As the blindness set in, Tomlin felt true desperation for the first time since the brutal training he endured to become a Friend of the Tower. His plan was in ruins, team members were down and presumed dead. All was lost. Gathering his wits and trying to retain his memory for the landscape along with what he could hear, the halfling pivoted towards the east and darted in that direction. Gauging the distance to where he saw the monk appear, he dove into a defensive roll as he passed underneath the foe and continued on at full speed toward Ian. Get out of here! Run! he shouted at the ex-guardsman as he went by the man.
As Tomlin runs blindly down the ally the gnome kicks at his head.
As he passes by Ian, Vaek appears standing behind his plate wearing comrade, a short sword in hand . The blade clangs off of Ian's armor uselessly.
The armored hulk on the roof breaks free of his magical bindings and steps over Serelina.
"Lad halvlange, nedbringe dem, der ikke kan nemt flygte!" he bellows in a course and guttural language. Then pointing towards the priestess adds "Denne ene er min!"
More arcane words echo in the alleyway, coming from near Tavrus. A moment later multiple copies of Valdr appear next to the gnome, green glowing axe in mid arc. The images swirl about the dwarf, blurred streaks of light.
The gnome is clearly in a great deal of pain, but remains conscious.
"The masters said you mightn' be need'n some help. But I'm not certain it mightn' not still be best to flee."
Round 7
The guard nearest Tomlin picks himself up from off the ground and takes a 5' step to the south, launching an arrow at Vaek.
The priestess chants the words of another spell. Then moving blindly makes her way around the corner after Tomlin, and reaches down where Tavrus has fallen.
Healing flows into the fallen ally.
From the west the closest guard charges the gnome, but is unable to score a hit.
His companion follows close behind, but is unable to get into a position to attack.
The last two guardsmen come into view at the west end of the alley and each take a shot at the caster on the roof nearby.
The arcane caster completes his spell and both men drop to the ground unconscious.
Ian drops his bow, drawing his Bardiche as he closes on the gnome and swings upward with a powerful two-handed sweep.
The brutish half-orc heads eastward along the rooftops. And again bellows a string of invectives, a blast of heat and fire emanating outward from him.
The guardsman collapses to the ground as the flames strike him.
One of them collapses to the ground, his clothing burning. The other is badly burned, but remains standing.
Ian rushes towards the gnome, but is unable to get a hit.
Edric silently swings his scimitar, with similar results.
The gnome launches himself skyward, gaining 60' in altitude.
The half-orc witch flies back in to view, red mask eyes glowing as he points a finger in Ian's direction.
Ian falls to the ground in slumber.
Valdr cries at seeing another servant of the tower in danger. "They've put him to sleep Tomlin, think it be time we run."
Tomlin summoned every once of inner strength he had. Once again his training paid off, as he shook the blinding flashes from his vision and focused on his destination. I MUST make it to the Tower and report in! Ducking and weaving in between the narrow houses, the halfling darted in the direction of the Tower as fast as he could.
Vaek takes a 5' step towards Ian, then inserts the point of his blade into the eye slot of his plate helm, "I guess your right, its better we do this the hard way" he rams the blade down.
The man in spiked armor runs along the roof and drops to the ground near Valdr.
One of Valdr's protective images winks out of sight.
"You'll be payin' for that with your head rat." shouts Valdr in frustration. He utters an incantation and vanishes from sight.
Round 8
A female catfolk comes leaping across the rooftops, as she reaches the cluster of thieve on the rooftops she hurls a dagger at one of the few guards left standing. A shingle slips out from beneath her feet as she throws though.
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.
Somewhat surprised to not have any immediate pursuers, Tomlin continued to focused inward to push himself along. Any had only one goal: survive long enough to tell the Masters of this grave threat.
Tomlin arrives back at the tower exhausted from his flight. Valdr joins him, an angry scowl on the dwarves face. "Ain't no petty thieve's, that group."
Master Isul meets the two at the tower door, her lips turned down upon seeing there are members missing. She gives a curse, "Today is just full of bad news. Tomlin give your full report to Jori then return here immediately, Master Veray wishes to speak with you."
Tomlin staggered into the Tower Grounds heaving heavy breaths, and took a moment to try to compose himself before facing the Masters. I failed...this plan, to release Vaek and then use him to hunt down the criminals was mine. And it is disaster. The stoic Halfling regained control of his breathing but by the time he came face-to-face with Master Isul he could not fully hide how crestfallen he was. Ma'am, yes ma'am!, Tomlin replied crisply to her directive then turned sharply to find Jori Banest. He was dreading this conversation as much as any. The man who trained him. And he must admit utter failure.
Tomlin approached Jori in rigid military fashion. Sir, permission to give full mission summary, sir. The Halfling waited for his superior to give some indication to proceed before doing so. Sir, we were able to track Vaek to the slums. When we arrived there I observed a group of armed men preparing some sort of ambush on the deserted streets while Vaek remained in plain view. I assessed the situation and concluded that the Criminals had knowledge of our plan and intended to ambush us. I further concluded that we needed to strike now against this group, as to let them go would compromise our ability to ascertain their location in the future. The decision to conduct a strike at that time was mine, and I take full responsibility for it.
Tomlin took a deep breath before continuing, the anguish plain on his face despite his best efforts. The fight went badly from the beginning. The group was able to stay a distance away from my squad, and our limited ability to attack at a distance was badly exposed. Serelina was their first target, likely because of her mobility. A sleep-effect incapacitated her, and she was killed by a heavily armored man matching the description of Anthony. Quickly afterward, the flying dwarf disguised as a gnome appeared. He was likely invisible just before, and he killed Tavrus via unarmed strikes. At this point I pushed the group towards a retrograde action as Valdr arrived to assist. He inflicted significant damage to the dwarven martial artist, and Ian attempted to end that threat. However, he too succumbed to the sleep-magicks and was very likely killed. Sir, only Valdr and I remain and...
Here again the Halfling had to compose himself. Apologies, sir. This group of Criminals is very powerful. Our group was well-trained, had the equipment to execute the mission, and received back-up support from the guard. But we were nowhere close to a match for them. I cannot emphasize enough the gravity of threat they represent. In addition to Vaek, Anthony and the dwarven monk, they had a half-orc priest that matched the description of the half-orc who fought the merchant's mercenaries in the Silver Spirits. However, their most dangerous member may be the flying half-orc mage who put Serelina and Ian to sleep. I know little of the ways of magick, but his were very, very powerful. He may be a newer part of their team, as eyewitness reports from the fight with the merchant's mercenaries and from Zov made no mention of him.
Tomlin continues to crisply answer any and all questions Jori Banest had of him. Afterward he adds, Sir, I await any punitive actions felt appropriate. I...I also request transfer to a different mission set. My actions here have been a disservice to my team and the Tower. The future of good order and discipline in Coran deserves better.
Jori listens silently to the information Tomlin has to offer.
"Mistakes were made, but not all of them lie on your shoulders Tomlin. I will take your advice though and change you to another assignment. Once Tunny and Aurelion get back in a day here I'm going to send you with them to Issust Hold. This new assignment could be just as dangerous as tracking down the thieve's, but is more suited to your particular skills. The Endless Desert is home to all manner of critters, among them is a clan of fire giants. In the past they have stayed far away from the empires lands, but there have been some reports of a war band in the vicinity of the hold. We need reconnaissance to find out what is going on."
"As to the thieves, I'll be recommending to the masters that they form a special unit to deal with this particular problem. The masters are waiting for you inside."
In the main floor of the tower Tomlin finds all of the masters, with the notable exception of the missing Master Torenest, but including several not of the seven, Masters Hast and Dason, an elven woman he has seen before but does not know, and more than a dozen of the more advanced students of the tower.
Master Adian's face and arms are scratched and bloodied, the skin near the wounds a vile looking yellow.
Jori speaks quietly with Master Veray, giving him a brief overview of Tomlin's report. The master responds naming several individuals Tomlin knows serves the tower. "Call them in Jori, so they can be briefed on the situation."
There is then a wait while those called come to the tower over the next hours time. The mages chatter among themselves, though there is a tension in the air. At last once all are gathered Master Veray stands and the room goes quiet.
"The situation in Gumalt is much more grave then we thought. The Frans, it appears, have been consorting with demons. The vile creatures are prowling the forests near the settlement. It's a wonder the town itself hasn't been burned and the inhabitants slaughtered. I ran into several Vrock, hence these wounds."
"Gumlat must be protected. Therefore, most of us will be teleporting to Gumlat within the hour. Master Hast will remain here at the tower to direct things, along with apprentices Ukalo and Sulath who will assist him. Most of the tower guard will be attending us."
"Jori will remain in charge of overseeing other issues taking place here in the city which I have not time to get into now, but will leave in his capable hands. Are there any questions?"
There is a stir among the mages as Master Veray speaks and explains the situation in Gumlat, but none immediately bring forth in questions.
Tomlin stood stone-faced as Jori spoke. He let the new mission wash over him and simply nodded sharply in acknowledgment of the Issust Hold assignment. A new start. He swore to himself to not fail this one.
After being dismissed by Jori, the halfling promptly returned to the main floor where Master Verey was arrayed with a large collection of Tower luminaries. The mention of Gumlat's predicament and Master Adian's physical state brought a even grimmer countenance to Tomlin's features, as if such were possible. Tomlin said nothing though. He had his orders and they had nothing to do with Gumlat or The Criminals. Even in the times of greatest trial, The Master's decisions were the highest wisdom. He would obey, as he always had.
Tomlin waited for the meeting to end before finding Valdr. In sober tones he expressed his appreciation for the assistance; the dwarf had likely saved the halfling's life. He then said his goodbyes and after changing into his disguise tower livery garb, made his way back to Tiny Town to collect his belongings and say farewells to his family. Tomorrow he would be off to Issust Hold at first light.
The night air sent chills up the young catwoman's spine as she knelt in darkness and wept over the grave of her brother. It had only been weeks since he had been released from prison. Kit had finally got what she had dreamed about for years, her brother back by her side. She explained to her brother that they had been wrong about the Mage's. "No...We were wrong all along. They are actually sending aide to people in need." It took some time for her brother to trust her word, but he came around to her way of thinking. She had spoken with the leadership and they had offered him a place in the tower. None of that mattered now...
Tears streamed down the fur of her face and dripped onto the newly shoveled dirt. Why...I just don't understand. Not knowing what else to do, Kit laid on her side and curled up in a ball. The pain pierced her deep. What had been an amazing few weeks had ended tragically two nights ago when a group from the thieve's guild, led by a man named Tony, brutally killed her brother. He had worked for them for a short time before his sentence. Obviously, he had made a powerful enemy in the group.
After hours of grieveing, Kit slowly got herself together. She was supposed to meet her contact at the tower the next morning.
Ian awakes with a start. Cold and dark memories fill his mind. His skin feels tender, like it has received excessive scrubbing from a long bath.
As his vision and hearing come into focus he can see he is in a large dimly lit room. A very large door of strange design sits on the north wall of the room, and a soft glow of lights comes from the western wall. On the south wall is another door, one of normal size, and above it is a ledge or balcony.
The room itself is circular, and has the familiar look of the stone of the mage tower.
As soon as he sits up to get a better look the lights go very dim and a firm hand grabs his arm helping him to rise. "Ian, come with me. The masters have gathered and need your assistance."
As everyone arrives to meet with the masters, the grave news of the loss of several members of the tower forces is relayed, along with the troubling information regarding Gumlat.
When Ian wakes, he immediately turns his head to vomit, dry heaving instead, nothing to throw up. He spits blood for his effort. As he struggles to sit up and a hand grabs him, he swipes a clumsy fist at his attacker, vision blurred. Heart hammering in his chest, he finally realizes he's in the Tower, not in the slums, fighting in the streets.
Struggling to his feet, even with assistance, he realizes he's completely nude.
"Uh can I--" He begins, but breaks into a coughing fit. Finally he spits and tries again.
"Clothes."
"Yes, of course." A small globe of light appears near Ian, shedding light only 20' out, but he cannot see the speaker. Near the south door is a pile of clothing and equipment.
Rilumin enters the room, saying nothing. He looks around at the others, first ascertaining race and then attempting to guess their expertise based on their possessions.
Rilumin stands average height, and would appear rather nondescript among other adventurers. He looks human, but with some very apparent elven blood in his recent family history, as evidenced by his severely angular face and slightly pointed ears. His white hair does little to soften the scowl that appears to be his face's resting position. He wears blackened mithril chain under his dark blue cloak, with a fine belt and pair of bracers with obvious elven filigree. He possesses a longbow of black horn with fine tracery and a confusing array of wheels connected by several black strings.
Ian digs into the equipment, getting dressed. He catches a glimpse of his reflection in the steel armor set out there, noticing something new. He brought a cautious hand to the deep scar across his eye, running from brow to cheekbone. He had no memory of how he got it, but he guessed that scar was the reason he had woken up in the Tower like this. Blinking his scarred eye a few times, he noticed the vision in it was dim, faded--the iris looked a bit cloudy. What had the mages done to fix him up? He took a deep breath and sighed, perks of the job, that's all.
He finds a tower assistant to help him suit up in the plate-mail, startled to notice that it wasn't his old armor, but a newly crafted suit, closely matching his old one. He tried not to think about what that implied. He felt a bit like he had lost a loved one. That armor had a lot of memories, etched into the steel by blades meant to kill him. It was also the suit that Hazel had helped him strap into countless times. Whenever it stopped a dagger meant for his guts, he always felt like it was her protecting him. Wonder if there's a pay bonus in this, should give her a visit.
When the others arrive, Ian is already sitting nearby the masters, looking seasick.
He sizes up the newcomers critically, not impressed.
"Where's Tomlin?" Ian asks the master.
Nodding to himself when he hears the answer, he says quietly under his breath, "So long, Little Brother." And returns his attention to the new team.
Serelina enters the room clothed and equipped, her cold fascade still in place after her harrowing experience. Apparently as a mage of the Tower she was granted a little more time to compose herself before the meeting. Upon hearing about Tomlin she simply states:
"I believe he had some of their blood on his weapons... that could be quite useful for tracking them down again. We were victims of hubris and being unprepared... they will not find us so again."
Roland rubbed his temples for a moment as he walked alone up the steps to where he been told the meeting would be held. Last night, his first since getting back from Isstus Hold, included a few oh, who am I kidding...a LOT more drinks at The Barrel's Bottom than had been expected. The wine had been excellent, and that barmaid...what was her name, Terecita? A man could get lost in those big hazel eyes. The thought brought a smile back to his demeanor just as he threw open the door to the meeting room.
The last to arrive of the new group members, Roland stepped through the door just moments before Master Veray was about to speak. Blonde with vivid green eyes, just under 6' tall and of slender build, the man's good lucks were immediately evident. Wearing high boots that flared slightly at the top, pants, a white shirt and a green jacket with a stiff, high collar, he look more dressed for a cocktail party than for any kind of regular adventure. His wide belt did hold two large-ish leather pouches, and hanging from hooks on the belt were two slender rods. Both are ornately carved and rather poorly designed for combat. In fact, the man had no visible weapons or armor. As he entered the room he enthusiastically shook hands and waved to some of the apparently many people he knew in the room, but did so in hushed tones as the Masters began to speak.
Roland took in the glum and tense tone as Master Veray explained the situation. People get so stressed so easily, he thought idly as he glanced around the room. He then realized that he had not been paying close enough attention as the missions were explained. As Veray finished speaking and no one else immediately said anything, Roland chimed in. Right! So, most everyone is heading to Gumlat, Jori's in charge here..along with Ukalo and Sulath... He gave Sulath a good-natured elbow and a quietly spoken, moving up in the world aren't we, eh? before continuing, and you'd like myself and a few others here to tackle a few problem in the city while you are gone, yes? Roland glanced around the room to see exactly who his new companions were to be, then looked back to Veray. And, um, what exactly did you want us to take care of? Just kill some criminals or was there something else?
Roland makes a point of introducing himself to each of the others in the group. He sees Ian, and noticing the somewhat sickened look he offers a handshake and a smile. Can't be all that bad can it? Maybe we'll even have a bit of fun on this assignment! Rilumin he sizes up as not much of a conversationalist, so he takes more of the traditional approach, Name's Roland, looking forward to working with you. And your name is.... Next his eyes took in Kit; in truth he had noticed her much earlier but did not want to be overbearing. Taking her hand in his, he planted a light kiss on it before smiling and saying, the pleasure is mine, my lady. I'm Roland, what might your name be? Finally, and with a barely noticeable hint of hesitation he turned to Serelina. It is a...pleasure to see you again, Serelina. I trust you've been well...aside from the dying and being resurrected bit of course?
A viperish smile crosses Serelina's face as she turns to Roland, "Unfortunately, a lack of adequate intelligence lead us into an unmitigated disaster... Something you should certainly be able to relate to, my old friend." She lets out a rare genuine chuckle before adding, "Actually, Roland, the task at hand is one that your skills might be useful for. We can speak further after the breifings. I could use a glass of something fine after these recent ordeals."
Still the same brash fool from the Academy. All the talent in the world and none of the focus required to wield it. An amusing fool, however... and a useful one if you can get him focused in the right direction. Such opposites we are, yet as compliments we may be quite formidable.
Their brief, but significant, history in the Academy was the gossip of their peer group for some time... She didn't really understand it at the time, herself, but he did have talent and a certain allure. He still seemed baffled around her, not understanding that she didn't still fawn over him as so many of the others did. It was simply a welcome distraction at the time, and served no purpose once her goals became attainable as a Mage of the Tower. Well, not much of a valid purpose, at any account.
Ian doesn't seem to notice Roland until almost the last thing he says.
"Just kill some criminals?" He repeats flatly, looking up at him.
Silence hangs a moment before he continues, his rough even voice reverberating in the chamber, "Criminals are cowards, and weak. They'll laugh behind your back but if they get caught, they piss themselves and beg. What we're up against, they don't run from us, not even with an accompaniment of guards. And they don't fight us outright, they fly around invisible, castin' spells from the air, appearin' behind you, above you. I ain't doubting your abilities kid, but you goin' into this with that attitude will end badly, and not just for you."
Ian shakes Roland's hand and grimaces--which was probably supposed to be a smile.
"Fun? Yeah. If I get my hands on one of those f~*+s I'll be having fun," he says, low, then his eyes focus back on Roland, unsure how long he had been lost in grim imaginings. "Ian Marros. Not my best day. Glad to have the assist, really."
"Rilumin. I heard the tower had a half-orc problem. Glad to help."
You come to in a large dimly lit room of the tower, lying on your back on the hard floor. A large doorway on the north wall immediately catches your attention. Trained as you are in magic, and even without the aid of spells to enhance your vision you can see eddies of magic faintly swirling around the massive door - wards and protections.
The lighting dims greatly as you sit up, but there is still a very faint glow - a large circle on the floor that includes most of the round room, the north end clipped where it passes underneath the door.
A kindly voice, though you cannot place a gender on it, "Welcome Miss Bellafini. The masters wish to meet with you shortly."
After dressing you exit through the southern door and find yourself in the outer ring of the mage tower. The place is familiar to you, you have walked this hall before, and yet it is not, like this is not quite where you belong.
Once in the meeting, seeing Ian, with the slight pointedness of elven ears gives you that same feeling again - that things are familiar here, yet not quite.
Having briefed everyone on the situation Master Veray hands a stack of papers each to Rilumin, Kit, and Roland. "This is the information we have from Tomlin's, Tavrus, Ian's and Serelina's efforts thus far in the city over the past week. You will want to familiarize yourself with as much of this as you can."
"We will have to make sure we get a sample from Tomlin's blades Serelina, although we will requires Master Dason's presence in Gumlat for the time being. And divinations is the one area of magic Master Hast has difficulty with. You will be left to your own devices to make use of this resource."
"This group was hand picked specifically to deal with this dangerous criminal gang. Ian and Rilumin should prove particularly effective in dealing with their half-orc warlock. Those of you without elven blood will want to be sure to take precautions against his sleep magic. Avoid being in a position where his allies can get to you quickly if he is nearby."
"I've also gathered a few scrolls to assist in tackling this problem." Master Veray hands three scrolls to Serelina. Two contain 'Magic Aura' while the third contains a 'See Invisibility' spell. "While we were able to track them the first time, given their preparedness in waiting for you we suspect they realized that Vaek had been tagged. Those first two scrolls should prevent such a problem in the future should an opportunity arise to tag them again."
"Master Hast will provide you with additional aid as needed, along with Ukalo and Sulath." Ukalo gives a grimace, looking at Roland as he does so.
Immediately after the meeting Master Veray pulls you aside for a moment. "Prior to recent events you had a certain key on your person." He waits a moment as you nod and the memories come back to you of the crescent moon pendant. "That key must be recovered at all costs, or destroyed."
Master Hast pulls you aside once the rest of the council and the apprentices have left the meeting room. "Meet me in the southern guest room when you have a moment."
When you are able to break away Master Hast smiles pleasantly. "While this situation we are facing is dire, it also presents an opportunity for one to gain status among their peers. You have the discipline and skill needed to rank among the masters. If you can deal with this problem I will see that your name is put forward the next time the masters meet in council."
Addressing the group Serelina suggest that they meet to discuss next steps once everyone has re-situated themselves. She also acquires the blood samples with the intention to scry upon the Theives.
If Roland was fazed by some of the more negative reactions to his introductions, it didn't show. Instead, he nodded and smiled wryly in response to Serelina's suggestion that the team reconvene to discuss their next steps. Taking in the whole group he responded, delightful, a drink and some planning! Not that a drink or nine will actually loosen Bellafini up at all, but it would be great to get to know the rest of you. Shall we? On the way out the door, Roland gives a wink to Ukalo and says softly. You'll check to make sure my bed has nice, clean sheets, yes? Master Hast did say you would "aid" however needed. Good? Good. His smile and laughter as he walked off gave away the joke, lest anyone actually take the request seriously.
Boots up on the table as he lounged back in his chair with some sort of gin drink in one hand and a sheaf of parchment in the other, Roland read the papers with a bemused expression. Boy, the halfling that wrote these up sure did have a big stick up his a$$ didn't he! In a deep-voiced mocking tone he read aloud, At 17:03 we arrived at Hezek's wares to investigate the results of the earlier scrying and... The Aaasimar stop for a moment and glanced up at Serelina and Ian. Wait, that was you who burned down Hezek's...good show! The man then kept reading, rapidly scanning the pages and shaking his head. With a deep breath and a long drink he set down the pages. Well, the Tower certainly was keeping you quite busy. Many loose ends here. But... and again scanning the pages, he went on this "Zov" character said something about finding a lead on everyone's favorite Anthony at a shrine. If Bellafini's little blood trick doesn't work we can try that lead. Maybe talk to Zov again too... I have a way with people sometimes. He added the last with a wide smile and another drink as he waited for a response from the group.
Rilumin pays attention, but says nothing.
At first Ian was reluctant to get drinks, edgy and wanting to get started. Once it sunk in that they'd have to wait for the blood-tracking to do anything, he gave in.
"That halfling did a lot for us," Ian says, expressionless.
When Roland waits for a response to his plan, Ian nods. "Good enough. Anthony and his gang need to go down before we can worry about anything else."
Ian takes a long drink of something that smells like it could clean alleyway pave-stones.
A young catfolk female dressed in full black leathers enters the room. She has a scimitar strapped to her side and a black leather pack over her shoulder. She struts across the room and finds a chair near Roland. She spins the chair around backwards and straddles it. She props her arms on the back of the chair and looks at each person in the room. "I am Kit. Let me be straight with you. I am here for one reason...to kill Tony's gang." She leans over and picks up Ian's drink and takes a sip. She makes a bitter face from the strength of the liquid then smiles. "What is the plan?"
Ian watches her enter, wary, noting the grace of a dancer or a dangerous fighter. When she speaks, he grins, "Best news I've heard all day, Kit. We'll bury 'em all in one unmarked grave."
He laughs when she sips off his drink, too surprised to be angry. "We're waitin' on a tracking spell, then we're gonna' kick some doors in and hope there's skulls behind 'em."
Despite the strong drink, Ian's words aren't slurred. His eyes are focused and he looks ready to stand up at any moment. Although, he does seem to have loosened up a bit.
Roland leaned back in his chair with an expressed both amused and impressed as Kit spoke. He kept the look as he took in Ian's answer. Well, I certainly can't wait to meet this Anthony. Seems like he knows how to....influence people. Throwing back the rest of his drink he sat back up at the table, and look over at Serelina. You have the blood from the halfling's blade, yes? Perhaps you should cast the spell and we get to it.