What was once a sleepy little village on the path to Lyranthul Kalan over the last 7-10 years has become a staging area for the military patrols moving through the mountains. Approaching from the west or south it seems to be a typical town. Farms begin to appear about 2 miles out of the town proper, a low mostly ceremonial city wall is passed, and a bustling, if somewhat subdued community is to be experienced. From the east is another story entirely. A fortified outpost with barracks has been constructed on the eastern edge of town by the waterfalls which give the city its' and which border the only path through the mountains. They are well fortified and anyone traveling from the mountains must pass to gain entrance to Ildonia proper. The town is cleaner than most largely due to military discpline.
Located in the north and central section is one of the most striking buildings in town: The temple of Erythnul. It is made of stone and red colored mortar. the walls seem to drip with blood to observers and screams can be occasionally heard emanating from inside..
Out past the barracks and off, but in sight of the path into the mountains is the Monks of the Mountain Monastery.
About 300 yards from the eastern edge of town is a fully fortified and prepared military outpost.
Braxtor Keep sits atop a steep hill about a half mile north of town. A road from town leads to this keep. The front gates are enormous and are paitned with the Braxtor crest. This is where Baron Braxtor, who walked into town 8 years ago and simply announced that he was here to run things, makes his home.
Lodging can be had at several locations, but the most poplular are either the Sequester, a well appointed 2 story inn with a small kitchen but no alcohol which generally allows for higher end clientele who prefer a quieter experience or The Axe and Anvil, a Dwarvish run tavern and inn.
Gimble and Boeler hail from Lidralen and came from the west through the length of Ildonia. They traveled mostly on the military patrolled roads but, to avoid unnecessary trouble, detoured around the capital of Carik. They passed a number of small towns, the inhabitants of which all seemed to live fearful lives. Despite passing several military patrols, the two friends managed to stay out of trouble. Upon entering Barren Falls (see description a few posts ago) in the evening they were pleased to find a somewhat lighter atmosphere, though still foreboding. After asking for direction, they were found lodging at The Leisurely Lion, a Mid-level inn with a tiny bar run by a halfling who calls himself Tryme. He is a cheery fellow, especially for this country, and the evening passes well.
Xanros and Isnor, friends whose unlikely relationship was forged in the Redcast mountains east of Ildonia also entered town last evening. Passing through the military outpost was very easy for Isnor, but uncomfortable for Xanros as elves are not appreciated in the least. When passing through you note that this is a fully fortified and prepared outpost about 300 yards from the east of town. You observe 4 catapults at the ready and archers on alert. Inside the outpost is an open area with several outbuildings and a stables with about 50 horses. While you are passing through, you notice several bulletins posted, some offering rewards for completion of various tasks, some extolling future entertainment. Most you do not have time to read as you are hurried through, but one catches your eye. It contains a large headline that has a picture of a massive humanoid wearing breeches and little more and reads: "Win your chance at fame and glory...or die a gruesome death at the hands of our own KINLESS!!! 2000 GP to the first who can best Kinless in hand to hand combat." Smaller print at the bottom reads "Next bout at fortnight's end".
The two friends then proceed into town down the main road, pass Breska's Supply Emporium, and are are greeted with the welcoming sight of the Axe and Anvil on their left. The sign out front is made of polished steel and has a brightly painted picture of an axe and anvil together and the name in Dwarvish script. The double door entrance leads to the common room of the tavern. Entering to find lodging the two see quickly that this is one of the hot spots in town for non military folk. On one end is a common sleeping room with a raised up section that is heated when necessary and (mostly) bug free in the center and also a series of stalls about the size of small prison cells without doors but with a mat in each. On the other end of this large building are private rooms. This seems to to be a high quality establishment, but the sort of place where deals can get done. You met the proprieter of the establishment, a muscular Dwarf who goes by the name of Krellish. He seems rather a pessimist but welcomes the business as you request a private room. He has a distinctive scar across his forehead that you learn during dinner was left when an axe pierced his helm and forced his retirement some years ago. His rates and ale are both good and the evening passes uneventfully.
The two sets of friends wake well rested in the morning and decide to explore the town a bit.
Leaving the Axe and Anvil, Xanros and Isnor step see several who have chosen to sleep off their drunk in the common area of the inn. They pass the reek of stale beer and head outside into the light of day. They head west through town on the main throughfare amid the buzz of shopowners and tradesman. A military patrol wanders the streets, looking suspiciously at them, but choosing to pass them by. The patrol is clearly heading toward the outpost east of town. They pass a mid sized well maintained inn called the Badgered Beaver on the north side of the road with a lifelike illusion of a large beaver sleeping soundly on top of an equally large wooden sign bearing it's name. Behind the inn up Temple road a bit sits the imposing Temple of Erythnul. You can't quite suppress a shudder at the disconcerting appearance. To the south as you continue you pass the Sequester, a well appointed 2 story inn clearly intended for higher end clientele. A human female in leather armor stands on the porch absently looking around.
As you approach the intersection of the main road and Ivy Lane you notice shops specializing in wagons and horses ahead on your left. Before you have an opportunity to continue your exploration, however, a startling event occurs...
The day dawns warmer than is normal for the season and the as the sun sets it's path in the sky it is only occasionally covered by the medium white clouds. The late season humidity is also a bit unusual.
Leaving the Leisurely Lion with a friendly wave and a hearty encouragement to return from Tryme, Boeler and Gimble head north on Mossy Lane towards the main road. They notice that just south of the inn is a shop signed as 'Kalek's Killing Blades.' A lean looking dark haired human is bringing stands laden with light weapons out for display as you exit the inn.
As you approach the main road, your exploration is cut short by a startling event...
As both pair of adventurers approach the intersection of the main road and Ivy(to the north)/Mossy(to the south) a large humanoid (6'2". 205. His skin is dark grey with a noticeable deep red tint. His eyes are pupil free and red. He has two horns, that protrude about an inch from his skull right above his hairline, barely noticeable. Black hair, relatively unkempt.) bleeding profusely from many wounds which appear to have been inflicted over time weakly runs (barely a jog really) from the road to the north. In his arms he is carrying a full helmet, armor that is not of noble quality but appears to be in fine condition, a longsword, and a large shield upon which is painted a lightning bolt, designating him as a devout follower of Heironeous. He is in decent shape, but not superhero size, built more like a runner than a bodybuilder. Where there isn't blook, his skin appears rough and scarred from what seems to be a life filled with hard work,
The tattered robes he now wears resemble a peasant's.
All of you would swear he wansn't there a moment ago. And it's not like you could miss him. As he 'appears' nearly everyone in the area lowers their head and makes haste to get out of the way and area leaving you and this creature in the intersection. You hear a whisper from one local to another as they go by saying, "We better get out of here before one of the temple officials sees this. That looks like one of their sacrifices gone wrong and they certainly won't be happy about that."
Xanros looks at the strange man stumbling in the street and wonders if he should get involved. Of course Isnor, with is holy ideals, will want to help the poor man and anyone running from that temple must an enemy of this retched country so he might as will get ready for whats to come. "If you want to help him I will cover the north road." he tells Isnor as he grabs his bow and notches an arrow. Xan runs to the building on the right of Temple Road and fades into the shadows waiting.
Rasmus looks around frantically, "Help me please, I am in dire need of assistance...anyone...please..."
"Someone help...please...anyone..."
Suddenly another creature steps forward out of the shadows behind the guards that are pursueing the strange man. It is a hulking creature with massive claws and fangs dripping with some kind of awful venom. It has no eyes and many tentacles shining with poison twist and writhe around its mouth. It moves completley silently and very gracefully.
I gesture to the newcomer and lead him towards nearby cover. Presuming we pass an alley way I create another illusion, this time it is one of the strange man huddled up at the end of the alley .
Xan pulls back the bow string and picks one of the pursuing guards and exhales slowly, at the last second a flask of movement behind them gives him pause.
A grotesque creature with claws and massive fangs silently stalks the guards. "Where in the h#$% did that come from, what did I just get myself into" Xan thought. "Maybe I can let them kill each other and get out of without killing any guards. They would just love an excuss to hang me out to dry anyway". Xan lowers his bow, sinks further into the shadows and waits to see what happens.
Xan pulls back the bow string and picks one of the pursuing guards and exhales slowly, at the last second a flask of movement behind them gives him .....
Will save roll 10 + 2 = (12)
I am assuming that I did not see Gimble cast his spell
A grotesque creature with claws and massive fangs silently creeps out of an ally. "Where in the h#$% did that come from, what did I just get myself into" Xan thought. "Well I can distract that thing if it goes after the creature with horns". Xan sinks further into the shadows and waits to see what happens.
Rasmus sees the gnome gesture to him to follow. Grateful that there is one in the crowd of many that does not shy away from him, he stumbles wearily toward him. He looks behind to see if anyone follows but sees only the strange tentacled creature.
His pace quickens despite his wounds as he nears the short, beckoning humanoid.
"Help me, please, I am terribly wounded. I don't even know how or even who did this to me. I know not what town I am in or how I arrived here. Please, help me and I shall forever be indebted to you."
(out of character) I assume that I saw Gimble cast his spell and I don't have to make a will save. In the mean time I'll just follow Gimble.
I smile thinly and say "I'm afraid I'm unable to assist you in healing your wounds but I can attempt to insure that you aren't found. Who is chasing you? Why are they chasing you? Boeler; how trustworthy do you think that the master of that inn at which we stayed? Did you get the impression that he would assist us in hiding... What is you're name? Do you know of anywhere where this man could be hidden" As I say this my eyes dart around, constantly looking behind us, checking to see if anyone is following or watching.
Rasmus has never seen such a small humanoid, let alone two. There was a dwarven female at the convent but she was at least a foot taller than either of these. Through his studies he knows that, traditionally, both gnomes and halflings are good, an opinion Rasmus holds about people in general.
When hearing Gimble's inquiries, Rasmus forgets his many wounds and, standing straighter announces, "I am Rasmus Fjolfsvang, devoted follower of Heironeous. I escaped from a small room in which I was being tortured. I know not by whom or where. At first opportunity, I ran and ended up traveling through a dimensional pathway which led me here... Nothing followed except that tentacled beast behind...me..."
Rasmus, bleeding profusely from what appears to be hundreds of tiny cuts, falls to the ground, his armor and weapons creating a surprisingly loud crash as they leave his battered arms.
As Xan watches the tenticaled monster standing in place looking confused he glances over at the tall creature with the small horns talking to a halfling and gnome. Xan withdraws away from the monster and heads over to the three as he looks for Isnor in the crowd. As he draws near he hears the big man explaining some things to the smaller two, as the man looks behind him at the monster he collapes from his wounds. Xan runs up and checks for a pulse to see if the creature is still alive.
Xan looks up at the halfling and gnome and says "My friend is lost in the crowd but is coming this way and he should be able to heal him. My name is Xanros and I think we should get him out of hear before that beast figures out where he went."
Xanros looks at the strange man stumbling in the street and wonders if he should get involved. Of course Isnor, with is holy ideals, will want to help the poor man and anyone running from that temple must an enemy of this retched country so he might as will get ready for whats to come. "If you want to help him I will cover the north road." he tells Isnor as he grabs his bow and notches an arrow. Xan runs to the building on the right of Temple Road and fades into the shadows waiting.
Xanros (and the others)are surprised at the mans appearance, and even more surprised that noone seems to be chasing him that they can see. Xanros manages to step back against the building before the crowd clears out and looks around. Xanros is on the northeast corner of the road near some small shops.
For Xanros only
Suddenly another creature steps forward out of the shadows behind the guards that are pursueing the strange man. It is a hulking creature with massive claws and fangs dripping with some kind of awful venom. It has no eyes and many tentacles shining with poison twist and writhe around its mouth. It moves completley silently and very gracefully.
I gesture to the newcomer and lead him towards nearby cover. Presuming we pass an alley way I create another illusion, this time it is one of the strange man huddled up at the end of the alley .
As the creature appears, the already frightened crowd turns to panic and most of them run. A notable exception is a smallish human child appearing to be about 10 years old wandering directly towards the illusion paying it no attention. His parents, who were walking west on the main road notice and scream back to him to come to them. He continues, apparently oblivious to the whole situation. The square is now clear of all but you and the boy that you are aware of.
(out of character) I assume that I saw Gimble cast his spell and I don't have to make a will save. In the mean time I'll just follow Gimble.
I smile thinly and say "I'm afraid I'm unable to assist you in healing your wounds but I can attempt to insure that you aren't found. Who is chasing you? Why are they chasing you? Boeler; how trustworthy do you think that the master of that inn at which we stayed? Did you get the impression that he would assist us in hiding... What is you're name? Do you know of anywhere where this man could be hidden" As I say this my eyes dart around, constantly looking behind us, checking to see if anyone is following or watching.
]
You can see Isnor, who had moved to the other side of the open square, making his was towards you carefully avoiding the fearsome illusion. He should arrive shortly...
For Boeler
For Gimble:
As Xan watches the tenticaled monster standing in place looking confused he glances over at the tall creature with the small horns talking to a halfling and gnome. Xan withdraws away from the monster and heads over to the three as he looks for Isnor in the crowd. As he draws near he hears the big man explaining some things to the smaller two, as the man looks behind him at the monster he collapes from his wounds. Xan runs up and checks for a pulse to see if the creature is still alive.
Xan looks up at the halfling and gnome and says "My friend is lost in the crowd but is coming this way and he should be able to heal him. My name is Xanros and I think we should get him out of hear before that beast figures out where he went."
Xanros' knowledge of healing is better than even he remembers. His close, though rapid inspection of Rasmus' wounds reveals not only dozens, or even hundreds of small tears in the skin, but that they were done with a variety of blades and possibly other implements. His attempt to assist seems to restore more consistent breathing to the odd looking creature who has fallen before him.
Xanros and the others see Isnor finally making his way past the illusion.
Rasmus stands wearily, the cuts on his dark, bare arms pulse with pain as he brushes dirt and small pebbles from them. His bleeding has slowed but the wounds still ache as he looks up to meet his healer's face. As he starts to speak, he notices the small boy in the street and the advancing beast...
.
"Boy, watch out!!!"
Gimble, I doubt that we would be able to trust the innkeeper with something as serious as this.
Rasmus stands wearily, the cuts on his dark, bare arms pulse with pain as he brushes dirt and small pebbles from them. His bleeding has slowed but the wounds still ache as he looks up to meet his healer's face. As he starts to speak, he notices the small boy in the street and the advancing beast...
.
"Boy, watch out!!!"
The boy seems to ignore the shouted plea and continues the what should appear (to him at least) dangerous movement towards the creature. He will reach it in 1-2 rounds based upon the slow pace at which he is moving. His parents look like they want to run after him but choose not to do so. It is entirely possible they are too frightened of the apparition.
For Rasmus
Wondering why no one has run out to help the young boy, Rasmus turns abruptly and walks as quickly as he is able back to into the street. He intends to place himself in between the boy and the tentacled beast. Rasmus wonders why the boy moves on unerringly towards the beast, some mind control effect must be in place. He also says under his breath, "Jean was right when he said that 'Common men cannot put aside fear'.
Realizing that his weapons still lie on the ground near the gnome, Rasmus clenches his dark, blood soaked hands and turns to face the beast. Not what he expected for his first challenge outside of the convent (he would prefer to be wearing his armor) but his pain relinquishes as his adrenaline rises. His bravery will be noted by Heironeous, he is sure.
"Idiot!" I hiss under my breath as Rasmus puts himself in the path of danger. "There is something off about that child, something not quite right. Boeler, are you prepared for battle? I fear that we may be forced into battle sooner that I had anticipated. Where do you think we should fall back to? We need somewhere that we can hide and heal his wounds. If his idiocy doesn't get him killed of course." I fall back into that shadows a little more, mentally reviewing the spells that I have prepared for the day.
As Rasmus yells at the boy and runs between the boy and the monster Xan curses, "I just got him able to stand and he is going into combat a pin prick from death and he forgot grab his sword." Xan reaches down and grabs the longsword out of the pile of armor and yells "Here catch!" as he throws it. Not even looking if Rasmus caught it or is just hit him in the back he run towards the child to pull him out of danger.
"Idiot!" I hiss under my breath as Rasmus puts himself in the path of danger. "There is something off about that child, something not quite right. Boeler, are you prepared for battle? I fear that we may be forced into battle sooner that I had anticipated. Where do you think we should fall back to? We need somewhere that we can hide and heal his wounds. If his idiocy doesn't get him killed of course." I fall back into that shadows a little more, mentally reviewing the spells that I have prepared for the day.
What do you mean forced into battle, What is there to fight?
Wondering why no one has run out to help the young boy, Rasmus turns abruptly and walks as quickly as he is able back to into the street. He intends to place himself in between the boy and the tentacled beast. Rasmus wonders why the boy moves on unerringly towards the beast, some mind control effect must be in place. He also says under his breath, "Jean was right when he said that 'Common men cannot put aside fear'.
Realizing that his weapons still lie on the ground near the gnome, Rasmus clenches his dark, blood soaked hands and turns to face the beast. Not what he expected for his first challenge outside of the convent (he would prefer to be wearing his armor) but his pain relinquishes as his adrenaline rises. His bravery will be noted by Heironeous, he is sure.
As you step between the creature and boy and now that the intersection is clear, you it occurs to you that the monstrosity is *very* quiet.
As you look more closely, you notice that the creature seems insubstantial and though confused feel confident that it is not real.The boy on the other hand looks up at you with eyes that send a chill up and down your spine. They seem almost...empty. Once again, the corner of his mouth smirks ever so slightly as eye contact is made. Without changing expression any further, the boy silently turns and takes a step around you to the right.
As Rasmus yells at the boy and runs between the boy and the monster Xan curses, "I just got him able to stand and he is going into combat a pin prick from death and he forgot grab his sword." Xan reaches down and grabs the longsword out of the pile of armor and yells "Here catch!" as he throws it. Not even looking if Rasmus caught it or is just hit him in the back he run towards the child to pull him out of danger.
Xanros dextrously retrieves the sword from the ground and tosses it towards Rasmus who, only slightly aware of the incoming projectile still manages to catch it with one hand
Xanros then sprints towards the child in an attempt to pull him from danger.
For Xanros:
|
As Rasmus catches his sheathed sword, he realizes that it won't be necessary...at the moment. He turns away from what he now knows to be an illusion and watches curiously as the young boy meanders around him. Still feeling the pain from his many cuts, he raises his free hand and places it over his right tricep which is an area of particularly heavy bleeding. Looking quickly to Xanros running towards the boy, Rasmus yells, "Hold on, my friend, something is wrong with this boy. He seems...possessed."
Isnor, who also failed his initial save v. the illusion makes his way into the street warhammer in hand. As he approaches the small gathering he looks at the illusion, recognizes it for what it is, and snorts in disgust at his own gullibility. He then moves to Rasmus, prays quickly for the blessing of Moradin, reaches for Rasmus with an outstretched hand. Rasmus feels a warming glow emanate from the hand as many of his wounds are miraculously healed. Though some physical and likely many mental markings of his torture remain, Rasmus suddenly feels much stronger. He feels that many of these smaller scars are likely to remain as long term reminders of his recent experience.
Isnor now stands behind Rasmus and about 8' or so from the boy. Xanros is passing the illusion and is about 5' or so from the boy. Rasmus within a couple of feet (certainly touch range) of the boy. Boeler and Gimble are about 25' away at this moment with actions pending.
Rasmus yells, "Hold on, my friend, something is wrong with this boy. He seems...possessed."
Xanros pulls up short and glances at he child, yes there is something off about him, something strange is going on here. "Watch his hand he has something in it" Xanros says as he starts to back away. He quickly scans the crowd to see if that women that he saw earlier is still here. She seemed to be waiting for something and maybe Rasmus suddenly appearing out of no where was what she was waiting for, she might be part of this too.
Rasmus yells, "Hold on, my friend, something is wrong with this boy. He seems...possessed."Xanros pulls up short and glances at he child, yes there is something off about him, something strange is going on here. "Watch his hand he has something in it" Xanros says as he starts to back away. He quickly scans the crowd to see if that women that he saw earlier is still here. She seemed to be waiting for something and maybe Rasmus suddenly appearing out of no where was what she was waiting for, she might be part of this too.
As he looks back to the east, Xanros notices the woman still on the porch of the inn, still looking somewhat disinterested, but nonetheless looking. The rest of the crowd has retreated to a safe distance.
In fact, even the boys apparent 'parents' seeing your group's actions have ceased their calling to the boy taken steps towards the rest of the audience and seem to be moving into the crowd.
Someone shouts from well east on the road for the guards. You suspect you all have about 4-6 rounds before soldiers or guards are on the scene (based upon how long it would take the patrol that passed Xanros and Isnor earlier to get here--if there are others nearby it could be sooner).
I attempt to hide in the shadows in the alleyway that I'm currently in.
I attempt to hide in the shadows in the alleyway that I'm currently in.
Gimble seems to fade from sight as he sinks into the shadows of created by the nearby buildings.
Feeling suddenly empowered, Rasmus turns, and says quickly, "Thank you for your blessing, my stout friend." Hearing the scout's words, he glances at the boy's hands to see if he can make out what he is holding. "From what I have heard of this town's guards, the three of us (he is referring to himself, Xanros, and Isnor) would be best advised to leave this square with due haste. Any of you have any ideas how to deal with this small child?"
Feeling suddenly empowered, Rasmus turns, and says quickly, "Thank you for your blessing, my stout friend." Hearing the scout's words, he glances at the boy's hands to see if he can make out what he is holding. "From what I have heard of this town's guards, the three of us (he is referring to himself, Xanros, and Isnor) would be best advised to leave this square with due haste. Any of you have any ideas how to deal with this small child?"
I'll post more on the boy's next action after we have more responses.
For Rasmus
"I think we had better just leave him be, strange or not I am not going to attack a child unless I need to. I will watch the child while you grab your gear and lets get out of here before that guards show up." Xan readies his bow and scans behind him for the gnome and halfling to see if they are still here.
As Xanros spots the gnome in the shadows of the ally he asks "Are you coming with?"
"I am. Thank you for your assistance back there, I am in your debt. I am Rasmus Fjolfsvang, a follower of Heironeous." Rasmus extends a dark, bloody hand toward Xanros and smiles sincerely.
After the brief introduction, Rasmus leaves the street quickly and grabs the rest of his gear. While crouching, he picks up his helmet, wipes it free of a thin coating of dust, and gracefully places it over his head. This simple act imbues Rasmus with confidence and he smiles from beneath the helm's dark blue steel. He knows he will one day find his torturers and make them regret their actions. Recalling the oddly familiar voice of one of his captors, he concentrates on committing every word, every inflection to memory. As he does, Rasmus keeps one red eye on the boy and the other in the direction of, what he believes to be, the soon responding guard detail.
I cast another spell and a duplicate image of Rasmus appears right besides the real one. I step out of the shadows I say "Where are we going? Do you know of a safe place where we can hide? If you do take us there quickly as I don't fancy the idea of facing the town guard or garrison, particularly since I am out of spells that would be useful in combat.".
"I have never been in this town before, my friend, so I do not know of its good hiding spots. Perhaps we could hide in an alley and you could create an illusory wall to blockade us in."
Rasmus looks at the mirror image of himself before it vanishes and, for the first time, sees the enormous amount of scarring his torture has left upon his dark skin. Standing, he runs towards the alleyway in which Gimble stands.
"That would be a splendid plan had I not used all of my Illusions. As it is I have no spells that can help us in hiding from the guards. I suggest that we run, find some dark corner to hide in and let my Illusions distract them for a while. I cannot continue concentrating on these two Illusions indefinitely so we must hurry!" as I'm saying this I don't seem to be entirely focused on the conversation. I'm starting to look tired and drained, the effort of maintainig my Illusions is begining to drain me.
As Xanros keeps watching the boy to see what he is going to do next he yells behind him "You could follow Isnor and I to our inn but a patrol of guards are in that direction so we cannot take the main road back, should stick to the allies and back streets."
"Fine. let us be on our way, the guards will be here ant moment and I don't relish getting into a fight with them while they have an advantage." I begin to follow Xanros and Isnor, still not looking as though I'm entirely focused on the conversation at hand.
"Let's be on, then, but let's keep our eye on the boy as we leave. Maybe if we watch from a safe distance, we can learn how the guards of this town deal with this odd, little boy. After what I have just been through, however, I am in no condition to deal with a large consignment of patrolmen."
Rasmus looks over his new acquaintances, gathering what information he can from their appearance, possessions, and body language. He doesn't know yet if he should trust them but he is grateful to not be alone in this place. He straps his grey shield to his back quickly and follows the rest.
Quietly, through his helmet, Rasmus asks, "That's an exquisite bow, Xanros, how did you acquire it?"
As everyone behind him gets ready to follow Isnor away from the main road Xanros keeps glancing between the boy and east on the main road where the guard will probably come.
"Let's be on, then, but let's keep our eye on the boy as we leave. Maybe if we watch from a safe distance, we can learn how the guards of this town deal with this odd, little boy. After what I have just been through, however, I am in no condition to deal with a large consignment of patrolmen."
"I will follow you until we are out of sight of the main road and then I can silently and unseen move back into a position that I can watch the boy and approaching guard to make sure we are not followed."
Quietly, through his helmet, Rasmus asks, "That's an exquisite bow, Xanros, how did you acquire it?"
Xan look a Rasmus and says "That is a story for another time, now get going."
Feeling suddenly empowered, Rasmus turns, and says quickly, "Thank you for your blessing, my stout friend." Hearing the scout's words, he glances at the boy's hands to see if he can make out what he is holding. "From what I have heard of this town's guards, the three of us (he is referring to himself, Xanros, and Isnor) would be best advised to leave this square with due haste. Any of you have any ideas how to deal with this small child?"
"Tis not my blessing but Moradin's, but you are welcome just the same. Let us be off before those who run this town decide we are the real threat."
I cast another spell and a duplicate image of Rasmus appears right besides the real one. I step out of the shadows I say "Where are we going? Do you know of a safe place where we can hide? If you do take us there quickly as I don't fancy the idea of facing the town guard or garrison, particularly since I am out of spells that would be useful in combat.".
The panic that had been induced by the tentacled monster's appearance seems to be subsiding as the square has cleared and as more and more people are pointing out that it is a fake. In fact, some are beginning to look around for it's origin.
As your illusion of Rasmus in the alley fades from sight, you notice a previously unseen figure move slightly in the shadows nearby.
"Fine. let us be on our way, the guards will be here ant moment and I don't relish getting into a fight with them while they have an advantage." I begin to follow Xanros and Isnor, still not looking as though I'm entirely focused on the conversation at hand.
As you begin moving, the effort of maintaining focus on two illusions proves too much and one fades from sight.