Kort is ready for a rest and will return to the hotel to plan a longer excursion on the morrow, unless someone has better ideas, but he thinks most things can wait until tomorrow.
”A good read before bed would be nice,” Kort offers stiffly.
The noble Shelynite nods along as the Chief Enumerator speaks, conveying without words the sentiment, We are thinking alike as a peers of different faiths rather than, Of course sir. As you wish, sir. He's long been accustomed to priests of the First Vault acting as though their god is the patriarchal successor to Aroden in the family of gods.
Let the light of love turn any wrath within me into compassion. The bankers' desire for authority is as human as yours for art.
As the gentry of Stachys discuss their next steps, Anselm offers, "We do have some leads I'd like to pursue this evening. I'd like to know more about this Ebla Hightune. And there's the figure who's been following us. Perhaps we can discover a bit more."
For him, this means assuming a new guise and hitting the cobblestones. He spends a few hours asking around about the woman, as well as about the recent bandit raids. He visits lively taverns and the odd social gathering in the town's more traveled public squares.
Kamari heads for the inn with the Major and a good book and glass of wine. With the dreams passed and Anselm in disguise, the odds of him being assaulted seem minimal.
Once out of earshot of the priest and before parting company to head with Kamari and the Major to the Inn, Elen says,
“Anselm, what if the Priest finds out you charmed that assassin?! We should in the future avoid doing things that might betray his trust. I for one am not comfortable being inside the heads of people, but in this case it would have been more justifiable than lying and pretending to be the assassin’s ally. I am not sure Shelyn intended for that gift to be used in that manner — or to the degree in which you apparently use it.“
"Really, Elen, I've no idea what you're talking about. I suppose it's possible that Shelyn's words, through me, loosened the man's tongue. She does tend to inspire love and friendship in others, but you speak as if I cast a spell."
Anselm seems completely convinced of his words, as though the assassin's sudden change of heart were as natural as the goddess' eternal love.
As the party gets ready to part ways, he waxes theological.
"Certainly, the Eternal Rose does empower her clergy to inspire friendship through prayer, even in enemies. But she would not sanction depriving others of free will, except perhaps in some cases where an attacker's hand must be stayed. I personally see no problem with magic used to inspire friendship and avoid violence, though of course how one treats such friends is worthy of ethical consideration."
He smiles with a mix of rue and conspiracy. "I did use such magic earlier, while I was chatting with Grammell. The ring we found can have that effect. I rather think it was a better option than calling Shelyn's servants to attack the lot of them. That said, what I convinced him to do likely has put him in at some risk that he did not understand. I... Well, I hope the outcome for the man is more merciful than what he arranged for Caradinna Farkin."
Anselm disguises himself and slips away into the night to learn what can be learned at such a late hour from the good people of Yanmass.
Little is known as she too is new to town having arrived with Grammell Taychar. There’s spirited conversation among the drunks as to who is in charge of their little band, Embla or Grammell. Everyone has their own theories but none are convincing one way or another.
You don’t really learn anything you didn’t already know about the bandit raids. They are ongoing, they seem to be at an all time high, they range all over, they seem to be conducted by Qadirans, though some of the raids are also against Qadiran caravans.
Remember, there’s a Qadiran merchant, Ramaat al-Nasan, who has supposedly witnessed two separate bandit attacks recently and might have information. You’re not sure where you’d find him so late however.
It’s a bit past 10pm when you finish asking around.
- - -
The rest of the party heads toward the posh inn where you’re staying. On the way there, the usual street crowds sort of part to reveal five dour faces staring at you. One of them, Grammell Taychar, says clearly, ”That’s far enough. You’ve done enough damage in this town. Time to go home. You can go peacefully, right now, or in a box. It matters not to me.”
As I’m assuming you don’t simply get into your carriage and ride off into the sunset…
Round 1, Init 7
Kort casts Heroism and moves back while drawing his crossbow. This is going to be an interesting battle. He would prefer to avoid it, but that might not be possible.
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/9 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,0*SInv)
3: 1/5 used (H*1,DM*0,Sear*0)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD vs. DC 20
touch to hit;
fire damage
miss chance
Grammell Taychar a human, wears a nice breastplate and wields a shield and longsword combo. Though in the ‘back’ at the moment, he’s moving up quickly.
Hulgra Neverhome, wears splint mail and wields a great big greatsword. She also has a silver holy symbol of Gorum around her neck which she fidgets with. She too is eager to get to the front line!
Embla Hightune wears no armor, and though she wields a dagger, it’s clear she’s doing other things.
Finally, the two front liners, Cardello and Viaria. Both are wearing half plate armor. Cardello has a heavy flail and Viaria a halberd.
They’re all edgy, ready for battle, and some more eager than others to get it started.
Hero Points 6/8
Init +8; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (4/5)
Damage? I didn't even burn down anything yet.
Kamari keeps her composure and holds her ground but draws her blade and holds it by her side. She looks the people up and down to see if she recognizes anything about them.
"Good evening. I'm Lady Kamari, but I'm guessing you already knew that. What is your name? Where in town do you live? And, exactly what damage do you believe us to have caused? We're only here to help."
Seeing as they seem too eager to fight and might be under someone else's far flung influence, Elen executes an offensive and preemptive maneuver.
for
"You may start Grammell by telling us who sent you and then move on to why. You are on the wrong side of this fight. I encourage you and your team to work with us, or flee while you still have the chance."
Muri marks Abrun psychically, like he's done with Rudig and Yander.
”Oh, uh, Muri –” she says some what apolegetically in the middle whatever she might have started. ”I meant to say this earlier – it maybe not what you think. It turns out – the priest is actually just not that bright.”
Muri rolls a foot outside of the stirrup, a little pronation and supination for the right foot, which seems to bear more weight in the saddle. "How'd he become Chief? It doesn't help the church if they let someone dim lead them."
...
When Grammell speaks, and Elen and Kamari answer, Muri watches and waits. Well, he doesn't like the waiting, so he throws in, albeit briefly. "Please don't threaten us. We're eliminating threats in Yanmass."
Kamari draws her weapon and chats a bit with Grammell as Elen attacks the mob.
"Good evening. I'm Lady Kamari, but I'm guessing you already knew that. What is your name? Where in town do you live? And, exactly what damage do you believe us to have caused? We're only here to help."
”Ah no, you’ll not tie me into knots with logic. Logic’s just a way of being wrong by the numbers. You won’t fool me!” He nearly shouts as if trying to prove something to himself.
He looks to Embla, who nods. He continues, ”We’re the ones telling you to leave town because it’s going to hurt you to stay. What, do you think we’re just going to walk away because you talked nice? No. No, that’s your job. You walk away. All the way out of town. And now. Tonight.”
They act as a group, each waiting for Embla to begin the battle with a bit of bad beat poetry, which I won’t even attempt here. Think of a seedy smoke filled tiny bar below street level somewhere and she’s in corner keeping her own rhythm with the words. It’s odd.
Anyway, she buoys up her side with her speachifying as she moves up a little.
Grammell charges at Elen and swings his longsword.
Hulgra ensorcels his enormous greatsword (swift) as he charges with Elen as well and also swings!
Cardello and Viaria focus on Kamari with their attacks, though they do not charge.
The two chargers founder a bit, while the hirelings do well against Kamari. Elen gets an AoO against Grammell, and Hulgra too if she has combat reflexes.
for
for
for
Hits:60/60
AC: 23/23
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 42/50
Resolve = 2/3
Challenge = 2 / 3
Hero Pts: 3/3
Round 1, Init 6
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 58/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
"We just finished preventing an assassination. Someone ordering someone else to hurt the priest. And now you're here, hurting ambassadors."
Muri targets Viaria for her part in injuring Kamari, stepping a little left, in case Edelmira takes the lane.
Hero Points 6/8
Init +8; Senses low-light vision; Perception +11
--------------------
Defense
--------------------
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 34/58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (4/5)
Undeterred by the rather effective minions, she pushes her acrobatic skills and brushes by Cardello hopefully leaving him flatfooted as she stabs him in the back.
Well, I tried to talk to them.
The Night Swan strides towards the line of enemies, staring over at Grammall even as she moves to flank with Kamari.
”Am I supposed to be impressed, Grammell Taychar. You truly think that such base thuggery can frighten off The Night Swan?”
HP: 73/73
AC: 26/11/25
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Oath of Anonymity
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+7[/dice] damage.
Round 2
”How'd he become Chief? It doesn't help the church if they let someone dim lead them."
”And it isn’t at all helping this church here. So, who appoints them?”
She takes a step back and swings once on Grammel and once on Hulgra.
For
For
Hits:60/60
AC: 23/23
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 42/50
Resolve = 2/3
Challenge = 2 / 3
Hero Pts: 3/3
Edelmira moves up quickly and sets the flank, but does not get the flank, and so she misses her target, by a hair! Major Kort drops back and grabs his crossbow. Muri hits Viaria twice, whittling her down further. Kamari just manages to avoid the AoO and push through Cardello before stabbing him in the back, flanked by Edelmira - and manages to crit! Elen hits with two of her three AoO’s, but can’t quite connect with her regular attacks as Desna turns her face from her.
Grammell 5’ steps toward Elen and to the east as he swings on her.
Hulgra ensorcels his enormous greatsword (swift) and 5’ steps to press Edelmira.
Cardello and Viaria focus on Kamari with their attacks, 5’ stepping around to avoid flank as best they can.
Grammell pulls of a swing on Elen though Hulgra misses Edelmira. Viaria, hammered, doesn't manage a blow either, but Cardello gets lucky on Kamari with a well placed attack.
Embla continues her beat-poetry. There's a cadence to it sure, but it's an odd one. It particularly grates on Major Kort with his precision military ways. Major, Will DC 16 please.
- - -
- - -
The Night Swan’s analytical mind begins to see a method of how to harry and bring down these warrior types.
She stays right where she is, even knowing her enemies are one quick step away from a flank. Kamari is, too, and she will not abandon Kamari to the front line. She ignores the greatsword for the moment and overhead chops at Cardello again, this time with the hammer head of her halberd.
”You are tiresome. You realize I do not even have to try. Fool.” She adds a spiteful laugh, the resounding effect of her helmet adding a malevolent twist. She wants him to think she is just toying with him.
HP: 73/73
AC: 26/11/25
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Oath of Anonymity, Martial Flexibility (Cornugon Smash)
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 34/58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (4/5)
Perhaps the third blow slows her up more than she'd like to admit, but Kamari tumbles past--not through--Cardello to try to finish him off while putting her back to a wall.
Elen takes a step back and attacks Grammell.
"Whomever appointed the priest may be in support of The Cult."
for
for
Hits:48/60
AC: 24/24
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 42/50
Resolve = 2/3
Challenge = 2 / 3
Hero Pts: 3/3
Wow, that is grating. Kort tries to get the annoying voice out of his head.
Will (heroism, enchant, double enchant)
Free from influence, Kort lines up his attacks.
Round 2, Init 7
Kort casts Searing Light and choose his target carefully. Cardello seems the most wounded, and the most likely to go down and aims his palmfire at the beclad man.
Ranged Touch
light damage (+pbs)
And given the metal’d opponents, he draws the wand of scorching ray.
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/9 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,0*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*1,DM*0,Sear*1)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
[ dice]1d20+19[/dice] UMD vs. DC 20
touch to hit;
fire damage
miss chance
Round 2, Init 6
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 58/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
"Whomever appointed the priest may be in support of The Cult."
"A dim and loud priest probably got their attention. Still, if his god shows him favor, it means he's worthy somehow. Right? The gods probably don't really care how the church is run, as long as it's not corrupt."
The greatsword ensorceller Hulgra has the halfling anxious, so the arrows all agree to target the threat to Edelmira, though she does seem hard to hit.
"Two of you are done, are you ready to talk? We'd like to know who we're really up against. We're reasonable. Talk, then walk."
edit:
Edelmira smashes Cardello, and though she may have demoralized him, she also drops him bleeding on the paving stones! Major Kort resists the lure of the beat poet, avoiding off-kilter hats and cigarettes in his future. He blasts Viaria, and does indeed take her out! Muri slams Hulgra with a pair of arrows - one a crit! Kamari positions herself carefully, but slips on the blood of the mercenaries and her attack falters. Elen focuses on the leader, as she chats with the party about other things. She hits him once, drawing more blood on him.
Grammell is unconcerned about the mercenary losses of Viaria and Cardello. After all, that’s their job. Meat grinders. He presses his attacks on Elen, hoping to capitalize on his earlier hit.
Hulgra ensorcels her enormous greatsword (swift) again, and attacks Kamari - hoping to finish the wounded warrior. She then steps back 5’ to try to avoid flanking.
Embla casts again as she continues her bad rhyming. She got close there, at one point, to a nice quatrain, but it fell apart in the last line.
- - -
- - -
Grammell clips Elen again though Hulgra has less luck with Kamari.
"A dim and loud priest probably got their attention. Still, if his god shows him favor, it means he's worthy somehow. Right? The gods probably don't really care how the church is run, as long as it's not corrupt."
"Exactly. The priest is worthy of his Church but is being used possibly by whomever appointed him to that position because the priest is not very bright."
She looks at Grammell.
"Do you hear that? We're helping Churches and Priests and all of Yanmass. Who are you helping?"
"Do you hear that? We're helping Churches and Priests and all of Yanmass. Who are you helping?"
Gammell gnashes his teeth and shouts, "No. No more information! Leave the priest alone and get out of town."
AC 25, touch 18, flat-footed 18 (+5 armor, +1 deflection, +4 Dex, +3 dodge, +2 natural)
hp 34/58 (8 HD; 1d8+7d10+8)
Fort +2, Ref +11, Will +6 (+2 vs. mind-affecting effects); +2 vs. enchantments
Defensive Abilities aristocratic discipline +2, nimble +2; Immune sleep
--------------------
Offense
--------------------
Speed 30 ft.
Melee dagger +7/+2 (1d4/19-20+7 Precision) or
koriana's blade +16/+11 (1d6+9/15-20+7 Precision) or
mwk rapier +14/+9 (1d6+2/15-20+7 Precision) or
sap +7/+2 (1d6 nonlethal)
Special Attacks deeds (derring-do, hidden blade, incredible aspirations, instant unveil, kip-up, precise strike, quick draw, social panache, swashbuckler initiative, targeted strike), hidden strike +1d8/+1d4, panache (3/5)
Finally having avoided a blow, Kamari feels emboldened and tumbles passed Hulgra leaving her flatfooted before stabbing her. She hopes ending up next to Grammel won't be the last thing she does, but she has confidence in her friends to take care of that problem.
The Night Swan adjusts to step into a flank and pounds at Grammell. She times the movements of her halberd strike to make it sound more destructive than it really is as a way of demoralizing the ringleader.
HP: 73/73
AC: 26/11/25
Saves: F7/R8/W9 (+2 vs ingested/inhaled poisons)
Hero Points: 2
Spells/Conditions Active: Fastidiousness, Martial Flexibility (Cornugon Smash)
0: (Grasp, Light, Oath of Anonymity, Spark)
1: 1/3 used (Fastidiousnessx1, Serren’s Swift Girdingx0)
[ dice]1d20+13[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d10+6[/dice] damage.
Round 3, Init 7
"Really not sure how we became enemies, but here we are."
Kort uses his wand of scorching ray to shoot Hulgra if they are still up, if not will focus on Gramell.
touch to hit;
fire damage
hp: 52/52
AC: 16/13/13
Saves: F4/R10/W10 +4 vs. enchantment, +2 vs. illusions +6 vs. poison
Lowlight. PBS.
Aroden's Verve: 0/7 used
Adhere to the Law: 0/2 used
Extend PotionRadiation: 0/6 used
Quantum Leaps used:
Pathfinder Carry: 0/0
Staff of Courage: 0/0
0: (create water, detect magic/poison, light, stabilize,read magic)
1: 0/9 used (CLW*0,Shield*0,PfE*0,DF*0)
2: 0/7 used (Inv*0,RE*0,*CE*0,0*SInv)
3: 2/5 used (H*1,DM*0,Sear*1)
[ dice]1d20+5[/dice] to hit;
[ dice]1d6-1[/dice] damage.
[ dice]1d20+11+1[/dice] to hit; (+PBS)
magic cold iron damage;
UMD vs. DC 20
touch to hit;
fire damage
Round 4
”I am afraid we can’t do that, Grammell.” She five foot steps and attacks Grammell again.
for
for
Hits:48/60
AC: 24/24
CMD = 23
WandofMageArmorCharges = 42/50
Resolve = 2/3
Challenge = 2 / 3
Hero Pts: 3/3
Round 3, Init 6
AC = 20/15/17
HP = 58/58
Weapon Equipped = +1 Adaptive Composite Longbow
Condition(s) = None
"She's trying to charm me, that one." Muri points Embla out, before pointing her out.
Underfoot understands, and moves in front of Kort, to clear the lane for her rider.
Edelmira takes a bite out of poor Grammell, and he very nearly teeters over, but he composes himself and manages to stay firm. Just. No flank though as Elen doesn’t threaten that closely (I think). Major Kort burns Hulgra. Muri, annoyed at the intrusion, shoots Embla three times! Kamari tumbles into flank, stabbing Hulgra as he goes and dropping her foe - in fact she kills her outright. Elen whacks Grammell upside the head dropping him on the first swing (so you have a move action remaining if you want it).
Embla stops her cadence, and casts one more spell - disappearing from sight!
In case Ellen is nearby, she casts defensively.
vs DC 19
- - -
The Night Swan is fine to let the bard go. She begins binding Grammell. ”I gather this man is a professional, so I suggest we attempt to have a chat with him. I think he may be amenable to a practical discussion of his prospects.”
"Agreed."
Kamari takes off her scarf and assists in binding the oaf. Once that is done she'll ask someone for assistance with a healing wand or other healing.
Kort has no energy to chase the invisible woman, but does cast See Invisibility in case the woman sticks around.
"Yes, let's chat." Kort will hand cast CLW on him, hoping to bring about some discussion.
CLW
"I'm good with tha...!" Muri reaches for his horn and pommel suddenly, as Underfoot bolts in the direction of the disappeared Embla.
The galtan malinois sniffs strongly around the last seen location of the beat-it poet, Muri rubbing his neck from the lurch. Her ears perk up, as she sees something the halfling cannot, before Muri tugs strongly enough to regain the dog's attention.
"I'm good with that. Let's hear them out."
Elen has indicated a desire to try and get to Embla and she has the extra movement to do so (and also blindsense). So really it's just up to luck - which way did Embla run. Underfoot can also try to scent to track her, but those tracks will be tough once she hits a main road.
Elen, please pick a number from 1-3. Pick the right number, and you'll catch up to her as there are really only three ways for her to flee.
I'm not going to do some sort of grueling/annoying chase sequence. I'll just say she's captured in that case. Pick the wrong number and she gets away all sneaky like and Underfoot can try tracking if desired.
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Underfoot has more desire for the hunt than Muri, and is encouraged to see the lithe elf stalking similar quarters. The snout sniffs about.
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target 1
No.
Embla ducks as Elen weaves and she, for now, gets away into the night.
Muri, let me know what you want Underfoot to do. Two survival/tracking with scent checks I think. The first is easier (DC 15) than the second (DC20).
Ahhh yes, under further review, scent lets Underfoot know what direction she went in. That enables Elen to catch up and pinpoint (with blindsense) Embla for Muri to shoot her and, next round Elen to swing, Muri to shoot, the rest of the party to pile on, etc.
Embla is dragged back to the group by Elen and Muri (at least).
You bind those not outright killed by your attacks, which is everyone but Hulgra. It won’t take long for the guard to come and take them away, but you have a little time to question them if you can roust them from their damage-induced comas. Embla is awake but unresponsive.
I presume also you grab the magical gear at any rate, lest the opportunity be lost with the efficiency of the town watch.
Embla
Potion of cure light wounds x2
Bracers of armor +2
Ring of protection +1
Grammell
Potion cure serious wounds
Breastplate +1
Longsword +1
263gp
Hulgra
Splint Mail +1
Greatsword +1
33gp
Cardello & Viaria
Potion cure moderate wounds x2
Cloak of resistance +1 x2
84gp
The Night Swan takes the ring from Embla. ”If none of the rest of you mind.” She slides it on her own finger.
Once Grammell is awakened, she kneels down in front of him, propping herself up on her halberd. ”Well, that went about as I expected. Should have listened to me.” She shakes her head and clicks her tongue in patronizing reproach. ”Now, I suggest you start telling us about your employer and what they want from us. You do not have to, naturally, but then again, I did not have to hold my blows back to keep you and your friend alive. You could keep trying, if you insist, but I will make sure exactly one of you goes down and does not get up again each time you try it. Could be you. Could be her. Depends how I am feeling. If you are not cooperative and I see you again, well, I will just have to assume you are still under contract and take appropriate action.” She holds up five fingers. She nods to Hulgra and folds one down. She looks to each of the others in-turn, folding down a finger for each. She finally stops at Grammell, one finger up. She holds it there for a pause, the points it at his chest. ”However. Should you be cooperative and tell me everything I want to know, I can only conclude that you now consider yourselves free agents, and thus are no longer a threat.” She unfolds each of her fingers, then extends a hand as if for a shake, more a symbolic gesture given him being tied-up. ”How does that sound to you, Mr. Grammell?”
Kort helps the party liberate those items that might be helpful to the cause of the new Queen, grateful for the donations of those who are confused by the correct order of things.
He carefully stocks the bracers and ring from Embla, for those protections equal his parade armor without the bulk.
He listens as Edelmira questions Gramell, echoing questions he wished to have answers to.
Kamari grabs one of the cloaks of resistance and tries it on.
I'll need to clean it and some embellishments, but it'll do for now.
She joins the Night Swan in wringing what information can be gleaned out of Grammell. The Night Swan appears to have things under control, so Kamari just stands next to her cleaning the blood off her blade.
Elen takes the potion of Cure Serious Wounds and activates the mask.
She addresses Grammell. "Who hired you to follow us and why?"
Once Grammell is awakened, she kneels down in front of him, propping herself up on her halberd. ”Well, that went about as I expected. Should have listened to me.” She shakes her head and clicks her tongue in patronizing reproach. ”Now, I suggest you start telling us about your employer and what they want from us. You do not have to, naturally, but then again, I did not have to hold my blows back to keep you and your friend alive. You could keep trying, if you insist, but I will make sure exactly one of you goes down and does not get up again each time you try it. Could be you. Could be her. Depends how I am feeling. If you are not cooperative and I see you again, well, I will just have to assume you are still under contract and take appropriate action.” She holds up five fingers. She nods to Hulgra and folds one down. She looks to each of the others in-turn, folding down a finger for each. She finally stops at Grammell, one finger up. She holds it there for a pause, the points it at his chest. ”However. Should you be cooperative and tell me everything I want to know, I can only conclude that you now consider yourselves free agents, and thus are no longer a threat.” She unfolds each of her fingers, then extends a hand as if for a shake, more a symbolic gesture given him being tied-up. ”How does that sound to you, Mr. Grammell?”
Grammell looks ready to break when Embla speaks up, though she doesn’t look too pleased either.
”Look, if we go giving up our bosses it’ll be our last job. You prepared to pay us enough for it to be our last job? I say you jumped us. I imagine you’ll say the opposite. Maybe you’ll find a witness to agree with you. Maybe we will too. As I see it, we’re at an impasse.”
”Nobody say nothing.” she adds, but only Grammell’s conscious to hear it. It does seem to have an effect on him and he clams up. Not that he was chatty before.
She continues, ”The guards will be here any minute. As I see it, we all have two choices. One, we all go down to the jailhouse and try and outshout each other. Two, you let me and Grammell go our merry way, and I’ll tell you who hired us to kick you out of town. But you never heard it from us.”
”So what’s it gonna be? Quick now. We don’t have a lot of time.”
The image burned into his fore-brain is none other than Earl Yander Merkondus - their employer. His thoughts are kindly ones to the Earl, and you get a flash of a large sack of cash being handed to Grammell. Likely spent, in part at least, on some of this fine gear.
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Loathe to play this card, but she does.
"There's a problem with your equation. The scales are not balanced even if we are unable to find a witness. We are nobles. You are not. You may cooperate while there are no more witnesses or you can talk where there are many."
”Ah, she’s willing to lie? To lie So freely about what happened here and who started it? Hmm…might be better, better not to trust her word too much,” Kort notes, watching the interrogation continue.
Muri sits and listens, amused at the back and forth. There are good points on both sides, despite one side being clearly in the right. He considers it a lesson of a kind. Whether they can train their own law enforcement in Meratt to parse truth and mete out justice correctly is more vague now that there are vagabonds and sell swords who can speak so convincingly, even lay soldiers might be convinced to let them go.
"The Night Swan can back her words with action, don't doubt her for a moment. Your employer will certainly be disappointed with your failure to exile us, so you've made enemies on both sides of your job."