Talienda collapses in a chair as relief washes over her.
"So it didn't try to take part of you, Master Muziel," she asks Muziel.
Muziel shakes his head no. "I was fine, but folks with a lawful spirit won't like 'oldin' this sword."
What Bryndís is hearing from Muziel only makes her more uneasy.
"What do you mean 'dark elves'?"
Pointing at the sword she asks "you say the sword is alive? Is there a soul trapped inside it? Is it cursed?"
Muziel gets animated as Bryndis asks about the dark elves. "Ach, don't you elves already know?" Muziel complains, as if Bryndis should know as a half-elf. "Like surface elves, they're arrogant and have strong magics. But imagine using all of that for ruthless evil. They live underground, is why the dwarves would know o' them first."
"Dark elves," Talienda asks, having never heard of the secretive and very much secret cousins of the elves, the drow. She shakes her head and eyes the blade with a grimace. "If what you say is true, then I fear that blade is too dangerous. I don't think we can trust it."
Echo hops up into the sorceress' lap and starts purring, trying to calm her mistress as fatigue and too many emotions fray her nerves and self-control.
Wayilant smiles as he sits down next to the reclined handmaiden on the bed. "I like it when you do it", the caydenite admits. "Besides, unless I completely missed the signals, I don't think your Mistress sees me as you do." Wayilant clinks their glasses again, looking deep into Alina's eyes.
Alina's eyes grow wide as her face reddens. The obviously flustered young woman tries to hide behind her wineglass, but it proves to be a too-thin veil, doing little to hide the sudden anxiety.
"T-to be fair to Lady T-Talienda, She's been through a lot recently," she says before breaking eye contact and taking another sip of wine. After a moment she composes herself enough that her voice is steady when she speaks again. "I think if she were more herself, she'd probably see you as I do, a charming man that tries to do right by others." She giggles as another thought comes to her. "And to be fair to myself, any lady would find herself at least a little smitten by a gallant knight showing her concern, even if he eschews the traditional fare of tales and legends."
"Ah! Ethics!" The cleric beamed. "Well, as a caydenite, we are taught to believe all taverns are temples to our god, Cayden Cailean, The Accidental God. Now because most taverns are privately-owned, anyone who works at a tavern or bar does not have to be a worshiper of Cayden, but caydenites should treat them as if they were. Your barmaids, your bartenders, even your prostitutes help keep the spirit of Cayden Cailean with the building. They help make sure the festivities continue, so you may partake in proper worship or merriment. Most who work at a tavern make their living there, so when someone tries to take hard earned money from a caydenite in the form of a tip, in a way, they are taking from Cayden Cailean himself. And that doesn't fly with me."
"Besides looking back, it wasn't even what I was originally looking at," Wayilant admits. "But I like to think Cayden Cailean drew my attention to it, so I could attempt to stop it." The cleric took another sip of wine.
"My turn!" Wayilant smiled. "How long have you been in Lady Talienda's service? It must have been a while. You both clearly care for each other."
It's just for a moment, but at the mention of prostitutes, a dark shadow clouds Alina's expression, something of pain and old fears.
Alina shifts uncomfortably on the pile of pillows as Wayilant mentions how she and Talienda care for each other.
"I was taken in by Master Blackhorn, Talienda's father, a little over nine years ago. She was a lonely little girl, and I was supposed to be her handmaiden and protector, not that it helped much when someone stole her from the house gardens," she says bitterly. Tears begin to rim her eyes as she looks into Wayilant's. "I keep trying to tell myself that I'm nothing more than that, that Talienda's my employer, but I-- I can't. She's like a sister to me. She's a dear friend that I'm terrified of losing. Hearing that psychotic she-elf is after her still is one of our worst fears realized."
She sets her half finished glass down and hugs herself tightly as a shiver runs through her.
"She's terrifying," she says softly, "The whole time she was chasing us through Absolom, it was like it was a game to her. That she was just toying with us."
Alina, her face pale, looks out the window clenches her jaw as she takes in a deep breath. The simple act of filling her lungs with air calms her, and she looks at Wayilant.
"I'm sorry," she apologizes. "It has been a very stressful few months."
She giggles as another thought comes to her. "And to be fair to myself, any lady would find herself at least a little smitten by a gallant knight showing her concern, even if he eschews the traditional fare of tales and legends."
Wayilant smiles at the compliment. "You know, sometimes the people who work so hard for others, need the respite Cayden encourages the most."
The nuance of Alina's temporary discomfort is lost on the cleric, who takes another big sip of wine.
When Alina gives her short description of her and Talienda's relationship and tears up. the aasimar puts his arms around her as to comfort her.
"There. There, Alina. It will be alright. Talienda surrounded by friends now. As are you." Wayilant gives the handmaiden a warm hug.
"We'll take care of you both. Cayden will find a way."
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Bryndís shrugs and shakes her head.
"I know there are the Ilverani, who live in the north, beside the High Ice. That is where my father was from. There are also the Aiudeen who live farther south like here."
She looks at the sword again, thinking maybe the knowledge that it is an elf sword is what has calmed her apprehensions. Still, there are some mixed messages out there. The sword had hurt Talienda, who is human. Bryndís is half-human. It did not hurt Muziel, who is a dwarf. But that doesn't mean anything one way or another to her.
Muziel encourages her to touch the sword, but also says it is alive, has a name, and that she should not let the sword get the better of her. Again, perhaps good, perhaps bad. She decides to speak directly with the sword.
"You are named Shadow Talon? Is it for me to pick you up?"
After completing the question, Bryndis gets a feeling of excitement and anticipation.
Bryndís decides to grasp the sword and pick it up, determined that it will not get the better of her whatever that means.
She holds it high and close to get a good look at it.
After wielding the sword, Bryndis gets a feeling pleasure just before the sword lets itself be known. Byndis isn’t sure if her newly acquired knowledge is part of the enchantment or a variant of the feelings she has been dealing with, but almost immediately after wielding the blade, she feels as if she has a better understanding of it.
Shadow Talen: +1 Fire-Forged Steel, Anarchic Greatsword (Intelligent)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral | Ego: 11
Intelligence: 14 | Wisdom: 14 | Charisma: 14
Languages Understood: Common, Elven, and Undercommon
Senses: 30 ft. (Normal)
Communication: Empathy
Special Ability: Bane (3/day), Detect Chaos (3/day)
Skills
Appraise +2
Bluff +2
Diplomacy +2
Disguise +2
Heal +2
Intimidate +2
Perception +2
Sense Motive +2
Survival +2
Fire-forge Steel
Dwarves stumbled across the secret of crafting fire-forged steel in an effort to make forge-friendly tools. It didn’t take them long to adapt its unique properties to arms and armor. Fire-forged steel channels heat in one direction to protect its wearer or wielder. When it is crafted into armor, heat is channeled away from the wearer, offering some limited protection. Armor crafted from fire-forged steel grants the wearer fire resistance 2.
Weapons crafted from fire-forged steel similarly channel heat away from the wearer; this does not grant the wielder energy resistance. Instead, the blade absorbs and channels heat to the parts of the weapon that contact enemies. If the weapon is exposed to 10 points or more of fire damage (such as from an opponent’s fireball or by holding it in a campfire for 1 full round), the weapon adds +1d4 points of fire damage to its attacks for the next 2 rounds. If the wielder is wearing fire-forged armor and using a fire-forged weapon, this bonus damage increases to 1d6 points of fire damage and lasts for 4 rounds. This bonus damage does not stack with fire damage from weapon enhancements such as flaming.
You also detect a presence. The blade is sentient. It is aware of its surroundings and is able to communicate. You get a deeper feeling of chaos the longer you hold it, which you begin to realize is literally part of its design. It speaks to you, not in words, but more with empathic impressions. You feel your group relax slightly, as you had a death grip on the blade and didn’t even realize it. The blade has been sending you feelings of trepidation, which led you to feel a heightened level of anxiety. As that feeling begins to fade, the blade lets itself be known to you.
Anarchic
An anarchic weapon is infused with the power of chaos. It makes the weapon chaotically aligned and thus bypasses the corresponding damage reduction. It deals an extra 2d6 points of damage against all creatures of lawful alignment. It bestows one permanent negative level on any lawful creature attempting to wield it. The negative level remains as long as the weapon is in hand and disappears when the weapon is no longer wielded. This negative level cannot be overcome in any way (including restoration spells) while the weapon is wielded.
after she has absorbed what Shadow Talon relates to her about itself, Bryndís seems satisfied. She lowers the sword, resting it point down on the floor rather than putting it away.
"This is a good pairing."
Then, she abruptly changes the subject.
"Do we know about all the things now? If we do, we should go get a map."
Bryndis, Muziel, and Talienda gather up what items remain on the bed and head downstairs. Like earlier, the Tavern/Inn is busier than usual. You make note that neither Wayilant nore Alina are present downstairs, but Dario is still working on a dance that resembles something akin to a Tribal Belly Dance. The bar has slowed down quite a bit, allowing the proprietor to focus on the grill. The aroma of garlic and herbs lingers throughout the building as a result of his efforts.
After exiting the Inn, you veer off to your right and approach the single-story building that is right next door. When you approach the buildings entrance, you make note of a sign hanging just above its door. The sign reads “The Way North” in large capital letters and “Veznutt Parooh” in smaller letters just under the larger ones. As you enter the map shop you see a couple small barrels sitting directly off to you right with a plethora of maps sticking out of them. The maps look somewhat new, displaying bright, fresh colors. On the barrel is a sign that reads “Treasure Maps 5 GOLD”. Along the walls of the shop are several larger maps displaying Golarion in several different formats. The coast, which includes Sandpoint, is also displayed along the right side of the building. Several bookshelves line the left side of the building, while a couple display cases sit to the right. Behind what looks like a short version of a podium stands a spry Gnome wearing a leather head cap. His long white beard covers the upper portion of his chest, but you can tell he is wearing a tan colored robe once he moves a bit.
“Well met strangers. Can I interest you in a treasure map?” He asks in a warm and inviting tone.
While continuing with your casual conversation with Kaye, you make note of several unusual sounds coming from upstairs. It sounds almost like something being thrown across one of the second story rooms. You also pick up on a weird conversation that is taking place a little further down the bar. The conversation is between two grimy looking characters who are each nursing a large, stout ale.
“My damn-shift is over. I don’t want to see that evil vixen ever again.”
“Ya, I did my turn yesterday. That sucked. Hit me in the head with my own mug, she did.”
“I heard they shipped her in from fare away. That must have cost a hefty amount. You know the dark market is never cheap when it comes to stuff like that.”
“Aye, I would spend a full days pay to roll with that one. Always wanted to make it with one of them exotic girls.”
“Tenniwar would have your hide if you so much as look at here before she’s properly on the menu.”
“Hehe, I heard Bob already bed that one. Probably isn’t much left.”
“Hehe, ya, not much left.”
"A-are you sure," Talienda asks before shaking her head. No, of course Bryndis is sure. The woman always seems to be sure of herself, not matter what.
"Apologies, Miss Bryndis," she says, "I am very tired, and it appears that all good sense has left me. I think I'll go check on Alina."
She stands up, carrying Echo in her arms, and makes her way to the door where Wayilant was seeing to Alina. A memory, lost in the haze of a mind muddle by fatigue and focusing on magic for too long prods her, trying to make itself clear, but is washed away by wave of tiredness Talienda hasn't felt since that horrible night in the Beldrin's Bluff courthouse.
Alina leans into the hug, though it takes her several long moments to relax. The silence stretches on for a few minutes as the young woman gives into the comfort offered by Wayilant's embrace. It's a tender moment, one of someone who rarely lets her fears and anxieties show allowing herself to be vulnerable, to let down the walls and enjoy the respite offered by someone who obviously cares for her.
It's a moment that ends when someone knocks softly on the door.
"M-may I come in," Talienda's voice asks from the other side.
"Come on in, Lady Talienda."
Talienda looks even more haggard than she had before when Wayilant opens the door to let her in. She starts to walk in when she sees the wine glasses and Alina propped up on a pile of pillows.
"Oh. Oh! I-I-I'm terribly sorry," she stammers as her face turns red and she turns around. Echo, however, has other ideas and jumps out of Talienda's arms and sends the young woman stumbling backwards into the room.
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With almost a flourish, Wayilant steps forward and catches the weary noblewoman...
...in a romantic pose, one hand on the back of her neck and the other on Talienda's ankle!!
Cayden! How you spoil me!! The aasimar thinks as he imagines what both people must look like to the ailing Alina.
Holding Talienda in such a pose, Wayilant remarks, "Damn. There are times such as this, even I must marvel at my own Charisma."
The cleric gives the bardic sorceress a playful squeeze around her ankle.
"For someone on the run from a elven assassin, you do have dainty ankles, Lady Talienda."
Sadly, the wineglass Wayilant was holding fell to the floor to catch the noblewoman.
Bryndís doesn't see any reason why a whole crowd would be needed to cross the road and buy a map. She goes to do so when the others wander off.
When she enters The Way North, she doesn't browse, but goes straight to the shopkeeper to ask for what she wants.
While Bryndis inquiries about a general map of the coast, the older Gnome walks over to one of the shelves and pulls out a small scrolled up parchment. “I believe this should meet your needs. It has all the landmarks and is fairly detailed.” He states while opening up the map so she can see it. "It’s not overly complicated and should give you a good idea what the countryside is like. It also identifies known hazards and humanoid activity. The map is ten gold.” After stating the maps value, he rolls it up and places it in a leather scroll tube. The tube is then placed on one of the three tables that line the center of the room.
Echo, her mission done, slinks through the door and hops up onto the bed next to Alina, settling into the spot where the cleric had been sitting. She purrs as she snuggles up next to the handmaiden and watches the show.
Talienda, already red-faced, is practically luminescent as she stares up at Wayilant after he catches her. Her blush only gets worse after she yelps from the cleric's unexpected touch.
"M-master Wayilant," she stammers as she fights to regain some composure. "I-I am so sorry. I'll leave after cleaning up the mess."
Seeing that Talienda is okay, Alina lets out a sigh and glares down at Echo.
"Echo, you're a spoiled little trickster, you know that," she grumbles. The cream and white cat lets out a cheerful meow that almost sounds like she's trying to hold in a laugh.
When did you say that Mr. Vhiskis came along? After girls started going missing? We had privledge where we were in Kaer Maga, and were really able to ensure that all the employees were getting what was deserved. But I understand completely your situation is different. I was asked to check on you all, and I'm not necessarily going to be in the area for too long, but while I'm here I'd want to make sure I'm helping out. he takes a sip of his wine, nodding discretely at the two down the bar, They working for Mr. Vhiskis I assume?
"Echo, you're a spoiled little trickster, you know that," she grumbles. The cream and white cat lets out a cheerful meow that almost sounds like she's trying to hold in a laugh.
Still holding Talienda in his arms, Wayilant looks at the pleased feline in Alina's lap, and chuckles.
"Echo, eh? Clearly you're the Brains of this Operation. I do believe I owe you a fish!"While the cleric sets down the noblewoman gently, he kneels before Talienda and kisses her hand. Getting back up with a flourish, Wayilant states to the room.
"Alright, everyone. You all have the signs of exhaustion. So here is what will happen: Lady Talienda and Alina, and likely Echo will share one bed; I shall sleep in the other, acting as both healer and protector this evening. After Lady Talienda uses her prestidigitation to clean the glass and wine up, I shall wait outside while both of you get ready for bed. One of you will knock on the door. I will count to ten, giving the one who knocked time to get back into bed. Both of you will sleep as much as you wish. I shall use the remaining wine to complete my evening prayers, otherwise I shall be quiet, allowing Desna to take you both. I apologize, Lady Talienda, but I shall brook no arguments on this."
Wayilant begins to remove his armor on the bed.
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"Mrrow!" Echo agrees enthusiastically to Wayilant's offer.
"Please don't encourage her, Master Wayilant," Talienda begs as she's set down on the ground. The kiss on her hand has her feeling even more flustered than before, and she almost misses most of what the cleric says as he basically orders her and Alina to bed.
It only takes her a few minutes to clean up the mess, using a couple of spells to clean up the wine then gather up the glass shards. After she's done she finally works up the courage to look Wayilant in the eyes.
"Master Wayilant," she says, "I can't thank you enough for taking care of Alina, but could you do me one more favor?"
She pauses, waiting for his reply.
"Could you fetch my pack from the other room, please? I don't think I can lift it right now," she asks.
After Wayilant leaves the room, Talienda turns to Alina with a look of utter shock and embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry! I should have... I... I'm such a dummy!" the young noblewoman says as she buries her head in her hands.
"Tali," Alina quietly laughs, touched by the concern Talienda shows over what she thinks she ruined. "It's okay! It was..." she blushes and smiles as she looks away. "It was nice."
Talienda looks at the bottle of wine and raises an eyebrow as she looks back at Alina over her hands.
"Alright, very nice," Alina admits as realization dawns on Talienda.
"You two like each other," Talienda says as embarrassment is replaced by glee.
"Wha-- No-- I don't know! Yes? Maybe," Alina says, feeling flustered herself now.
"Of course," Talienda says in an unctuous tone. "Whatever you say, Misses Arden," she adds with a beaming smile before getting a faceful of pillow.
After the young woman are ready for bed, Alina with some help from Talienda, the young noblewoman knocks gently on the door before hurrying back to the bed and getting under the covers. Echo, content to watch the big ones' antics for the moment, lays curled in a chair until the door opens and Wayilant walks in.
"Thank you," Talienda says as the priest closes the door. "Alina is very dear to me. She's the only family I have left." She reaches out and squeezes his hand. "You're a good man Master Wayilant. I, no, We have been blessed to meet both you and Miss Bryndis."
A few moments later, Talienda and Alina are fast asleep.
Muziel gets on his tiptoes to have a better look at the map sitting on the human-high table. He puts a hand on the map as the seller starts rolling it up. "Well 'old on there, does the map there 'ave some detail 'bout the area 'round Sandpoint? That's what we be needin' this fer most o' all." That was what the crude map had shown.
If the map seems suitable enough for this purpose, he lets the seller finish rolling up the map while he counts out a shiny platinum piece and puts it on the table. His coinpurse was a whole lot heavier since the gains from their most recent expedition.
The Gnome jumps back slightly when Muziel thumps his meat shank of a hand down onto the map. While doing more than simply wrapping up the map, Muziel begins looking over its complexity. The map does indeed display Sandpoint and enough of the coast to reflect the older map. At least as much as he can remember of it. A couple spots stand out as somewhat different and could indeed be enough of a difference to present a possible place to start looking. Concerning is the fact that one of the locations is dangerously close to a red outlined area indicating Orc activity. The outline is labeled “Belkzen settlement.” After a good look over the map, Muziel allows the Gnome to roll up the map, insert it in a leather scroll case, and then set it on the table in front of him. After collecting the platinum piece, the Gnome smiles and bids both adventures safe travels.
With the citadel in his power, Belkzen consolidated his position by fortifying Koldukar and renaming it Urgir (meaning "First Home" in Orc); to this day it remains as a symbol of orc power. The unity of Belkzen's realm was short-lived and did not survive his death, immediately collapsing into dozens of squabbling tribes lusting for power.
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You notice a very uncomfortable pause when you mention Kaer Maga and the fact that you are checking on her. “I see, so you are here representing my distant investor?” She asks in a tone that is obviously concerned.
After glancing over at the two men further down the bar, she nods. “Yes those two are employed by Mr. Vhiski. They have been posting up, guarding the room they have the animal in. I sure hope they don't damage my room. It’s an expensive room.”
Almost on que, as his name is mentioned, Mr. Vhiski excuses himself from the gaggle that has been following him and then heads up stairs.
A sliver of light appears as the room’s door cracks open. A pause takes place as whoever is on the other side seems to be aware that you can propel things. A soft male voice begins speaking through the cracked door. “Please don’t throw anything at me. I wish to speak with you about your release.” The voice offers as the door opens a little more. “I have no desire to hurt you. I only wish you to consider my proposal.” Moments after his last statement, the door opens in full revealing a tall dark-haired man with a finely groomed goatee. He is wearing leather armor and has a dagger and a rapier at his side. You note that both weapons are currently tied down. After stepping into the room, he closes the door and casts a spell, which sends small globs of light dancing all around the room. “Now, that’s much better.” After taking a good hard look at you he continues. “Wow, you’re an amazing looking woman. Men would pay carts full of gold just to spend a moment in your company. I can’t say I have ever seen such a promising prospect in my entire life. Please allow me to sum up what’s going on. You must be scared and endlessly confused. From what I understand, you were abducted by a band of slavers. They in turn sold you to a black-market liaison, who then placed you up for sale. When I heard about you, I could only imagine how uniquely qualified you might be for our line of work. Boy, was I underestimating your qualifications. You are absolutely exquisite. Anyway, I bought you and here you are. Please don’t judge me to harshly, for I reviewed your other prospects and believe me when I say they weren’t good. Unlike those other prospects, I don’t wish to keep you as a slave. I simply wish to offer you a job as an escort within our fine establishment in exchange for your freedom. You won’t owe anything to me for what I have already paid. That will be chocked up as simply a business investment. Your share of anything you earn will be yours to keep and I expect you will have endless opportunities to reap a lot of coin.” After summarizing your situation and presenting you with his offer, he stands quietly waiting to hear what you have to say.
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Reentering the room, Lady Talienda gives the caydenite some words of thanks then quickly goes to bed.
Wayilant sits on the nearly stripped open bed. He removes his shirt and drapes it over his backpack to act as a pillow. To allow the ladies to sleep, the cleric performs his nightly prayers silently, drinking the last of the bottle. Slightly inebriated, the aasimar lays down in bed, his new Deverin rapier resting next to him, on the off chance this 'elven assassin' tries anything.
As he dozes off, Wayilant reflects on the day. The cleric smiles as he remembers he stood up to several roughneck sailors, had some romantic time with Alina AND Talienda, got to dictate what a noblewoman did, and acted like a big damn hero. All and all, a very Cayden day!
Bryndís looks the map offered by the gnome over carefully to see if it has the kinds of details she wants, like natural and manmade features with their names, roads, settlements, ruins, and such. Satisfied it will do, she nods her approval and lets the gnome package it to go.
Bryndís lets Muziel pay for the map.
On the way back to the White Deer, she mentions what she noticed regarding the area outlined in red to Muziel.
"The map shows one of the places might be near an orc town. That might be dangerous. When do you think we should tell everyone about that, now or later when we've gone there?"
He pauses a moment, An animal, wouldn't that be better served in the stables down the street? Unless, I suppose there is no accounting for taste.... You can see most clearly on a starless night.... his thoughts drift a moment, So this Mr. Vishki shows up offering protection after the girls start disappearing, and these two are talking about the Dark Market and shipping a woman in from far away... No time like the present to see what I can see upstairs
If you'll forgive me, is there a room upstairs I might see? I do want to be able to report I'm doing my best to support when I make my way back home? he innocently asks.
PC Tracker
Wayilant: HP -0/20| Channels -0/6 | Spells Used:
Bryndis: HP -0/22 | Rage -0/6
Gavi: HP -0/24 | Spells Used:
Muziel: HP -0/19 | Acid Cloud -0/7 | Spells Used:
Taliendra: HP -0/20 | Bardic Performance -0/9 | Elemental Ray -0/6 | Spells Used:
Alina: HP -0/8 | Delegate -0/4 | Inspiration -0/2
Govrina: HP -0/28 Temp HP -0/3 | NLD 0 / Burn +0/6 | Shatter -0/1
Although the trip back to the White Deer is quick, the heavy wind magnifies the torrential downpour to the point that both of you find yourselves soaking wet by the time you reach your destination. You find the inn’s crispy warm interior welcoming as you shake off as much water as you can upon entering the establishment. Dario, who has been endlessly entertaining the main floor seems to be taking a break, while the lute player indulges in a solo that is fairly good and seems to be keeping the room's attention. Spiced meat with roosted potatoes and greens are being served to multiple tables, keeping the room’s strong aroma lingering.
After ascending the stairs, you quickly find the corresponding door and note two men, similar to the ones at the bar, posted up to each side of a room further down the hall. Shortly after you arrive, the dark-haired man exits the guarded door and then walks past you without a second thought. He heads down the stairs where you can hear another onslaught of questions coming from the awaiting escorts, who have been waiting for a second go-around with the man.
Gravi will go into the room, waving at the two thugs in the hallway, and open the window, looking for a way to high-wire out to the secured room window and see what's happening....
is it common knowledge about slavery laws in Varisia?
The long-haired cat sleeps peacefully as she dreams of all of the treats she'll be getting from you. It may only be midday, but it's been a long night for her and her two humans.
Besides, the hollow of Wayilant's chest makes a pretty nice bed.
Reaching the window, he'll peer inside, quietly to get a lay of the land, and then, if the coast is clear, he'll quietly pick the lock and enter the room, scanning to see what's been throwing mugs that the downstairs thugs are so interested in.
After opening the window, you slide into the room, brining with you gobs of rain and water.
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While he quickly and delicately works on the lock, he introduces himself, Greetings, I am Liotierri Magravi, called Gravi by my friends. I admit, I wasn't entire sure what I was walking in to over here, but seeing your predicament, and not being terribly impressed with your captor- it feels justified in removing you from his clutches. And how did you wind up in this whole thing anyway? I overheard one of your 'guards' mentioning something about a dark market? Helping the woman to her feet, he casts about the room, looking her over, I somehow doubt we're so lucky that you can fly us away into the night? Finally spying the bedsheets, and quickly reducing them to strips of fabric, tied end-to-end, knotting them to allow a leisurely climb to the ground in the howling wind and rain. After you, I'm almost dry and would prefer to be drier before venturing out into that again... he says sarcastically.
From outside the door, a couple voices can be heard.
“Hay did you hear that?”
“No, what did you hear.”
“I heard a man’s voice. Go in there and check it out.”
“Hell-to-the-no! You go in there and check it out.”
“If she gets away, the boss will kill both of us. Let’s both go in at the same time.”
“OK, I’ll open the door. Then we both go in.”
“OK.”
After the voices cut out, the sound of the doors lock being manipulated signifies they are attempting to enter the room.
Initiative
Gravi
Govrina
Thug 1
Thug 2
Gavi (16)
Govina (11)
Gavi (16)
Govina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
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Bryndís looks the map offered by the gnome over carefully to see if it has the kinds of details she wants, like natural and manmade features with their names, roads, settlements, ruins, and such. Satisfied it will do, she nods her approval and lets the gnome package it to go.
Bryndís lets Muziel pay for the map.
On the way back to the White Deer, she mentions what she noticed regarding the area outlined in red to Muziel.
"The map shows one of the places might be near an orc town. That might be dangerous. When do you think we should tell everyone about that, now or later when we've gone there?"
"Orcs! Nasty buggers, we'll take out any we run across. Best tell the others--don't want the Lady crowin' 'bout 'ow much danger we got 'er in."
Muziel exchanges notes about the region with Bryndis. Though it didn't seem like she needed Muziel to explain much of anything.
Realizing there's really no where to hide, he tenses for the coming battle. Letting the men walk into the room he pauses a moment, before lashing out at the closest one with the whip in his hand. He studies the thug closest to him, before lashing out with the whip.
Govrina moves back into her cage and pulls the door shut. After setting her hard-leather plate on the ground, she waits patiently for the two men to enter the room. Her plan appears to be simple, create doubt, which has been used throughout history to gain an advantage.
Gavi quickly recognizing the winged woman’s intent and then steps off to the side, taking full advantage of the darkened room.
The two men, outside the door, fumble endlessly in an attempt to quickly open the secured door. Soon, the occupants inside the room hear the key insert and click into place.
Govrina maintains her ploy in anticipation of the men entering the room.
Gavi unravels a whip and sets himself up to strike.
The two men quickly enter the room as the door abruptly swing open. Both men lock eyes with the glowing stair of the demon-woman within the cage. They pause for only a moment while they consider the fact that the demon is exactly where they left her. Although the pause was brief, the distraction was long enough for Gavi to unleash the frightful reach of his whip. The sound of the whip resonates throughout the room as it lashes one of the men across the face. The other man jumps back at the sound of the whip and begins shaking in his boots.
Both men, who appear to be somewhat startled by Gavi’s whip, are supporting clubs at their side and are wearing studded leather. Aside from the club, they also have a heavy-looking sap, which is currently in hand and ready to use.
Gavi (16)
Govrina (11)
Thug 1 (11)
Thug 2 (5)
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And ricochets the plate off the door jamb in her haste!
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Bryndís grumbles a little when Muziel comes down on the side of telling everyone else that following the treasure map will take them close to orc territory. But she doesn't really push back.
"Fine. But I think they will whine about it."
Gravi had hoped for a more complete victory over the surprised thug, but this is what he had to deal with. He again targets the same thug with his whip, seeking to incapacitate the man. Looming out of the darkness, he chuckles at the two of them, ready for more...
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"Well, seems like the Lady and her servant will 'ave ta choose between orcs n' bounty 'unters!" Muziel chuckles as he pencils in the orc camp and jots a few more notes on the map. He steps back and seems content that the others will understand the plan now.
"Well, 'ow's about you and me get our folks passage ta Sandpoint aboard a ship?"
Bryndís chuckles along with Muziel at the point he makes.
"So true."