GM Advocate's Hell's Vengeance (Inactive)

Game Master Sir Longears

Boting Marcellus since more than 24h have passed...

Anarxos only grazes the small dog with his crossbow and the bold flies towards the other building, finishing its trajectory with a 'thud'. Vicenzo tries to call his dark patron and press his will against Louslik but the man resists... even if a residue of Vicenzo's power still hampers him.

You all feel a wave of evil energy washing over you as Melani finish her words... Ahreni stops bleeding and Louslik looks disgusted and nauseated. Marcellus' gaze falls at the small dog in front of him and, with a mighty swing of his flail, makes him stop moving.

Seeing his other companion, Archie, also falling, Louslik moves forward and closes the door, locking himself into his office.

Still very nervous, the witch started yelling orders, "The door. Someone break that door down!"

He then waited to see if someone would comply before unleashing further evil on the tannery's owner.

waiting to get line of sight and casting evil eye hex (-2 on AC)

Does demoralize work if there isn't a line of sight? I prefer to ask but I'll post as if it worked. If not, I'll shoot another bolt at the dog.

Anarxos's voice rises to cover the din of the ongoing fight.

"Louslik, in Asmodeus's unholy name, open that door and face the consequences of your actions. Unless you're too cowardly for that?"

Intimidate (demoralize), sickened: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (18) + 7 - 2 = 23

Round Two

"Do burglars call to Asmodeus? Louslik has been shown to be our enemy."

The priestess shakes her head and moves towards the fallen angel, tutting at the spread red stain surrounding the crossbow bolt. She pulls it out and casts a spell from her hand into the gaping hole. "No time for niceties!"

Infernal healing - fast healing 1 for 10 rounds.

Terribly sorry for the delay on posting. I'm between jobs at the moment and had to make it to a job fair yesterday which took most of my time.

I'll check as frequently as I can over the weekend, but I am usually very busy on weekends. I can reliably post on weekdays though.

Power Attack vs. AC 5: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 Damage: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18

Marcellus rears back and swings his heavy flail into the wood, sending a spray of splinters into the small office. "Drop the weapon and live," Marcellus bellows through the gap, "More violence and you die." He stands over Ahreni's fallen body, menacingly staring down the tanner through the door's gaping hole.

If it is a Simple Wooden Door (hardness 5, hp 10), then it should be destroyed with one blow. If it is a Good Wooden Door (hardness 5, hp 15) then it should be barely clinging to stability with 2 hit points left.

Either way, I betcha those of you who just need to see Louslik can get your abilities off.

@Ahreni: During Satin's last round she brought you back to the disabled condition... to avoid waiting for you to post 'I get up', I moved us along... you are standing besides Marcellus now and will be at 0 hp on your turn.

@Anarxos: Here, from the intimidate skill description... You can only threaten an opponent this way if it is within 30 feet and can clearly see and hear you. Also, Marcellus has already made the small dog unconscious so if you wish to make something else in your action, go ahead.

@Satin: Since infernal healing is a touch spell, I moved you towards Ahreni.

@Marcellus: You rolled a d20 for your damage so I re-rolled a d10 for you instead.

Seeing her heist companion down Melani moves towards her and, with a quick prayer to the Dark Prince, Ahreni is bathed with unholy energy, slowly healing her deadly wound. With a powerful blow, Marcellus crushes the door, almost hitting the man behind it, splinters flying everywhere. As soon as Marcellus crushed the door, Vicenzo tried once more to curse the tanner but this time the man's will was stronger. Marcellus and Vicenzo could see as the man retreated further into his office while reloading his heavy crossbow.

You all can hear noises coming from the other building, as if men were grabbing their weapons.

Assuming that some of the others close to close combat with Louslik and don't manage to droop him.

Still feeling distinctly woozy from blood loss and hitting her head hard as she fell Ahreni wobbles her way into the room, clumsily drawing her sap as she does so and aiming for the back of Louslik's head as he struggles with her heist partners.

MA: Move to a flanking position.

If the others don't close
Ahreni slumps against the wall, taking advantage of the momentary respite to let the magic pulsing inside her heal her injuries further.

Pass action.

If Louslik goes down.
Ahreni staggers inside and begins, clumsily, to search the room for valuables - particularly coins or other small valuables.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

Thanks GMAd, I was travelling back from my kids today. So I forgot to move Satin/Melani.

Ahreni, drawing your sap would be a move action. Also, you are disabled, meaning that you can only take a move or standard action each turn and move only at half speed so I do not see how you'll manage to do what you are trying to...

Wouldn't she also be prone from being unconscious?

@GM: Whoops! Thanks for catching that for me.

Also, Louslik still takes the -2 to his AC from Vincenzo's hex - succeeding at the will save simply reduces the duration to 1 round instead of 3+Int.

Eyes wide and unblinking as he locks his gaze on the tanner, Marcellus steps in and brings his flail crashing into Louslik's face. "You were warned," he barks.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

I positioned myself there so Louslik could not five-foot-step away from me and shoot without provoking an Attack of Opportunity, since you cannot five-foot-step through a hard corner like the one above him on the map. If Louslik provokes, Marcellus will take the attack.

Alright, thanks for the information about Intimidate. I'll move closer to the door, and try to demoralize Louslik when Marcellus broke the door, if possible. Do you wish me to roll again?

"Those guards will be here soon. We need to get inside together or leave now. Now is the time for order and discipline. We can use Marcellus as a bulwark and face them one at a time. Follow the golden girl."

Ahreni, drawing your sap would be a move action. Also, you are disabled, meaning that you can only take a move or standard action each turn and move only at half speed so I do not see how you'll manage to do what you are trying to...

Realised that and edited my post accordingly :)

"Those guards will be here soon. We need to get inside together or leave now. Now is the time for order and discipline. We can use Marcellus as a bulwark and face them one at a time. Follow the golden girl."

Vicenzo was really worried. Surely any guard would recognize him. he slipped his cover further up his face. he went inside the house.

"There is no need to kill people here. That's not what we were asked to do. Just knock out the big guy with the crossbow, take his money, and let's be gone."

The witch then starts to cackle madly, more from his insides, deep in his chest. But there was magic in that sound, magic and evil intent.

please move my token inside, if possible, start cackle to extend both evil eyes (-2 to hit and -2 AC)

Ahreni got up from prone in her round 3 action, when she was still at -1 hp.

Anarxos was able to strike fear into Louslik heart but he was fighting for his life, his business and his beliefs so did not drop his weapons. Marcellus wastes no time and strikes the tanner with his flail in his chest, sounds of bones breaking can be heard. Still wounded critically, Ahreni slumps against the wall of the office waiting for the healing of Satin to work.

"Blasted thief! You wanna a piece of me? I'll give it to you!"Louslik aims his heavy crossbow at Marcellus but before he was able to shoot, Marcellus strikes him once more with his flail, hitting his forehead, crushing his skull. Louslik falls to the ground with blood running from his open head.

A couple seconds later, outside, you are able to hear the sound of a door opening. Anarxos is surprised by two new men from the other building.

Louslik is down (Unconscious? Dead?) and the two other guards will leave the door at the end of round 4 (after Marcellus acts). As you can see, you are UP to post your actions of round 4 and 5, even if you can't attack the guards with your round 4 action!

From bad to worse. Just like his life.

Vicenzo stepped away from the door, "Someone search the office. We have to take the money."

He then stepped out and cast his evil hex of slumber on the front guard.

Ahreni pauses for a moment or two longer until the magic strengthened her limbs. Pass actions until I hit 1hp then heads over to Louslik's body before doing her best to heal him. Once an angel of mercy, always an angel of mercy.

Heal: 1d20 - 3 ⇒ (11) - 3 = 8

Marcellus turned as Louslik fell, not sparing the tanner a second glance. This fight wasn't over. He pushed past the others and made a beeline for the first guard, bringing his flail down onto the man's shoulder.

Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15 Damage: 1d10 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Round 4
Worried that the tanner might not survive to answer for his deeds, Anarxos first checks up on Louslik to make sure he survives. However, he's much too hasty and threatens to worsen the man's condition!
Heal, stabilize: 1d20 ⇒ 1

Round 5
Hearing the guards, he reloads and shoots at one of them. Assuming I'm still sickened. If not, please adapt the rolls' results accordingly.
Light crossbow, sickened: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 = 201d8 - 2 ⇒ (5) - 2 = 3
Confirmation: 1d20 + 2 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 2 - 2 = 201d8 - 2 ⇒ (6) - 2 = 4

She allows herself a small smile of satisfaction when the flail crushes that skull in. Then when Marcellus turns towards the guards, Melani follows up and casts a spell on his back. Then a shimmering veil of barely visible red thorns curls up into a shield before the warrior. They float between the combatants.

"Good work Marcellus. Ha ha ha look at their faces!" The priestess is beginning to enjoy herself.

cast shield of faith +2 Def bonus to AC for 10 rounds.

Marcellus, as I mentioned in my previous post, the reinforcements would only arrive by the end of round 4 so there is no way for you to attack something that isn't even there yet... I'll use your action for round 5 instead. Satin, I'll wait for you to confirm if you wish to keep your action, since the fight is basically over by the time of Satin's turn.

Anarxos and Ahreni move towards the fallen tanner to try to stabilize his wounds, even if both of them fail miserably to do so... luckily, the tanner stabilizes by himself, even if far away from the danger of death.

When the two guards emerge from the other building, Anarxos quickly reloads his crossbow and hit the man's head, even if only grazing him... being shot in his head, the man is disoriented and stunned for a couple seconds. Vicenzo loses no time and presses his will against the other guard and soon after he falls into the ground, lost in a world of nightmares. Marcellus quickly moves out of the office to strike the stunned guard, also sending him to the ground.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
His Lordship has no time to celebrate his lucky strike, and raises his head as his attention drawn to something else.

"The signal - the gong farmers are here! Quickly!"

Changing his plans, he enters Louslik's cabin and scans the place for valuables.
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

His stomach still roiling, Vicenzo does his best to stem the putrid smell coming from his mouth. In between dry heaves, he smiles as he sees people go inside and start searching for the loot they came here to find.

He nears the guards and draws forth his morningstar and asks, "We have no time to tie them, can someone knock them out? I just might kill them. Never was too good with weapons."

[spoiler=if guard wakes up
Vicenzo was close enough for the man to smell and feel the evil coming from him. The witch smiled, "Stay put and you might yet live. Move and you'll be in that nightmare world forever."[/spoiler]

does coup de gras work if you want to inflict non-lethal damage?

Even if in a hurry, Anarxos is able to quick sift through the room and a couple items catch his attention... a pair of patterned leather tapestries hangs on the walls, several antique tanning tools with the initials 'L. T.' engraved in them, and a small lockbox under Louslik's desk. The lockbox is locked.

Hum... it seems a grey area on the boards regarding non-lethal CdG. I'll rule that you can do it following the same rules (crit damage and Fort save) but if the target fails it's Fort save he is unconscious instead of dead.

Ahreni, hearing Vincenzo's request, hurries over with her sap. "This should do the trick!" Moving swiftly she thumps each guard firmly over the head.

CdG1: 2d4 + 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (2, 4) + (3) - 1 = 8
CdG2: 2d4 + 1d4 - 1 ⇒ (3, 2) + (1) - 1 = 5

Since a sap is a non-lethal weapon I'd assume I can't actually kill them... *crosses fingers*

The guard that Anarxos and Marcellus hit for sure is already unconscious, almost dead actually, so I'll apply only your first roll to the other guard, unless it is your intention to actually kill the former guard.

Ahreni gets closer to the unconscious guard and quickly guarantees that he will keep unconscious for a good amount of time.

Is the lockbox heavy/large?

Anaraxos grabs as many things as he can, stuffing them inside his backpack.

Round 3/4

Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (4) + 2 = 6

Melani searches Louslik's body while the others move about their tasks.
She starts to take out a dagger but decides to search him thoroughly when Anarxos warns of the farmers.

She stuffs anything useful like keys in her pack.

The lockbox weights 20 lbs, the tools 5 lbs, and the tapestries 10 lbs each. Besides the mentioned items, the only other items in sight are those used by Louslik in his daily business, like ink, a couple journals, inkpens, some food, etc.

Melani gathers the gear quickly. She heads for the rope at the wall afterwards.

"I have keys - we should leave now!" she hisses.

Marcellus clutches his flail in both hands, looking around him as he breathes heavily, invigorated. He hasn't felt this alive in years. His wild-eyed frenzy begins to subside, a savage grin twisting his lips. "You have the money?" he grunts toward Anarxos. He steps inside the office, taking a few moments to grab whatever the nobleman can't, and follows the others to the rope to make their escape.

Under the influence of pressure Anarxos nods quickly, failing to acknowledge an improper way to address him. Tapping with his fingers on the lockbox, he puts it in Marcellus's hands for him to carry and points at the tapestries.

"We've been here long enough, let's go."

The nobleman then makes a run for it, using the same spot they entered the compound. His nimble, alchemically-enhanced hands grasp at the stone, as if trying to take hold of survival itself.

So this is what it feels. How strange.

Yeah, just cosh the guard who might wake up!

Ahreni, watching the others stripping the walls of tapestries and the lockbox, goes over to examine the tools. Damien used to have tools just like this, it's how he made me the belt three summers ago. Anya was forever wanting to play with them... just like daddy... Her reverie gives the others enough time to start heading out when she snaps too. Might be useful though...

Reaching out she collects the tools and stuffs them into her bag, before following the others out of the room as fast as her still healing body will let her.

With the lockbox and the other loot secured, you are all able to move quickly towards the spot in the fence where you all climbed over. To your surprise the rope has already been thrown towards the inner side of the wooden palisade. On the other side you all see Cimri, waiting for you. After asking if you had successfully got your hands on the lockbox, she simply says: "Perfect, now follow me quietly... the idiotic gong farmers are will arrive at any second..." And then guides you to the Ash House. After a couple minutes walking in the dark you all hear the noise sound of the gate coming from the tannery as well as the screams when the gong farmers find the bodies around the yard.

The Ash House was added to the Longacre Map, labeled as "2". This number matches the numbers in the Campaign Info page.

What remains of this manor looks like it could collapse at any moment. Bearing the scars of a decades-old fire, the house is blackened and sags under the weight of its collapsed third floor. Shattered windows pose no barrier to the riot of ivy scaling each gable and invading every cavity. Bent pillars and a cracked granite porch lead to a warped door bearing a rusty doorknocker shaped like a boar’s head.

Instead of walking towards the old door, Cimri guides you through a side window after just mumbling that the front door is stuck. Pieces of battered furniture lie here amid the choking scent of dust and ashes. Beneath a mantle crowded with empty whiskey bottles, the fireplace shows evidence of recent use as well as two straw mattress in front of it. The scorched, broken visages of curious cherubs leer from atop archways leading deeper into the house. A plain wooden chest sits on a table in this room.

Cimri pays no attention to anything in this room and guides you towards a side passage to the east and then up to the second floor. Once there, she turns left and then enters in a room to the west. Toppled bookshelves, a table, and some chairs half-covered in ivy suggest this room was once a library. The ashes and pulp of burned, waterlogged books lay heaped amid fallen furniture, creating a large nest of sorts against one wall. A set of folding paper screens divides the room. A lantern flickers on the opposite side, projecting the silhouette of a desk and high-backed chair upon the thin paper.

As soon as you enter this room you notice a strange creature that resembles a large but earless hunting cat dozing in the nest of book pulp. The creature lifts her head with suspicion as you enter. At the same time the light behind the paper screen slowly intensifies, casting the stark silhouette of a bald figure seated at a desk upon the divider. After a moment of slow shuffling, a high-pitched voice, sounding as though it could belong to someone either very young or very old, wheezes from behind the screen: "Cimri. Is it done?"

"Yes, it is done." She then takes the lockbox from Marcellus' hands and sets it on the table on your side of the screen. After that she gives an account of the break-in, exaggerating a bit. The mysterious man occasionally nods during the retelling, but doesn't speak again until the story is complete.

"Excellent. You’ve done well, Cimri, and your associates sound like individuals of rare potential. You’ll all find your payment waiting in the parlor below, along with a gift for each of you. Go, enjoy, celebrate. You deserve a reward for your impressive work. We’ll talk more in the near future." Cimri thanks and moves to leave...

Knowledge (local): 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 7 + (4) = 31

Anarxos observes the building with a frown, as if reading a hidden message. Half-lost in his thoughts, he almost fails to follow the others inside.

"Another proof that siding with the Thrunes is always the only proper choice. How fitting." he bemuses, explaining his thoughts to his companions while he strokes his goatee. "You see, this used to belong to a house who made the wrong choice, as they decided to remain neutral in the Civil War. Of course, ownership and right of survival fell to another house that had made the better choice. You see, History teaches us that only the fittest survive. The message of our employer is clear - side with the Thrunes, or wither away."

Venturing inside, the nobleman doesn't have an easy time following Cimri in the ruined house. Unused to such an inconvienient path, Anarxos barely manages to remain on his feet on more than one occasion, even scratching his clothing with salient pieces of half-broken furniture.

As the company finally reaches the library, "His Lordship" cannot suppress a delighted sigh, soon to be replaced by a dismayed look when he beholds the pitiful state of that place of learning.

Nodding to the voice in recognition of the praise given, he bids his time and waits until it quiets down.

"I shall be looking forward to speaking with you more, Sir, and hope we may meet properly. As men of obvious cunning as well as great plans for the future, I trust we will find an interest in renewing our experience of working together."

Diplomacy (improve attitude - make a good first impression), using Inspiration: 1d20 + 5 + 1d6 ⇒ (16) + 5 + (3) = 24

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

Melani listens to words and timbre of the secretive man, trying to ascertain if the gift to come is a good one or something much worse. She waits to gauge his strength and then pulls the keys out.

In a soft voice, she offers, "Louslik's keys. If you want I can open it for you?" Not truly expecting the man to say yes.

Marcellus will wait for Razelago to respond to others' questions before asking his own.

"So. You're Razelago, then?" Marcellus asks. His good mood had settled down somewhat in the lengthy trek across town, and a growing suspicion had begun to rise in him along with the realization that he had gotten himself involved in something bigger than he knew. "I know there's a bigger angle involved in this than some business's monthly profits. Why the tannery, and why us?" He stretches his neck with a pop as his muscles creak. "If it's just robbery, any common thieves would do. And if it's about his taxes and you have the connections Cimri says you do, why not send a tax collector or hire a Hellknight?" he asks. "There's got to be a reason you picked us, or got Cimri to."

Ahreni follows the others, having much less difficulty than some with the uneven floors of Ash House. The soliloquy from Anarxos caused a raised eyebrow but she declined to comment.

Listening and observing closely as Cimri tells her tale of the break-in, Ahreni falls back to the shadows and begins making her way around the edge of the room, sticking firmly to the shadows she hopes to get a glimpse of the man behind the screen.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27
Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

Vicenzo listened and observed everything around him. He tried to listen behind what was being said as well, both from this 'employer' as well as from his companions.

perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
sense motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

He then takes the compliments in stride, "Well, we thank you for the opportunity. As you can see, your faith was well placed."

The talk of reward resonates well with the witch. Nothing was ever given to him, only as payment for services rendered or often times, he just took from others. Others that were either too stupid or too weak to hold on to what they had. And Vicenzo knew full well that there were others out there smarter and stronger than he was. Which was why, Vicenzo liked to spend whatever he had. He knew he could lose it in a moment's notice. But not his memories. As his mother used to say, [i]They can't take what you already enjoyed from you.[/b]

later
The witch turned to his companions, "So it sounds like we have some money to spend. First round's on me. What's your poison?"

"So am I." The man answers Anarxos after slightly nodding. "As I said before, in the future I might have more jobs and more time to talk to you and if you keep surprising me, I see no reason for our business flourish."

"There is no need for you to open the box for I can do it myself. Just leave the keys atop the lockbox." The man points to the lockbox on the wooden table.

You notice a sigh as Marcellus asks his questions. "Yes, I am Razelago, a businessman, with a peculiar interest in Longacre, and one with the capital to pay for the changes I'd like to see. Jabral Louslik hasn’t been paying his fair share of taxes. Beyond that, he is also very opinionated. He’d oppose the cooperation I’d like to see among Longacre’s people. I’d prefer that his influence be weakened, and no one trusts a poor man. As you can see, this wasn't about gold so there is no sense to hire common thief and also wasn't just about the taxes so no taxes collectors either..." He laughs a bit about the suggestion about Hellknights. "... and Hellknights? I do not know where you are getting your gossips but know that the order is not under the paycheck of the government and they tend to be very strict in which jobs they take... also, the nearest order citadel is beyond Senara to the east and they are the Order of the Pike, only worried about hunting dangerous beasts. You were the logical choice: a bunch of individuals with obvious ambition. Now, I insist for you to go and enjoy your payment and gifts."

As Ahreni tried to move forward the cat-like creature growled as an advertence. Ahreni, as you might see in the Current Map, the room is not that big and is fully illuminated so there is no way for you to hide.

As a side note, it is almost dawn already.

The humanoid girl drops the keys with a nod of acquiescence. All the time she listens to the man's speech and words.

So maybe my mission is not the only matter that demands attention. He knows more of Louslik and we were brought into this for one of his schemes. Sweet. There is a pecking order and he sits higher than I...for now.

"Thank you my lord, I shall." The girl leaves.

Vicenzo needed no further prompting. He bowed and left to where the reward was at.

He waited anxiously until everyone gathered. He smiled at Cimri, "Thank you, girl." and opened up the box...

assuming there's some cash involved...
The witch turned to his companions, "So it sounds like we have some money to spend. First round's on me. What's your poison? Is there a place open at this hour or do we have to wait to spend the money?"

Let's wait and see what the reward is, first. :)

Marcellus nods, satisfied. "A satisfactory answer. I think I rather enjoyed working for you. I hope there's more in the future." He turns to follow Cimri.

Anarxos nods at Razelago's cue for them to leave, then obediently proceeds. Once he's outside with his companions, he spares a few words before letting out a slight yawn.

"Formal introductions are in order at this point of the proceedings. It does seem that our collaboration was fruitful, and that we might work together again soon. Hence, you may call me by my proper name - I am Anarxos of House Voralius, from Westcrown. I would be delighted in indulging you with a little company and wine sharing but dawn will be there soon, so I will be retiring to my lodgings for now and meet you tomorrow. Cimri, know that I fully expect you to live up to your promise regarding information on you know who. However, that'll wait until tomorrow. Shall we all meet, say, at the Last Stand Tavern at noon?"

Expecting to be paid before he leaves, he raises an eyebrow at Cimri.

Cimri leads you down to the first floor and towards the plain wooden chest that sits on the table, along with eight bottles of a fine Wiscrani barbera wine, several loaves of fresh bread, garlic-flavored butter, and a variety of smoked fish and boar's meat. It's a veritable fest and probably none of you, with the exception of Anarxos, had the opportunity to eat such good food in your life before.

Cimri opens the chest and inside there are six identical leather pouches, one of them written 'Cimri' and slightly larger. There are also six finely crafted weapons: two daggers, two morningstars, a rapier, and a heavy flail. Cimri grabs one of the daggers and her leather pouch before moving towards the feast. "Looks like you'll need not to pay for a round, Vicenzo! Razelago already provided for us..." With this she takes a piece of the break, dips it into the flavored butter and then puts a slice of boar on top of it... she almost moans after she bits. "...this is amazing! I could work for him just for the food! How about we enjoy ourselves a bit as Razelago suggested before you head towards your houses... and I'll keep my word to all of you..." She points her loaf to Anarxos and Melani while she opens a bottle of wine.

Each leather pouch contains 100gp and all the weapons are masterwork quality. Feel free to split them among you! Cimri's share was 200gp.

@Ahreni: Not sure if you noticed but you are almost at full hp now thanks to Satin's infernal healing from before.

Anarxos didn't expect to linger for long, but his intention quickly vanishes as his eyes lay upon the feast prepared for his companions and him. The nobleman's expression of surprise may not be as outstanding as the others', but a wide grin reveals that it has been a long time since he was able to taste such good food.

"Barbera wine from Westcrown? How thoughtful. I truly feel like I'm home already. Here, try it Marcellus. Do note its tanic flavor, one that meshes perfectly with the boar's flanks there. A truly unique taste, which I have not experienced since the premiere of the Six Trials of Larazod at the Nightshade Theater. What was it, six years ago? Time does fly."

Voralius gradually relaxes as he allows himself to appreciate the offered food for what it is - a comfort he has not enjoyed for quite some time. He even surprises himself by revelling alongside his companions and indulging himself with nostalgia. It is only then that a frown comes to his face, as a sudden realization takes place in his mind.

What are you doing, silly boy? Letting your guard down as easily as that? How low you have fallen. Look at yourself, sharing food with common rabble because you were famished? You don't know these people, you can't trust them. Allies for now they might be, and as such they should be treated. Now remove yourself from there.

Suddenly Anarxos stands up relinquishing the fine food, pockets the pouch, and flourishes with his finely-crafted rapier before sheathing it. "A fine weapon. I suppose working for Razelago has its perks. Ladies & gentleman, it has been a pleasure working with you tonight. It looks like we'll have other opportunities to renew this unique experience. However I'm afraid I'll have you leave you for now, as the late hour reminds me of the need for rest. Cimri, what's the next step?"

A veritable feast.

Vicenzo nodded at Cimri, "Well, my offer still stands."

He then started to stuff himself with food and wine, as if afraid that the entire feast would soon disappear on him. He did not appreciate the fine wine nor the fine meal. He had never had much to compare it to. He did realize it just tasted good. Real good.

After taking a breather, fully intending to partake in more, he counted his share of the loot and picked up one of the fine morningstars. It was surely better than what he had.

When Anarxos announced that he was leaving, he stated, "The pleasure was mine. Are we still meeting tomorrow at the tavern? My offer still stands although I'll top this feast."

added MW morningstar and 100 gp to my PC sheet

Before anything, Marcellus pulled forth the exquisite flail from the case, holding it in both hands. It was a masterpiece of Chelish craft, a many-hooked thing with a weighty head, festooned with cruel spikes. Even the chain was barbed. The shaft was bound in rich, midnight-black leather, and it fit his hand like it was made for him. "Razelago knows his smiths," he muttered with appreciation.

Marcellus stiffened when he was offered the wine. It had been years since he had partaken of drink, for the anger that burned hot beneath the surface would flare up when fueled with wine and spirits - but tonight he was in good spirits, perhaps for the first time in years. Wine would unearth no drunken rage in him this night. He held the bottle in his massive hand and stared at it for a long moment. "Hmph. I suppose I shall need an excuse for my absence tonight when I return to my wife. She would accept that I had gone drinking in a moment of weakness," he mused softly. He put the bottle to his lips and swallowed a large gulp, not taking the time to taste the exquisite liquid. When he lowered the bottle, his face betrayed no hint of whether he had enjoyed the drink, but he kept the bottle as he grabbed a shank of boar and half a loaf of bread. He consumed all of them, polishing off the bottle as he ate.

He rose to his feet when finished, only slightly unsteady from an alcohol tolerance eroded over the years. "If we are to meet tomorrow, I will be there," he replied. "But for now I'm returning home. I look forward to working with you all."

Ahreni seems surprisingly uninterested in either the reward or the food. She snaffles the dagger and a bag, as well as a small amount of food, but then retreats to the corner of the room. She sits there, occasionally taking small bites and balancing the dagger on the tip of her finger. Even lost in her funk she registers the exceptional quality of the weapon in her hand. She doesn't acknowledge any of the conversations except for a half raised hand as Marcellus makes his goodbyes. Her past is all too present at the moment, something about their employer had brought everything flooding back to her.

Can I have a punching dagger rather than a normal one?

The woman who calls herself Melani takes a large plate and fills it with good food. She settles back into a comfy chair and eats.

As for the weapons, Melani picks up the other morningstar and money without truly caring for its exquisite manufacture. However the leather grip feels rough and comforting to the touch. Like it would not fail her or slip free. She appreciated that feeling in something so important. I shall name you after the next one you kill for me.

Eventually she decides its time to get to know the others.

"You know I saved your life, angelblood? Perhaps now is a good time to get to know what manner of a woman I have kept here. And I shall tell you more of myself so that you can be my friend instead.....and who knows I may save you again and again. Because that is what I would do for a friend."

Melani stays in the house.