Iron Crisis (IC)

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 13 HP: 14/14 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Melian opens her eyes with a start, cold sweat covering her brow and slicking her hair, her breath comes in ragged gasps. She struggles to make sense of her surroundings, the nightmare still clinging to her and making the darkness around more terrifying, completely disoriented from an experience so alien to her elven trance. Her head swings around wildly, seeing but not processing the mysterious figure at her door. She starts struggling with the sheets and quickly realizes she's covered in small crawling creatures. "What in Corellon's name," she manages gasping before screaming "ARE THESE SLUGS?" The effect is so surreal she completely misses Caelyn wielding her scimitar and spends precious seconds disgustedly swatting at the vermin. The world only comes into focus when she hears her sister yell at the attacker and she finally sees the enemy caster and his familiar. Spoiler: Round 0 Show Surprised. Waiting for turn after opponents. Arcana: (1d20+5)[14] to identify the not-imp and what it can do.

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 17/17 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Caelyn shook herself free of the spell that had been cast on her just in time to dodge the claws of the imp creature fluttering to her left. This was bad. Really bad. She could hear Aintas bellowing down the hall, and surely Senna and Vyv were being attacked as well. She raised her scimitar high across her face, but deep in her heart she knew that her skill with the sword paled in comparison to her magic. After her terrible dream the idea of reaching out for the power of her spirit made her stomach turn, but the lives of her and her family were on the line, and that resolved her will. She just hoped the construction of this inn could withstand some heat. Reaching down to her side she gripped the mistletoe branch tied at her waist and shouted in druidic at the top of her lungs. Spoiler: Druidic Show Bokono, spirit of fire, hear me and heed me. Come burn my foes! She'd read the name in one of Candlekeep's books- the name of a volcano from a distant land. At first she feared altering the summoning words would nullify the call for aid, but her hands began to drip with flames. Blinking heavily, she realized the warm, wet feeling in her eyes was fire leaking down her cheeks like tears. An eruption of flame and hot air sounded behind the robed figure in the hall as the spirit appeared in a blossom of flame that ignited the rug in front of her room, and hopefully her opponent as well. Pointing at her attacker with her scimitar, she again shouted in druidic. Spoiler: Druidic Show Burn him! BURN HIM! BURN HIM TO ASH! The spirit gave no acknowledgment except to follow her command. Rearing up it's hind quarter, a hot ember shot from the roaring flame that powered the creature and shot at the robed figure's back like a miniature comet.

Spoiler: OOC

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Ok, so first comes the summoning damage. (2d10)[7] fire damage if the robed man fails a dc13 Dex Save. I'll roll that without modifiers here- (1d20)[3]. After that comes a bonus action to order Bokono to attack with flame seed- (1d20+4)[5] to hit and (1d6+2)[4] fire damage. EDIT- Ouch, that's a natural 1. Are we doing critical fumbles? Because as much as I hope the answer is no, it would be very amusing to have a flaming mishap right now.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock AC: 14 HP: 16/16 PP: 9 PIv: 14 PIs: 10 Conditions: -- "Ll..." Sam starts to mumble in his sleep, when the slamming of the door causes him to shift and turn over. At first he starts to go back to sleep, but he hears Aintas' roar and mighty yell and flips back over to look at the door. He nearly falls out of bed trying to get untangled from his bedsheets and to his feet. "Oh crap what's happening?" "Don't worry, your brother has it handled," Grepha remains perched on his bedpost, still as non-existent to everyone else as before. Sam gets a few flashes of recollection from the dream he had, but there's no time to process as he regains his composure.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas
HP:20 AC: 12

The attacker tries to come closer, but Aintas uses his glaive to hold him at bay. He deftly pushes and cuts again, keeping the attacker at a distance. He continues to casually chat with him

"This is a strange place to choose to die."

He then says to Sam

"Anytime you feel like it, I could use the help"

Spoiler: OOC

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Atk1 (1d20+5)[21] dmg (1d10+3)[13]
BA Atk2 (1d20+5)[11] dmg (1d4+3)[4]

Move if he moves to keep him at a distance.

Reaction if he tries to come closer
Atk1 (1d20+5)[25] dmg (1d10+3)[13]

EDIT: I am pretty sure he is dead, even without the crit damage.

[Amnestic]

Before the intruder in Aintas and Sam's room can act, he receives a lethal blow from the glaive, dropping him to the floor, dead. His blood oozes out of the wounds across him, seeping into the hardwood floor. Empty eyes stare back at you and his mouth lies agape - he was surprised, you realise, surprised at how sudden his death came, surprised that it happened at all. Perhaps he was surprised that there was a fight at all. Regardless, the dead usually keep their secrets, and whatever thoughts this man had have drifted beyond the world.

The sudden burst of flame behind him sends the quarterstaff man off balance, not helped by the hem of his cloak catching alight, which he quickly stamps out. "Bah, you fire is naught against my arcane might!" Burning embers gather in his palms and with a single motion he thrusts them forwards, sending a cone of flame cascading into the room, igniting some of the wall decorations and sweeping over Caelyn. She managed to avoid the worst of it, but catches the claws of the small steamed opponent in the process.

Seeing Senna begin to gather electricity into her hand, the intruder braces himself. As she thrusts her fingers forward to strike he twists, grabbing her wrist with one hand and pulling her off balance, before slamming the back of his blade's hilt into her neck with the other. He leaves his back unguarded though, and it's more than enough time for Vyvian to counter and leave two deep wounds across the man's back. He swings wildly in retaliation but between the sudden pain and lack of balance himself, his hit goes wide.

Spoiler: Map

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The imp-like creature is in fact a Steam Mephit, the 'imps' of the elemental planes. This one appears to be linked to the plane of Fire, crossed with that of water. Almost all mephits have a breath attack respective to their origins.

Caelyn takes 5 fire damage (2+3) and 4 slashing damage.
Senna takes 7 bludgeoning damage.

Both remaining intruders are winded, but still fighting. The steam mephit so far seems pretty comfortable.

Sam and Melien can join the fight!

[Spore]

Senna Human Arcana Cleric AC: 12 HP: 8/15 PP: 15 PIv: 14 PIs: 12 Conditions: -unarmored, angry Senna recoils from the hefty smash. Her jaw is not broken but definitely bruised. Judge of the Damned, lend this servant of Deneir your bells. she adds. The assassin can hear a bell toll in the distance.

Spoiler

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Will save(1d20)[9]
(1d12)[6]

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock AC: 14 (13) HP: 16/16 PP: 9 PIv: 14 PIs: 10 Conditions: -Unarmored, Expeditious Retreat Finally getting to his feet, Sam hears the sounds of shouting and clanging metal from the other rooms. A surge of energy gathers in his legs and he springs out of the room like greased lightning, practically bouncing off of the opposite wall. He sees Caelyn's elemental fighting another would-be assassin and charges forwards, skidding to a stop as he hurls a bolt of green energy. Spoiler: Actions Show Spoiler: Movement Show Bonus: Cast Expeditious Retreat, then dash to the door. Movement: Move into the hall and try to get a better angle on the assassin in Caelyn and Melian's door. Action: Eldritch Blast him, and shove him sideways into the door frame if it hits. Not sure if Amnestic is doing any shove damage for pushing people into walls. (1d20+5)[15] (1d10)[3]

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- "Maybe delay that Judge of the Damned? I'm pretty sure we want one of these guys alive and I think I hear a lack of restraint on the part of our other siblings. Thaaaanks?" Vyvian says to the air, not sure how Senna's cleric magic works and thus unclear on if it works based on what is actually said to the deities in question. Then she tries to smack the guy attacking them twice in the head with the flats of her blades. Spoiler Show Attack: (1d20+5)[25] damage: (1d6+3)[9] if crit: (1d6)[1] Off-hand attack: (1d20+5)[16] damage: (1d6)[3] if crit: (1d6)[3] Sneak Attack: (1d6)[4] if crit: (1d6)[4]

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 16 HP: 14/14 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: Bladesong (1min) Concentrating: -- Finally shaking the confusion as she sees Caelyn getting attacked time and again, Melian springs into action as the mage gets hit by a bolt of green energy. Grabbing the dagger on the dresser, Melian begins weaving magical energy as she takes the bladesinger stance and begins softly humming a low funereal tune, springing into action. She rushes forward toward the fight, taking two long strides she jumps and kicks at the nearby wall, bracing herself briefly on Caelyn’s shoulder as she completes the spell she was weaving and lands opposite their opponent, in the corridor and beside her sister’s summoned spirit. Still humming, she holds her dagger menacingly at the mage. Spoiler: Round 1 Show Bonus: Bladesong - 1min, +INT AC, +10' move, ADV DEX (Acro), +INT CON Saves and Concentration. Action: cast Mage Armor on Caelyn. AC = 13+DEX Move: with increased movement, Melian has enough to move all the way to the corridor even with the mage being difficult terrain. - Dex (Acrobatics) to not provoke OA from mage: (1d20+3)[14] / (1d20+3)[9] (ADV) - Mage's opposed Dex: (1d20)[7]

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 16 HP: 8/17 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Caelee gives a scream as the flames of the mage's spell wash over her, and it rises to a higher pitch as the mephit's claws leave singed scrapes across her forearm. Her heart races and her focus shakes, and thoughts of running race through her mind. She doesn't have time to contemplate that there isn't anywhere to go. However, Melian's acrobatic display and the touch of her hand on Caelee's shoulder helps her cut through the fear. She gives another savage cry as she slashes with her scimitar again shouting a quick command in druidic to Bokono to attack again as well.

Spoiler: OOC

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Let's try this again. (1d20+5)[11] to hit with the blade, with (1d6+3)[6] damage ((1d6)[5] crit damage). Fire seed from Bokono (1d20+4)[16] with (1d6+2)[4] damage ((1d6)[6] if it crits).

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas
AC:12 HP:20

Aintas can hear the screams and the shouts. He can pick his sisters' voices in them. Sam is already out as he picks his hand axe from his belt his starts to run towards the screams.

At the corridor, he sees at least one more assassin, he is too far to get to him so he throws his axe as he continues to move towards him.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Move to the corridor and throw his hand axe
Atk (1d20+5)[19] dmg (1d6+3)[6]

[Amnestic]

Between the toll of Senna's spell and Vyvian's strikes, their intruder is knocked unconscious, falling into a (still slightly bleeding) heap on the floor. You can make out that he is breathing however.

Melian's sudden rush of movement and Caelyn's scimitar throws the staff wielder off balance, just in time to be simultaneously struck by axe, fire and eldritch energies all at once. This is all too much for him, and he's thrown into the room, past Caelyn (who nimbly avoids the flying man bouncing off the walls) before crumpling in a pile - dead. With the loss of his master, the mephit erupts in an explosion of its native steam, showering the room in scalding liquid - it puts out the worst of the fire, and once again Caelyn manages to dive out of the way in time to avoid being struck.

You're left with two bodies and one hostage, still unconscious and bleeding slightly. It's probably not immediately life threatening, but if left untreated he will - eventually - die.

If you cast your ears around in the quiet after combat ends, you can hear that the inn is apparently still operating as normal. The same creaking and quiet, low din of voices that lulled you to sleep are still there. As best you can tell, if anyone heard the fight none of them thought anything amiss.

Spoiler: Combat Concluded

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With this, victory is yours! I'm not planning on any more combat before your next long rest so assuming you don't start stabbing people randomly, you can all go ahead and level up to 3rd now.

If you conduct a search of the bodies, it reveals some mundane equipment (a quarterstsaff, leather armour, shortswords, arrows and bows), two magical scrolls (Magic Missiles and Mage Armour) and two potions. One of Healing and one of Heroism. There's also 24 gold pieces spread across their coinpouches, and the quarterstaff man had a notice tucked into his belt.

Spoiler: Notice

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BOUNTY NOTICE

Be it known to all those of the shadows, that a bounty has been placed upon the heads of the foster children of Gorion.

Last seen in the area of Candlekeep, these persons are to be killed in quick order.

Those returning with proof of the deed shall receive no less than 200 coins of gold per head.

As always, any that reveal these plans to the forces of law shall join the target in their fate.

[A rough, but for the most part accurate description of each of you follows - although they got Sam's scale colour wrong as copper instead of brass]

Spoiler: Potion of Heroism

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The drinker is immune to being frightened and gains +2 temporary hit points at the start of each of its turns. This effect lasts for 1 minute.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Aintas looks dispassionately around as he cleans his weapon with the shirt of one of the dead guys and collects his axe. Then he starts methodically striping the bodies of anything valuable.

"Is everyone OK? How hurt is everyone?"

He then piles the dead at one corner, making sure that blood does not spill and looks at the bound guy.

"I will question this scum here, if you agree. You are welcome to help. I really want to know where did he get the bounty, and how did this team assemble

And then, I have some words for the gnomish innkeeper. We are in for a discount"

[Spore]

Senna shivers for a short period after combat. She is not sure if it is the dream coming back or the sudden realization she had to have another fight. Maybe she is scared of her unhinged self DURING combat.

Get me some rope in here. I don't want to risk anything but I will heal him. Senna says before incanting a short prayer for her own health. Aynone else badly hurt? she calls out.

Spoiler

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(1d8+3)[4]

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 17/17 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: Caelyn picks herself up off the ground and looks angrily at the dead caster. Resisting the urge to spit on his corpse, she reaches into a small pouch and finds the miniature strawberries she enchanted the previous day. The magic would fade soon, so she popped them one at a time into her mouth. Slowly the red painful burns melt away along with the scrapes of the mephit's claws, leaving behind only some scratches. With a whispered word of druidic, even those faded away. Then she yelled out into the hallway I'm fine, just a little scuffed up. Is everyone else ok too? Suddenly she realized that someone was NOT ok. Going back down to the floor, she found Tal Kess huddling under the bed, rigid with terror. With a bit of cooing and some stroking she convinced the rabbit to jump into her arms, where she hugged him tight and stroked his ears. Stepping out into the hallway, she reached a hand down and gave Bokono a few quick pets as well, thanking him for his help in druidic. The spirit did not make a noise, but it did float upward into her affections. Whether this was because it enjoyed the contact or simply thought she expected it, Caelee would never know. Turning to Melian, she smiled small. Thank you for the aid, sister. I was getting a little worried there. I don't know if I could have dodged another of those spells. Then she went down the hallway to thank Aintas and Sam in much the same fashion.

[cigaw]

Melian Galanodel Eladrin Bladesinger AC: 13 HP: 14/14 PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Breathing in deeply, Melian dismissed the bladesong as she exhales, slightly loosening the grip on her dagger. She walks up to Caelyn and hugs her, whispering "I'm sorry I hesitated, Caelyn. You bore the brunt of that attack because of it." Eyes downcast, she steps into the hallway to check on her other siblings. "I'm fine," she replies to Aintas and Senna. "Caelyn was hurt but her own magic seems to have dealt with it." Her tone is even but slightly embarrassed. She pauses, telepathically ordering her familiar to keep an eye on the stairs and warn her if anyone approaches. "I don't know what's worse," she says to no one in particular. "Having what I can only assume was a nightmare for the first time, getting ambushed on our first night of comfortable rest or," she visibly shivers for a second, bringing one hand to the nape of her neck and then disgustedly dropping to the floor what appears to be a single, sizable garden slug. "Or the damnable SLUGS." She stares at the crawling vermin in obvious disgust and confusion. "Did that hedge mage use some sort of vermin summoning spell? Why?" she whispers under her breath. Spoiler: OOC Show Familiar is checking out the stairs.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock AC: 12 (11) HP: 24/24 PP: 9 PIv: 14 PIs: 10 Conditions: -Unarmored, Expeditious Retreat Sam quickly pokes his head into Senna and Vyvian's room, hand crackling with green bolts of energy. But the assassin has already fallen. With a sigh of relief he lowers his hand and looks around. The sounds of the lively tavern continue. "Hear that? Nobody even noticed downstairs." He steps into the room with the last living assassin after making sure everyone is still breathing. "Did you say you had a nightmare?" He'd not had time to even contemplate his nightly visions, but hearing Melian bring it up... "I thought elves don't sleep?" Kneeling, he picks up the garden slug thrown to the floor, cradling it in his hands and allowing it to crawl over them. "Whoa now, it's not the slug's fault. Hey there little guy. Are you lost?" "Eugh, really?" the imp alights on his shoulder, shuddering at the sight of the garden pest. She looks away to the fallen assassin and takes a deep breath in through her nose. "Do you smell that? Can you feel it? The blood of two more killers soaks the floor, and your power grows." She looks at Melian nearby. "Do you remember the components she got from the bartender last night?" Sam shakes his head, ever so subtly. Grepha sighs and points towards the door. "Then go ask him to get you the same thing she ordered. And take a page from your brother's book, he owes you for this unsatisfactory stay. Guilt him and he may give them for free." Seeing Sam's confused expression, she elaborates, "You want to win our little wager don't you? The time draws near." Still cradling the slug and switching hands whenever it tries to crawl off the edge, Sam glances back at the door to the room. But he takes a seat on one of the beds in front of the assassin as he gets tied up, first. "Yeah. Wake him up, Senna. It's time we find out who wants us... dead."

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas


Aintas perks up when he hears about a nightmare.

'Wait. You had a nightmare,too? Strange. Mine was vivid, about someone saying I was weak and wanting to share power. But I missed the slug part.

But no matter. Let's do the asking part.'

[purepolarpanzer]

Caelyn Syol'arael Wood Elf Druid AC: 14 HP: 25/25 PP: 15 PIv: 10 PIs: 15 Conditions: -- Concentrating on: A dream? Is that what that was? Caelyn shudders and wraps her arms around herself and Kess. That was terrifying. Do you all have "dreams" every night? How do you stand it? The last time something like that happened to me was when I fell out of that tree near the kitchens. I hope it never happens again. She shivers again, remembering the violent and fiery vision she'd seen. In my dream... something wanted me to take it's power and grow stronger. It sounds a lot like yours, Aintas.

[Ramsus]

Vyvian Just Half-Elf Rogue AC: 14 HP: 24/24 PP: 13 PIv: 9 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Vyvian restrains the urge to snicker about the slugs. The prank didn't really work out and that was a bit sad. She's not sure what's going on with all these nightmares people had. Especially people who don't sleep. She sure doesn't recall anything like that happening before and doesn't recall having any dreams herself. Vyvian just gives a nod to Aintas that she's ok and examines the note and frowns at it.

[Spore]

Senna listens to her siblings. Strange. I suppose a dream spell would be the first thing I assume. But I think it stated that elves cannot be reached by these means. That means there is something from within. I felt it too. It must have been something that links us. But I can't see Gorion or anyone from Candlekeep doing this. Not even Elminster can invade someone's dreams, I think. Senna ponders.

Meanwhile in front of her the bandit groans. Oh right, the bandit. she says as she sends a prayer to Deneir. Good morning, my friend. she says to him with a smile, drawing her dagger to put her friendly face into the right context.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Since his luck has held so far, Aintas goes for some pure intimidation. Nodding unseen to his siblings to join in, Aintas joins his face to that of his sister.


"This is going to be short. Your friends are dead. You have two choices. Answer our few questions, and we hand you over to the guards here, alive and unharmed. A man of your ... skills will cope.
Try and be brave or cunning and I bash your brains out right here in the hall. Or even better, I have my sisters here burn you alive.Your life means nothing to me and nooone will question one more body.
Decide. Quickly. In thirty seconds I walk down either way."

Aintas waits, a cold expression on his face.

Spoiler: OOC

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Intimidate (1d20+4)[24]
EDIT: Aintas is on fire in this scene

[Amnestic]

The man shakes his head a bit, shuffles and winces, the pain in his back still clearly written on his face. He glances at the dagger, looks around the room, locks eyes with Aintas as he's threatened and simply says "Yeah aight whatchu wanna know?" He's grasped his scenario pretty quickly it seems, and he doesn't particularly sound interested in dying.

Spoiler: Familiar

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The stairs are empty aside from one man passed out drunk, strewn across the steps a floor up.

[RandomWombat]

Cheerful Sam Half-Dragon Warlock AC: 12 (11) HP: 24/24 PP: 9 PIv: 14 PIs: 10 Conditions: -Unarmored, Expeditious Retreat The whole threatening people thing doesn't really sit well with Sam, and he fidgets, trying not to watch the scene. Aintas' vivid threats are particularly unnerving, coming from his normally collected and good-natured brother. "What's your name?" he asks, first, trying to frame the guy as a person. Grepha is less concerned, squatting near the prisoner and watching the exchange with approval. "Ask if he has any group affiliation. He obviously had accomplices." "And who were your partners?" Sam asks, relaying the imp's thoughts.

[Spore]

Did a large... Senna tries to suppress the need to relay more information than necessary to the assassin. Who hired you? Even just a shady contact would help us.

Senna stands up, cleans her night gown and clears her throat. With a bit of playful arrogance she adds: Either way, we are not worth this little pocket money. By the by, normally I don't charge for my healing services, but I make an exception this time. she purrs. You're lucky my sister wanted you alive, my dear.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Aintas nods as his siblings ask, as if this was on his mind from the start.

"These are the question who will let you live:
First, who hired you all and how?
Second, when did the bounty start?
Third, where did your little murder party meet and how did you know to track us here?

And don't lie. Your life depends on it."

Spoiler: OOC

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Insight (1d20+4)[20]

[Amnestic]

"Folks call me Scrambles. Guys you killed were my brother, who folks also called Scrambles, and a guy we fell in with called Tarnesh." He confirms casually. "Always thought he changed his name to make himself seem more imposing. Taaaarnesh. Tarrrrrnessssssh. Seems fake, you know? Sort of thing a magicman would do." It might be the blood loss from his injuries, or the bump on his head, or both or neither making him seem a bit...off balance.

"Anyway, we're freelance hunters - killers for hire. Sometimes we kidnap people too. We get all our job offers through middlemen - there's a network of them up and down the Sword Coast who give out contracts. Ours come by bird. You guys are just the latest one." He pauses, then corrects himself - "Were the latest one." He looks at you all, eyes a bit glassy, before shaking his head back and forth quickly, the sort of thing you'd do to wake yourself up.
"What else did you want to know again?" After a prompt he continues. "Ah yeah, it must've been posted within the last few days at least since it wasn't there when we did our last job. Don't know when though, they don't put dates on these things. We'd remember it too, not often you get 200 gold for a head."
"Couldn't believe our good fortune when you all wandered into the inn - not hard to spot, you all kind of stand out." Scrambles inclines his head at Sam and the elves. "Guess it wasn't so good after all." He laughs, and it seems sincere. It takes him a minute to calm down.

"Anything else? Did I miss something?"

Spoiler: Insight

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He's not lying.

[ProudGrognard]

Aintas

Aintas stands up.

"You know what? I believe you. You will live."

Without a backwards glance, he goes down the common room, blood and all, glaive in hand and locates the innkeeper.

"I have a complaint to make. There were three assassins trying to kill us upstairs. Fought them and captured one. I thought we were paying for some basic security, too. Tomorrow morning, we will have to talk about a discount.

But now, the guards coming and helping out would be nice."

He waits to see the reaction of the barkeeper.

[Spore]

Huh, another mad wizard. Senna reasons while putting away her dagger. Well, Scrambles, one last question from me that is. What is the usual rate for such a deed in your circles? I want to gauge how much danger we are in. I could not fathom to put a price on a life. As a reward I could remove all your wounds. You seem a bit off, which is normal considering your circumstances. What do you say?

[Amnestic]

"Oh it goes up and down. Danger, number of targets, how rich the client is. Lowest we did was 10 gold to 'kidnap' a wife from her husband so she could run off to the circus. Highest was 350. We drank well that day! 200's pretty high though. Normally you're lucky to get more than 50 per head." Scrambles laughs.

Bentley's not in the main hall - instead it's manned by an assistant who has the night shift. After a minor amount of cajoling he goes to fetch a very grumpy gnome innkeep. "If this is a joke I'll have you out on your arses." He mutters to himself as he follows Aintas back to the room, insisting on seeing things with his own eyes before making any such decisions. His demeanour changes as soon as he takes in the scene. Any remaining sleep concerns seem to have been washed away as he goes into full damage control mode. "A discount? A discount? My boy, don't be ridiculous, you're not paying us a shiny copper. Full refund! On everything you've paid for with us. And a free night! How about that? We'll have you moved to new rooms and get this mess all cleaned up. Don't you worry about that!" He spins and issues orders to his assistant without waiting for a response, who disappears and returns not long after with guards who bundle the two bodies up in cloths to drag them away.

He gives you a last chance to ask anything you want of Scrambles before likewise having him dragged away, though he doesn't say what for. Scrambles, for his part, just goes along with it. He seems quite consigned to whatever fate awaits him, be it death or servitude. If he trusted you to keep him alive, he seems uninterested in having you follow through. "We'll sort money out in the morning though - for now, my assistant can take you to your new rooms." He seems eager to get this smoothed over quickly - no doubt partially so he can go back to bed.