Tiann steps into the room, ready to attack if the skulk tries to escape.
Karzak is out; Jory, roll your attack with Jake's flank. Since it was readied it will resolve after Jake's step but before he strikes.
Jory's attack does a little damage, distracting the skulk. Jake seizes the opportunity and gives it a grievous slash. The skulk is bloodied.
Round 3, Ice is up.
Init order:
21: Ice Glen Inlet
20: Fledzer
19: Talhaearn
13: Tiann
11: Karzak
9: Jory
8: Jake
Ice uses blinding ray again.
The skulk steps away from Jake, and swings at Jory again, fighting defensively.
Attack: , damage
Tal is still unconscious.
Tiann is up.
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The array of vibrant colors are still swirling around in Talhaearn's head, occassionally taking shape to form giant, purple caterpillars climbing even larger orange trees, and tiny blue and yellow horses; several of which can fit in the palm of your hand.
Jory would love it here. Tal thinks to himself...although he can't quite remember who Jory is.
Guys, you need to look at the map. Once Tiann goes, you can't keep the current pattern, there's a wall in the way. If Tiann ends up not posting sometime today due to travel I'll post sometime this evening.
Tiann moves closer, ready to attack the skulk if it makes a break for it.
Jory stays where he is, and readies to attack when Jake is starting his own attack.
Jake moves diagonally, and the skulk capitalizes with an AoO, but the skulk is focusing on defense more than offense, leaving him unlikely to hit.
As Jake steps into position, Jory surprises the skulk with a swift kick to the head that he never sees coming. The skulk lies bleeding on the floor.
Tarka casually walks over to the fallen skulk, and drives her spear through his chest into the floor.
In broken common, she says, "Take what you came for and leave our domain. You have done me a service but I cannot guarantee your safety if you stay."
The other kobolds hold their lances ready.
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First Jory takes of his cap and bows to Tarka. "We will leave as soon as this magic wears off. I am glad we were able to help each other as allies of convenience."
Jory boldly asks, "Can I have the pictures back of these two?" He points to Tiann and the still stunned Tal. While his friends are recovering Jory draws a picture of Tarka with other of his kind bowing to him to exchange for the pictures of Tiann and Tal.
"I made this picture you will probably like better."
Tarka looks at the picture. "Uh...yes...take picture, just go."
Jory perception:
Jory collects the katana. The skulk was also carrying a couple of potions, a dagger, a spell component pouch, and a spellbook.
Examining the potions, Ice determines that they are potions of blur and cure light wounds.
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Well I apologize for my sudden nap...it appears as though this skulk took a page from Ice's spell book...so to speak.
Tal looks at the katana firmly in Tiann's grip.
Mission accomplished then. These kobolds have honored their part of the bargain...let us be on our way. I would like to get at least one night's sleep in my own bed before The Society sends us out again.
Tal turns to Jory. Looks like someone might be able to go bow shopping when we get back to town!
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Karzak rolls over, the movement interrupting his contented snorting. A bass-drum fart rolls out of his backside, then seconds later its odor seems to wake the dwarf up. He sits, wrinkling his nose, then thunks the side of his thick head with his hammer.
What in tha' 'ells happened? Got meself a fine nap an' all, but... He casts his eyes around, and sees the group once again sharing cozy confines with kobolds. Damnit...thought tha' was a dream.
Tarka frowns. "That my clan's store room. Not for you. Your friends awake now, you leave."
Your party heads out, and the trip back to Absalom is relatively uneventful. Jory shoots a wonderful dinner.
Please decide which faction leader you will visit first when you return to Absalom.
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Tal pats Jory on the back. Good hunting my friend. A freshly roasted boar will cure the hunger better than trail rations any day.
Upon our return I feel as though Amara should be our first stop; as retrieval of the katana was our primary objective. From there we can give the Prince those trade agreements he asked for...I'm sure he can make better sense of them than I could at any rate.
I suppose at any point Jake can let the Major know of Maurit's fate; and I would like to accompany him when he does. He was the only one of our patrons who didn't profit personally by what was asked of us; and I guess I want to learn a bit more about what motivates the man.
You make your return to Absalom, and to the Lantern Lodge, to present your prize to Amara Li.
When Jory shows Li the jade katana, she is ecstatic. "Oh, wonderful! Please, I must examine it."
Amara takes the sword, wiping it with a silk cloth. She carefully examines the hilt, and after a few seconds, smiles as she finds a hidden catch, which opens with a click. She removes a piece of paper from the hilt of the sword, closing the secret compartment again afterwards.
"Oh, how wonderful, it's still here! Your team has performed a great favor for me and for the lodge. I am forever in your debt! You are always welcome within my Lantern Lodge."
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Talhaearn stares in puzzlement at the false bottom on the katana; wondering about its contents. He thinks to ask about them but then decides not to...best not to appear too incompetent in front of the higher-ups.
'twas our pleasure to serve Ms. Li. Tal offers Amara a bow...unsure whether or not this is the right thing to do. On his way back up he glances over to Jory...hoping not to see him making a hasty sketch of the scene.
With her instinct for etiquette, Li returns the bow, inclined less due to her higher station.
"You must be hungry after your journey, please feel free to stop in the kitchens before you leave, our chefs always have wonderful snacks being prepared."
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Karzak nods his agreement with Jory, and sets his stance before Jake and Tal, his massive arms crossed over his chest. Gonna be a tough time of it if yer thinkin' ta' keep a dwarf from a meal. The Prince can wait...he wouldn't want us fallin' over dead from hunger before we could give 'im his precious papers, right?