to take her to the middle section of the city if she wishes, you all make a simple plan to meet at the northern exit of the city once your tasks are finished. Your guide promises to relay the information to Stitches, and after he gives you some directions to a place he recommends as "a truly relaxing experience", you leave the hidden stairway and emerge onto a brightly lit promenade. The stones beneath your feet shine in the light, white stone reflecting the sunlight that falls unhindered onto the wonders of the city's uppermost layer. Following the directions given to you by Terson, you quickly find a grand establishment situated in a large garden surrounded by spiraling gold that seems to form a net over the park.

Quickly, you are approached by a smiling woman in white clothes, who bows and offers her aid to you in finding your way to "your preferred way to relax and regenerate in our place of recuperation and enjoyment". It doesn't take long before you are each assaulted by offers - a dozen types of wine of varying price, food that ranges from a peasant's fantasies to things they couldn't even imagine, ten types of relaxation treatment (two of which involve service from 'sensual professionals'), four kinds of baths, walks through the differing parts of the garden and two types of 'aesthetic improvement sessions'.

Terson speaks to you for a bit longer, making a quip about the 'noble' bars and their lack of anything that could be called such and promising to bring you to the middle ring of the city to a place you'd like more. You all make a simple plan to meet at the northern exit of the city once your tasks are finished. Your guide promises to relay the information to Stitches, then offers directions to your other companions to get to the place he recommends. Once Selena and Anduriel have left to find a place he recommended to them, the two of you walk down the stairs for some time. You arrive at a door that he opens, and he gives you a brief description of a place that sounds suitable to you before leaving you to your own devices.

The middle section of the city is not as brightly lit as the one above it, but frequent shafts leading up allow for the sunlight to shine down into the alleys to keep them from growing too dark. It doesn't take long before you find the place Terson described. It's literally a hole in the wall, given the nature of the city, although it's made to look like more than just a hollowed out portion of a massive pillar or whatever it was carved out of. As you enter, three of the five people present look up at you - the two tables are mostly filled, with four patrons present and a single gruff-looking man behind the bar.

The ones looking at you, apart from the thickset man working on a large mug, are an obviously armed, burly man wearing black armor covered in triangular symbols bearing an axe and a red-robed woman with deeply tanned skin. The other patrons are less unusual, one merchant-looking man with a full mug in front of him who is pushing copper coins between two small piles in front of him and a sleepy-looking fellow who is staring at his drink.

The armed man appraises you for a moment, smiles and nods to you before returning to his own business, while the robed woman's gaze turns away from you only a moment after it moves away from the odd tome in her lap. The man behind the bar steps to one side, to better face you as he speaks.

"Aft'rnoon. Ye like the strong stuff, 'r the light brew?" He asks.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena chuckles a bit at the more exotic offers she receive, then orders a bath and a glass of spiced wine, as well as some fruit, light meats and bread. She turns to Anduriel. "I'll be at the bar in a little while. We should get aquainted, seeing as we're to work together. I like to know who's got my back, and what they're capable of. I'm sure you would like to know as well. We were not properly introduced before, let me remedy that. I am Selena." She offers her hand.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Frustration. Anger. Discomfort. Irritation. These are all adequate emotions that the Addonexus felt as the people pressed him about food, drink, relaxation and accommodation offers. He never was one for things of luxury. Nonetheless, his scars were still bothering him and he asks for a simple massage and some drink. He then turns to his soon-to-be companion who addresses herself as Selena. Anduriel never really shared his name with his employers. It maintained his anonymity and really, what is the point of having a title such as the Addonexus if one did not use it? But Selena was not an employer, and if he couldn't trust her with his name he sure as Hades would not be able to trust her in combat. Still, he feels the need to get to know her better before he discloses such information, likely at the bar later where she said she'd be.

Anduriel produces a hand from within his robes to shake hers and responds in kind, There are those who refer to me as the Addonexus and I shall see you at the bar.

[Lentrax]

Bitter, if you have it. Otherwise the Ale on tap is fine.

Sera pulls five coins from the purse sewn inside her cloak. Pulling the silver free, she sets them on the bar.

Just let me know when that isn't enough.

When she receives her drink, Sera leans her back against the bar, casting her eyes about the small little hole, keeping an eye out for trouble.

[Yawielas]

Selena


Selena shakes his hand, half smiling at the confirmation. "Allright. I won't be long." She turns and heads for the baths, eager to shed some travel grime and dust before journeying out again. When shown to her bath, she waits for the servant to leave before starting to remove her armor, placing it carefully on a bench. The rest of her clothes, she folds neatly and places them next to the armor. Pursing her lips, she tilts her head and looks at them. They could probably do with a wash as well. For now, she finds fresh smallclothes and puts them on top of the pile before submerging herself into a hot bathtub.

Feeling the sore muscles in her calves relax, she grimaces a little, since she said she wouldn't take long. It would be nice to spend the rest of the evening in warm water. However, she is curious about Addonexus, and after a quick wash and hairwash, she gets dressed again, and returns to the bar. With her locks still damp, she takes a seat next to their new companion.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

After taking his leave of Selena, Anduriel meanders off in the direction of his massage. The masseuse insisted Anduriel strip of his garb. Knowing full well how odd he must look with his weapon, the elf unstraps the scythe and takes off his robe revealing his elven features. He then removes his clothes and armor, slipping into a towel and resting on the bed.

The masseuse did not joke around with the idea of a "Deep Tissue" massage. Anduriel was in heaven as the woman worked out the knots in his muscles and massages his many scars along his back. When the masseuse was done, the Addonexus took a short bath to cleanse himself before donning his clothes, armor, robe and weapon once more. He then takes his leave of the assistants and heads back to the bar where his drink waits for him. Anduriel leans his scythe on the backboard of a booth sits down at a position where he would be undisturbed and surveys the room observing those passing through while sipping his wine. It is not too long before he sees Selena appear and sit down next to him.

PersonMan just let me know how much this is going to cost me and I'll knock it off the character sheet.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches adjusts her pauldron as she walks back into the main room, her eyes slightly distracted and her fingers constantly adjusting the old piece of armor until it stopped clunking with every other step. Upon laying eyes upon Sorella, her smile changes to a tilted head while her eyes flicker to the shifting stance of the woman, then back to the gaze that doesn't quite seem to settle upon either of the new entrants. She walks behind Sara while she's preparing herself a goblet of wine, then locks her eyes with Sorella, puts a finger to her own lips, and tilts her head.

Then the masked woman slips beside Sara and sits down, shaking her head and smiling at the offer, though her finger follows and points to the stitches across her neck as she shakes her head.

[Yawielas]

Selena

The fair haired elven archer receives her spiced wine and platter of various fruits and light meats, and takes a sip while turning to Addonexus. "So...I am pretty sure you can use that scythe to other things than cutting grass. You are a forefront fighter? We'll most likely be outnumbered if we're up against a whole tribe, so I'm thinking a guerilla tactic would be our best shot. Unless we're going to try the diplomatic way. Do you have any experience with that?" She picks up a slice of apple from her plate and bites into it while watching him. Then she pulls the plate, placing it between them and making a small motion towards it with her hand to invite him to partake.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The cloaked Acolyte of the Scythe watches Selena as she addresses him from beneath his cowl and chuckles slightly as she makes the comment of the grass cutting, You're correct in assuming I'm not just a farmer. I do tend to excel in the thick of combat considering my particular weapon. That being said I am not too terribly good with people. I am the one who receives the orders and carries them out how I see fit. Diplomacy isn't really my thing. And you? Tell me about your companions, how did you all get together and where are you from? Why are you here?

Anduriel then graciously accepts a pear from the platter of fruit offered and takes another sip of his wine.

[PersonMan]

The cost for the massage is three gold, the drink another one. Total of four gold in expenses.

The massage and bathing areas are in a building, but everything else is scattered across a large, open garden.

The 'tub' is more of a smaller-scaled version of this (http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wEWiqI_hjjo/UtT1R31WpTI/AAAAAAAAG3s/R6Qapy1wAtw/s1600/Hammam+bath+house+beneath+the+Hassan+II+Mosque,+Ca sablanca,+Morocco+20140114.jpg). The bath costs two gold.

The man behind the bar nods, going to ready your drink and seeing the coins you put on the bar as he prepares to hand it to you. Eyebrows raising, the man nods for a moment before speaking.

"I...I see. That'll be a few rounds, that will," he says, taking the coins and putting them on a small shelf behind the bar, shifting a few around and replacing one with a small pile of silver.

The drink is good. Nothing exceptional, but definitely not bad, either. Everyone else in the small tavern seems to be keeping to themselves, reading, drinking or simply relaxing.

Sorella seems somewhat confused by your gesture, shrugging her shoulders in response. As you sit down, Sara nods.

"So your wound means you can't drink wine? Poor thing, I don't think I'd survive long if I couldn't have any. Or at least without having something else as a substitute far more often than I do now," the noblewoman says, smiling. "So, here we are, sitting in the council chamber drinking - well, I'm drinking wine. You aren't. How are things going with you, Sorella? And please, give me a good answer. Of the two of you, only my new friend here is actually mute, although she is quite skilled in other matters."

The tanned elf sighs, shaking her head. "I'm not here to dally with you, my Lady. I'm here to make sure there is someone ready to escort her to the rest of the group," she replies.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena sighs a little, then chuckles and shakes her head a bit. "Hmm, yes, we might not be the most diplomatically inclined group...A quite happenstance group, we are...I met Stitches in the woods, not long ago. There was an incident with a boar, who seemed set on goring us both, but with a joint effort, we got the upper hand. She is incredibly fast, not just in movement, but quick thinking as well. Sera is also a melee fighter, I've worked with her before, and we met on the road to Draslei. So our being here is quite random, I was looking for work, and Stitches wanted to come here for reasons of her own. The question is...How did the Council know we'd come here, and that we'd be together?" She raises an eyebrow and looks at him. "And then there's you. I've heard rumours. Are they true?"

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches gets to her feet and follows Sorella.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Anduriel mulls over the information before answering, This 'council' seems to have eyes and ears everywhere. They found me while I was... indisposed. My guess is they knew you were coming via informants along the road and dispatched messengers to retrieve you.

The Addonexus then pauses to consider the question about the rumors surrounding his work, It depends on who you've heard it from. I think the rumors tend to be a little over-exaggerated. I do the same work any other mercenary does the only difference is that I use a... unique weapon and maintain the same unusual image. People remember that. Then they get in their heads all this romantic fantasy about me being some dark and brooding harbinger of Death who isolates himself and tell their friends they "know the Addonexus" and what he stands for. I don't mind the rumors, it keeps people away from me who would waste my time but I'm not all brooding. I don't speak much because often times it is better to simply observe. Everything presents itself in its due time. For instance, my name is Anduriel. Now you could have wondered what the Addonexus' real name was and why I introduced myself to you by my given title before. You could have even voiced your thoughts pestering me about my real name, or you could have just simply waited for me to tell you like you just did. No pestering, no questioning, no wondering, and no speaking of the matter. Everything presents itself in its due time.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena picks some grapes from their stem, and nods slowly. "Looks like I'll be doing a lot of the talking, then...Well met, Anduriel. I will call you whatever you want me to call you, but I am glad you will trust me with your name, at least. I hope you'll be able to trust us to have your back as well. There is only four of us, and if we cannot depend on each other in a fight, it will be a short mission. Ideally, we should all have gathered before we leave, so that we can get to know each other a little better. But the road is not a bad place to get aquainted either." She pops a grape into her mouth.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf inclines his head in a slight bow, Well met Selena. I must warn you, it has been... some time since I've worked with a companion and that... didn't end very well between him and I. I will do my part to keep the group safe and I would hope to get the same from you. I would certainly hope that we do not come to... altercations on this job. I look forward to meeting the rest of your companions to see who I'm working with.

He then raises his wine glass to her and says, To a successful mission then.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena raises her own glass and smiles. "To a successful mission."

[Lentrax]

So long as the others in the place aren't bothering her, Sera turns back to the bar.

Any chance for some food? Trail rations get rather boring after a while.

[PersonMan]

Looks like there's nothing left here, so I'll move you along.

You finish your meal in peace, paying another two gold each for the food and drink, before the time comes and you take your leave. The same smiling woman seems to appear out of nowhere, leading you back along the winding path through the gardens before giving you a bow as you step over the final threshold out of the green area. Your trip through the upper city is uneventful, although you do get quite a few stares from various passerby on your way back to where Terson leads you back down the great stairwell. You go all the way down to the lowest layer, the slums - Selena recognizes this as the same place she came up from.

The walk through the lowest part of the city is in darkened silence, although your guide seems more alert than before, one hand at his side at all times, before easing up as you leave the grand city's shadow behind you. Emerging out into the light again, you find yourself on another street, this one made of well-cut stone and obviously well-maintained, for obvious reason. You see dozens of travelers, almost exclusively people dressed in poor, dirty clothes heading into the city, although many of their number are leaving.

A few guards, dressed in similar armor to those in the council room, bearing the symbol of Arsen's city guard, stand at either side of the street, bored gazes wandering over the masses before locking onto you and your guide. Terson raises his right arm, flashing the circular symbol woven into the leather, and they quickly nod before looking away again, standing straighter as you walk by. Not long after you pass the more crowded section of the street, you recognize the meeting point the man had described earlier. A seven foot tall pillar of marble, covered in inscriptions, stands not far from the road. Turning to you, Terson nods before giving you a wave with a smile, moving to return the way you came, back into the city.

"Trail rations? I'd say those get boring before y'even start'em," the barkeep replies, nodding. "There's some soup my son made - good stuff, even has some fresh meat in it. I can give you a bowl for three silver," he says.

"You headin' off somewhere, or just comin' back? It isn't everyday some'n comes in here and knows how bad it can get eatin' trail rations."

Without further ado, Sorella leads you down the wide stairs that you came up through, heading all the way back to ground level and staying silent the entire time. Something seems to be bothering her, but she offers no clues as to what. She's so distant that as you arrive at the door you entered via, she almost keeps walking and has to turn to get back to the hidden door, shaking her head with a sigh. Opening the entrance to the secret stair, she emerges into the alley, letting you exit before closing the metal door behind her. The walk through the lowest part of the city is in darkened silence, although she seems more alert than before, one hand on her axe at all times, before easing up as you leave the grand city's shadow behind you. Emerging out into the light again, you find yourself on another street, this one made of well-cut stone and obviously well-maintained, for obvious reason. You see dozens of travelers, almost exclusively people dressed in poor, dirty clothes heading into the city, although many of their number are leaving.

A few guards, dressed in similar armor to those in the council room, bearing the symbol of Arsen's city guard, stand at either side of the street, bored gazes wandering over the masses before locking onto you and your guide. Sorella raises her right arm, flashing the circular symbol woven into the leather, and they quickly nod before looking away again, standing straighter as you walk by. Not long after you pass the more crowded section of the street, you recognize the rest of your group - the cloaked figure with the scythe and the more friendly of the two armed women you came to the city with. Turning to you, Sorella nods before giving you a wave, moving to return the way you came, back into the city.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena spots Stitches and her guide, and raises her hand in greeting. Seeing Sorella turn and leave, she nods to her speech impaired travel companion as she draws nearer. "Hello. Have you seen Sera?" She glances towards the gates, then shrugs, making the tiny links in her chain clink softly. "She'll find us. Stitches, meet Anduriel. Anduriel, this is Stitches." Selena makes the introductions.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman gives a wave and a smile in return for Sorella's kind gesture, her eyes following the woman's steps until she's out of sight and then returning to one half of the group that she's acquainted with. She shakes her head at the question of the scimitar-wielding warrior-woman and gives the uppity farmer a brief nod of her head. Then she watches the guards that line the streets with their weary gazes and slackened weapons, and the people whose clothes are dirtied in particular. She stares at them for a few moments, then arches an eyebrow at Selena.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Upon being introduced to the peculiar looking woman with the peculiar name, Anduriel inclines his head in the slightest of nods. The elf certainly wasn't one to judge someone by their appearance, due to his own unusual, albeit less unusual than this woman's appearance, appearance, and he wasn't about to start now. From what he had observed with the meeting of the council, this one did not talk much, if at all however Selena seemed to trust her and Selena seemed the most open person in this group. By default then, Anduriel settles on trusting to work with this... Stitches character... at least until she gave him reason not to.

The elf then turns his attention back to Selena, And the other? Sera?

[Yawielas]

Selena

Not sure what Stitches is trying to convey with her arched eyebrows, she answers Anduriel first. "Sera went for a drink, she'll be here soon, I hope." She looks back at Stitches. "Did you find out anything more about what you're looking for?"

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman waits fora few moments after the question is asked, her eyes fixed on Selena as she poses her own question in return. Her crimson lips twist into a grimace for a moment before she spins on her heel, she strides up to one of the nearest guards and grabs him by the scuff of his armor, dangerously sharp claws sinking slightly into the hardened leather as her unusual strength takes a hold of him. She meets his eyes firmly, then points to one of the poor people that are pooling into the city.

Burning a Cunning Knowledge to convey the message of "Who are they?"

[Lentrax]

That remark actually gets a smile from the woman. They do indeed. A soup would be most welcome. Is what I gave you still sufficient to cover the cost?

[Yawielas]

Selena

Frowning as Stitches grabs hold of the guard, she heads over to diffuse the situation. "They look like refugees," she says disarmingly. Looking to the guard, she says: "I think she wants to know who these people are." Placing her fingers on Stiches' hand that's gripping into the leather, she tries to get her to let go.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf watches in silent amusement and interest as the peculiar looking woman grabs a guard and points at some poor folk entering the city. He also notes how Selena goes and attempts to break it up. It became apparent that this wild looking woman did not know or grasp the concept of social behavior, else she would know not to aggressively grab a soldier who was surrounded by other guards. The Addonexus watches to see how this turns out.

[PersonMan]

The guard Stitches approaches looks at her oddly as she nears him, and as she grabs him he looks at her with clear annoyance. Selena notices that two of the other guards straighten, their attention on the masked elf. Returning her stare for a few moments, the guard relaxes somewhat, throwing a glance over the people coming into the city via the road before speaking.

"They're farmers and such. Maybe some from the Uteris, too, but they look like they're just poor fools hoping to find something better here than what they have at home," the man replies, voice steady but his discomfort clear. As Selena approaches he looks to her briefly, nodding as she speaks. "She has an odd way of asking questions," he says, pulling his arm away slowly as Selena begins her effort.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches gives a slow nod of her head as the guard gives his answer to the unspoken question, releasing his collar and giving Selena's hand a pat as it attempts to draw her away. She flashes a smirk at the woman, as she passes a small, tattered pouch of coins to the man, then turns her back to her armed companion to walk back towards the rune-covered pillar that she was led to at first. She turns her gaze over the gathered inscriptions, her finger raised as she paints some of the carved symbols in the air, and examines the landmark from top to bottom.

[PersonMan]

The guard seems relieved as Stitches releases him, and sends a confused glance to Selena as the masked elf gives him a small pouch of coins, after which he nods to Stitches. "Thank you, my Lady," he says after a moment of hesitation.

The pillar seems to be inscribed with an old form of Draconic, barely understandable with only a simple look-over. It mentions a few things that are easily understood - Arsen, the north of Draslei, war - but the rest will require concentrated effort to decipher.

"Aye, this will cover it. There'll only be enough left for another mug after that, though," the man says, nodding.

[Yawielas]

Selena


Selena just smiles at the guard, then turns to head back to the pillar. "Can you read that?" she asks Stitches when she sees her running her fingers along the cipher. She leans against the pillar, and looks back towards the gate, keeping an eye out for Sera.

[Lentrax]

Sera nods at the barkeeps appraisal of her advance pay nearly being depleted.

With all the reverence a good meal deserves, Sera eats her soup. She decides to nurse her current mug, pacing it to last her the meal.

Hunger sated at last, Sera finishes her ale and turns to the barkeep.

Thank you, sir, for your hospitality. The final silver I leave to you with my thanks.

Sera then departs the bar, making her way to the northern part of the city.

Finally, she arrives to see the others already gathered and awaiting her. With a nod to Stitches and a brief hello to Selena and their new traveling companion, Sera readjusts her pack on her shoulders.

Are we ready?

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches spends some time examining the writing on the pillar, giving a small nod of her head in response to Selena's question as her fingers continue to trace the words and written symbols in the air. She smiles to herself after a point, lowering her hands and leaning against the pillar beside Selena just as Sera arrives, and gives the freshly-returning woman a nod of her head.

Cunning Knowledge on Autohypnosis to memorize a bunch of this text. 16 vs 15 DC.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena smiles when Sera approaches, and pushes herself away from the pillar. "Ready. Meet Anduriel. Anduriel, this is Sera." Selena makes the briefest of introductions between the cloaked man with the scythe, and her travel companion.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus nods at Sera as the group appears ready to head out.

[PersonMan]

Your way north follows the well-maintained road that extends far from Arsen, growing far more sparsely traveled as you get further from the metropolis. At first, you walk among a steady stream of men and women heading south, towards the city, but after perhaps half an hour the stream becomes a trickle. Dozens of side roads, not all as well-maintained as the one you travel on, split off from the wide, ancient path. As you get further from the city, you notice that more of those traveling into it are slightly better dressed, carrying baskets of food, some even traveling with carts stocked with produce. As the sun continues its path across the sky, you see several merchant coaches heading south, one pulled by four horses and seeming to have been reinforced with metal plates and barred windows.

The journey is easy once the road grows less crowded, the even surface speeding your walk and regular waymarkers letting you keep track of how far have gone. You spot two more of the marble pillars similar to the one which marked your meeting point just outside Arsen; one has clearly been damaged at some point and is quite old, sitting at the center of a ruined marble structure of some sort, while the other stands unblemished and alone in a grove. After several hours, you pass through a more heavily wooded area, the trees closing in and almost encroaching on the road in some places, although you can clearly see that there are dozens of places where the forest has been cut back from the road recently.

With the woods not far behind you and the sun setting, you decide to end the day's travel and set up camp. Next to one of the many waymarkers you find an area that has clearly been used as a campsite relatively often, with a fire pit at the center of a ring of bare earth. After a bit of math and memory, you work out that you've passed twenty-one waymarkers during your day's travel. The foothills of the mountains are roughly seventy-five away; two more full days of travel should be enough to get you close, and on the final day you'll arrive after roughly two hours of walking.

On the first morning, you rise and prepare for your journey without issue. You make good time due to the good quality of the road and the pleasant weather makes the trip relatively enjoyable. Occasionally you spot a village not too far from the road, and twice you see coaches heading south towards Arsen. One of them is the armored sort and is guarded by half a dozen heavily armed men, who give you somewhat suspicious looks as they pass you. At the end of the day, having just passed the twenty-fourth waymarker (meaning you have put forty-four of the seventy-five behind you), you arrive in Parva. A walled town, it offers warm meals, ale and comfortable beds for five silver.

The pillar is a monument commemorated to the memory of the fallen knights of Arsen in the 'Conquest of the Province of Vinaripur'. It lists several major battles, rough tallies of dead, as well as a list of fallen knights and their achievements. Based on what you've learned, the campaign the text is referring to is one of those undergone by 'Imperial Arsen', as it's referred to by historians, during the time before it became a neutral power in the wars for control of the continent. This set of battles is almost entirely composed of defeats, with only two of the fourteen not ending in rout or surrender for the forces of Arsen. The great losses listed for each confirm your suspicions - this text is written about one of the last wars in which Imperial Arsen took part, in the years of 192 - 194 ACI (Anno Cessus Imperi; 'after the fall of the empire', starting from when the dragons disappeared. Current year is 1000 ACI). The campaign resulted in a crushing defeat for Imperial Arsen, as their emperor, much of the royal family and a great number of noble knights fell in battle north of the Mantadivas. Many more fell in the winter crossing of the mountains in an attempt to escape capture by their enemies. The war led to the final end of imperial ambition in Arsen, and only a month after peace was made the imperial system totally collapsed, being replaced by the beginnings of today's system of councils.

Of the listed noble families, you recognize several of them - seven of the thirteen are known to you. Four of those died out either during the war or in the following decades, losing their heirs and being fused into other families through marriage. One remained north of the Mantadivas, becoming a noble house that survived for eight hundred years before being violently ended in another war, while the other two came south. One of them still survives in Arsen, although now the name is that of a powerful merchant family, while the other migrated to Dar roughly three hundred years ago.

The second morning of your travel is quite different from the first, but after waking and eating in the inn (unless you forego the breakfast offered to save the one silver) the day is very similar to the last: you walk north. Leaving Parva behind you, you're accompanied by two young men carrying empty baskets for several hours, until they turn off onto one of the less-maintained roads and disappear into the distance. The mountains, visible since halfway through your first day of travel, slowly grow in the distance, disappearing only as you pass through another section of forest.

After you pass fifteen waymarkers, you find the place where you need to leave the main road if you are to arrive at where you need to go. The remaining nine you pass in the next three hours aren't in the same good shape the others all were in, often missing pieces or lying on the ground rather than standing, planted in it, but all are present. As dusk falls, you find a convenient place to set up camp - a small clearing just off to the side of the road, containing three fire pits (none recently used) and a pile of old wood beneath a half-collapsed lean-to shelter.

The third and final morning is much like the first. Nothing bothered you during the night before, so after a simple meal you pack up the camp and begin to get moving, following the road as it meanders to the northwest. You pass five waymarkers, come across a group of three hunters taking a deer back to their village who point you towards the trading post, and pass the sixth two hours after breaking camp. The road has become a trail, a path marked by the stones that still poke from the earth, a testament to the longevity of the roads that were made by the empire of the dragons but still not enough to be a proper road. The flat landscape of the past few days has grown hilly, the Mantadivas loom over you to the north, and as you crest the hill just past the waymarker you can see a ruined wooden structure perhaps a few hundred feet from where you are.

You've arrived at the trading post.

[Yawielas]

Selena


The fairhaired elf nocks an arrow on her bow, and moves downwind to approach the ruins carefully. She looks at the others. "I don't expect anyone to still linger, but let's investigate."

[Lentrax]

The hike out of the city was long. The journey would take several days, and while her companions seemed amiable enough, Sera wasn't comfortable enough with them to do more than answer questions.

The day they were to arrive at their destination, Sera awoke and went about her usual routine. The only difference was when she pulled a braided leather cord from her pack. Placing the cord upon her forehead, she used it to pull her hair clear from her face, tying it behind her and braiding it into her hair.

As the trading post came into view, Sera drew the scimitar over her shoulder from its scabbard. The well oiled blade slid quietly into slight, and Sera nodded to Selena.

I will check the back.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Seeing his new companions break off to search the trading post, the Addonexus walks forward towards the trading post, not yet drawing his weapon. The elf knew he wouldn't fool anyone sneaking through the underbrush as Selena could probably do so he decided not to try. He plays his strengths which is to get in the middle of combat as swiftly as possible.

Might we be getting a map/grid soon?

(If necessary)
Move Silently: [roll0]
Spot: [roll1]
Listen: [roll2]

[PersonMan]

Approaching the trading post, you see that one of the two still-standing structures, a stone tower blackened by fire, seems to have served as the corner of outer walls, which were all but wiped out by the flames. Twin low lines of stones, each reaching knee-height, extend from the tower, covered and surrounded by pieces of charcoal, ash and soot. A few pieces of metal lie scattered around the stones, in small piles that were clearly made after the fire. No other towers remain, but a black line shows that a third wall formed the northern boundary of the trading post. Roughly in its center is a dirt road, extending from the grassless inside of the fort and going north, marked as if something large and heavy was drawn along it.

Inside the former walls sit the remnants of a single brick-and-flint* house, blackened by fire as well, as well as several other areas where piles of charcoal, ash and a few surviving soot-covered pieces of metal or ceramic show that a wooden structure once stood there. Dozens of drag-lines lead to a single point, roughly in the middle of the trading post, where a few broken pieces of ceramic lie.

There are no signs that someone, or something, is still inhabiting the ruin. There aren't many places to hide, so unless the long standing structure in the post, or the tower on its edge, hold some secrets, there is nothing else in the ruin to see without closer investigation.

Judging by the marks and what you know of such semi-fortified trading posts, the iron gate probably fell when the wooden walls around it burned down, and was dragged away along the road.

From your position behind the fort, you can see what seems to be a small pile of bodies not far up the road north.

You can tell that the tower was not made all at once. There's a visible divide between two types of stone, the lower of which matches that of the low wall now covered in soot and ash. This matches the sort of appearance rebuilt ancient forts often have - judging by the low wall and tower, this place fell into disrepair hundreds of years ago and was used as the foundation for the trading post built more recently.

*See this reference (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Gariannonum_Burgh_Castle_south_wall_well_preserved _close_up.jpg/220px-Gariannonum_Burgh_Castle_south_wall_well_preserved _close_up.jpg).

[Lentrax]

Sera sheathes her blade as she walks through the remains of the fort.

The inhabitants of this post are no longer among the living. They were dumped in a pile to the north of here. Unless you wish to see what else there is to learn here, we should begin moving again.

[Yawielas]

Selena


She shakes her head, walking along one of the old walls. "I want to take a look around first. We all should, better chance at finding anything if there is anything to be found." She looks back towards Stitches and Anduriel if they're still in her line of sight. She waves her hand as a signal all is clear, then heads for the tower to check it out.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Seeing the charred outpost for the ruins they were, the elf is not surprised to hear Sera mention bodies dumped somewhere. Devastation like this usually is not without casualties. He turns to Selena when he approaches them all and nods at her suggestion and waits for her to lead the way.

[PersonMan]

The only entrance to the tower is from inside the former walls of the trading post, and the inside is cramped. It quickly becomes clear to Selena that, if there were defenders inside, it would be a hard fought battle to get up the thin, steep stairs. Luckily, the tower seems completely deserted, not a thing stirring as she cautiously makes her way up the stairs. As she heads up, she spots several bloodstains on the wall and steps, all clearly far from fresh. At the top of the tower are several more bloodstains, a few broken arrows at the bottom of one wall and a broken wooden shield lying in a corner.

The shield bears this (http://i276.photobucket.com/albums/kk28/Joseph_McKee33/168761079_e75401cbe3.jpg) symbol.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena picks up the broken shield, and takes it with her back downstairs to show the insignia to the others. "The tower would be easily defended, I guess the attackers were just too many. Not sure if this belonged to the defenders or the attackers.." She holds up the broken shield before discarding it. "Let's see if they brought their own dead with them..." She goes to check out the pile of bodies.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf sweeps his gaze once more over the charred remains of the outpost before following Selena. He remains far enough back that he likely won't be noticed before Selena but he is remaining close enough to his companion that, should she require aid, he might be there to assist. He leaves the scouting work to the archer.

[Lentrax]

We should keep moving. This place belongs to the dead now.

[Yawielas]

Selena

"I'm just gonna take a quick look. Might tell us something about who we're fighting, if it comes to that." She heads over to the pile of bodies to check it out.

[PersonMan]

As the rest of the group searches the trading post and finds it empty of inhabitants, Stitches slowly follows them, keeping to the side of the remnants of the road to keep out of the sight of potential threats. Occasionally, she moves just far enough into sight for one of the three at the post to spot her, reassuring the group of her presence despite her continued caution in her approach.

As Selena decides to go and check the pile of corpses, Anduriel follows her at a bit of a distance. Passing through what Sera knows was once the gate of the trading post, the two reach the morbid landmark after roughly a minute of walking. As they come closer, it becomes clear that, if the bugbears suffered losses of their own, they were not placed with these corpses. Luckily, something seems to have kept the corpses from being beset by swarms of insects or beginning to rot, but the mound of cadavers is still a grisly sight.

Selena counts roughly twenty bodies. Seven are dwarven, and she can see clearly elven features on another three, but without working all of the corpses out from their current position she can't get a proper count on all of them. From the bottom to the top, all of the bodies show clear signs of violent deaths - even if their wounds aren't visible, the blood that once poured from them is, dark stains marking where the formerly crimson fluid had come to rest. Selena spots six corpses among the pile, all on the bottom, that bear signs of a martial profession - scabbards, broken shields or helmets - with one body lying on one edge of the pile that seems to have been stripped down, left in what she knows to be the layer of padding one normally wears beneath thicker armor.

On the very top of the pile is the only body facing upwards. A human man, well-muscled and dressed simply, with an ornate dagger (http://i.imgur.com/TH4jJsB.jpg) emerging from the center of his chest. The blade is buried deeply into the man's flesh, and you can see what seem to be black veins extending from beneath his tunic. The eyes are completely white, tiny bits of black secretion at their edges, and a wide open mouth shows that the man had not died quietly. The air around that corpse seems to be chilled slightly, and a foul smell - not that of decay, but just as bad - fills the air around it.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Grimacing slightly from the grizly sight, Selena totals up the bodies, and takes note of their race and appearance. Only a few soldiers, which leads her to believe the others are traders and such. Still they were butchered. The man facing upwards make her stop in her tracks, and she feels a chill running down her spine at the sight of his white eyes and black veins, as well as from the dark energy surrounding the ornate dagger. "What devilry is this...." she mutters to herself. Turning to whoever is closest, Anduriel or Sera, she says:"I don't think we should touch that...I don't know what it is, but it feels wrong."

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Anduriel stares at the blade embedded in the man's chest. It looks interesting, it could be it's design or it could be it's placement which gives it the spotlight in the situation, but he agrees with Selena. Because of it's location and appearance, it would be best not to tamper with until they knew more.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena watches as Stitches inspects the dagger closer. "So. Do we leave it alone, and move on? We'll need to find out in which direction they went. Perhaps you could find a trail, Stitches?"

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman stands still for a short time as she looks over the dagger, and the corpse it's buried inside, before shrugging her shoulders and reaching into her pack for a small shovel that she hands to Selena and starts to dig into the ground with one of her own. Barring interruption, she starts to dig a fairly deep grave beside the pile of corpses.

Once done, she climbs on top of the pile of corpses with a few wobbly steps and plants her foot upon the ribcage of the stabbed man. She takes a few moments to commit the image to memory before kicking with all her weight to roll the corpse down the pile and into the deep grave.

Autohypnosis to memorize the dagger and such, then burning time to dig the grave.

[Yawielas]

Selena


Selena helps bury the man. She works in silence, not liking the look of the corpse. Something strange and evil had happened here, and judging from Stitches' reaction, she knew something. When the corpse is buried, she points to the dragmarks out of the area. "I guess we're going that way, then."

[PersonMan]

The lifeless body of the man at the top of the pile seems especially heavy, but tumbles into the grave after enough force is put into it. Once the body has left the pile, the others seem to change slightly. You aren't sure what has happened, but they seem slightly less morbid somehow. Having landed face down, the corpse is less disturbing now, although the formerly hidden pale flesh bears large black and purple discolorations on it. Burying it is a task done without anything of note happening. Sera and Anduriel keep their eyes peeled while Selena and Stitches fill the grave and spot nothing approaching the group.

After perhaps three hours, the job is done. It's early afternoon as you begin to follow the tracks on the road, Sera eating some of her dried rations as you walk to keep from needing to stop for food. After several hours of travel towards the mountains, you find another body. Perhaps two dozen feet from the path, it's either a human or elf, face-down on the ground with four arrows in their back. Unlike the pile of corpses from before, they have clearly been left without any kind of protection against rot. Judging by the position of the body, you believe that the person was running in the direction of the trading post and the edge of the forest not too far from the road when they were killed.

It's perhaps two hours from sundown, you've found another corpse and the trail seems to be leading directly into the mountains, which will take another four hours of walking to reach.

[Hazuki]

Partway through the burying process, about halfway down, Stitches places a few valuable-looking trinkets clumped closely together before she continues to cover the disturbed soil. With that done, she sets off with the rest of the group along the tracks left for them to follow, sticking close to cover with each step they take. When they stumble across the corpse, she crouches down slightly and examines the arrows.

[roll0]

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus frowns as the body count rises. Whatever had killed this many people was not something to take lightly. Not to mention that knife in the man they had passed... it seemed too important for standard highway robbers to posses. Something was definitely amiss.

The elf watches the road as the masked woman examines more dead bodies. Let her study all the bodies she wants, if she found something all the better. He would stick to doing what he did best.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena looks towards the distance where the trail leads. "A trail of bodies...Are they scouts, trying to find the attackers, like we are? Perhaps we should not follow the trail, but move into the vegetation. They don't seem to want any company."

[PersonMan]

Knowledge Result: These are a type of arrow generally used by the less 'civilized' people of Draslei.

"Doesn't look like a scout," Sera remarks, looking at the corpse as well. Without armor or weapons visible and wearing only light clothing, her comment does seem to have some sense. Of course, scouts wearing peasant clothing and carrying no weapons are not unheard of - Stitches and Anduriel have both heard of them being used in the past by Arsen.

[PersonMan]

Sorry for the delay with my post, past two days ended up busier than expected.

Stitches decides to search the corpse and the ground around it thoroughly, carefully going over every inch of the body with keen eyes to make sure that she doesn't miss a single detail. She finds several points on the ground where loose dirt was forced aside and, under the body's hands, even more packed earth shoved away. Based on this, it seems like the man's last action had been running; Stitches' search reveals that the man was probably a half-elf due to her close observation while looking for further clues. Near the end of her search, the feral elf finds another unusual detail: the man had had wounds on his ankles before his death. Obvious not inflicted as part of what killed him, they had scabbed over by the time he met his end.

Finally, Stitches finds that one of his shoes is slightly thicker than the other; a few moments later it becomes clear that there's some kind of secret compartment (although the tiny space available is hardly fitting for the term) inside.

Inside is a small, folded piece of paper and three platinum coins. Opening the paper, you find a message, written in Elven.

The writing on the paper reads as follows.

In response to your letter,

we have received your testimony. Your knowledge is of utmost importance to the investigation. Included are three platinum pieces. Consider it an advanced payment for sharing your information with us. As soon as you are next in Arsen, contact us again. You know how.

Beneath the text is the following symbol:

http://i.imgur.com/4MgaSSV.jpg

[Yawielas]

Selena

Sorry about the slow posting, I'm on holiday.

Selena helps search the body and surrounding area if Stitches doesn't mind. If She points out the scabs on the man's feet, she comments:"A prisoner or a slave. A fugitive."

[Hazuki]

Stitches gazes curiously at the letter that she delicately plucks from the hidden compartment, thick black locks shrouding her masked face as her amber eyes dart over each and every letter. With just a few moments of study, she reaches into her pack and retrieves a thin waterproof case that she tucks the letter into and hides it just as quickly. Following this, she crawls around the corpse of the man and adjusts his head. With a few moments, she makes certain that it is tilted at an ideal angle and braced against a rock.

She stands back to her full height and places the heel of her boot on the cadaver's forehead, stealing an arrow from his spine with one hand as she draws one of her throwing axes with the other. She examines the corpse for a few more moments, adjusting the angle of the axe in her free hand before slamming it clean down upon the man's neck.

The head comes off with a sickening crack and a few gushes of blood, before it's quickly wrapped up in a bag from Stitches' pack and its container is swiftly sealed with a thin rope. She attaches it to her pack, then shrugs at Selena and points down the path they were already traveling.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena watches in silence as Stitches seems to collect the head of the departed. She gives the woman an odd look, then shrugs, not wanting to get into a discussion. She probably had her reasons. Disgusted, she nods as Stitches points the way they're travelling. "Yeah, let's go." She carries her bow in one hand, and an arrow in the other, ready to nock and draw on a moment's notice.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf is somewhat shocked to see Stitches cut off the corpse's head. It disturbs him, as he believes the dead should be left in peace, save for perhaps a proper burial. He hovers around the corpse for a few moments, holding his scythe upright in one hand. If there was one thing his order had taught him other than the ways of combat, it was that even the dead deserved respect. An enemy may be your enemy until one of you two killed the other, but once you had permanently silenced your enemy it was proper to respect their prowess in combat and how they had died doing what they believed to be the right thing.

Anduriel imagines this man also died doing what he believed to be the right thing at the time and, as his order had taught him years ago, he stands silently paying his respects to the lifeless, headless individual. The elf feels bad about not being able to pay respects to the pile of bodies earlier but it would have taken much longer than his companions would have allowed to pay respects to each one of them. So he makes up for it in this moment of silence before turning to follow Selena and the others once more.

[PersonMan]

http://i.imgur.com/sRXn24n.jpg

Deciding to continue, you head further north, leaving the morbid landmark behind you. The path, thinning considerably and actually becoming more easily traversed as you enter the portion in which the last remnants of the ancient road have surrendered and given way to trampled earth. Your path grows less easy, forcing you to go up hills and swerve around ponds. Of the two hours you walk, nearly an hour and a half are spent with the uphill trudge that wears you down much faster than the earlier travel, each step pushing you up a bit further into the mountainous highlands. As the sun begins to set, you come over a hill and are blessed with a few minutes of gently downward sloping travel that bring you into a small canyon of sorts.

There's not much point in continuing, with the sky growing darker every minute. The first of the southern Mantadivas are visible in the distance, a few hours' walk still between you and their green slopes. You can set up camp along the grassy slopes, potentially finding refuge under one of the trees growing near the bottom, but the clouds that you've found yourself walking towards threaten to rain. The only place that will surely grant shelter are the thicker groups of trees at the edge of the strange rock formation at the top of the hill. There, you can see the shadows of a sort of wooden cave, sheltered by branches rather than earth, while the patch of trees nearby may be impossible to properly lie down in due to their twisting, low branches.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman points towards the cave as their walk seems to be coming to an end, eyes unaffected by the looming darkness but flickering in the direction of her suddenly steady-going companion.

Knowledge (Whatever) for what might be around here that lurks in caves: [roll0]
Knowledge (Geography) for natural hazards in this area of Draslei and relating to caves in particular: [roll1]

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena looks towards the cave, then scans their surroundings for any sign of trouble, or lack thereof. She nods to Stitches, finding the wooden cave the most appealing option when it comes to shelter for the night. "Let's check it out."

Spot[roll0] Listen[roll1]

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

Knowing he is not one to sneak around, Anduriel allows Stitches and Selena to approach the cave ahead of him to make sure it is safe. He stays behind while they scout but ensures he is close enough to assist if the need were to arise. While the other two make sure that their rest place is secure, Anduriel remains silent and looks around at the foliage and nature surrounding them.

[PersonMan]

As you approach the steep hill you notice, some a bit earlier than others, that the darker spots of the rock further up are small holes. Working your way up the scree, you notice that as the distance shrinks the sight before you seems to as well. Instead of the natural but unusual rock formation seen from further away, it seems as if it was some sort of disguised fortification. Growing closer, you spot a few signs of what seem to be the signs of time takings its toll on the structure. By the time you reach the belt of green at the jutting rock's edge, you're all but certain that you're at the base of an ancient fortress of some sort. A bit further, staying off the scree requiring you turn around the corner of what now seems like it may have once been a watchtower, you reach the safe haven you spotted before just as scattered rain drops make their way down to you from the sky. The branches of the trees provide shelter from the steadily increasing rain and the sky grows dark, sun probably hidden behind the clouds as it sets.
Stitches+Selena notice incoming thingies
From your new location, you have a perfect view of the valley you just approached through. The place you've found is fairly comfortable, ground softened by old leaves and moss-covered earth. Surprisingly, the stone isn't as close as it originally seemed, and a small cave actually opens up at the back of your new camp, although it doesn't seem to go more than another five or six feet into the rock. With it, there's barely enough room for all four of you to lie down and rest without needing to worry about hitting a comrade with a stray foot during the night. All of you realize before long that the spot you've found isn't exclusive to yourselves - there are a few signs that other beings have made camp here, based on pressed-down leaves and such, but no indications of whether they were animal or person, or when they left. The sun is setting quickly, and the rain becomes a steady downpour in the darkness of the night.

Are you keeping watch? And if so, in what order?

[PersonMan]

As you settle down to rest, you work out a simple system for keeping watch after deciding to do so. You had reached the mountains, after all, and there were some potential dangers to look out for. Wild animals, bandits, those you had been sent out to deal with - it was enough to justify keeping a pair of eyes open at all times. Sera will take the first of three four-hour shifts, followed by the freshly trances Stitches. Finally Andurial will take the third shift, by which time the elven members of the party will all be fully rested. With the plan made, you get as comfortable as is possible in the strange 'cave' of wood and stone, your shelter for the night.

Sera's watch is uneventful - at least, she doesn't wake anyone and nobody awakes to find themselves under attack. The human woman turns to Stitches just as the elf is completing her trance, indicating to her with a simple nod and gesture that it's her turn to take watch. The two switch places, with Stitches sitting at the mouth of the encampment and looking around the night-covered valley as the sounds of the human mercenary behind her grow quiet. Before long, the other woman has fallen asleep and ceased to make noise. The peace is broken only two hours later, as Stitches spots a pair of figures approaching through the darkness. Their only cover the black night, they creep along the scree, keeping surprisingly quiet for someone moving along a surface of small, easily disturbed stones. By their silhouettes, the feral elf surmises that they're carrying spears and other equipment, potentially weapons. It's made less easy by the darkness and the slope, but she estimates them to be about a hundred and fifty feet away. Neither of them seems to realize that Stitches has spotted them.

[Yawielas]

Selena is not part of the watch?

[Hazuki]

Spotting the approaching people, Stitches ducks low against a nearby boulder and gazes after them for a few moments. Her golden eyes sitting dim in her sockets, she glances back to her resting companions, then tightens the knuckles of one hand. She slips the straps of her backpack off of her shoulders, easing it to the ground before she ducks low and skitters across the ground along the thick lining of trees that marks their camp. She slinks through the shadows, her posture low and her steps silent as she keeps herself pressed low against the rocky barrier of the scree, until she gets to a position that she's certain the people will pass, if they keep approaching the camp.

If they continue to do so, and reach the point where she waits, Stitches leaps out of her cover and unleashes a flurry of attacks upon the potential threat.

Gonna take 10 on Hide & Move Silently, along with Cunning Knowledge being burned for +6 each, for a result of 28. She's going to be waiting about 20ft away from them (Imposing a -2 on their Spot/Listen checks, and another -5 if they're distracted), at the maximum range for a charge on her part. Assuming there's nothing obviously marking them as an ally of the group's, she will do just that.

Assuming it's a surprise round, here, as it's highly unlikely they'd spot her. If both somehow manage to, I'll just have to change my action.

Using a free action to use Knowledge Devotion on these guys. I'll edit the bonuses in after I see the result.

[roll0]

Using a Standard Action to Charge at the nearest spear-wielder (Or the other one, if the closest has noticed her). Pounce at the end to attack. Burning an Inspiration point for Cunning Strike on my attacks, and another two to add +3 to my Butt and Stinger attacks.

Claw: [roll1] + 1 = 27 Damage: [roll2] + [roll3] + 1 = 10
Claw: [roll4] + 1 = 31 Damage: [roll5] + [roll6] + 1 = 15 + Crit Confirm: 15 + 7 damage
Butt: [roll7] + 1 = 18 Damage: [roll8] + [roll9] + 1 = 6
Tail Sting: [roll10] + 1 = 15 Damage: [roll11] + [roll12] + 1 = 7

It's a DC of -10 to detect combat, so the others should be able to hear this almost immediately.

[PersonMan]

The other party members, whether sleeping peacefully or ending their trance as Stitches sneaks off into the darkness, are awoken a minute later by the sounds of a loud cry. Filling the air, it begins as a shout of surprise, turns into a cry of pain and then turns into a dying gurgle. The feral elf stands before not two, but one spear-carrying bugbear. Face painted black, with white markings extending from his eyes towards the side of his head, the bugbear is armed with a morningstar in addition to the two spears strapped to his back. The light armor he wears is also painted black.

Anduriel, Sera and Selena awaken in the camp. Perhaps 60 feet away they can see Stitches face off against what looks to be a bugbear or similarly built goblinoid. One body is already on the ground, clearly lifeless.

Combat begins.


Initiative Order
Anduriel - 26
Stitches - 22
Bugbear - 19
Sera - 16
Selena - 7

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf awakens from his trance and sees Stitches locked in combat. He reaches for his scythe and moves to aid her, provided she doesn't handle the target before he gets to it like she did the other one.

Pretty sure my entire action is going to be movement to close the distance but if for whatever reason the bugbear backs up towards Anduriel

With blade
[roll0]
[roll1]

With Shaft
[roll2]

If threatened crit

With blade
[roll3]
[roll4]

With Shaft
[roll5]

Damage

With blade
[roll6]
[roll7]

(Frost)
[roll8]
[roll9]

With Shaft
[roll10]

I think that should cover it... but it won't matter because I'm pretty sure I'm still out of range anyway :smalltongue:

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena opens her eyes at the sound of combat, and reaches for her bow while orienting herself. When she sees Stitches up against a goblionoid creature with a spear, she gets up and nocks an arrow. Aiming so she won't hit her companion, she lets the first shaft fly, her composite bow making a whirring sound as the string vibrates. She follows the arrow's flight with her gaze even as she nocks another arrow, preparing to let it follow. The second is released only moments after the first one.

Fire 1. arrow [roll0] damage[roll1] Fire 2. arrow[roll2] damage [roll3]

[Hazuki]

Stitches spots the rousing forms of her companions, and the enemy still just a few feet away from her, and narrows her gaze tightly on the foe before her. With an unnatural leap, she crosses the distance between them and starts to shred into the remaining foe.

Mentioned Nerveskitter in OOC, so Stitches is above Bugbear no.2 in Initiative and it should still be flat-footed.

Five-foot-step, full attack. Burning Inspriation for Cunning Strike and two more for Cunning Insight for+3 on each of my secondary attacks.

Claw: [roll0] Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]
Claw: [roll3] Damage: [roll4] + [roll5]
Butt: [roll6] Damage: [roll7] + [roll8]
Tail Sting: [roll9] Damage: [roll10] + [roll11]

[PersonMan]

The second bugbear falls, his attempt to defend himself with his morningstar too slow to provide an obstacle for Stitches. In short order she slices the well-armed assailant open, feral claws finding exposed flesh to cut into. The deep cuts she leaves send torrents of crimson liquid out into the night air, and the bugbear collapses as she moves to follow up. The elf pauses, stopping before she completes the blow, apparently sparing the bugbear whose labored breathing is visible over the chatter of the insects in the night. Of the two bugbears, only this one lives - the other is clearly dead - and it is clear that without aid he will almost surely die, heart pumping his lifeblood out onto the rocks.

Combat is over.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena rises, muttering a little over the two arrows she spent on an already dead enemy. Walking over to Stitches, she looks down on the still breathing bugbear. "Are they part of the tribe we seek? If so, I don't think we made a very good first impression.."

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The lanky elf gives a shrug of her shoulders, the movement slightly unnatural as they bend more than they should, and her plated tail slips back into its sheathe in her clothes. She looks at the woman for a few more moments before kneeling beside the bleeding-out assailant, her clawed fingers tearing off a few scraps of its attire in order to jury rig some cloth that will stabilize its loss of blood. In just a few moments, the worst of the stalking creature's bleeding has been staunched.

Next, she leans over the dead corpse and investigates it as thoroughly as possible, her golden eyes piercing through the darkness and revealing whatever secrets it holds. She digs into its pockets, its packs, unbinds pieces of its armor to observe any branding upon the spear-wielder's flash, examines the design of the spear, the materials used in its creation, and every nook and cranny.

Cunning Knowledge'd Heal, taking 10 for 16 on First Aid to stabilize (DC 15).

Taking 20 on a Wisdom check to Shapesand a Masterwork Tool of Search.

Then Taking 20 on Search for 27.

[PersonMan]

Stitches is able to bind the wounds of the still-living bugbear, fashioning simple wraps and presses to keep what blood it has left from spilling out onto the rocks. In the long run, they'll need to be exchanged for proper coverings if the wounds are to heal properly and not be infected, but in the short term the quickly blood-soaked strips of fabric will do. Turning her attention to the fallen bugbear, Stitches begins an extensive search as Anduriel and Sera approach what was just moments ago still a battlefield. Seeing that combat is already over, Sera sheathes her blades, speaking as Stitches carefully searches the bugbear she killed.

"Well, that was fast. You know who they are?" She remarks, looking down at the fallen bugbears before turning back up, looking around into the darkness. "That's all of them, right?" She asks.

Stitches' search is somewhat fruitful. She finds a relatively simple tattoo of a skull on the bugbear's right shoulder, black ink clearly visible on a patch of skin that seems to have been shaved to display the mark. Apart from that, she finds a pouch with a small number of coins in it and a knife, too small to be of use in combat, with Arsen's knot carved into the hilt. Looking at the bugbear's weapons, she finds nothing out of the ordinary in the materials used. The wood and stone are both typical for the region, each common across the entire southern Mantadivas.

Finally, in a pouch sewn into the inside of the bugbear's shirt, she finds a small pouch of what seem to be animal bones, pieces of bark and earth. Reviewing what she knows of the religion of the tribes along the southern Mantadivas, she's fairly certain that it was a protective charm to ward off evil spirits. It isn't a normal thing to have, in fact it's most likely a sign that this bugbear was feeling attacked by dark magics in the recent past.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Crouching low over the body as she bares its shoulder, Stitches uses one of her delicate claws to carefully cut a patch around the tattoo of the fallen bugbear, then peels off the skin and wraps it cleanly between two pieces of fabric before tucking it away in her pack. Next, she pockets the knife made in Arsen and the bag of good-luck charms, and shifts over to the other prone body - this one somewhat more alive. She uses her rope to make sure it's tied up as securely as possible, confiscating any weaponry it might have and shifting it a good ten feet away.

As Sera's questions come, the masked woman gives a shake of her head, followed by a nod, as she places her palm on the forehead of the bleeding-out monster. Her silent lips move a few times, silently, as her other fingertips scrape elegantly across the side of the creature's face, then pull back and slap it cleanly across the jaw. A startle suddenly runs through the bound captive's form, forcing it back into consciousness and face-to-face with Stitches.

She pulls the knife from her pack, as well as the patch of tattoed skin, and holds them before the creature as she stares it in the eyes with a neutral gaze. She points to each of them, her stance unaggressive, as she gestures to the wounds of the bugbear; the ones she's tended to.

Taking 20 on Use Rope, with Cunning Knowledge, for a result of 43 (+10 to Bind, +2 for using Silk Rope).

Using Opportunistic Piety to restore 15HP to the captive.

Taking 10 on Bluff, with Cunning Knowledge, for 19, to mime the message "Explain".

Taking 10 on Diplomacy, with Cunning Knowledge, for a result of 29.

[Yawielas]

Selena

Selena stands watching as Stitches goes through the bugbears' belongings thoroughly. She squats down by the wounded bugbear when her masked companion slaps him awake. In case the creature doesn't understand Stitches' unspoken questions, she adds in Common:"Do you speak Common? Tell us who you are and why you attacked us."

[PersonMan]

The living bugbear awakens with a start, releasing a short cry as he finds himself surrounded and lurching away from the group, barely moving. Realizing that he's been bound and that escape is impossible, he slumps visibly, grimacing as a result of what is probably him agitating some of his still-open wounds. Steadying himself, he finally looks to Stitches as she displays the knife and patch of skin. For a moment his brow knits, as if not understanding, but then the meaning of the feral elf's motions seems to reach him. Looking from her to the others, he swallows before speaking, voice rough.
Bugbear 8 HP
"The mark is a sign of loyalty to our new chief," he begins, shifting somewhat as he speaks. Between his rough voice and oddly shaped, painted face you can't tell what tone his words are meant to have. "The knife is...well, was Jekel's. He got it from the raiding party, I remember he traded a whole leg for it," he explains. "I am one of the watchers of the Horyani. We were sent here to protect the tribe's lands from southern attacks."

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked elf gives a nod of her head, briefly, before she moves over to some dirt beside the bugbear and extends one of her digits. With a few moments of careful drawing, scraping her finger through the dirt, two sketches are drawn into the dirt. One, the design of the dagger that she'd memorized (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showsinglepost.php?p=17684069&postcount=110) before hiding its existence, and the other a pile of bodies, besides a gate being dragged through the dirt, with a burned out house-frame beside it. She finishes off her sketching with an arrow pointed in the direction of the outpost they came from.

Then, she directs the Bugbear's head to the drawing, and repeats her "Explain" gesture. She also pulls out the scraps of drawings she'd done at the table back in Arsen, the ones of sigils of various Horyani tribe leaders, and shows them to the bugbear one by one.

[PersonMan]

The bugbear seems confused as Stitches pushes some of the scree aside and begins to draw in the dirt, but a quick gesture from Sera, a simple sign for 'can't speak', seems enough to dispel his confusion and he turns over to see what she's drawn. The awkward movements are made even slower by his avoiding further pain from his wounds, but eventually the bugbear looks upon what the feral elf has drawn for him to see. With the renewed command, his brow furrows.

"I...I don't know. I haven't seen a dagger like that myself...but, no, I have heard that he uses some. I don't know of piles of bodies, but the raiders brought the gate of the fort they destroyed with them. Is that what this is?" He asks, pointing as well as he can manage to the burned out house sketch. "I know these. But none rule our people now; our new chief rose from nothing."

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Nodding in recognition of the Bugbear's words, Stitches tucks the sigils away in her pack and looks over her drawings. She wipes away the dagger, then draws a small band of bugbear raiders beside the representation of the fort; the front one wearing a surcoat that bears the sigil of their new chieftain, then repeats the "explain" gesture while pointing to the raiding party, then the fort, then back again, and once more for good measure.

When the answer to the question is given, she draws a compass in the ground, perfectly placed along the north-west-south-east axis, and then places the patch of sliced-off skin, bearing the chieftain's mark, in the center. Then she slowly moves her finger around the outer most marks of the ground-bound circle, staring into the eyes of the captive and waiting for him to nod.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf watches as his companions begin to interrogate the living bugbear. He says nothing as he gazes at it from beneath his cowl. After a few moments he decides his presence in the interrogation process is not needed and moves towards the deceased bugbear. It is here that he takes another few moments to pay respects and remain silent, as is his custom.

[PersonMan]

"I...you want to know why they attacked the fort? To secure the area and keep the southerners from using it to attack us, they said," the bugbear replies, seeming less secure than he was before. As Stitches draws the compass he watches, and nods as she places the patch of skin in its center. Another nod comes as her finger reaches northwest, followed by a brief explanation that the path that went through the valley led close to the village, passing by a fort that their new chief was having built. A few moments later, he speaks again.

"Do you...do you plan to fight him?" He asks, eyes going over the entire group.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The elf shakes her head as she slowly gets back to her feet, pocketing the patch of skin again once she's memorized the direction of the camp. She smothers her drawings over again, removing any evidence they were ever there with the dispersed dust. She uses one of her clawed fingers to unbind one of the bugbear's hands, standing before him and holding her hand out to him, palm upwards, as she looks down at the goblin man with a soft gaze.

[PersonMan]

The bugbear seems eager to take Stitches' hand, moving with some energy despite his injuries and still-present bindings. Getting to his feet, he winces once but gives the feral elf who helped him up a grateful nod.

"Am I...will you be letting me go? Or will I stay your prisoner?" He asks after standing.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches stands beside the Bugbear, having previously collected his things, and points in the direction that he directed them towards when she drew the map upon the floor. Next, she points towards the camp they made, showing him the charms she took from their bodies and repeating the 'Explain' gesture, before making sure the prisoner is bound again as they continue their rest, then set out for the camp of the chief in the morning.

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The Addonexus observes as the group decides to keep the bugbear hostage for future purposes and doesn't disagree. It is important to know as much as possible before dealing with the problem. Nonetheless, after Stitches secures the bugbear's binds and everyone settles down to finish resting the elf approaches the hostage.

Sorry about your friend, he says beneath his cowl then adds, I trust you'll not give me any reason while I sleep to make sure you end up like him.

With that he returns to his place in the camp to lay down.

[PersonMan]

"These? They protect against evil spirits. Jekel's had a shaman make one for him, and I got one to keep my sister safe," the bugbear explains as Stitches makes her gesture, following up the hill as the group returns to their camp. He's silent and cooperative as he's re-bound, testing the bindings to assure you that they aren't loose or otherwise compromised. As he sits down he grits his teeth against the pain of his wounds, but says nothing.

As the others lay down, Anduriel approaches the bugbear, who looks at him with a somewhat questioning expression until he speaks. Understanding the threat, he nods, and lays down to rest as well.


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://i.imgur.com/ar5YytO.jpg
TSEEN HARPY JUNGE
The next morning dawns. The bugbear is still asleep as you all awaken, but rises quickly with a bit of prodding. Quickly for still being bound, at least. In the morning light his appearance is rather different - the black face paint doesn't blend in with the darkness, but makes him look even more unusual than he already does among your group of a human and several elves. His wounds don't seem to be bothering him as much, although his movements do seem a bit awkward, as if he's still trying to avoid agitating his injuries.

As you prepare to head north, Stitches removes some of the most restricting rope around the bugbear's legs, allowing him to walk comfortably but making running all but impossible. Just before the group prepares to leave, the bugbear shifts about uneasily, seeming to contemplate something, before speaking.

"There's something I have to tell you. I'm in your debt for sparing my life - even though it will likely mean I will not be buried with my family, I must speak. There were not only two of us guarding this way. One other was sent north to tell the chief of your arrival. I do not know what he will do, but you will need to fight many warriors if you go along the path," he explains, eyes downcast. The internal conflict in him is audible in his tone and visible in his posture.

"So what now? If we just go up there we'll have to fight every damn bugbear in the tribe. How about another way? Is there a way we can take that doesn't lead us into a bunch of waiting buggies?" Sera asks the captive, glaring at him.

"Yes, there are small ways. They are hunting trails, it will take much longer to get to the chief but there will not be warriors waiting for you on them," the bugbear replies.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

The masked woman departs the camp for a short while, taking a break to climb up the largest tree in the surrounding forest, then returns and starts to lead the party along the new, faster and more secretive route. As she walks, she holds up the patch of the new chief once more then makes a small gesture to the bugbear.

"Take us to opposition" Taking ten and cunning knowledge, of course.

[PersonMan]

Your group moves north, following the trail for about two hours as it begins to curve around the lake. As Stitches makes her gesture to the bugbear, he nods, telling her that he's heard that the old chief and his supporters were still active in the western parts of the lands normally ruled by the Horyani chief. There are similar holdouts in the east, he says, but Stitches instructs him to lead you up into the central region, where the new chief is in control. After about half an hour on the path you leave it, going into the forest and following thin trails clearly not meant for providing a way for large numbers of people to cross.

Rarely able to move in any formation other than single-file, you progress through the forest with what feels like a good pace. For much of the western movement you're going slowly downhill, as you turn north the ground flattens and after perhaps two hours you're going uphill. The pace slows and it becomes more tiring to keep going than before. Your captive / guide seems more adjusted to the climb. Luckily, between his local knowledge and Stitches' own guidance, you're able to avoid having to fight your way through the thick forest for more than a few brief stretches between trails. You don't run into anyone on them, either - for about eight hours you're entirely alone once again, surrounded by the quiet forest and each other.

You have to pass over a larger path, but that goes perfectly well - there's no one in sight in either direction, so you quickly move from one forest trail to its continuation on the other side. An hour or so before you expect to arrive you have to stop and crouch down as you hear the sounds of others passing nearby. Your captive proves himself to be trustworthy or at least properly intimidated, making no move to try and call out to them as they pass. A few minutes after the sounds die down, you get moving again. Over the course of another hour and a half you move through the steadily thinning forest before cresting what seems to be a hill - you can see wisps of smoke not too far from your location, and what look like huts or tents in the distance. Going down the incline, you emerge into what seems to be another small valley (http://i.imgur.com/iasuutc.jpg) cut into the rocky earth. Your captive tells you that the stream leads to several encampments of his people, all of which he tells you are not pleased with the new chief's actions.

It's been a long, hard walk; even for those used to long distance travel like you the constant inclination made the trip fairly tiring. It's late afternoon, and you estimate about four hours of sunlight left in the day.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches carefully takes the time to silently explain that the bugbear should gather influentials of the tribes, and bring them to a place where they can gather to see her. She removes the last of his bindings and gestures for him to do so, then waits until he's started walking to skulk through the shadows after the bugbear, keeping an eye on him as he moves through the settlements.

[PersonMan]

Stitches

The bugbear nods and heads off without complaint, moving along the stream that widens and deepens somewhat as you go further, smaller streams and pools of water merging with their source. The bugbear keeps looking around, not spotting Stitches, but he seems to be looking at the ground more than searching for someone. At some point he seems to find what he's looking for and shortly thereafter he comes to a trail heading uphill. Following it, he eventually passes a pair of bugbears dressed similarly to him, although they do not bear the black face paint, and they seem to exchange a brief greeting. The two bugbears coming from uphill continue on their path, spears loosely held in their hands and a seemingly amusing conversation continuing between them.

The bugbear you've followed continues uphill, eventually cresting it and coming to a collection of perhaps eighty tents, made from various materials but all clearly constructed to be easily moved. About ten to fifteen bugbears mill about, walking between tents, sitting around a currently unused fire pit or carrying freshly hunted game through the camp. 'Your' bugbear moves into the rough center of the camp, near the fire pit, and begins to speak with one of those seated around it. After some discussion, the one who had been sitting stands up and walks into a large tent, returning a minute or so later with three clearly older bugbears in tow.

Walking out onto the field around the fire pit, they begin to speak to your former captive. As the exchange continues, it becomes clear that something isn't going right - the elder bugbears seem to disagree with the one you'd followed, and one of them even turns to go back to the tent.

The Others

Stitches and your captive leave, heading upstream. You know that the enigmatic masked elf is planning to have the bugbear gather elders of the nearby people, but little else. Stitches quickly heads into the trees, becoming impossible to see before long.

It isn't more than a minute before you're left alone in your group of three.

[Yawielas]

Selena


Selena looks at Anduriel and Sera. "I'm not sure what the plan is here...There seems to be one, I'm just not in on it. Are we putting different tribes up against each other?" She looks into the woods where Stitches disappeared, while checking the tautness of her bowstring. "Our captive has been very cooperative, but that doesn't mean his clansmen will be..."

[Oseyerys]

Anduriel

The elf turns to Selena as she speaks her inquiries, Indeed it would appear as though your friend Stitches is trying to use our hostage to rally the locals who disagree with the new chieftain. It's not a terrible idea but unfortunately we can't understand them and they might not be to keen on helping one of their own if they know he is technically a hostage. It may be best to let this play out without drawing arms. Stitches seems to have a manner of connecting with other individuals. I don't know how they would take to having three armed strangers walk into their settlements though. This is why I don't mess with communication and diplomacy. It's too complicated.

[Hazuki]

Stitches

Stitches' spine rankles slightly at the sight of the situation in the camp going awry, and within a few moments, she's started to stumble out of the trees towards the camp. Her steps are shuffling, but quite obviously meant to garner attention. Her movements are erratic and almost painful, as she half-collapses in her attempts to crawl towards the gathered elders. It's only as she gets halfway towards them that her form starts to shift. The most immediate aspect of her change is the yellowing and toughening of her skin, shifting from the pale blue to a thick yellow hide similar to that of the bugbears. Her lengthened claws seem to become slightly stubbier, forming more regular fingers, as she wordlessly groans and shudders with the struggle of transformation.

Even the masked elf's muslces start to become somewhat thicker, as she collapses to her knees and throws her head back. The bulky wooden mask that adorns her head seems to bubble and mold itself across her broadening face, forming a second skull atop a head of hair that becomes thick and brown. The layering of skull over her own shifts in tone, one half turning green, and the other half brown. Then her face starts to shift in tone as well, taking on the form of a bugbear skull that is the darkest of blacks, all save for the bright crimson lips that poke free, almost as though emerging from the shroud that black makes of them, but still silenced.

She pants for a few moments, before getting to her feet, as strong as ever, standing as a manifestation of Bugbear history, and their current politics. She strides towards one of the standing elders and grabs their staff from their hands, firmly, but with respect, then uses it to gestures to the wounds of the captive, the ones that she personally healed. Then she finds the tallest perch nearby, plants herself on it, and uses the staff to gesture for all the elders to sit down and listen to the captive.

Alter Self, obviously. Basically, she's becoming a representation of Aterera, making out as though she's a shaman the ancestor has possessed in their time of need. The gesture to healing is meant to imply which particular figure she is, if none can remember it off by heart. The skull-mask is representative of the brown/green of Horyani traditions and ancestors, and their purity, while the black is meant to represent how it's attempting to override the traditions with itself (The black being the new chief's representative symbol), and has started by silencing her, somebody who is an icon of said beliefs. It goes further by having her crimson lips push past the black skull, implying that red (Their color for death, destruction, and plague) is the true face of their new chief, and what he will bring.

[PersonMan]

Stitches

Your stumbling, shuffling approach gains the attention of all bugbears present. The elders, their younger companion, your former captive, and even two spear-wielding hunters stop to stare. A few words are murmured as you transform on the ground before them. It's clear as you stand that it's had the impact you intended - as you approach one of the wide-eyed elders he straightens with sudden realization and all but shoves his staff into your hands. The elders exchange a few more words, about the colors of your mask and your transformation; the name Aterera is mentioned, and at least two of the four refer to you as her. As you sit down and gesture to your former captive, he says nothing for a few moments, seeming overwhelmed by the looks of the elders, but he begins to speak before long.

"She - we, are looking to gather those who oppose the rule of the new chief," he says. The elders look to each other and a brief discussion begins. The bugbear man who'd given you his staff is the only male of the four, and it is he who convinces the fourth member of the group, an old bugbear woman wearing small carved skull as a necklace, that it was a good idea to side with you.

"We are gathered," one of the elders begins, looking to you. "Will we be joining the other elders of this valley?" She asks.