It is now late afternoon. Wagon's continue to travel in either direction, one you note with a painted gold dragon upon its canvas. Judging from the armed escort and fine the robes of the driver it is either an extravagant merchant or a troop of performers making its way to Kalsgard. Returning to Fynn's Rennyn, Fenra and Jeryn retrieve the magical hat from a surprised Ameiko, Back so soon? Looking at the trio she gasps, What happened to Draeven and Kenan?! With a quick explanation from the wizard the group is once again travelling on a now quieter road. Since departing, clouds have rolled in diffusing the sky into a dull grey and eliminating all traces of shadow. A cold wind lazily tosses your cloaks but is not yet strong enough to nip at your skin. There is no sign of Draeven or Kenan yet you know them to be nearby, lurking in the crook of some foliage.
Spying Draeven and Kenan hiding within some bushes overlooking the farm, Rennyn leads Fenra and Jeryn around out if sight of the farm to join them.
The groups huddles and quietly discusses options.
Fenra gets her performance clothes out of her bag and shakes them out. She quickly changes while discussing the plan with the others.
Draeven nods in agreement and dons the hat. Taking a moment to figure out how to use it, his features warp and twist momentarily until they coalesce into an image of a tall ulfen man with fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. Draeven's tusk are gone, and his facial features are slightly altered, but pretty much everything else is close to his true form. Tall and muscled still, his equipment changes subtly in color and design to match those of the kind fancied by the northerners he has been exposed to for all these weeks.
You should perhaps wear a veil. I'm sure your face is well remembered in these parts already.
Draeven then removes an armband and places it upon his arm.
We should wait for dusk. This ruse probably works better if it is harder to see us clearly.
We'll watch as best as we can from here. Should you need us, we will watch for a signal. Your pattern would do best I think.
If you have any more of those armbands, perhaps you should leave us three, just in case we want to try our luck getting in with them.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm
The frosty air nips at the fair oracle's skin as she changes. About 100ft away the two guards continue their vigil. Their heads turn impatiently now and then towards the farmhouse, another 60ft behind them. As the sun makes its journey across the sky and the light fades, lantern light illuminates the chieftain's windows and the smell of roasting meat wafts through the air. Boisterous voices, muffled by the farmhouse walls, reach your ears. It's been an hour since anyone passed the guards.
Let's go.
Draeven leads Fenra back to the road far enough back that it appears to the guards that they have come from town and not from the overlooking hills, before approaching the gate.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm
From the grassy knoll Rennyn, the wizard and stoic monk watch Draeven leading Fenra down the drive towards the two guards. It is not long before the guards take notice. Hitching up his leathers the lead guard raises his hand in greeting, Heil og sæl Stein! It has been a long time brother. What verkefni has Asvig had you doing, eh!? The guard licks his lips at the sight of Fenra while the other trugs at his beard lewdly, Never mind! You sly dog! Where did you find this Hóra?
Fenra looks as seductive as possible but gives the guard a haughty look.
Draeven smiles broadly, Why looking for the best entertainer in all of the south lands! Asvig requested something exotic! Had to go all the way to Magnimar to find her! I think I have done well no? Draeven winks at the men.
Go on! Give the men a twirl! They've earned it!
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm
The first guard grins with a waggle of his brow while the second mouths the word Magnimar with a puzzled look. He unconsciously lifts a few fingers as though calculating the time it would have taken 'Stein' to get from Kalsgard to Magnimar and back again. He looks as though he is about to say something when the beauty in front of him twirls. For the moment, the sight of the oracle's slim figure on display is enough to put the guard's worries to rest.
The first guard chortles then grabs Fenra by the waist planting a crude kiss upon her lips before smacking her on the rump, That a way girl! Yeah! He glances at the setting sun and taking it as his cue announces, Common boys! Let's take this sweet thing inside before they start without us! and turns to make for the farmhouse.
Draeven steps in between the man before he can grab Fenra and plant his kiss. Not a good idea friend. Asvig gave strict instructions that she was to be treated properly. She has friends in high places and came at great expense. She is no common woman-if-the-night. She has been teleported here all the way from Magnimar. Do you know how much that costs?!
Fenra gives the overly familiar guard a withering look and instructions.
Lead the way to where I will perform. Find someone who can keep a beat with drums and have them start a slow beat. Then ensure everyone who plans to attend the show are gathered together. With this her eyes lose their coldness as she lowers them seductively and her voice becomes husky, I hate interruptions and Asvig will surely want no interruptions either.
Draeven had been thinking more of a stealthy recon of the premises before regrouping with the others to devise a plan of attack, but Fenra seems to want to take the fight right to Asvig and his men now.
He purposely falls in behind the group, taking up the rear. He watches for a moment when the guards attention is fully focused ahead and then discreetly gestures to Rennyn and the others, waving them to follow.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm | The Farmhouse
The guard eyes Stein incredulously. He strokes his mustache a couple times then nods but agrees flatly, Teleported, right. The two guards leading the way, Draeven and Fenra head towards the farmhouse and it is a simple matter for the big man to give the others his signal. Asvig's farmhouse is a large, single storied fortified house of sod and stone; likely materials the landowner and his retainers had gathered and processed for a common defense against the dangers of the wild. There are several sheds and outbuildings for mounts, tools, and animals. The farm’s sheds and barns hold a dozen or more mounts, and it is evident that a large crowd has gathered for this party, though there are no visible watchmen outside. None of these outbuildings are occupied or of any particular interest .
As Fenra and Draeven draw closer to the main entry, only the second guard remains as escort. The first guard casually waves his companion on muttering something about needing to piss before slipping towards the rear of the building. The boisterous sound of men settling into their cups and music is noticeably louder.
Me too, Draeven adds and follows the guard around the corner.
Once around the corner and out of sight of anyone watching, and suspecting that this guard has seen through their ruse, Draeven draws his sword in a flash and lunges at the man's chest/back...
...running the man through the heart.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm | The Farmhouse
The first guard looks quizzically at Stein jesting, What, you need to hold my hand? He chuckles then, changing his mind, begins his way back to second guard and the door, Go ahead Stein, you know the way.
Opening the door, the second guard stands to the side clearing the way for Fenra to enter alone. The walls of the main house are constructed of courses of sod laid atop stone and average 3 feet thick. Floors are bare dirt covered with fresh grasses or sweet hay and are dug down below ground level to a depth of 3 feet. The roof is 18 thatch above heavy wooden beams and rises to 12 feet at the center (8 feet near the walls), with narrow smoke holes above the fire pits. Doors are of strong wood with no locks, and can be barred from within, though none currently are. Seated at tables seat around the main hall are 16 Ulfen warriors as well as eight female thralls acting as servants, two as entertainers for the feast. Two heavy doors (north and west) lead to adjoining rooms; the north door is closed while the door to the west is partially open and leads to the kitchen. A portion of wall to the south is curtained off. All the warriors are armed however most seem to be already deep into their cups. Six look drunk and the rest look to be more interested in manhandling the thralls serving them than anyone coming through the door.
Fenra enters and positions herself near the head of the room so that most of the tables are in front of her and she has room to dance.
She looks to the first guard and says, Find my beat. to the second, [b]Where is your Lord. He is the one who is paying for my time, he should have the best view.[/ooc]
She stands still, arms raised and crossed at the wrist, head down and looking to the side, one leg is slightly behind the other.
The disguised half-orc chides the guard, What? Changed your mind? Performance anxiety? Or maybe you have a small typpi? He leans in and whispers conspiratorially, Don't worry, I won't tell her! He then stands back fully upright and claps the man on the back, Just kidding old vinur!
As the doors open Draeven pretends to scan the room, but in reality his focus is upon the guard. He studies the man to try and get a sense of if the man is on to their deception...
...as he positions himself just inside of the door. [ooc]square inside and directly right of the door.
Yes, Asvig should be here, Draeven agrees.
From their hiding spot on the hill, the trio spot Draeven's motion and slip from cover and make for the gate, and from there towards the farmhouse, trying not to draw attention to themselves, but rather appearing as though they belong within the compound.
Here, put these on. I'm sure they won't fool anyone for more than a second or two, but that pause might prove to be enough in our favor, Rennyn instructs as he passes an armband to Jeryn and Kenan, while slipping one on his own arm as they descend towards the gate.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild |Asvig's Farm | The Farmhouse
Following Draeven's signal, the paladin, wizard and monk slip on their armbands and make their way towards the gate. With everyone attending the festivities inside, the trio have little difficulty passing the gate poles and gaining the compound.
Inside, Fenra takes her place. The mood in the room, for those who notice, changes only slightly upon her arrival. The second guard is about to answer Fenra's query for the host when the first guard taps him roughly on the shoulder and shakes his head. The first guard waves a contemptuous arm to the two thralls playing instruments near the center of the hall and barks for something to dance to. Soon a rhythmic beat is tapped on the wood of an instrument and a few accompanying cords from a flute quickly follow. It seems that at least half the room cheers the oracle's flourished pose, clapping in time to the music and chanting, Ræma!Ræma!Ræma!
Watching the first guard, Draeven is able to see the man's demeanor has indeed changed. Ignoring the big guy's friendly jab, the guard is showing restraint towards the prospect of wine and wench but walks with a purpose towards the other side of the hall, the second guard close at his heels.
Fearing the jig is up Draeven shouts at the guards to get their attention, Hey! Oh come on friends! Don't skulk off like that! Let me get you some drinks! while nodding deliberately at Fenra as he turns his back to her, unlatches the door and averts his eyes from the fair oracle...
The trio outside head for the door...
Fenra gauges the tempo and rhythm of the music and begins to dance. Her arms move in complicated sequences, seeming to cross through each other at times. Her hips sway sinuously drawing the eye and her feet alternately tap and stomp to the beat.
When everyone seems engaged she works her spell into the dance.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
Brandishing a small rod of crystal in her hand, the oracle's performance is expertly done and easily incorporates the somatic gestures of her spell into her dance. As the musicians continue to play, a group of warriors in the far corner stop what they are doing, staring into a blank space. The two thralls with them also stop, standing mesmerized with serving trays in their hands. The majority of the remaining gathered warriors continue with their celebrations chanting, Ræma!Ræma!Ræma! in Fenra's direction; seemingly oblivious to her casting.
The two guards purposefully ignore Draeven's shouts and make their way towards the curtained partition. Behind him, one of the thralls offers the big man a tankard of mead, Here my lord.
Seated at the middle of the hall , one of the warriors watches Draeven curiously, his thinking eyes study Stein's effort to summon the guards.
Fenra continues to dance and hold the spell while trying to identify Asvig.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
Inside the main hall, Fenra continues her dance as Rennyn, Kenan and Jeryn stand ready outside at the door. Draeven's calls for drinks is answered, although not as he'd intended. At the other end of the hall, amidst boisterous calls from the celebrants the two guards disappear unhindered behind the curtains.
Unsure as to what the next move is, Draeven stands and watches. Should have fascinated the guards from the gate, he thinks to himself. I'm betting Avig will be joining us momentarily and then things will go pear shaped in a hurry.
Draeven eyes up the two men nearest him by the door, and the group on the far side of Fenra. We'll need to clear them out first to keep everyone on one side of us.
Rennyn can see Fenra inside dancing, but waits out of sight to see what happens next. He draws his sword slowly and holds it at the ready.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
Ræma!Ræma!Ræma!
The thralls continue to play and the oracle's body sways, covertly maintaining her incantation. Behind the curtained wall, the voices of several men speaking quickly can be heard. A boisterous minute later, a tall man with long ginger hair emerges cinching a sword belt. The man scans the hall quickly then barks, Stein! Asvig wants to speak with you!
Draeven ignores the man, pretending to watch Fenra intently.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
The second guard dutifully appears, a contemptible look upon his face. Looking directly at Draeven he bellows, Stein! Bjarke's talking to you. Get your ass in here! Several of the warriors stop their chanting and begin looking around, wondering what all the fuss is about.
As the men emerge from the back Fenra dances forward closing the distance. Giving come hither looks to all the men she passes she continues her charade.
Fenra changes tactics and spells. While continuing her sensuous movements, she looks at Bjarke with a wicked smile and commands him (mentally). She continues dancing, moving towards the fascinated group.
Draeven snatches up the offered mug and takes a large swig while waving off the guards non-nonchalantly.
Yeah, yeah, gimme a minute.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
The fair oracle's suggestive moves have their desired affect. As though taking offense to the guard's admonishment of Stein, Bjarke turns on the guard shoving the man roughly, That's tha last time Uther! You've been told not to get in my way! Bjarke draws his sword while Uther's face turns white with fear and confusion.
Get a hold of yourself Bjarke! Uther steps back, drawing his own weapon in defense and the two men square off. Unwilling to fight his comrade, Uther takes up a defensive stance but Bjarke is having nothing of it. Swinging his the blade of his long sword in a large overhead strike Bjarke aims to cleave the insolent guard in two. Uther easily steps to the side letting the blade slash harmlessly through the air and the mood in the hall changes. The thralls stop playing their instruments and make for the opposite end of the hall screaming in panic. The gathered warriors turn their attention away from Fenra, some intent on seeing some bloodshed, others wondering what's going on.
Fenra's Hypnotic Pattern ends in 2 rounds.
Round 1
Draeven continues to wait and watch for the moment.
Land of the Linnorm Kings | Varisia | Kalsgard | Rimerunners Guild | The Farmhouse
Two figures emerge from the curtained wall, a tall blonde haired man with glazed eyes in a fine felt cloak followed closely by a beautiful woman. Her red hair spills across her shoulder covering a partially bared bosom; both appear to have dressed quickly. In addition to some gold jewelry the man wears a platinum lion’s head armring. In a commanding voice the man barks, Bjarke! Uther! What in Zyphus' name? The man turns to see Fenra, Who's this?! As he awaits an answer he tips a vial to his mouth emptying the contents.
Beside him his woman takes in the scene and mutters. A crow caws as a shimmering light envelopes her form, winking out of view as the spell is completed.
Asvig: 36/36 Potion of Divine Favor +1 luck bonus
Helva: 19/19 Mage Armor
Bjarke: AC 15 18/18 Long Sword
Uther: AC15 18/18 War axe
Seeing the man and women emerge, and the platinum armband, Draeven tugs the sack at his hip free and tosses it across the room in their direction. Hitting the floor with a crash, it spills the remaining armbands taken from the longboat crew across the floor.
I've come to return these, he states menacingly, before adding after a pause to draw his greatsword, Anyone who doesn't want their armband added to the pile best clear on out the back!
Kenan bursts into the room, bow in hand...
Redhead is a caster Kenan, Draeven informs the archer.
...before nocking an arrow and levelling it in the direction of the woman.
Rennyn enters the room right behind Kenan and moves alongside Fenra, drawing his katana as he goes. Lay down your weapons and we may spare your lives! he shouts as he takes up a readied stance to strike any that move to attack...
Show them your true colors Fenra, Rennyn whispers to the fair oracle in celestial.
Fenra nods with a wicked smile at Rennyn and moves forward extending her arms, a burst of colour emerges from her finger tips directly at the leader.