You see a mixture of shock and disappointment in the old warrior's face when he is backstabbed by Ahreni. "Always with the dishonored tactics... so... do you really think my god is dead?" He eyes you with pity, specially after Vicenzo's hex, which he effortlessly dismisses. "Your dark magic will not get a hold on me kid... so, if Aroden is dead, Who guides my blade?" The man sidesteps, moving away from the flanking position and soon strikes Marcellus... his blade glows even more and soon after there is a hideous wound across Marcellus chest.
________________________________
Marcellus
Melani - up
Ahreni - up
Vicenzo - up
Anarxos - up
Mr. Devranal [26 dmg, wounded]
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Seeing the knight surrounded and almost done for physically, Anarxos opts to remain at about fifteen feet of the Arodenite and break him on the inside, to shatter his will.
"My, my. Who's delusional now? An old man clinging to some alledged moral high ground and a dead god? Allow me to spare you niceties in return, then. Your god is dead and gone. He has withered over a hundred years ago, and your kind is about to become extinct. You have failed, old man. You're nothing, and your actions are meaningless. There is no hope, only oblivion."
Ahreni remains silent, preferring not to banter and give away her position when her opponent continues to show her his back. Stepping to follow him she strikes again, aiming low this time to the vulnerable joint at the back of the knee.
Her blade cuts deep between the plates of the man's armor. Well equipped he may be, but putting on armor as complex as this always leaves gaps. She thinks with a frankly vicious smile. Graxus will pray for his end to be this swift!
"You'll soon join your dead god."
Vicenzo convulsed again and sent a wave of nauseating bad luck towards the aged paladin."[/b]
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Emboldened by her God's blessing, Melani closes in with her morningstar, flaking the old paladin from all sides, but her attacks is stopped by the man's fortified armor. Ahreni once more hurts the men, this time on his knees... he limps heavily but doesn't diminish his will to fight. Vicenzo once more curses the man and evil if he resists, a bit of the witch's taint still persists in him. "What blasphemy is this..." The old man mutters. Anarxos tries to intimidate the man but his words crash against a wall of resolve... the old man not even flinch.
Critically wounded, the old man's hands glow slightly and a couple of his wounds simply disappear. The paladin once more concentrates his wrath against Marcellus, now cutting in the other direction, making an 'X' in the tough man's chest... you know that by now any other of you would already be on the ground, probably for good.
Marcellus attacks again but with his own blood covering his arms, his attack is too weak to hit any vital organ beneath the heavy armor... making only a big noise. Blood drips from his mouth but there is a grin of happiness in the man. "I'm not done yet, old man, I'll still crush yer head..."
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Marcellus
Melani - up
Ahreni - up
Vicenzo - up
Anarxos - up
Mr. Devranal [26 dmg, wounded (-2)]
He has to fall quickly or Marcellus won't make it... With the paladin limping heavily Ahreni strikes at the old man's other leg, hoping to bring hm down beneath the weight of his armour.
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Seeing that his threats are empty against such a formidable will, Anarxos sighs and draws his rapier as he closes in on the elderly paladin.
"Very well, let's resort to alternative methods. I'm not done with you yet."
Anarxos strikes with his fine blade, but he's far too slow to hope to match the paladin in swordmanship.
Vicenzo started to panic when the old man kept fighting on. And healing himself.
His throat filled up with phlegm and he spit out the frozen glob at him.
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Worried about Marcellus's grievous wounds and knowing that Asmodeus's blessing would take too long to heal him, he channels the pure evil from the lower planes, sending a blackish and reddish wave that bathes all of you, healing Marcellus and harming Mr. Devranal, even if just slightly. Ahreni barely hits the other knee and the man falls to one knee, incredibility in his eyes. Vicenzo takes the opportunity so send a ball of frozen glob which hits him in the chest...
Just before falling unconscious, the rainy clouds open in the sky and a small flash of sunlight hits the paladin, healing him slightly... at least enough for him to regain his feet and bury his bright sword in Marcellus's heart. The man whispers something in his ear as the light from his eyes leaves this world behind. Silently, Marcellus falls into the ground.
The paladin then turns steps away from you and focuses his eyes on Ahreni. "Now it is your turn, blasphemous creature... time for you to fall deeper into the Lower planes where you belong."
________________________________
Melani - up
Ahreni - up
Vicenzo - up
Anarxos - up
Mr. Devranal [33 dmg, critical (-3)]
Seeing Marcellus fall, Vicenzo tried to distract the paladin so the others could finish him.
He screamed and directed his energy towards the old man, hoping to damage his ear drums and startle him, just enough so the others killed him.
"That was your last act, old man."
_____________
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Seeing Marcellus fall, shivers run down Anarxos's spine. His face decomposes itself, becoming pale and ghastly. He stops for a split second, as if frozen in time.
Is Marcellus dead? That fiendish... He does mean business. But it's too late to run, to late to renounce.
Regaining his senses, Anarxos steps over Marcellus's body to stab the paladin, providing a much-needed tactical advantage to Ahreni. How3ever the nobleman proves once more that he's no match for a well-trained Arodenite, as his blade is easily parried.
Ahreni was seriously considering falling back for a moment, going head to head with a man that could topple Marcellus, no matter how battered would never end well for her. Then Anarxos stepped up and distracted the man, providing an opening. Some vestige of loyalty made the decision for her - you never leave companions unguarded...
Taking advantage of the mans bad leg Ahreni feints high towards the man's face and then goes low again, sweeping in a low blow at the thigh. As she does so there is a tearing sound and out from behind her erupt a pair of feathered wings, one is clearly broken and the feathers are badly stained and bedraggled but none-the-less the effect is impressive.
Melani eyes Marcellus falling with incredibility in her eyes and soon after attacks the paladin with a blow from below, hitting him in his chin, making him loose a tooth. Unconsciously the man slightly steps behind but just enough for Ahreni's attack to hit armor instead of soft flesh.
Vincezo screams and for a tiny moment it seems the paladin would fall... but his step steads enough to block yet another of Anarxos's attacks. "No... not yet... my mission isn't finished yet..." The man looks around him and at all his blood, perhaps deciding it he will try to care for himself or vanquish his foes... in the last moment he decides for the long tern, like he always did and presses his hand against his chest before lashing with his sword against Ahreni, trespassing her tight. You see there is no joy in his face, purely and mechanical duty instead.
________________________________
Melani - up
Ahreni - up
Vicenzo - up
Anarxos - up
Mr. Devranal [31 dmg, wounded (-2)]
Vicenzo backs away, afraid of the bloody sword of the old man.
He pulled out an incendiary flask and threw it at the paladin.
_____
Ahreni catches the sword on her wing, causing yet more damage to the already battered appendages. Fuelled by pain and rage Ahreni leaps onto the man driving her dagger in towards his throat. It's him or me now!
Melani once more bashes the man with her morningstar and both Ahreni and Anarxos hit the man but only with grazing stabs. Vicenzo throws a vial of alchemical fire into the man and even if it also splashes a bit into his companions, his main target catches fire.
While burning, the old man heals himself one more time before changing his focus from Ahreni to Melani. "So many blasphemers around me... I'm unsure which of you are the most deeply desecrated by the dark taint!" His attacks hits her around her left shoulder, just above the tip of her shield.
________________________________
Melani - up
Ahreni - up
Vicenzo - up
Anarxos - up
Mr. Devranal [31 dmg, wounded (-2)]
Panicked. Now more than ever. One ally dead at his feet and two more hurt. Only Anarxos and himself were more or less unharmed but that wouldn't last long if the old man stayed on his feet.
The witch cleared his throat, he spitted another glob of spittle which quickly grew and covered the old man, hopefully gluing him to the ground so they could escape.
___________
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Anarxos's mind races like lightning, considering every possible action, assessing every possible outcome. Like a mental strategy game he's playing against himself, he places himself in a state of inner turmoil he hasn't been pushed into for years. Yet it is quite obvious that the nobleman relishes this.
Yet he comes out empty-handed. We can't win against the powers of good in a fair fight, that is plain and clear. If only we had poison! I know of a recipe that would be a perfect fit for this holier-than-thou. Mental note: brew some. If we survive this.
Finding no other viable alternative, Anarxos strikes again, hoping to be quicker this time. Yet once more, his clumsy attempt is an easy parry for the expert knight.
Finding no other viable alternative, Anarxos strikes again, hoping to be quicker this time. Yet once more, his clumsy attempt is an easy parry for the expert knight.
But the act of parrying leaves the knight open for a crucial second, letting Ahreni step in and drive her knife under the armour plate and into the knight's vulnerable arm pit.
Wounded, Melani washes all of you with another of her waves of energy... once more the paladin resists its effects but both Melani and Ahreni have a portion of her wounds healed. Perhaps emboldened by Melani's energy, Ahreni takes advantage of the paladin's poor positioning to slip around him and thrust her dagger in a prefect strike, hitting him under his left arm.
This time, no light comes to same the poor man and he falls into the ground, slowly bleeding away, even if still alive...
Perfect Strike Triple Damage.
Vicenzo turned around as he saw the paladin fall. Thinking maybe he could stay and be safe, he quickly ordered, "He's still moving. Somebody kill him for good."
Ahreni kneels over the paladin, gently lifting up his visor. "Go to the arms of your dead god." She whispers as her blade slides quietly and swiftly into his throat. He was brave, he deserves a swift death - not like Graxus.
"Marcellus is dead isn't he?" She asks, looking over at his body on the floor, the livid hole in his chest making her question largely redundant. After Anarxos has finished searching their foe for papers Ahreni does a much more thorough search, even removing his armor to see if it can be salvaged. One of her wings trails through the old man's blood and seems to almost soak up the liquid, a dark stain spreading across the feathers.
The had only a few and simple possessions. In his body, you find only his masterwork made full plate and his longsword, which continues to shine even after his death. After searching thoroughly the old man's simple house, Anarxos is able to find many interesting books without any real consequence along a shelf, and also two scrolls hidden inside a holy tome dedicated to Iomedae. Ahreni is also finds a hidden pouch with 15 pieces of platine and 17 pieces of gold.
The real treasure, at least in Anarxos' point of view, lays on the man's table: five tomes wrapped in paper and secured by twine, all of them clearly compromising to his ministry.
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Anarxos proves to be quite taken by his personal obsession, growing restless until he finds the five tomes he was looking for. He quickly secures them, puts them in a large haversack. It is only then that he actually pays attention to his surroundings. He first notices that Marcellus doesn't rise to his feet, but rather remains in a pool of his blood, lifeless and cold. The nobleman frowns for a moment, then moves on. "It is regrettable to see that our companion has fallen. We should take the body and bury it where it won't be found. We cannot leave any significant clue of our presence here."
Let's face it, he was a loose cannon. This might have been necessary sooner or later. Thanks old man, I guess.
It is only then that he sees Ahreni's wings. His usual composure drops, soon replaces by a fascinated look. "Well then. This is unexpected, Ahreni. How you you manage to hide these the rest of the time? I'm impressed, for I was fooled by your disguise."
Vicenzo was sad about Marcellus, "he was a bit of a brute but he wanted to do what was right. He's just another victim of overzealous bigots."
He kicked the old man, "You didn't even want to talk. Like all your kind. Kill them all and let someone else sort them out."
"I agree. I'll help bury Marcellus. Will be tell his family?"
tag?
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The witch saw Ahreni's wing for the first time. He was concerned about this new development and bluntly asked her, "Wow, I mean. Are you with us or are you just a spy whose disguise just fell apart?"
tag?
Melani kneels beside Marcellus. Yes he is dead. While we need a replacement I say good riddance to this one. He was too chaotic to become a long term member of this team. Still I agree he died well and I too will help bury him.
Look here. A single drop of ink on the table. It appears to not be completely dried yet. I see nothing recently written. Did your paladin friend manage to send a message to someone?
Melani notices Ahreni's wing for the first time as well. Ahreni, you hide what you are from us. Why?
Ahreni chooses to respond to Melani rather than any of the others. "Because what I am draws revulsion from both heaven and hell. I am... I was... an angel. I fell in love with a mortal man and left heaven to be with him. The Glorious Reclamation came to our village and threatened us. There was an angel there - he told me to come with him, that 'Heaven was calling' and I had to answer. My husband tried to fight him, the angel killed him and I killed the angel in return. For that I was cast out, killing a fellow angel is an unforgivable crime in Heaven. I don't know why I'm still alive but I think it was my daughter - Anya. Cimri dragged me from the water a few weeks ago and I swore revenge. I'm going to track down the Knight who led their forces, I'm going to make him tell me where my daughter is and then I'm going to kill him... slowly." She gently rotates her shoulders, her wings flexing behind her. "I've retained something of my heritage - that's why this took so badly." She holds out her hand, showing the Thrune brand which is still livid and surrounded by a spiders web of black lines. "Those who hold heaven dear hate me for what I did and those who hate heaven hate me for what I am. That's why I didn't tell you."
She shakes her dark hair and changes the subject. "So, a good suit of armour and some sort of enchanted blade - does anyone want them?"
Melani nods, somewhat relieved that Ahreni was responded to her question and not her opinion on Marcellus. I understand, and I pledge my support towards your justifiable vengeance. Heaven has rejected you, but I can tell you my sister that you have value to Hell.
The armor interests me, but I will need to find training in its use.
The young woman was attempting to wear a groove in the jail's porch, or at least that's how it must appear. Not that there were many out to watch; people tended to stay indoors these days, even before curfew, and not many wandered near the jail anymore. Pava exhaled roughly onto the back of her glove and polished a spot on her armor. A four-mirror design, it was of good make, and hadn't yet seen much use. In truth, it didn't need polishing, but Pava had nothing better to do, and she wanted to impress. She thought back to earlier that day.
The candles burned, and the bug-bodied devil looked on. "I swear my absolute allegiance to Archbaron Darellus Fex, Her Infernal Majestrix Queen Abrogail II of the Thrice-Damned House of Thrune, and the Empire of Cheliax." The stone burned her hand, but Pava was strong, and she would take all of the pain, and more. She'd earned this.
She thought that then, but was she so sure now? She rubbed her palm, where the pins-and-needles feeling still hadn't gone away. How did the Archbaron even know I was in Longacre? Only back a day, and I've no exploits to my name anyway. Why me, really? She continued pacing, then peered in through a window again, as if the people she was looking for had magically appeared since last she looked. It's the waiting that drives me nuts. I should be doing something. I mean, look at the state of this place! She looked up and down the empty street. Children used to play in these streets--I used to play in these streets! The Iomedeans--this 'Glorious Reclamation'--has everyone so tense, nobody even leaves their home anymore.
She walked over to the camel that she'd tied to one of the posts. She dug into a saddlebag and fished out a carrot, which she fed to the beast, it's large teeth moving in a dance that never harmed her fragile fingers. The Archbaron's right; Longacre needs help, and firm hands are the only way. He said these are the one who can do it, so these are the ones I'll help.
The trip back to Longacre was shorter since you already knew the precise way. Bringing Marcellus body and the old man's armor would have slowed you down but luckily you found a cart and a donkey behind Mr. Devranal's home.
You arrive in Longacre a couple hours before dusk and find a camel tied in front of the Jail. Besides him, feeding him a carrot, stands a woman, clad in armor, clearly awaiting for you.
The young woman stiffens when she sees you approach, as if straightening up to attention. As you continue towards her, she seems to grow awkward, looking down at her stance, and visibly tries to force a more relaxed posture. Looking even more uncomfortable, she seems to come to an internal decision and returns to her precise, polished form which--once settled--she holds with grace and poise.
Vicenzo's head cocked as he saw the beast. He looked around to see if there were others.
Seeing none and noting that the single beast just kept on eating the... carrot, he said ot is apparent owner, "Well, what is that?"
The witch saw the military pose and quickly added, "Are you looking for the sheriff? Because if you are, she was recently dismissed..."
Pava tilts her head, a little confused. "It's a camel?" She looks to the beast, as if to make sure, then returns her gaze to Vicenzo, trying to avoid looking directly at the livid scar and yet still make eye contact. "I know they're not common but usually people know what they are."
She pauses, still standing at attention, and still looking a little confused. "I'm here to help, didn't you know?" She seems to come to a sudden realization, and quickly steps to her mount, where she begins digging into the saddlebags. "Stupid girl. How could you forget the sash." She pulls out a vivid red sash bearing the Archbaron's crest, and slips it over her head and shoulder as she turns back to you. "I assumed you were expecting me."
Pava tilts her head, a little confused. "It's a camel?" She looks to the beast, as if to make sure, then returns her gaze to Vicenzo, trying to avoid looking directly at the livid scar and yet still make eye contact. "I know they're not common but usually people know what they are."
She pauses, still standing at attention, and still looking a little confused. "I'm here to help, didn't you know?" She seems to come to a sudden realization, and quickly steps to her mount, where she begins digging into the saddlebags. "Stupid girl. How could you forget the sash." She pulls out a vivid red sash bearing the Archbaron's crest, and slips it over her head and shoulder as she turns back to you. "I assumed you were expecting me."
Vicenzo shakes his head, "No, never seen one before. But I haven't traveled very far either. Where are they from?"
tag?
He notices the sash, the same sash that could have been taken from them had they been defeated in battle. Still not trusting this boon, "How do we know you didn't just steal that?"
He looks at his companions, "In this group, we are past that at this stage. We... bonded."
He suddenly ordered the girl, "Show me your hands!"
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Anarxos cannot help but brood on the way back, rehashing thoughts about the recent events again and again. So the Bacusis were Arodenites. That would easily explain why they chose exile when House Fex rose to prominence. I think the Archbaron would like to hear what we've done. I'll report on the morrow.
It is only when he sees the camel in fron of the jailhouse that he's forcefully brought back to reality. Addressing a quizzical frown at the beast, he cannot help but wonder.
"How thoughtful of the Archbaron to send reinforcements. Come inside, please, Ma'am, and we'll discuss this matter further."
She begins answering Vicenzo's first question. "Camels are desert animals. I got this one from a trader who claimed he was from Qadira, but I'm pretty sure he's actually…."
She appears startled by the interruption, especially the sudden harshness of the questioning. "Steal it! I'd never!" She seems a little upset at the insinuation. Lord Fex clearly didn't say anything; they weren't expecting me at all. What's he up to? What kind of person do they think I am?
Once Vicenzo asks her to show her hands, she settles down. It must be tough going; they can't trust anyone. She holds out one hand, the branded edges of the stone still clearly visible across her palm. "I think that's what you're looking for. It still hurts, but the pain doesn't bother me."
She seems relieved when the nobleman invites her inside. "Thank you. My name is Pava, and I'm eager to help. "
Ahreni has resumed her usual, more inconspicuous demeanor, by the time they return to town. As she usually does she allowed the rest of the group to ride into the town some way ahead of her and only saw the results of the conversation rather than the whole thing. Trusting the rest of the group to interrogate the woman suitably she turns away from the jail and heads to the most reputable armourer she knows of (one whose loyalties are in the proper place of course!). She has a sword that needs valuing.
She holds out one hand, the branded edges of the stone still clearly visible across her palm. "I think that's what you're looking for. It still hurts, but the pain doesn't bother me."
Quite a bit more relaxed, Vicenzo extends his hand to the new warrior. "You may want to know that ours is a dangerous endeavor. We just had to bury someone who had just sworn his fealty to the Archbaron. Killed by a zealot. Are you sure you want to help us or even be associated with us?"
tag?
"So... Pava, were you sent by the Archbaron? Do you know Razalengo?"
He excused himself, turned his head, and burped loudly, "Sorry about that. I just want to know how you fit in this whole... deal."
tag?
Melani regards the new recruit casually, looking her up and down and finally nodding in approval. Strong. Broad shoulders. Plenty Tall. Looks reasonably quick. Not as healthy as she might be, but all in all she looks to be a good recruit.
Well met Pava. I am Mrs. Starsmite and will be providing your spiritual guidance. Do come inside where we can talk more openly.
"Yes, I was sent by the Archbaron, and yes, I met Razalengo." A mixture of emotions crosses her face. "I've never met a devil in the flesh before. It was... interesting. Fascinating even. That kind of power, and ability. But I'd want to be a different kind of devil--if it were up to me--you know what I mean? He's not pretty." She smiles, hoping she hasn't offended anyone.
She looks around the room for a place to sit, but seeing nobody else sitting, continues to stand. "Mr. Fex--sorry, Lord Fex--didn't really say much. I don't know why I was chosen, or really what I'm supposed to do. He gave me an income, and said I was to join you. I don't know anything else."
"What is it that you do? How am I supposed to help?"
The 'not pretty' comment hit Vicenzo in the gut. he was not liking this new companion.
He pointed that out to her, "So, do you think that being pretty is an advantage of some sort? Are ugly people just not good for you then?"
By now his purple scar glistened with moisture and threatened to erupt.
tag?
Vicenzo calmed down some, "Well, we were tasked to keep the peace in town and make sure that the laws are followed. There have been rumors of unrest in other places and Lord Fex enacted some new laws to make sure this doesn't happen here in Longacre."
He shrugged, "As for what you can do will depend on where your expertise lies. So tell us, what can you do, Miss Pava"
Pava looks flustered as Vicenzo challenges her comments about Razelango. She draws both hands up to cover her mouth. "No! I didn't mean…. Oh Nine Hells!" She drops her arms in frustration. " I just said he's not pretty, not that I didn't like or respect him! I took the oath…. It's just one thing to read about something in a book, then another to see it in person, that's all." She makes a point to look Vicenzo in the eye, doing her best to not avert her gaze from the pustular scar ripping across his face. "You're not pretty, okay? But that won't stop me from working with you; is it going to be problem for you?"
She moves to an open chair, unfastens some binding on her armor in back so she can maneuver a little better, and sits down. "I'm good on a mount, and Ramael's the best. We always took top marks in mounted combat drills. I was pretty good in hand-to-hand drills, too, so if I have to fight on my own two feet I won't be a hindrance."
The more astute listeners may be able to detect that while she is being honest, she's trying to downplay the fact that 'drills' implies training without much actual field experience.
She looks to each of you and studies your faces. "I'm also from Longacre, which I don't think is true for any of you. I haven't been here in a while, but most people know me, or at least will know my face. If we're having trouble getting citizens to go along with the Baron's new edicts, maybe a familiar face could help."
Ahreni slips in through the front door once no-one is around to look, just catching the end of the conversation. Something seems off about the woman's assertion but Ahreni is too tired to care much.
"Anarxos, what do we have in the way of valuables at the moment?" She asks. "We need some way of communicating at distance if I'm going to keep making scouting missions like this, a wand of some sort perhaps. Melani, what do you make of this?", tossing the sword towards her clerical colleague.
She turns to the newcomer a moment later with a cheery smile. "Hello, I'm Ahreni - you won't see too much of me when we're outside or else I'm doing my job wrong. Nice to meet you!"
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Anarxos bows respectfully to Pava, introducing himself formally. "I am Anarxos of House Voralius, Historian and Interrogator at the service of the Ministry of Historical Accuracy. Our current predicament is however the same, since we both appear to work for Archbaron Fex. Loyalty must be our first concern here, as we won't be able to perform our duties without that key element. The question is - can we count on you? What are your credentials, apart from the obvious branding scar we share?" Anarxos addresses the newcomer.
Frowning at the mention of valuables Ahreni speaks of, the nobleman shakes his head. "You bring up an important point, my dear. So far we have all handled our gold on a personal basis, and I think that was wise. We should continue doing that. As far as our spoils of war are concerned, we haven't made a decision so far. Since you're asking for my opinion, allow me to suggest this: First, let's pool all the weapons, armors and various items we've plundered so far, both mundane and magical. Secondly, let's see if any of these items can be of use to any among us, and sell the rest. Thirdly, we could acquire consumables useful to our very survival with a part of the money coming from the sale, then split the rest according to the value of the items we've each chose to keep from our spoils. Does it sound fair?"
He quickly concludes with: "I'm not well-versed in the appraising of wares, so I don't believe I should be in charge of this. Perhaps this would be a charge you'd relish, Ahreni?"
Ahreni looks up when Anarxos suggests her, surprise overcoming tiredness on her face for a few moments. "Yes, I can deal with that easily enough. Let's get everything together and I'll start splitting up the various goods. Your suggestions make sense Anarxos. We need to consider Marcellus' gear as well. Do we return it to his wife or reuse it for the good of Longacre? I imagine that is what he would want."
Turning to the newcomer Ahreni addresses her with a question. "Is the Archbaron paying you Miss Pava? I don't remember much of our recruitment so I'm not sure whether we are actually meant to receive a regular stipend or not. If not then that's something we need to look into - running this place isn't going to be easy without money and the need to be seen as the bastions of law precludes many of the most efficient ways of financing." Ahreni is actually developing a degree of enthusiasm here, more than you've seen from her since she first came up with the plan with the angel helmet some days ago.
Vicenzo nods when the subject of the loot was brought up, "That sounds like a good system. We should strive to make the team stronger rather than individuals."
He adds, "We should return the Marcellus gear to his wife. Albeit being rough, he worked well with us."
He then welcomes Pava and wipes his throbbing eye.
Pava has to think a bit before she can answer Anarxos' question about credentials. "Well, as I mentioned before, I was top of my class in mounted combat, and I'm a cavalier of the Order of the Star. I earned my journeyman's card in armorsmithing while I was in Egorian as well. And there's this, of course." She tugs at the Archbaron's sash.
"As for income, yes, the Archbaron has promised a weekly stipend. I thought he'd said 'the same as the others,' so I assumed you were all on his payroll as well?" She looks pensive, and a little hesitant, before continuing. "Outside of that, it seems to me that fair and equal portions of any other gains is the most reasonable. Of course, any of your gains today shouldn't consider me; I am the new girl. I expect to pull my own weight before I receive any reward."
"So who is this Marcellus; is he the one that you buried?"