GM/Lictor Lane's Who Needs Parenting? = CoT Team 1 IC Thread (Inactive)

Game Master michaelane

Yakopulio glares at Moondark from behind Janiven, "Speak for yourself girl-boy. We were here before you. Maybe it's you we should be worried about."

Janiven wheels on Yakopulio, "That's enough Yakopulio. We're going to need all the help we can get if we're going to get Arael back. I don't need the two of you fighting."

As the group gathers, Janiven walks over to Jo and whispers, "Jo, I'm sorry. While you were out, Alarra stopped by. She's not coming back. But, she is going to keep helping us out. Her uncle is a Dottari captain. He's talked her out of getting involved. But, she was also able to learn that Arael is getting transferred to the Hellknights. Sclavo is off right now trying to find out when they will be transporting him to Citadel Rivad."

As Janiven is scowling at Agder and myself, I hang my head in shame. 'Sorry Janiven, wasn't Eg though, was all me. Won't happen again, I swears it.'

After apologising I look at the new comers and my gaze is drawn to the giant, Wow, that's big, I wonder ... I am snapped out of my thoughts by the she-gnome complaining.

'Girl-boy? Ya was here before Eg 'n' me, does that mean ya don't trust us either?' How can one so short have such a big mouth?

Emmett steps in the abandoned temple, eyes bleary from the late night work, his companion hidden in the sleeve of his dark indigo formal jacket. He scans the room as he steps in: "Finally, I get to meet the heroes or fools that got the upper hand in the sewer! I'm honored, really. Emmett Escheus, at your service."

As Emmett steps into the building, I look towards him. 'Ya looks tired Emmett, long nights work again?'

I turn to face Janiven, 'This everyone?'

My palm makes contact with my forehead as I smack myself, trying to understand what I haven't done. 'How rude of me, I'm Xianae. Member of the "Children", I looks forward to working with you all.'

The beggar boy, girl?, looks around suspiciously. "You can call me Moondark," she emphasizes with her eyes on the big oaf.

Coran looks at Jo's smile shivering inside. "Those are really nice pants.

Coran starts to notice racket coming from the back begins to look that way seeing Janiven coming in from the alley Coran gets excited to tell the news of Gauner and the attack.

Then starts to get a bit skitterish moving to a higher location as to not be trampled by all the Tallies that are coming in the temple.(standing on a chair or a table which ever is higher.)Then introduces himself "My name is Coran, it is nice to meet you all.

Jo looks aghast at Janiven. "Alarra's gone?" he thinks to himself aloud. He looks down at the ground. "How could she do that?"

Dragging his hammer, he wanders off in thought and in the corner of the room facing the group he slides his back down the wall until he is sitting with knees bent upward."D*mn!" He does not look at them, just stares at the floor and fingers the handle of his new hammer.

After a few seconds of self pity, he looks towards Janivan and says "Hey Lady, did Alarra leave 5 gold for Jo?"

'Moondark, Coran and ... Jo? Nice to meet ya'll.'

I walk over to the giant, 'What's the matter big guy?' I look at the giants hammer admiringly, 'That hammer musts be heavy, I bets it would be good in a fight!'

"Huh? Oh, Jo just sad Alarra's gone. She liked Jo. Maybe she think it not good to be wif Jo right now. Dat's probably it."

Jo finally looks up and gets his first real look at the woman speaking to him. He looks her up and down taking in her huge size, coppery skin, and sharp battle axe. "Maybe Alarra wasn't the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. This woman glowed like the setting sun!" Jo thinks to himself.

"Wha-what? Oh, yeah, Jo needs name for new Hammer. Jo not had chance to smash anyone yet."

Jo looks at woman's breast plate. "Didn't think they made them like that." he thinks to himself.

"What are you... Jo means who are you?"

Emmett moves across the room and finds a chair to sit on. He then proceeds to prepare a pipe, casually placing his little bag of tobacco on the table and starting to fill his pipe: "Well met, Coran, Moondark, Xianae, Jo, Eg and, of course, Janiven! Now tell me more about the sewers! That must have been a fantastic adventure, no?! I am afraid I have but little talent for those. No, my talent lies more so far to the tedious attention to detail and the dreadful debating in the so called court of law of our dearest town... Attorney is what I am. Always good to know one! Especially in Westcrown."

As he mumbles, half his attention targeted at his pipe, he finalize the object and looks about to find a source of fire. As his eyes wander the abandoned church, he muses: This place is a metaphor for this city, really!

Coran notices Emmett with a pipe in hand looking around. Coran grabs the nearest candle and brings it to Emmett. "Here sir at light for your pipe, mind if I join you." Coran pulls out his pipe and begins to fill it.

Backing up a little...
Yakopulio looks defiantly at Xianae, "Well, since Janiven is about to stick a sword up my butt, I'll decline to answer that question. At least you're not a god-lover like those half-men," she says gesturing toward Coran and Egder. With that she slides over against the wall, slouching aganst it.

Distracted by Jo's plight, Janiven looks down at him sadly, "Hey big guy, I can definitely swing 5 gold for you. And, I'm sure we'll see Alarra again. Her uncle is just really protective of her and freaked out about her getting involved in something that could turn dangerous."

And now caught up...
Janiven gets back up and moves to the head of the table, placing her hands on it with palms down, she speaks, "All right, here's the deal. Wish we had time to unleash your skills on the Dottari Emmett, but we learned from a friend that Arael is getting transferred to the Hellknights sometime this afternoon. Sclavo ought to be here any minute to let us know the timing, but at best we have a few hours to figure out a way to get him from the Hellknights before we lose him to Citadel Rivad."

She pauses for a moment to take a breath and look around the room. "We're going to need all of your help. Citadel Rivad is northwest of the city. It is impregnable. Once we lose Arael inside, he's gone and knowing the Hellknights, they'll use him to get to us. But, the road to their fortress has relatively light traffic. It is mostly open plains, but there are a few groves of trees and I know of one spot where there is a bridge crossing a stream. The only people that use that road are the Hellknights and people bringing them supplies."[/b]

Janiven pauses again, waving her hand for a moment to clear the growing cloud of smoke from Emmett and Coran. Again she looks around, seeming to assess what you are thinking, "Here's the hard part. One advantage to grabbing him outside Westcrown is that we wouldn't technically be breaking any city laws. But, if we kill any Hellknights, they will stop at nothing to hunt us down. I know you might have...damaged...a few last night, but according to my source in the Dottari, they've written that off to trouble in the sewers. We can't afford another event like that. Not now. What do you think?"

As Jo asks what I am, I look upset for a moment, but when he rephrases his question I look to him, 'I'm Xianae. That's a nice hammer 'n' I'm sure you will find a good name for it.' I remain next to Jo for the meeting, as the smoke seems to be keeping me away from the table.

After Janiven's announcement, 'So we can hurt them, or make them unconscious, but we just can't kills them? Never tried that before, sounds hard.'

Egder nods at the people present.

Greetings everyone. Apologies for the noise earlier, it won't happen again. I am Egder, well met. It is good more people look to change something but I agree caution is best.

He listens to the story.

It would be best setting up a trap in that case. Do we know their route?

Puffing between phrases, Emmett's skin pales as things dawn on him: "You said Hellknight..? I don't know that I... *puff* What if they recognize us? Better yet, what if they kill us? Can we really take them on? *puff* You know, I'm not a bad lawyer, perhaps I can try to set him free legally?"

Jo goes back to staring at the floor.

"Just tell Jo where to go and what to smash." he thinks to himself.

I glance over at Emmett, 'Emmett, I know ya have good legal skills 'n' could probably free him that ways. But don't ya thinks the Dottari 'n' Hellknights, would thinks whys this lawyer trying to free a known rebel, could he be working with him?'

I turn back to face the giant, 'Hmm, what abouts "Bone breaker?" It looks like it will break some bones!'

She's got a point. Emmett stares down as he tries to steel himself to what's coming. "But we need to change our appearance if they are to survive..."

The small dirty urchin gives a weak smile to Emmett, "I'm sure you're a great lawyer, but we all know how corrupt the Dottari are. An honest man doesn't have a chance. I think I can help with disguises, but what's our plan?"

"I have to agree that hitting them outside the city is best. We won't draw local attention and maybe it will all be blamed on roving bandits. The bridge sounds like a good location for an ambush, but do we have any information on how they will transporting him or how many guards? And what resources do we have to knock them out without killing anyone?"

'Could we dress up likes the Dottari?'

"I am not sure all of us could pass for Dottari.

Amaya listens attentively to the conversation and looks thoughtful as everyone considers the topic of disguises, "You know, I sometimes perform for Ovid at The Happy Poppet Playhouse in Rego Pena. He has quite the supply of clothing and props for performances. But, the best thing is his masks. He must have hundreds of them. If I go right now, I bet I could get some for us."

The alley door snicks again and you hear footsteps hurrying down the hall. The tall frame of Sclavo suddenly fills the door. "Sorry to interrupt, but we don't have much time. I've been down at the courts and the Hellknights have Arael. The have one of their prison carriages and they're getting ready to move him to Citadel Rivad. Sounds like about 10-12 of them are going with it. They haven't decided yet if it is going to be led by Shanwen or the Badger."

The breathless Sclavo pauses for a breath and the Chelish man in working clothes speaks up, "If we need to hurry, I can help. For those that don't know me, I'm Gorvio and my father owns a stable near the main gate. We can borrow some horses to get out of the city quickly."

"Costumes, masks and horses then... Do we have anything to take them out without killing them? I don't know, poison, gas or some alchemical trappings? A sap even?" Emmett seems to find his color back, though he did sigh quite loudly when the number 12 came up in the conversation...

Jo pick his hammer up and start tapping it lightly on the floor in front of him. The light taps slowly creating tiny mounds of stone dust where the massive hammer head hits. This seems to fascinate him.

Otherwise Jo seems oblivious to what the group is talking about.

Moondark pulls out the wand Mother Muddlumm gave her, "I'm not very good at using this, but maybe those with some ability can. It will help with disguises." She glances at Jo, "Don't worry, big guy. You won't need it."

Moondark continues, "My mother always said covering a lie with the truth makes it harder to see. So here's my plan: We head out to the bridge and Jo here smashes it up. Once the Hellknights get close, we use this wand so those that can disguise themselves as more Hellknights. Jo, Coran, and maybe myself are prisoners. The fake Hellknights report that we were captured sabotaging the bridge and that they want to lock us in the wagon with the other prisoner. Once the door is open we drop some smoke bombs, Jo takes out a wheel or panicks the horses into running into the river and we run for our lives. Hellknights in full armor aren't going to be all that fast. What do you think?"

Emmett puffs and puffs, visibly thinking about Moondark's plan. He studies the others and seems to wait for them to offer comments first.

Excuse me lady Moondark what will it actually require us to do as prisoners. Because I'm not sure I like being a prisoner even if it is for fake. What do you think Jo?

Coran takes a another puff on his pipe walking over to Jo"Come on Jo what do you think?

Hearing Emmett's sigh, Sclavo looks confused for a minute and then adds, "Oh, I'm sorry, they're not full Hellknights. These are the latest batch of Armigers, Hellknights in training. Still scary, but not so bad for Jo, Coran, and Moondark. I guess part of the group caught Arael and others chased you through the sewers. Whatever happened was pretty embarrassing I guess. This is their last chance to prove themselves."

Janiven listens with interest to Moondark's plan, "I like your thinking Moondark. I'd been thinking of deception as well, but you are much more creative. I was merely thinking of drawing some away with a feint. This plan has promise."

Jo stirs at hearing his name mentioned.

"Jo do what ever you need Jo to do. Jo not good at plannin. Only good at fightin. Dem asimars not too tough in da sewers. Jo can take em."

I look relieved that the Hellknights are only initiates. I turn to face the small man, 'How abouts ya're a Hellknight 'n' I'm a prisoner? I can looks scary 'n' menacing. Ya could be a young Hellknight squire or initiate? What ya thinks of that?'

"Oh! Recruits... I'm more hopeful then. I like your plan Moondark, *puff* the second part has me worried though. I'm not so sure about fleeing from Armigers with bows and arrows. Call it pincushion syndrome if you must..."

Moondark nods, "A feint might still be useful. Perhaps we tell them we just chased the bandits off across the river and they should quickly pursue while we secure the prisoners?"

Egder nods.

I like the plan. I should be able to disguise my features quite easily, especially with these provided masks. I should manage to create something for the second part as well. How do you think recruits would react if an enraged eagle flies at them? This would give us time to escape I think.

I look to Egder, 'What size eagle? Where would we gets an enraged eagle to fly's at them anyways?'

Janiven straightens up and steps back from the table, "Well, it sounds like we have the rudiments of a plan. Shall we head to Gorvio's stable and get the horses? Let's break up into a couple groups. One can head for the main gate and the other can go for the horses."

I sit down next to Jo, dwarfed by his size, I look quite happy. Its nice not to be the biggest anymores. I pull out my axe, lay it across my lap and start to inspect it. Noticing a couple of nicks in the blade is upsetting, but I look a little more happy when I run my fingers along the blades scars. Theys was some good fights, don't leaves me justs yet, okay?

When it is mentioned that we split into 2 groups, I look up from my axe, 'Is there a horse big enough for Jo? Eg, how abouts we race to the main gates, it can be the next notch?'

Jo weighs a mere 350 lbs. There should be a horse big enough. Else he can ride a bull like "Mongo" :-)

Moondark, "No time for a run out to the Cader for a bit of alchemical assistance I suppose. I don't think we have any money anyway. I would prefer to walk to the gate. I don't really know how to ride."

"Jo not know how to ride horse ee'der. But Jo would like to try."

'I has never ridden a horse, buts I has eaten lots of them. Maybe I will go to the horse man, to sees if there's one I likes.'

I look up to Egder again, 'Looks likes no race this time, but I will beats you at something ... I knows, how abouts who can knock out the mosts Hellknightlings?'

Coran looks up at the rest of the group wondering if he needs to yell to be heard amongst all these tallies.

"Excuse me, but I can't ride either it wasn't something the housemaster wanted his slaves to know. Also I think walking we might be easier to make a getaway." Looking at Moondark and Jo "We can always head back down in the sewers in a pinch."

"May I suggest *puff* we lower our expectations? For sure, none of us will be able to jump up the saddle as we run. Yet, once on the saddle, even a casual and *puff* perfectly safe stride should prove fast enough to loose the knights."

Moondark sounds exasperated, "I think I can get the hang of it once we're out in the open. I just don't want to try it in town. I might run someone over and then we've have the Dottari on our backs again."

Gorvio looks up and down Jo, judging his size and weight, "You'll be ok Jo. Ol' Magnus will be able to carry you. As for riding the horses, I'll be sure to help pick some of the more docile horses for anyone that hasn't ridden before. Or you can ride with one of us that has."

Janiven speaks up, "I know how to ride, but why don't I lead those that are less sure about riding to the gate and we'll meet the rest of you on the road. Moondark, I don't think we have time to make another stop right now."

Gorvio will lead a group to the stables. I think that includes Jo, Xianae, and Emmett. Janiven will lead a second group to the gate. I think that includes Coran and Moondark. Egder, let me know what you prefer.

"Imagine, Jo riding a horse." Jo thinks to himself as he gets to his feet. He extends his hand to Xianae. "C'mon Copper, let's go smash some heads."

Jo's demeanor has visibly changed with the prospect of combat in the near future.

Egder carefully observes who is going where, and then makes his choice.

I think I'll go with Coran and Moondark to the gates in that case.

He looks at them.

If you'll tolerate my company off course. If you do, let's go.

I accept Jo's hand and stand up, 'Copper? I likes that. I'm not a smashy person, but I will trys to remove some headses from their bodies.'

I slip my axe handle through my belt and proceed to follow Gorvio, Jo and Emmett.

'Sees you at the gate, Eg.'

Emmett empties his pipe on the table and collects the ashes in his hand, to put them in the dustiest corner. He pulls his dark blue jacket: "Masks... It'll be fun!"

"Well den, let's go!" the now impatient Jo says.

The two groups leave the abandoned church in small groups. Both head north into the streets of Rego Pena and continuing all the way up to Rego Crua before splitting to the gate to the west and the stables to the north.

The gate is not terribly busy, a few farmer's wagons make their way back out into the countryside having sold whatever produce they brought to town in the morning and looking to get out of the city well before evening. Two Dottari watch the gate, but do not appear particularly attentive.

The second group arrives at the stables. A rambling one-story building not far from the gate with a wooden sign swinging from the rafters that reads Jacovo's Stables. Gorvio hurries forward as an older Chelish man emerges from the stables to great you.

"Father, meet my friends. We've finally managed an afternoon that we are all free to ride."

The older man, who definitely bears a family resemblance to Gorvio replies, "Ah, Gorvio, I don't know. How long would you be this afternoon? I have customers later."