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Upon noticing an amber amulet on her, Toorin steps closer and then waves his hand and utters, "Draíonta déanta a léiriú", activating Detect Magic.
Before he can do more than that, the conversation evolves beyond words to a fight. He slips between two hovels, calling out as he moves, "She wears an amulet of the Red Mantis Assassins. Beware!". Then he moves his right hand in a circle above his head, as if directing a sling as he says, "Diúracán de bhfeidhm". From his hand flys a faintly glowing sphere of force that blasts into the assassin.
Taking a viscous hit from Xull, Kura staggers back only to receive an arcane bolt in the chest from Toorin. Preferring to disengage from the current melee, looks right and left for a clear egress out of this mess. Finding none, she steps lightly northwest one square while drawing he short shord. She slashes out at Xull while shouting, "Move your asses you idiots!"
Taking another viscous hit, this time from Korasu, Kura crumples into bloody heap at his feet.
Reluctantly, Amarok fires two quick arrows at the thugs. Looking closer, he can see that the thugs appear blurred.
His aim is true and his arrow strikes Clyde in the shoulder. Clyde give Amarok a fierce look and makes a breaking motion with is hands before pointing at him.
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With Kura down, there is a clear charge lane for me to move up to either Clyde or Bonnie. Warpac charges and attacks with a Power Attack, -2 AC, +2 to hit. He doesn't bother with casting a buff spell since these guys are obviously wimps. I'm not sure whether Pooka can charge either of the two, but if he could charge Clyde, then Warpac will go after Bonnie instead and someone move Warpac down two squares in front of Bonnie.
I'm betting that misses, but just in case:
Charging headlong into battle, Warpac places all his might into a powerful axe swing. Wether the cry in pain from Kura or the scampering halflings running about, none will know what caused the dwarf to swing wide this day.
Bonnie hustles into a flanking position with her long trusted companion. They proceed to try and beat the stout dwarf down, thug style.
But both miss wildly.
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"You are mine Clyde! Pray to whatever god you worship, you attacked the wrong group today! Here we go Luna!" Pooka shouts, gripping the reins tightly while his muscular hound rears back and bolts forward.
"Lean into it girl, Ya!" Pooka bellows his encouragement as the two make their way between the opening Xull has left between himself and the wall. The turn is subtle, but the dog and rider maintain their speed through it as they course correct towards Clyde.
Pooka angles his lance down, and leans into the strike to lend it more power.
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Pooka astride his trusty pooch Luna bears down and reduces Clyde to a red goo on the pavement.
Unbeknownst to rider and mount, the thugs had spread caltrops along the alley.
Luna is too smart and deftly avoids the pronged four-sided weapons.
Xull moves in and slashes Bonnie across the gut, entrails falling out and mixing with the already filthy alley.
The Red Mantis assassin continues to flirt with death.
Seeing the Pathfinders have decimated their foes, a handful of halflings emerge from the hovels. One walks up to Pooka.
"Hello. My name is Naleth Hundredfingers. Thanks for taking care of this lot. Once we heard they were poking around, well, we were too smart to get between the scarred man and the Red Mantis. Went to ground. Figured one would win and the other ... well see what happens.
You friends of the scarred man? I ask that you either escort me to him or perhaps you want to deliver him a message personally. “The Red Mantis is searching Eto for a scarred man.”
"Regardless you have my thanks and the thanks of my gang."
While Pooka is making friends, the other loot the bodies.
They find potions of cure light wounds (2), potion of cure moderate wounds, potion of blur, tanglefoot bag, thunderstone; Other Gear mwk mithral chain shirt, +1 hand crossbow with 10 bolts, mwk short sword, sap, alchemy kit, disguise kit, thieves’ tools, & potions of cure light wounds (2).
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Fight over, Amarok returns his nocked arrow to his quiver and moves slowly over to the foiled Assassin, kneel down beside her and places his bow on the floor, within reach if needed and takes one of the cure potions from the fallen, pouring it to their lips to staunch the bleeding.
Holding her arms tightly in case this should bring them around he speaks to his friends.
"This one must go to the local law officers to pay for their crimes, sadly the other two are beyond redemption."
Kura's wounds seem to staunch but she does not regain conscious.
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"Don't waste another potion on her. Leave her unconcious, no doubt that potion has already stopped her from bleeding. Know that I abhor slavery in every form, but She is now the first advantage we have over torch. Let us bring her back to him and remind him that he now owes us a favor."
"The message we were to deliver is that the red mantis was after him. Not only did we complete his task as asked, but went above and beyond by slaying the assassins for him. He is now in our debt."
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Xûll's arms shorten as his rage subsides and he wanders over to the leader of the Hundredfingers gang.
"Thank you Naleth, but I think your message is redundant now," Xûll indicates the 'beggar woman' on the ground, "But that you tried to deliver it to our... benefactor... is appreciated. I'm sure you and he will no doubt be able to arrive at agreeable terms. For now, though, our mandate is to deliver him your message - not you his location. Unless there is anything more...?" The Shoanti waits for the halflings to depart.
"I have smelling salts, we can find who hired her if you like... or perhaps we can just bring her to Cutie Pie?" Xûll retrieves his small vial of salts, "If we don't heal her anymore, she shouldn't be able to move without reopening her wounds again." Either way, Xûll trusses her up like a prize swine.
Did Amarok just say to hand her over to the 'local law officers'? Ye gods, no wonder we have been working at odds. This one believes in societal justice. Clearly his monk friends were kinder than my tribe.
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Korasu surveys the wreckage of the woman's body his sword has wrought. Vengeance has been served... He chimes in, "Ah, no need to waste potions, I have a wand of healing I got from the Society's coffers; we can use that. I would be interested to hear what she has to say, myself."
Perhaps, depending what she has to say for herself, a thorn in the side of Torch could have use?
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"You are welcome, Naleth. It was probably a wise move to lay low while the Red Mantis were here." Pooka dismounts, immediatly checking Luna's paws for signs of cuts from the viscous caltrops, then checking her straps and saddle, and buckles on her barding to make sure that everything is still snug and comfortable.
He pulls a handful of treats from the pouch on his side and begins feeding them to her, rubbing her down and rewarding her for a job well done in the brief, brutal fight.
"This city is strange, compared to my homeland. Everything has some value, small or large. Every act is turned to profit somehow, with favors being traded like platinum pieces." Pooka muses out loud, appearing to talk to himself, but directing it towards the halfling gang leader. "I do not know how long we will be in Eto. But do not be surprised if we show up on your doorstep again to call in this favor. For now though," Pooka bows with a halfling's mischevious grin, "I am pleased to grant you back your turf."
He sticks his gauntleted hand out to shake hundredfinger's hand.
"As I mentioned earlier, we now have a card to play in this game at the table with Torch. His task was for us to relay a message meant only for his ears. We will do that when we tell him that the Red Mantis is searching for a scarred man in Eto. Then we will toss this woman at his feet and tell him that he now owes us a favor for dealing with the threat, and delivering one who can answer whatever questions he may have. This favor is one that we still have yet to name, and much like we don't have a choice in our matter of helping him to get the information we seek, he doesn't have a choice in this bitter bargain."
"I quite like having a hand up on him. We will see how long it lasts."
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At Toorin's quesi on, Amarok shakes his head slightly and looks up to the elf. He smiles and says "Thankyou go having my back friend, one potion to keep her from bleeding to death is fine, she may have a way of suicide if we awake her."
He ensures Xull's treatment of her does not cause unnecessary injury and then steps back, collecting his bow. He gives the Halfling gang leader a brief nod before returning to the matter at hand.
"I agree we should return, maybe this will give us the upper hand, maybe not but at least no innocents have died this day."
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Amarok may have to step in as Xûll very roughly hefts the woman onto his shoulders. He walks in a manner that causes far more bumps to her injured form than is strictly necessary, and very probably reopens some wounds as he goes.
"Upper hand? With Cutie Pie?" Xûll looks extremely doubtful, "Even if she were the only Red Mantis assassin after him, I doubt he'll consider this any more than an errand performed. After all, what incentive does he have to do so? We're not exactly going to tell these assassins where he is, nor associate with them.
"No, the best we can hope for is gratitude. A vain hope, perhaps, but there it is."
Unless Amarok manages to intercede, upon arriving at Torch's hangout, Xûll practically throws the assassin on the ground. He has no respect or care for those who kill for money. She lives only because of his companions' gentle hearts.
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Warpac snags the tanglefoot bag from the loot.
I'll bet a silence spell on this before it is thrown could ruin a spellcaster's day. Wonder if I'll get a chance to try.
"Since I don't like to murder people, I agree. The fact that it gives us an advantage with Cutie Pie is icing on the tea cake, so to speak. Those were rather good, don't you think? Anyway, killing someone in heated battle is one thing, but I just want you all to know that slitting a throat afterwards is not something I will put up with and I doubt I'm alone on that. Leaving them to bleed to death - now that is a grey area I prefer to avoid if possible."
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Such gentle hearts, Xûll repeats to himself at Warpac's speech about killing after battle. "Sometimes, death is the best punishment - in or out of battle," Xûll mutters to no-one in particular.
"Hmmm, this could be handy..." the big Shoanti muses, offering the potion around before finally popping it into a blank spot on one of his bandoliers.
The Pathfinders exit Beggar's Alley and make their way back to the House of the White Uraeus, situated in one of Eto’s more upscale districts. Xull and his slumped over parcel elicit quite the conversation amongst the locals.
Whether the people of Eto have grown accustomed to putting on an air of indifference or the fact that the Pathfinders have become well known in a short amount of time, none stop them. It could also be how heavily armed they all are.
Once again entering the House of the White Uraeus, Grandmaster Torch's half-orc guard gives a grunt before ushering them into Torch's presence.
Still relaxing in the warm waters of the bath, Grandmaster Torch gives a grunt of surprise. "And who pray tell is and why are you bringing her to me? I believe I asked you to resolve any loose ends before reporting back to me. This very much looks like you have brought the loose end to me. Is discretion no longer taught at the academy?"
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"Discretion? I'm the wrong fellow if you want discretion. They tried to teach me that kind of thing, but somehow it failed to take. Makes you wonder why they sent me if they wanted discretion."
"But, really, we were trying to do you a favor. I think you want to talk with this one. Seems that... Well, I'll let someone with more discretion tell you."
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Toorin follows the advice of his mentor: 'when in the presence of someone about whom one knows little, it is best to let them talk. Instead of talking yourself, listen and learn what you can of his or her motives and values.' He says little during the wrap-up of the assassin and the exchange with the halfling gang.
His only substantial comment comes after Warpac comments on the treatment of downed enemies, being opposed to the slitting of throats of enemies who are down but not yet dead. "The elves have a long tale from an unknown land--I know not how it came to be known--but in this tale, elves and men and dwarves are locked in a seemingly futile battle with an evil power with nearly god-like powers. A halfling has been given the task by a wizard to infiltrate the evil one's land and destroy an artifact that the evil one seeks and deprive him of his power. A complication involves an evil little creature, who perhaps once was a halfling, warped by the evil artifact. This creature was once a prisoner of the elves, who had not the heart to execute him. He escaped and was causing trouble for the hero, who commented to the wizard, 'Pity the elves did not kill him when the had the chance! He deserved death.' The wizard replied, 'Yes, it was pity. And many who live deserve death, as many who deserve life die. Can you give life back once it is gone? If not, then don't be too quick to deal out death. Even the wise cannot see all ends, and I suspect this nuisance may yet have a part to play.' That turned out to be true. The evil halfling inadvertantly made the destruction of the artifact possible. I remember that story whenever I hold the power of life or death over another, even one who is evil and may deserve death."
When Torch complains about the loose end laid on the floor in front of him, Toorin can think of various justifications for bringing her to him, but decides to let those who have dealt with him before have the say, for now. He watches Torch, the better to understand what movitvates him.
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Korasu gives a curt bow to Torch. "Ah, from where I stand, the loose end is wrapped up quite tightly and tied up with a bow. We only thought that perhaps a man who values information might find import in the words of a Red Mantis Assassin that had the desire to kill you. If we were mistaken, I'm sure arrangements can be made."
He spreads his arms wide in an exaggerated shrug.
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"If you don't want her, fine. We'll turn her in to the authorities so she can be rescued and them come and kill you all while you have no idea who wants you dead or why," Xûll picks the woman up again, "I told them not to expect you to think we'd done well on the deal, but I thought at least a thank you. No? Well, never mind. Like I care if these pricks keep trying to kill you."
With that, the big Shoanti gives the woman a final heft into position on his shoulders and marches out (unless Torch stops him).
Grandmaster Torch's eyes widen at the mention of the Red Mantis. At a motion from Grandmaster Torch, his half-orc guards move to flank Xull in a non-threatening way.
"A moment Xull. I did not thank you did I? Well that was somewhat rude. Thank you.
"You have made it known your disdain for me lecturing you so let us suffice to say that I am pleased in you progress completing the tasks that I have set forth for you all, but in carrying this woman to me, in broad daylight, for all to see, will create quite the headache for me.
"I guess better than a slit throat. Though these two are competent, they are not infallible. So tell me the tale of this woman?"
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"We know little of value except that she, and her cohorts, have been annoying the Hundredfingers in their pursuit of you. That was the message we were sent to retrieve if I have it right. I would like to add, however, that they seemed very poorly qualified. To me this seemed more of a warning than a real attempt, unless the competence of the Red Mantis is highly exaggerated. My 40 year old nephew could have swatted these guys down with a willow switch!"
I may not care for his business practices, but I have even less fondness for assassins!
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Seeing the treatment of their captive by Xull is likely to open a wound or worse, kill her before she can be brought to justice, Amarok quickly steps in and ensures he at least carries some of the assassins weight, bracing against the Shoanti's rough handling.
"Whilst she is ur foe, without being brought to justice or mined for information, she is worthless"
Once they make it to the bath house, he can't help but feel smug at the uncoordinated response from Torch, a man who had always seemed unflappable until faced with the threat of death. he speaks evenly, without a hint at his own thoughts.
"The Red Mantis search Eto for a scarred man"
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Toorin accompanies Xûll and Amarok out of the room and when out of earshot of Torch, he says, "Let's take the amber talisman and show it to Mahu. If she wore it openly, perhaps other assassins have entered the city wearing it. It might give us some information we can use to barter information out of Torch, since he seems concerned about being their target."
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His companions have the tale well in hand, so Xûll unceremoniously dumps the woman back on the ground. "Enjoy your interrogation."
"Perhaps, Toorin, but I'd as soon not barter any further with Cutie Pie," Xûll says honestly, "When this list is done and we have the location of the Diamond Sage, I'll be glad never to see him again. If things go south, though, it'll be good to have your plan in our back pocket."
With that, the Pathfinders exit the House of the White Uraeus.
An associate has delivered a shipment of valuable Osirian artifacts to just outside Eto. She claims that the objects are hidden inside a dry well southeast of the Sunrise Gate. Retrieve these and bring them to me. The magic rod is of particular importance; everything else is expendable.
Once again the Pathfinders visit the Eto Bazaar. They have now established enough competent contacts that finding the information they need is relatively easy.
An upcoming holy day of Sarenrae has people remembering how a cleric of the goddess tried to purge the land of evil over a hundred years ago; however, the ruins of the old city beyond the city walls still hide shrines to the old faiths, especially the serpent cult of Apep.
The serpent god’s slithering children are blessed with the ability to go unnoticed by eyes accustomed to the Dawnflower’s light.
The Pathfinders make their way out of Eto and towards the well. As they exit, the sun has begun to set and they see a very tired Mahu. "Ah friends, I trust your day has gone better than mine. These no good, lying, well you do not wish to hear of my problems. Are you leaving Eto then? Remember should you find anything, bring it to me and I will give you a fair price!"
The Pathfinders make their way southwest. The monotony of the heat waves cascading off the beige sand is enough to drive anyone mad. Luckily they find their destination rather quickly.
Wild grasses hug the low walls surrounding the wide mouth of the well. The opening is 15 feet wide at the top but narrows to a width of about 5 feet at the bottom 30 feet below.
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Detect Magic (60' range) and Detect Poison (35' range) before even thinking about descending. I figure that mention of serpents might mean poisonous snakes. Not sure if detect poison would locate the critters if so but what is the harm in a little orizon?
"Anyone want to cast light down there? I'm checking for magic and poison..."
Warpac pauses and makes measuring motions with his hands to his waist and eyes the hole.
"I hope I'm not expected to go down into that skinny little hole!"
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"If you wish us to bring the rod back into the city, we will need money for the taxes on it. How much is it worth, approximately?" Xûll asks matter-of-factly, not willing to admit that Torch could demand they pay the taxes themselves or smuggle the item.
"Grand it is to see you again, friend Maho, we will be sure to bring any items we find to you for the fairest price." The Shoanti smiles and gives the city guard a genuinely friendly handshake.
When they come to the well Xûll looks at it doubtfully. His new armor affords him much freedom, but he never quite took to climbing .
Xûll lowers himself down until he is hanging by both arms. He tries to get a foothold but is unable to do so. Eventually, he decides to slip down a little and when the well narrows he pushes out with his feet to brace his back against the wall. Were he not so tall, it would never have worked, but as it is, he is almost stretched to his limit with his shoulders and not the flat of his back against the opposite side to his feet. Grumbling at his lack of experience, Xûll slowly wanders down and eventually splashes into the tepid waters below. It is then that he remembers that he bought a rope earlier.
"Nethys save me from my forgetfulness," he mutters to himself.
"Anyone want a rope?" he calls up.
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Heading away from the White Uraeus, Amarok has nothing to say with regards to the taxes, sure Torch will outright refuse to pay for it and leave it up to the group to arrange. Making sure he has gathered the rest of his equipment from the Inn before meeting Mahu at the gate, he offers the man a smile and wishes him well in the rest of his day.
The trek through the desert makes him feel at home and the Monk relishes the blazing sun on his skin, when they reach the well he peers down inside, relying on his natural ability to see in the darkness.
If all appears to be safe, he slings his bow over his shoulder and sure foote fly makes the climb.
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Toorin likewise restocks with his gear set before heading out of the city walls.
In passing Mahu, Toorin shows him the Red Mantis talisman and asks "We encountered an assassin wearing this while disguised as a common street peddler. Have you seen others passing into the city wearing this or other indications of the Red Mantis group? We suspect they have an active contract for someone in the city. We'd appreciate any tips about how many others there may be here."
Toorin looks down the well and sees more than some, but plucks a component from one of the many small compartments on his robe, touches it to an empty waterskin partly filled with air, and says, "Lig a bheith ann solas". The waterskin glows brightly as it drops to the bottom of the well and floats on the water below. He gives the passageway down a once-over for traps before seeing who volunteers to go down. He has a coil of rope to help those who might want or need it to make the climb or to attach anything found below for hauling up.
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"Xull, Watch for Luna, I'll lower her down on a rope." Pooka calls down after the large man makes his way to the bottom.
Pooka pulls his coil of rope from the saddlebags, and begins tying the rope off in loops and knots over her shoulders and rump. When he is confident everything is tight and secure, he encourages Luna to lean against the rope, and begin to allow herself to slide down the side of the steep slope.
Once she has reached the bottom, Pooka shouts down. "Pull the coiled loop near her neck, and brace her head so you don't yank it back. It should pop free and untie from the rest of her harness." he instructs on the quick way to untangle the dog should they run into trouble while everyone else descends.
"Ok boys," he directs his comments to the group still up above. "Climbin ain't something I do well, especially in this armor. I'll need you to hold this end of the rope for me while I rappel down. I'm gonna tie off so if I do slip, I don't slip to my death."
With that, Pooka begins another arduous task of tying off, and then backing down the edge slowly while his companions slowly give him more rope to descend.
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A confused look spreads across Torch's face. "Taxes? Honestly I expect that nobody know this artifact ever enters the city. As I have mentioned, you have done well in all your tasks, and I expect nothing less from you. Should you have to pay a tax, it will be a nominal amount for ones such as yourself and by no means should it be traced back to me.
"This information that I will give you after the tasks are completed, though you have earned it, is not information I bequeath lightly. Events will become known to you, later, that will make you reflect on our negotiations.
"I may be challenging to deal with, but I am always fair. I have treated you fairly, and I know that you have acted in a likewise manner.
"Xull, it is my sincere hope that when you have completed this last task that we may depart on good terms. You are a grown man, and you know business is business.
"Besides, I heard what Pooka did to that thug. Some of you may not have the acumen to negotiate, but you can surely fell a foe."
"Ah Toorin, my friend. What is this you have?" Mahu takes the offered talisman and begins to examine it. "Not really worth very much. I do see many different talismans in the course of a day and they do tend to blur together. I cannot recall seeing one like this, but if you wish I can keep an eye out for it." he hands the talisman back.
"Oh come now Xull. Every man has a price, and yours does not come cheaply. I am sure that you can be creative and find a way around the tax should it be charged you. Best of luck!"
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Korasu looks around surreptitiously, then clears his throat, clearly uneasy as he says, "Ah, on the subject of taxes... depending on the nature of the objects that we find in the well, I may be able to smuggle back the Rod inside by scaling the wall, hidden from sight. I regret to swindle our friend Mahu from his taxes, but I would most certainly ensure that he receives his fair recompense at later times..." He glances around. "Of course, we can see if there are sufficient goods to barter with there."
Korasu scales the wall of the well as if he was flying down it, his fingers barely brushing along the stone as he descends. Pausing partway down the wall, he sweeps his fingers to Detect any latent magic.
Korasu casts his spell. He sees no magical auras.