Arael looks at his rescuers and then to Larko, Gorvio and Rizzardo, when he speaks."Thank you all for coming to my aid. I fear all may have been lost had I made it to the citadel." Taking a deap breath. "I would greatly appreciate your healing magics young lady," in a non-condenscending tone.
But of course. Andrea casts cure lt. wounds on Arael.
DM:
Arael has a sword? I thought he was a cleric? Wait, that's right. PF clerics are automatically proficient with their deity's favored weapon, correct? And Iomedae's is the longsword. So basically, Shinon finds a nice-looking longsword? Appraise.
Shinon brings all of Arael's gear down to him carefully. "I don't think you'll have time to get this armor on, not if we're in a hurry to get out of here. We've already lingered for quite a while since I had to take my time with that door."
Shinon hands the box to him first, then the sword, then the armor, then the sack. After his hands are empty, Shinon will take a step back and give Arael some space to organize everything.
He will put on his sword, dagger and stash two potions in his pockets. Placing his holy symbol around his neck. He will ask, "If there is fighting on the road or gate, I will need my armor. Janiven assist please." Donning hastily in a minutes time. When completed he will attach his crossbow and bolts.
Looking around he will walk to each of the downed guards, checking vitals and saying a blessing. He comes across one that is near death and he casts a healing spell. "May Iomedae's blesing find your heart.
Shinon's eyes widen as he blinks and hastily looks away while the pair get Arael fitted. "Holy crap, she's putting her hands all over him! In front of us! And she's acting like it's completely normal! Damn, there must be something special between those two. Huh. She really seems comfortable around him, even if she also kind of looks like a kicked puppy when he scolds her. Guess Janiven and I aren't as similar as I first thought. No way in hell I'd ever let someone touch me like that. I like my vital organs and my throat to stay well out of reach of people strong enough to rend and strangle them, thank you very much."
Searching for something, anything to focus on other than the guardswoman groping the half-elf ten feet away from him, Shinon's eyes settle on the cleric. "Right! Okay. Well, back to business. Andrea, are you coming with me or would you rather go with Janiven?"
I nod to Shinnon. "I wud go wit Araeru and Janiben. John strong defensive type. I offensive. Good combat barance. Besides, I feeru better in wagon dan on horse any day. My choice." I stand ready to escort Janiven and Arael. I watch as Arael gets armored up. "You be fine. I good at hoding off knights. Dey not hurt me yet." Tis true, since this fiasco has begun, I have yet to take a single point of damage.
I reach into my pack and hand Arael two potions of CLWs. "Here, just in case. Arways herups to be prepared."
Shinon nods back to Kenji. "You speak the truth. To be honest, I expect more resistance would be waiting in the direct path to the city, so having our best fighters going that route is a good plan. If my group runs into any trouble, we can just hide and sneak away."
Shinon steps closer to Kenji and whispers so only he can hear, "If any of the recruits go with you, look after them. They might be itching to prove themselves, but they're not ready for real combat just yet. I know that you can handle yourself just fine, but if you have a bunch of kids to worry about you won't be able to go all out."
I whisper back to Shinon. "Now I understand how master ferut watching me ah da time. Dis is ironic justice fo sure. I keep eye on dem. I trust John and Janiben an I am sure dis Araeru is trust worty too. Best o ruck to you."
Shinon blinks and stares at his comrade. "I sure hope he meant 'luck' just now. Though I suppose he might be telling me to go after Andrea. But if he is, that's an incredibly rude and personal statement for him to make. What a strange man."
Shinon's eyes widen as he blinks and hastily looks away while the pair get Arael fitted. "Holy crap, she's putting her hands all over him! In front of us! And she's acting like it's completely normal! Damn, there must be something special between those two. Huh. She really seems comfortable around him, even if she also kind of looks like a kicked puppy when he scolds her. Guess Janiven and I aren't as similar as I first thought. No way in hell I'd ever let someone touch me like that. I like my vital organs and my throat to stay well out of reach of people strong enough to rend and strangle them, thank you very much."
Searching for something, anything to focus on other than the guardswoman groping the half-elf ten feet away from him, Shinon's eyes settle on the cleric. "Right! Okay. Well, back to business. Andrea, are you coming with me or would you rather go with Janiven?"
Andrea looks at him with an arched eyebrow. I believe that would be acceptable to leave with you, I am already to go. Andrea cocks her head. My goodness, your face is all flushed and you are sweating, are you in need of some attention? Andrea reaches out with a hand, her fingers wiggling.
Best fighters eh? Well, thad be ME leadin the count, Trigger! Ya might wanna take the string offa that stick just in case ya need take wait a moment afore wasting ammo all over the place.
He gives Shinon a good natured slap on the back, hoping the lesson was not lost on the half- elf. Then mounts up.
Seriously though, ya want some backup?
Janiven starts to give direction to the less experienced members of the party advising them to listen to the orders.
She looks at Kenji, "So you are going to go with Areal, correct?"Pleading with her brown eyes, that is probably the best thing. She nearly blushes as she speaks to the foreigner. I could just listen to your accent all-day.
Gathering her focus she says, 'Larko, Rizzardo you travel with Andrea and Shinon through the Southeast Gate. Once through sweep north to the stables and look out for any unusal Hellknight activity. Stepping next to Andrea when she gives these directions, gently placing her hand on the small of Andrea's back, as she guides the cleric towards Shinon's group. Whipering to her, "Be safe and watch out for everyone. Calm heads." Her hand gently rubs Andrea's lower back.
Then she turns and walks to the others. "It would be best if Gorvio and Duncan enter the East Gate first, ahead of the others. Besides this gate is near the stables and if there is trouble, this will put Duncan and his bastard sword behind any potential adversary."
Looking at Kenji, Arael and John, "The three of you need to be make sure you are cloaked well, hide your faces. Wait for Duncan and Gorvio to go in the city and follow a few mintues later."
Lastly, "I will go in the ruined North Gate and see if there is any news. I will meet everyone in the safehouse."
"I suspect the Dottari will look the other way since the event occurred outside city limits and no city laws were technically broken. Besides, they will not mind if the Rack is embarrased."
Andrea nods and smirks when Janiven turns back to the others. My, my, my. I might be having some fish for dinner soon. She wonders if she can encourage a certain halfling to join in.
Andrea brushes the happy thoughts away for the momment and moves her horse over to her group.
As Janiven mounts her horse, "The dottari may look the other way but the Rack will not, be prudent my friends." Putting her heels into the horse's sides. As she starts to head off on her own to scout.
Andrea nods and looks at Shinon. I think we should change into normal clothes as well before entering the city. Blood stained armor is not a good disguise,
I knew a mage once, had a spell fer cleanin ya up. Damn handy after a fight.
Shinon blinks and shakes his head. "I'm fine, Andrea," he replies, the conviction and steadfastness returning to his voice. He was about to be in charge of two young lives. Looking at Larko and Rizzardo, Shinon nods to himself. Time to stop screwing around.
Andrea then points out their armor, and Shinon hesitates, but nods. "Very well." He unbuckles his leather and peels it off his body, along with his cloak, which has sustained a bit of tearing from the mace. Beneath his armor is a simple brown tunic. Shinon takes a moment to get used to the lighter weight before stowing his gear in his backpack.
Shinon laughs at Duncan's remark and then shakes his head. "Apologies, friend. This is a stealth mission. I'm afraid your loud armor would draw attention, as light on your feet as you are."
Then he looks at Duncan seriously and gives him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Meet me on the other side." He meets Duncan's gaze for a full three seconds, then walks past Andrea and gets on his mount.
"With me, Larko. Rizzardo. My lady," he adds politely, glancing at Andrea, before turning his horse south and riding towards the other gate. As Shinon rides, his thoughts are still full of worry. Not many people were with him, it was hardly a split-up at all. Janiven's group would likely still draw quite a bit of attention to itself. Shinon shakes his head and steels himself. He has a different job. He may only have a handful of people, but he has to keep them alive.
I nod at Janiven. "I keep him safe. You stay safe you self. I not want to have to rescue you next.." I ponder for a moment. "On second tought. I wud reary rike to rescue you. Be exciting saving beautifuh damseru in distress." I smile and wink with my valiant attempt charm and humor. Wonder how well she took it. I'm bad with this kind of dialogue but I think I did alright.
I knew a mage once, had a spell fer cleanin ya up. Damn handy after a fight.
Andrea nods to Duncan, John and Kenji. Good luck to all of you. Andrea makes a little prayer gesture.Let us all get back safely so we can all share another meal together. Andrea mounts up and trots next to Shinon.
Perception: , +2 if the guy is human, -4 if the rain is still bad enough to inflict penalties.
Shinon chuckles to himself. "You think Duncan's assessment of me is accurate? Just because I jumped the gun a little...I can already tell this is going to be something I won't live down for quite a while..."
Shinon slows his horse to a light trot and takes the lead, gesturing for Larko and Rizzardo to fall in single file behind him. He leaves Andrea to ride how she pleases and slowly approaches the traveler.
"Good morning," Shinon will say in a friendly tone, without slowing his pace as his horse walks past the individual.
** spoiler omitted **
Shinon laughed out loud. "Please don't bring up the sewer. I had to scrub my hair for hours to get that muck out."
I nod at Janiven. "I keep him safe. You stay safe you self. I not want to have to rescue you next.." I ponder for a moment. "On second tought. I wud reary rike to rescue you. Be exciting saving beautifuh damseru in distress." I smile and wink with my valiant attempt charm and humor. Wonder how well she took it. I'm bad with this kind of dialogue but I think I did alright.
Prior to Janiven's departure she would laugh at the comment of being rescued by Kenji, placing both hand over her heart and pretending to faint. She mounts her horse and rides off a few minutes before the others.
The rain is still heavy enough to effect vision and ranged weapons. Even though your vision is lessend as you get within speaking distance of approximately 50 ft. you realize this is the armiger rider. Did either of you actually change out of your outer clothing?
Shinon does not even hesitate when he realizes the man is an Armiger. He simply continues forward, giving the man a pleasant morning greeting, and continuing on his way, doing his best to remain nonchalant and forgettable.
Duncan, Gorvio, Arael, John, Kenji leave the battle scene together and Arael suggest that they separate closer to the fork in the road. The cool rain continues, the air looks heavy with haze as steam comes off the ground. The ride is slow and hard as the horses become mudders.
Shinon isn't wearing his mask either.
Note I made an edit tot he spoiler.
I turn to Arael. "So. She rike dat wit aru da guys she want join her cause? Aru firty and kawaii?" I seem genuinely curious about what I am asking....if he understands what I'm saying lol.
** spoiler omitted **
He laughs and responds to you:
Perception: (Weather penalties already included)
As the guard attempts to start something, Shinon cocks an eyebrow. "I stop and help you and you're giving me the third degree now? If you must know, I've been traveling on this road since sun-up. I recently traveled to visit my parents in the Dhaefen Marshes, and decided to take the long way around. There was some kind of commotion at the Eastern Gate earlier, so I just avoided it entirely."
Bluff:
Sense Motive:
** spoiler omitted **
he seems to not be as hostil towards you but you have a sense this man is itching for a conflict.
Shinon gasps. "Rebels? Oh my, what in Asmodeus's name happened while I was away? Wait, no. Why am I worrying? The mighty Order of the Rack is on the case! I'm sure a mere handful of Hellknights would be more than a match for anyone foolish enough to rebel in the great city of Westcrown."
He smiles at the guard, putting some reverence and admiration in his face. "Hmmm...maybe someday I'll be strong enough to join the Hellknights myself! Well, until then, I guess I'll just have to sit back and let you protect me. And I really do thank you for that. I rest a lot easier at night knowing that I have the Order of the Rack keeping the streets safe."
Standing up, Shinon bows and waves apologetically. "I'm sorry I couldn't help your horse. I really must be going now. Have a nice day!"
Bluff check:
I look a bit concerned. "Weird. Master had often said da same ting bout me. Sept for the frirting part. Neber was bery good at dat. Often got srapped by da girus back in my homerand. But I was a brash reberu and often did not care what odders tought of me." I seem confused for a moment. "Is strange, master aso said I was his faborite student. I randed him in jairu. He wud stiru say I was his faborite....I not understand him."
I look back at Arael. "You remind me of master. It because of him I am here. I do as he says an make difference. Not onry cause of him, but now because I want to. I hope to come to know you in same way as master."
Andrea clings to Shinon's arm and listens as he compliments the armiger and gives the man a friendly, if scatter-brained look, just the sort of thing a trophy-wife would give. Indeed sir, my husband is correct in having confidence in the Hellknight's ability to keep our roads safe. I will have to talk to the ladies in my weaving group about doing something special for your order.
"Oh crap...she's right next to me! She's...touching me! She's so close right now. I can't...I can't stop her though, she's just trying to help me convince this guy, but...yeah. That's her only motive. She just wants to get past this guy. Andrea...Andrea is not my enemy."
Shinon repeats the words in his head over and over. "Andrea is not my enemy. Andrea is not my enemy." Finally, he relaxes and smiles, even slowly raising his free arm and wrapping it around the cleric's body, resting his hand on her shoulder and giving his "wife" a reassuring squeeze.
"We'll be fine, honey, don't worry. The Hellknights will take care of everything." Looking up at the Armiger, he gives him a subtle, encouraging nod, like "Come on, man, help me out here or else she'll be scared all night!"
Without realizing it, Shinon's heart slowly stopped racing, and his muscles relaxed. The tense constriction that had wrapped up his entire body the moment the girl had touched him was gone, and he was actually smiling and not even thinking about how she could totally shank him right now. Shinon decided to let Andrea do what she like without trying to stop her. She wasn't his enemy, so it was okay for her to touch him however she felt like.
** spoiler omitted **
Speaking loudly so Kenji, John, Duncan and Gorvio can hear, "You all can make a difference if you desire. Change is within your grasp, the people of Westcrown are looking for true leaders to help. It takes a few with courage and leadership." With a charasmatic smile.
Shinon drops his head apologetically. "I suppose that's only fair. At least this way I can help in some small way to suppress the rebel threat. Please, take the horse and ride swiftly, and may your sword strike true and sever their treacherous heads from their necks."
Shinon steps out of the way and politely hands the armiger the reins.
Shinon gives a subtle shake of his head and lets the man ride off. As soon as he is out of hearing, Shinon says, "There is always a chance that he will arrive too late to stop the others. One more armiger isn't going to tip the scale in a fight against Kenji, Duncan and John anyway. So either he arrives in time and they cut him down, or he arrives too late and they're already gone. Either way, even if he's a jerk, he doesn't deserve to die for it. This way, he has a chance to live, through his own incompetence."
Shinon turns to the other horses and sighed. "It's not that much farther to the Southeast Gate. I'll just walk from here."