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"Hello friends!" Haafiz greets the returning companions, "Perhaps before we try to woo some merchants to our side, you should be showering. You smell of sweat, blood and... is that blubber?"
The Keleshite listens to the tale of his companions' success and relates his and Cyrus's successes also, "They are sure to be hearing the false rumors - and soon. My lies seemed to be accepted, and young Cyrus here was most persuasive. I would not want to be on his bad side!
"So, let us restore this final statue to 'life' and then get the merchants on our side. With that done, all should be ready to find Arvellos. I would suggest that perhaps we split up again to secure the merchants' aid. Gunari, Finarin and I seem best suited to woo them. Perhaps Cyrus can come with Finarin this time to help with negotations, Ibid with Gunari and Raven with me? Meet at that massive palm tree in the town square (you know the one) if there is any trouble."
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Finarin walks slowly up to the hippo, slumped on is side, blood mixing with the mud from the river bottom churned by the river. He places a hand on the hippo now lifeless head.
"Our apologies .... great one. For we have ended your life and you knew not why. Forever the struggles of ... man and beast have crossed. I am saddened that our paths .... crossed today. May death hold ... peace for you."
"Haafiz, I once again must .... caution against segregating our abilities and strengths. Though the arm is a mighty appendage ... the strength lent it from the torso multiplies that strength into a formidable weapon. Should we encounter more .... resistance we will be hard pressed to defend ourselves.
Yet once again I will ... acquiesce to the whims of the group. If you believe this is the .... wisest course than let us depart. Met back here then?"
Finarin cast a disapproving look upon the group. He had fought with most of these men for so long there was little conscious though anymore. It was a perfect understanding between members and that made their combined talents so much superior to their individual abilities.
Mayhaps this Haafiz is more like Lort then I initially thought. Rash. Impulsive. Yet formidable all the same. Be wary my new friend that you do not overreach your abilities.
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"I believe we are in a hurry, Lord Moonstep," Haafiz tries to explain, and cannot help but remember that he is speaking to nobility, "Do you normally need five of your friends to talk to a merchant? Perhaps we can try to keep each other in sight. The market district does not look so large."
I know the elf is no coward, so why the overcautiousness for what is little more than a shopping expedition?
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Raven cleans his spear in the stream, taking care to not mess up his new clothing.
"Impressive, everyone. If we are consistently that efficient, I think the lodge is in no danger."
Raven shrugs at the suggestions to split up.
"Perhaps a way to signal, if things go badly. Or even a method of communication, usable at range, would be useful?" Raven looks around at the group. "There are possible enemies in this town, we have no idea when they might attack." Raven nods at Haafiz and Gunari. "And we do not have the least noticeable of allies."
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"Aww, c'mon Finarin! How bad could it be? You've been dying to pick out some new breeches for me anyways. You occasionally mumble in your meditations, or sleep, or whatever elves call that. It's just like you said, no reason to get in a fight in the streets, we can outrun any technic league agents who ferret us out. I'm pretty sure what that disinformation campaign Haafiz and I just pulled off, they won't be looking our way anyways."
"Not a bad idea Raven! Why don't we all buy a couple fireworks. Pop one off if things get ugly. That will be the sign to beat feet to a gathering place. Probably best not to lead any pursuers back to the lodge here, but there is a warehouse down this lane here about 5 minutes walk. If one of us gets in trouble, pop off the firework and we all run back there. Then if someone is stupid enough to follow, they get a nice surprise when two becomes six."
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"It seems we are decided then," Ibid adds, looking to the other members of the group. He stands for a moment and adjusts the longbow hanging across his shoulders, ever impressed by the caliber of agents the society sees fit to pair him with. He only hopes the others feel the same way, and are happy that he is also one of their number. "It seems the majority is in favor of separating for a period and accomplishing the task at hand as quick as possible."
"I am especially alright with the parring," Ibid laughs a little to himself. "I have seen Gunari heal a man back from the brink of death, so I will breathe a bit easier knowing that. Everyone please be careful as you move about the town. As others have said, there are certainly enemies about, and with each passing moment brings a greater chance that we will be found out or that the lodge will be attacked."
"And, well thought out, Raven," Ibid adds. "A signal to designate danger is a brilliant idea. We can meet back where Cyrus has suggested if need be."
Haafiz and Cyrus are the first to return to the lodge from their Ventures, and this time Aya is there to greet them. The Aasimar escorts the two to the lodge lounge, and offers refreshments to wash off the heat of the day.
"Well done, gentlemen. I truly hope the rumors you planted will find their way to League agents' ears, and make them look elsewhere. Of course, if they have Arvellos and he speaks, they'll be right on our doorstep. But where are the rest of your group? Ah, here they come! And bringing the Baobab root for the golem, I see. Follow me to the library, I have a book that describes the ritual to activate golem. "
With the help of the book, Ibid consults Finarin on the details of the ritual, and the elf casts the arcane magics needed to complete the activation. Dim lights start shining in the creature's eyes, and one more defender is ready to repel any invaders attacking the lodge.
Then the four men and two elves sit down, indulging themselves on the comfortable sofas, drinking juices pressed from fresh fruits, while planning their next move.
The group exit the lodge, through the ever-bustling Grand Bazaar, ready to head for the merchants. Before splitting up, Cyrus points the warehouse he had in mind for emergency meeting point. Then the Pathfinder form into pairs, and start walking to the addresses Aya kindly gave them.
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Cyrus & Finarin
First name in Aya’s list is Bunda Malinzi, a herbalist. Cyrus’ and Finarin’s walk takes them to one the bazaar areas of the city, and asking for Bunda, they are pointed towards a colourful tent on the other side of the bazaar. Inside they find an ageing Zenj woman, dressed in robes as colourful as her tent. All around her “shop”, there are various herbs hanging to dry, jars and ointments on display, and all kinds of alchemical supplies. ”Yes, how I may help you?” she asks, in heavily accented Taldan.
”To help Sharrowsmith’s Export in time of need? Of course! Tell you what… Look around my shop, choose any one item you want. I give it to you, half price”
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Ibid & Gunari
The target of Ibid and Gunari is man called Takna Hunzu, whom they find in one nondescript street corners of Nantambu. The ever-smiling man has set up a stand where he sells flowers of all possible colors. Seeing the two approach, he motions them closer, and shouts ”Waungwana! Ua zuri kwa wake zenu!”
”Any friend of Aya’s is a friend of mine! My flowers are beautiful, but they are little use against your enemies. But, many walk past my little stand, and stop and talk. Misdirection is a powerful weapon, as I’m sure you know. If you need to spread rumours, I will help on that.”
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Raven & Haafiz
Raven and Haafiz follow Aya’s instructions, and find themselves on a very temporary-looking street bar. And to their surprise, they find their contact sitting by the very table their note described. ”This one is Utuma Zbembe.” says the merchant, a Bonuwat woman, clothed like a pirate straight out from the Shackles. ”You come looking, yes? Then sit, take beer, tell what you want. Then we make business!” As she speaks and laughs, the Pathfinders catch a glimpse of sharpened white teeth in her mouth.
”Aya need help? Very good. This one knows many things, hears many things. This one knows, a man called Arvellos Rand stay with Sharrowsmith’s. He not seen in some time, yes? A man was looking for him. A Kellid, with many tattoos. And odd clothes, like glass and oil. If you want find Arvellos, look for tattooed Kellid.”
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The target of Ibid and Gunari is man called Takna Hunzu, whom they find in one nondescript street corners of Nantambu. The ever-smiling man has set up a stand where he sells flowers of all possible colors. Seeing the two approach, he motions them closer, and shouts ”Waungwana! Ua zuri kwa wake zenu!”
Ibid smiles warmly at Takna Hunzu, but his eyes widen in confusion when the man speaks in polyglot. "I... ahh..." the old man stammers, turning to his Gunari. "Well, umm..."
Looking around for a moment at the man's nearby collection of beautifully arranged flowers. He runs his hand gently over the multicolored petals and leans in close to breathe in the fragrant aroma. Pulling his head back he tries to place the origin of such exquisite flowers.
When Takna finally repeats himself in a language that, at very least, sounds more familiar than the ever exotic polyglot, the old man responds in a few words in common to the flower vender.
"Good day, my friend. Your flowers are most beautiful. This yellow one here is an orchid, is it not, of the Oncidium genus?" the old man says, motioning to the delicate yellow petaled-thing. "Flowers such as these must survive in very harsh and precarious conditions. Sometimes, they must even seek help from unlikely sources. This yellow orchid here, the Oncidium," Ibid again points to the same flower. "Is able to survive because certain species of ants make their home on the petals, and in doing so, protect the plant from other animals with their vicious bites..."
"If you picture Nantambu as an orchid, there are certain organization which could help it thrive and flourish, just as the ants protect the flowers, as well. Perhaps you've heard of one such world spanning organization?"
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"Hello m'lady" Cyrus says, bowing politely.
"Please allow me to introduce Lord Finarin Moonstep. We have heard about you, nay, were given your name specifically as one important to speak with regarding some more... sensitive matters. I can see plainly that you are more than just a merchant, but a colorful woman with skills worthy of your reputation. Lord Moonstep and I bring a proposition to you, for your careful consideration." Cyrus bows again, and steps back behind the regal elf.
Finarin is accustomed to such behavior, as is expected for a noble of his station. However coming from Cyrus being the one playing the roll of herald and servant, it feels odd. Both agents dismiss the strange feelings, knowing that putting on the show is the most important part of this particular mission.
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"My name is Haafiz and this is Raven, Mistress Zbembe," the Keleshite gives a low bow, unbeknownst to him it is identical to Cyrus's bow, "We are here on business for Sharrowsmith Exports, at the behest of Aya Allehe. It seems we have misplaced a friend by the name of Arvellos, I wonder if you have heard of him or where he might be? We are also interested in knowing anything about anyone who might be arrayed against Sharrowsmith Exports... and would very much appreciate any information (or advance warnings) you might be able to give.
"In return, perhaps you would be interested in being owed a favor by Nantambu's most reputable exporter? Nieford Sharrowsmith is well known for being able to acquire things that seemed unobtainable."
"Thank you very much! This information is most useful," Haafiz beams, "Do you happen to know where this tattooed Kellid was heading next, or where in Nantambu such a man might be inclined to go?"
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"Ahh what an exquisite ... smell. My lady, as my compatriot has mentioned, my name is Lord Finarin Moonstep. And you must be the ... illustrious Bunda Malinzi. You come .... highly recommended. If I may inquire, are these herbs simply ... aromatics, or are others used for .... other designs. Regardless, we seek aid from one who seems so skilled as you do."
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"Thank you m'lady. Your generosity and aid will not be forgotten. These pellet grenades look interesting..." Cyrus loses focus on the conversation quickly as he looks at all the toys and fun things there are to play with.
Naturally, upon hearing that they can purchase something at half price, he immediately looks to the most expensive things in the shop.
Might as well get our money's worth on this deal!
But eventually begins to think about the challenges they may face soon enough. He had faced agents of the technic league before, and the mechanical monstrosities they brought with them were difficult to cut. Perhaps a grenade with adamantine pellets would cut through the metal skins of their constructs with ease...
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Raven follows Haafiz and takes a seat when it is offered, waving for a round of cool drinks to be brought.
I may not need to talk, but I know how to soothe a talking throat.
He squints when their contact talks about the strange clothing. "Did the kellid man carry anything unusual? Any sort of weapons or equipment that would stand out?"
As he asks the question, he is already on alert, glancing to the street, wondering what this glass-oil clothing might look like in person.
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"Excellent choice my friend. Bunda Malinzi, I can assure you that ... Sharrowsmith will hear of your generosity in this matter. I am sure that you and he will have a .... long and profitable partnership."
Turning to Cyrus, "Shall we see how the others fare? I one long for the .... cool respite of the lodge. This heat is overmuch for me."
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Cyrus bows again to the herbalist and follows Lord Moonstep out into the streets.
"I wonder how the others are faring. It seems like we got a lot done in a hurry. I may have voted to split up twice today, but I would be lying if I said I wasn't looking forward to getting us all back together to look for our target together.
"Thanks for indulging me friend, our little trip together was good. I'll get the first round back at Sharrowsmith's" Cyrus says with a grin.
Cyrus & Finarin
"Excellent choice, sir. That will be seventy-five pieces of gold. Shall I package it, or will you be taking it into use very soon? Just be careful with it, it is very volatile." A smile on her wrinkled face, Bunda retrieves the pellet granade from one of her many boxes, and presents it to Cyrus and Finarin.
Ibid & Gunari
"Ah, I see you are not from Nantambu. I apologize, we can speak in Taldan language instead." Takna says when he realizes his speech in Polyglot wasn't understood. Of course, it was quite evident that neither Ibid or Gunari were Mwangi native, so maybe the man was teasing or testing them. "I see you are well versed in flowers, very good. And as you say, flowers do what they must in order to thrive."
Raven and Haafiz:
"Ah, clothes of oil and glass is not unusual, then? But no, this one's eyes did not see the Kellid man carry no weapons. And this one is sad to inform, that this one knows not where Kellid is now. But someone must know, easy to notice this man. Stands out. As do you, my good friends," Utuma winks, and takes a sip of her beer.
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Happy with their success with the merchants, the Pathfinders assemble at the lodge. Only one task remains - that is to find Arvellos. Raven and Haafiz explain the others what they've heard from Utuma Zwembe, and Ibid instantly know this is what Technic League members might wear - their assassins and spellcasters are known to be dressed in some alien attire. With good evidence of Technic League hunting Arvellos, the Pathfinders decide to go tracking the whereabouts of this mysterious Kellid.
After many drinks in seedy taverns, and many pennies thrown to beggar in street corners, the group finally find out where the Kellid is hiding - a warehouse on the far southwestern outskirts of town along a secluded canal. The warehouses's solid 20-foot-high walls contain a few dirt-stained windows facing the eastern waterfront. There are two doors on the warehouse, one on the western side, and one on the north-eastern side.
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"Good point my kelish friend. The less people to watch, the better. Hold, I can get that door. Let's try to keep this down as best we can." Cyrus turns to Gunari and gives him a smirk, knowing the armor he wears is unlikely to stay too silent.
That blade would make a mighty nice lock pick too. No wonder Gunari had a rapier made from it.
With his friends arrayed around the western door, Cyrus takes a moment to pull out his high quality thieves tools. They were starting to show some wear from all his work with the ghost orchid's thieves guild back in Absalom, but as of yet, he had not been caught. No sense in starting a new trend now...
He first inspects the frame and the ground in front of the door for traps, asking his companions to look over his shoulder and check his work. Then he takes his elegant picks and begins with practiced precision on the door handle.
Cyrus turns back to his friends after finishing his work on the lock and whispers, "If he is hiding in here, he may assume we are here to attack him. Be careful how we enter so we don't spook him into fighting or running."
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With help from the young kelishite, the old man and his young friend gather what information they have learned about the city and cross-reference the most likely places their quarry might find themselves...
Nodding in agreement to the others, especially the ever impressive wisdom of Haafiz, the old man watches of the deft hands of Cyrus work noiselessly at the lock. While the others find themselves gathered around the western edge of the structure, away from prying eyes, Ibid slowly unslings his bow from its resting place across his shoulders. As he takes hold of the weapon, an apologetic look creeps slowly across his face toward Cyrus as his action seems to be in direct contradiction to the youth's words.
"I agree, my friend," the old man says. "He will likely assume we are here to attack him..."
I am under nearly the same assumption, he smiles awkwardly as the thought occurred to him, and thinks again about how his longbow is already in hand.
"I will not fire on him unless he moves to attack us first, but I would still like to be prepared," the old man pauses to drink a gulp of liquid from a strange vial. "And I'd like to be armed, because not only do I assume he will think we are here to attack him, but I think he will invariably move to attack us."
Led by Haafiz, the Pathfinder sneak around the warehouse in order to enter via the western door. As they approach the door, they can hear noises from inside. First like somebody hitting something, followed by cry of pain, and shouting. " ... I ask you van more time! Where is ze book! ..."
Besides this, Haafiz' sharp ear catch other noise, close to the door on the other side. Oddly, it sounds like whirring of gears.
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"Forget the traps, friends," whispers Haafiz, "Our friend is in trouble. There are gears whirring inside... could this be one of those robot creatures you were talking about? Cyrus, the lock if you please..."
Haafiz puts his magical adamantine nodachi to use and hacks at the lock with his blade.
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Cyrus takes a deep, steadying breath to even out his suddenly rising heart rate. It's clear to him at least that the technic league has found their target before them, and it is time for them to play rescue squad.
He deftly flips his locks in his hand, and whispers as he closes in on them, "I'm only taking one shot at this. When I back up, if the door doesn't open, cut it down Haafiz."
The ninja inserts the hair pick and begins to wiggle. No time to test it methodically, just go for it. Time is of the essence.
Cyrus pushes on the door and backs up, his heart pausing a beat or two, hoping the door flings wide open.
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Raven accepts the plan quietly and begins digging through the equipment piles Sharrowsmith left behind. He finds little of use for a few minutes, before pulling out a hardy length of chain. He smirks and doubles it on itself, pulls out his old, less nice looking clothing and wraps it around, then ties the entire thing around his waist. He leaves the cramped office and finds a bit more room to move around, making sure he doesn't lose any sort of agility from his new belt and that it stays in place.
Raven stays in the back of the group, slipping a wand out of his pocket and occasionally shouting the command word as they slip through town, whenever there is some sort of background noise.
Raven smiles when it actually works, two minutes after leaving the lodge.
When they get into the alleyway, he pulls his spear, sticking close to as many of his party members as he can, ready to defend them.
The lock clicks promisingly, and Cyrus pushes the door open. While taking steps backwards, he catches a glimpse what's inside. Most of his view is blocked by a man of metal and gears, which is just turning to meet the Pathfinders. For Finarin, the sight of this creature brings some memories from his very first adventure, but even the mighty Ibid has no idea what it is.
Behind the creature, he sees the warehouse interior, which contains dozens of boxes and crates, some stacked as high as 15 feet off the floor. Close to center of the floor, a man sits tied onto a chair, heavily bruised. Next to him, stands fist raised a Kellid with very odd clothing. The man raises his eyes from his victim, sneering at the newcomers. "Intruders! Vhat are you vaiting for? Kill zem!"
"Aye, aye, Boss!" says another voice. On a balcony along the south interior wall, a gnome woman stands and watches the interrogation.
=>Raven
=>Finarin
=>Cyrus
=>Gunari
Zentyr
Haafiz
Ibid
Gearsman
Initiate
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"Ahh, a metal man. My specialty it seems. Hopefully a bit too much .... electricity will do the trick."
After Finarin finishes his monologue, he spring into action. His deadly scimitar, which he routinely imbues with his arcane energies, once again hones to a razor sharp edge, while Neyths once again judges him worthy of the arcane blessings of the fickle god.
Finarin;s blade now oscillates with blue cackling energy, but this time there is so much that small, blue arcs erupt from the blade, looking for conduit.
Stepping in front of his companions, he swings his scimitar at the metal man, hoping to overload its inner workings.
So to recap:
28 scimitar damage (acts as adamantine for overcoming DR)
64 Electrical damage
Finarin leaps forward, his blade aimed at the gleaming lens that might act as the creature eye. But at the last moment, a shimmering field lashes up and direct the blade slightly off. The scimitar does connect, but not as good as Finarin would have hoped. As the elf knew, electricity works wonders on these creatures. But while obviously wounded, the metal man still stands.
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Raven steps to get a better view of the inside of the warehouse, his spear ready to intercept any attacks.
A strange metal man and a crowded entry... not my time to shine just yet.
"Allies, I am not the best equipped for things like that. Clear the way and I can protect you. Until then, may the Lost Prince be with us all."
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Cyrus pushes the door open just as his shimmering shield of force fades out of view, fresh off the cast from his wand. Finarin jumps in ahead of him, showering the metal monstrosity with sparks, nearly deafening him with the explosion. The ninja shields his eyes just in time to avoid the little spots in his eyes from all of the bright flashes.
Seeing the tormentor directly behind the construct, Cyrus knows he will have to go straight past the thing in order to get to the man. Hoping that it will be slow to react, due to the group's element of surprise, he elects to rush straight past, rolling between the monster's legs. Moving so quickly, he knows this will not be easy, and so summons his inner street kid to hit this tumble just right. Failure means a face plant on the construct's knee, and that would not be good.
Once clear of the metal guardian, Cyrus gains his feet and explodes forward, his wakizashi flashing into his hand almost to quick for the eye to follow. It crackles with electricity, much like Lord Finarin's blade, though not with the same intensity. Much to the Kellid's disappointment, Cyrus finishes his forward rush standing next to him, and his blade lashes out.
for
The mechanical man has no time to react, and the small ninja rolls between its legs with amazing grace. A few running steps later, Cyrus is standing next to the Kellid, his wakizashi dripping enemy's blood.
Even if the metallic man is standing flat-footed, Gunari is not able to find a weak spot in the creatures steel frame.
The wounded Kellid grabs a vial from pocket and raises it to his lips. The act gives Cyrus a chance to strike at the man once more, while the man is not able to defend himself. Again the ninja's weapon slices a wound on the Kellid, but the man keeps on drinking. And then ... he disappears. Cyrus can only hear footsteps moving away from him.
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The old man watches as the leaping arcs of electricity create a web of glowing, wriggling strands of light that connect Finarin's blade to the mechanical being before them. Likewise, the air hums and crackles with the snapping discharge of current. A moment later he sees the young keleshite tumble into the room, seemingly without regard for his own safety. Without a second thought the old man reaches back, his hand searching the quivers strapped to his back for the specifics arrows, weighted slightly differently than the rest, but tipped with an impossibly hardened coating. Ibid had pulled these arrows, and slung the quiver over his back moments after hearing they might again face odd, mechanical monstrosities, and as the first arrow coated with adamantine weapon blanch is drawn back on his bow, he is very glad for it.
The old man wants to clear a path for the others, so they may have space to move up and keep his young (though reckless) friend safe.
Ibid's arrows find their mark easily enough, but the elderly investigator soon notices the alchemical blanching of the arrows if not good enough to breach the creature's armor. One of the arrows actually sticks to the enemy, but the others do merely small scratches.
Haafiz casts the spell that enables him to see the invisible world, but the Kellid is nowhere to be seen. On the otherhand, there are many places in the warehouse that block his line of sight. At least he knows the enemy is no longer where Cyrus hit him.
Following the example Cyrus set before him, Haafiz tumbles past the metal creature, and sprints around the warehouse with inhuman speed. And finally, he sees the Kellid lurking behind a wall of crates.
The mechanical man turns toward the elf who managed to destroy it's defences. It lifts it's spear, which starts crackle with electricity, and makes a quick thrust at Finarin.
The gnome on the balcony starts casting a spell, and suddenly there are several identical gnomes standing on the balcony.
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Cyrus lashes out when the man drinks his potion, and curses when he disappears. When Haafiz chases after him, Cyrus abandons the futile attempt to try to cut down the invisible man, and instead focuses on what is apparently a spellcaster on the balcony above.
"You'll be alright my man." he pats the battered man on the shoulder as he eyes the balcony, wondering if he can make the leap and save himself the trip around to the stairs.
How is that guy so fast? Hopefully he isn't around next time Lort brings his caravan around. He would run circles around me...