Glancing at the footprints Synxol cannot help but take a few steadying breaths to imagine that not only will they be coming face-to-face with Frankenstein's golem, but it will likely be in the form of the woman he dedicated himself to resurrecting.
Bringing the flintlock duelling pistol up the ready, he continues to advance, the weapon seeming paltry in comparison with what might await just around the next corner.
" Ondessa! Where be hess books! Schiess! SHould have killed him, Dark ones say nien." The cursing switches to a German accent, then rapid firing back to Greek, as if the woman's voice is arguing with someone else but both voices are female in tones and inflections. The sounds of more books being thrown about can be heard, as well as more stomping and now the rustling of pages being turned.
Synxol stops in his tracks, his head slightly cocked akimbo to orient his auditory organ on the conversation. Greek was a language he was fluent in, and though he spoke a Germanic tongue, its subtleties were sometimes lost on him.
He rounds the corner, the pistol casually stowed in a pocket for easy access, "Evening ladies."
Assisi follows the others into the room.
Hearing the female voices, he stops and hefts his small club. Killed who?, he thinks. And he wishes he had studied Greek and German.
As they move to the voices, he takes in the books, like a child in a Sweetes Shoppe. It must be wonderful to be able to afford such a luxurious library. The monastery had a good library, but its breadth was limited - there were some topics strictly forbidden.
A cheeky grin fully hooked in place upon his face, Jack's grey eyes drink in the sight before him. He didn't understand the languages, although one he would have bet was a tart speaking German. He was pretty certain that they weren't happy from the tones of the voices.
The big Scotsman looked to be casually leaning on his walking stick. He was waiting for this little meeting to blow up like a bottle of moonshine placed in a fire.
As Synxol rounds the corner a third voice is heard in south English female as well, " Ohhh a gentlemen caller, this late lovlies what ever shall we do hmm." the voice trails off as if interrupted by a German accented English voice " Kill him, eat him, or... ravish him Ja ." The voice stops, than a woman with a faint Greek accented English " Eat him? My word, just kill him and get a move on, we have more books to go through."
As Synxol finishes rounding the corner he sees a small pile of books casually tossed around the floor. A woman dressed in dark, form fitting leathers, boots that lace up the knee, an Epee belted around her waist, a scar along her face is noticeable. As she looks up from the book she is flipping through, you see that one her eyes is an amber color while that other one is a deep blue.
She cocks her head to the side as if listing to someone's conversation:
She stops for a moment then the South English voice comes out of her mouth:
Feeling the warmth his skin conveys to the metal in his pocket gives the young lord some additional confidence. Synxol moves into the room, stopping to pick up a discarded book to peruse, clearing the way for the others to join him.
"Well that be quite the saucy outfit, luv. Shame you be all set on killin' my dear friend, guess that be meaning I be having to stop ye," Jack says, still grinning cheekily. The big Scot had moved and was leaning against a wall.
Gretta: " Another one, well at least we will have someone to question.". She moves her hands in a complex gesture then draws her Epee.
"I think not."
The exact second the lady moves her hands Synxol draws and fires his flintlock in one fluid motion, never dropping the discarded book he had retrieved.
Moving as soon as the the leather glad nutter began moving, Jack catches the sight of the young lord in action out of his peripheral vision as he runs forward. The thundering roar of his pistol at close range followed less then a heartbeat later.
Both hands on his metal walking stick, the big Scot swings the stick like the sturdy club that it is. He wasn't about to take any chances, his shoulder still ached from where he had been bitten earlier. Jack was not about to take any chances with the crazy lady.
"No!" Assisi's voice rings out despite the rooms luxurious sound dampening decor.
"We must take her alive! I am sure she must be a valuable source of information."
He stands and watches what transpires next, club still in his hand.
The Ball hits the sisters, as she staggers back from the round, Jacks' walking stick hits her as well. In the fray Jack, you see both eyes shift to amber along with the sound of breaking bone and wet leather being torn. You see her leathers start to rip as she her body starts transforming, right before she falls against the window and breaks through the glass. For one crystal clear moment you see her covered head to toe in fur along with the sound of breaking glass, you all three hear bones breaking and reforming.
Falling through the air you see her changing into a wolf, a loud thud can be heard along with the bone chilling howl of a wolf sounding from outside, answered in the distance by another.
Calmly Synxol begins the lengthy process of reloading, while making a mental note that he needs to pick up another, and possibly 27 more pistols, for such occasions as these.
Jack looks out the window, blinking several times as his mind tries to come up with some kind of plausible lie to cover what he had just seen. Needless to say, it really does try for a few heartbeats before doing the brain equivalent of throwing it's hands up and saying "F$&! it. Yeah you just saw a werewolf, congratulations." The big Scot shakes his head when the distant sound of the answering howl hits his ears like a hammer.
"I dinna think we be catching that," Jack finally response, looking over at Assisi. Shaking his head, Jack looks around the massive library. "Bugger all. I don't be thinking we be lucky enough to not be disturbed, so we need to find some clues." Grey eyes sweeping over the the room several times, he looks back at the other two. "Alright, what to we be knowin' about this doctor? Anythin' that might give an idea as to what the crazy lady was talking about?"
A few moments pass as Jack looks for a desk and has plans to look through it.
"Be it just my thinkin', or was Crazy Lady lookin' rather saucy in her leather outfit?" Jack comments. "Well, before she did the whole turn into a furry wolf beast anyway. What was she? Other than talking to herself in different languages crazy."
OOC: Go ahead and everyone gain a level, cuse I love you all so much... please post your next actions after leveling. Keep in mind if you are gaining spells for the first time that you will have the spell slots, but will not be able to cast them, same thing for new psi powers.
As you look out the window Jack, all three of you hear a voice coming from a room nearby " Damnation Women! I told you to not kill anyone you find we still need to question how long the Doctor has been hear and where did he go! And you were supposed to wait for me to be their! I remember the last time you 'Questioned' someone! "
A door opens and slams shut, you hear the thumping of footsteps, the voice had a faint Persian Accent to his voice, as the bass tones tell you it is male.
Synxol joins Jack at the window, glancing down and shuddering. "Bad dog. Bad!"
Jack grins at Synxol as they look out the shattered window. The big Scot was about to say something when the someone speaking outside of the room. Listening to what is said, a nasty grin slides across his face.
"Time for an ambush," Jack whispers to the other two. Pointing at a spot a good ways in front of the closed door. "One of you needs to be visible for distraction. That way the others be sneakin' up and knockin' out whomever is coming to check on wolf lady." Jack whispers to the others.
The big man locates a good spot near the door to stay out of sight. Even if that mean hiding behind the door, but Jack isn't confident that he can get behind the door without being seen by the approaching footsteps.
Jack and Synxol, right before you leave the window you hear growling as something covered in fur, jumps just short of the window swiping her claws at you. Another thump as the werewolf lands back and the ground and pads away, the mist swallows the werewolf form.... you get the feeling that she will looking for you two someday.
The thumping of footsteps is getting closer, you estimate that whomever is making these audible footsteps will be in the room in about 10 seconds, choose your plan.
Synxol nods to Jack and moves a few feet to the side of the window, and casually leans against the wall with pistol in hand. He remains in plain sight, his attention towards the approaching voice made corporeal form (hopefully).
Assisi moves quickly to hide next to the door, hoping the closed door muffles any sound they all make.
Jack slides into his chosen hiding spot near the door.
Only a person preoccupied by their expectations of what they were going to be seeing allows the 8 ft tall man dressed in clothes that would be better suited for dessert travel, not see Jack, or Assisi. It seems that the 'man' is focusing only on Synxol standing there with his pistol. He has a sword drawn that shimmers slightly as if giving off a heat, his black beard is well maintained kept short, his skin tone holds a slight olive tinge to it, no hair on his head can be seen.
" Friend of Doctor Frankenstein, or just a thief That is the question. Who are you and why are you impeding my progress, that God has given me." He asks, stopping for a moment to light up a rolled smoke.
8' tall pirates and schizophrenic werewolves, their payment for this operation was looking a tad meagre.
"We stand asea in the detritus of your lupine companion's efforts to locate Herr Frankenstein, his creation, or his writings. It is not my intention to be rude, but since introductions are in order, I will yield the floor to you. Who are you, and what are you doing here?"
Hopefully the Boggle had turned up something substantive, because they had more questions than answers at this point.
Assisi stays perfectly still, ready to pounce if the giant black-bearded man should try to attack Synxol. A trip is in order, then the three of them could try to knock him out and tie him up. A much better result than having him jump out the window and run away.
With the man's great size, Assisi wonders if this might be one of Dr. Frankenstein's creations. But it was a form of resurrection, not creation, so the original man would have had to have been that size too, he thinks.
" Oho Polite one, Ebon son of Tal'Rasha Son of Dar'Hussian, or Ebon'Rasha if that would make things shorter and easier. As for what I am here for, the works or body of Doctor Frankenstein, my... associates are interested in many things and my God has given me the charge of completing this task... no matter who stands in my way." He finishes waiting for Synxol's response, a gleam that only a fanatic would have is evident.
Hiding, Jack blinks in surprise as the big man enters the room. The heavy foot steps had given him an idea that someone large was on their way. The owner of the Prussian accented was quiet literally a giant.
Gripping his metal walking stick tightly, the big Scot changes his plan, as knocking him over the head wasn't really a good option. 'However, knees be looking like a good choice,' Jack thinks to himself. Glancing at the Brother, Jack nods slightly. Once the young Lord had plucked as much information as he could from the giant, Jack had a feeling things would get nasty.
The big Scot was getting the feeling that anyone traveling around with the crazy wolf lady, was not someone they wanted to try and take in any kind of fair fight. Which was fortunate, since Jack had no plans on fighting fair.
Listening to the conversation between the two, a slight frown took up residence upon Jack's face. The big man kept talking about his "God," and Jack was beginning to think that he wasn't talking about the God everyone else referred to.
Synxol glances down at the weapon in his hand, feeling it looks like a child's toy compared to the behemoth before him, "I am called Talruk. Which god do you serve? I have been sent here by the god of another, and perhaps the interests align."
Assisi has some hope that this is another man of God, and that they are on the same or similar mission.
Still, he waits to let the conversation continue...
With a snort Ebon'Rasha says " Allah of course, I need no help from a heathen follower, if you have no information about the Frankenstein then you have nothing I need and are impeding my mission." He finishes while narrowing his eyes.
Jack is almost holding his breath, waiting to see what secrets the young lord might be able to wrest from the giant. He has to give Synxol full credit for keeping calm in the face of the giant Prussian. Glancing at the lord, Jack wonders how much time young Baelstrad spent gambling.
As the conversation pauses for a moment, the big Scot feels like a big hunting cat. Muscles coiled and ready to spring into action, his grey eyes flicked back to the shattered window. Looking back at the giant, Jack was just waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.
Arabic was not one of the languages that the semi-polyglot Synxol had studied in depth, but he did know enough to recognize the word for the Islamic God. An archbishop of the Bible on one side, and a mosque-centric adherent of the Qur'an on the other. Two groups with nearly identical beliefs about the existence of imaginary friends in the sky, yet rather than coming together it drove an ontological wedge between them. It was a wonder how these popular cults got so popular, considering how they appeared to wish ill of everyone that didn't know the secret handshake.
"Khuda hafiz Ebon'Rasha."
His expensive cut of a suit was a dark crimson colour, not fully committing on an ebon hue, but toying with the idea. It would be a shame to stain it with his blue blood.
The weapon raises, in response to the giant's eyes narrowing, finding the giant's forehead resting between its iron sights, and is joined by a slight cocking of Lord Baelstrad's head and a wry smile.
"Who said I had no information? I merely wish to be handsomely rewarded for my part....and not with any more of your most tiresome threats. You seek Dr. Victor Frankenstein, golems, resurrections, or a magical tome of some worth. I would know why. Perhaps you would have a seat, and join me for a drink. There is no need to be enemies."
Perhaps the estrogenical lycanthrope would disagree, considering he had put a lead ball in her hip.
Synxol lowers his pistol and uses it to invite the man fully into Dr. Frankenstein's lair.
" No thank you on the drink, but I do see the wisdom in your words. I am more interested in separating the doctor and his coil, others are infested with the desire of his work. Of course they also have members in the Vatican city.". He finishes with a sneer.
Ebon'Rasha relxes slightly, his sword going into the strange sheath on his belt. His eyes starting to make a circuit of the room.
OOC: Jack and Assisi new hide checks, add a + 4 to your new roll, as Synxol has provided a big enough distraction.
Assisi hides, and waits.
He is not sure his hiding place was the best choice, so he tries to think of things to say, excuses. Lies. Then he realizes he is thinking like a criminal, and though he's willing to lie to save his friends, he generally believes the truth is the right and best way to proceed.
As the giant man begins to look about the room, Jack holds his breath. The big Scot completely froze, willing himself to not be seen. He mentally curses, realizing that he had let them talk to long. They had lost their chance for an ambush, and were more than likely looking at a nasty fight.
Ebon'Rasha:
OOC: Synxol, Jack, and Assisi you have a standard action available to you as it is a surprise round his action was to duck for cover from the pistol wielding lord. Synxol you didn't have a 'readied' action but I am allowing you a chance to fire at Ebon'Rasha since you have had you pistol at his head.
Synxol remains still, his pistol held loosely at his side. "This changes nothing Ebon'Rasha, My companions were only concerned with my safety." He beckons again for the towering man to join him for a continued civil discourse.
Seeing that he had been noticed, Jack stands up right. Looking at the big man, the Scot nods.
"I be havin' a question for ya, big man. Be you responsible for the two the two dead women outside?" Jack asks, his grey eyes hard.
Eboun'Rasha looks at Jack then says " Of course, they got in my way. What is it to you Kilty?" He says turning his full attention to the Scotsman, not understanding why a robber in the night would have an problem with that.
Taking a step to the side, using Jack's distraction to maximum effect, Synxol puts himself in line with the scimitar wielding idiot and snatches back the trigger.
"A most unfortunate response."
Assisi, seeing things getting violent again, runs up to the big man and attempts to trip him.
He hopes the big man can be brought down quickly. When Assisi had studied Arabic, he had met several Muslims, and most of the ones he met were peaceful, unlike this one. Much like Christians, he guessed.
"Bloody amateur," Jack mutters as his long legs eat the distance. In a flash he was in front of the big man. "Let's see how ye dance, giant."
The metal walking stick slices through the air, the big Scot welding in vaguely sword like fashion.
Assisi moves close enough to Ebon'Rasha who in turn punches the holy man in the face
Synxol backs up a bit, placing his tamping rod in his teeth for a moment as he brings forth the components to reload his weapon
A waft of acrid smoke hangs lazily in the air about the young noble.
50 grains of blackpowder cascade from the horn into the measure, the top is skimmed and then its contents are poured down the barrel's awaiting maw.
He glances up a few times to ensure a sword isn't descending towards his skull.
A .45 calibre lead ball and cloth patch are forced down next by the ramrod. The ramrod was crafted from hickory, and was meant to be housed in a brass sleeve underneath the weapon, though Synxol was as likely to hold it 'tween his teeth.
All that remained was a bit of blackpowder on the pam to prime it.
Assisi is surprised that his poor trip attempt actually brought the giant down, although he had taken a punch for it. He now brings down his club on the prone opponent.
Attack and damage (comes free with an improved trip):
"Are you one of those who believe your God and mine are not the same?" he asks in a conversational tone as he beats on the man.
" Allah is the one and only god, your god is the god of heretic's!" Ebon'Rasha snarls at Assisi while standing up, getting ready to boot the Scholar in the groin, blood dripping from the pistol ball that had grazed the large Persian, seeming not caring about his own wounds or safety at the moment.
damage
Synxol continues to maneuver both his feet and the ball down the pipe.
Metal walking stick whizzing through the air, Jack continues to attack the giant of a man. A heart felt curse slips past his lips as Ebon'Rasha moves to get to his feet. The big Scot didn't want to let the giant Persian to focus on the Brother.
After all, Jack was being paid to keep the Brother alive and intact. Not to mention Assisi seemed a decent sort of person, and Jack might feel bad if he ended up getting him killed.
Assisi takes another shot at Ebon'Rasha as he stands.
AOO: