Raam: The City of Anarchy IC

[RandomWombat]

"I think you would get along with the druids," the water cleric remarks with a small noncommittal smile. "They too hope to see green life returned to the city. I believe they've entered into a pact with House Urvus, but they have been helping the rest of us as well with growing food and things like these," he motions at the shrub hedges. "It's been just enough to keep everyone going, limited as we are in space to grow. Imagine what we could do if we regained control of the farmland."


The slave at the beast pens bows to Qaba again, more respectfully this time. "Of course. I would be glad to help any ally of Lord Faldar. I will have waterskins delivered to you tomorrow before you leave, boss."

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Jiro and Qaba both say their polite goodbyes and take their leave. Qaba thanks the slave for his help. The three elves then return to their sleeping quarters to rest for the big day tomorrow.

[RandomWombat]

With Faldar retiring to his room early to get some rest, the guards lead his guests to the servants' quarters, located inside of the mansion. The interior servants' quarters it seems is used to house the House's human guards and psions. The bunkhouse alongside the greenhouse, on the other hand, is used as quarters for the house's few slaves, and their thri-kreen guards - not that the thri-kreen need much in the way of beds.

The accommodations are not too different from Khayrat's manor, but with a bit more room between the pair of servants' quarters. And a lack of formal introduction from Faldar has left the Mar Ravoni staying with the common rank and file this time. It has been an exhausting endeavor, and the warband settles in to recover from their exertion.

Come the dawn of a new day, the Prophets and elves are met with a morning meal of bread encasing thin slices of meat, along with a pitcher of water, a few oranges to share between them, and three waterskins of freshly gathered carru milk requested by Qaba.


Faldar on the other hand is not woken up by any servants, not yet, instead left to sleep as he pleases. But he could take the opportunity to join his family for breakfast in the dining room, if he wished.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

The elves all sleep well on the floor in the slaves' quarters. In the morning they share their food and gratefully accept the carru milk. Qaba quietly slips the slave 2 ceramic pieces as thanks for their help. Otherwise they wait for Faldar to call for them.

Spoiler: Carru milk

Show

Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar sleeps that night deeply. He dreams of the city of Raam. Multiple fires are ravaging the city. In his hands he holds a bucket and it is one quarter filled with water. He realises it might not be enough. Before he can make up his mind however, he feels a burning sensation on his back. Part of his clothing has caught flame and it burns. That causes him to wake up. He sits upright in bed for a while, thinking the coming days and months. After which he goes back to sleep.

The troublesome night causes him to sleep in a little bit, before he quickly gets up and hurries to the families dinner room.

[RandomWombat]

After he drags himself out of bed, Faldar makes way to the combination sitting and dining room, past the servants' quarters. Inside, his parents and three of his four siblings are seated around the U-shaped table that takes up the southern half of the room. A breakfast of fruit, bacon, crodlu eggs, and fresh milk awaits him. On one of the comfortable silk chairs in the sitting area, his mother's pet lesser basilisk is lying curled up and snoozing quietly. His name is Stratus, and he has a pair of red goggles worn around his head that filter the petrifying qualities of his stare.

Contessa and Egel, Faldar's parents, sit at the two ends of the U-shaped table. Both of them are clad in clean white robes, accented with the green of House Lufi. On Faldar's arrival, his mother turns in her seat to greet him with a wide, pearly smile. "There he is! We missed you yesterday. Were you too exhausted to even stop in for a hello?"

Near his father sits Torren, the eldest son and heir apparent. He is often known for gaudy clothes, but this early in the morning is simply wearing a green house robe and night clothes, a sleeping cap resting upon one of the posts of his chair. Faldar's arrival goes largely beneath his notice.

Next clockwise around the table is Mordecai, the second son. He is the head of the House's guards and security, and their major military contributions to the alliance. With a serious nod, he greets Faldar on his entry. "I hear you and I will be marching together today."

Lastly is his sole sister, Sara, dressed in light clothes and a fancy cape. She flashes Faldar a smile, but otherwise keeps to her food.

Faldar's youngest brother Kaenen - though still older than him by a year - is missing from the table.

[Theophilus]

[QUOTE=Theophilus;24825139]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

From the day previous

Greven spoke to Faldar, "I would like to visit this House of Relaxation. I promise not to make liberal use, as we have a battle coming."

Qoheleth stood away with Lazaar. The priest frowned beneath his veils as he spoke softly to his master, "He risks exposure if he carouses alone. Yet, I would not step into the luxuries of this place. They offer a viper's venom, softening the flesh to the touch of Silt an sun."

Mar Raboni answered, "Your counsel is warranted, vicar. Yet, I would give him the opportunity to see the olive that hangs ripe before us. He may learn something of value from the loosened lips of many nobles.

This morning...

The Prophets watch the familial interactions in their characteristic silence. The trio eat with their curious method of intaking food under their veils. This is the Way. Qoh and Lazaar possess a relaxed, yet ready, posture. Greven, however, moves with a sluggish gait as if feeling the accumulation of days and perhaps a bit of a hangover.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Unless the party has issues with it, Lazaar gives Greven leave to visit the pleasure house. The wilder will use his Disguise Self capabilities to conceal his person under the veils. He will not be seeking a romantic companion, but he would make use of the bathing and drinks.

[RandomWombat]

The Recreation House

Splitting off from the others, Greven makes his way alone, following directions from a House Lufi guard, who also offers to go along to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The building is a wide, two-storied manor which was once occupied by a family of some renown, judging by its lavish architecture. All it takes is declaring his access granted by the Vespos twins, and Greven finds himself inside, while the Lufi guard awaits to guide him back afterwards.

Various rooms with the finer things in life lay on offer, a den of sin and luxury. One room contains a hookah, from which a ring of humans from various Houses' guard forces are taking puffs of something unfamiliar. Another pair of rooms are partitioned off from one another; a room for changing, and a hot spring that no one is currently using to bathe in the steaming water.

The north wing of the manor has been converted into a tavern, with fine drinks on tap, and exotic food on offer. Everything on offer is free; within a reasonable limit per guest, based on the rarity of the drinks they partake of. There are may vintages of wine, from Raam and beyond, but Greven can tell that the varieties of the food have withered as the city remains under siege of itself.

And of course there is a velvet carpet whose soft surface leads up to a second floor draped in satin sheets and gold-colored tassels. But that is one place that Greven's disguises cannot avail him.

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

From the day previous

Greven had a full evening, draining many bowls of wine discreetly. He sampled the hookah, along with the fine foods. The allure of the velvet stairs called to his appetites, but the dray resisted. He did not desire to adorn a wall or a floor. That is for those who oppose our eventual rise, the wilder pondered to himself. Perhaps he could advance his arts to shed his scales like the Dragon-Sorcerer's rumored to do as they walked among their subjects. Then, maybe, he could taste the fruits forbidden.

Eventually, the dull drum of duty tolled and the servant of the Mar Rabboni stumbled from the House and toward Lufi's estates. He collapsed into a corner where the servants provided a space, sinking into a dreamless, drunken sleep.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar greets his family and gives his mother a kiss before taking a seat. "Indeed, mother. Taking small steps to make the city has taken a lot of energy out of me recently. The progress however, strengthens my fate in what we are doing. I hope today will be a big step forward in that." He then looks over to his brother Mordecai. "Are you joining us, older brother? Or are you joining the Vespos forces? Either way, we can certainly use the help!"

Then, if his oldest brother hasn't responded yet, he'll eat some breakfast before asking. "Torren, what do you think of our planned action? Besides making the city safer and sending a message about threatening nobles, what other benefits can we reap from this?"

[RandomWombat]

Faldar's mother reaches up and pats him on the cheek. "That's a good boy. So, who are our new guests in the servants' quarters? Do they have something to do with this battle you will be marching off to with Mordecai?"

"I will be a part of the offensive to draw out the Killers' forces," Mordecai answers, after he finishes chewing a strip of bacon. "It will be a coalition of Urvus raiders at the fore, Lufi warriors and psions providing support, and Vespos artillerists taking up positions on nearby rooftops to keep their forces suppressed. A reserve of additional forces, including two Defilers, will be ready to intervene should the original plan go poorly."

"To be perfectly frank," Torren answers, spearing a cluster of scrambled egg upon his fork and holding it as he speaks, "I don't expect we have much to gain from this. The Killers' territory encompasses the slums and the arena. By removing it, we will be taking off much pressure on Trade House M'ke's flank without gaining very much." He begins to lift the egg up to his mouth before he adds, "That said, the stalemate cannot last forever. And I expect the Killers are the faction most likely to jump at our throats if we tried to make a move to do anything else. Removing them will be an important step towards safety, you are correct."


Meanwhile in the servants' quarters, one of the Lufi guards enters and addresses the elves and prophets. "Warriors, I am to ask if you require anything before your march. We can provide a restock on arrows and sling bullets. Basic armor maintenance. There is also a small supply of alchemicals you may wish to take with you."

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

The elves restock any arrows they are missing, and Qaba takes a few vials of oil just in case, but they are otherwise ready to proceed.

Spoiler: Carru milk

Show

Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

The prophets Greven and Qoh take alchemist fire and acid vials if proffered. Lazaar sits and meditates prior to heading out. The leader of the children of Dregoth thought through how the potential outcomes may further his master's cause. If he could keep the other factions eating themselves, perhaps the Sorcerer-King would come. Or, if he tarried, he could steward in his master's stead...

Spoiler: OOC

Show

I will collect any acid vials and alchemist fire flasks available. Are they offering healing potions or antitoxins?

[RandomWombat]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

There are two alchemist's fires, an acid flask, and two oil flasks available, as well as . There are no healing potions or antitoxins available at the moment.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar acknowledges his oldest brothers input. He wasn't quite sure if it was praise or just an observation, but keeping him happy meant he enjoyed more freedom with his actions outside of the noble quarters.

He then explained about his guests. First he tells them about the succesful recruitment of Zantos team. After which the story follows all the past happenings of the last couple of days. "So, you see. I really didn't know much about these prophets and this is a great opportunity to get to know more about them." Faldar purposely leaves out anything about Ravi. He's not sure whether it is from shame or something else, but he instinctively does so.

[RandomWombat]

The rest of the family around the table listen to Faldar's recent adventures, commenting here or there.

"Surprising the enemy from multiple flanks was a good move," Mordecai comments, after hearing of their exploits against Crispy and his outpost. "More difficult for each to be spotted. Ensures at least one of them gets the upper hand upon engagement."

"I'm not sure how I feel about getting close with these Prophets. But-" Torren finishes the last of his plate and sets down his utensils, lowering his voice in case anyone happened to be eavesdropping from outside the room, "If we have an important member among us, we have potential leverage when it's time to make a move."

"Now, I'm sure you have preparations to make," Faldar's mother claps her hands and a slave comes to pick up the empty plates and dishes, carrying them away to be washed.

His father, Egel, stands and places a hand on his shoulder. "The house servants have been given orders to restock your allies' ammunition, and offer them the alchemicals I've put together recently. Unfortunately, I don't have any potions prepared at the moment. Is there anything else you think you might need?"

Mordecai stands from his seat and tucks the chair back in. "Vespos may have some healing potions we can requisition. We are to assemble at the north gate, so meet me there when you and your band are ready. I must begin assembling my own." He nods to Faldar, making his way out.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar nods hesitantly at his oldest brothers remarks. His feelings on the prophets hadn't yet crystalized, but he did feel responsible for providing a safe environment like the prophets did for him. "Time will tell, Torren. I guess with today's action we'll find out more about our allies."

When his mother ends breakfast Faldar says his goodbyes and asks Bontar to get them some healing potions from Vespos if possible. Bontar shall then meet them at the north gate. After sending off Bontar, Faldar goes to his allies and enquires about their readiness for the upcoming day.
"Alright people, it's about time to get things on the road. I trust you head a restful night?"

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

The prophets marshalled in their now-familiar troupe. Greven spoke with deliberate effort, "Our evening went pleasantly. Houses Vespos and Lufi know how to demonstrate hospitality. We stand ready to execute the destruction of Krono and his minions."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Added the alchemical items to Greven and Qoh's sheets.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

The elves gather their supplies and wait for Faldar to call for them. When he arrives himself, they stand up to greet him. Zantos speaks for his crew.

"We're ready, boss. Anything else you need us to do before we get started?"

Spoiler: Carru milk

Show

Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

"I am glad you enjoyed our hospitality. And great to see you're all ready. Let's get going!" Faldar seems a little different today. It's clear his mind is on the upcoming combat. And his pace is more energetic and almost aggressive compared to normal.

[RandomWombat]

Armed and equipped for their march north through the city, the warband files out of the Lufi estate. Faldar's parents see them out at the entrance, his mother waving and the small purple basilisk watching from a seated position at her heel. Egel, his father, casts an evaluative eye over his son's new allies as they pass.

Their congregation is joined by Hand, who falls in with them alongside Ptekme from where they had been patrolling while the sleepers dreamt.

Past effigies of decayed opulence, abandoned mansions and converted into barracks or other utilities or simply looted of anything of value, they walk. In the city beyond, all is silent out of fear. Here, large portions of the district are left barely inhabited save for mercenaries on patrol. At the north gate, a two-story building to their left stands serving as housing for the wall guards. The normal guard rotation has been joined by assembled warbands from the three noble Houses. Kalashandra and Mordecai stand with the Urvus and Lufi forces, while the Vespos linger around the barracks building and their commanding officers.

A Vespos quartermaster greets Bontar as he moves ahead of the others to collect some extra supplies. "How many warriors?" he asks, reaching into a trunk of supplies and potions sitting on a wooden table behind him.

Heira, the Vespos mercenary second in command, approaches Faldar and his company with a bow of her head. "Good morning, Lord Faldar. We are just about prepared to leave, once you are."


Out past the gate, a small group of men wearing House M'ke colors are standing and waiting within view, on the broad main street.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

The elves stand by waiting to be briefed on the final battle plan. Zantos smiles and fidgets with his equipment, clearly excited to get started. Jiro appears a little nervous but not overly scared. Qaba is calm and assesses our new allies to see who might be the most help and who might betray us.

Spoiler: Carru milk

Show

Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

The prophets positioned to be within the middle of the formation as it prepared to leave the protection of the noble district. Greven settled his mind. Lazaar had prepared his grimoire in the seclusion of his room. Qoheleth sought the lethal reach of the Grey, knowing the wisdom of striking with the might of the Silt when it races.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Added the alchemical items to Greven and Qoh's sheets.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

"Nine, we'll be going in with nine." Bontar answers with a gruff voice. He looks focused and does not seem inclined to chat. Apparently, serious Bontar is an intimidating figure. He is always like this, prior to battle. He hates these moments of waiting, the advent of violence, the pending up of energy. Only through release in battle, would he become relaxed and comfortable again, as he wades into combat splitting skulls. This stealth mission definatly isn't his thing.

"Good morning, Heira. We are ready as well. Bontar will join us shortly, then we can depart."

[RandomWombat]

"Nine," the quartermaster repeats to himself with a drawling voice, twice, then three times as he collects vials from the crate behind him and turns them over to Bontar. "One healing draught each. And..." he plucks out a small bundled bag which, when examined, contains bandages and sutures. "A healer's kit to stabilize anyone who goes down, patch any cuts and scrapes."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Bontar receives 9 basic Potions of Healing (2d4+2), and a full Healer's Kit with 10 uses which can stabilize someone without a Medicine check.

As the stoic dwarf marches back, Heira offers him a nod of acknowledgement. She instructs the warband further, "There is a small group of House M'ke's men here to 'escort' us through the market district to the no-man's land between them and the surroundings of the arena. In truth, they're making sure we don't cause any trouble while we move through." She looks behind her at the rowdy rabble shoving and heckling each other behind Kalashandra. "Can't say I blame them. So, let's be off then."


The lieutenant returns to her captain, and Amon calls out to those gathered. "We begin marching now. We move as one until we split off for the operation."

The gates are swung open and the warbands march out, with the small unit of M'ke mercenaries moving to 'surround' them like tiny pylons. Three of them are little more than commoners who look to have been scooped up out of wastelander villages in a recruiting rush, and thrown some gear and basic training. The fourth is dressed in a fine, but dirty white shirt and leather cuirass. His long hair is unusually clean.

The marching order makes its way across the east main street and past homes that don't look as abandoned as usual. Disenfranchised citizens taking advantage of the (costly) protections of House M'ke watch their soldier procession out of the small windows of rented homes. The better-dressed mercenary hangs towards the back of the order, near Faldar's crew.

"Hey there fellas," he greets them casually as they slide closer together to fit through a narrower street. "Hope you don't mind a little chat while we walk, hm? Break up the silence," he does a little shuffle with his hands, motioning at the rest of the marching column. "Name's Fonder. Tell me, does the noble district really have a big fountain that runs with golden honey?"

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

Jiro responds to the newcomer from M'ke when he asks about the honey fountain.

"Even better, it flows with real water. All the time as far as I can tell. It must be some powerful magic. What's your job going to be in this assault?"

Spoiler: Carru milk

Show

Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.

[Theophilus]

Lazaar Dargeth Dray Defiler Wizard AC: 14 HP: 18/18 PP: 11 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- "Speech."

Greven Zhov Dray Aberrant Mind Sorcerer AC: 15 HP: 14/14 PP: 11 PIv: 11 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech.

Qoheleth Dray Silt Cleric AC: 17 HP: 15/15 PP: 12 PIv: 11 PIs: 14 Conditions: --- "Speech.".

Greven moved to hear and speak with the escort along with Jiro. Qoheleth remained vigilant in support of his master. Lazaar, for his part, awaited the task to come and considered potential courses of action they may enact to press any advantage or mitigate risk.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Added the alchemical items to Greven and Qoh's sheets.

[Moranica]

	Faldar Lufi Human/Psion (Vitalist) 3 AC: 13 HP: 27/27 PP: 13 PIv: 12 PIs: 11 Conditions: -- Speech		Bontar Dwarf/Barbarian 2 AC: 19 HP: 27/27[ PP: 14 PIv: 9 PIs: 12 Conditions: -- Speech		Ptekme Thri-kreen/Rogue 1 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP: 13 PIv: 16 PIs: 13 Conditions: -- Speech

Faldar is quick to interject as the man strikes up a conversation. "Like my friend said, there is no such thing as a honey fountain. If you'd sign up with House Urvus, you might even see the water fountain." He then looks ahead before speaking his mind. "I'd rather not have you talk to my men right now. We're out on business, not chatter." Bontar moves a little closer, giving the man a blank face.

[RandomWombat]

With a musical laugh, Fonder strolls alongside Jiro, more casually than a guard might be expected to. "Real water? No joke? Now I really want to pay a visit," he muses in a friendly tone. "Well, see, we're not so-"

Interrupted by Faldar moving in to cut off his prodding and prying, the roguish man shrugs with an easy smile. "Understood! Business only. To conclude the business then, my elven friend, we are simply here to make certain that your warbands make no trouble while in the market."

And speaking of the market, they move past into an open bazaar. The air is filled with the smell of oil, spice and other goods lingering in the air, with folk out in the street sitting on rugs or manning stands to sell their goods. It's perhaps the most lively street any of them have seen within the city, and guarded by more mercenaries and warriors in the colors of Trade House M'ke. But this is not a pleasure walk; as Faldar says, this is business. And just as soon as they pass into a tiny glimpse of city life as it may have once been, it is behind them and fading between the buildings.

Ahead, they can see the tall rock formation of the arena looming, off to the left of their course. Soon the time comes for the distraction and reserve warbands to split off, taking with them two of the escorting guards. The last guard and Fonder accompany Faldar's band a little further, before coming to a stop. Just ahead are several more M'ke guards watching a street.

"And this is where our territory begins, and the Killers' begins," Fonder introduces, sweeping a hand a head and kindly inviting them out. "Good luck! If fortune favors, perhaps I will see you again on the way back."

The streets ahead are more like what the group saw on the west side of the city. Eerie silence of a city turned wilderness, with the sounds of occasional shouting and cries of animals breaking the stillness of the lifeless stone and clay.

Spoiler: OOC

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Proceeding from here, the group may attempt Stealth and Perception to find their way without drawing attention.

[Bobthewizard]

Zantos Elf Hexblade 3 AC: 17 HP: 26/26 THP: 0 PP: 11 PIv: 9 PIs: 9 Spell Slots, 2nd: 2/2 Conditions: -- OOC

Jiro Elf Rain Cleric 2 AC: 17 HP: 17/17 PP:15 PIv:12 PIs:13 Eye Storm: 3/3 Chan Divin: 1/1 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 Conditions: --

Qaba Elf Ranger 2 AC: 15 HP: 21/21 PP: 14 PIv: 13 PIs: 14 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/2 Goodberies: 10 Conditions: --

After getting directions from Bontar, the elves move forward as a trio and begin to scout the way. As they close in on their destination, the elves try to point out danger and the best places to stay hidden to each other and everyone else.

"Stay with us, master Faldar. Keep the others close to you. We will lead the way."

As they get close, they split the Caru milk, offering some to the others as well. Zantos makes the toast, "Here, everyone. Drink some of this before we go in. A toast to good fortune on this endeavor."

Spoiler: OOC

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Stealth (Qaba) (1d20+6)[8] (with help (1d20+6)[19])

Perception (Jiro) (1d20+5)[12] (with help (1d20+5)[22])

I'm not sure how well the Caru milk works when we split it up, but they likely wouldn't hog it all. So if 1/3 doses don't work, then it's just for roleplaying and that's fine. Or maybe you could randomly role 3 characters that get the benefits.

Spoiler: Carru milk

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Loaded with vital nutrients, Carru milk is heavy and filling. It can replace rations in a pinch, and grants a +1 bonus on physical saving throws for 1 hour after drinking it, including Death Saves. The milk usually spoils within about 12 hours unless kept cool.