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Kenton shakes off what feels like a sure petrification. Could be divine providence, could be due to timing, whatever. In any case, he nods to Aurelia and takes one more swipe at
He then retreats down the steps by request.
Kenton's focus is as sharp as his blade, and he presses his attack.
You opt to reward our kindness with treachery and deceit? We shall not forget this. Kenton tries to take a five-foot step, but is unable to. Instead he moves around the medusa on the stairs and strikes at the outline of the foe.
Kenton feels the numbing effect of the venom work its way into his bloodstream, but he thinks he can hold on well enough... Contemptuous scapegrace! he barks. Face me, with your serpent's sting!
Kenton turns away just in the nick of time, spinning aside and drawing his blade. His blade is already in his hand .
Kenton wordlessly removes his waistcoat and drapes it around the child's shoulders.
Kenton waits for the rope, and climbs up once it is in place.
Kenton chuckles a bit. Perhaps the last resident had a pet basilisk, he says with a smirk. He catches himself when he sees the saddle astride beast in the statue, tilting his head in surprise, his smile fading. O! my prophetic soul!
Kenton nods. If our interests indeed align, then we should hear one another out, he says, taking the lead alongside the mysterious Xan.
blind SM for the GM:
Kenton knows a trap when he sees one, holding his hand up to halt his companions and making his way toward the figure.
But you learned of this daemon from somewhere, then. Kenton squeezes Argentus in the grapple rather harder than necessary. Tell us.
Battered a bit from the golem, Kenton's grip nevertheless does not lessen. I'm afraid not, sir, he says. These violations require us to take you into custody.
Kenton has elected not to draw his rapier just yet, instead reaching out to grab the man in a grapple.
Kenton ignores much of the cold and moves in without regard for potential repercussion, seeing that the man appears armed only with a wand.
Kenton cranes his neck to try and spot the people in the kitchen. "My what a Charming environment! And a lovely place to Break bread. One can feel the Enchantment in the air! I wonder if my dear sister and her friend can do anything to dispel their worries, better than dining here!? And such fine, handsome, waitstaff! You're adorable I can just put you in my Pocket! If only I could wave some kind of wand and get us a table!? "
Sadly, though, Kenton does not pick up what Corran is laying down.
Stay your blades, friends, Kenton hisses. Kenton will delay until after Ianthe, to see how she will handle this cretin.
GM:
Kenton smiles, leaving the bottle where it sits for now. Thanks for nothing, he says, turning back to relay some info to the group.
Kenton doesn't look in that direction right away, locking his gaze with the keeper. No blades will be bared by us first, I can promise you that much, my friend. He sets five platinum pieces on the bar right next to the keep's hand. Now I didn't ask any questions about them, did I? Nothing like if you know who might have hired them recently, or whether they've met a prune-faced noble fop within your walls, or what you think they might do for enough coin, right? No questions like that. As he finishes, he leans forward on the bar and lazily turns toward the table in the corner, focusing on a spot a good ten feet away. And I certainly didn't ask you if it was those five at that corner table, did I? Each time he asks a question he didn't ask, he moves his hand slightly to uncover one of the platinums, carefully revealing all five by the end of the statement.
Kenton will step up to the tavern bar, speaking with
Let us ask about town regarding an aasimar, but also about Earl Merkondus' hired hands. I don't trust that his presence here in Yanmass, and the mystery of Sir Meir Dratavis' disappearance, is a mere coincidental thing. Kenton grimaces at the thought of talking with Merkondus again. He's a lout, but a cunning one; and I've no doubt he's found a way to keep his hands clean when it comes to vanishing another person. At least in the short term.
When the time comes, Kenton is only too happy to rouse the unconscious would-be killer and play the bad cop role. Who sent you? And choose your words carefully, as what's left of your life remains in our hands.
Kenton continues his focus on Red, stepping up and heeding Xavien's raging song.
You viper's brood! Kenton shouts as he thrusts with his blade. You spiritual scarecrows!
Kenton reacts quickly, though not so quickly as to foil the attack before it is launched. With an internal curse, Kenton steps up to Red and heeds Xavien's raging song.
Behind me, Chief Enumerator! Lest these assassins find their quarry an easy mark!
While the face folks talk, Kenton tries to keep a trained eye on what can be seen around the temple's sizeable main room.
Kenton, like Xavien, tries to take advantage of the assassin's poor acrobatic maneuver.
Ironically, Xavien's successful blow moves the half-orc just aside of Kenton's stab. She pays his failure back, and he grunts at the blow. Wiping the blood out of his eyes, he steps back into flank and continues his assault.
Kenton needs no further encouragement, moving forward and getting the Achaekek disciple into a tactically disadvantaged position.
GM: Swashbuckler initiative deed to Quick Draw rapier as part of initiative check (free), five-foot step (free), then Standard as Move to open the next door.
GM: I'm assuming Kenton has not yet realized combat has erupted, so he will open the door in front of him to see what's there. (Move action)
GM: Is the back her open? If so, he'll step in. If not, he'll try the handle.
(I'm assuming Kenton can hear the voices at the front door, even if he can't make out exactly what's being said.
Kenton has reluctantly followed, but has stepped near the side of the building as Corran gave his Secret Knock. The eventual answer seems likewise too tidy, so he wanders toward the back of the building, keeping his eyes peeled for things out of place, shortly finding himself near the rear entrance.
Well, we are neither... Kenton says, musing, but this all feels too...I don't know, tidy? I smell a trap.
Kenton expresses his gratitude as well. Where can one find this "Tallgrasses" place? One of the downsides of being new in town is that we don't really know where everything is.
Treachery is not our goal, Kenton says, but I very much understand that it would be imprudent of you to take our word for this. He gives the traditional salute of the Taldan Horse. If you're willing to share, please, tell me of this Captain Staubel and their plans.
Kenton whips his head to and fro, without success in locating the source of the voice.
Seems odd to have these traps here but not be here oneself. Unless they are intended to merely debilitate...
That could have been unpleasant, Kenton notes, turning back toward the glen. Now that we've been announced, let us make our way in.
Kenton does not sing, or even think of singing. He does try to keep his eyes peeled.
We have no desire to harm you, friends.
As Lady Gewbell stated – bands of townsfolk with haunted eyes in a stupor. I wonder, is this part of this Cult of the Twilight Child?
Kenton's blade is in his hand at the first sign of trouble (swashbuckler initiative), and he maneuvers to provide Ianthe an escape route. Weighing his options, he tries to knock the dagger out of Blue's hands.
Kenton nods. An excellent plan, he says, his clothing changing along with Xavein's to something far less ostentatious for the trip.
Kenton shrugs at the Earl's standoffish behavior, but can't help smiling as Xavien drives the stuffed shirt up the proverbial wall. He says nothing, but gives Lord Karthis a broad grin before leaning in. We should inquire further as to this Orvestikar Manor, I think.
Kenton makes his way toward Earl Yander Merkondus, hoping to learn more of the troubleshooters mentioned, and (more importantly) what they may have discovered. Now that we are not in danger of draining the valuable time of the Council members, I should like to inquire more about the folks you have working on the troubles. Nightmares, disappearing soldiers, and banditry, not to mention some sort of cult. Troubling indeed! What are you comfortable sharing, friend?
Kenton wanders the stalls of Grandbridge's Gray Market, recalling his days on leave from the Taldan Horse when Oppara seemed the gateway to everything. Simpler times, when pursuing simpler pleasures. He makes his way to The Sword and Shield, a merchant stall with a reputation for selling to soldiers when in town. Kenton doesn't recognize the first two people he sees working, but then... Vanora? Vanora Ravenbloom, proprietor of The Sword and Shield spins about, her eyes open wide. Kenton Bowe, by the blade of Iomedae! It has been a fortnight of months, at the least! Vanora embraces the lanky soldier as her new apprentices look on in some astonishment — this is clearly an uncharacteristic display from their normally aloof boss. Kenton returns the hug with a smile. Too long, Vanora, indeed. How do you fare? Good days and bad, she replies. Eloise left, don't you know, and yet here I am still. Oh, I'm so sorr- Kenton begins, but is waved off by Vanora. Don't be, it's for the best; she's not the lass who once stole my heart anymore. Vanora wipes a bit of grime off her cheek and changes the subject. And you? Still riding with the Horse? No longer, Kenton says. Now I'm, ah...involved in politicking, of a fashion. Vanora laughs. Of course you are, you sweet talker. On the hunt for a different sort of foe. Which reminds me, actually, Kenton says, pulling out his rapier. What do you make of this? I came across it during my service — even my untrained eye can spot a well-crafted blade! Vanora takes the rapier. Truly, nice workmanship. Not quite as good as ours, of course, but close. It's mundae at present. Shall we make a change on that? If you're willing, Kenton says. I'm willing...if you're paying. Kenton grins. Of course. Done, Vanora declares, handing it to a nearby novice with some direction. As she turns back to Kenton, she sees he is mesmerized by a hanging shirt of intricate silvery chain. She smiles broadly. You like? It's exquisite, he says softly. A moment later he realizes he is holding his breath, and exhales. I've never seen anything like it. And I daresay you won't again, Vanora replies, gliding over and taking it off the display. Try it on for size. Oh, no no no... Kenton says in protest, even as Vanora deftly pulls it over his head. Despite his objections, he finds that the chain shirt fits like a second skin. Looks like it was made for you, Vanora says with a smirk, though it, er, wasn't. I won't bore you with the details of how I came by this, but it clearly should be yours. Kenton shakes his head, trying to explain that he can't afford it, and Vanora holds up a hand. Eventually. I'll hold on to it until then. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
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