As the plate wearer collapses to the ground the dwarf calls out, "They've put him to sleep Tomlin, think it be time we run."
The man dies to Vaek's well placed thrust.
"You'll be payin' for that with your head rat." shouts the dwarf in frustration. He utters an incantation and vanishes from sight.
Among the noise of battle none are able to determine if he has moved, and if so which direction he has gone.
Round 8
Milah comes leaping across the rooftops, as she reaches the group she hurls a dagger at one of the few guards left standing. A shingle slips out from beneath her feet as she throws though.
"There are more guards heading this way." she hisses. "We've 30-40 seconds before they arrive."
One of the guardsmen that had run in fear earlier comes charging back, sees the carnage in the alley, and continues on northward. The other guard still standing heads west, ducking down a side alley.
From his vantage Sorad can see the priestess stumble out of the poison cloud in the southern alley, choking and sputtering.
"Lets dispose of this last idiot and then make with the running." Anthony called, pointing at the man with the scimitar. "Ill carry two corpses, you take the others."
Sic grimaced at the realization that the halfling was probably going to get away at this point and nodded his head at Milah's warning and barked out in cyclopian.
The half orc hissed a spell towards the scimitar wielder.
Not waiting to see the outcome, Sicsivicus began moving towards the woman's corpse.
Sic casts his spell at the last nearby target... and nothing happens.
The man steps towards Anthony, scimitar swinging.
Sidestepping the enemys swing easily, inside his armor, Anthony cocked an eyebrow in puzzlement. "That was pathetic. What is he, an over equipped guardsman?" He steadied himself to attack back. "Well no matter. Here I go."
Reaching down and grabbing a handful of the witch's hair, Sic drug the corpse over and dumped into the alley where his pal's were and watched as Tony tore up the armored man before hanging off the edge and dropping down.
+ Poison
Sorad gulps down his other potion of invisibility, then floats slightly to one side. (Five foot step down and south)
Anthony lays into the man, though his plate armor wards off some of the blows. There is no cry of pain, or wincing away as claws tear away flesh.
Vaek coming up from behind is unable to find an opening in the metal armor.
Milah hurls another dagger.
The man takes another swing at Anthony.
After striking the creature, before your eyes the flesh fades away, leaving nothing visible but bone in those few places where you can see through the joints in the armor.
Not quite sure what he was seeing, though the circumstances certainly gave him an idea, Anthony lay into his enemy again, hoping to bring him down and be on the move quickly. "Ill get the two in plate, Sics got the woman, who will take the priest?" He managed as he started swinging.
The defender falls to Anthony's assault and everyone moves off to a small hideout, the place is cramped with the extra bodies.
+1 light xbow
hat of disguise
+1 chain shirt
full plate
mwk scimitar
bag of holding type 1
50gp gems x26
Wand of CLW (50 charges)
Scroll of desecrate
scroll of create food and water
scroll of protection from energy
100gp jewelry
dagger
lesser rod of extend metamagic
lesser rod of focused metamagic
headband of vast intellect +2 (fly)
handy haversack
absinthe
antitoxin x3
mwk manacles
+1 bardiche
+1 full plate with armor spikes
Amulet of NA +100gp
Cloak of Resistance +100gp
Ring of protection +100gp
Efficient quiver
Compositve Longbow (Str +4)
A crescent moon pendant with a faint transmutation aura of unknown purpose
200gp in assorted coins and random mundane items
As the deceased are divested of their equipment, the last is found to be nothing but dried bones instead his plate armor shell.
Before they left the scene, Sic pointed at Vaek and growled. I know you gonna be leaving them fancy shoes right here sneak. Aint no way we gonna let them track us down while we're hiding with these stiffs, savvy?
--------------------------------------
At the hideout, Sic arched a buchy eyebrow in surprise at the armor encased skeleton.
Looks like they had a Necro with em. The Seven be hiring strange lackeys these days. Still, good job and good haul here. Gonna take a bit to sort through it all. But we should get rid of these meat bags pronto, yah. Maybe dump them in the bay or bury them deep in the woods...
The brute was pleased with how it all turned out but fumed inwardly that he didnt get a chance to have any alone time with one of their adversaries before they passed away... they wouldve felt your touch on their souls Father...
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a grin creeps out out of the side of his mouth, "I don't know sic, these may be a good luck charm. We have have a nice score for today's work."
Before leaving the alley, he ditches the enchanted shoes.
Drovic enters the hideout a few minutes after the others. He had been flying invisibly and watching the group's retreat. He appears in the room with an evil smile on his face. He motions to Vaek: "As I mentioned earlier...I was sent to keep you guys from getting your asses kicked again." He is obviously proud of his contribution to the group's efforts. "I would like the female's corpse. I had promised her that I would add her lovely facial skin to my mask." He takes out the mask and strokes it. "I do hate not keeping a promise."
He turns to Tony. "It must have been exhilarating to plunge your claws into the witch's flesh and remove her beating heart." The creepy witch is actually quite giddy.
"indeed, in fact next time we will let you deal with the group by yourself." Vaek sneered.
He had to admint that Drovic truly had a place on this crew, he just didn't want to give him too much satisfaction
"After we get the spoils figured out. Then there is only one thing left to do. Knowing that the Mageocracy will be breathing down our throats first chance they get. Do we lay low for a bit, or perhaps create the largest crime wave this side of Gumlat? I for one am meaning to misbehave on a grander scale."
Drovic's remarks sparked a wave of jealousy as he realized that he hadn't truly killed any of their adversary... I'll be finding that damn midget man and cutting him up real good...this I swear...
Sic'd brow furrowed and he shook his head at their sneak's bold plan.
"Damn you got big balls Vaek. Just out of the clink, down a mitt and ready to go gallivanting around town on a criminal crusade. Bloody hells man we just slew four of the Tower's pawns in broad daylight. The Seven are going to be out for our heads."
The brute cracked his neck and spat before continuing.
"You know the deal. We got bodies and loot. Time to lay low for a bit. Some of us are busted up and we're spell spent to boot. We need to get word to the Mistress about our little block party pronto and lets not forget that we still have Firyin to deal with before he slips away."
"You dont know me, Witch." Anthony spat, lashing out at Drovic in an easily dodged manner, more threat than actual intent. "It was business, an obstacle that needed to be removed, and so I did."
He started pacing, clutching his head. Finally he stopped, hands tightly clenched at his sides, a long sigh escaping the confines of his armor. "I take no pleasure in our business Drovic. You indulge your desires, I wont stop you. But dont presume to think Im anything like you."
He left the room, a meek "Nothing like you..." Drifting through the door as it closed behind him, lacking conviction, almost questioning.
Sic watched thoughtfully as Tony walked out...damn... is he getting soft?... we cant be having nobody second guessing drawing blood...
Alright well... let's get this loot sorted and divvied. Id say Drovic's a full member now with an equal share. Nice work back there brother. But surely you want more than that wenches face yah?
Sic began by strapping on the spiked armor as fantasies ran wild of his enemies look of horror when they saw him striding their way in it.
The dwarf raised an eyebrow at the conflict in the group, but said nothing.
I don't much care who likes or doesn't like who... Just so long as we all stick our differences when we have to.
Stepping out of the cramped room you see a man standing in the street outside the small home that contains the hidden safe room. A composite longbow and a greatsword are strapped to his back.
He wears no armor, but his clothing is of a fine make, especially for this part of town. The man is muscular, though not muscle bound. Blonde hair and gray eyes. His eyes look up and down the street.
Snapped out of his thoughts of self pity and confusion, Anthony quickly ducked back inside. "Ive got a situation out here." He said to the group. "Sic, come outside and grab the attention of the man there. Ill sneak up on him."
With that he turned invisible, the door creaking lightly on its hinges the only indication that he had moved away.
Sic had just cinched the last strap on his armor...damn snug it is...humans are so scrawny... when he heard Tony's call...what coudl it be now?... He shot the pile of loot a last look as he gave Tony time to get into position and then circled his pointer and index fingers indicating possible trouble to the group before sauntering outside.
He gave the man the once over... and then walked towards him as if he knew who he was.
Hey Leroy! Leroy Jenkens, is that you? Been a long time bub.
You get no discernible alignment reading.
The man's head immediately snaps in Sic's direction as he comes out of the house calling out to him. He hesitates a moment, then plays along, "Yes. It has been a while indeed. Didn't know you were living around here. Thought you'd have moved up in the world by now." While his words convey ease his stance is one of readiness.
...cant get a bead on this guy...strange...
Sic continued the play and shrugged his shoulders.
'Yah, well...you know women have a way of ruining the best laid plans. Looks like you're doing pretty good for yourself. You come to pay up on that two large in coin you owe me?
You come to pay up on that two large in coin you owe me?
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"You always had a long memory Davor." he responds. "But you don't think I'd come to this part of town with coin on me do you? Thought you knew me better than that." The man seems to be enjoying this verbal dancing.
"I'm looking for help with a job though that would allow me to pay you back on that. You still have any contacts that could handle something under the table?"
The man is certainly slick with the tongue. You can't get any kind of a feel for whatever he might be after or looking for.
His question doesn't contain any certainty to it, but seems to be grasping for possibilities - given your current location in town and the general population of this area it wouldn't be a hard guess for him that you might have such contacts.
The bastard thug grinned tuskily and tapped the side of his head with a thick finger.
In these parts it pays to have a long memory bub.
Sic's mind was running a mile a minute and suspicion held the forefront but greed was ever present right behind it... still, this dandy spits Chant like he was born to it...lets just see...
Yah, a righteous gig you says...you remember Crito and the gang? They still got their instruments and play from time to time but I heard theyre out at the mines and wont be back in town for a week or so. When and where's the party happening?
Sic knew that they still had a date with Dale... and this fancy chap will just have to wait his damn turn...that is if Tony dont skewer the fool right here and now...
"Why delay the party?" Anthonys metallic voice rang out, a good 10 feet behind the man in case of unwanted weapons flailing. Still invisible, he added. "Theres noone here, seems as fine a place as any. Not that this charade isnt spectacularly executed Sic, my compliments." As he talked he moved past the man, casually and audibly. Reaching Sics side, he dismissed his invisibility spell, appearing in the middle of the alley.
"Now, will it be Leroy then? Or will you grace us with your actual name? Would go a long way towards us considering taking you up on anything." He crossed his arms, leaning on one leg casually.
"I never actually met Crito, know him by reputation only. I was hoping to celebrate the mental training and discipline of Irori at their secondary training sight. If they won't be back for a week though I may have to find some other players. Was hoping for something by the end of the week."
He clearly isn't as good with this as Sic, but the message still comes through: Library.
'Leroy' whirls at the sound of Anthony's voice, his hand going to his blade, but he does not draw it. His eyes try and follow Anthony as he continues talking and walks past him to stand by Sic.
When Anthony appears the mans eyes narrow, taking in Anthony's armored form. His lips lift in a faint, unfriendly, smile. "Dether" he says. He relaxes his group on the hilt of his sword. "I need a look at some things in the basement level."
The library does have a lower level, but few have ever seen it. The location of the entrance is unknown.
It is rumored it contains a number of highly valuable books and a few forbidden writings as well. Many dismiss the rumors as wild fancies, which is countered with the argument against the entrance being hidden.
Opening his armor, both to get a more direct look at Dether, and to more easily convey his attitude through facial expression, Anthony shot him a bemused look. "Some things.." He said, a bit exaggerated. "...Thats rather vague, is it not?"
He reached a hand up to stroke his chin, looking unintentionally comical in the process as the armored gauntlet looked far too large next to his real head. "Suppose we are in a position to render assistance with you...academic pursuits, what would be our rewards?" He glanced at Dether with a sly look. "Suppose we ourselves had something that needed doing. Is trading favors on the table?"
"Some things is vague simply because I don't know for certain what I'll find down there. Hopefully some book or scroll with the information I am researching, but maybe a map or something else to give me a clue."
"As to payment, a trade in services would be acceptable. I am somewhat of a historian and have a smattering of arcane knowledge", Dether offers. "If neither of those are of use to you, then we can haggle over a price for helping me locate the basement entrance and getting in undetected. You would then be free to depart and I'll find my own way out when I'm ready to do so."
Anthony suddenly squinted, as if a thought had occurred to him. Looking almost suspicious, he took a few steps closer. "Say, Dether, ever hear about a man named Radgar?"
Sic's eyebrows tried to crawl right off the top of his head. He had been shocked... and a bit pissed, aye and rightly so... when Tony interrupted his dealing with Leroy and now the man was just blabbing about murderers with some dandy they just met... this dude done lost his marbles, it is... His hands were itching to draw steel and cut the fancy man up before he started screaming for guards.
"Who doesn't know that name in light of recent events?" his mouth has a sour expression. "If you want some favor related to him I'm not sure I'm interested in that exchange."
In an attempt to steer the conversation back to the deal, Sic cut in.
And neither are we bub. We're trying to stay as far away from that story as possible. Finding the back door to that specific training sight is risky business with the Eye being so close. We'll see about getting word to Crito to get home faster. How do we put them in touch with you if theyre able to play?
"You familiar with The Barren Mermaid in the docks? They can leave a message for me there. If I don't hear something back within a day though I'll have to find another fiddler."
"Well then gentlemen", he adds with a slightly mocking tone, "I shall await to see if your friend Crito is interested."
The Barren Mermaid is a run down tavern squeezed tightly between a couple of warehouses.
Aye, know it well I do and Crito and the boys have played there before so if they aint there then they couldn't make it.
Sic let the man's little jab go without retort and waited until he was well out of sight before returning to their hideout and filling in the others on what happened. He was a bit disturbed at Sorad's absence and he vowed murder if the dwarf ever squealed... too much heat for the lad I reckon...
Alright lets get this loot split up and then we need a sit down with the Mistress. I say forget that pompous fool we just met. Its a dumb move for us to risk going that close to the Tower right now and we got more important things to handle. We need to move on Firyin soon and we have a debt to Dale.
"Agreed. But lets be quick about it. I think it would be best if we turned in early tonight, as we know that the Tower scum are going to be doing everything they can search us out. We may want to hole up in the ropes warehouse. "