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The cat shrieks in Joe’s grasp as light emits from his hands. The light infuses into the cat quicly turning its eyes from the purple glow to a heavenly golden, the fur turns white, and the runes glow golden changing to be of celestial script. A halo emerges upon the cat’s crown of golden light. The feline begins to purr. A shadow of light then appears above Delman casting down upon the trio, no source apparant. Delman coughs a bit as the same golden light comes from his mouth and eyes that was infused in his familiar.
Sitting there on the sewer floor on a world far, far away from Earth, Joe is shocked by what occurred and has a very strong feeling the universe is waiting for his next words.
The paladin clears his throat slightly, then speaks. "If it was up to me, I'd wish his redeemed familiar to go back to Delman to help him on his new path of a celestial warlock."
"And if I am granted a celestial familiar of my own, I would like it to be in the form of a harbinger or lantern archon."
Artemis just leans against the wall and watches Joe curiously. As he begins, Artemis just hopes Joe succeeds, but remains entirely unconvinced about it actually succeeding. As Artemis begins to see the results of Joe's actions, he just stands there, eyes wide in shock as he drops his gun onto the floor. "What... the..." Artemis says amazed, "T-that worked..."
"”Thank you good and faithful servant. Heironeous hears and is pleased. Help guide Delman in the ways of his teachings. Though you should choose one whom you gain your power soon or you will lose your touch of divinity.”
Joe thinks about what The Voice said to him more clearly, and clears his throat rather sheepishly. "Oh! Sorry! I misread that! I wish to know more about about the Gods I can give my allegiance to, though in my heart I'm more of a pantheist. I wish to do not just Lawful Good, but all Good, and will accept the help of any God of Good."
The paladin blinks. "Sorry, again. I'm just rambling now", Joe sighs. "I'll get back with you guys.""What... the..." Artemis says amazed, "T-that worked..."
Joe smiled with amazement. "Yeah! I guess it did! I think I just redeemed Delman!' Gently placing the snow-white cat on the resurrected warlock's slowly-rising chest, the paladin laughs with delight. "Welcome back, Delman! How ya feeling, buddy!"
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The light fully fades as Delman gets his words together, ”Well... ummmm... not the after life I want! Joe I NEED to know how to change my ways.” He absently strokes his cat as he looks to Joe. Shaking his head clearing his train of thought, ”What about the goblins? Are we safe? Are we... fighting or fleeing?”
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”Yes likely redeemed. Though being that you are a paladin you should find which god you venerate the most and likely gain your divine class aspects from. You may remain unclaimed if you wish.” She relays rather matter of factly almost too much, then she takes a few steps back and shakes, ”How strange... that was awesome Joe!”
She then sits and rests for a bit.
The light fully fades as Delman gets his words together, ”Well... ummmm... not the after life I want! Joe I NEED to know how to change my ways.” He absently strokes his cat as he looks to Joe. Shaking his head clearing his train of thought, ”What about the goblins? Are we safe? Are we... fighting or fleeing?”
"I think we got them all, or at least all the goblins in the area", the paladin grinned. "We're harvesting goblin ears and collecting survivors." Joe pats the redeemed warlock on the shoulder. "Great to see you back among the living, Delman." Looking to the injured kid, the holy warrior asks, "Will you be able to walk out with us, lad?"
”Yes likely redeemed. Though being that you are a paladin you should find which god you venerate the most and likely gain your divine class aspects from. You may remain unclaimed if you wish.” She relays rather matter of factly almost too much, then she takes a few steps back and shakes, ”How strange... that was awesome Joe!”
"Thanks Jellena", smiled Joe. "Once we get out of this sewer and cleaned up, I'd like to talk about your matron later, okay?"
The young man still covered in blood looks to Joe and shows him he can walk, and croaks out, ”My name is Arven. I can walk.” He then shuffles over to the door, checks for the flint and puts it in his pocket. He then croaks out, ”Stella? Travis? Its Arven” He pushes on the door to no avail.
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Still sitting she smiles up at Joe, pleasantly responding, ”I would gladly speak with you about gods.”
She pulls out her waterskin and hands it to Arven, as she soothingly says, ”Drink slowly. Do you need something to eat?” Providing a ration should he say yes.
She guides Arven and helps him move if needed.
After Arven calls out and pushes on the door she confidently asks, while placing the lightsaber handle in her hand, ”Shall I open it?”
The paladin follows the cleric to where she heard voices.
Joe takes hold of Arven's waist to let Jellena examine the door more closely.
After Arven calls out and pushes on the door she confidently asks, while placing the lightsaber handle in her hand, ”Shall I open it?”
"Go for it, Qui-Gon!" Joe said encouragingly.
Artemis would help Delman up, clasping his hand and pulling him up until he is stable. Picking up his gun, and holstering it back on his shoulder, looking at Arven to see if he needs help or is going to let Jellena do the work with her lightsaber.
Arven accepts the help from Artemis looking a bit skeptical about what the bombshell can do that the others couldn’t. His jaw drops as he watches the energy weapon come to life, he becomes even more astounded as she slashes the door which falls to the ground in pieces, then the rubble into smaller pieces.
Once Jellena has reduced the size of the pieces of rubble you can clearly hear gasps. Then seeing humans they cheer! Another boy and a girl, each likely 14 to 16 years old.
Once a few of the pieces are strategically removed or someone bullrushes the pile DC 18, the two exit from their room. Stella appears to be a human bard and carries a crossbow and lute on her back, short sword on her hip and a pole like object under a tarp that is tied to it by rope. Travis apparently had some wounds seen from the holes in his purple tunic that are bloodstained. He has no armor but a spear in one hand and a small chest under the other arm.
Stella and Travis both go quickly over to Arven giving him a hug in happiness as the team is reunited! Arven winces at the hug but returns it the best he can. With that Stella steps back and begins to assess her friends injuries. A quick splint for his arm using two bolts and some rope from her pack. She tears some cloth from her cloak to make a wrap for his foot before casting cure light on him twice. She gladly tells others what they can do if they ask. As this happens Stella asks Arven, ”Where is stupid head and Jillian?” Arven’s face flushes as he quickly retorts before truely answering, ”Don’t call her that... she made a mistake. We all could have. They ran off using Jillian’s ghost walk, right through the goblins. You could say it was a distraction tactic, yes, they just ran.” Looking at their saviors Arven tries to explain, ”I am or at least was the leader of the Wrathful Jackals. At least that is what we called ourselves. Veronica was new, she just became my girl friend, and was influencing my... ego. We were not prepared for the goblins. Stella was right and it looks like Travis owes you his life again. We should have done more basic jobs first. There is not much we can give you for saving us. I have four suggestions, take and even split of the loot we found once we sell it, take the staff, take the chest, or we can show you the three spots we have gained bonuses in town; to increase your dexterity, intelligence, and resistance to acid. What do you say?” Even being hurt you can tell why he is the leader with confidence, a quick mind, and charisma to force his words on others.
Joe sighs in annoyance. "Listen. I for one just want to get out of this sewer. We came down to get goblin ears and rescue who's still alive. Let us keep the bounty on the ears. Many of us are in desperate need of gold for equipment."
The paladin rest his hand on his hip. "Keep the chest and the staff as far as I'm concerned. We can talk about the rest topside. Now..two quick questions: 1) Are the Wrathful Jackals a guild of just a gang? And 2) Do you have a place of your own?"
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Frank is relieved when they discover the other two. He watches and listens to the interactions while keeping eye out making sure there are no other goblins approaching.
"Joe is right. Lets get topside and sort this all out. So who is this I'm carrying? It seems we are missing one more of you, any idea what happened to her? We can keep you safe if you want to look for her before we go back up."
"We are just an adventuring group. Yeah I guess the Wrathful Jackals are just a gang. Most of us have parents in town. Stella and Travis have been trying to find a place." Arven replies to Joe.
Stella goes over to look at the woman that is out cold and a bit relieved says, "No one we know. Well it looks like magic was being used on her and well the goblins... No we don't need to look for them, I am sure they have been safe up on the surface."
Arven takes a look and confirms that he does not know her same as Travis. Then Arven suggests, "Yes we should get out. Possibly come back with your help if the others are not found. That is if you don't mind."
With that decision made it looks like you are ready to head out. Between your memory, Stella's and the chalk markings you quickly find yourself under the temple and soon coming out of the gate. Closing the gate behind you, you move between the tombstones to the exit. Where the guard is still standing and smiles at you and exclaims, "Great! You found them. I will let the temple know." Once the group is through he locks the door and heads to the temple.
Artemis would look at Joe and Frank before turning back towards Arven, "I'm fine with coming back down, if they are." gesturing to the rest of the group. As the reach the surface and meet the guard once more, Artemis would take the Elven box and slowly open it, curious as to its contents.
Joe holds the large temple door for Frank and his precious cargo, allowing the large group to enter the temple before him.
The box does not open. It appears to be stuck or it opens another way. There is no give as you try to apply some force to open it.
You all feel a strange energy in your body as if you have something you must do.
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She readily takes point leading into her temple. Her tight fitting robe begins to elongate into a long flowing robe of dark midnight with flecks of lights throughout. Her confidence fully in place she begins giving orders, "Acolytes that are not busy need to come to the viewing room."
The closest acolytes come and are willing to take the lady from Frank. If not then they follow. The acolytes wear a similar loose flowing black robe as the one that Jellena's clothing turned into. The hood covers their head and a shadow makes it hard to see their faces.
Jellena leads the group to the closest door to the right, up a short staircase and into a room about 40 feet long and 30 feet wide. There are many beds set out on either side of the room. Some are occupied but most are empty. There is windows that allow those in the room to look into the proper temple on the left or out over a garden on the right.
With the acolytes help the lady is put in the nearest bed and they begin to check her. Arven is ushered to a bed as well. After a few comments from Jellena so are Travis and Stella. She points out, "We can never be too careful after coming from the sewers or any adventuring. We need to make sure there is no infection or worse upon you." Looking at her own party she suggests, "Please have a seat and you can be checked too. Trust me you would want this as opposed to the possibility of getting a disease or infection."
More acolytes come into the room with pitchers and basins to help clean. Towels and medical bandages are tidily set on drawers beside each bed, also there are many privacy panels that help to separate the beds.
A dark fellow, obviously a priest with a scythe holy symbol around his neck and a silver circlet around his temple. His jet black hair seems to go every which way as the hair is cut very short. He goes up to Jellena and states, "They will be well tended, come Chosen you should commune with the Mistress." She takes her leave smiling to her allies and those they rescued, promising, "I will be back as soon as I am able."
With a glowing smile she returns with the priest, she calms herself and introduces him, "This is Agrin Brack, a priest of Death. Since the lady has not woken yet he has offered to cast a lesser restoration upon her, at my request." If there is no voiced apprehension he calls upon his goddess, "Mistress heal this one with lesser restoration." The holy symbol glows white and so does his hand, touching her she jolts a little bit as the energy enters her body but soon is at rest again. The lady slowly wakes up, she jumps a bit but then smiles, she does her best to croak out a thank you but is quickly told to stop. The acolyte tending her offers, "Here drink this, you are safe and you can thank them properly once you recover."
After Agrin goes about checking the the acolytes he is glad to tell your group has a clean bill of health. Travis has a mild form of filth fever but that is being taken care of as we speak. Their group will stay here for observation over night but your group is set to head out.
Jellena offers, "We need to speak, come with me to my quarters." Assuming you follow she takes you up another staircase at the other end of the viewing room. At the second floor she leads you down the hallway to her room, once everyone is in she nearly explodes, "There is sooo much to tell you. First that strange feeling you have is your body telling you are ready to level up. When I first saw Agrin he had an aura of light around him and that told me he could level me up. As you walk the streets you will see the same, you will know it innately as well that they can level you up. We all need to get our extra orisons done so that you can each get your resurrection amulets. The reason Joe's call was so successful was it used up my amulet. Don't ask me why but it did."
With the acolytes help the lady is put in the nearest bed and they begin to check her. Arven is ushered to a bed as well. After a few comments from Jellena so are Travis and Stella. She points out, "We can never be too careful after coming from the sewers or any adventuring. We need to make sure there is no infection or worse upon you." Looking at her own party she suggests, "Please have a seat and you can be checked too. Trust me you would want this as opposed to the possibility of getting a disease or infection."
More acolytes come into the room with pitchers and basins to help clean. Towels and medical bandages are tidily set on drawers beside each bed, also there are many privacy panels that help to separate the beds.
A dark fellow, obviously a priest with a scythe holy symbol around his neck and a silver circlet around his temple. His jet black hair seems to go every which way as the hair is cut very short. He goes up to Jellena and states, "They will be well tended, come Chosen you should commune with the Mistress." She takes her leave smiling to her allies and those they rescued, promising, "I will be back as soon as I am able."
Joe sits down and waits to be looked at by the acoyltes. The big man looks around the large room, watching those that were rescued and his party members get checked. After about 20 minutes, the acolytes approach the paladin and give him a through examination.
After an hour, Joe smiles as the tortured elf woman visibly recovers, yet his thoughts darken to the emotional damage not seen that must reside with the poor lady. The party then get the update on the rescued's conditions.
Jellena offers, "We need to speak, come with me to my quarters." Assuming you follow she takes you up another staircase at the other end of the viewing room. At the second floor she leads you down the hallway to her room, once everyone is in she nearly explodes, "There is sooo much to tell you. First that strange feeling you have is your body telling you are ready to level up. When I first saw Agrin he had an aura of light around him and that told me he could level me up. As you walk the streets you will see the same, you will know it innately as well that they can level you up. We all need to get our extra orisons done so that you can each get your resurrection amulets. The reason Joe's call was so successful was it used up my amulet. Don't ask me why but it did."
The party follow Jellena to her quarters. Those gathered listen to their resident Death cleric relay the information she discovered. Joe remarks, "I was wondering when we were gonna level. We sure did alot to level up, seeing how this whole world just might be a deity's MMO."
"I assume 'resurrection amulets' are just that: one-shot resurrection spells that go off the moment we die. Am I right, Chosen One? The paladin continues. "Well, if we have no plans tomorrow, I can take those who wish to go to visit Zenli at The Fountain. Hopefully she's free to see us."
Artemis frowns as it doesn't give way, pondering on how to open it as he looks for anything unusual about the box, before gently tilting it around to see if something clicks into place for him to open it. Taking a seat on one of the beds, Artemis would spend most of his hour on trying to get the box open, allowing the acolytes to attend to him.
As the hour finished, Artemis would head up with Joe and Jellena, "Yeah, not sure what we have planned out, but I'll most likely going to be studying alchemy with Sven tomorrow so, yeah..."
As the hour finished, Artemis would head up with Joe and Jellena, "Yeah, not sure what we have planned out, but I'll most likely going to be studying alchemy with Sven tomorrow so, yeah..."
"Awesome", Joe comments. "Learn how to make your own gunpowder and such, I imagine?"
Turning to the others, the paladin continues. "Speaking of learning, I'd like to find out how those goblins used an elf to power a portal under New Faces!"
Seeming to have Death's Chosen's attention, Joe posed another question.
"Earlier, in the sewers, you talked about being 'a part of your goddess's familia'. Familia is latin, as in Latin America. And before the accident I was watching some educational videos about Santa Muerte, mexican folk saint of Death. Is she related to your Mistress? I mean, what is The Mistress all about?"
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"So what do you mean level us up? Do we need some sort of training? I assumed it would be more like a video game and we ding in game like a pause menu and choose our new skills and abilities. Finding a person to train under will be difficult when not in a city. Are we not going back down into the sewers. I though one of the women of their party still remain down there?"
Agrin pulls your group to the side to let you know, "There is a curse upon the tortured elven woman. Physically she is well. Luckily she was rescued by you. I have put another curse upon her to repress the mental damage until she is ready to face it little by little but it requires her to be in proximity of a Chosen or someone associated with the faith. Some might say it is a curse upon you Jellena. I could keep her here for now..."
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"If the resurrection amulet is around your neck when you die it will cast the spell breath of life upon you the next round. Otherwise once put upon a corpse it will activate after a prayer or the time limit of the spell, 10 minutes if I am correct." She corrects herself a bit giving more information.
She smiles politely to Joe and relays what she knows, "I don't know this Santa Muerte. I know there have been all sorts of death gods from our world. The Mistress is Neutral in nearly all things. Her areas of concern are birth, death, fate, and prophecy.
Her domains are Death, Healing, Knowledge, Repose, and Water. Her favored weapon is the scythe. Her sacred colors are black and white. As the goddess of death and rebirth, she abhors the undead and considers them a perversion. She could even be your matron and grant you your paladin divine powers. You might think it strange but she would use you a divine weapon to destroy undead."
She calmly responds to Franks question about leveling up, "Well from what I have learned so far there is three ways of leveling up. First you spend a day per level with your trainer learning from them and at the end you may get some kind of bonus. Second you can level up through a simple ritual with the trainer that takes one hour per level you level up. The third and last way that I know of you spend a few minutes praying to your god and then sacrifice 100 gp per level."
Then in response to going back down into the sewers she states, "I think we should take Arven and see if the two girls are in town before slogging down in the sewers again."
In response to Agrin she looks a bit put out but shrugs her shoulders a little before saying, "Agrin please take care of her for now. I will need to speak with my comrades before a decision is made."
Later in relation to the cursed elven woman in her room with you all, "Well first I think she needs a few days of rest to just get her head on straight, though with the curse it sounds like she might be ready. Perhaps killing goblins would be good for her? Perhaps she has some kind of special ability that the goblins were able to use to their ends of powering the portal, or another curse of sorts..."
She smiles politely to Joe and relays what she knows, "I don't know this Santa Muerte. I know there have been all sorts of death gods from our world. The Mistress is Neutral in nearly all things. Her areas of concern are birth, death, fate, and prophecy.
Her domains are Death, Healing, Knowledge, Repose, and Water. Her favored weapon is the scythe. Her sacred colors are black and white. As the goddess of death and rebirth, she abhors the undead and considers them a perversion. She could even be your matron and grant you your paladin divine powers. You might think it strange but she would use you a divine weapon to destroy undead."
The paladin nods as he processes the information. "Don't think the fact that I was able to, as a conduit of The Gods, able to coax Delman back from..wherever he was, was lost on me. I've been a practicing spiritualist for nearly 20 years back on Earth, so speaking and confronting spirits is almost second-nature." Looking into Jellena's eyes, Joe concedes, "It appears we both have an affinity toward Death."
"And I imagine having a paladin among the ranks would be quite a feather in your Dark Lady's cowl", the holy warrior smirks. "I'm sure Excalibur has some ideas on your proposal", Joe spoke, waiting for his intelligent magical sword to chime in.
"Awesome", Joe comments. "Learn how to make your own gunpowder and such, I imagine?"
"Thats the plan Joe, I sadly don't have an infinite amount of ammunition..." shifting a bit as he remembers his inaccuracy.
With Artemis forcing the box open it quickly fills half the room as it forms into a boat. Reflex DC 13 or take 2d6 crushing damage.
The light on the sword shimmers as there is no response.
Joe sighs. "Thanks for the advice, pal."
The paladin is then forced out of his chair and jarred against a nearby wall.
"Artemis! What The F#<K?!" Joe bellows.
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”Yes it would seem a good fit for you.” She says calmy in response to Joe.
”Do you have any more ques...” She begins to say before the boat unfolds into the room. She cries in fright as she jumps to the side out of the way barely being missed. After a few moments she angrily asks, ”What?! Who... Artemis? Are you playing around with magical items?!”
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After the boat fiasco is settled she asks, ”So do we want the elf woman with us? Joe would you like to speak with the Mistress yourself, it can easily be arranged?”
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Once that is all settled she leads the group back to the viewing room. Walking up to Arven’s bed she checks if he is awake, if so she asks with her polite charismatic voice, diplomacy 18, ”Arven are able to guide us along to find your two friends Veronica and the other one?”
Arven was resting but sits up at your approach. He nods and responds positively, ”Yes, I am able and willing. Travis and Stella stay here for the night, I will return.” Stella shakes her head and is about to object but Travis gets to it first, ”Our leader is used to running around but he needs to rest more than us. The arm and ankle need time and rest. I will go with them and find out where our friends are located.” Arven concedes and Stella smiles.
Leading the group out of the temple Travis leads the group to one of the nobles larger houses. The guards see Travis and let him through but stop you. Travis told you on the way, ”Arven is the son of one of the four nobles in town, Lord Rothberg. A fair but paranoid and shrewd man. The guards will likely stop you from entering.”
To the guards Travis pleads, ”They are here on Arven’s request to make sure Veronica and Jillian are safe, or at least out of the sewers.”
The guard seems impressed by the request and says, ”You may take one of them with you; without their weapons.”
With Jellena’s aid the guards let you through but only if you give up your weapons. They do not search you. Travis meets with several servants who spread the word and search the grounds as one of the maids take you to the drawing room. She serves you each a glass of wine, ale, or water of your choice. Before word comes back Lord Rothberg and four of his guards and a well armored man enter the room. Lord Rothberg quickly asks a bit angerly, ”So how is my son?! Mischief that I will have to bail him out of again?”
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Jellena perks up at Travis’s request, ”I am sure a priestess of Death, a Chosen of the Mistress, I Jellena Darkling and her comrades will not be a problem or a threat to his lordship. We only mean to help and put the young masters mind at ease. Please take our weapons and we will be out as quickly as we can.” Taking 10 again on diplomacy to aid Travis.
To Lord Rothberg she responds with sweetness upon her polite voice after she stands and curtsies, ”No, nothing at your expense Lord. We vanquished the goblins who had taken your son prisoner with his group. Saving them from those vile creatures. We ask for nothing from you, we only come to determine if Veronica and Jillian have returned since they were gone.” Taking 10 again on diplomacy.
After the boat fiasco is settled she asks, ”So do we want the elf woman with us? Joe would you like to speak with the Mistress yourself, it can easily be arranged?”
Surprised, the paladin nods. "Uh, yeah! After we're truly done in the sewers. I..would love to have an audience with The Mistress."
As Artemis opens it, he quickly jumps away from the unfolding boat, "Sorry! But who puts a f#cking magical boat into a box," he begins ranting as he rushes over to help Joe, "And then decides that the best place to put a magical boat is on a shelf, inside of a sewer..."
Artemis would begrudgingly hand over his musket and bayonet as they walk into Lord Rothberg's house, asking the maid for a glass of wine as they wait.
The lord being rather deflated and a bit embarrassed then waves his hand, "Then please have a seat and enjoy your wait. I see you have already been served. If there is anything else you might need, the maid will see to it. I will leave you to it then." He leaves with the well armored man trailing him, leaving the other four guards, now a total of six are in the room with you and the maid.
The well armored man winks at Frank before leaving, following the lord.
Soon after the lord leaving another maid enters the room from a side door and relays a message to the maid who has been serving you. As she leaves the maid who has been serving you turns to you and relays, "They both have returned, since Arven's departure though neither of them are here now. Veronica enjoys frequenting the Slaughtered Prince, not the most hospitable of taverns but she likes it. Is there anything else I can help you with?"
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She looks at the armored man skeptically as he leaves following the lord.
She gets up and goes to the maid saying rather loudly her thanks, "Why thank you, I believe that is all we needed." Then she gives the maid a hug and whispers in her ear, "Is she being forced to stay here? Meet us outside so we don't make a scene."
Despite his mind reeling with the decision he must make soon, the paladin notices the sublte nod given to Frank, and offers a questioning raised eyebrow at the warlord.
Listening to the mid's answer gave Joe pause, even more so to see Jellena offer a hug. Something's up, and it looks like Jellena might know what it is.
Walking behind the death cleric, Joe stands close and whispers, "We got your back, Jellena."
Artemis would take the wine, sipping at it as he takes a nearby seat. Not really noticing anything amiss, Artemis would raise his eyebrow as Joe went up to 'hug' Jellena, but would shrug it off and just relax.
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Frank is caught pretty off guard and unaware at what is going on, but sson realized the guards have drawn weapons.
Round 1
Frank steps to one of the guards drawing his blade he attempts to disarm the guard.
"Now how about we all calm down a second and use our words or do you want to play this out to it's bloody conclusion."