GM Dak - Curse of the Crimson Throne

Game Master karlprosek

Fishery Invasion - Round 9 - concluded

His blood still boiling, Nargun turns from the closed door to the still visible, and apparently quite dangerous enemy. His axe swings in a merciless arc, splintering bone and spraying blood across the front office. With a cry, the young enemy falls to the dwarf's unrestrained anger.

End of Round 9

The obvious enemies are all defeated but I am keeping us rounds, in case someone wants to pursue the fleeing Yargin, who is now out of sight. If no one wants to pursue, we can drop out of rounds and continue with normal exploration or other actions.

Fishery Invasion - Round 10

Nargun drops the last foe. Yargin slams the door as he flees.

Bless (4 rounds)in effect

23 Mirela
20 Atticus (8 hp dmg)
16 Yargin (5 hp dmg, evil eye -2 skill checks, 6 rounds)
15 Twilight
8 Aleira
8 Devan
6 Nargun (4 hp dmg taken, +2 AC SoF, 3 rounds, raging)

If we stay in rounds, Mirela and Atticus are up first. If everyone agrees to not pursue the fleeing foe, we can end rounds here and re-group.

Atticus moves toward following the fleeing one but stops as he is looking at the bad wound in his side."Could someone, please, take care of it. The discomfort is quite uncomfortable!"

Devan eyes the Professor's wounds with sympathy, aware of the intense pain the man was surely in. Between the Calistrian and the Erastilan they should be able to help the scholar. The bard's brow furrows as he looks at the trio of corpses in the room, remembering his fallen Joline. The dead dogs who knew no better, the pain of his companions, that hollow inside himself he'd never be able to fill...this Lamm was a disease upon humanity.

Lamm...the brutal dwarf still continued to chant the man's name like some sorcerer trying to summon a devil from the Pit itself. Lamm...lamb, the children! With a concerned look to the others, "Where are the lambs? Surely they heard all this..."

My preference is to end combat and patch everyone up before proceeding.

Finding her group alone in a closed room devoid of enemies, Mirela acts to help her companions.

Lord Deadeye, give us your strength that this 'unt may be successful.
Keep us strong and steadfast as we persue the beast who 'ave torn so many families apart.

As she finishes a sense of renewed strength comes over Atticus and Nargun.
Channel Heal 1/3: 1d6 ⇒ 3

Twilight hesitated for a moment upon hearing Atticus' request for assistance. She had no problem tending to Nargun's injuries, but Calistria approved of both of Atticus' wounds. In fact when she had tried to interfere with the boy's vengeance by trying to ward Atticus against the second attack Calistria ensured that the strike was particularly grievous. As such it would be inappropriate for Twilight to undo what the kid had done.

However, once the kid died his claim to vengeance ended. He was no longer alive to savour the pain he inflicted, admire the damage he had done. He was the bee, not the wasp.

"Of course Atticus, one moment"

Twilight removes her holy symbol from under her shirt, displaying it prominently now. She focuses on her connection to the positive energy she has been using to aid her allies and draws upon it more heavily now as the faint yellow glow now suffuses all those around her.

"Calistria, sooth the wounds of those who would pursue your blessed work"
Channel Heal: 1d6 ⇒ 6

Whereas the power Mirela channeled brought with it a sense of strength and vigour, Twilight's is accompanied by faint warmth and a momentary tingle of pleasure.

"We should move swiftly, there is no telling what that man may do to the children and we don't want him assisting Lamm regardless.

Ongoing: Shield of faith on Nargun. +2 deflection to AC for 2 rounds.

Since you are not immediately pursing Yargin, I am going to drop you out of rounds. You may still have the chance to meet or catch the bathrobe wearing man, depending on choices, but for now, consider us out of combat.

With no more foes to take on, Nargun's blood-lust slowly subsides leaving him bloodied and winded. Leaning heavily on this axe handle, the dwarf smiles a bit as the invigorating healing and warm tingle of positive energy flows over the group. Atticus and Nargun's wounds close up, leaving them whole and healthy again.

Looking around the room, there the corpses of two slain dogs, and the still forms of three foes, Eyepatch, Giggles, and the youngster. The room also has a desk set in the center, with a moldy chair pushed up against it. Besides the double doors you entered from, there are four other doors in this room, one on the south wall where your foes came and went from during the fight. There are a pair of doors on the east wall, including the one that leads to a short hallway where Yargin fled. Lastly, there is a single door on the north wall. The room is altogether quiet belying the violence that just erupted there over the last minute or so.

Assuming Nargun drops from rage, which leaves him fatigued for the next minute or so. See the Combat Summary in Discussion. You may post in any order, as you determine what to do next.

Feeling his wounds close, Atticus smiles at Mirela and Twilight."You have my thanks! I think it is paramount to continue with our task, but of course, Nargun has to catch his breath first!"
Looking at the weapons lying on the floor Atticus ponders if he should take up another one, but neither kukris nor flails are his forte.
What weapon did the last one use?

The flail and kukri, which appears to be quite handsomely made, along with a longsword are the obvious weapons, lying next to their former owners.

Nargun smiles, and gives a thankful nod to the healers

The fight started badly, but it ended well. I'm saving some of my hate and anger for Lamm. Let's find him, when everyone is ready.

Perc: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Looking at the boy Atticus let´s out a long breath of relief.
"I have to admit I am glad. This is not a boy, this is an adult gnome. I am not sure how I was to live with the knowledge that we killed a minor! Even if he attacked us. You are back with breath, Nargun? Maybe you want to have a look at those weapons? The kurki and the flail seem to be of quality. Shame about the longsword. Nevertheless! I think it is time to continue!"
Looking at the bloodied gash in his overcoat he sighs."Omletts and eggs. I have to prepare better next time!"
Next time I need different extracts! Also, I have to get to a tailor to get that cut mended. And to an expert washer to get rid of the bloodstains.

Craft Weaponsmith: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Nargun gives what seems to be an expert look at the weapons, interested despite himself.

Sure, that flail doesn't look too shabby. An orc couldn't work steel like that. Besides, sometimes there are things, or men, that need to be broken, not cut. The small blade, I can't use it, my hands are too big.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

As Nargun catches his breath and the group ponders a course of action, Devan wanders over to the desk, eyes searching over the contents. For now he is content to leave the bodies behind untouched, having vengeance on the mind, but he makes a mental note to search the three fallen foes later.

The bard looks at the hole in Atticus's coat with concern, nodding in agreement at the man's stated desire to press on. He claps the Professor briefly on the shoulder. "Yes, let us find your ward." The musician keeps his rapier out, ready to follow Nargun into the bowels of the Fishery.

Looking at the longsword Atticus shrugs. "Devan, can I use your rapier. Your weapons are more words and magic, and my swordcane is more a gentleman´s weapon than a real weapon for this endeauvor. And I could imagine you can use it?"

Devan shrugged at Atticus's question. He had bought the rapier for his revenge, but had no particular attachment to the weapon. The bard offered it to the Professor, stooping down to grab the fallen long sword of Eyepatch. Giving it a few clumsy experimental swings, he chuckles nervously. "I still won't be earning the lady's favor at the tourney, but it will do."

Nargun's review of the weapons from the fallen foes is that the flail and longsword are both standard weapons, but the kukri (small sized) is a masterwork blade.

Devan grabs the longsword, and hands his newly-bought rapier to Atticus who replaces the blade inside his cane. Keeping the rapier in one hand, and the lit torch in the other.

Devan peruses the desk while Nargun calms and regains his composure. The desk and chair seem almost abandoned, which is a bit strange for the front room of any business. A few scattered papers and quills are all that are in the two drawers, nothing else of value or interest. Underneath the desk, a pile of flea-infested furs and straw indicate this is probably where the now-slain dogs slept.

Someone will need to indicate the direction you choose to head? After Yargin or elsewhere? I know how frightening closed doors can be...

I vote for the door Yargin entered. Nargun to lead, of course.

Twilight goes over to the door that the robed man fled through and tries to listen for any sounds that might give away what the robed man might be doing up ahead.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

As she waits for Nargund to recover and Atticus and Devan to sort out their weapons Twilight quickly grows impatient.

"The longer we wait the more opportunity we give Lamm to be alerted and make his escape."

Picking up his sling Atticus hands his cane to Nargun.
"Could you please do me the favor and hold it till we leave? It would hinder me greatly!"

At Twilight's words Devan nodded in agreement, holding the newly acquired cold steel in his hand while edging toward the door, eager to continue. As an afterthought, he quickly goes over to the discarded wand and picks it up to ensure the robed man doesn't go behind the group and reaquire it.

As Nargun's strike finally ends the fight Aleira relaxes, the aura of hidden power that seemed to animate her during the battle dissolving as she follows the others into the room. "A gnome? - That's a relief." she says, I wouldn't want to hurt a child if it can be helped."

The witch ignores the weapons and merely looks around the room, mentally preparing herself for the next stage of the fight. At Twilight's words she nods. "Yes, we can't give the bastard time to run away. We should keep going."

Mirela knocks a shaft but does not draw the bow.
Then she sets up so she has a clear shot through the door when it opens.

Be careful. Our prey is crafty on this 'unt.

Then she nods at the door indicating she is ready.

Twilight hears nothing behind the first door, which leads to a small hallway. Once he has regained his breath, Nargun opens that door, axe in hand, but only a 10' long passage with another door at the end greets him.

The party starts to line up behind the doughty dwarf, eager to see what's next.

Nothing else is heard beyond the second door either. It is unlocked, and the dwarf opens, it half-hoping to see Lamm himself standing on the other side.

The foul smell of dead fish, blood, and seawater assaults your noses as the door opens. Just ahead, you find yourselves atop a wooden catwalk which is bolted to the walls of this room, about 10' off the floor below. That floor is slick with river water, bits of seaweed, and fish blood. The catwalk wraps around the southern wall of the room and to the east, descending in stairs to the floor. A door sits at catwalk level in the southwest corner. Another set of wooden stairs descends to the north, where another door on the north wall grants exterior access. Below where you stand, a wide opening in the floor allows direct access to the sloppy, muddy waters of the Jeggare River a further three feet down.

To the northwest stands an immense eight-foot tall wooden vat, its sides caked and waterproofed with tar. Inside is a foul-looking mixture of chum, river water, and who knows what else. To the east, at the base of the catwalk, are stack of barrels and crates, each with a red fish painted on them. Over a dozen small hammocks hang from under the two wooden catwalks, each with its own ratty blanket and pillow. Soft whimpering sounds, and a sniffle or two are heard from the hammocks.

There is no obvious sign of your former foe.

At some point, you'll have to determine your typical marching order. For now, I put Atticus second in line since he is carrying a torch, illuminating the rather large room.

Sounds good as marching order
Looking around Atticus checks for anything out of the order. But seeing the hammocks he rushes over and checks if Nikkodemus is to be found there! "Nikkodemus, are you here. It is I, Atticus. I have come to save you and bring you back to your parents!"

As the party enters the large, open room Devan's nose wrinkles as the smell of decay and the Jeggare becomes particularly strong. Eager to see more of the room, he actually hears the frightened sounds of its likely small inhabitants first. The bard was here for vengeance, but his heart still bled for these lost little lambs.

He secured the longsword to his belt, pulling out his prized instrument as he entered. He strummed the strings idly, more wanting to show off the fact that he was playing music, and therefore meant no harm, than trying to perform a song's melody. The musician smiled broadly, speaking over the dulcet tones, "Come out, my little friends. We mean you no harm! Lamm's dominion over you is at an end."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21

Nargun takes the lead, seeking clues about the fleeing man whereabouts, his bloody axe still firmly in hand

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 17

Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13

Be careful... maybe there are other gnomes disguised among those children

As Atticus rushes down the catwalk, the children waiting below shrink away from him, pressing themselves against the walls with wide, untrusting eyes.

The music and soothing words from Devan seem to help the situation a bit. "It's a trick," one older boy calls out. "Lamm's trying to fool us. Don't fall for it, or you'll get a whippin' from Hookshanks or Giggles for sure. Don't talk with 'em."

Despite the warning, a smaller girl says to Atticus "Nicky isn't here. They took him down after dinner. When they go down, they don't come back..." she looks sadly at him and sucks her thumb for solace. "It's pretty music, mister."

"Stop it Kara!" warns the older boy. "You don't want Bloo in here do you? Lamm'll take you down next if you don't hush!"

All in all there are a dozen waifs roomed here. There are a few empty hammocks, but not many. The children range in age from about 12 to about 4. They are all dirty, disheveled and heart-breakingly thin and drawn. Everyone of them has the cold, dead eyes of a war veteran.

None of the children appear to be gnomes-in-disguise, and there is no sign of Yargin in this foul-smelling room.

Was Giggles the orc-breed, with a big flail?

Nargun put his axe in the light from the torch, showing the blood still dripping from it

This is his filthy blood, on my axe, mixed with the blood of a gnome holding a small blade. One of my compagnons got said blade, but here by my side, there is Giggle's flail.

He taps the weapon with his hand, for all the children to see

I took it from his cold, dead hands. I'm here to kill Lamm, and all his associates. I guess you have no problem with that, little ones?

The end of the sentence is said with a softer, gentler tone, something unexpected maybe from the tough dwarf

"Well children, no matter what you think, we will all get you out. And then you will all get some decent food, and we will find your loved ones. But for now, where is Lamm. I have to make sure he will never, ever hurt you!" He waves to Mirela and Twilight. "Those beautiful ladies will also help you!"
Diplo: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Devan winces as the gruff dwarf bares his grisly axe to the children, but after seeing the looks on their faces, he doubts that is the worst thing they have seen. Continuing to idly strum at his lute as they made their way down to the children, he continues to smile and nod encouragingly whenever any of the little ones make eye contact with him.

After the Professor speaks, Devan follows up, "Yes, my friends. Your captors are no more, but we must make sure and cure all this disease from our city. Tell us where this Lamm is. We have debts to settle." While his tone starts out melodically, there is steel in the bard's voice at the end of his statement.

Diplomacy assist: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Much like Devan Twilight cringes at the smell, putting her arm over her nose in a futile attempt to lessen the stench.

Being the last one in the room, the others are already speaking with the children. Although Sister Lydia constantly chastised Twilight for being too soft and getting too easily distracted from her goal, the sight of these children moved her. Even if it meant risking giving Lamm a few more moments to attempt an escape, Twilight knew what she must do.

Twilight descends the stairs and smiles as Atticus introduces her. She goes over and crouches down near the children so she is on their level.

"Hello children, I am sister Twilight. As Mr. Atticus said, we are here to make sure that Lamm never hurts anyone again. Sister Mirela and miss Aleira were lambs like you a long time ago, but they escaped and now they are back to make Lamm pay for all the stuff he did to them and you and all the other children he has hurt. I am here to help them."

Twilight motions one of the children forward

"I know that there were times where you wanted to get back Lamm or his lackeys for doing bad things to you or your friends its OK to want that, in fact its good to want that. It means you don't think people should be allowed to hurt someone else and get away with it. We have to be quick because we don't want him to get away, but if you tell me your name and what he did to you I will make sure he hurts just as much as he hurt you. Calistria wants you to have a chance to pay back Lamm for what he has done and she has sent me to help you get back at him."

Twilight listens intently to any of the children that come forward, committing their name and story to memory. A zealous fire burns in her eyes. Each other member of the party was experienced and resourceful enough that they could have likely faced Lamm and satisfied their vengeance in their own ways. Helping them was simply making the endeavour easier. But now she was representing those who did not have the power to seek out vengeance on their own, and that was an exalted act.

As each of the children finish Twilight holds her holy symbol and bows her head, performing a quick symbolic gesture she says "By Calistria's will, your suffering shall be his."

As the others are talking Mirela pulls a couple of her trail rations out and holds them behind her back.

Mirela moves about 4 feet away from the children, squats to get to the level of the huttled ones, and quietly says:
Shhh. I know you are confused. All of you are too little to remember me but I used to be one of you. I remember the beatings, the tests by Lamm, the nights o' terror waiting to see who was the next one of us to be taken away and most of all the constant 'unger.

She pulls the two trail rations from behind her back. And places them on the ground in front of her unwrapping them as she continues.
It's don't be much, but this should help the 'unger a little.

She backs up a foot to let the kids grab the food if they want.
Many years ago a kind man took pity on me. 'E found me after I disobeyed Lamm and was beat bad and Lamm left me to die. The man was a Priest of Lord Deadeye and he saved my life, contacted me family, took me away where Lamm couldn't find me, provided me food, a warm place to live and taught me many things.
Now I'm back to put an end to Lamm and provide any of you who want it more food and a safe place to be while we find your families.

All you have to do is stay 'ere and be quiet until we get back, as we are going to deal with Lamm and rescue Nicodemus.
If you point us to where Lamm is or where they took Nicodemus, that will make it faster, but I understand if you are too scared. In either case the food is yours, and there is more and better food to come if you decide to come with us when we come back.

Sorry for the brief delay. Don't have time to make the next post now, but will be back later this afternoon to get it up. Good work on RP convincing children, each in your own way. There will be a pay-off for that!

As each appeal the the children of Lamm in your own way, you see their defenses start to break. First one, then another, then a flood of them rush to you hugging you and sobbing. Soon only the older boy, Kester, is left looking at you with hard eyes well past his years. Finally when the food is brought out, not even he can resist. Kester grabs the rations, and instead of devouring them all himself, he breaks them up into pieces making sure each of the little ones get a portion, before he eats the small remainder.

"That man is bad!" says Kara, the little girl who spoke first. "He lets Hookshanks an' Giggles be mean to us. An' the dogs bite! We have to work for him beggin' and stealin' and he barely gives us any food. If we don't do work good and bring back lots of stuff, or if we act badly, Yargin takes us down and no comes back from that." He wipes a tear from her dirty face and looks at Mirela. "They took Nicky down tonight. He was my friend an' I don't think he'll come back."

The older boy, Kester, finally giving a bit of trust admires the gore on Nargun's axe. "Did you really kill Giggles and Hookshanks? I didn't know anyone could beat those guys. Anyone who stood up to them got sent to Lamm. You have a blade for me? I want to stick him myself. I can show you where he is, I think. There is a room below this one an' Lamm lives down there. He's got something terrible that kills kids. I heard them talking about it one night. I don't know how to get down there, but I think you have to go outside. They took Nicky outside earlier. I heard him crying."

What do you do with the children? You each earn 300xp for saving all of the Lamm's. That moves your total to 545/1300 or about 42% of what's needed for 2nd level.

Outside? Maybe to that ship?
We may need to check there.

Oh crap! The door we locked down the stairs! she suddenly says turning to Atticus with a look of horror.

Sweet!

Staying in the background, continuing to play a soothing melody to ease the little ones as they speak about their time in this hellhole, Devan brims with impatience on the inside. The children were free now, and their lives would get better from this point, hopefully. Nothing would fill the hole left by his Joline's murder. Except possibly vengeance. And every moment they spent here was a moment that Lamm could be making his escape.

The bard stopped playing his lute, pushing it to the side and out of the way. He draws his dagger, flips it in his hand, then offers it to the older boy hilt-first. "Let us be off, then, if you think you know where to find the despicable old man. I am sure this Yargin has already informed him of our arrival." Devan wasn't sure most of the others would be agreeable to the child's desire for revenge. Arming the child wasn't necessarily the proper thing, but if the kid knew the way it would speed them along, and the Calistrian at least would be alright with the child's desire for revenge.

The bard's gaze goes to Mirela, shaking his head, "They shouldn't stay here, in case we might fall. Who knows what lies ahead? As for the outside door down the stairs, I believe that is it over there... He points to the door to the North.

The musician then turns his attention to the other children, trying to figure out which one might be the next oldest after Kester. Once he makes a decision, he pulls out two gold coins, stepping forward to hand the coins to the child. "Not far from here is an abandoned warehouse. Take the younger children and hole up there. If we have not returned by morning, take these coins, get some food for everyone, then head to the Temple of Sarenrae. I am sure they can get you taken care of very properly." After giving the child quick directions to the location, he offers a tight smile to all the children, doing his best to not make them feel an afterthought, which they were at this point to the young man. He cared, of course, deep down, but his focus was on Lamm.

Devan then draws the longsword from his belt, turning to his companions. The end felt near. An end, anyway. Time to see if Fate would grant the Varisian the revenge he desired, or to join his beloved in the afterlife. "Let's go." The dark-eyed man looks to Kester, nodding.

Kester takes the knife, a determined look in his eyes. He coaches the other children along, and they silently shuffle up the wooden stairs and out through the front of the fishery, headed for the warehouse you described. They move more quietly than you thought possible, and evacuate without incident. The young boy remains, planning to see the fight with Lamm through with you.

Kester says they have not see the man in the bathrobe, Yargin, pass through here recently. "He don't come this way much. Only to yell at Giggles or the others, or if he's taking one of us away. He came for Nicky, but that was before it got full dark."

Which way do you go?

No boy, I won't let you try your luck in a fight with Lamm. Haven't you lost enough of your innocence already? When we'll have defeated Lamm, we'll come back for those of you who want to see him dead

Devan's brow furrows angrily as he turns to regard Nargun, his eyes fierce. "Who are you to deny him a chance to slip that knife between his tormentor's ribs? Did we say to our female companions 'there shall be no revenge for you, my lady, for blood on the hands of a woman is wrong'? Or to our Professor here 'You are too learned and proper for this sort of wet work'? He might be a child, but he has seen more suffering and terror than most of the poor fools out on those streets above us. Aleira and Mirela have felt the sting of being one of this Lamm's minions before, but they have had years to let their mental wounds scab over. This poor boy's torment is still fresh, and hot. If he wants to accompany us, he shall."

The bard collects himself for a moment before asking Kester, "Which exit did Yargin take earlier with Nicky?"

I realize there is probably going to be many who do not want to take the child along, so I purposefully didn't include a direction to go as of yet.

I am Nargun Firehelm. And I refuse that a child enters this fight, not that I deny his right to avenge himself, but because he can be killed, and because I refuse that he lose whatever innocence he might have left. Will we let Lamm steal this too, after robbing the boy his safety, his dignity, the simple joys of the youth? He can have the weapon, I agree with that, but I would prefer him to use it to defend his comrades. Killing someone is a grown up task. Do you dare to cross me on that point, musician?

Intimidate: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (11) + 3 = 14

Twilight steps over and places a hand on Kester's shoulder. Seeing a self serving opportunity, she speaks up.

"If I could suggest a compromise? Devan is right that denying Kester would be unfair, but Nargun's concerns are also justifiable. Calistria takes a dim view on those who die in pursuit of their vengeance. At the fortune teller's house I had asked that if it was possible we could take Lamm alive. If we can do this I would be deeply grateful myself, and Kester can be given his opportunity to personally explain his dissatisfaction with his treatment to Lamm without putting his own life at risk, and he would not necessarily have to get blood on his hands to get his point across."

Twilight pats the whip coiled around her waist.

We could also extend this opportunity to any of the other children that wish to have a talk with Lamm before we send him to Pharasma's court. I believe that after everything they have been through the fairest course of action would be to provide them this opportunity and let them decide if they wish to take it. Does this sound reasonable?

The musician's face turned an ugly red shade at the dwarf's words. "I don't need your permission, dwarf, to give anything of mine to this child. What, do you think because you've got a strong arm and a big axe that I will back down to your will? That's the attitude of the common thug and brute, the exact sort of man we seek to put an end to this evening. I have no doubt you could, so if in your mind might equals right, then do what you will. I won't be bullied into your way of thinking." The bard stared at Nargun angrily for a moment before turning to Twilight, his bluster giving way as she explains another way.

"I am agreeable to this compromise of yours, Twilight. These children deserve that as much as we do." His eyes linger on the half-elf for a moment, narrowing slightly as if to acknowledge he understood her ulterior motive. In that moment, as she offered her soothing words in an attempt to bring out the better in him and Nargun, she reminded him of Joline, even down to the flaxen hair and tapered ears. He quickly looked away, getting ready to go to whichever exit the boy Kester indicated.

Atticus ponders for a while before adding."My claim is minor compared to those that the others have. But Twilight has a point! But I am not the one to convince!"

For his part, Kester brandishes the knife, testing the edge with the ball of his thumb, while the adults argue. "I'll stay out of the fighting and keep an eye on the little ones if you like. But if you can hold him, I would like to share with Lamm what we all think of him." He makes a mock slashing motion with the blade to indicate just what that might be.

He takes the knife and nodding in satisfaction to Devan, he deftly and swiftly bolts up the stairs following after the others.

Mirela looks disgusted at the arguing men:
Old Deadeye teaches: Busy 'ands accomplish more then flapping tongues.

The time to talk is after the 'unt. Right now our prey is escaping and a child's life is at risk!
Then she follow Kester up the stairs and watches with a nocked bow covering him down the hallway to ensure he gets out.

It's very clear she means to press on even without you.

The bard collects himself for a moment before asking Kester, "Which exit did Yargin take earlier with Nicky?"

Realized Kester didn't answer this before exiting stage left. Will add his reply here. Once you are ready to move out, just need someone to give direction.

Kester shrugs. "Didn't see 'em leave the building, but whenever Yargin comes fer one of us, they march back up them stairs you just come down. Not sure what happens to 'em after, but no one has ever come back, since I've been here. Hear screamin' from below sometimes. Gives little ones nightmares, but not me." he says proudly, maybe with a little too much bravado.

Atticus nods toward the others."Let´s finish this. Up the stairs and maybe try another door. We are wasting time, and do not want our query to escape!"

Devan regarded Mirela, several caustic retorts tumbling in his mind at her reproachful words. She could spout her godly prattle at someone else this evening...all the pantheon had given the bard were mocking promises of happiness that were snatched away once he truly began to believe that he had found satisfaction with life. The young man visibly shook his head, swallowing his anger as the woman went to cover Kester's exit from the building.

As Atticus spoke, the musician nodded to the man without a word, the angry glare turning into a determined fire. Cold steel in hand, he followed Mirela, watching the oldest boy run out into the night to catch up to the other ones. He understood the Erastilan's desire to finish this night's business, he certainly shared her fear of Lamm's flight. He laid a hand on her shoulder briefly, companionably, as his dark eyes met hers, an unspoken apology and truce. Giving a gentle squeeze, he withdrew it, "If Yargin did not pass by the children, then he must have taken the Western door at the top of the platform we first entered on. Let us begin our search there."

When the bard speaks back, Nargun is ready to lose his temper, but the elf words seems to soothe his anger

Our tempers are high tonight. We don't share the same opinions on everything, but our goal is the same. Kill Lamm. Let's put this disagreement aside. It's not worth our time.

He offers Devan his hand for an handshake before they search Lamm and his cronies

Going back in time slightly

Devan's eyes flash, the Varisian tempestuousness that had been smothered by grief finally coming to the forefront. And at a rather inopportune time. The musician calmed himself, extending his hand to the stout dwarf. "Wise words, Nargun."

With that, he set off after Mirela to make sure she was not ambushed and to offer an apology of sorts to the woman for having to endure the short-lived argument before moving to the door he indicated.