"That was one of the first things that occurred to me also sister" - Erianna adds - "If they are adapting their tactics so efficiently, they either have a solid previous knowledge of what they will face, or they have time enough to follow and scout them as they travel" - she ponders - "Magic could also be involved of course - scrying maybe?"
Mortimer frowns. "I was never very inclined to divination, my master was though. Perhaps I could look up some spells and how to counter them."
"I have a bit of a reputation of being a military man. Perhaps we can leave with the guise of the government betraying me, and now I wish to get back at them. Now I wouldn't know how, but perhaps a group such as theirs would jump at the opportunity to recruit me."
"Since being chosen as targets would prove even more dangerous, and I don't believe we are good enough trackers to comb the woods for them, this is my best thoughts of approach. I am, of course, open to any other ideas." He looks at Smoot. "I don't know how deep their informers might go. You might actually have to temporarily remove me from the military in case they try to check up on me. Perhaps we can create a false scenario that framed me up as a scapegoat."
A ironic smile tugs at Mortimer's lip. "I'm not exactly known for my nonlethal tactics."
I would rather no flee from the authorities Mortimer, and a good tracker can be hired. Actually Biel can probably follow any culprit we find
The quiet crystalline owl speaks up. "I am quiet and fast, but I have no skill with tracking humans. I could follow somebody if already found, but I could not locate them myself."
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Erasmus twitches then speaks in a strange, reedy voice not altogether his own...
"I cannot."
Suddenly, Erasmus and the Commodore have swords drawn, and the commodore is defending himself from a crazed Erasmus!
"Stand down you fool! What do you think you are doing!?" cries the commodore.
Cutlass and dagger lash out at the commodore, but he deftly parries the heavy blade and dances away from the clumsy follow-up dagger thrust.
The commodore ripostes using the flat side of his smallsword...
...but Erasmus dodges the blow.
Mortimer stares in silence for a moment, then steps back and points at Erasmus. "Valignatir kovgam!" The blade in Erasmus's hand glows white hot.
Round 1
Esther 5ft step back and draw her longbow.
I have nothing that will immobilize him
"No!" Mortimer pushes down Esther's bow. "Use the flat of your blade, there's obviously some sort of mind control happening here!"
"Erasmus, what are you doing?" - Erianna blurts out as her companion attacks the Commodore.
Unsure of drawing blade against the man, she hesitates, falling into herself, and starting into a meditative combat stance.
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Can't talk about your spell yet :)
The commodore shifts into a fencer's stance: waiting for the attack and ready for it.
Erasmus bellows and lunges for the attack, but the room is suddenly filled with inky, swirling blackness that vanishes as quickly as it came.
As your eye adjust to the comparable brightness, you see that Erasmus is gone...
Mortimer's face twists into a rare bout of fury. His normally so controlled emotions are seething through his calm mask. He scans the area with detect magic.
"Erasmus..." - Erianna's words come out as a growl, the woman's eyes gleaming with fury at the foul play in place - "What has happened here?" - she asks to no one in particular - "Someone took him?" - she insists, her blade still in hand, and ready to strike.
Mortimer stares at the blank spot where Erasmus stood. "That bastard." He clenches his fists, closing his eyes. He stands there for a moment, then opens them. "It's the same shadow magic we saw in Isteroth. Erasmus is likely elsewhere, possibly Erenon."
someone must have provided him with a use activated item because i most certainly did not see any incantation or concentration on his part she says putting her bow away.
is the passage still open Mortimer?
Mortimer shakes his head, but continues to scan the room with detect magic. If Erasmus is invisible, there are any number of magic items on him that would give his presence away.
Mortimer shakes his head, slipping the calm mask back on. "He is certainly gone."
Yes the shadow path magic can allow one to travel for a few hundred of miles. Or he just teleported simply says Esther
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"So you're saying we have rogue agent abroad? Excellent..."
The commodore sighs, "Well, that'll have to be my problem for now. You lot have some bandits to track down."
He hands Mortimer a scrap of parchment. "Here a list of our operatives currently at base between missions or on furlow. Choose someone that fits your needs. I need to go deal with our Erasmus problem..."
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Ezekial, following instructions, moves into the small room. He looks around at the furnishings and takes the chair he believes is meant for him. His stomach growls and he remembers that he has not yet had dinner. While he waits he removes his whetstone from a belt pouch begins to dress the edge on his well cared for axe. This keeps his hands busy, but his mind wanders. An interview. he considers. Its been a while since I had an interview. These folks must be serious. Just be your self Zeke. If they like you, and you have the skills they need, they will pick you up. If not, well, its likely both you and them will be better off without each other.
Cyrus hated the interrogation rooms, no windows, no light and only one way in or out. It was only slightly more comfortable than a prison cell. An experience the Rogue would rather not be reminded of each time he returned to base. Releasing a heavy breath Cyrus made his way to room 3, despite of his aversion.
The Sargent hadn't told him why he was to report there, though they rarely told people like Cyrus anything more than they were required to know. He just hoped whatever it was wouldn't take long.
Mortimer leads the two girls into the first interrogation room. He is a tall, thin human with pure white hair and a serious face. He stands straight as a rod, his eyes flicking over a folder in his hands before he looks up at Ezekial. "Ezekial Dune. Bastard born, much of your life spent in the streets, dabbling in the use of arcane items..." He says "Bastard born" with a deadpan voice, neither accusatory or empathetic. Simply a fact. "...learned to sail and ride, and a few other items on the list before your enrollment in the military." He closes the folder. "A man of many talents. But so is the man who you are being interviewed to replace. Well we've seen how you are qualified on parchment, so tell us. Why would you be the best candidate for a small special operations team?"
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Setting his axe on the table, Ezekial stands as the three people enter the room. He brushes off his hands as he meets their eyes in a friendly and confident way. A fair question. But I do not know your other man, so I cannot say I am the best. But I know I would be good. You asked for someone with rogue skills and the ability to fight in melee. Well, that's me. My eyes are sharp. I am good at finding things like traps and secret doors. I am even better at opening things and disarming traps. I see in the dark out to 60 feet. And I am quite and fast. I can move silently faster than most men can move. In the army I was one of the strongest men in my unit. This lets me hit hard. I have learned to spring attack in combat. I have been told that this is a rare thing among rogues. This tactic fits well with my studies as a scout. Oh, and I can shoot this bow here when I need to, but I was told you lot had that well covered.
He pauses to make sure there are no questions before he adds And perhaps as important as my skill set is my mind set. I am looking for a place to belong; a team where I fit. That may sound weak to you, but its what I want. As you stated, I am a bastard, and from a country where it was hard to be a bastard. Now I am here. I've served my time in the army and earned the right to be here. So now I need to find my place. Perhaps its as part of your team. Perhaps not. I am in this for the long haul so there is no way I am forcing a fit. I want it to be right as much as you do. He stands before your scrutiny, hiding nothing.
A modest but self-aware man. That's a good balance. A good mindset as well, pragmatic. Mortimer makes some notes, glancing to the ladies to see if they have any questions before he continues.
No everyone in this team belongs to the army, and therefore have our own method of doing things i hope you are ok with that.