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Post by sleepingdragon on Aug 17, 2008 16:58:29 GMT
whispering to Bunny, Bunny purchased her ticket and entered the Bloody Banner. Just ahead of her was the fighting pit itself, an enormous pit about ten feet deep, and roughly seventy by forty feet at its widest points. The walls and floors of the pit were of packed earth, with regular struts and supports of timber to keep it from collapsing. A crude, waist-high brick wall ringed the top of the pit to stop anyone in the audience from falling into the pit. Two gated iron fences separated the public stands from the gladiators' facilities. Off to the right of the pit Bunny could see a small wooden stall over which hung a crude wooden sign reading 'Olloman's Odds-Making'. A crowd of gamblers surrounded the stall, shouting and exchanging coins. The stands were rammed cheek-by-jowl with spectators, jostling and cursing as they fought for room. The heat from all those tightly packed bodies was oppressive, the stench of alcohol and sweat dizzying. Tristan (enter): 19:26 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2105) Tristan... Ardrun (enter): 19:29 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2108) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2097) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 19:30 Tristan: Moving to block the passage, Tristan attempted to attack one of the ghouls, but his swing fell wide. Sakura: Gemma glared at these Ghouls attempting to strike fear into them but seems it does not make any difference. Ardrun: Ardrun took a long step forward beside Tristan and swung his falchion into the skull of the nearest ghoul, felling it. Bunny: (whispering): Bunny jostled over to the Bookie and inquired about who's fighting and what the odds are. Bunny: (whispering): *bookie Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael fired off a bolt at the furthest ghoul and heard it hit home. Vachir: With skill and agility, Vachir quickly fired two arrows l- one was directed at the ghoul which had been wounded by Rafael and it struck its target straight in the chest, felling it to the ground, while the other hit the remaining monster, scoring a serious but not outright fatal blow Sleeping Dragon: the remaining ghoul, looking startled at the speed with which its 'comrades' had been felled, stepped forward and gave a shriek as it bit and clawed at Tristan and Ardrun. Ardrun took one slash, but he was tough and inured to injury and it did him no harm Tristan: Tristan stepped behind the ghoul, slashing at it again, but it was able to evade the blow. Sakura: Sakura shot off a bolt to hit last remaining enemy but failed utterly to hit it, almost missing Ardrun's ear. Ardrun: Ardrun finished off the wounded ghoul with a quick slash. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael checked the wounded. whispering to Bunny, Bunny forced her way through the crowd towards where Olloman the bookie and his two assistants were rapidly taking bets. The odds were scrawled up in coloured chalk on a blackboard behind Olloman, but one of the assistants was shouting them out for the benefit of those who were illiterate or simply couldn't see the blackboard. Tristan: Tristan dispatched the ghouls then looked down the passage they had come from. "This seems to be the most traveled path, we should hurry." Sakura: Sighing as she glanced at her bruises and slight wounds, "Yes, we should. I am not sure how long we can last in this forsaken place." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael examined one of the ghouls. "Strange, how does a man become like this?" Vachir: Eyeing the fallen creatures with disgust, Vachir did not bother to wield his spear, instead killing one of them with an arrow, to avoid approaching it. Tristan: "I do not want to find out." Tristan said in response to Rafael, moving down the passage, sword readied. Sakura: Sakura reloaded her crossbow and nodded at them, "Me neither. I want to get this over with." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael followed them. "One day I would like to investigate more closely. It would be useful to discover the internal anatomy of such creatures." Sleeping Dragon: they made their way down the narrow passage from which the ghouls had come. Ahead in the dark, they could see bright, sputtering flames. As they came near to the chamber, the stink of rotting meat filled the air, so strong that they could almost taste it. As they grew near, they saw that the light was coming from a number of candles that were scattered about the floor. Scattered on the ground were perhaps a dozen corpses, some of them half-consumed. Flies buzzed lazily around the bodies. whispering to Bunny, the bookies were too busy taking bets to speak to Bunny about anything other than a wager Tristan: Tristan spared few glances at the corpses, just verifying that none were the child they were looking for before moving towards the far tunnel. Sleeping Dragon: as Tristan and Ardrun passed through the centre of the room, there were frantic, joyous screams and another trio of ghouls burst out from the corners of the chamber, brandishing crude axes Sleeping Dragon: the ghouls tore forward and hacked viciously at Tristan and Ardrun, who each took heavy blows. Ardrun: Ardrun responded quickly, hacking one ghoul down as he took a step back. Ardrun: He followed through by cutting deeply into the side of another creature. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael fired off a shot, but had to be careful of hitting Tristan, and it went wide. Sakura: Gemma glared at these Ghouls attempting to strike fear into them. Ghouls seems to be affected by her threats Vachir: Vachir, safe behind the shoulders of his companions, fired two arrows at the ghoul engaging Ardrun. His first arrow missed its mark, but the second hit, sending the creature down to the ground. Vachir: edit: change "shoulders" to "backs", sorry whispering to Bunny, Bunny learned that the evening was to be divided up between two matches - the first was a newcomers bout and was to be fought as a battle royale, with all four competitors battling each other to determine who was worthy of inclusion in the Bloody Banner. Before the gladiators came out, the staff entered the Pit and began to lay some 'scenery' - shards of broken glass were hurled down in the centre of the Pit, large broken pieces of masonry in several corners, and a crude, chest-high wooden wall down on one side. Then the gladiators were brought out one by one. They were all locals - an announcer called out their names, but Bunny couldn't hear them over the roars of the crowd. She was surprised to recognise the final gladiator to enter the Pit. It was Split, one of the thugs they had fought in the alleyway by the Broken Bottle. He had a long scar down the side of his face that hadn't been there when they fought before, but it was still obviously him. Tristan: Caught off guard in the initial attack, Tristan recovered, pushing back against the ghoul's axe as it struck his armor, breaking the head off as he bit into the creature with his sword. Ardrun: Ardrun hopped over a pile of corpses to get behind the last ghoul, and with a flick of his blade the wounded creature finally fell. Rafael ben Efrim: As soon as the ghouls were down, Rafael came forward to look at the corpses, searching for one that might be the child. Tristan: Tristan also looked at the corpses, flicking the ghoul blood off of his sword. Sleeping Dragon: a quick check revealed no corpses that might be Feren, though one body was of a boy of perhaps ten Sakura: Gemma smiled at Ardrun, proud that Ardrun can deal with dangers so effortlessly, she glanced at her crossbow, looking somewhat annoyed. Rafael ben Efrim: "It would be worth knowing whether the ghouls feed exclusively on the dead thrown into the pit, or whether they regularly make forays to grab prey." Rafael said, examining a few of the corpses. whispering to Bunny, to huge cheers, the first fight of the night commenced. A burly man with an axe flung himself towards Split while the other two gladiators began to smash at each other with rusty maces. Split whipped out a dirk and sent it spinning at the axeman as he came on, scoring a slice along his side, then leaped back agilely to avoid the blow of the axe. As the other two combatants traded graceless, brutal mace blows, Split ducked, weaved, and dodged the axe-man while stabbing out with his short blade. Sakura: She looked at these corpses with disgust and said, "Either way, we need to hurry up. Every moment we stop, the chance of the boy alive is getting smaller." Tristan: "It would be hard to tell under these conditions, we should press on." whispering to Bunny, the battle continued. Split avoided a blow, leaped over the low wall, and flung another dagger at his foe with his off-hand. The big gladiator roared with pain and rushed forward, swinging his axe down brutally. Split took the blow heavily on his shoulder and nearly fell over, but steadied himself on the dirt with a hand. Springing up, he rolled around behind his enemy and stabbed out viciously with his sword. The blade tore deeply into his opponent's throat and he fell to the ground, his lifeblood spilling out. The crowd went mad. whispering to Vachir, from the corridor ahead, Vachir could faintly hear two voices raised in argument, though he couldn't make out the words Vachir: Vachir, who had been unusually quiet for the last minute, suddenly spoke "Sounds like...someone... is arguing down there"he whispered as he pointed at the corridor ahead Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael came over and listened. Tristan: "Arguing? Sounds promising." Tristan said, looking down the corridor. "Ready to move on?" Sleeping Dragon: once Vachir pointed it out, it was possible to faintly hear two arguing voices from the corridor ahead Sakura: Gemma nodded and wishpered back, "Shall one of us scout ahead?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked down the corridor. "One person moving quietly might be able to find out more." He moved forward into the passage. Tristan: Tristan nods as Rafael moves on ahead and waited. Sakura: Sakura also moved forward, attempting to be silently Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 21:18 whispering to Sakura, Rafael ben Efrim, Raf and Sakura crept down the corridor, the voices becming clearer. Moving in the dark, Rafael booted a stone and sent it skittering around the ground, and their hearts beat fast as they expected to be heard, but no one in the cavern up ahead seemed to hear the noise above the arguing. As they got closer they could hear what was being said. The voices sounded vaguely human, but were full of madness and malice. They spoke far faster than a regular person, so that they had to pay very close attention to make out the words.
"You-fool-you-fool we-should-just eat-it-now now-now-now no-good-no-good to-chain-it-up just-die like-the-other-one eat-it-now young-meat-tasty," said one. "No-no-no you-don't-tell-me what-to-do! I'm-the-king I'm-the-king and-I-say we-should-bite-it chain-it-up and-see-what-happens might-become another-us-right?"
As they crept forward, they could see that this room, like the previous one, was faintly lit by sputtering candles. Ahead of them they could see two ghouls just at the edge of the light. One looked dumbly in their direction while the other faced away from them. Neither were the ones who were arguing, but those two were beyond the range of the candles. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael indicated to Sakura that they should fire at the ghouls and then run back to the others. Sakura: (whispering): Sakura nodded back at Rafael, trusting in him, raise her crossbow in ready to fire the bolt. Sakura: Disconnecting from server... Sakura (exit): 21:28 Sakura (enter): 21:30 whispering to Bunny, as Split pulled his blade out, the confrontation between the other two gladiators continued. The bigger of the pair, a man with a bushy black beard, was gaining momentum, his foe's shield rising just a bit lower with every blow. Suddenly the bearded man reversed the direction of his swing and sent his opponent sprawling down into the broken glass. The bearded man would have slain his opponent there, but Split took the opportunity to fling a dagger at him. The dirk sank deep in him, and the bearded man roared and whirled on Split. Split parried a blow with his short sword, stabbed back, and then the wounded man leaped up out of the mud and sent the bearded man sprawling unconscious to the ground with a horrendous blow of his mace. Once the two were sure that the bearded man was truly down they turned on each other, but Split was in much better health than his foe and quickly forced him to surrender. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2162) Sakura... Sakura: (whispering): Sakura eyed her crossbow most carefully and fire the bolt directly at one of these Ghoul, to her surprise, the target went down like a tree crashing down. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael raised his crossbow and fired at the other ghoul, hitting it but not hard. Rafael ben Efrim: "Ghouls ahead!" Rafael shouted to the others. Tristan: Tristan had been bandaging his few wounds when Rafael's shout came. He quickly moved forward, standing in a defensive position in front of the two who had gone on ahead. Sleeping Dragon: as Tristan advanced, the lantern lit up the room. They could see that there were five ghouls in the room, one of which lay motionless with Sakura's bolt in its head. The biggest two had been having an argument in front of a crude wooden cage, but they turned to face the threat as they heard their compatriot felled. They could see that a child lay motionless in the cage, though whether dead or merely unconscious was hard to tell. Vachir: Taking a step forward, Vachir let two arrows fly in the air towards the wounded ghoul. Only one struck its target, however. Sakura: Sakura aimed for nearest ghoul and fired the bolt, the bolt caused somewhat serious harm to it. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael stepped forward and fired at one of the ghouls. This time the bolt flew true and the creature slumped to the ground. Sleeping Dragon: the biggest of the ghouls whirled, stunned as his compatriots were felled in a hail of crossbow fire. "Kill-you-all kill-you eat-you!" he screamed madly. He picked up a battle-axe from where it lay propped up against a wall and rushed at Tristan, swinging it mightily with two hands. It crashed down, but rebounded off Tristan's armour and did him no harm. Sleeping Dragon: Ardrun advanced up the corridor and slashed at the ghoul king over Tristan's head, but his scimitar swept wide Sleeping Dragon: the other remaining ghoul rushed forward and clamped its jaws heavily down on Tristan's arm, tearing through the joints of his armour. As the fangs bit into him, Tristan felt it burn and his head spun Tristan: Shaking his head to clear it, Tristan lunged at the large ghoul, using his shield to hide his sword and drove it through the creature, sending it to the ground. Vachir: Advancing to get a better look at the last remaining ghoul, the Bolgar fired another two quick arrows. Both pierced the creature's body, dropping to the ground, helpless. Rafael ben Efrim: "Sakura, look after the child." Rafael said, then went to inspect Tristan's bitten arm. Tristan: Tristan waved off Rafael, "I'm fine, just a slight wound." He said, going over to check on the child. Sakura: Sakura walked over to the child sitting in the cage, looking at the cage and child carefully. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael followed Tristan. "It's not just a slight wound, it's a bite from a ghoul. It may very well be infected. Please allow me to take a look. I would do the same if our positions were reversed." Sleeping Dragon: it was quickly apparent that Feren was still alive - badly hurt and feeble from damage from the quicklime, but still, just barely, alive Tristan: "It feels fine." Tristan insisted. "More importantly we need to get this boy out of here." Sakura: Sakura sighed sadly, "At least you are still alive." She wrenched the cage door open easily and took the baby out. She however wrinked her nose at the smell. Sakura: "I suggest we leave this forsaken place for now." Tristan: Tristan nodded in agreement. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shrugged but he looked troubled. "I agree." he said. Rafael ben Efrim: Before they left Rafael took a piece of cloth from his pocket and wet it, then wrapped the baby's face with it. Sakura: Gemma nodded at Rafael as she waited for some of the group to go first, hoping there would not be more ghouls. Tristan: Tristan led the way, keeping his sword readied in case more ghouls blocked their path. Vachir: Vachir coughed and looked somewhat ill, having breathed more quicklime-infested air than he was comfortable with. However he still followed the group in the rear. Sleeping Dragon: coughing and hacking, they fled from the Pits with Feren in tow. Fortunately, no further ghouls attacked them on the way out. At the edge of the Pit, the woman watched wide-eyed as they squeezed out through the narrow hole and into the main pit. When she saw that Feren was still alive, she gave a wild scream and leaped down to recover her child from Sakura's arms. She began to thank them profusely, then remembered the quicklime and quickly climbed out of the pit before resuming her thanks. "Oh gods, thank you so much," she said, kneeling down a safe distance from the pit and holding Feren tight to her. She looked at her baby and began to cry again. Rafael ben Efrim: "Will you permit me to examine him? To make sure he is not hurt?" Rafael asked the woman gently. "I am a doctor." Sleeping Dragon: "Of...of course," the woman held Feren out to Rafael and wiped her eyes. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael examined the child carefully all over, looking for possible bite marks, and did what he could to treat the effects of the quicklime. Kirk Lazarus (enter): 22:36 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2198) Ardrun... Sakura: Gemma smiled in relief, "We also managed to kill several ghouls as well. At least your child is still alive, thankfully." Sleeping Dragon: "Yes. Let's get away from this horrible place. I can't give you much, but...I could cook you something at least. My gods, I don't think I've even introduced myself. My name is Elahna." Sakura: Gemma smiled slightly, "My name is Gemma Nolava." Tristan: "Your thanks are reward enough." Tristan said to the woman. "You should try to find somewhere away from here to live. It isn't safe." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael handed Feren back to his mother with a smile. "He has not be bitten or hurt by the ghouls, only by breathing the quicklime. He should recover with plenty of care. Please don't put yourself out for us. And Tristan is right, this is not a place to bring up a child." Sleeping Dragon: Elahna wiped at her eyes. "I know, but I haven't got enough money for a move even to another part of the Flow, let alone to another district. I'm just able to keep us fed through the food in the garden, but it's only enough to just keep us alive. I need to stay in the house to look after Feren so I can't go out to work. There's only one job I could do out of my home that would make us any money, and I'm not about to start doing that." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "Can you not work for someone who would let you bring the baby with you? Or where you might have a room provided for you?" Sleeping Dragon: "Of course I could, but who? There's no one like that around here." Ardrun: "Why not let them stay with us, my lady?" said Ardrun quietly. "We get a share of gold for me as well as you, some of that could pay her." Tristan: "Rafael," Tristan turned to the Jethi. "Do you know anyone in your community who would be able to provide assistance?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked thoughtful. "There are many who would pity a woman trying to live decently in this situation, but finding someone willing to take her in with her child is another matter. I would do so myself, but the house is small, and she would need space of her own. It would not be seemly otherwise." Sakura: Gemma glanced at Ardrun's eyes and considered Ardrun's request carefully. "Yes, you do. I suppose it is little fair enough." She looked back at Elahna and nodded, "Elahna, can you cook well and keep the house fine?" whispering to Bunny, after the dead and unconscious were removed from the Pit, the staff quickly changed the scenery and then the second combat began. The two teams were led out - the first was led by Cotter, the gladiator the innkeeper at the Drunken Cow had told them about. He was over six and a half feet tall and carried a glaive, granting him enormous reach. He fought alongside two other men, a weasel-like fellow with a dagger called Karn and a big man with a bastard sword named Alun. Their opponents numbered five, led by a stout man called Blunt who wielded a great two-handed hammer.
The bout was bitter and fierce from the start. Cotter strode out towards his foes and waved his glaive threateningly at them, and, afraid to pass through the reach of his fearsome weapon, Blunt's men began to hurl daggers and small axes at their opponents. Cotter's two team-mates retaliated for a moment, but, as they were outnumbered, they quickly changed tack and charged into the fray. There was little finesse in the battle, just sheer brutality, and the crowd adored it. Cotter cut the legs out from under one man while Alun and Karn focussed on Blunt while trying to avoid the attacks of Blunt's men. Blunt's hammer struck Karn thunderously across the head, sending him stone-dead to the ground with his brains dribbling out through his nose, but his victory was short-lived as Alun buried his sword in Blunt's gut. The brutal cut and thrust continued. Alun was nearly decapitated by a powerful sword-cut, but he was able to duck just in time, and Cotter felled his attacker with a stab of his glaive. The two experienced gladiators were finally able to overwhelm their foes and emerge bloody but victorious from the battle. Alun raised his blade to slay two of their enemies, who were unconscious but alive, but Cotter went over and spoke to him. The two spoke heatedly for a few moments, but Cotter's view won out and Alun contented himself with beheading Blunt and holding his head up to the crowd.
Alun began to speak loudly. "Who says Maladorans can't fight, huh? Well, the Council, if you'd believe them, but what the fuck do they know?" The crowd roared with approval as Alun booted Blunt's head across the Pit. "That'll be the fate of every one of them! KILL THEM ALL! Off with their fucking heads!"
"OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!" the crowd cried in approval. Sleeping Dragon: "Umm...I think so..." Elahna seemed completely taken aback by the question. "I mean, the house is pretty clean, or at least it wasn't before the ghouls smashed in through the back, and no one's ever complained of my food before." Sakura: Sakura considered Elahna's answer and nodded, "My true name is Sakura Avalon. If I am happy with the cooking, I will hire you on as a cook with weekly wage of three gold coins plus board. But you and your child would need to sleep in same room as my maid back home." Sakura: Edit: Sakura Ayanna Sleeping Dragon: Elahna gaped at Sakura as if she'd started to gibber in a foreign tongue. "I...of course that would be perfect..." she managed Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael smiled at Sakura. "That is very generous." Vachir: Disconnecting from server... Vachir (exit): 23:20 Tristan: Tristan looked at Sakura, showing a rare smile. "Indeed. I..." Tristan caught himself and turned away, coughing. Ardrun (enter): 23:21 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2221) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2198) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 23:22 Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael frowned. He moved towards Tristan and spoke quietly. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "I need to tell you what we heard the ghouls saying, before we attacked them. They were arguing over whether to bite the child or not, because the bite might turn it into one like themselves." Sakura: Sakura nodded back accepting Elahna's thank, she glanced back at Ardrun's eyes for a moment, clearly convoying it was thank to Ardrun's request. Ardrun (enter): 23:25 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2224) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2221) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 23:25 Ardrun (enter): 23:27 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (2227) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2224) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 23:27 Tristan: (whispering): Tristan looked at Rafael. "Really? I will let you look at it once we have the time, and are not going to arouse suspicion." He nodded his head towards Elahna. Tristan: Tristan said something back to Rafael, nodding his head towards Elahna as he finished. Sleeping Dragon: they made their way back to Elahna's tiny house at the edge of the Flow. There were only two rooms, one of which was the bedroom which the ghouls had torn to pieces. "I was lucky that I was up getting a drink of water, or the ghouls probably would have taken me as well," said Elahna. They stood ready in Elahna's main room, a cramped chamber which served as part-kitchen, part-dining room, and part-sitting room. There was a battered bedroll in one corner of the room. "Sometimes I take on lodgers to make a few extra coins, as long as they're weak or old and I think I could handle them in case they try to rob us or kill us." Elahna pulled out a bottle of some kind of alcohol and took a pull to steady her nerves before she began to cook. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "Very well." Rafael replied. "But I do not know how long it takes, if it is indeed true. " Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked around at the cramped but clean room. "You have done admirably under the circumstances." Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(2227) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 23:37 Sleeping Dragon: "I try." Elahna pulled out some pots and began to make some kind of stew comprised mostly of onions, mushrooms, and carrots. There was no meat. "Even the cheapest meat is very expensive, and I haven't the skills to keep any animals. They'd all just get stolen anyway."
After about an hour the stew was prepared and Elahna served it to them. Her hand shook visibly as she ladled it out into bowls, of which she had only just enough for them. Several of the party had to take their meal standing as there were only three seats at the table, one of which was baby-sized. Though far from a masterpiece, the stew was quite nice, certainly nicer than anything they might have made for themselves, despite the relatively poor quality of the ingredients. Tristan: "This is quite good." Tristan said, eating the stew. Rafael ben Efrim: "It is indeed." Rafael agreed. Sleeping Dragon: Elahna openly stared at Sakura, waiting for her verdict Sakura: Ardrun hid his smile behind a big sip of stew, nodding silently to himself Sakura: Not used to common fare compared to her rich food often served in her home, it was a surprise for her that she enjoyed it for it was nice. She smiled with pleasure "It is nice. Nicer than I expect if I am honest. You are hired as my cook." Bunny (exit): 23:51 Sleeping Dragon: Elahna thanked Sakura profusely. "You've been so good to me, thank you! I'll pack our things right away, there's no point in staying here." Sakura: Sakura replied, "I will have Ardrun to help you and guide you and your child to my home in The Foot."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Aug 25, 2008 11:07:04 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Elahna took very little time to pack their meagre belongings, and was quickly ready to leave the Flow. whispering to Bunny, following this second fight, the crowd began to filter out of the Bloody Banner, recounting the combats excitedly Sakura: Gemma glanced over the meagre belongings and nodded at Ardrun and said, "I guess you can go now, back to my home. Ardrun, meet back at the Bloody Banner." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael watched from the house, looking for any observers to what was going on. Bunny: (whispering): Bunny ordered herself a drink and mingled with the remaining patrons, trying to pick out a shred of meaningful information from those that stayed behind Vachir: Seeing Rafael looking warily around, Vachir kept his hands on his bow, in case anyone might decide to approach or assail them Ardrun: Ardrun left with Ehlana. Sakura: Sakura watched them go and glanced at the group that are still wary, "Shall we leave for the Bloody Banner now?" whispering to Bunny, the majority of those in the Bloody Banner left in relatively short order, with perhaps a score remaining behind to drink. Those gladiators that survived strode out (or were lifted out) of the Pit and went back into their quarters to be stitched up by the healers employed by the Arena, while several staff members climbed down and began the task of removing those gladiators who had perished in the night's entertainment.
As the crowd dissipated, Bunny was able to look across the Pit and over to the private area of the Bloody Banner to see two women talking. One was a large, muscular figure wearing a rough leather jerkin and leggings, with her hair cut quite short, while the other was short and athletic, dressed all in red, with long black hair and an angular face. They spoke for a short while by the edge of the Pit, then walked into a sideroom. Asking around, Bunny was able to learn that the two women were Sandelt, the reigning Arena Champion, and Amarana Sart, owner of the Bloody Banner. However, she learned nothing else of interest, for the patrons that remained were only interested in talking about the night's matches. Tristan: Tristan nodded. "We should probobly return there and look for... Bunny." He hesitated slightly before metnioning the name. Sakura: Gemma smirked on that phase, "No doubt Bunny got into some trouble already with her... attitude" Vachir: "I'd guess so."muttered Vachir "Who knows what 'she' is up to..." whispering to Bunny, looking around, Bunny noticed that the Arena rafters overhead were quite thick and large. She thought that a careful, dextrous person might be able to climb around in them, though getting up there without being seen could well be difficult Rafael ben Efrim: "Bunny has her own rules to live by." Rafael said, "but I believe she is doing what we have been paid to do." Sakura: Nodding, "Maybe, which is why it may be good idea we move on I guess" Sleeping Dragon: as Ardrun left with Elahna, the others made their way towards the Bloody Banner to meet up with Bunny. The Bloody Banner itself was not at all hard to find, especially since that night's fights had just ended and large numbers of people were heading back to their homes in small groups, talking to each other excitedly about the evening's entertainment.
The Bloody Banner arena dominated the centre of the Flow, a massive edifice twice as high as any other buildings in the area. It was constructed, unusually for the Flow, largely of earthen bricks and stone, with only the roof and doors made of the typical Beggar's Flow materials of cast-off lumber and bits of sailcloth. It was of a great girth, nearly 100 feet in diameter, and was notable for the series of banners hanging from the walls, in various shades of red from cherry and purplish-red to deep crimson. A burly man stood guard at the big double doors. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked among the crowd for any sign of Bunny. Vachir: "Quite an impressive place"said Vachir Sakura: Glancing at the guard, "Yes, since it seems over, it may be harder to get into." Tristan: "We took more time than expected." Tristan said quitely to himself as he looked at it. Rafael ben Efrim: "All this, for savage entertainment." Rafael said, casting his eye over the place. "When the people here live in shacks." Sleeping Dragon: the guard watched them curiously, but didn't move away from the door Sakura: Gemma nodded at Rafael, "Not much different in Ispera as well. It has been ages since I last saw a fight, been looking toward it all day. Anyone seen Bunny?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael went up to the guard, keeping his hands where the man could see them. "We're looking for someone who was supposed to meet us here, but we got...delayed." He described Bunny to the guard. "I don't suppose you've seen someone like that?" Sleeping Dragon: "Well they could still be in here, got a few people who've stuck around to drink a bit," the guard looked through the door into the Arena, and his jaw dropped. There was a loud yell from inside, followed by several more screams. "What the hell?" the guard fumbled for his club. Tristan: Tristan moved towards the arena door at the sound, but stayed back from the guard. "What is it?" He asked, his hand going to his sword. Vachir: Vachir pulled his bowstring, ready for trouble. "Not a planned, regular fight I assume?"he said Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked to see what was going on, although he didn't go through the door. Sleeping Dragon: the guard was just about to run into the Banner, but then backed away as a crowd of about twenty people came rushing for the door, screaming. "Shit!" the guard swore, leaping out of the way as people began to stream outside whispering to Sakura, under the screams of the fleeing people, Sakura heard a loud noise, a strange sort of...buzz Rafael ben Efrim: "Maybe the place is on fire." Rafael speculated. Sakura: She frowned and said, "I am hearing some strange buzzing noise..." Sleeping Dragon: "Run! Monsters!" the first man out of the Arena screamed, tearing out into the street Rafael ben Efrim: "An animal buzzing?" Rafael asked, but stopped when the man emerged. Sakura: She armed herself with her crossbow and put a bolt in it, "Let get rid of buzzing monsters!" Tristan: "Buzzing? What-" Tristan drew his sword as Sakura readied her crossbow, cutting his words short. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael had already loaded his crossbow. "Is there another way in?" he asked the guard. Sleeping Dragon: the crowd tore screaming out of the door, blocking entrance. "There's a side entrance, but it's on that side," the guard gestured beyond the crowd. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael ran round to check it out. Tristan: Tristan followed Rafael. Sakura: Gemma followed him, her crossbow held firmly as she muttered few choice words on accepting this bloody assignment! Sleeping Dragon: they had to shoulder their way through the fleeing crowd before they and the guard could get to the side door. They pushed in and into the Bloody Banner, a very large building with a public area separated from the private rooms by means of two short iron gates. A huge pit with an earthen floor, supported by beams, was plainly where the combat itself took place. Just ahead of them was a stall with a large blackboard, multicoloured types of chalk, and a sign reading 'Olloman's Odds-Making', and off to their right was a door. As the group entered, several people from other rooms in the Arena - a big, short-haired woman in a leather jerkin and a tall, bare-chested man carrying a bastard sword - were emerging from other parts of the Arena to try to work out what was going on. There was no sign of any monsters, however Vachir: Vachir scratched his chin as he looked around "Umh....What just happened here?"he asked the others Rafael ben Efrim: "Where was the buzzing coming from?" Rafael asked Sakura. Sakura: Gemma glanced back with hint of contention, "No idea. I cannot hear it anymore. But still, they are trying to figure it out." Gesturing at these two people. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked up and around what he could see of the building. Sakura: Gemma also glanced up at the roof, understanding the possibility of flying enemies. Tristan: Tristan looked around the arena as well, weapon ready. Bunny: Bunny suddenly burst out of one of the rooms, a sobbing wreck and wrapped her arms around Vachir before the man could do anything. The sobs turned into gurgling after a moment. Sleeping Dragon: "Who are you?" the woman shouted at the party, in time for the guard to step forward. Several other people came out behind the swordsman, from the room to the north of the Pit.
"These people were coming to look for someone who was still here, Sandelt," the guard shouted to the woman. "I don't know what's going on, everyone just rushed out screaming about monsters." As he spoke, another person came out, from the small room behind Sandelt. She was short, athletic, and angular, and was dressed all in red. "Sandelt, Volturn, search all the rooms, and check the rafters as well," she ordered. "You! Who are you, and what were you doing in there?" she shouted at Bunny Tristan: "I think we'd like to know that as well." Tristan added, looking at Bunny, not seeing any immediate threat Vachir: "Argh!"said a stunned Vachir as he saw the "woman"grab him Vachir: "What happened, and why are you crying?"asked Vachir - though he didn't sound too worried - as he put the woman at some distance from him, Rafael ben Efrim: "Forgive us for entering unbidden, but we believed there to be an emergency." Rafael said to the red-clothed woman. Bunny: "T-t-that flying thing went for m-m-m-y neck!" - Bunny eked out, her voice shaking. "I didn't know what to do -and - I got in that room and held it fast till my hands couldn't anymore." With that, she burst into tears. Sleeping Dragon: "What flying thing?" the red-clothed woman began to walk over towards them, gesturing for several of the gladiators to come with her, while the others went to search the building. "Speak, you blubbering fool! What exactly happened?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Where is it now?" Rafale asked. Sakura: Sakura glanced at Bunny, eyes suspicious. Tristan: "Speak, and quickly." Tristan said, looking at the 'woman'. Sakura: "Well, what does it look like anyway?" Gemma asked her. Bunny: "Like a w-w-wasp! With glistening eyes - it stung some man and then came for me." Bunny was heaving rapidly. "There was a dog-sized ant too! I swear!" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael went over to examine Bunny. "It didn't sting you? Where is the man it did sting?" Sakura: "Ah ha! I knew I heard some buzzing!" Gemma smiled Bunny: "Outside I presu-" Bunny heaved and vomited. She went on all fours as she continued retching Rafael ben Efrim: "I think we should get her outside." Rafael explained to the woman in red. "She is in a terrible state as you see, either from shock or possibly she's taken something." Sleeping Dragon: Amarana eyed Bunny up and down. "Such things do hap..." she stepped away in disgust as Bunny began to retch. "All of you then, get out of my Arena! Alun, escort them out, the rest of you, start searching. If these things are still here then kill them or subdue them." The man with the bastard sword stepped towards the group. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael got hold of Bunny's arm and helped her up. "Come on Bunny, let's get you home." Tristan: Tristan looked at Bunny with disgust, but nodded to the woman, sheathing his sword and walking out of the arena. Sakura: Knowing when to be or not to be, she made way for the side door. Sleeping Dragon: the group left the Arena, with Alun coming out after them and following for a short distance to ensure that they did leave before turning back. Rafael ben Efrim: "What was all that about?" Rafael asked when they had gone a distance. "Giant wasps and dog sized ants?" Tristan: "And this time, leave the theatrics out." Sakura: "Mind you, I AM however impressed with Bunny's ability to act. She really need to consider to become an actor." Bunny: Suddenly, the puppy look and tears were gone. "Its full of regulars, so whatever illegal they do - they do it behind closed doors. I also did not find anything incriminating. Either I was a failure or they are just that good at hiding documents that would get them hanged." - Bunny snickered. Sakura: "Good for you. Bunny." Sakura smiled. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael laughed. "Very good." Tristan: "I'm inclined to believe the former." Tristan said, not looking at Bunny. "Shall we come back tomorrow?" Vachir: "Might be best, since we'd have Ardrun with us too."commented Vachir Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "It might be as well to change your disguise too, Bunny. When they don't find any giant insects they may recall it was you who told them the tale." Sleeping Dragon: the group headed away from the Bloody Banner and met up with Ardrun, who had taken Elahna to their home in the Foot and had just returned to the Flow Ardrun: Ardrun nodded to Bunny and the others. "Did I miss anything?" Bunny: Enrico washed away the makeup and turned some clothing inside out, looking like himself for a change Sakura: Sakura explained what happened so far, "We went to Bloodly Banner and Bunny acting is quite good. Nothing much happened so we are planning to go there tomorrow. I am sure you are looking forward to it?" Enrico: "Acting? What are you talking about? I'd like to see you facing a giant insect stinger." Ardrun: "I am ready," said Ardrun passively. Sakura: "Good." She glanced at Ardrun and then back at Bunny, "If there really is giant insects, then it is clear that someone been importing them here. They do NOT randomly pop up in the cities." Vachir: "Who knows?"mentioned Vachir "They do have ghouls. Maybe some insect ate something it shouldn't..." Rafael ben Efrim: "There really were giant insects?" Rafael asked Enrico. Sakura: Shaking her head, "There are giant insects in nature from what I heard but not here." Enrico: "I wasn't lying. Now, what's our next move?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked back the way they had come. "We should have found the man who was stung then." Tristan: "Quite a suprise that." Tristan muttered under his breath and crossed his arms, waiting for the others to decide. Sakura: Gemma glanced at Rafael, "But hey, at least we know there is real chance of gaint insects and there is always next day." Rafael ben Efrim: "Where did they come from Enrico? Did they just appear out of nowhere or were they maybe protecting something?" Enrico: "Just popped out of the sky for all I know - I was just as confused as the guy who was trying to drink beer and got ant mandibles around his ankles instead" Rafael ben Efrim: "Perhaps they keep them for the odd bout then." Rafael said. "I hope Ardrun won't be faced with a swarm of giant wasps." Sakura: Gemma shrugged, "Either way, there is nothing we can do. Now, we need to find a place to stay in this place." Rafael ben Efrim: "Back to the Rat's Burrow then." Sleeping Dragon: the group made their way to the Burrow, where Adder greeted them sourly and told them a room was five silvers a night. Sakura: Gemma sighed as she dug through her pouch of coins and took out ten silvers for her and Ardrun and placed them on the what loosely called a top. Vachir: Vachir paid without saying a word. Tristan: Tristan handed the coins to Adder and left for his room. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael paid, thanked Adder politely and went up to his room. Rafael ben Efrim: *edit* down to his room Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "Let me see that bite now." Rafael said quietly to Tristan as they walked down the stairs. Sleeping Dragon: the rooms of the Burrow were extremely small and utterly lacking in amenities, containing nothing more than a straw pallet and a wooden bucket Tristan: (whispering): "Fine. Might want to wait until I can remove my armor though." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "Very well. Knock on my door when you are ready." Rafael nodded Sakura: Gemma glanced at them with pure disgust and muttered something about how it better all worth it Tristan: (whispering): Tristan closed the door to his room, locking it if able, and removed his armor. He check the wound himself before leaving for Rafael's room. whispering to Tristan, the wound was a deep bite in Tristan's arm. The skin around the bite had a grey-ish tinge Tristan: (whispering): After a few minuted Tristan knocked on Rafael's door. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael opened the door and let Tristan in. There were some instruments and pots laid out on a cloth. Rafael began to examine the wound carefully. Sleeping Dragon: the wound was a deep bite in Tristan's arm, around which the skin had a grey-ish tinge Tristan: (whispering): Tristan kept a passive expression as Rafael inspected the wound. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "The bite has caused an infection of the blood." Rafael explained. "I will have to cauterise it but there is a good chance it will not spread further." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan's jaw clenched when Rafael mentioned cauterising, but agreed to it. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael lit a small brazier and heated a metal instrument, which he then pressed into the wound. It was extremely painful. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan kept from crying out, though he was obviously in pain. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "I'm sorry to have to do this, but that is the worst over." Rafael spread an ointment on the wound, which lessened the pain, and wrapped it carefully in a clean bandage."Are you sure you wouldn't like me to take a look at your hands?" he asked. Tristan: (whispering): "I've suffered worse." Tristan flexed his arm were the wound was, testing it. "It's good." He commented on the work, then sighed when Rafael brough up his hands. "They're just old scars. I keep them bandaged to keep them out of sight." He explained. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "I'm a doctor, I've seen worse no doubt." Rafael said, "But if they are healed, there is little I could do to help I'm afraid." Sleeping Dragon: they spent an uncomfortable night in the Burrow and then set out in the morning Tristan: (whispering): "Others havn't. Time will heal them. Thank you for the work." Tristan massaged his arm and moved to leave for his room. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "I'd be glad to help if I can." Rafael said as he started to clear up his things. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan looked at Rafael for a few moments before asking, "Why? They're just old scars." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "We all have old scars, of one sort or another." Rafael replied. "We will probably gain a few more tomorrow." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan gave a quick laugh, almost mirthless. "You're probobly right. We should rest up for it then." Sakura: Gemma looked slightly tired, "That was slightly uncomfortable. So what is the plan for today?" Tristan: "Return to the arena perhaps?" Sakura: "Good idea, Arena is middle of everything it seems." Rafael ben Efrim: "There is nothing else here." Rafael said. "With the lives these people lead, is it surprising they flock to it?" Sakura: "No it is not. I wonder if Council got a hand in this. After all, sports are one good way to making general populace happy. No wonder why my homeland make extensive use of such sports." Ardrun: Ardrun sharpened his falchion as the others talked. Rafael ben Efrim: "Sport," Rafael snorted. "Murdering each other for the benefit of jaded tastes. I don't call that a sport." Tristan: "Distasteful as it is, if the people involved are volounteers, is it not their decision?" Rafael ben Efrim: "A man volunteers to kill or be killed for a variety of reasons." Rafael replied. "Amusing others seems a pretty weak one." Ardrun: "Volunteering is not always what it seems," murmured Ardrun, not looking up from his sharpening. Tristan: "It is not something I would do to be certain." And Tristan nodded to Ardrun. "And some do not have the choice. But that is not here nor there, what are we going to do exactly?" Sakura: She sighed as Gemma can see there is always people who dislike them. "Well, the plan was to use our best fighters in the Arena as I recalled." Vachir: Vachir spoke "That would be Ardrun, I assume....But what are us others to do?"he asked Rafael ben Efrim: "The rest of us can mix with the crowd, find out what we can, and hope that we hear something usefull." Rafael said. Sakura: Gemma grinned at Vachir, "Well, I said,'fighters' you and Tristan can fight as well." Tristan: Tristan nodded. Rafael ben Efrim: "We were told that it is possible to fight as a team - we might be able to do that." Rafael added. Vachir: "As long as I can stay behind you two big guys....I'd be happy to try my skills out there."he said obviously referring to Ardrun and tristan Tristan: "Archery would give us an advantage yes, but Ardrun and myself may not be able to protect you if you cannot maintain range. Are you sure you want to?" Sakura: Gemma smiled at these three fighters and said, "I will cheer you on when you fight your oppenents." Sleeping Dragon: [1d12] => [3] = (3) Sleeping Dragon: they made their way back towards the Arena. No one was on guard, but the main doors and the side entrance were locked. Tristan: "Are they closed?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael knocked on the doors. Sleeping Dragon: they waited a short time and then a big, broad-shouldered, scarred man that they had seen the night before opened the door. "You people. What do you want?" he asked. Rafael ben Efrim: "We have a great fighter here who wishes to try his skill in the arena." Rafael answered boldly. Rafael ben Efrim: *edit* three great fighters Sleeping Dragon: the man grunted and looked out at the party. "You've got the size part down anyway," he looked over Ardrun. "Come in and we'll go into my office. I'm Volturn Madic, Chief of Security." Volturn held out a big, knobly hand Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shook his hand. "Geraldus." Tristan: Tristan nodded to the man. Ardrun: Ardrun shook, with a surprisingly light grip, and followed. Vachir: Vachir nodded and gave him his hand. Sleeping Dragon: Volturn led them into the Arena and along by the Pit itself and past the stall for Olloman's Odds-Making. Olloman Waywright himself, a short, balding man in his early forties, stood by, whistling and shuffling a deck of cards idly. "Got some new blood Volturn? Good to meet you chaps, and lady, I'm Olloman Waywright. Come and have a chat with me once Volturn's got you set up, and I can give you the skinny on our fine Arena." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael grinned. "That'd be good." Sakura: Gemma remained silence as she watched Waywright. Sleeping Dragon: Volturn led them into the small room behind Olloman's Odds-Making, the very room which Bunny had hidden in the night before. It was quite small, having little more than a desk and an empty weapons rack against a wall. Volturn sat down at his desk. "So, which of you want to fight then?" Vachir: Vachir spoke to the man "I want to fight here, but..."he added a bit hesitantly "Are you accepting archers? I'd try not to get into melee, my friends can handle that..." Tristan: Disconnecting from server... Tristan (exit): 23:57 Sleeping Dragon: Volturn grunted. "Yes, we get the occasional archer. Not often though. Will add a bit of novelty to the affair."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Aug 31, 2008 10:47:27 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Volturn eyed Ardrun, Tristan, and Vachir sourly, paying no attention to the others of the party. "First of all, I'll need your names. If you're intending to fight under some kind of team name, you can give me that as well, or you can wait until inspiration strikes you." Rafael ben Efrim: "It would be better if we struck first." Rafael said with a grin at Ardrun. "We'll think of something." Sleeping Dragon: "We?" Volturn eyed Rafael sourly. "Who are you anyway, a bloody manager?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Yes." Rafael said boldly. "I'm here to see the boys get treated right." Sakura: Gemma sniggered at Rafael's words Ardrun: "I am Ardrun. If a more fanciful name is needed, you or my friends can create one. My sword is all I need to make an enemy fearful." Enrico: "How about Julius The Annihilator?" Sleeping Dragon: Volturn snorted contemptuously at Rafael and turned his attention to Ardrun. "That's better. How about you?" he looked at Vachir Vachir: Vachir stood silent for a bit, thoughtful, then said "Umh...Just Vachir would do. 'course, I'm sure some of you can suggest a decent nickname."he shrugged Sleeping Dragon: Tristan also gave Volturn his name. Sleeping Dragon: "Alright," said Volturn. "I'm going to explain the rules here at the Bloody Banner to you. Listen carefully, because I don't have time to repeat myself for the benefit of some newcomers." Sleeping Dragon: "First of all, before each match, each participant is required to pay an Entry Fee. For your first match this'll be five gold pieces. This money is collected up and split evenly amongst the winner, or winners, after the match, minus a ten percent handling fee," Volturn cleared his throat. "Once the match is started, a gladiator can surrender at any point once they're injured. You must accept an opponent's surrender. If you attack someone who's surrendered, then you'll be disqualified and removed from the Bloody Banner immediately. The only exception is if someone who's already surrendered attacks you again - then you can fight back."
"Every match continues until all combatants on one side - or two sides if it's a three way match, or all combatants but one if it's a free-for-all - have surrendered, been knocked unconscious, or been killed. And while we're on the subject of being wounded and killed...the equipment of any combatant who dies goes to whoever struck the killing blow. We employ several spotters in the crowd to determine who struck the final blow. You only get the equipment if they actually die - if they're knocked out but survive, they keep their things. We have a staff of healers here at the Bloody Banner, however, combatants can receive no attention from them until after a match has concluded, even if they're bleeding out. Of course, you're free to try to stop someone from bleeding out if you're actually in the match."
"Last things. There's to be no interference beyond the verbal from anyone outside the match. Anyone watching of course is free to shout or sing or chant or whatever to try to encourage their gladiators on. And finally, you are not permitted to leave the Pit once a match is on. If you try to climb out, then you are disqualified...but fair game. The crowd here does not appreciate cowards. Consider yourself warned." Volturn folded his arms across his chest and said nothing more. Vachir: Vachir slowly nodded as he heard Volturn's explanation of the rules Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "Fair enough. Less brutal than some places I've fought." Sakura: Gemma looked disappointed for a moment before looking unconcerned Rafael ben Efrim: "Right." Rafael said. " Are there any restrictions at all on equipment?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes, your equipment should be useful for hurting people." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael raised his eyebrows. "I meant armour." Sleeping Dragon: "You can wear whatever armour you feel like," Volturn glared at Rafael. ""One other thing - not about the fighting, but about the Bloody Banner itself. The owner of the Bloody Banner is Amarana Sart. She's the one in red who was yelling at you last night. Don't piss her off, or I'll have your balls." Rafael ben Efrim: "We were trying to help." Rafael said. "But we'll tread carefully." Sakura: Gemma nodded at Rafael's words, "Indeed. She seems very forceful." Sleeping Dragon: "That she is. Now unless you have any other questions, I'm going to go try to find you some opponents for tonight." Sleeping Dragon: Volturn indicated for the party to leave his office Sakura: Gemma walked out of the office, looking for anything fun Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael headed for Olloman's stall. Sleeping Dragon: "Ah, ah, you're done!" Olloman greeted them as they exited the office. He put his cards away and rushed over to them, then extended his hand. "Are all of you lot going to be fighting then? Quite a big lot of you." Rafael ben Efrim: "No, just these three." Rafael said with a gesture that encompassed Ardrun, Vachir and Tristan. We're here to support them, in our various ways." Sakura: Gemma grinned at Olloman, "I will be there to cheer them on!" Sleeping Dragon: "Ah, well, I can hardly blame you. I'd not step into that Pit for every coin in Clifftop, hah!" said Olloman. He looked at Ardrun. "You are certainly one of the biggest buggers I've seen in a very long time. Killed anything interesting lately?" Ardrun: "A ghoul or two. But they are not as difficult as other men, especially those trained in arena combat." Sleeping Dragon: "Ghouls eh? Hey...I heard some lot went off fighting in the Body Pits last night, was that you?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shrugged. "A bit of a fight, that's all." Sleeping Dragon: "Well, I heard you lot won, so good on you," Olloman eyed the bow on Vachir's back. "So you're an archer? Not the usual way of fighting in here, though you get people chucking axes and knives and such." Sakura: Gemma told Olloman, "No doubt that will add some fun to the game!" Sleeping Dragon: "That it will. Expect someone to try to get up in your face and back you into a wall." Vachir: Vachir nodded "I'm sure I'll be able to hide behind the backs of my big friends over there"he said obviously referring to Tristan and Ardrun Rafael ben Efrim: Tristan smiled faintly. Sleeping Dragon: Olloman laughed and clapped Vachir on the shoulder. "They look like they'll do the job nicely. Can I get your names please? I'll need to know them to write 'em up on the board." Sakura: Gemma jumped in with a suggestion for Vachir, "What about Vachir the Vicious?" Vachir: "That's...nice."the archer commented "I like it. Will do." Ardrun: "Ardrun the... Annihalator," said Ardrun, sounding a bit amused. Sleeping Dragon: Olloman nodded. "So how'd you spell those? Bit exotic." Ardrun: Ardrun, who was just learning Coastal, managed to spell Ardrun but had to ask for help for 'Annihalator'. Sakura: "A-n-n-i-h-a-l-a-t-o-r" Gemma answered Rafael ben Efrim: "And Tristan the Terrible." Rafael said. Sleeping Dragon: "You'll fit in nicely, why, I myself am known as Olloman...the Odds-maker," Olloman spread his hands. "Ok, well, it's not as formidable as yours, but it's a living." Rafael ben Efrim: "With less likelihood of sudden and painful death." Rafael said with a slight smile. "I hope." Ardrun: "Yes. Much better than a dying, like ours" said Ardrun, and glanced at everyone to see if they liked his joke. Sleeping Dragon: "Well, less likelihood of my sudden and painful death," replied Olloman, laughing Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael smiled at Ardrun's joke. "It'll be other people's dying in this case." Sakura: "So... Odds-maker... What is the odds and what are the rules on betting? I may fancy to gamble on this fun game?" Gemma smiled. Sakura (enter): 20:49 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (919) Sakura... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(885) Rafael ben Efrim' from room... Rafael ben Efrim (exit): 20:49 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(919) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 20:49 Rafael ben Efrim (enter): 20:49 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (885) Rafael ben Efrim... Sakura (enter): 20:50 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (919) Sakura... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(886) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 20:51 Sleeping Dragon: "I'm very glad you asked!" said Olloman. "Just to make things a bit more varied, I take bets on three things for every match - the odds of victory, the odds of each combatant dying, and on how many deaths there'll be altogether! There is a minimum one gold piece bet on simple victory, because that's a really boring wager. And in case you were wondering, those of you fighting ARE allowed to bet...but money up front! I don't want to have to try to get it off you lads if you're dead." Sakura: Gemma grinned even more happier, "What about several bets?" Sleeping Dragon: "You can make as many bets as you like!" said Olloman, grinning Sleeping Dragon: "There is, however, a maximum bet of five gold pieces per bet - I'm not so wealthy I can afford to make a thousand gold piece gamble!" Rafael ben Efrim: "How many combats are there altogether in an evening?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "Two or three, usually, but there's been four before. At least two." Vachir: Vachir looked in his pockets for money, and, having found it, handed just five gold coins to the man. "For our victory."he said to the man - yet he didn't look too sure of it. Sleeping Dragon: "Now that's confidence - who cares about the opposition eh?" Olloman laughed, taking the money. Sakura: "Wonderful. Well, 50 SP for this team victory then. You close bets before the combat starts?" Ardrun: "The same," said Ardrun, handing over some money. Sleeping Dragon: "Of course, no bets once it's started, that'd be cheating! And if there's one thing Olloman Waywright won't condone, it's cheating." Olloman grinned Rafael ben Efrim: "I'll wait till tonight I think." Rafael said thoughtfully. "Might want to put a bit on one of the other matches." Sakura: Gemma narrowed her eyes, "Good to know that. I might place other bets as well later." She handed over 50 silver coins. "Will look forward to this fight! Been long time since I last saw one." Sleeping Dragon: "Of course. I imagine Volturn will take a little while to set them, depends on who's in fit shape to fight and who's still not able to get out of bed." Sakura: "Do you have any idea when the game starts? I have not heard anything like that yet?" Gemma asked Sleeping Dragon: "Usually the matches start in the early evening, so I imagine you'll want to show up somewhere around supper time." Rafael ben Efrim: "What's the food like in here?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: Olloman shrugged. "It's food. They provide it because they can make money off of it, but it's not the focus. The beer's pretty good though." Sakura: After some time, Gemma left for the streets of the Begger's Flows to gather informations on this Amarana Sart but carefully, most carefully. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael also moved around listening and asking the odd question, but he learned nothing of interest. Vachir: Vachir didn't bother with asking questions, preferring to concentrate on resting and preparing himself for the coming fight Rafael ben Efrim: Tristan also returned to the inn to contemplate the evening's work. Sleeping Dragon: Rafael and Gemma had little success, learning only a few snippets of information - she had arrived in town several months ago and quickly set up the Bloody Banner. Enrico, however, had much better luck. On the streets, Amarana was often referred to as 'the red lady' for her preferred colour, and she had come to Malador from somewhere in western Adaria about five months before. Within a month, the Bloody Banner had been established, but it had taken a few months before it became very popular, with the rise of its greatest fighter, Sandelt. No one knew quite where the money to construct the Arena had come from, for Amarana lived in a rather small shanty somewhere in the eastern part of the Flow, near to where Sandelt and a number of other Arena fighters and staff lived. He also heard several salacious rumours involving her and Volturn Madic, the Chief of Security. Sakura: Gemma listened to all this and whispered to herself, "Very suspicious!" Rafael ben Efrim: "It may be that someone has backed the Red Lady, with more than just amusing the populace in mind." Rafael said when he heard. "There could be a political connection after all." Sakura: Gemma nodded, "And it is up to us to ensure that such problems and threats are butchered into nothingness." Sleeping Dragon: as evening came near they returned to the Bloody Banner. It was still a few hours before the combats were to begin, and there were only a few people about. A middle-aged street pedlar was hawking his wares out near the front door. "Hey, aren't you some of the new gladiators fighting tonight?" he called out, spotting Ardrun. "Best of luck to you!" Ardrun: Ardrun waved in response. "Hopefully we won't need it." Sakura: Gemma looked excited to see the coming fights. It been ages since she last saw a game! Sleeping Dragon: they made their way inside and Volturn strode over to them. "Evening. Your lot will be leading the bill against three other newcomers. One thing I forgot to mention earlier - before each fight the staff will usually add some bits of...scenery...into the Pit. Makes things more interesting, you know? Big rocks, little bits of wall, shards of glass, you know, that kind of stuff." Vachir: Vachir looked slightly nervous. He looked at Tristan and Ardrun and told them "Be sure to keep them away from me, I'm not as good as you with a melee weapon". Ardrun: "As long as you can help us fight with your arrows, we should be able to do so." Sakura: Gemma grinned at them in happiness, "Have fun, Ardrun and best of luck to you Tristan and Vachir!" Ardrun: Ardrun nodded and drew his blade for one last check on its sharpness. Sakura: She softly walked away to find some prime spot in public stand to have some fun. But before that, she decided to look for Odd-maker. Sleeping Dragon: Olloman was playing at dice with the guard that the party had talked to the night before and was winning handily, but no money was changing hands. The odds had not yet been chalked up. Sleeping Dragon: "Hey there! If you're wondering about the odds, they'll be up in oh...about a half hour before the matches start." Sleeping Dragon: after a few minutes, Volturn came over to them and showed them to the gladiators' chamber. "The rest of you can wait outside," he sneered Sakura: Gemma smiled at him fondly, "Well, I got another bet, all these opponents against my favourite team will all die. 45 copper pieces." Sakura: "15 copper pieces on each opponents' death" Vachir: "I'll bet 2 gold pieces on the death of each of our enemies."Vachir said handing six coins "And that's in addition to my bet of five coins on our team, of course." Sakura: EDIT "15 copper pieces on each opponents' death as well" She handed over 90 CP Sakura: EDIT "15 copper pieces on each opponents' death as well" She handed over 90 Copper pieces Sleeping Dragon: Volturn led the group into the gladiators' chamber, which was a large room fitted on each long wall with low, broad benches. There was a barrel filled with water and several clay goblets were laid nearby. Currently, there was no one else in the chamber. Soon, however, they were joined by a very tall man who came over and introduced himself. "I'm Cotter," he said. "Nice to meet you. Best of luck tonight." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael drifted around to Olloman's stall. "I'll put some money on my friends too. Five gold for the team to win. But I'll not bet on deaths." Ardrun: Ardrun offered his hand to shake. "I am Ardrun. Are you our competition?" Sleeping Dragon: "Not yet, Ardrun. I fought last night so I get to rest for a little while still. Maybe someday though we'll cross blades, and hopefully neither of us will die." Rafael ben Efrim: Tristan nodded in agreement. He didn't offer his hand but introduced himself to Cotter. Vachir: Vachir eyed the man with some suspicion, but after he heard that Cotter was not going to be their opponent, he too introduced himself. Sakura: Gemma muttered at Rafael's words, "Killjoy..." She walked away to find good spot to stand. Ardrun: Ardrun nodded knowingly. He knew the cameraderie that warriors could have. "Well, my first step toward that end shall be surviving tonight." Sleeping Dragon: after a short time, their opponents were brought in. There were three of them. Their leader was another very tall man, standing about six and a half feet tall, who called himself 'Mad' Max. He bore a shield and a spear. He was accompanied by 'Killer' Kirk, a broad-shouldered man with a warhammer and shield, and 'Crazy' Carl, who had a sheathed rapier and a smaller shield. They all wore studded leather or leather armour and they shook hands warily and said little to their opponents, but looked carefully at their weapons and armour. Max sat down and spent the next little while glaring at Ardrun, while Carl paced up and down like an angry dog. Rafael ben Efrim: After checking his equipment Tristan sat quietly with no outward sign of tension. Ardrun: Ardrun stretched and warmed himself up with a little jogging back and forth, glancing only ocassionally at his opponents. Vachir: Vachir checked on his bow and arrows, to be sure that the former was well-strung and the latter had sharp enough points. Sakura: Sakura is at the front of the crowd looking total bored as she wait for the game to start. Meanwhile she was looking for that red woman... Sleeping Dragon: soon the Bloody Banner began to fill up. Groups of what were largely men in rough clothing entered, laughing and excitedly recounting other battles they'd seen. Most strolled over to Olloman, whose two assistants were now chalking up odds while the bookie took any wagers and quickly recorded them. Soon there were twenty spectators, then thirty, forty, fifty, and more. The party had been fortunate, getting to stand near the crude brick-high wall that surrounded the edge of the Pit. The air was full of the buzz of dozens of conversations mingling, the sound of raucous laughter, and the stenches of alcohol and sweat. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael asked the other two if they wanted some food or beer. Sleeping Dragon: as the match drew near, several members of staff rushed down into the Pit by a crude wooden walkway and began to lay out the 'scenery' for their bout. Low walls were erected, rubble and shards of glass scattered about, and crude barrels added. Then, the time of the match finally came Sakura: She perked up as the match is about to begin. "They will win. I am sure of it" She whispered to Rafael. "Some beer would be nice." Sakura: She then start singing some encouraging song for Ardrun and his team mates. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael fetched beer for them both and some sausages which consisted of equal parts of grease and gristle. The beer was good though. Sakura: As Gemma drank some beer, she coughed as she is unused to such beer. Sadly, it caused some problem with her often fine voice. Sleeping Dragon: Carl was the first to spring into action. He sprang forward, hurling a dagger at Ardrun, while taking cover behind one of the low walls. He released his dagger as he sprang forward, hurling the dagger suddenly and unexpectedly, but Ardrun was able to twist aside and it only scraped his shoulder lightly and flew to land in the rubble behind him. The crowd went mad as the battle began Vachir: Muttering a quick prayer to his god, Vachir fired two mighty arrows at "Mad Max". Both hit squarely, severely wounding the gladiator, though he looked like he was still able to fight - at least for a while Sleeping Dragon: angrily, Max stepped back behind a barrel. He made to try to fling it over the shards of glass in the centre towards Ardrun, but Max was badly hurt and couldn't muster much strength Sakura: Gemma cheered on Max's wounds by Vachir, her eyes show pure pleasures of this. Sakura: EDIT Gemma cheered on Max's wounds by Vachir, her eyes showing pure pleasures of this fun game. Rafael ben Efrim: Tristan coolly moved around behind Crazy Carl, ignoring the glass crunching under his feet. He swung his sword and struck Carl a fairly heavy blow. Sleeping Dragon: Kirk leapt into the air and brought his hammer high and then down onto Tristan's head. The blow was heavy and sure, but Tristan twisted and his solid helm absorbed most of the blow, though his head rang a bit Ardrun: Ardrun kicked off against the nearby wall, leaping toward Max and swinging his blade down at the wounded enemy, but Max read his move well and avoided the blow. Sleeping Dragon: as Tristan was still stunned from Kirk's blow, Carl drew his rapier and stepped up behind him, cutting his feet open on the shards of glass and iron. Carl expertly slipped his rapier into a small gap in Tristan's armour, drawing it out bloody red. The crowd cheered as the fight became more even Vachir: Pleased at how the battle was going for his team, Vachir fired two quick shots at Carl. Only one hit however, and it was only a grazing wound. Sleeping Dragon: Max leapt up and tried to stab down at Ardrun with his spear, but it went well wide as he came back down, holding his shield up protectively Rafael ben Efrim: Blood ran down into Tristan's eyes. He shook his head to clear it, then moved to follow Carl, sinking his sword deep into the man's side. With a groan Carl collapsed. Sakura: Gemma cheered on Carl's collaspe with happiness Rafael ben Efrim: Seeing their team getting the upper hand Rafael joined her in cheering. Ardrun: After Kirk leapt onto the barrel and slammed him heavily, Ardrun did not lose his cool. He stabbed between Kirk's legs, straight into Max's chest. As the man fell, Ardrun wrenched his blade out and swung it at an upward right angle, hitting into Kirk's leg just beside his crotch. Vachir: Smiling at how easily they were winning, Vachir fired another two arrows on Kirk. Only the second one hit however Rafael ben Efrim: Seeing Max fall, Tristan quickly moved across to attack Kirk. Sweeping his blade around he cut the man's legs from under him and then slashed deep into his neck. Kirk fell dead in a welter of blood. CosmicHorror (enter): 23:37 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1007) Tristan... Sleeping Dragon: the crowd whooped wildly as they witnessed the party's skill, easily defeating their foes in very little time. Kirk was dead, and Carl and Max were pumping their life's blood into the dirt, Carl especially quickly as he lay atop the shards of broken glass and metal Sakura: Gemma jumped in joy "YES!" Ardrun: Ardrun nodded calmly and moved to sit on one of the barrels, so he could pick some shards of glass out of his feet. Vachir: Vachir grinned widely, and looked at the bleeding but still alive bodies of the other two fighters. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael smiled at Sakura and Enrico. "They did it." Tristan: Tristan flicked the blood from his sword and sheathed it looking around at the spectators and awaiting whatever was to happen next. Sakura: Smiling back, "At least I won some bets but lose some bets. Unless these two living people die, which then I will all of them" Ardrun: Ardrun noticed that Carl looked to be near death, and since it would take the medical aid a moment to arrive he moved him off the glass and did what he could to quickly staunch any major wounds. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael frowned. "They fought and lost. If we will them to die, we are no better than the rest. See, Ardrun understands that." Vachir: Vachir frowned and muttered something as he saw Ardun try to save the life of one of their defeated opponents, but he didn't do anything to stop him Ardrun: Ardrun turned to look at Vachir, noticing his gaze, and said "I would not be here if it hadn't been for a rare instance of mercy in the arena." Sleeping Dragon: the two Arena healers ran down into the Pit, each one moving to successfully staunch the bleeding of Max and Carl. Once they were stable, several other staff members came down and bore them away on makeshift stretchers while Tristan, Ardrun, and Vachir were each led back up to the gladiators' chamber to celebrate their victory Sakura: Glancing back at Rafael, "We won. That what count now." She then cheered the team wildly. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shook his head. He went over to the beer stall, listening to conversations and talking to the beer seller. Vachir: Vachir's looked quite proud of his team victory, and didn't seem to be too worried that he hadn't gained any money now Sakura: She made her way to the Odd-keeper, grinning happily. Sleeping Dragon: Volturn headed in cheerfully to congratulate the party. "Good show that. I'll have to send you up against a greater number though, Amarana doesn't llike the matches to be over TOO quickly." A staff member brought Kirk's gear in and lay it down by Tristan. "Your share of the spoils. I'd thought you were gonna kill them all, none of 'em surrendered. Oh well, your money to lose." Tristan: Tristan shrugged and put the spoils into his pack. Sleeping Dragon: Rafael milled about among the crowd, listening to their talk. The feeling towards their team was extremely positive. "Never seen anyone win that fast! They barely even scratched them!" "Did you see the way Tristan stood up to that blow to the head? I swear, I thought that fucker's hammer was going to break right on it!" "They should fight again tomorrow, they look well enough to come out and fight now!" Only one or two people had negative thoughts. "One of them was using a bow for the love of the gods, and did you see the armour on that one? They just have the best equipment. Hope they send them up against a group with crossbows and chainmail, that'll cut them down to size."
Those not talking about the previous combat were anticipating the next, a bout between three teams of two. "That was probably Olloman's idea, that way, at least two groups of bettors will lose," one man said sourly. Every man in the next fight was an established Arena fighter, particularly two of the team leaders, Hugh and Verne, who apparently had something of a personal enmity. They had once fought together, but there had been a dispute over which of the two had landed the fatal blow on an opponent, and after Volturn gave the equipment to Hugh the pair split up with Verne swearing revenge. Most seemed to think he might get it, for he was a doughty fighter and his team-mate, Baran, was more established than Hugh's new partner Joren. A third team had been added to the match to add to the chaos.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Sept 7, 2008 10:56:02 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Rafael milled about among the crowd, listening to their talk. The feeling towards their team was extremely positive. "Never seen anyone win that fast! They barely even scratched them!" "Did you see the way Tristan stood up to that blow to the head? I swear, I thought that fucker's hammer was going to break right on it!" "They should fight again tomorrow, they look well enough to come out and fight now!" Only one or two people had negative thoughts. "One of them was using a bow for the love of the gods, and did you see the armour on that one? They just have the best equipment. Hope they send them up against a group with crossbows and chainmail, that'll cut them down to size." Sleeping Dragon: Those not talking about the previous combat were anticipating the next, a bout between three teams of two. "That was probably Olloman's idea, that way, at least two groups of bettors will lose," one man said sourly. Every man in the next fight was an established Arena fighter, particularly two of the team leaders, Hugh and Verne, who apparently had something of a personal enmity. They had once fought together, but there had been a dispute over which of the two had landed the fatal blow on an opponent, and after Volturn gave the equipment to Hugh the pair split up with Verne swearing revenge. Most seemed to think he might get it, for he was a doughty fighter and his team-mate, Baran, was more established than Hugh's new partner Joren. A third team had been added to the match to add to the chaos. Sakura: Sakura went to Oddmaker once more and placed a bet of twenty seven copper pieces on Carith and Tressen's team victory Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked over the board for a time before putting two gold pieces on Verne's team to win, and 5 silver pieces on Joren to die. Ardrun: Ardrun watched the others bet but refrained. "I do not wager on mens lives, nor on battles that I cannot influence." Vachir: Vachir decided not to bet this time, though he still looked like he was interestind in seeing the fight Rafael ben Efrim: "This is the money I won, it means nothing." Rafael said, adding with a smile. "Unlike the last match." Tristan: Tristan declined to bet on the fight, instead sitting at the bar as he tended to his wounds from the fight and watching the crowd. Sleeping Dragon: once the Pit was cleared out, the three teams came out individually. The first team out was that of the two unknowns, Carith and Tressen, who were relatively new fighters at the Arena, having each individually won their first match before teaming up for this chance to potentially upset some of the Arena's more established warriors. Carith was tall, bald, and carried a waraxe and shield, while Tressen wielded a big two-handed hammer. Hugh and his partner Joren were the next to emerge. Hugh was very broad and blocky and carried a two-handed axe while Joren carried spear and shield. Verne and his partner Baran each carried razor-sharp curved swords and shields, and paced hungrily up and down, waiting for the match to begin. At length, the horn blew to announce the start of the combat, and the crowd gave a roar.
"ALRIGHT YOU TWO, IN FIRST LIKE YOU SAID!" Verne shouted across the Arena to Carith and Tressen. It was an obvious trick, for the two, trying to steel their nerves, looked completely taken aback, but Hugh either fell for it or didn't care, for he turned and charged at Tressen, raising his two-handed axe high and bringing it crashing down while Verne and Baran took the opportunity to swoop in on Joren. The crowd booed at this trickery. Sakura: Gemma sighed for a moment as it seems clear to her that she lost her bet. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael spoke into her ear above the din. "It's not over yet." He watched the match with interest, although he showed no excitement. Sleeping Dragon: the battle was vicious and bloody. Verne and Baran circled and sliced at Joren, who shouted at Hugh for help and remained wholly on the defensive, while Hugh engaged Tressen and Carith. As his partner withered beneath Verne and Baran's assault, Hugh rapidly disposed of Tressen with two powerful overhand strokes, taking only a graze on the shoulder from Tressen's hammer as he did. Hugh brought his axe back again, but Carith threw down his weapons and surrendered, allowing Hugh to turn and charge to the assistance of his partner whispering to Vachir, Ardrun, as the match went on, Ardrun and Vachir, watching from the staff-only side of the Arena, noticed that Madic had strode away from the match and up the hallway to their left, and was talking to a young black-haired man who, from his gestures, was speaking quite heatedly. whispering to Ardrun, Madic's back blocked the view to the young man for a few moments, but then the Chief of Security shifted and Ardrun could see the young man's face over Madic's shoulder. He realised it was Split, one of the thugs they had fought outside the Broken Bottle several weeks before. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir nodded at Ardrun's words "I'll keep my eyes on him." Ardrun: (whispering): Ardrun nudged Vachir. "That's Split. We fought him a few weeks ago. Be on your guard." Sleeping Dragon: Hugh reached the fray just as Joren finally toppled over, hamstrung by Verne's scimitar. Hugh's axe rose and fell, battering Verne's shield aside and slashing deep into his arm. Verne grunted, and once again he and Baran began to circle their foe, harrying Hugh on either side with telling cuts while Hugh flailed in fury at his former friend. The big axeman began to weaken, his enemies pressing the attack while his own counterattacks were slower each time. It seemed that Verne's vengeance was sure to come when, with a final, ear-splitting roar, Hugh brought his axe back and swung with all his might. Verne's shield rose to block, but Hugh's axe simply powered through it, drove it aside, and, utterly unhindered, hacked deep into Verne's head. The crowd roared in approval as Verne toppled over, blood and brains leaking out into the dirt. Baran stumbled away, stunned, and Hugh whirled to face him. The two glared at each other, Hugh twirling his axe about in his hands, more than once making as if to charge his enemy and then drawing back. For a good half a minute they continued before Baran lost his nerve. He quickly slashed his arm with his own sword, ensuring that he was wounded, and then gave in, to groans of disappointment from the crowd and a jubilant roar from the victorious Hugh. Sakura: She also joined in mutterings of disappointments whispering to Ardrun, Vachir, as the match finished, Split and Madic strode back down the hall. Split went out through one of the iron gates into the common area while Madic approached Ardrun and Vachir. "You seem to have an admirer. Another new gladiator has requested a match with you. Considering how easily you defeated those others tonight, I think you might be up for a bit more of a challenge - a handicap match, five against three maybe. Do you think you'd be up to it?" Ardrun: (whispering): "Someone wants revenge," said Ardrun. "But I think we can handle five regardless." He looked at Vachir. "Do you agree? We must speak to Tristan as well." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael went to collect his winnings from Olloman. He came back to Sakura and opened his hand. "I came out two and a half silvers better off." he said with a grin. Vachir: "Not a bad fight."commented Vachir, though he sounded a bit displeased at Baran's surrender Sakura: Smiling slightly at Rafael, "You win some and lose some but at least I made good profit on our team's battles. Now, what are we going to do next?" whispering to Ardrun, Vachir, "Revenge eh? Always makes for a good match." Madic laughed and clapped Ardrun on the shoulder. "Go and talk to your team-mate - and that manager if you need to -" Madic sneered, "and then when things have calmed down come and find me." Rafael ben Efrim: "Perhaps our winning team could strike up an acquaintance with the remaining combatants. They might get to her something." Rafael said. "Where are they?" Rafael ben Efrim: edit* hear something Vachir: (whispering): Vachir looked a bit surprised hearing of these news "I...think we could handle that, if Tristan's with us"he nodded Ardrun: (whispering): "As long as you are certain they will be unable to cheat. I do not think he is a particularly honorable man," said Ardrun to Madic. He stood up and went to talk to the others. Ardrun: Ardrun and Vachir met up with the others. "Apparently that thug Split wants a rematch with us. Madic has suggested a handicapped fight, 5 against 3." Rafael ben Efrim: "Do you think you could fight against such odds?" Rafael asked, surprised. Ardrun: "Assuming they are not among the elite here, I expect we could win," said Ardrun. Sakura: "Well, while I got great deal of confidence in your abilities to win, I suspect it would be more tougher." Gemma frowned. Vachir: "This Split, is he good?"asked Vachir, who hadn't heard of the thug before Ardrun had mentioned him Sleeping Dragon: as the party discussed their next match, the crowd began to disperse as the evening's entertainment was finished. A small handful of about ten stayed back and drank while the others shuffled out, talking loudly or making exagerrated hand gestures Ardrun: "He has some skill. But it is the sort that helps him win when attacking defenseless strangers. He should not be difficult - I would be more worried about who he has found to fight with him." Rafael ben Efrim: "We need to find out more." Rafael said, eyeing the remaining drinkers. "There has been no sign of the arena being a centre of insurrection, but maybe you can talk to the other gladiators." Ardrun: Ardrun shrugged. "I can try. But I am not the best at subtle information gathering." Sakura: "Indeed, they now know the weakness of our team so they will try take advanatages of such weakness." Rafael ben Efrim: "Is there a tavern where the gladiators and people connected with the arena gather? Could you find out?" Rafael asked. Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "That should not be difficult." He went to tell Madic that they would accept the fight, and to ask him about a local gathering spot for gladiators and arena workers." Ardrun: edit: delete " whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Enrico, Ardrun, as the party spoke among themselves, they noticed that the peddler who had greeted them outside of the Arena had got a drink and had gone to lean against the wall not far from where they were talking, throwing an occasional quick glance in their direction while sipping his drink. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael moved away from the rest and towards a man leaning against the wall with his drink. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "You see that your good wishes worked." Rafael said to the man. "Our men won!" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael spoke to the man in a friendly manner. whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "That they did, and I made a decent bit of change off of it too, so thank them for me," said the peddler. He extended a hand. "I'm Quodan Zee. Tell your boys that if they need to find any interesting items - fine clothes, good booze, a woman or three, new scabbards or quivers, whatever it is - that I'll be able to help them find it." Sleeping Dragon: the man replied and extended a hand to Rafael Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael took his hand with a broad smile. "I'll certainly let them know. A good place to celebrate is what we need now." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shook the man's hand with a smile. whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "Oh, there are a few good watering holes - the bit in here isn't very good, really, just set up to make the Arena a bit more money. Quite a few of the other gladiators like the Councillor's Daughter, up a few streets from here." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "As long as our lads would be welcomed in there, we'll try it." Rafael said enthusiastically. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael spoke enthusiastically with the man, looking over to the rest of the group now and then. whispering to Ardrun, "Ah, this'll be good. Are you up for a fight tomorrow night, or should we wait and see if we can arrange a midweek card? Otherwise it'll have to wait until Friday and that's no good at all," said Madic. "Most of the established guys like the Councillor's Daughter, cheap ale and cheaper whores. Imagine most of them have gone off there except Sandelt, she doesn't drink much." Ardrun: (whispering): "Tomorrow should be fine. Thank you. I shall try that place." Ardrun nodded to Madic and returned to the others. Ardrun: Ardrun arrived back where the others were gathered. "We are fighting tomorrow. For this evening, the Councillor's Daughter seems to be the place for most of the fighters." whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "Yah, they'll be fine, you've won a fight here so you'll be able to get some respect." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "Thanks for the advice." Rafael said. "How can we get hold of you if we want to arrange anything?" Sakura: "Hmm, you might as well pick up some informations about your possible oppenents for tomorrow then." whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "Oh, I'm usually around here," said Zee. "Or out in the streets nearby. Certainly I'm here every time there's a card." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael walked back to the group. "That man over there suggests the Councillor's Daughter is the local drinking place for gladiators. He also says he can get anything you want - clothes, booze, women, weapons or whatever. A useful contact." Enrico: "Nothing out of the ordinary, anyway" Tristan: "We might as well head there. Would be as good a place as any." Sakura: She nodded on this matter. Vachir: "Indeed."agreed Vachir "Let's go" Sleeping Dragon: the party left the Bloody Banner and made their way towards the Councillor's Daughter tavern. It was only a few streets away and took very little time to reach, and it was easily identifiable from its sign, which depicted a young woman dressed in the typical upper-class style, kneeling down by a man and reaching up to pull down his trousers. The noise of the tavern could be heard from up the street, mugs clinking and people talking and laughing. Tristan: Tristan frowned at the sight of the sign, but continued to walk towards the tavern. Ardrun: Ardrun entered and quickly looked around for someone to order ale from. Vachir: Vachir chuckled as he saw the sign, and then entered the inn with the others Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael did not react to the sign. He followed the others into the inn. Sakura: Gemma followed Ardrun and the group in. Sleeping Dragon: the Councillor's Daughter's raucous envrionment was immediately apparent. About half of the clientele appeared to be gladiators or other rough types, while the other half were young women in various states of undress attempting to win the gladiators' attention and coin. Hugh was the star of the hour, sitting in a corner and drinking with one hand while another fondled a blonde woman's nipple. Two other women were seated by him, their hands busy beneath the table. A tall gladiator in red whom they'd seen the day before sat across the table from him, drinking and dicing with Cotter. At the party's entrance, several of the harlots made their way over towards them and began to shout lewd offers, while several others removed their tops. "Hey there! Always good to have some new victorious lads about!" the barkeeper shouted to Ardrun. "I'm Hayward, and let me tell you, there's no better place to be...than in the Councillor's Daughter!" Hayward laughed at his own joke and some of the gladiators nearby groaned. "What can I get for you?" Ardrun: "I'll start with the strongest ale you have." He found a place to sit down, and glanced at the women tailing him. "No thank you." Sakura: Gemma snickered for a moment on Ardrun's words Tristan: Tristan ignored the women, sitting down at the bar as well. "As will I." He said to the barkeep Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael got himself an ale. "You'd better watch this lot." he whispered to Sakura. "Those ladies will have your eyes out to get at Ardrun." Sleeping Dragon: Hayward went and got them some ale, which proved to be extremely strong. As the women walked off in disappointment, a drunken man strode up to them. "That wash a good...good fight ya putsh up," he said. "Good, real good, need ladsh like you for when the Torashi come." Ardrun: "Torashi?" asked Ardrun, gulping his ale like a parched man drinking water. Tristan: Tristan drained his drink and closed his eyes. "A handful of men will not hold off an army." Sakura: Gemma whispered back,"Well, those ladies are below me... But then, I do like them below me anyway." Smirking for a moment. Rafael ben Efrim: "Especially if they keep killing each other off in the arena." Rafael added to Tristan's comment. He gave Sakura a funny look. Vachir: Vachir decided he'd get some ale for himself too, and turned to listen what Ardrun and the drunken man were saying Sleeping Dragon: "Oh, yer'd do fine, we're all ready ta fight, jusht those lot on the Counshil don't wantsh to let us," the man said, emphatically banging his mug down on the bar and asking them for a refill. "I'll tell ya, those Torashi are already on the move, I shaw their ship! Full-shize keelboat, five-headed prow and all, shailed right into the Bleakwater! They're jusht waiting to invade when we're off-guard!" Rafael ben Efrim: "You really saw a Torashi boat?" Rafael asked. "Why does it have five heads?" Sleeping Dragon: the man gave Rafael a glare. "Howsh should I know? Who're you anyway?" he spat Ardrun: "He is my trainer. Taught me everything I know about fighting," said Ardrun flatly. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael, who was about to say something, shut his mouth and grinned at Ardrun. Sleeping Dragon: the man gaped and stepped back. "Err...shorry, shorry mate," he apologised. "No hard feelingsh or anything...Hayward, get thish bloke an ale!" he shouted, pointing at Rafael. "An yesh, yesh, it did have five headsh. I dunno why. Probably caush it looks scary." Rafael ben Efrim: "It fits." Rafael nodded. "Where is the Bleakwater? Is that near here?" Sleeping Dragon: "It'sh to the south, was fishing off the coasht when I shaw it." Sakura: Gemma frowned for a moment, "Are you sure it is Torath? I recalled that some pirate ships used five headed symbol. It is likely you seen pirate ship rather than Torath." Tristan: "And how would a Torath ship get past Malador in the first place? Their only access to the sea is by the river." Sleeping Dragon: "Bah, I'm telling you, it'sh not a coinshedenshe that shome big ship went shailing into the Bleakwater so shoon after the Torashi are all shreatening ush," the drunk insisted, waving his hand Rafael ben Efrim: "Well, I reckon these boys'll kick their arses for them if they ever land here." Rafael said, with an expansive gesture that took in the whole room. Sleeping Dragon: "Yesh we will!" the man exclaimed, raising his ale. Tristan: "If the council lets you." Tristan said, looking into his empty mug. "Another." He pushed it to the barkeep. Vachir: As the others talked, Vachir silently drank from his mug, eyes darting around in case he saw anything noteworthy Sleeping Dragon: the man spat on the floor. "Yesh, those fucking bashtards. We should kill the whole lot of them, it'sh like Alun'sh alwaysh shaying." Sakura: Smiling at the man's confidence in their city, "But then, the Council would rather die than to allow worthy fighters from Beggar's Flow to defend them..." Rafael ben Efrim: "Yeah!" Rafael said, banging his mug on the table. "Who's Alun?" Sleeping Dragon: "Alun'sh that fellow over there," he said, pointing to the man dicing with Cotter. "He'sh one of the best in the Arena." Rafael ben Efrim: "It's all very well saying that." Rafael said, picking up his mug again. "But how's he suggest we do it?" Sleeping Dragon: "I don'tsh know, you'd have to ashk him. Shtill, it'sh a good idea ishn't it?" Sakura: Gemma nodded, "Council is nothing more than some fat maggot that eat off the fleshes of this city." Rafael ben Efrim: "And they're all over that Torathi bastard, can't be nice enough to him." Rafael said gloomily. "The bastards don't deserve to live." Sleeping Dragon: "Not a one of them," the drunk agreed. Tristan: "I wonder how a Malador would look after the council is overthrown." Tristan wondered aloud. Ardrun: Ardrun finished his ale, and moseyed over to sit near Cotter and Alun. "Mind if I join the next game?" Vachir: "Messy,perhaps?"timidly suggested Vachir, replying to Tristan's question Rafael ben Efrim: "Free of those bloody parasites at least." Rafael said, swigging a moutful of ale. He moved up to watch the game. Sakura: Gemma narrowed her eyes, "But no doubt someone will take over the top for there is always someone at the top." Sleeping Dragon: "Course not," said Cotter. "That was a sweet fight earlier," added Alun. "You'll need some tougher opponents next time, it was over too quickly." Tristan: Making sure the drunk they had been speaking with was out of eashot Tristan replied. "Messy most likly, at best Malador would turn into another Torath." Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "Thank you. Our next fight will be five against us three. Hopefully I'll get a chance to see one of your fights soon." Ardrun: "I'm Ardrun," he added, offering his hand to shake. Sleeping Dragon: "Five against three eh? You should manage, as long as the five aren't any of us regular types - and I'm certain they're not because I don't know of any of us fighting you. I'm Alun," he shook Ardrun's hand and swore as he lost the present toss. Sakura: Laughing back at Tristan softly as she held his face for a moment, "Yes, it is much better for a realm or a city to be governed by one ruler like any reasonable cities. You seen what happened with these cursed Council, they bicker like it is their own souls are at risk." She quickly released him Ardrun: "And I hear you're an impressive fighter as well - Cotter, right? How much are we wagering?" Sleeping Dragon: "Couple of coppers. This is only luck anyway, no skill involved," said Alun. "I wouldn't try to fight Sandelt yet but I can beat most of the dross we get sent up against." Tristan: Tristan hurridly looked away from Sakura after she finished. "I don't care who is at the top. The result is the same." He took a quick drink of his refilled ale. Ardrun: Ardrun plopped down two coppers on the table. "Yes, I've seen little challenge yet. That man over there was suggesting are talents might be used against the Torathi, though." Ardrun: *our Sakura: Gemma shook her head at Tristan's word and went closer to Ardrun, watching the game from just behind Ardrun. But for some time, she was watching the women while paying attention to the game. Sleeping Dragon: "Certainly, when they invade we'll fight them," said Alun. "Kill as many of the fuckers as we can, make sure they never come near our city again." Ardrun: "If the Council will let us," replied Ardrun. "They'll probably allow the city to burn, first." Sleeping Dragon: "Those fuckers," said Alun. "They don't care whether the Torathi take over or not as long as they can keep making money." Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "We earn out living facing the sword. They should have to do that." He rolled the dice again after putting down another 2 coppers. Ardrun: *our Sleeping Dragon: "None of those Councillors know anything about swords or fighting," said Alun. "Those Torathi think that because their army's won a few battles that they can beat anyone, but I figure we might well be able to hold them off if we were allowed to. It'd be a damn fine test of skill to go up against those fuckers." Rafael ben Efrim: "They're a disciplined lot of bastards though." Rafael said, swigging from the ale cup. Ardrun: Ardrun looked over and nodded. "We gladiators would have to learn to fight in larger groups. But if we did I think we'd be a force to be reckoned with." Vachir: Vachir, seeing Ardrun having joined some gladiators in discussion, went there to try and listen a bit to what they were saying Tristan: Tristan watched the others by the dice table for a minute then looked back down at his mug, waiting for the others. whispering to Enrico, Ardrun, though he sounded angry at the prospect of the Torathi taking over, Alun did not sound entirely legitimate in his displeasure. True emotion only seemed to come into his voice when he spoke about fighting - and his eyes glowed as he spoke of the test of fighting the Kingdom Guards. whispering to Sakura, as Alun spoke, Sakura noticed Cotter sitting by, staying out of the conversation and sighing slightly as if he had heard it before Sleeping Dragon: "Disciplined yes, but everyone's got a point where that'll break and they'll run," he said. "Anyway, we ought to at least give it a try, eh? For a start, I bet they'd fall apart real quick if someone killed that King of theirs. They think he's a fucking god. You know he'd have to come to the battle, his reputation wouldn't let him stay away, and anyhow, he's too much of a warrior to avoid it. If those idiots on the Council had any sense they'd just hire someone to murder him." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked at Alun, then nodded. "But they don't have any sense." Ardrun: "Vachir there will take him down with an arrow in the eye if it comes to battle," said Ardrun confidently. Vachir: Vachir smiled with some pride "Oh, a good arrow to the eye has been the death of many an 'hero', indeed." Sleeping Dragon: "No less than the bugger would deserve, and then we could see how disciplined these Kingdom Guards really are, eh? Would probably all shit themselves and run home. It's the only way you can tell what kind of person someone really is, isn't it? Put them in the heart of a fight, and see how they react when things go horribly wrong. Battle's the only fair thing in life, really." Ardrun: Ardrun absentmindedly touched one finger to his copper eye before lowering his hand. whispering to Sakura, Ardrun, Vachir, there was a definite probing, testing quality to Alun's words, and he watched Ardrun and Vachir carefully as he spoke Ardrun: "Fairness, I don't know," said Ardrun. "Where I come from, it was not always fair. But it does show the true measure of a man, whether he runs like a rabbit, stands and fights with sword and craftiness, or whether he calls on others to do the work for him." whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, there was a definite probing, testing quality to Alun's words, and he watched Ardrun and Vachir carefully as he spoke Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael said nothing, but he watched Alun carefully. Sakura: Gemma smirked for a moment as she heard the words from Alun Vachir: "Oh. I'm sure sooner or later these Torathi soldiers will be put to the test. Then we'll see if they're as good as they say, or just a bluff."said the Bolgar "But I wouldn't know when that's going to happen"he shrugged Sakura: Sighing as she said, "Surely it would be much simpler if someone deal with anti-military views among the Council. Having an army would be much more useful than some group of so called milita." Sleeping Dragon: "Definitely," said Alun. "People value peace too highly anyway. What good is it really? Malador's had no wars in a hundred years and what good's it done us? We're no better off than anybody else, and people are scared and demoralised at the first sign of conflict." Sleeping Dragon: "Someone should just deal with the Council, they're all useless," said Alun. "They'll never cease to rob us blind until they're all dead." Tristan (exit): 23:53 Sakura: "But, what do you suggest to replace the Council then?" Gemma cut in Rafael ben Efrim: "How can anyone get to them though?" Rafael said, as if to himself. "Bastards are well guarded." Sleeping Dragon: Alun waved a hand. "Oh I don't know. Almost anything would be better than them." whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Alun didn't seem to consider Gemma's question pertinent and seemed more interested in the notion of killing the Council than anything else Ardrun: "If the Torathi attack and the Council doesn't do enough to defend the city, people will abandon them." Sleeping Dragon: "They'll probably let the Torathi in before that happens though. And then we'll see what Maladorans are really made of." Rafael ben Efrim: "If you really got rid of the Council, how would you get the people to fight the Torathi?" Rafael asked. "They might just cut and run?" Sleeping Dragon: "Run where, the Bleakwater? The Steppes? We've not really got anywhere to go." Rafael ben Efrim: "When there is something bad enough behind them people will run even there." Rafael said. "Who will give them the courage to stand up to a First and his army." Rafael ben Efrim: ? Sakura: "Certainly not a Council." Sleeping Dragon: "Perhaps people they look up to might...and here in the Flow, who do people look up to?" Alun smiled Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shrugged. "There is no answer to that." he conceded. "So how do you get to the Council?" Sleeping Dragon: "Who knows?" Alun shrugged. "How'd you go about doing it?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael considered, looking at the ceiling, then down at Alun. "Could do it individually, in their houses or when theyr're travelling but that would be risky. While they're all together maybe. Why are you asking me?" whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Alun sounded suspicious of Rafael's direct question regarding the Council. Sleeping Dragon: Alun shrugged. "Just curious." The woman Hugh was fondling gave an eminently fake sounding moan that the big man didn't seem to notice or care about. "Very big problems, too big to fix at a dicing table. I've won my money back anyway so I'm going to call it even." Alun stood up and gestured for one of the whores to follow. "I'll see you all later," he said. Ardrun: Ardrun ordered another ale and leaned against the wall.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Sept 15, 2008 19:59:00 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Alun departed out into the night, leaving the group alone with Cotter, Hugh, and their women. Cotter gave a shake of his head and looked at the group. "He's always on like that. Did you want to dice a bit more then?" Rafale (enter): 19:35 Tristan: Tristan looked over at the dicing table for a moment before looking around the tavern floor. Vachir: Vachir decided to join Ardrun and Cotter in another round of dice Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1764) Rafael... No Name (enter): 19:37 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1766) No Name... Rafael: Rafael shook his head with a smile. "I prefer to wager when the outcome depends less on chance" Sakura: Gemma glanced around them, "No, I rather keep my hard earned silvers than waste them." Enrico: Despite winning several gold pieces during the last match, Enrico looked as enthusiastic as a mummified prune. He sat in a corner and sipped his drink. whispering to Tristan, looking over towards a table in the table, Tristan saw Split and another man, lean and unfamiliar, speaking to three gladiators. The three gladiators varied widely in appearance - one was huge and wore his hair in thick braids, another olive-skinned and lean, and the third was a moon-faced man with an unpleasant, sullen look in his eyes whispering to Tristan, edit: a table in the corner Sleeping Dragon: Cotter winced as his roll was terrible. "That sounds like good advice," he said to Gemma as Vachir won the toss. "I think I'll fold now, I've lost enough money tonight. Good luck with your fight tomorrow." Vachir: Vachir smiled with greed as he took his money from Vachir and Ardrun, and thanked the man."We'll be sure to do our best." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan watched the group for a few minutes. "Must be the others we're going to be fighting tomorrow." He said quietly to himself. "We'll see what tomorrow brings." Tristan: Tristan got up from his place at the bar, tossing a few coins onto the counter and walked over to the others. "Find anything?" he asked the others, sounding a bit tired. Tristan: *edit: he asked quetly. Sleeping Dragon: Cotter, Hugh, and their women got up from the table and bid the party farewell Ardrun: Ardrun shook Cotter's hand. "Thank you. Hopefully we will not need so much luck as we do in dice." Sakura: Gemma shook her head sadly, "Sadly no. Not yet." Rafael ben Efrim: "As much as you have." Rafael answered Tristan in a low voice, as they left the Councillor's Daughter. "If these are the putative disidents, I don't think Wallaw has much to fear." Ardrun: "I don't know why we would help anyone against them, anyway. They are the only ones who seemed to concerned with the fate of the city, rather than their own power," added Ardrun. Rafael ben Efrim: "That is true, but their method would bring the city into turmoil. I doubt if it would keep the Torathi at bay." Tristan: Tristan shrugged, his armor clanging slightly. "The sooner we finish here the better." Sakura: "Well, if the city goes into turmoil, then it is very easy little prey for the Torathi." Ardrun: "Better than refusing to fight at all," murmured Ardrun, though he didn't argue with the overall point. "We should get some rest for tomorrow." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded to Sakura. "If this is the city's only hope, the One help it." Vachir: "And Wellaw did pay us good money..."stated Vachir matter-of-factly, referring to their mission. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael said nothing, but his face showed his feelings about their employer. Sakura: "That old shark? The only reason why I am in this cesspit is because of golds." Ardrun: "You speak often of this One," said Ardrun to Rafael. "But what god would help cowards and greedy folk?" Rafael ben Efrim: "The One frees the slave of his bonds, and the oppressed of their burdens." Rafael answered. "But His ways are not those of men." Tristan: Tristan shook his head and started walking ahead of the group towards the Rat's Burrow. Ardrun: Ardrun pondered this as they walked. "Not of men? Why would He care about them then? And what is His name?" Rafael ben Efrim: "He is the One." Rafael said. "He needs no other name. He cares for his people, that is why we are free." Ardrun: "Hm," responded Ardrun, scratching his chin, though he didn't follow up on this as they continued toward the inn. Sakura: Gemma caught up with Tristan and asked "How are you? Are you feeling alright?" Vachir: Vachir muttered to himself as he listened to Rafael's words about his god, but he didn't publicly say anything Tristan: Tristan looked at Sakura curiously. "I am fine. A little tired after today's fight, but nothing that would impair my abilities." Sakura: Gemma considered for a moment and nodded, "Very well. I really need sleep." She streched out in tireness Sleeping Dragon: they made their way back to the inn and rested up, waking early the next day Tristan: Tristan looked at Gemma for a moment before continuing to the inn. Tristan: Tristan woke shortly after dawn, making his way to the common room after donning his armor. Ardrun: Ardrun went to the common room as well for a hearty breakfast. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael appeared soon after and ate sparingly. Sakura: Gemma settled down onto her customary place and poked at her rather awful breakfast. She did managed to eat some of them just to rid of her hunger then pushed it away from her. Vachir: Vachir went with Ardrun to get some food for himself. As they ate, he asked "So, do you think we will be able to win the fight this evening?" Ardrun: "I expect so. I have won most fights I have been in, or I would not be here. Eventually I will lose one, I expect, but I doubt it will be this one." Sleeping Dragon: portions of breakfast at the Burrow were small and not of particularly high quality - poor brown bread with chewy bacon and smelly eggs. The beer which came with it wasn't bad, however Tristan: "Can't say how we'll fare. We'll see." Tristan said between bites of the bread. Ardrun: Ardrun contented himself with one portion of breakfast, planning to get more food from a street vendor. Vachir: Vachir didn't eat too much, but he happily drank the beer. Sakura: "Still, I got great deal of confidence in your abilities. But I wonder if you fighters could make anti-Council remarks. It would appeal to extreme Anti-council group." Tristan: "How so?" Sakura: "Well, if we need to find out about them. We are looking for people who are considering real dangerous actions against the Council. What better to gain their friendship by sharing their ideas. Once we know who they are, it would be simple to deal with them." Tristan: Tristan looked at Ardrun and Vachir questioningly. Ardrun: "Why should we do this for the Council, anyway?" responded Ardrun. Rafael ben Efrim: "If we say too much they may suspect us." Rafael warned. "Alun seemed suspicious last night." Sakura: "Because Ardrun, we are retained for this job. Personally, I like to see the Council replaced with something more worthy government but right now, the existance of such Council suit me just fine." Vachir: "So.."whispered Vachir, careful to avoid unwanted listeners hearing him "You're suggesting we befriend the rebels and then stab them in the back?." Ardrun: "Betraying these people would remove a possible ally for little gain," grumbled Ardrun. Rafael ben Efrim: "Our interest should be the survival of Malador." Rafael said. "Corrupt as it is, this is a free society compared with that of Torath. If the Torathi take over, all liberties will be destroyed in this city. If there is a rebellion, there will be civil chaos, like opening the door to the enemy." Sakura: "Indeed. The best way to conquer the city is to spread chaos and disorder in that city before taking it over. Happen enough time back home." Ardrun: "Well, we should not foment a rebellion, perhaps, but that doesn't mean we should destroy the opposition to the Council either! They don't seem to be prepared to defend the city well." Tristan: "Nor do these people. If anything they wouldn't defend it at all." Rafael ben Efrim: "It could be that the Torathi are actually involved in what is happening here, in the Flow." Rafael said. "Have you considered that? Not that members of the council are above suspicion - we know that there are Torathi sympathisers within it." Sakura: Gemma considered Rafael's words, "Yes, that is one possiblity. But let found about these people first. We cannot afford to rush into such dangerous points without knowledges." Enrico (enter): 21:32 Ardrun: "Many are better fighteres than the guards," said Ardrun. "If the ruffians here can be made to join the fight, as they will if they're truly threatened, then they and the Council can protect the city together. Power struggles can happen after that." Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1808) Enrico... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1766) Enrico' from room... Enrico (exit): 21:33 Vachir: "So, we're between a rock and an hard place. Either the city surrenders to the Torathi, or civil war breaks out. At least that's what it looks like to me"he shrugged Sakura: "Which appeals to Torathi in any ways. It is win-win for them." Ardrun: "An outside threat might stall civil war. People may hate invaders more than their rivals in the city." Rafael ben Efrim: "How could the Council - a group of rich and selfish persons - be convinced to put their future into the hands of the people they most hate and fear?" Rafael asked. "They seem to prefer a foreign invader to their own poor." Rafael ben Efrim: slipt? Sakura: "Frankly? you got Wellaw who is kissing Torathi's ass and Delorri who would rather put a dagger in Torathi's groin." Tristan: "If you have such concerns over the fate of Malador, then why are you here, doing the work of one of those council members?" Tristan asked, his tone neutral, but directed at Ardrun and Rafael. "Nothing we say here will change anything. Let us just finish our job and be done with it." Rafael ben Efrim: "While they play word games, the Torathi are sailing up the rivers." Rafael said to Sakura. Tristan: "Words of a drunk." Tristan dismissed it. "The Torathi have no navy." Ardrun: "I made no decision to be here," muttered Ardrun, but added "Yes, let's go on and get ready for the fight." Sakura: Nodding at Tristan's words, "That is correct. It must be pirates. I know some of these ships got symbol that drunk mentioned." Sakura: Gemma stood up and rubbed her hands, "Right, Ardrun. You have no idea how much I am looking forward tonight." She smiled happily. Sakura: EDIT: to tonight." Sleeping Dragon: that evening, they made their way to the Arena for their second match. As they had established themselves with their previous victory, the party's clash with Split and his friends was scheduled as the second of two matches, with the first of the night being the entry match for newcomers, tonight a four-way battle royale. As they entered, they saw that Olloman was cheerfully nattering with Split and another man, lean and brown-haired, in a battered leather vest. Ardrun: Ardrun nodded with no malice to Split and the others. As he prepared himself, he asked Rafael "Will you have your One bless my fight?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked surprised. "I will pray for you Ardrun. The blessings of the One cannot be bought or demanded." Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "I see." Then he went back to sharpening his falchion. Vachir: Vachir, which had been checking on his bow, hearing Ardrun's question and the Jethi's reply. Stopping for a moment, he snickered and spoke "And in case that won't work, I'll be sure to put in a good word for you with Alaric. I'm sure you'll be more to his liking than this 'one God'" Tristan: "Blessings or not, in the end it will be our skill that sees us through this." Tristan said, looking at the pit. Ardrun: "The gods of our lands have never been fond of me," replied Ardrun. "But you are right Tristan, all gods seem to respect skill." Sakura: Nodding at them ,"Yes, but then, we often thank Gods when we win but blame someone if we lost." Tristan: "No god has ever helped me in battle, and my losses have always been my own fault." Tristan said grimly. "I cannot speak for others however." Sleeping Dragon: the party's combatants made their way to the gladiators' chamber while the rest of the party waited outside. The crowd began to enter, large numbers pouring in to see the Arena's newest stars. More than one person was talking about the party's prospects. "Cocky lot of bastards they are, fighting on consecutive nights and this time against more men," one said to their companions. "Let's go see what odds Olloman's giving them." Vachir: "The gods always appreciate courage and skill, even if they may not show it openly."commented Vachir hearing Tristan "And you didn't look like you lacked either of these virtues." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael went over to Olloman's stall and placed 5 gold pieces on his companions to win. He listened to the conversations around him. Tristan: "And yet those without either sit in power. Seems like the gods have a sense of humour then." Sakura: Gemma also went to Olloman's stall and placed 30 gold pieces on her team to win. Meanwhile, she is trying to gather information on Anti-Councilism Sakura: Edit: silver Ardrun: Ardrun also put 5 gold on his team to win, and went back to stretching. Vachir: Vachir did the same, hoping to profit from his team's victory Tristan: Tristan did not bet on anything, instead doing a check of his armor and shield. whispering to Ardrun, Vachir, Tristan, within the chambers, the party sat and prepared while the four newcomers who would be fighting the first battle of the night also readied themselves - a burly local lad, Burr, a thick-set warrior called Coran with his hair in braids, a very tall mercenary called Zaphar, and a quiet, bald young man called Timon who looked somewhat out of place among the other, heavier fighters. As the time of the battles drew near, Split and his men also came in. In addition to the lean man they had seen earlier, there was a thickset man carrying an axe who also had braided hair like Coran, an olive skinned man with a rapier, and a round-faced fellow with a belligeren look in his eyes who carried a club and a brace of javelins. Split and the lean man sat and glared over at the party while the two braided warriors talked quietly to each other. Ardrun: (whispering): Ardrun introduced himself to the four new warriors and wished them good fortune in their battle. He did not look over at his enemies for the next fight. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan paid the other warriors no heed, sitting down an a bench after finishing his armor check. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir did not introduce himself to the other warriors, instead watching them warily as if trying to discover some hidden weakness they could have had whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Rafael and Sakura circulated in the crowd, talking and eavesdropping to try to discover any information regarding anti-Council sentiment and activities in and around the Bloody Banner. They learned that quite a few gladiators had been known to express these sentiments, starting with a person called Byron who had been the best warrior in the Bloody Banner in its first few weeks, until Sandelt had killed him and taken his place as Arena Champion. After her increasingly infrequent duels to the death, Sandelt had been known to turn to the crowd and theatrically challenge individual Councillors to come and fight her to the death, to great hilarity and approval. Two other gladiators, Buck and Rayford, had also made such speeches, though they had not fought very much recently. Alun had since taken their place as the primary anti-Council firebrand, celebrating his most recent victories with long rants urging the deaths of the Councillors. whispering to Sakura, Rafael and Sakura circulated in the crowd, talking and eavesdropping to try to discover any information regarding anti-Council sentiment and activities in and around the Bloody Banner. They learned that quite a few gladiators had been known to express these sentiments, starting with a person called Byron who had been the best warrior in the Bloody Banner in its first few weeks, until Sandelt had killed him and taken his place as Arena Champion. After her increasingly infrequent duels to the death, Sandelt had been known to turn to the crowd and theatrically challenge individual Councillors to come and fight her to the death, to great hilarity and approval. Two other gladiators, Buck and Rayford, had also made such speeches, though they had not fought very much recently. Alun had since taken their place as the primary anti-Council firebrand, celebrating his most recent victories with long rants urging the deaths of the Councillors. "He's right of course," a fat man assured Sakura. "Whole lot need to be beheaded." "Come to think of it, I bet the red lady agrees," said one of the fat man's friends, "Sandelt and Alun and the others that have been speaking out are all friends of hers - well, if the red lady has anything that could be called a friend." Sakura: Gemma happily agreed with the fat man on the feeling Sleeping Dragon: the crowd grew large and the time of the first match came. The four combatants emerged from the gladiators' chamber and came down into the Pit one by one. The favourite was a warrior called Coran, who carried a two-handed axe and had his hair in thick braids. The other three fighters were Burr, a big local with a mace and shield, a very tall mercenary called Zaphar, and a bald, thin young fellow called Timon who looked slightly out of place, though he carried his scimitar comfortably enough. Tristan (enter): 22:39 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1727) Tristan' from room... Tristan (exit): 22:39 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1846) Tristan... Sleeping Dragon: Rafael and Sakura circulated in the crowd, talking and eavesdropping to try to discover any information regarding anti-Council sentiment and activities in and around the Bloody Banner. They learned that quite a few gladiators had been known to express these sentiments, starting with a person called Byron who had been the best warrior in the Bloody Banner in its first few weeks, until Sandelt had killed him and taken his place as Arena Champion. After her increasingly infrequent duels to the death, Sandelt had been known to turn to the crowd and theatrically challenge individual Councillors to come and fight her to the death, to great hilarity and approval. Two other gladiators, Buck and Rayford, had also made such speeches, though they had not fought very much recently. Alun had since taken their place as the primary anti-Council firebrand, celebrating his most recent victories with long rants urging the deaths of the Councillors. "He's right of course," a fat man assured Sakura. "Whole lot need to be beheaded." "Come to think of it, I bet the red lady agrees," said one of the fat man's friends, "Sandelt and Alun and the others that have been speaking out are all friends of hers - well, if the red lady has anything that could be called a friend." Sleeping Dragon: the crowd grew large and the time of the first match came. The four combatants emerged from the gladiators' chamber and came down into the Pit one by one. The favourite was a warrior called Coran, who carried a two-handed axe and had his hair in thick braids. The other three fighters were Burr, a big local with a mace and shield, a very tall mercenary called Zaphar, and a bald, thin young fellow called Timon who looked slightly out of place, though he carried his scimitar comfortably enough. repost Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael met up with Sakura after their perambulations through the crowd. "There seem to be several who meet the requirements we are looking for," he told her. "I wonder if one person is behind them all." Sakura: Gemma nodded at Rafael, "The more people that seems to working together, more likely there is one person, a leader. This red lady, Amarana Sart seems to be connected with all these outbursts." Tristan (enter): 22:45 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1851) Tristan... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1846) Tristan' from room... Tristan (exit): 22:45 Sleeping Dragon: the battle began as expected. Coran rushed Zaphar and began to drive him back relentlessly with his two-handed axe, while Burr engaged with Timon, who dodged, feinted, and cut. Soon, however, the smaller man was being beaten back by Burr's strength, while Coran manhandled Zaphar, driving him back against a wall where his great reach could not be used against Coran. Rafael ben Efrim: "The proprietess of the arena?" Rafael mused. "That would make sense. The perfect way to drum up strong feeling." whispering to Vachir, Ardrun, Volturn came over to talk to Vachir and Ardrun, who were watching the match. "You're confident," he said with a laugh. "You should know, we've added a small...wrinkle...in the match which will make it particularly interesting. Don't worry, it won't tilt the match either way." Volturn gave a wide grin. Sakura: "It is perfect place for these people. Look at them, they love it. What better way to gain the support of these people than use their heros?" She wishipered back Ardrun: (whispering): Ardrun raised an eyebrow. "We shall see. Interesting is rarely what fighters want, but I suppose it is what the crowd desires." whispering to Tristan, Split looked sullenly over at Tristan. "My father owed money to some gangsters," he said. "When he died, the debt, in their eyes, passed to my mother. We couldn't pay them back, so they came to our house with a deadline. Pay them back, they said, or else they'd take my mother and the debt would be paid back...other ways. The deadline was the day after we fought you." Split clenched his fists. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir frowned for a moment "'Wrinkle"? Bah...We'll see."he said, looking like he thought it wasn't worth the effort to ask more Rafael ben Efrim: "We need to get close to her somehow." Rafael replied. Sakura: "Good idea and where is the propriestess after all?" Rafael ben Efrim: "She appeared when we came chasing in after giant wasps." Rafael said with a slight smile. "She must have rooms here." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan was silent for a while. "I am sorry for your losses." He finally spoke. "Understand that we had no knowledge of your situation that day." Tristan's face remained passive. Sakura: "I suppose so as she does own this place. Let go to her... rooms." Sleeping Dragon: the battle wore on. Soon Zaphar fell to Coran's mighty axe, and he turned to face his two enemies. As he barrelled towards the fray, Burr and Timon abruptly broke off their fighting to temporarily ally against their common foe. Coran swung his axe at the smaller man, trying to smash Timon down so he would not be outnumbered. Timon ducked, but the haft of the axe still struck him in the face and he was knocked sprawling into the mud. He and Burr engaged for a moment, but it was apparent that Burr was overmatched. Just as Coran was about to end the fight, however, Timon suddenly sprang back to his feet, not as injured as he had pretended to be. With a cry he hacked viciously at the back of Coran's neck. The sharp blade bit deep, severing arteries, gouging deep into flesh, and Coran fell with blood pumping from his wound. Timon advanced on Burr and the two exchanged a single round of blows before Burr, badly wounded from Coran's attacks, surrendered and ensured Timon's unlikely victory. Rafael ben Efrim: "I recall she came out of a room around the other side of the arena. We could check there, but I doubt if she leaves incriminating evidence there." Rafael said. Sakura: "No... There must be some other locations connected with her. ** Sakura found the F2 macro key ** Ardrun: Ardrun applauded for Timon, impressed with his canny fighting, and went back down to make final preparations for his fight. Sakura: "Nevertheless, we could try or go back and watch the fight." Vachir: Vachir shook his head "Didn't expect that..." whispering to Tristan, "Do you think that helps? My sister's been sold into slavery and my nephew murdered, and none of it would have happened if you people had minded your own..." the lean man began, but Split cut him off. "Please, Uncle," he said. "I just want to know something then, Tristan, and tell me honestly...what happened with that money we were going to steal?" Rafael ben Efrim: "No doubt she has a home somewhere. But this is the ideal time to try, while everyone is watching the fighting." Rafael said, Sakura: "Lead me on, Rafael. We do need good story in case of our discovery..." Rafael ben Efrim: "Except that there are gates leading into that part of the building, both of them guarded." he added. "No way we can get in there without a very good plan." Tristan: (whispering): "I do not know." Tristan said simply, looking Split in the eye. Enrico: "We need something very urgent and special to require her and perhaps the guard's attentions" Rafael ben Efrim: "Have you an idea of something?" Rafael asked Enrico. whispering to Tristan, Split looked back over at Tristan for a moment and then returned to his preparations, saying nothing more Tristan: (whispering): Tristan also didn't persue the subject, listening to the sounds of the fight outside. Enrico: "Giant insects could invade again. Or we need to cause some panic and confusion without insects - arson perhaps?" Sakura: She whispered back at Rafael, "Someone who is very good at physical activities might climb up into the rafters and would be able to sneak around and maybe listen in. But it would be difficult to do it while there is a match doing on and the crowd." Enrico: "Well? I'm sure the giant wasps will come back if I start weeping again. Shall we test it out? Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked up at the tented roof. "It could be done perhaps, the sound is probably less over there. Someone could climb up into the roof, but a diversion would also be good. Not too extreme though, we don't want the whole crowd running and screaming Rico. Something a bit more localised might be better." Sleeping Dragon: after a short while, the Pit was prepared as the staff came out, putting out the usual bric-a-brac: low walls, barrels, broken glass and metal. There were, however, two unusual additions. In opposing corners of the Arena, men came out and two thick, sturdy wooden poles deep into the packed earth. Once this was done, the staff members exited, and quickly headed up the ramp and along past the gladiators' chambers and into a room beyond. Shortly thereafter they returned - with two large, very angry looking dogs being dragged along behind them on long chain leashes. With difficulty they brought the dogs down into the Pit and they were each attached to one of the poles by their chains. This done, the staff members remained down in the Pit, trying to keep the dogs calm with visible difficulty. Sleeping Dragon: edit: men came out and drove two thick... Sakura: Smiling at Rafael and Enrico, "Maybe you two can make dispute over some silly thing very physically?" Rafael ben Efrim: "And you're athletic enough to climb up onto rafters, and agile enough to sneak along them?" Rafael asked Sakura doubtfully. Sakura: Gemma frowning at them, "Personally no, but can you recommend better athletic person? At least I am small and more likely not to get discovered."£ Rafael ben Efrim: "How about you and Rico start a fight, and I'll go up there." Rafael said. "We might as well have the best person for the job." Enrico: "I'll be right back - going to get another drink" Sakura: Gemma glanced over Rafael's body, "Really? I would think I am better on this than you. At least I can lie my way out like demon." Rafael ben Efrim: "I'm sure of that at least." Rafael said. "On your own head be it. You know what you're doing once you're in there?" Sakura: "Hmm... Look for anything suspicious but I can look for something specific if you want to." Enrico: Enrico made his way to the bar, got himself a drink and suddenly started going through all his pockets. Flushed, he turned back, and started marching onto some vacant looking fellow watching the Pit. "I pay to get in here so I can get robbed?" - the last word being almost a shout. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shook his head. "I've no idea what form evidence might take. If you hear conversation. fine. but they're hardly likely..." he stopped as the sound of Enrico's voice floated over the crowd. Sleeping Dragon: Garret was the first to move, going to try to drive one of the barrels towards Tristan, but he hit it wrong and went nowhere Sleeping Dragon: Taran moved behind a barrel and flung a javelin towards Vachir, but it came up well short Rafael ben Efrim: "Be ready." Rafael said urgently to Sakura. He started to move through the crowd towards Enrico. Enrico: "I want my money back, you dirty sonuvabitch. And don't even think of pretending it wasn't you - I bet its this place that hired you to clean all of our pockets". Enrico's voice was gesturing like a madman as he tried to win the appeal of the onlookers Enrico: *Enrico was gesturing, not his voice Sakura: Gemma went slowly toward one way to go onto the rafters, preparing to climb it. Rafael ben Efrim: "What's going on?" Rafael asked, having reached the scene. "Have you been drinking again?" he asked Enrico. Sleeping Dragon: Split flung himself into the air and, at the highest point, whipped out a dagger and flung it down towards Tristan. The missile was flung viciously and found a gap in Tristan's heavy armour, drawing blood Sleeping Dragon: the man turned towards Enrico in astonishment. "What are you talking about, you drunken bastard?" he shouted Sakura: Gemma, taking advantages of the commotion of Enrico and Rafael as well the fight, she snaked behind good location so she can climb up toward the rafters. Enrico: "No, I'm not drunk." As he talked, Enrico kept jabbing his index finger into everybod's chest, including his own, as if to prove a point. "Just doing my civic duty to make sure he didn't fleece anybody but me. Now, lets get my purse back." With that, he advanced on the accused and attempted to manhandle and search him. Vachir: Taking a step forward, Vachir skillfully fired two quick arrows at 'Split, piercing his body and drawing some blood' Rafael ben Efrim: "Come on, turn out your pockets and let's see if you have it." Rafael said to the man. Sleeping Dragon: the handlers quickly released their dogs and then fled, being dragged up out of the Arena by waiting staff members. The two snarling hounds howled and went to snap at combatants. Vachir dodged a bite, while the braided warrior Garret on the other side was less lucky, being bitten and dragged down. Sakura: Slowly but surely, she went onto the support for the rafters anove her and steadly attempt to climb it so she can put herself onto the rafters far above the crowd that cries and cheers for bloods that spatter the well soak ground. Sleeping Dragon: Holban, who wielded a crossbow, quickly loaded it and fired towards Vachir. Fortunately for the archer, he was behind a barrel, and the very fact that the dog had chosen to come for him made it difficult for Holban to target him, so the quarrel thudded harmlessly into the barrel. Ardrun: Ardrun quickly moved forward out of the range of the dog, and struck Taran in the side with his falchion. Tristan: Tristan moved towards Craster, keeping the dog on the other side of the man. Tristan and Craster traded a few thrusts and parries with no effect for the armored warrior. Sleeping Dragon: Craster darted around Tristan quickly, avoiding a slash of Tristan's sword, and then lashed out with his scimitar at Tristan's exposed back. The blow sheared deep into Tristan's armour Tristan: Disconnecting from server... Tristan (exit): 00:05 whispering to Sakura, Sakura climbed up into the rafters and looked down. The commotion Enrico had started had yet to draw too much attention, as everyone was focussed on the fight. Looking into the private area of the Arena, she could see that Sart, Sandelt, and Alun were all standing together watching the battle and speaking quietly to each other by the wall. Sleeping Dragon: "Get your hands off me you tosser!" the man shouted at Enrico, struggling to escape his grasp Enrico (enter): 00:13 Rafael ben Efrim: "Come on, be sensible. This man just wants to check if you have his purse. Show us what you have in your pockets and prove your innocence." Rafael said loudly to the man. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1912) Enrico... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1808) Enrico' from room... Enrico (exit): 00:13 Sakura: She narrowed her eyes at these three people and nodded, surely they are just debating on plans and even on her slave. Now she glanced back into what appears to be Sart's office. Now she got to get there, safely and unseen, a task that seems not to be simple after all. She waited for a few moment in hope that Enrico and Rafael's tiff attract more attentions. Sleeping Dragon: Garret stood and swung his sword angrily at the dog, but it went well wide Enrico: For all of Enrico's talk, his actions were offkilter. As he attempted to grab the man's belt, a fight ensued that was not unlike a very awkward catfight. As both combatants were flailing around as if they had St. Vitus Dance, they ended up hurting themselves more than the respective opponent. Eventually, Enrico managed to overpower the man with a girly slap and started rummaging in his clothes. Enrico: Seconds later he stood up with a defiant roar, his chest like a barrel and the purse for all to see. Enrico: *through his clothes Sleeping Dragon: Taran stepped away from Ardrun and with a curse, flung a javelin towards his foe, but it struck Ardrun's shoulder and did him no harm. Sleeping Dragon: meanwhile, Split suddenly made a dash for Vachir. Flinging himself into the air, he landed atop the barrel next to him and, with lightning speed, drew his scimitar and slashed down at Vachir's head, but the archer was able to leap aside and avoid the heavy blow. Sakura: (whispering): She moved carefully along the rafter, her boots softly hitting the wooden rafters as she aimed for the private domain of Arena's Queen. Rafael ben Efrim: "So you are a theif!" Rafael said loudly. "No wonder you didn't want to empty your pockets" Enrico (enter): 00:23 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1918) Enrico... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1912) Enrico' from room... Enrico (exit): 00:24 Enrico: "I'd buy you all drinks if I was sure this scum I overpowered wasn't stealing for this very establishment. As such, I advise all of you to check your money and to be more careful where you pursue your entertainment!" Vachir: Nimble avoiding Split's blow and jumping back, Vachir pulled mightily on his bow. The arrow flew straight into his opponent's brain, instantly killing him and sending his bloodied body on the ground, down from the barrel. But that wasn't enough - Vachir managed to fire another arrow at Craster, piercing the warrior in the shoulder. Enrico: Enrico used the groaning man as a kind of pedestal and gesticulated more than usual, along with a mad glint in his eye Sleeping Dragon: the dogs ran about madly on their chains, snapping randomly at anyone in reach. One rushed at Holban, missing and taking a swipe from Garret's sword as it went, while the other bit Craster and dragged him down to the ground at Tristan's feet Sleeping Dragon: with a cry of rage, Holban stepped forward, loaded a quarrel, and fired at Vachir, heedless of the dog snapping at his heels. Vachir was struck hard by the bolt. Ardrun: Ardrun stepped forward and swung his falchion in a wide arc, felling Taran and slashing Holban across the chest. Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 00:34 Sleeping Dragon: Tristan continued to battle with Craster. He slashed down at the fallen man, but Craster rolled to avoid it, then sprang up to his feet and struck Tristan across the chest with his blade. It was, however, only a light blow, and Tristan's armour absorbed most of it.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Sept 21, 2008 10:38:41 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Tristan continued to battle with Craster. He slashed down at the fallen man, but Craster rolled to avoid it, then sprang up to his feet and struck Tristan across the chest with his blade. It was, however, only a light blow, and Tristan's armour absorbed most of it. Rafael ben Efrim: Keep an eye out for Sakura, Rafael attempted to calm the situation, while making even more noise and confusion. whispering to Sakura, Sakura nimbly made her way along the rafters towards Sart's office, keeping her balance on the narrow beams as easily as a gymnast. Soon she stood near to Sart's office. Random bits of sailcloth were draped over top of the room to provide a sort of ceiling, but they were not all one whole and Sakura thought she could slip in through a fold without much difficulty. Looking out towards the Arena, she saw that Sart, Sandelt, and Alun were still avidly watching the match, Enrico's distraction having not quite got everyone's attention. Sleeping Dragon: Garret stepped towards Ardrun and slashed at him with his sword, slicing across the big gladiator's arm Vachir: Seeing Garret wound Ardrun, Vachir took a step and fired two arrows at him. One of these struck true, piercing the flesh of the man's arm. Vachir: edit: change arm to chest Sleeping Dragon: the dogs ran madly about the Pit, tearing up clods of dirt as they snapped and snarled at Ardrun and Vachir, who both dodged their Sleeping Dragon: the dogs ran madly about the Pit, tearing up clods of dirt as they snarled at Ardrun and Vachir, who both dodged their snapping teeth Sakura: (whispering): She carefully attempt to slip through a fold and attempt to land softly onto the floor Sleeping Dragon: Ardrun sprang into the air and slashed down at Garret, the tip of his falchion slicing a long red line down the braided warrior's face Tristan: Tristan stepped away from Craster, avoiding a quick blow, and moved behind the man Ardrun struck, but his attack was ill aimed. Sleeping Dragon: Craster rushed forward and leaped, springing off a barrel and somersaulting through the air, sailing safely by Ardrun and one of the slavering dogs. He stabbed out at Ardrun's exposed flank with his rapier, but it whistled wide Sleeping Dragon: edit: slashed with scimitar whispering to Sakura, Sakura was able to drop down safely into Sart's office, which was of medium size and featured a large wooden desk behind which was a large, comfortable leather chair. There were also four wooden chairs in front of the desk for guests, a small, locked drinks cabinet stocked with wine and spirits, and several woven tapestries hung from the walls. The red theme to the furnishings was impossible to miss - the leather chair was deep crimson, the chairs were painted red, and the carpet and tapestries were all varying shades of red as well. Sleeping Dragon: the man Enrico had tackled shouted angrily and wriggled beneath his feet, but to no avail. Several others in the crowd began to quickly check their pockets to see if they had also been robbed Sleeping Dragon: Garret slashed and struck Ardrun with his sword, then circled round the big gladiator, trying to avoid being surrounded by he and Tristan Vachir: Nimbly leaping away from the raging dog, Vachir rapidly shot two arrows at the already wounded Garret. However the arrows barely hit the gladiator, dealing only flesh wounds and leaving him alive Sleeping Dragon: the dogs continued their maddened attacks. One dug its teeth into Ardrun's leg and pulled, dragging the big man down into the bloody dirt, while Vachir was just able to reel away from the bite of the second dog Sleeping Dragon: Holban reloaded his crossbow and fired wide of Tristan Sleeping Dragon: with amazing nimbleness for such a big man, Ardrun sprang back to his feet and roared, shaking off the pain of his injuries. He lashed out at Craster, hacking deeply into him and sending him sprawling to the ground, then followed through onto Holban, slicing through his armour and into his shoulder Tristan: Tristan moved towards Holban, striking the man with the flat of his blade. "Surrender, you've lost." He said, getting close to the man. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan also added something soft enough to be heard only by Holban over the sound of the crowd. "Tell me what gang took your sister." whispering to Sakura, Sakura quickly opened the desk drawers, which, fortunately, weren't locked, and found a small sheaf of papers within whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, through the crowd, Raf spotted two of the Bloody Banner's bouncers elbowing their way through the crowd towards them, having heard the disturbance Sleeping Dragon: Garret obviously agreed with Tristan, for he threw his sword down and gave in, stepping gingerly away from the maddened dog Sakura: (whispering): She quickly leafed through the pages, attempting to find anything useful to her mission Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael indicated the bouncers with a roll of his eyes at Enrico. He tried to catch sight of Sakura, hoping she would soon return. Vachir: Vachir quickly moved away from the dog without giving it a chance to attack Sleeping Dragon: Holban glared at Tristan for a moment, then hurled his crossbow down to the ground. whispering to Tristan, "It was Memmio's gang," he said Sleeping Dragon: the dog on one end of the Pit tugged furiously against its chain while the other bit at Garret and dragged the surrendered gladiator down into the dirt, where he passed out from blood loss. Before the hound could do any more, however, Ardrun struck it a thunderous blow with the flat of his sword, and it fell as if poleaxed, ending the battle to thunderous applause from the crowd Tristan: Tristan nodded to Holban and sheathed his sword, looking over at Split's body. whispering to Sakura, Sakura quickly leafed through the papers, which consisted of a mixture of staff and business records along with lists of previous matches at the Bloody Banner Sleeping Dragon: Ardrun glanced over at Split, then went to tend to their unconscious enemies. This, however, proved unneeded as the staff healers ran down into the Pit and staunched the bleeding of the vanquished gladiators, while several of the handlers went and pacified the dog that remained conscious Sakura: (whispering): Softly muttered a curse as it seems she did not find anything. Gemma then closed the drawer and then attempt to climb back onto the rafters Vachir: Vachir couldn't supress a faint smile as he looked at the battlefield after their victory Vachir: edit:suppress Sakura: Quickly, she climbed back onto the rafter like cat. Gemma then settled down into the darkness, hoping to catch any talks. Sakura: (whispering): Quickly, she climbed back onto the rafter like cat. Gemma then settled down into the darkness, hoping to catch any talks. whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Raf looked about. For a few moments he couldn't see any sign of Sakura, but then he saw her climb back up into the rafters and perch up above Sart's office...and wait Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael grabbed the man's arm. "Now's your chance to explain yourself to the bouncers." he said pointedly looking over to where they approached. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico allowed the man to stand up, ignoring his loud protestations of innocence, and then shoved him in the direction of the bouncers. He then took the opportunity to make himself scarce, quickly fading into the crowd Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shouted and pointed, hoping to cause more confusion. Sleeping Dragon: the healers took the unconscious gladiators back to the Bloody Banner's sick room to be tended to, while Vachir, Ardrun, and Tristan went back to the gladiator's chamber to recuperate whispering to Vachir, Tristan, shortly afterwards, the door to the chamber opened and in stepped a woman in red - Amarana Sart, the owner of the Bloody Banner, who they'd met several days before. Trailing behind her were Alun, who they'd spoken to the night before, and Sandelt, who they had also met briefly during the night of the confusion at the Arena. Alun wore a short-sleeved red tunic and carried a bastard sword, while Sandelt wore a leather jerkin and had two battle axes strapped to her back. "Congratulations on your victory," said Sart. "Vengeance on that miscreant is yours! I didn't think that young fool had what it took to endure long here, and now I have the proof. Is there anything better than defeating a hated foe, I wonder?" whispering to Sakura, back up on the rafters, Sakura looked around, trying to catch a glimpse of Sart, Alun, and Sandelt, but couldn't see them. However, they had not reentered the office, which remained empty Tristan: (whispering): "I wonder." Tristan repeated to himself, wiping the blood from his sword. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir chuckled to himself "Of course not." whispering to Vachir, Tristan, "And yours are the spoils, Vachir!" said Sart. "Coin and revenge are a heady mix, but I'm sure you're all well acquainted with both...though not as much as you might be if you were a bit sterner with your opponents. Why leave them to recover? What good is a fighter if they're neither strong enough to defeat you or wise enough to submit?" whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Rafael was able to create more chaos among the crowd before he too took the opportunity to slip away. He heard a few shouts and then the sound of a scuffle from within the crowd Vachir: (whispering): "They should indeed have surrended sooner or fought to the death."agreed Vachir Sakura: (whispering): Sakura sighed for a moment and settled in. Although she knew the risk is vast, there is always a chance she may come out of this with something. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan said nothing. Rafael ben Efrim: Disconnecting from server... Rafael ben Efrim (exit): 22:00 whispering to Tristan, Vachir, "Well I suppose I ought to thank you for sparing my fighters," said Sart with a wave of her hand. "You have created quite an impression and are surely among the rising stars of the Bloody Banner, so I'm certain we will speak again. Farewell for now." Sart gave them a crisp nod and turned out of the room with Sandelt and Alun following along. whispering to Vachir, as she spoke, Vachir saw Sart's eye fall on his thunderbolt amulet for a brief instant, and he saw a smirk pass very briefly across her face before she quickly suppressed it. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir muttered something unintelligible to himself as he saw the woman leave the room Tristan: (whispering): Tristan just went back to cleaning his gear after the three left. whispering to Sakura, Sakura's legs were beginning to cramp when Sart, Sandelt, and Alun entered the office. "They are completely unsuitable, Alun," Sart snapped as Sandelt shut the door. "I don't know what manner of fool leaves foes alive when they could be slain and their equipment taken, but they haven't the strength of mind to walk the Way. That damn primitive seems to already have some god or spirit anyway, to judge by that thunderbolt round his neck. Some god or other that they worship out east, I'm not certain which one exactly. Those useless war gods are all the same anyway, just the product of fools who imagine that if there are gods that they're like them." whispering to Vachir, Tristan, shortly afterwards, Madic entered the room and brought Split's equipment to Vachir. "That was a damn fine fight. You even dealt with my little complication without any hardship," he said with a grin. "I was sure one of those dogs would rip out someone's throat. Where are you staying? I don't know when there'll be matches again, by Friday at the latest but there might be some before then if we've the spaces. Are you up to another fight, or do you want to wait until Friday or beyond?" Tristan: (whispering): "I have some things to take care of first. I do not know when I will be free next." Sakura: (whispering): Sakura smiled slightly about Sart's rude comment on Vachir as she attempt to listen to some more Vachir: (whispering): Vachir, though pleased with their victory, looked a bit disappointed noticing the low value of Split's weapons and armour. "I would be indeed glad to fight again, but I don't really know when me and my companions will be have time to do so..." whispering to Sakura, "Of course you're right, Amarana," Alun replied. "I wonder if we might be able to use them anyway. I was thinking..." he started.
"Be quiet!" Sart snapped. "And don't think, you're fucking terrible at it! You said there were six of them in that pit you drink at, right? Their supposed 'manager', an oily slinking man, and some trollop?" Alun nodded slowly. "Fine. Find out where they're staying and then come back to me. Now get out!" Sart pointed at the door, and Alun quickly departed.
Sart sat down at the desk while Sandelt retrieved a key and opened the drinks cabinet. She poured out a glass of red wine and handed it to Sart before seating herself. "We cannot have those weak fools becoming heroes. They might be genuine when they say they hate the Council, but that's irrelevant anyhow," said Sart. "Our progress along the Crimson Path is more important than the fate of some puny city-state and its pathetic inhabitants. They must be dealt with, and that, Sandelt, would be an excellent test of your skills." whispering to Vachir, Tristan, "Alright. Where are you staying then? I can send someone to find you if any matches come up before Friday." Sakura: (whispering): Frowning with annoyance that she is called some trollop, she made a personal aim to deal with Sart soon. Now it is getting risker but she stayed on anyway. Vachir: (whispering): "The Rat's Burrow." replied Vachir "Be sure to contact us you find any match worth our time, eh."he said sounding somewhat boastful whispering to Sakura, "Of course," said Sandelt. "What should I do, Amarana? Should I challenge one of them in the Arena? The big one with the golden eye seems the most fearsome. I will slay him in front of the whole Arena!" she vowed.
Sart waved her hand. "Not enough, we need them all gone. I'll think for now on how it's to be done, but be ready. We can't allow some damn idealistic fools to block Malador's way along the Crimson Path. This city has known 'peace' for so long that they've forgotten how to kill, and only we can remind them." Sandelt nodded, rose from her chair, and left the room, and Sart sat, finished her wine, and remained in her chair, seemingly deep in thought. whispering to Vachir, Tristan, "Alright then. Congratulations, and I'll see you again soon," said Madic, leaving the room Sakura: (whispering): Sakura considered for few choices and decided to leave this building quickly as possible. She very slowly silently move along the rafters. whispering to Sakura, Sakura was able to make her way along the rafters. Looking down, she saw that the crowd was now beginning to head out of the Arena, though a few were still clustered around Olloman, arguing about their wagers. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan stood up and moved towards the door. "Do either of you know of Memmio's gang?" He asked Vachir and Ardrun before leaving. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir, still busy at looking at Split's equipment, paused for a moment and said "Don't think so, sorry." whispering to Sakura, Sakura looked about and prepared herself to stealthily climb back down into the crowd. She began to clamber down a supporting beam, keeping the wooden beam between her and most of the crowd. About halfway down she felt her hand slide and for a moment she slipped sideways. As she did, she saw one of the people in the crowd begin to look her way, and she was just able to pull herself back and behind the beam in time to avoid being seen whispering to Sakura, heart pounding fast, Sakura was able to right herself and then nimbly slip back down to the ground, where she quickly slipped into the crowd Sakura: (whispering): Sakura sighed with a hint of relief that she managed to get back safely. Now, it is time to meet Olloman. She strolled over there to claim her money back Tristan: (whispering): Tristan nodded and left the gladiator's room, looking around for the others and Holban. Vachir: (whispering): "Bah, I can sell this for a few gold pieces, anyway."said Vachir to himself, oblivious to the fact that Tristan had already left the room. Picking Split's equipment up and storing it in his backpack, he left the arena looking for a weapons' dealer whispering to Tristan, Tristan headed for the healer's room, where the vanquished gladiators were being tended to. Holban, however, had already left the room. "He said he was going to go and get his nephew's body and then leave," one of the healers told Tristan Tristan: (whispering): Tristan nodded and left the healer's room, looking for Holban. whispering to Sakura, one of Olloman's assistants gave Sakura her money while Olloman dealt with another patron whispering to Tristan, Tristan could see no sign of Holban, but he did see that Split's body had already been removed from the Pit Sakura: Sakura whistled happily as she attempt to meet up with her group. Tristan: Tristan was wandering around the arena when he saw Sakura. "How did things go on your end?" He asked, walking over to her. Vachir: Vachir successefully sold Split's weapons and armour - managing to avoid paying the tax - and then, after happily counting his money, went on his way to meet the others Sakura: Smiling wanely at Tristan, "Not bad." she whispered, "I managed to overhear some discussions but I would rather discuss this in private, away from here. In fact, I think it may be ideal to leave this building soon as possible." Sakura: She went to a location to meet with the group somewhere outside the Arena. Sleeping Dragon: along the way, Sakura began to fill them in on Sleeping Dragon: along the way, Sakura began to fill them in on what she had overheard in Sart's office. As they went, Ardrun got the feeling they were being followed. He pointed this out, and they began to keep a close eye out behind them. Sure enough, they noticed that the peddler from the Arena - Rafael told them his name was Quodan Zee - was trailing along behind them, at first at a distance but then, seeming to grow impatient, coming nearer.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Oct 2, 2008 19:39:31 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: along the way, Sakura began to fill them in on what she had overheard in Sart's office. As they went, Ardrun got the feeling they were being followed. He pointed this out, and they began to keep a close eye out behind them. Sure enough, they noticed that the peddler from the Arena - Rafael told them his name was Quodan Zee - was trailing along behind them, at first at a distance but then, seeming to grow impatient, coming nearer. Ardrun: "Let's turn a corner and grab him when he follows," said Ardrun quietly without looking back. Tristan: Tristan nodded, following Ardrun. Edivad: "Good idea."agreed Vachir, going with Tristan and Ardrun to catch the peddler Idris (enter): 19:38 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (7049) Idris... Sleeping Dragon: the group turned a corner and quickly moved into the shadows, ready to spring out and grab Zee when he came around the corner. The peddler soon turned the corner and his eyes went wide as he quickly glimpsed Ardrun, Tristan, and Vachir, who had not chosen their hiding places well. "Shit!" Zee cried Enrico: Enrico attempted to grab the man by the collar, but managed to do so only momentarily. Ardrun (enter): 19:54 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (7059) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(7013) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 19:54 Sleeping Dragon: "Come quietly, and we might not hurt you," said Sakura, stepping out of the shadows just to the right of Zee, who flinched, realising how badly outmatched he was. Idris: "We just want to talk to you." Rafael added, coming up beside Sakura. "Why were you skulking behind us?" Tristan: Tristan, seeing the man cowed, just leaned up against the side of the building he had tried to hide behind. Edivad: Vachir, who had previously stumbled and almost tripped while trying to hide, put his hands on his bow, just in case the man was foolish enough to try fleeing Sleeping Dragon: "I...I wasn't, I mean I was just..." Zee started, and then swallowed. "I...I heard something you were whispering earlier," he said, glancing at Sakura, "you said you'd overheard some discussions. I was just curious about what they were...was it about what's going on in the Arena? There's something bloody strange going on there, and I can't work out what it is." Idris: "What makes you think there's something strange going on?" Rafael asked. "You seem quite good at overhearing things yourself." Enrico: "You obviously want to tell us something. Come on, spill the beans already" Sleeping Dragon: "I don't...I mean, don't you think it's strange that that red woman just showed up in Malador from who-knows-where and had the money to set up a massive fighting pit? That building actually has bits made brick and stone, and no one around here can afford that sort of thing. Not that I'm ungrateful or anything, but I wonder what her game is, you know?" Ardrun: "It is curious..." agreed Ardrun. "Perhaps you could help us find out more about her." Idris: Rafael nodded. "It does seem curious. You have no idea where she, or her money, came from?" Sleeping Dragon: "I think she's from Adaria, somewhere in the southwest, which is a damn long way to come to live in a slum when you have that kind of money. It's not like they have a lack of land in Adaria." Idris: "She could have reasons for leaving of coure. Maybe she stole the money and ran away here." Rafael postulated. "Without any information it's hard to tell." Vachir: "This city is full of turmoil."shrugged Vachir "Maybe she thought she could somehow make a fortune here exploiting that?"he suggested Enrico: "Maybe she wants to take over Malador and rule the city as an omnipotent Queen. Or something else" Idris: "She certainly might have plans for Malador." Rafael agreed. "But should we be concerned about it?" he added, looking Zee in the eye. Sleeping Dragon: "Well, I don't know, but it's interesting at least. Do you want to look into it with me? Idris: "What's your interest in this?" Rafael asked. Enrico: "Sure. But first we make sure you're not their assasin" - With that, Enrico patted the man down quickly Sleeping Dragon: "Well I...hey!" Zee said, looking irritated as Enrico patted him down. He found that Zee carried a dagger, a sling with a few bullets, and some money - gold, and quite a bit of it as well, twenty-seven pieces and a fair amount of silver and copper. Idris: Rafael looked at what Enrico pulled from Zee's pockets. "You seem to be doing rather well out of the situation as it is. So I'll ask again, what is your interest in this?" Sleeping Dragon: "Uh...just curious, you know, I'm a concerned citizen." Idris: "Really." Rafael said dryly. "You'll have to do better than that. What is your true interest in this business? And no lying this time." Sleeping Dragon: Zee began to protest his innocence, but saw the look in Rafael and Sakura's eyes and he began to sputter. "Well, someone asked me to keep an eye on things, and you know...it's good money, could hardly say no." Idris: "Who asked you?" Rafael said. Enrico: "Very thoughtful with the money - it will go a long way to further our relationship so that it can blossom into a beautiful flower. If you don't tell us all you know, however, I'm going to have to cut up the flower and feed it to the pigs". Enrico smiled jovially as he looked straight into Zee's eyes and then hugged him affectionately. Sleeping Dragon: "Oh come on, I couldn't say that, I mean..." Zee yelped as Enrico hugged him and recoiled away in terror. "I...it was...oh shit...please, they'll fucking kill me if they find out I went behind their back, please, just let me go!" Tristan: Tristan frowned when he saw Enrico take the money, but made no move to say anything yet. Idris: "Come on, talk to us. And the truth please." Rafael said. "We won't take your gold." he added with a frown at Enrico. "But we want names." Ardrun: "If you help us, we will protect you," added Ardrun. Enrico: "And besides, good friends help each other. The gold you so generously donated might multiply before it gets back to you... but it all depends on what you say" Sleeping Dragon: Zee's shoulders sagged. "I...I'm not really from around here either, I from...ah...I'm from Torath." Zee was breathing heavily. "General Juthe ordered me to come and find out what the feeling was down here, see if there was any resentment that we might be able to use to...well..." Sleeping Dragon: edit: I'm from... Idris: Rafael stepped forward. "You're a Torathi spy? Why should we not kill you ourselves?" Enrico: "Good. See, it wasn't hard at all!" - Enrico gave him a hearty smack on the back Tristan: "Because he didn't have a choice in the matter." Tristan finally spoke. Idris: "So what report have you made to your masters?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: Zee stumbled and fell to the ground. "Oh for fuck's sake!" he wailed. He looked at Tristan and nodded profusely. "When you get ordered to do something and the order's got the fucking King's seal on it you don't get the choice to say no! It's not like it makes a difference, this city is utterly fucked." Ardrun: "Not if I have any say in it," said Ardrun. Vachir: Vachir lowered his bow, seemingly satisfied with the man's tale "So..."he asked to the others "What are we going to do with him? I think we agree we can't just let him go..."he trailed off Idris: "Get up man." Rafael said to the cowering Zee. "How do you contact your masters?" Enrico: "Of course we can. We're friends and friends trust and help each other. By the time we're done Zee here should have an ample amount of gold on his hands and we shall have all that he knows. Its a fair trade" Ardrun (enter): 21:08 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (7079) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(7059) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:09 Sleeping Dragon: "I...I go up into the Foot every few days to report. There's an inn in which one of the General's men will take out a room, it's called the Bell & Whistle. The General's man is Stanlon, he's one of the soldiers who came to Malador with him. I tell him what I've learned and then come back here...I was supposed to go to other districts by now but there's so much going on down here. All those gladiators have been giving speeches against the Council after their matches, we thought we might be able to incite a revolt or something, but I've got no way of getting close to Sart at all. It's not like I can become a gladiator." Sleeping Dragon: "Why do you people care if this city falls? You're not even from here, are you?" Ardrun: "Because people should have a say in their rule," said Ardrun simply. "If this city were to attack Torath, I would support the Torathi." Idris: "Are you suggesting the Torathi would make good masters?" Rafael asked Zee. "It seems you are terrified of them rather than feeling any loyalty." Sleeping Dragon: "When was a master ever good? What fucking world are you from?" Tristan: Tristan said nothing, watching the others. Idris: "This city may be corrupt, and the government has become weak, but there is freedom here that you will never know in Torath." Rafael answered. Sleeping Dragon: Zee laughed hysterically. "Don't be idiots. You're good fighters, but there are ten thousand Kingdom Guards, and King Darragan is a bloody First and has never lost a battle. Malador is completely doomed, this is just the last dance." Ardrun: "Torath may have numbers, but I do not yet know if it has the right resolve or unity. We shall see what happens. My life is not tied to Malador, but I will do what I can if I have the chance." Sleeping Dragon: Zee looked at the party fearfully. "What...what do you want me to do?" Zee swallowed. Enrico: "Keep doing what you are doing and inform us whenever something interesting happens." Sleeping Dragon: "Alright..." Zee slowly stood up. Ardrun: "You will do well following our instructions," added Ardrun. "If the city is attacked or we leave, and you have not betrayed us, we will let you go back to Torath or wherever you wish with some gold. No one must know you worked with us. And if we do well, you will also, as long as you are loyal. Your masters now seem less acommodating than that." Sleeping Dragon: Zee nodded. "Of course...you know where to find me if you need me." Enrico: "Right, and here's some pocket money so you don't have to beg" - Enrico pressed a couple of gold pieces in Zee's hand Sleeping Dragon: Zee took the money and put it away, then quickly left. Idris: "A weak man." Rafael said to the others as he watched Zee scuttle away. "That is what the First do to a man." Tristan: After Zee left Tristan walked over to Enrico. "You had no reason to take his money. We are doing far better ourselves." Enrico: "The First had nothing to do with it. As for the money, why don't you go start a monastery for political spies down on their luck. You could be the shining beacon of morality, inspiring greatness and humility." Tristan: "I have no such goals, I meerly believe that one already so oppressed does not need more hardship." Enrico: "If he's a good boy, he gets his money back with a surplus. Until then, they will do something other than pay for whores and cheap booze" Vachir: Vachir relaxed as he saw the man go, putting his bow back. "At least we got some useful information out of him." he said "As for what he said about the Red Woman..he did make a good point. But we should keep an eye on him, just in case" Idris: "We also need to find out what this Crimson Path means." Rafael said. "Maybe we should find someone with links to Adaria." Tristan: Tristan turned away from Enrico. "Indeed. Would Adder know of anyone?" Idris: "We can ask." Rafael said. "But Sakura suggested we should find somewhere else to stay." Idris: edit* delete that Ardrun: "If I recall correctly, Captain Gaston is from there," replied Ardrun. Ardrun: "And he is still in the city, unless his plans changed." Tristan: "Let us see him then." Idris: "We need to be most careful. We are very likely to be followed." Rafael warned. Idris: "It would probably be safer for one or two only to visit him." Ardrun: "It would probably be noticed if any of the gladiators left," said Ardrun. Idris: "That is true. I am willing to go then." Rafael volunteered. Sleeping Dragon: Sakura also agreed to go to meet Captain Gaston Vachir: "I guess that then we should stay at the inn, ready for any attackers that might come for us?"asked Vachir to Tristan and Ardrun whispering to Idris, Raf and Sakura left the others behind and made their way out of the Flow and back into the Mast & Mainsail inn in the Foot district, where Captain Gaston was staying. It was very late by the time they arrived, and they found the door locked, but with some wheedling Sakura was able to convince the innkeeper to allow them to go and wake Captain Gaston.
"Good evening, my friends! It's good to see you again, though I didn't expect you at such a late hour," said the Captain, who had quickly garbed himself in a long blue bed-robe. "What's the matter?" Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. "It would be good to catch them. We might be able to get information." Tristan: "Very well." Tristan nodded. Enrico: "I'm going to try to be less conspicous - maybe not be directly with you people - might net another perspective on what's going on" Idris: (whispering): Rafael looked at Sakura. "We have come into possession of some curious information and thought that you might be able to assist us in finding out what it meant," he began. "It may have an Adarian connection which is why we have come to you. Have you ever heard of the Crimson Path?" whispering to Idris, "The Crimson Path? No, I've never heard of it, why? Where did you..." Captain Gaston scratched his chin. "Actually...now that I think of it, a cousin of mine who owns a plantation in the west came into conflict with a group of madmen who were supposedly part of a group called the Via Sacra, or the Bloody Way. Perhaps they are the same as your Crimson Path?" Idris: (whispering): "I believe the people concerned also mentioned the Way." Rafael said, looking to Sakura for confirmation. whispering to Idris, Sakura nodded. "Hmm. Well, I don't remember the exact details, but basically my cousin's plantation was being raided by several outlaws. The matter would not have been of any concern, except that some survivors of the attacks reported that demons were among the outlaws, and the plantation was not too far from the ruins of Karatekos where the Demon-King once ruled. My brother eventually led a number of our family's retainers out and destroyed the outlaws, but wasn't able to get very much information for they were unusually determined and they all fought to the death. He did learn that there actually were demons with this group, however. Afterwards his men discovered some kind of religious texts in their camp which identified them as part of this strange cult. I never did find out precisely what was in the texts, but it was apparently rather rambling and insane, and left my cousin very troubled. He looked into the matter but couldn't find any evidence of the group having any further connections so he assumed they must have been an isolated collection of madmen." Idris: (whispering): "Demons fighting with them?" Rafael said surprised and concerned. "Some of these madmen must have escaped, and it appears that they may have come to Malador." whispering to Idris, "If so then that is very serious. This Via Sacra that my cousin Johnathan fought were truly deranged. It was odd...they had preyed upon travellers on the road by his plantation, and a number of times they actually attacked groups that were well-armed, while leaving those that were destitute and poor. At first my cousin thought they might be some kind of blasted revolutionaries, but it proved otherwise. I believe their texts emphasised tests of strength and the belief that humanity was worthless, and that only the strong deserved to continue to live." Enrico: With that, Enrico left quickly Idris: (whispering): "That explains a great deal." Rafael said. He looked at Sakura, wondering how much they should tell Captain Gaston. whispering to Idris, "If this cult is active in Malador then the Council should probably be informed. Such a group of lunatics would be bad news at the best of times, and now is possibly the worst of times they could have turned up." Idris: (whispering): Rafael frowned. "Do you think the Council honestly cares as long as these lunatics don't attack them? They would probably support such efforts of the poor to kill each other." whispering to Idris, Gaston frowned. "Well yes, the Council are a bad lot, but even they wouldn't want a dangerous cult creating disorder as the city is at the brink of war. They are corrupt, but not stupid." Tristan: Tristan, Vachir and Ardrun returned to the Rat's Burrow after Enrico. Tristan said nothing to the others and returned to his room. Idris: (whispering): Rafael looked unconvinced but he nodded. "We can try." Tristan: edit: after Enrico left. whispering to Idris, "I would be glad to help if I can. I know several of the Councillors personally and can convince them of the seriousness of the situation if that's what you wish me to do." Idris: (whispering): Rafael's face cleared. "Yes, that would be the best way. We will return to keep watch on the people involved. You will need their names. The chief is a woman called Sart, an Adanian, also known as the Red Lady Idris: (whispering): Rafael's face cleared. "Yes, that would be the best way. We will return to keep watch on the people involved. You will need their names. The chief is a woman called Sart, an Adanian, also known as the Red Lady. She has set up the arena in the Flow. Another is Sandelt, a fighting woman, and Alun, a gladiator in the same arena and a kind of feeble version of a revolutionary." whispering to Idris, "Alright. I'll be sure to pass this on first thing in the morning. Good luck, and be very careful." Idris: (whispering): Rafael nodded and they left. "It is too late to return to the Rat's Burrow tonight Sakura. We should return to our own homes until morning." whispering to Enrico, while the others went inside, Enrico disguised himself as a common labourer and headed outside, where he feigned to be drunk and hung around near a trash heap across from the Rat's Burrow. He dozed on and off periodically, but at length, quite a few hours later, he heard the noise of feet moving quite quietly up the street. He peered out, but could see nothing until the footsteps came nearer and then two figures emerged out of the shadows. They were two lean men, of athletic build, dark-garbed and masked, and they carried blackjacks in their hands. As they moved towards the Burrow, Enrico saw the pair look at him and speak briefly to each other, but it seemed they were taken in by his act and believed he was asleep, and leaving him they crept up to the door of the Burrow, where one retrieved a set of tools and began to pick the Burrow's crude lock. whispering to Enrico, the two men quickly picked the lock and slipped into the Burrow, heading on down the stairs. After a moment, Enrico followed them, creeping behind them at a safe distance. whispering to Ardrun, deep into the night, Ardrun suddenly heard the sound of feet coming towards the hallway where their rooms were. Plainly they were attempting to be stealthy, but Ardrun was expecting attack and heard them clearly. Ardrun: Ardrun tapped Vachir on the shoulder, then flicked the wall between them and Vachir lightly to signal him. He sat up and grabbed the hilt of his scimitar. whispering to Enrico, Enrico followed them down the stairs and through the common room, towards the small, cramped rooms where the party was staying Ardrun: *edit: them and Tristan Vachir: Understanding the signal, Vachir picked up his bow.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Oct 5, 2008 11:50:58 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Vachir and Ardrun waited by their door, carefully preparing their weapons as the sounds of the footsteps came nearer. whispering to Enrico, Enrico trailed safely after the two men, watching as they carefully opened the door into the hallway by the party's tiny rooms. One of them carefully opened the door to the first room, which Enrico knew to be empty, and peered in, holding his blackjack at the ready. whispering to Vachir, Vachir heard the door into the hallway leading to their rooms open and two sets of footsteps come through. There was then a second noise as the door to the first of the rooms was opened. Sakura: (whispering): After Sakura finally arrived at her house in the Foot, she settled her equipments on the table to consider what Captain mentioned to her. She felt pleased that everything seems to be going well for her group. Vachir: Gripping his bow, Vachir whispered to Ardrun as quietly as he could "They're coming, get ready." whispering to Enrico, Enrico saw the two men glance into the room, then speak quietly to each other. whispering to Enrico, "Not here?" one of them whispered. "I don't like this, this could be a trap. Let's check the next room, but if they're not there..." whispering to Enrico, Enrico saw them look into the second room, then speak to each other again whispering to Enrico, "Shit," one said. "They're either not here, or hiding somewhere..." "They might have doubled up in their rooms, there's supposed to be six of them." "That's no good, we can't expect to capture two and drag them both off. Let's get going, I've got a bad feeling about this." Sleeping Dragon: Vachir and Ardrun waited in anticipation. About a minute after they'd first heard the footsteps, there was a low thrum of a crossbow bolt flying down the corridor and the sound of a man swearing in surprise whispering to Enrico, Enrico lined up one of the assassins and fired his crossbow, but due to the cramped quarters his bolt flew wide and slammed into the door at the end of the corridor Sleeping Dragon: Tristan burst out of his room, sword in hand, and bore down on one of the two men in the corridor. They were lean and dressed all in black, and carried blackjacks. Before they could react, Tristan drove his blade thunderously into one's chest. It tore straight through his heart and the assassin fell, dead before he could even react. Ardrun: Ardrun pushed past Tristan, stepping on the fallen body of the first assassin, and with a quick flick of his scimitar he felled the other. Sleeping Dragon: Tristan wiped his blade clean on the dead assassin before moving to staunch the bleeding of the second. Vachir: Vachir got out of the room, and looked at the bodies of the two would-be-killers on the ground. "Are we sure there aren't any others around?"he asked, concerned Enrico: "I have a ballista and I'm not afraid to use it!" - a high-pitched voice came from the south, then gurgling, snorting laughter. Ardrun: Ardrun rolled his eyes. "Perhaps we should get the others here if we are going to question this one." whispering to Sakura, when Sakura got back she found Ehlana awake, nursing Feren who'd woken in the night. "Oh, good evening Mistress Sakura! Is everything alright?" Sleeping Dragon: "What the fuck is going on?" they heard Adder shout, and after a moment he burst through the door into the corridor. The innkeeper was stark naked, but carried a rapier at the ready in his hand. Ardrun: "Apparently someone didn't like us very much," said Ardrun calmly. "They're dealt with." Sleeping Dragon: Adder looked down the corridor. "Are either of them alive?" he said, pointing with his rapier. "I want to know who sent these cunts! Nobody fucks with the Burrow!" Ardrun: "Yes, this one's still breathing, Tristan made sure of that," said Ardrun. "We plan to talk to him when our friends arrive." Vachir: "Though I think we already know who sent him..."muttered Vachir Sleeping Dragon: "Good!" Adder said savagely. He left the corridor for a brief moment, then returned with a small sack. "Put that over his head," he said, throwing it to Ardrun Ardrun: Ardrun nodded to Vachir briefly, and said as Adder left "I'm not sure if we want to reveal that immediately." When Adder returned he put the sack on the assassin's head. Sleeping Dragon: "If you're not going to question this bastard now I'll go back to bed...just call me when you're ready to talk to him," said Adder. Ardrun: Ardrun nodded. Sakura: (whispering): Glancing at Ehlana, "Yes, everything are fine at the moment. Hopefully, my pursuit within Begger's Flow will soon be over. How are you settling here?" Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 20:20 Vachir: "We'll want to...dispose of the dead one too."said Vachir matter-of-factly pointing at the bloody body of the man killed by Tristan whispering to Sakura, "Quite well Mistress, though I think the other maid is rather angry at me...I'm afraid Feren has woken her up a few times." Sleeping Dragon: before going back to bed, Adder woke his bouncers and the two of them dressed and efficiently disposed of the slain assassin. Skyman (enter): 20:36 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (9861) Skyman... Sakura: "Good to hear then, I will have to talk to Martha about it. As for now, I will get to sleep for tomorrow's night." She got ready for bed and when it is tomorrow, she went out toward the Rat's Burrow, still in her cover as Gemma. Sleeping Dragon: Rafael went to meet Sakura at her house and the two of them made their way to the Burrow, where they discovered that the group had been attacked in the night, but that they had killed one of the assassins and taken the second prisoner. Sakura: Gemma smiled warily at the group, "I am so pleased that you guys managed to catch them. Have anyone try to press the captive for his knowledges yet?" Ardrun: "Not yet. We waited for you. Adder wants to help interrogate, he told us to wake him up when we're ready. But I'm not sure how much information we want revealed to others." Idris: Rafael agreed. "But he won't like to be told to keep out when it's happened in his own inn." Sakura: "Nevertheless, we could tell him after we all finished flittering the captive. Beside, he own this place, what of it, that it." Ardrun: "He might be suspicious of our motives if we don't let him see though. We don't want bad rumors about us circulating." Sakura: "What I meant is we can tell him rest of the information if the captive mentioned it." Vachir: "Bad rumors about us?"shrugged Bolgar "Bah. They already sent people to kill us anyway..." Idris: "These won't be the first assassins the Red Woman sends against us. We should likely move on anyway." Rafael said. Sakura: "Yes. Shall I ask our captive very nicely?" Ardrun: "They don't like us, but we could turn more against us if information comes out that we killed a couple of men and hid the reasons. Whereas if Adder hears what they say about our enemies, it might harm them." Sakura: "You are right Ardrun. We do need some allies in this cresspit. Who know, this barkeep might even be useful!2 Idris: "As far as we know neither Sart not her assassins are aware of our true mission in the Arena, so there is no reason to keep Adder out of the questioning." Rafael said. "And if they did say more, why should he believe it?" Ardrun: Ardrun nodded, and went to wake up Adder. Enrico: What looked like a down-on-his-luck laborer with a smell of garbage around him walked over and stared at the assasin. Enrico: What's with all the discussion? Just break his fingers till he tells us what he knows" Sakura: "Enrico, can you bring Adder in?" Sleeping Dragon: Adder woke up and told the party to bring the surviving assassin into his personal kitchen. The room was utterly filthy, with dirty clothes and empty bottles of alcohol strewn across the floor, but it was the one of the few rooms in the Burrow large enough to fit Adder, the whole party, and the assassin Sakura: She Sakura: When everything settled down, she opened up with asking very nicely, "We know you are not coming here for your reason. Instead, someone or something dispatched you and your sadly departed colleague to kill us. So, who send you and your mate?" Sleeping Dragon: The assassin waited for a while. "If I tell you will you...let me go?" Sakura: Sakura glanced up the dirty ceiling of this building, thinking it over. "Well... the chance of you leaving here alive would be higher if you do not tell us." Sakura: EDIT: Sakura glanced up the dirty ceiling of this building, thinking it over. "Well... the chance of you leaving here alive would be higher if you do tell us." Tristan (enter): 21:23 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (9877) Tristan... Enrico: "If you work with us, you'll be rewarded. If you do not cooperate, I will slice you up starting from the fingers." - Enrico said in a calm voice. "Your call" Sleeping Dragon: the assassin looked roughlly in Sakura's direction, then towards Enrico's voice. He swallowed hard and then spoke. "Alright...I work for Memmio, he gave us a contract to capture a dark-skinned, blond woman who's been hanging around those three new gladiators, Ardrun, Tristan, and Vachir," he said. Tristan: "What for?" Ardrun (enter): 21:30 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (9883) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(9861) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:30 Sleeping Dragon: "Memmio gives me orders, not explanations," said the assassin. "But Rav...he thought that he'd seen one of the gladiators from the Arena talking to Memmio, he's probably the one that took out the contract." Idris: "Which gladiator?" Rafael asked. Sakura: "Describe him" She snapped back Sleeping Dragon: "Umm...shit, I don't follow the Arena..." the assassin sighed and 'looked' at the ceiling. "Rav went a few times, he thought it was that loud one who likes to mouth off after his matches. He couldn't remember his name." Idris: "The one who goes on about the Council?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "That one, yes. I didn't see him so I don't know what he looks like." Sakura: Sakura met Rafael's eyes, "That seems to suggest someone we may know." Idris: Rafael nodded but put his finger to his lips. "You must have heard more than that. Why did Rav think about this job?" Idris: edit* "What did Rav think about this job?" Vachir: Vachir waited patiently and in silence while the others interrogated the prisoner Sleeping Dragon: "He wondered why we were just supposed to capture someone rather than kill them, which I thought was odd too. Not often much call for that. I think this gladiator meant to use this woman to lure these other three into a trap of some sort." Idris: "Where and when are you supposed to be handing her over?" Sleeping Dragon: "We're supposed to be bringing her back to Memmio's...how long ago did you knock me out? We were supposed to go straight back." Idris: "Where is Memmio's place?" Rafael asked. Enrico: "You'll show us where it is. Let's go" Sleeping Dragon: "It's down by the Body Pits, in Pigeon Lane," he said. Idris: "Hold on." Rafael said to Enrico. "I have an idea. Come over here" Idris: Rafael moved away from the assassin and spoke quietly to Enrico. "These men were dressed in black with masks. If we take this one with us, and one of us dresses the part, we could get right into Memmio's place. Sakura as hostage of course. Them we deal with them." Idris: edit* then we deal with them Ardrun: "It's been a few hours already," said Ardrun in response to the man's question about the time. "We should hurry, whatever we're going to do." Enrico: "Any passwords or things Memmio will recognize?" Sleeping Dragon: "'The crow roosts at dawn,' was meant to be our password," he said. Idris: "You'll be coming with us." Rafael said. "We need you to get us into Memmio's place." Sakura: Sakura looked seriously at them, "Make sense. At least we will be dealing with the heart of this problem more efficently." Idris: "Are you willing to play the part?" Rafael asked her, equally serious. "You'll need to pretend to be the victim here." Enrico: "How many captives are we taking?" Sakura: "I am quite willing but I can only try to do my best." Tristan: "I do not know if that would be a safe plan." Tristan shook his head. "Though, I do not have a better one. I would prefer a diferent plan if we can come up with one." Vachir: "It does sound dangerous to infiltrate their headquarters."commented Vachir as he listed to his companions' plans Sakura: Sakura glanced at Vachir, "We can always infiltrate and raid the buildings. We do hav elements of suprise" Idris: "They only intended to take one captive. So we'll turn up with one. Someone must play the part of Rav. And this gentleman here," he indicated the hooded assassin, "will play himself. On pain of death if he fails. The rest will be ready to attack." Sleeping Dragon: "This sounds like a very dangerous plan that could backfire badly and result in a bloodbath. So I'm in." Adder said with a crooked smile. "No one fucks with my inn or my guests." Sakura: Sakura looked carefully at assassin's reply Enrico: "May I suggest arson instead?" Idris: "Burned bodies will tell us nothing though." Rafael replied. "This way we may be able to get more answers." Sakura: "Beside, we may get more leads. I will not be happy until we dealt with every single aspects of threat facing me and Ardrun and us." Tristan: "There may also be innocents in the building." Sakura: Nodding back at Tristan, "You are right, we all have to be very careful on this." Idris: "It's possible. And arson would draw immediate attention. If we can get in there quietly we can have some time to ask questions." Enrico: "I somehow doubt that lackeys used for dirty work get to be in charge, but the opportunity is there. Now, if only we could stop talking and get there before dawn" Idris: "Do you reckon you're about the same size as the dead man?" Rafael asked Enrico. Enrico: Enrico didn't answer, but rather undressed the dead assasin and put on his clothes and mask. Clutching the bloodied part of the garment, he stumbled around somewhat, groaning about bastard gladiators who don't know when to give up. Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 22:34 Enrico: *but slipped the dead assasins clothes on and donned the mask. Sakura: Sakura was pleased that her leather armours are under her clothings and hidden her daggers in the clothings as well. She stood ready to be tied up or at least look like hostage. Idris: Rafael leaned down to speak in the live assassin's ear. "A little bit of play-acting and you can go, free as a bird. Any funny business and our friends here will take you apart. Is that agreed?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes," said the assassin. "I'm Dag, by the way. You'll have a hard time playing Rav if you don't even know my name." Enrico: "No point in using threats or intimidation. He steps out of line, anyone can cut his throat" Idris: Rafael took the bag off the man's head. "Right Dag, meet Rav." he indicated Enrico in the bloodstainded clothes. Sleeping Dragon: Dag blinked, his eyes adjusting to the light again, and looked over at Enrico, rubbing his eyes. "Bloody hell. I wager you could probably convince Rav's own mother you were him." Enrico: "Must have had a bad time growing up - with a mask on his face. Let's go." Sleeping Dragon: they left the Burrow, with Enrico and Dag moving on ahead with Sakura as their 'prisoner', while the others, with Adder in tow, came along after them, approaching Pigeon Lane from several different directions.
Pigeon Lane was notable for its relative lack of its titular bird, a fact Dag quickly explained. "Memmio runs a few 'kitchens' hereabouts," he told Enrico and Sakura. "Good meat on pigeons and you needn't pay a single copper piece." Sakura: Gemma looked around nervously as she led into the area. Sleeping Dragon: Pigeon Lane was a long street, notable in the Flow for its length and the relative sanity of its layout - there were few of the random meandering alleys or streets which curved back on themselves that were commonplace elsewhere in the Flow.
at the bottom of Pigeon Lane was a semi-circular series of buildings, among which was Memmio's headquarters, a building which was, at a glance, notable only for how much larger it was than the hovels surrounding it. "We'll go to the back door," Dag told them. The back-door proved to be neither the main door into the building or the door around the back, but rather, the entrance to one of the hovels around back of the headquarters. "There's a few tunnels in the surrounding houses leading into the basement," Dag explained. "The upstairs is too small for Memmio's needs." When they reached the smaller hovel, Dag knocked and waited until someone came to the door, opening it a crack. "The crow roosts at dawn," Dag greeted him. There was a grunt of acknowledgement and the door opened. Sleeping Dragon: inside the hovel was tiny, no more than a single room containing a bed and, it would seem, nothing more. Appearances were deceptive, however - the burly, one-eyed man inside laboriously moved his bed to uncover a trapdoor leading down into a warren of tunnels. "Took you two a while," the man grunted as he worked. "This bitch gave you trouble?" Enrico: "Her bodyguard was a determined one" Sakura: Sakura's glared at Enrico and looked sad for a moment, "Poor Ardrun...." Sleeping Dragon: "Tsk, did you kill him? Pity, he'd have been a good bet in the Arena for a long time to come," he said. Finishing the movment of the bed, the man raised the trap door and stepped aside to allow them through. Rusty iron rungs set into the wall led down into the vast cellars, which were lit throughout with carefully placed torches Idris: Outside, Rafael and the others kept out of sight. "You know this area Adder." he said. "What's the best way to get in there in a hurry?" Sleeping Dragon: Dag led Enrico and Sakura down into the cellars, which had floors of hard-packed earth supported throughout by wooden struts. The cellars were huge, with many small side rooms. From some came the sounds of people sleeping or, alternately, drinking or dicing, while from others wafted strange alcoholic or narcotic smells.
They made their way to a large circular chamber in the middle of the complex, where Memmio, a lean, greying man in his mid-40s, stood wearily by a wall, leaning on a staff. "You've had a bit of a struggle, have you?" Memmio greeted in a low, husky voice. Sleeping Dragon: "It's hard to tell. Buildings around here fall down and get replaced so often that the layout's not too familiar," said Adder. "I'd have thought we go up on that hill there and then run down at the first sign of trouble through those houses there." Sleeping Dragon: Adder reached under his cloak and drew out a bottle of some foul smelling liquor which he drank as he waited. Idris: Rafael looked up at the hill and nodded. "Seems the best way." Enrico: "One of them woke up before we got to him. The rest weren't so lucky" Sleeping Dragon: Memmio raised an eyebrow. "That is going somewhat above and beyond your contract. We were given no instructions on how the others were to be treated however so it's not of terrible concern. Matt, go and find our client and bring him here," Memmio instructed one of the bodyguards present in the room. Memmio glanced at Sakura. "I wonder what it is you've done to merit such attention. A vendetta at the Arena, perhaps? Some other gladiator deciding he wants a chance to get into another's squeeze? It's very curious."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Oct 12, 2008 19:59:40 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: at Memmio's orders, Matt made his way out of the room while Memmio continued to examine Sakura. "Dag, go speak to Taras, get some giggles and bring it back. This is something to celebrate." Dag looked uncertain, but nodded and also left the room. Memmio clapped his hands sharply. "So, Rav! Tell me how the job went, I'm curious as to what took you quite so long to get back." Rafael ben Efrim: As they waited, Rafael spoke quietly to the others. "We should work out a plan to get in there. Maybe a couple of us could sneak in, while the others made a diversion? Adder, do you know of anything that might work?" Vachir: "I'd be willing to try and sneak there, if someone else comes with me."said Vachir Enrico: "I think they knew we were coming, boss. Bastards were up and in full gear for quite a bit - and then relaxed and gave us an opportunity right before I was gonna leave" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "The two of us might manage, but Ardrun and Tristan....they can take the attention off us." Tristan: Tristan nodded. "We can keep them distracted if you need to slip inside." Sleeping Dragon: "Hmm..." Adder took another drink as he thought. "That's probably the best idea. You two run down and draw as much attention to you as you can, the rest of us use the diversion to sneak in." Rafael ben Efrim: "That sounds like a plan." Rafael agreed. "We need to incapacitate the door guards very quickly to stop them raising the alarm." he added to Vachir. Enrico: "I tell you though, they were ready to strike - weapons and all. It's like somebody tipped them off. Had a couple of jury-rigged warning devices around the perimeter as well" whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Tristan, as they spoke, a tall man emerged from one of the series of buildings and made his way westwards, away from where the party was currently waiting on the hill Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael suddenly stared over at one of the buildings. "That might be another entrance down there. I think it may be worth checking out." Sleeping Dragon: "Hmm. Troublesome," said Memmio. "Did someone warn you then? Who?" Tristan: "Looks like it." Tristan agreed, looking over in the same direction. Sleeping Dragon: edit: he asked Sakura Sakura: Sakura's eyes looked upset for a moment, "Still, that give you no excuse dealing with Ardrun like that. No idea. He did not tell me anything. Ardrun would know!" She glared at Enrico. Enrico: "They had some vomit-eating bum for a lookout, trying to be all inconspicuous. I shook him till the answers fell out" Rafael ben Efrim: "How about I go down there?" Rafael asked the others, indicating the house. "If there's an entrance I'll signal like this." he made a gesture with his hand. Sleeping Dragon: Dag returned after a moment, holding a few vials which he handed to Memmio. "You sound unhappy," he said to Sakura. "Life is too short to sulk, my dear. Have a little bit of happiness." Memmio unstoppered one of the vials and seized Sakura's head with his free hand. Tilting it back abruptly, he poured the vial down Sakura's throat, as his two bodyguards snorted with laughter. Sleeping Dragon: Adder shrugged. "How long should we give you before we follow?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Just watch me, I'll call you down as soon as I can see what's there." Rafael said. whispering to Sakura, thick powder poured down Sakura's throat, choking and burning as it tore down into her. Her head spun violently and she felt a bit sick, but she summoned all her strength to resist the drug. As the drug began to course through her blood, she began to feel a bit giggly and light-headed, but she could still control herself and didn't feel too hampered by its effects Sakura: Knowing what it effects are, she sighed with pleasures as she stood up. Rafael ben Efrim: "If it's no good I'll come back quickly." Rafael continued. "Otherwise I'll hold up my hand once for each person I see there." Sakura: She is looking unstable for a moment, as if her phyiscal balance was affected Sleeping Dragon: "That should be better," said Memmio. "So, do you have any idea why this person Alun wanted to send knifemen after you, my dear? I'm very curious. Or did Ardrun not tell you anything that was going on?" Sakura: Sakura smiled rather unconcernedly, "Not really. Just powerful group of the Teeth pirate captains was looking into something. A treasure hidden here. That what Ardrun told me/" Ardrun (enter): 20:16 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1393) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Rafael sneaked down towards the semi-circle of buildings, with Vachir deciding to follow. They made their way down, flitting from building to building, ducking so they couldn't be seen from the three shacks they sneaked past. They approached the building which the tall man had just left, trying to peer in through the window. Sakura: She frowned happily for a moment, "But his mates said that they was here for one simple purpose. But I am sorry that I do not have any ideas. I would tell you you know!?!" whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Rafael saw rough looking men with clubs at hand in two of the buildings they passed, and another in the one they were approaching Rafael ben Efrim: As they scuttled down into hiding by the building, Rafael whispered to Vachir. "This is a nest of vipers. Did you see the armed men in the buildings we passed?" Sleeping Dragon: "Hmm...a treasure? Maybe there'll be more money in this than we'd thought!" Memmio exclaimed. "The others will want to hear about this! Dag, Rav, go and get Strahl and Stone and the boys and bring them back so they can hear about this pirate's treasure." Memmio indicated the two exits from the room with his staff. Vachir: Vachir blushed in embarassement, shaking his head to show that he had indeed missed them whispering to Enrico, Sakura, as he spoke, Memmio's voice cracked slightly and he looked uncertain, and Enrico was suddenly sure that Memmio knew Sakura was lying whispering to Sakura, as he spoke, Memmio's voice cracked slightly and he looked unsure. Did he know Sakura was lying? Sleeping Dragon: Dag gave Enrico a look, then made his way down the bottom passage Enrico: Enrico nodded and followed Dag. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael was looking towards the house where the man had exited. "Can you see anything in there?" he whispered. Vachir: Vachir shook his head again Sleeping Dragon: "Other way, Rav!" Memmio shouted, pointing to the opposite passage Sakura: She glanced at Memmio, smiling softly. whispering to Vachir, looking in carefully, Vachir saw that inside the building was a shaven-headed man in rough leathers. It was quite a large and yet empty building, with only a bed and desk with a chair on the opposite wall. As he looked in, Vachir saw the man glance out the window and then reach for a club as he suddenly spotted Rafael as he peered in. Vachir: Vachir gestured to Rafael nervously "He's spotted you, quick! We must kill him before he warns the others." Vachir: add: he said Sleeping Dragon: just as Vachir spoke, the door flew open and a big man burst out, club in hand. Vachir: Taking a step back, Vachir shot an arrow in the thug's thigh, wounding him Sleeping Dragon: at Memmio's word, Enrico turned around and went up the other passageway Sleeping Dragon: "Look!" Adder hissed to Ardrun and Tristan, pointing down as Vachir drew his bow and fired. Rafael ben Efrim: Quick as a flash Rafael leaped and tumbled past the thug, sliding his dagger into the man's back. The thug collapsed without a sound. Tristan: Tristan drew his sword, but waited for the signal to attack. Ardrun: Ardrun followed suit and waited grimly. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael stepped outside and signalled to the others, indicating there were two men in the other houses. He then helped Vachir drag the body inside. Silently he crouched down and slid his dagger into the man's throat. Vachir: "Good job."commented Vachir after they had executed the man whispering to Enrico, Enrico headed back along by the passage they had taken before, passing by a set of iron rungs leading to a trap door and on towards a set of small rooms. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded and started looking about the room. Ardrun (enter): 20:56 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1404) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1393) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 20:57 Tristan: "Do you think we could take those two sentries?" Tristan asked Ardrun and Adder, preparing to move towards one of the buildings indicated. Sleeping Dragon: searching the house quickly, Rafael and Vachir were able to find a trap door hidden beneath the chair of the desk against the far wall. Carefully raising it, they found a set of iron rungs leading down. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael grinned at Vachir. "You or me first?" Sleeping Dragon: "So, tell me about this group of pirates then," Memmio told Sakura, leaning heavily on his staff Vachir: "Go first, I'll be behind you with my bow."replied Vachir as they prepared to go down the ladder Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael listened for a moment then started quietly and slowly down the ladder. Tristan: Tristan started to move to one of the buildings but changed his mind, instead waiting. He clenched and relaxed his sword hand impatiently. Ardrun (enter): 21:13 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1406) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1404) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:13 Sakura: Sakura replied rather eagerly, "Someone called Gundri Goldtooth who is Captain of the Bloody Boar, that is a name I heard often enough." Enrico: Meanwhile, Enrico nearly sprinted towards the original meeting point, hoping that the party is still there Sleeping Dragon: "Good name that," said Memmio. "Whoever that is coming down the stairs with what I presume is supposed to be stealth, please identify yourselves!" he added in a shout, putting his staff up under Sakura's throat Sakura: "That woman in Arena got a connection with him. After all, she did appear with load of pretty coins. Did you ever wonder about that?" Tristan: Tristan noticed Enrico and moved to meet him. "What's happening?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael urgently indicated to Vachir to get back up the steps. Then he moved down the rest of them and stepped onto the floor. Vachir: Vachir, following his companion advice, quickly retreated Tristan: *nevermind whispering to Enrico, Enrico made his way back to the set of steps and climbed up to the trap-door Enrico: "He's got thugs at his disposal, but just a couple in the room I were in. I was sent to fetch the remainder to come hear out Sakura's fairy tale." Enrico: *edit - disregard last Sleeping Dragon: Raf stepped down onto the floor and found himself in a broad circular chamber with a table at the centre. The floors of the cellar were earthen and it was supported throughout with wooden beams. In the room were Sakura, whose hands were tied. In front of her was a lean, greying man who held a staff to her throat, and behind him were two burly guards with clubs and bucklers. Sakura: Sakura attempt to untie the ropes without getting seen by others. Sakura: with the ropes still on* Ardrun (enter): 21:31 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1412) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1406) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:32 Rafael ben Efrim: "My name is Geraldus." Rafael said coldly as he stared at the tableau before him."And that's my friend you have tied up there." Sakura: Sakura smiled even wider, "Geraldus!" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes, I know, she's been telling me a load of cobblers about pirates. You will shortly be rather badly outnumbered so you should probably tell me what you're doing, very quickly." whispering to Enrico, Enrico banged on the trap-door and was shortly let up into the hut of the burly one-eyed man who had let them through earlier. "Heading off already, are you Rav?" Enrico: (whispering): "Memmio wants something done, fast. I'll be right back" - with that, Enrico ran outside. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael took a step forward, his manner that of a man barely holding his fury in check. "You dare ask me what I'm doing?" he hissed. "When you sent your hired murderers to slay my companions and abduct my friend? What the fuck is this all about?" Vachir: Vachir waited nervously outside, trying to hear to what the people down where saying, but he couldn't understand much of it Sleeping Dragon: "Strictly, I only sent my hired murderers to abduct your friend, the slaying was something they seem to have taken on themselves." Memmio thought quickly. "Except that you'd then be dead so..." Memmio suddenly went pale. "You are...clever..." he said, suddenly stepping back and away from Sakura. "I've just realised how deep your deception runs. It's really quite good...I'm just curious, did you convince Dag and Rav to turn against me, or are the two who appeared to be them some of you in disguise? Either way it's very clever." whispering to Tristan, Tristan looked down and saw Enrico run out of the house he had gone in through earlier whispering to Tristan, Ardrun, Enrico emerged from the house and gave the signal they had prepared Tristan: Tristan nodded and moved to meet Enrico. "Let's go." Rafael ben Efrim: "What are you talking about?" Raf asked as if confused. "Your filthy murderers dragged Gemma here, and I followed them. Your fool upstairs left the trapdoor open when he left, and I came down. Who the fuck are Dag and Rav?" Rafael ben Efrim: As he spoke Rafael gripped the dagger he had hidden, and breathed slowly, preparing for the attack. Sakura: Sakura's expression shifted to perfectly serious as she let the ropes fallen to the floor and took a dagger from the folds of her clothes. And suddenly launched an attack Sakura: onto Memmio. Sleeping Dragon: "This is getting tiresome. I know that you're one of the men that was travelling with the gladiators and this woman here. The men who brought your friend here said that they'd killed all of you, so blatantly they are lying and so are you. Now..." Memmio's words were cut off as Sakura abruptly hurled herself at him Tristan: Tristan moved towards where Enrico was. Enrico: Enrico just waved ahead and jumped back into the building. He pulled out his crossbow and fired at the unsuspecting guard Sakura: However, despite her surprise attack, Memmio was sneaky enough to avoid the attack. She swore nastly as it appeared it did not work and settled down, her eyes watching the tiger and his kittens. Sleeping Dragon: "Guard my back!" Memmio told his men, turning and sprinting down the corridor Sleeping Dragon: "ATTACK! GET YOUR WEAPONS! WE'RE UNDER ATTACK!" he shouted as he ran Ardrun (enter): 22:00 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1420) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1412) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 22:00 Rafael ben Efrim: "Get down here quick!" Rafael called to Vachir. Sleeping Dragon: the two thugs moved away from Rafael and Sakura, blocking the corridor which Memmio had just fled down Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael moved up close to Sakura. "Don't do anything stupid." he said to the thugs, showing them his dagger. Ardrun (enter): 22:08 Sleeping Dragon: the guard grunted as Enrico's bolt struck him. "What's got into you Rav?" he cried, drawing his club and swinging at Enrico, striking him hard. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1427) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1420) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 22:09 Ardrun (enter): 22:11 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1430) Ardrun... Sakura: Sakura looked at these two thugs and smiled, "But as it is, we got what we want from your boss. Let go, Geraldus." She twisted around and ran toward where Rafael came in/ Ardrun (enter): 22:14 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1434) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: seeing the signal, Adder ran down the hill and towards the buildings with a bloodthirsty cry Tristan: Tristan also ran towards the buildings. Rafael ben Efrim: "We're coming out!" Rafael shouted to Vachir. Vachir: Seeing Sakura coming back, Vachir decided to not go downstairs, instead waiting for his companions to come out Enrico: Enrico nearly collapsed after a heavy blow from the club. Bleeding, he moved back. Sleeping Dragon: Ardrun moved forward towards the building Enrico had just fled from. The guard there had a chance to gape in surprise before Ardrun's scimitar flashed out and bit deep into him, hurling him unconscious to the floor Enrico: "They are waiting for me to get the rest of them together. We should run them through before they know what's happening." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael ran over to the bottom of the ladder and stood there. "After you," he said to Sakura. Sleeping Dragon: the doors to two of the buildings opened and two more guards stepped out, one very near to Tristan, Adder, and Enrico. Seeing how badly outnumbered he was, he promptly turned and ran towards the other guard, who advanced towards Tristan and the others Sakura: Sakura clambered up the ladder like a monkey to the top quickly Sakura: she greeted Vachir and said, "At least we got what we came for." Ardrun (exit): 22:42 Sleeping Dragon: drawing his rapier in a flash, Adder charged at one of the guards, but his blade stabbed wide. "Nobody attacks my guests, you fuckers!" Adder shouted Ardrun (exit): 22:43 Ardrun (exit): 22:47 Tristan: Tristan rushed at the thug, hitting him hard. Vachir: Seeing a thug outside approach the building he was in, Vachir deftly fired two arrows at him. The man was severely wounded, however he was still conscious. Sleeping Dragon: Adrun rushed around the corner and flung himself into the air, slicing down at the remaining guard, but his blade sliced wide Enrico: Enrico fired off a bolt at the fleeing thug, barely scraping the mans side. Since the man was already wounded and dragging his feet, the puny wound was enough to drive him to the ground. Rafael ben Efrim: Once Sakura was up the ladder, Rafael leaped up the rungs after her. "Vachir, what's happening up here?" Sleeping Dragon: the remaining guard, badly outnumbered, threw down his club and held his hands up in the air. Sakura: Sakura strolled out of the room, dagger in her hand and glanced out. Tristan: "Where's Memmio?" Tristan asked the surrendered thug quickly. Sleeping Dragon: "He's down in the cellars!" he replied. Sakura: yeah Sakura: Sakura sprinted toward the small group surrounding the thug. Enrico: "I could have told you that!" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael followed Sakura to the others. Vachir: Vachir, ignoring Rafael's question, went to join the others Sleeping Dragon: Adder circled the man to prevent any possible escapes, muttering angrily as he did Tristan: Tristan saw the others come out of the house. "You're all right. Good." He then moved towards the house they had left, weapon still drawn. Rafael ben Efrim: "Memmio's gone to get his thugs together down there." Rafael said to the others. "Should be ready for them to appear. Shall we bring this man in and question him?" Sleeping Dragon: "Are we sticking around to fight the whole lot of them, or what? I'd like to sheath my rapier in Memmio's throat myself," said Adder. Sakura (enter): 23:06 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (1463) Sakura... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(1365) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 23:06 Tristan: "I have some questions to ask him first." Tristan said, looking into the building. "How long will it take for him to come out?" He asked the thug. Rafael ben Efrim: "And what did you learn down there?" Rafael asked Enrico and Sakura. Sleeping Dragon: "Uhh...I don't know. What's going on? Who are you?" Rafael ben Efrim: "We're people who object to our friends being kidnapped." Rafael said. Enrico: Seeing Sakura come out unscathed, Enrico's brows furrowed. "Give some premonition as to what you want to do next time - we could have been cut down thinking our reinforcements have our backs" Sleeping Dragon: the guard looked confused and frightened Sakura: "Memmio was in fact hired by someone called Alun to perform certain job of kidnapping me." Rafael ben Efrim: "Right, that begins to make sense." Rafael answered quietly. "We should get out of the open." Sakura: "We know who Alun is, do we" Sakura nodded Sakura: Sakura considered several choices, "I have no desire to face full gang at the moment. These houses look very... burnable..." Rafael ben Efrim: "Yes. Do you know if they were going to take you to him or bring him here?" Rafael asked. "Do you want to start a war with Memmio's people?" Sakura: "I did say I do not want to did I? Nevertheless, you do have the point. As for Alun, he mentioned that he is coming here." Tristan: Disconnecting from server... Tristan (exit): 23:17 Rafael ben Efrim: "Now?" Rafael asked. "If so we should perhaps forestall his meeting with Memmio. While Alun is unaware of all that has happened here. Maybe even capture him. He must have answers which these people certainly don't" Sleeping Dragon: Adder sheathed his blade. "Hmph, fine, I'll kill Memmio some other time. This Alun appears to be the one behind the attack on the Burrow anyway. How many people went to get Alun, was it just the one?" Enrico: "I'm still dressed like one of Memmio's lackeys - could lead him into a trap Enrico: " Sakura: She nodded back, "That might work." She glanced at Adder, "Adder, it was Alun that hired these people to hurt your guests. No doubt you got a desire to enlighting discussion with Alun." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "Do we know what route he would take?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes, he went that way," said Adder, pointing off westwards. "We saw him come out. Or at least I'm guessing that's who it was." Enrico: "So he knows about us already?" Sakura: "I would think he only know about me as kidnapped and rest of our little group died." Sakura replied Enrico: "No, no. You saw him leaving the building when?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Ah, that tall man who left the house there?" Rafael said. "How are we going to do this? All wait for Alun on the way and jump him? How do we ensure Memmio doesn't send a runner to warn him? Or follow us with his remaining thugs?" Sleeping Dragon: "Follow the fellow that went to get Alun and ambush them closer to...wherever he is now. Do we know where he is?" asked Adder Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael frowned. "Did Memmio mention the Arena or anywhere else?" Sakura: "I am not sure. To be honest" She replied back Rafael ben Efrim: "So they could arrive from any direction." Rafael sighed. "And there's a cellar full of angry thugs about to explode here no doubt. We really could do with cutting down the opposition a little." Sakura: She glanced back at the wounded thug, "Ever heard of Alun and if so, any idea of the direction?" She smirked Sleeping Dragon: "Isn't he likely to take the same route back that he took there? Let's go that way," he pointed west, "and watch out for them." Sleeping Dragon: "Uhh...Alun? Isn't he a gladiator?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael agreed. "Something must be done about this man." he said, indicating the gang member. Enrico: "I'll lead the way up ahead and get him to supposedly meet Memmio someplace else. Someplace being some dead-end next to the rest of you are" Sakura: "Knock him out?" She suggested Sleeping Dragon: "I agree," Adder said to Rafael, swiftly slamming his fist into the man's head. The man toppled and fell. "We should probably hide him somewhere, if Memmio and his boys burst up here and wake him up they'll know what they're doing. Unless we're going to just kill him, which would probably be easier." Sleeping Dragon: edit: they'll know what we're doing Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael crouched down and sliced the man's throat open before anyone could respond. Sleeping Dragon: Adder blinked. "Bloody hell, didn't think you were the type. Let's go then." Sakura: She sighed for a moment, "Agreed, Let go." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael cleaned his dagger and put it away. "We can't afford the chance the gang could find him and bring him round." Rafael ben Efrim: "I suggest we make it look as if we are setting off in another direction to fool any gang members watching us from hiding." he said as they moved away. Sleeping Dragon: "I know a shortcut. Follow me," said Adder, setting off back up Pigeon Lane. Sakura: She did met up with Ardrun to get her crossbow and bolts. Sakura was pleased to see Ardrun was doing just fine. Sakura: and with her weapon ready to shoot, she went after Adder. Sleeping Dragon: Adder made his way back up Pigeon Lane, but once they were out of sight of the headquarters he abruptly turned to his left and made his way behind a large ramshackle building with a small fence surrounding its pitifully small back yard. Adder jumped the fence and crossed the yard, allowing them to quickly join a larger street heading in the direction Matt had taken. As they went, a greying woman leaned her head out of the window, aghast at all the people tramping past her house, and then noticed Adder. "Arasp! Get out of my yard! And where's my fucking money?"
"You'll have your money later Alys, fuck off!" Adder replied, continuing on his way. "She cheats at cards," he offered by way of explanation. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael gave a short laugh. "I hope we're not going to be pestered too much by the locals. How easy is it going to be to attack Alun without being too noticeable? We don't want word getting back to the Arena" Sakura: Sakura smiled, "It need to be quick then." Sleeping Dragon: "How would I know? I figure we should find some good spot around here on the route back to Memmio's and wait for him there. If I remember rightly, Amarana Sart is supposed to live somewhere nearby with a bunch of her henchmen...I don't know if Alun would be one of them but let's hope so." Sakura: "Hmm, maybe it was Amarana Sart herself that ordered the kidnap?" Rafael ben Efrim: "I expect so. Which means she may accompany him. Let's hope not, I'd rather deal with these people while they are seperate from each other."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Oct 22, 2008 16:51:01 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: "Should we split up at all, or stay together?" asked Adder. "More eyes means more chance of spotting them if they take an unusual route. They won't be looking out for me, most likely, so I could go and walk the streets pretty openly." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked at the others. "That seems likely to work." Sleeping Dragon: "Alright. They won't be looking for you either," he nodded to Enrico, "as you're in disguise, so you can keep a look out as well. Do any of you have any money? We can pay some people a little bit and you can stay out of sight indoors somewhere around here so we can run back and get you." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael paused for a moment, then fished around in his pocket and handed Adder some coins. Vachir: Grumbling and not pleased, Vachir handed some money to the man too Tristan: "Just do not kill Memmio. I need to... talk with him." Tristan said Sakura: Sakura nodded at Adder, "Good idea, Adder." She did however smiled to herself as Adder managed to conviced others to give money to him. She replied to Tristan, "Memmio is perfectly fine despite my attempt to kill him last time." She looked annoyed on that note. Rafael ben Efrim: "We won't be going near Memmio unless he comes after us." Rafael said. "He might still send people to find us. We should be prepared." Tristan: Tristan nodded. "Where should we be waiting then?" Sleeping Dragon: "Well you could have done it yourselves but..." Adder shrugged and walked up to one of the multitude of small, hastily constructed shacks scattered about the streets. It took a few knocks to find houses where people were home, but Adder was able to quickly and easily convince three sets of people to allow them to stay temporarily in their crowded homes. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael entered a small shack, thanked the man and tried to ignore his drunken state. whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "You wanna beer? Here, have a beer," the man told Rafael, thrusting a dirty wooden tankard filled with some foul-smelling alcohol Sleeping Dragon: Adder said his farewells and headed off down the street whistling, with Enrico trailing after him. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael smiled politely. "I'll save that for when this job is done thank you." Sakura: Sakura smiled nicely at the nice couple that agreed to let her stay. Tristan: Tristan entered the same building as Rafael, pointedly ignoring the drunken man. Vachir: Vachir went in the house with the elderly couple, not saying much. He always kept his bow and spear nearby, looking warily at the door in case any of their enemies showed up whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Tristan, as Tristan entered the owner of the building was offering Rafael a beer, which the Jeth declined. "Fair nuff. Fuckin' hell," he said, eyes widening as Tristan entered. "How'd ya 'ford all that kit? Want a beer?" the man offered Tristan the same wooden tankard he'd proffered to Rafael. Sakura: Sakura asked the elderly couple, "Are you doing fine?" Tristan: (whispering): "Hard work. And no thank you." Tristan responded, looking out the door. Sleeping Dragon: "Fine?" the elderly woman asked incredulously. "In this sewer? We used to have a nice house in the Foot, but..."
"Not this again," the old man sighed, burying his head in his hands.
"Oh shut up Harry, you shouldn't have spent all that time with your fucking dice when you're so terrible at it!" Sleeping Dragon: the old woman shook her head and whispered something into Sakura's ear whispering to Sakura, "Forgive my husband, he's just an idiot." whispering to Vachir, as she embraced Sakura, the old woman made an extremely clumsy attempt to pick Sakura's pocket Skyman (enter): 20:19 Skyman (exit): 20:19 Skyman (enter): 20:19 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3840) Skyman... Vachir: As he saw the woman whisper into Sakura's ear, Vachir suddenly raised his eyes at her and confronted her "What are you doing? You think you can steal from us?"he said looking angry and somewhat surprised Sakura: Sakura was about to reply to the couple, thinking to settle the disputes. When Vachir mentioned the possiblity of theft of her percious coins. She stepped back with her crossbow up. Her eyes narrowed with alert. Sleeping Dragon: "Don't talk to my wife like that, you foreign bastard!" the old man shouted, standing up, but the old woman turned and clouted him over the head and he sat back down. She was about to speak when she saw Sakura's crossbow pointed at her, and quickly put her hands up. "Oh gods, I'm sorry, please don't shoot!" she wailed Vachir: Vachir looked like he was angry enough to just stab the woman with his spear, but then decided against it "Bah. "he said spitting on the ground "Don't try anything else, or else this bastard foreigner is going to kill you both, understand?" Vachir: Lowering his weapon, the Bolgar muttered "Good thing we didn't have to sleep here or they'd cut our throats.." Sakura: Sakura pointed her crossbow at the empty seat beside the woman, "Sit there and be quiet. Hopefully, we would not see each other again after this night." She nodded at Vachir, "That right." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "If they keep up that noise I'll go over there." Rafael muttered to Tristan, nodding towards the other houses. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan looked over in the direction of the building Sakura had gone into but looked back. "We need someone with good eyes up front. I could see to them if it comes to that." Sleeping Dragon: the woman quickly complied, sitting down and saying nothing Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael shrugged as the noise died down. He resumed his post, staring through a small gap in the sailcloth. His lips moved silently. Sleeping Dragon: less than five minutes afterwards, Adder returned and quickly knocked on the doors. "They're coming! There's six of them. Enrico's sneaking around behind them so he can shoot them in the back when we attack." Sakura: Sakura glared at the couple and said, "Thank you for your hospitality." She walked out into night, no colder or warmer. She checked her weapon once more to be sure it is working just fine. "Do we kill Alun or not?" on joining the group. Sakura: EDIT: delete it Vachir: Not wishing to be caught in tight quarters, Vachir quietly slipped out of the house and hid behind the sailcloth 'wall', hoping to catch the incoming attackers unaware Tristan: (whispering): Tristan stayed in the building, making sure he couldn't be seen from the road and lossened his sword. Sleeping Dragon: Adder also hid outside, slinking along up a narrow alley across from where Tristan and Rafael were waiting. They soon heard the sound of several sets of boots moving towards them. Peering out, they could see Alun, the gangster Matt, and four other rough men in red moving up the street in the direction of Memmio's. Alun and his men were plainly wary of attack, as he carried a sword and shield and they all had spears and small shields, though they did not have them out and ready. Matt bore a club and small shield. Sleeping Dragon: as they came up the street, it began to rain lightly. The six men continued on, heading towards the narrow alley leading along past the house where Tristan stood ready. Vachir: Eyeing Alun carefully as he advanced, Vachir prepared for his first shot. When the man was only a dozen feet from him, Vachir pulled quickly but mightily on his bow, his arrow piercing him deeply in the shoulder. Sakura: Sakura went out into the street behind Vachir and started laughing at these gangsters with her crossbow in her hands. Sleeping Dragon: Adder sprang out, rapidly drawing his rapier. Sliding nimbly along the muddy street, he stabbed his blade into the rearmost guard Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael quickly stepped out of hiding and stabbed out at another guard but the man must have seen him out of the corner of his eye, for he dodge away from the blade. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico suddenly emerged behind Alun and his men and fired his crossbow, striking one of the guards heavily. Though he was bleeding badly, the man remained on his feet Ardrun: Ardrun quickly took advantage of the surprise by climbing a few feet up the rough wall of the adjacent building, before leaping down to strike at Alun from above. The gladiator was wary, but Ardrun still managed to land a blow on his shoulder. Ardrun: *edit: up on the sailcloth of the adjacent building, before leaping down to strike at Alun before his weight became too much for the wall. Vachir: Seeing that Alun was seriously wounded, Vachir pointed his bow at him for a moment, as if he wanted to finish him off, but then decide to shoot at the ganster behind him instead. Two arrows buried themselves deep in his flesh, wounding him severely and leaving him barely conscious Tristan: Tristan stepped out into the doorway of the house he was hiding in, striking at Alun and drawing a deep line of blood from the gladiator, his face expressionless. Sakura: Sakura attempted to demoralize Alun but it was puny effort Sleeping Dragon: Adder made to attack, then suddenly changed direction, adroitly cartwheeling past his opponent, stabbing viciously at his enemy's exposed back. The bravo's slender blade slid straight through his foe's heart and burst out awash in blood, killing the guard instantly. Rafael ben Efrim: Not to be outdone, Rafael also dodged and weaved, stabbing out at his man, and watching with satisfaction as blood flowed from several wounds. Sleeping Dragon: the remaining guards prepared themselves. Though two of them were heavily wounded, they drew their spears anyway, blood pouring from their wounds as they did. The only one that had yet to be injured drew his and stepped up, stabbing out at Adder with a bloodthirsty cry, but the bravo easily dodged the thrust Sleeping Dragon: "KILL OR BE KILLED! NO MERCY!" Alun screamed, drawing his sword and swinging a broad two-handed stroke at Ardrun that went wide Sleeping Dragon: rather than heed Alun's call, Matt turned to flee, tearing his way through the weak sailcloth of the house next to him and up into a small square. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico moved up after Matt. "I've a crossbow pointed right at your back, stand still!" he snarled Ardrun: "I disagree," responded Ardrun to Alun's fervent shout. Sidestepping Alun's blow, he swung the flat of his blade against Alun's head as hard as he could. The gladiator dropped to the ground. Ardrun then advanced on the remaining guards. Tristan: Tristan nodded at Ardrun as he stepped over the fallen gladiator and moved to attack one of the guards, though his sword struck one of the supports for a nearby building. Vachir: Eager to practice his shooting skills, Vachir jumped forward and shoot two arrows at one of the still living guards, the first arrow piercing the man's chest while the second killed him by cutting his neck. Sakura: Sakura rushed to Ardrun back and fired a bolt on one guard still fighting and with luck, it managed to hit him despite it almost cut off Ardrun's right ear off. The thug was killed Sleeping Dragon: Adder went to chase after Matt as there was only one enemy remaining amidst all the party. As Adder made to slide away, however, his foot slipped, giving the cultist the opportunity to drive his spear into Adder's side. Cursing, Adder moved away and weaved through the houses in pursuit of the fleeing gangster Rafael ben Efrim: As Tristan distracted the remaining guard, Rafael's hand moved like a snake, plunging the dagger deep into the man's body and slicing into his throat as he turned. The guard fell dead at his feet. Sleeping Dragon: Adder marched Matt back towards the party at the point of his rapier. Several people quickly looked out of their houses, but seeing the blood and bodies quickly ducked back inside. Rafael ben Efrim: "if those houses are really empty, let's get the bodies into one of them quickly." Rafael suggested. ** Rafael ben Efrim found the F11 macro key ** Rafael ben Efrim: *edit* delete last post Tristan: Tristan sheathed his sword and picked up one of the guards, carrying him into one of the buildings easily. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael examined the bodies, looking for any that were still alive. Vachir: Vachir took out h is spear and went to check the fallen to see if they were truly dead and. Just in case though, stabbed each of them with his spear in the chest. Sakura: Sakura also exmained body and searched the pockets for loots. Sakura: for she need a return for her efforts Vachir: "A waste of perfectly good arrows."he said disdainful after he looked again at pierced body of the thug he had killed before "So, what are we doing with these bodies now?" Sleeping Dragon: the party quickly looted the dead, finding a few spears, shields, clubs, and a small pile of money, most it Alun's. Alun and all four of the dead guards each carried strange tokens - small wooden discs on which were painted a red footprint. Sakura: Sakura looked so happy with these loots. For it mean more money to trade. "As for these tokens, these could be useful. There have to be a reason to carry them after all.@ Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked about him. "We can't really hide them, there is too much blood. We should not bring the wrath of the cult onto the people living here though, if we can help it." He looked curiously at the tokens. "The Crimson Path." he muttered as if to himself. Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 22:44 Sleeping Dragon: "What cult?" asked Adder, eyeing one of the tokens Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked up from the token. "We had heard a rumour there was a cult behind the arena. They call themselves the Crimson Path or the Bloody Way, and they revere violence. It seems the rumours were right." Sleeping Dragon: Adder looked unimpressed. "For a group that revere violence they're pretty fucking poor at it. You could have told me beforehand though. Is Sart part of this Crimson Path?" Rafael ben Efrim: "I think it's virtually certain that she is the driving force behind it." Rafael answered. Sleeping Dragon: Matt was trying not to gape at these revelations, but Adder still had his rapier up against his back so he said nothing. "Well, she won't be very happy with us then. Let's get these two somewhere we can have a nice chat." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "Pile the bodies up somewhere first, we at least can take them out of the streets." Sleeping Dragon: Adder watched while the bodies were moved. "I'm not sure where we should go. It's a bit of a ways back to the Burrow, and even in the Flow people would take notice if we were walking for ages with blood all over us and with prisoners to boot." Sakura: She sighed softly, "So we need to wash up then. Does anyone know good place?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Where do you suggest we take the prisoners?" asked Rafael. Sleeping Dragon: "Alys over there that I spoke to earlier is a bit of a friend, but..." Adder paused and smiled. "She might not let us in as I owe her forty gold." Rafael ben Efrim: "We might be able to lend you something towards it." Rafael said doubtfully. Sakura: Sakura shook her head, "Do not be silly. You do not owe that much money!" Tristan: "That is a lot to owe someone." Tristan added. Vachir: "Forty gold pieces?"said a suspicious Vachir "Sounds a bit too much to owe someone. Even if she does cheat at cards..." Sleeping Dragon: Adder's mouth twisted and he laughed. "Bah, fine, it was worth a try. I figure you owe me for not telling me about this cult. I owe her ten." Rafael ben Efrim: "Please don't play games with us Adder." Rafael said quietly. "We'll give her something for her trouble, but will she allow us to use her house?" Sleeping Dragon: "She might, or she might not, but she certainly wouldn't if I didn't pay her back, on principle. She's never quite forgiven me for breaking up her sister and Caius - which never actually happened as it was just a rumour Caius and I planted, in truth Alys' sister is just a slut, but she doesn't know that." Sleeping Dragon: "Shall we go find out?" Sakura: Sakura nodded, "There is nothing else we can do. All we can do is hope... and talk." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael agreed. Sleeping Dragon: Adder nodded, then swiftly turned and kicked Matt thunderously in the back of the head. Caught completely off-guard, the gangster fell over into the mud. "Easier to just carry him," Adder explained, hefting Matt p onto his shoulder. Sleeping Dragon: *up onto... Sleeping Dragon: Adder led them back towards Alys' house and knocked on the door. Shortly, the door opened and Alys stuck her head out. Although her hair was going grey, they didn't think Alys was much older than her mid-thirties. "Hello Alys. Mind if we use your cellar?" Adder asked nonchalantly, as if he showed up at her house with a large group of armed men and several prisoners frequently.
"What the fuck are you up to, Adder? No, you can't come in, unless you want to pay your debt, or alternately get in a deeper one." Sakura: Sakura cut in, "We seriously need to use your cellar. Beside, we are more than happy to settle Adder's debt. It is your luckly day." She smiled at Alys. Sleeping Dragon: Alys held out her hand. "He owes me ten gold, though he's probably told you some other figure." Sakura: Sakura grinned back, "You have reckoned correctly. He did in fact, asked for more golds. Nevertheless, he did tell the correct amount after getting found out. Here is purse containing one hundred silver." She handed over a pouch of one hundred silver coins. Sleeping Dragon: Alys checked the contents of the purse carefully before opening the door. Her home was larger than many in the Flow, though it could hardly be called spacious, at least aboveground. Alys moved to a large chair in one corner and moved it, revealing a wooden trap-door leading down into a cellar with several rooms, from one of which came the strong smell of alcohol. "Stay away from my booze," she warned, and without further comment climbed back up the ladder and closed the trap-door. Sakura: Sakura muttered, "I will get my money back, will I?" She glanced at her co-workers on this. Tristan: "If money is a concern, than I can provide it. Though we should wait until we are finished here." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael smiled to himself. Sakura: Sakura dismissed Tristan's words, "Thank you most kindly. I am quite happy to wait."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Oct 26, 2008 12:10:16 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: the party arranged themselves and their captives in the cellar. Neither of the two rooms available to them were large enough for all of them to fit in, but they found they could get around this by opening a door and leaving some of the group out in the corridor. Idris: "Which of us should question them first?" Rafael asked quietly as they carried the men down the steps. Sakura: Sakura gestured at Rafael, "Might as well be you." Idris: "We could either question them seperately or in the presence of the other. The gang member is more likely to break down. Alun is committed to the Crimson Path so he might talk about them out of pride." Idris: "I think question the gang member first. We may learn something to use on Alun." Rafael said. Sakura: "Yes, in fact, we may know where Matt went to get Alun. That could be very useful information. Get that out of him." Vachir: "I'd be careful, someone might try and rescue these two guys..."suggested Vachir "Assuming someone saw us ambush them, which I doubt."he shrugged Idris: "Bring Matt in here then." Rafael said to the others. "Tie him up. Someone should keep watch then." Sakura: Sakura nodded at Vachir, "Indeed, so speed may be vital. Let go and ask Matt many questions." Idris: Before they started Rafael asked Alys for a bucket of water. Sleeping Dragon: leaving Enrico and Adder to watch over the unconscious Alun in one room, they brought Matt into the other room. Idris: Once Vachir had tied Matt securely, Rafael worked on bringing the gang member back to consciousness. Sleeping Dragon: Rafael nursed to Matt's wounds, and after a few minutes the thug returned groggily to consciousness, groaning and trying to clutch at the back of his head where Adder had kicked him Idris: Rafael stepped back and looked down at the thug. "Don't worry, you'll live....for now." Sakura: Sakura smiled sternly at Matt, "Yes, may I say it is nice to see you again Matt. Been so short a time since we last saw each other. Now... you are here with us with some questions to ask... Are you going to answer them?" Sleeping Dragon: Matt looked blearily up at them. "What do you want?" Idris: "Don't play the fool!" Rafael said sharply. "You were with Alun." Sakura: Sakura replied, "That is right. You went to bring new of my capture by your boss. Where did you go, Matt? to bring the new?" Sleeping Dragon: "Will you let me go if I talk?" Idris: "Let you go?" Rafael asked, his eyebrows raised. "Do you think you have any information worth your life?" Vachir: Not very concerned with helping his companions in interrogating their two captives, Vachir decided to stay on watch with Enrico instead Sakura: "Of course, your life is purely depend on the information. We may be kind if the informations are juicy..." whispering to Vachir, Vachir and Enrico went back upstairs to where Alys was cooking. "Hey! The agreement was that you use my cellar, not tramp around in my sitting room!" she shouted, waving a wooden spoon at Vachir. "What are you doing up here?" Sleeping Dragon: Matt swallowed hard and nodded. "I...I went to where Alun lives. It's part of a set of shanties not far from here. A lot of the gladiators live nearby - I saw Sandelt wandering around while I was there, and I think the red woman lives in that area too." Idris: "What do you know of the Red Woman and her cronies?" Rafael asked. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir looked almost amused at being threatened with a spoon by an old woman, but he managed to reply something "We wouldn't want any friends of our two...umh, guests to come here and try attempt some kind of rescue, so we're going to be on watch here." Sleeping Dragon: "Umm...there's quite a few of them around there. As I think of it, actually, not all of them are gladiators, I go to the Arena and I didn't recognise any of the people that Alun brought as guards. I saw Sandelt and at least half a dozen other people while I was there, apart from Alun and the others that came with him." Matt paused for a few moments, then asked quietly, "What is the Crimson Path? You said they were a...a cult." Idris: Rafael stared at the man for a long moment. "A cult of death, yes. And worse than death. Right here in the Flow." whispering to Vachir, Alys sighed and shook her head. "That bastard Arasp never fails to get you into trouble, you should stay away from him. If my sister hadn't been so fond of him, and he wasn't so bad at cards, I'd never let him come round here. What madness has he embroiled you in?" Sakura: "Very dangerous to the people of this city. It is vital that we need to know everything about this cult. Thus, any information on Crimson Path would be most rewarding" Sleeping Dragon: Matt looked pale. "I...I guess that those shanties must be their base. I noticed that they were all wearing red, but I assumed they were just imitating Sart." Idris: "Do you know why they wanted our companion kidnapped?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "I have no idea, I swear. I just know that Alun came to speak to Memmio late last night. He must have offered quite a lot of money because Memmio sent Dag and Rav out after you immediately." Sakura: Sakura narrowed her eyes, "I wonder how Memmio and other people would feel that they are consorting with demon-worshippers?" Idris: "As you see, Dag and Rav failed. And Memmio could not keep us from walking into his headquarters." Rafael said with a mirthless smile. Vachir: (whispering): "It's..."Vachir shrugged "Well, that's hard to say, it's pretty complicated. Suffice to say, we're fighting against a mysterous cult of gladiators who tried to assassinate us while we were in Adder's inn. " Sleeping Dragon: "Memmio wouldn't know," Matt said immediately. "I've known him for years and the only times I've heard him talk about religion he said it was a scam bigger than anything we'd ever be able to manage." whispering to Vachir, "Gladiators are trying to kill you? I thought you were a gladiator. Assuming you are the gladiator that uses a bow that I've heard about," said Alys. Idris: "Much of it is no doubt." Rafael said quietly. "This is a vicious cult that revels in destruction. Do you think Memmio, or the people in his gang, or anyone in the Flow, wants to be sacrificed to it?" Sleeping Dragon: "Of course not! If I'd known I'd never have had anything to do with them!" Ardrun: "Perhaps you can help us stop them, then," said Ardrun, who had been silent up until then. Vachir: (whispering): "That'd be me, yes."replied the Bolgar with a hint of pride in his voice "And they were trying to kill us in our sleep rather than in a fair fight. I guess we were becoming a bit too popular...." Sakura: "Hmmm..." Sakura muttered, "Really? As my buddy pointed out, this is most dangerous threat who want to see every single people in the city, poor and rich alike to be covered in blood of their kins. However, we believe you on this... Surely you would like to oppose their dastardly aims?" Idris: Rafael looked down at the man, waiting for his answer. Sleeping Dragon: "Umm..." Matt looked frightened. "I don't think I'm up to fighting them, but...I can tell you what little I know, anyhow." Ardrun: "Yes. And perhaps you can help convince others of the danger." Idris: Rafael nodded. "Do that, and tell us where their shacks are. You will have earned your life." Sakura: Sakura smiled, "Indeed..." Sleeping Dragon: "They're a few streets up from where you ambushed us, there's a set of five or six of them. I don't know which of them is Sart's, I didn't see her about. Alun's is the smallest of a set of four, it's the furthest on the right. I went in and told him that we'd captured you and the others were dead. I'm not sure he was actually happy about the last, but I could have been mistaken. He spoke to me for a few moments, then he led me outside, knocked on the door of the shack next door, and two of the blokes that came to guard him came out. He told them to wait with me in his house while he went away to do something. They did that and he went inside their house, and then he came back to his place about twenty minutes later with the other two guards. He must have gone to speak to Sart or Sandelt." Sakura: "Very good of you, Matt. That information have indeed worth your life. Are there anything to add to that or anyone else got more questions?" Sakura repliued whispering to Vachir, "That's what you get for dealing with people who solve all their problems by hitting things. It's altogether barbaric, but no one is likely to listen to me on that as they all love that bloody Arena." Idris: "You have told us all you know?" Rafael asked Matt. Sleeping Dragon: Matt thought for a while. "Yes. I can't think of anything else of value." Idris: Rafael spoke quietly to Sakura and the other two, outside of Matt's hearing. "Shall we keep Matt here while we question Alun?" Sakura: Sakura glanced back at Matt, "Let ask Matt on what he is planning to do?" she whispered back, "Matt, what are you planning to do when you are free?" Sakura: she asked Sleeping Dragon: "Umm...do you want me to go back to Memmio? If I tell him that Sart is part of this cult then he might listen." Vachir: (whispering): "The people need some enteirtanment, don't you think?"replied Vachir "And there's a few situation where hitting things is the way to go, say if the war with the Torathi cannot be avoided.." Idris: "Go back to Memmio, yes. But first we are going to talk to Alun. You may want to hear what he has to say, if we can get him talking of the cult. Memmio will trust your account?" Idris: Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "I can't say for sure, but I'll at least try." Idris: "Right, we'll untie you, but ask that you remain here until we are finished with Alun." Rafael said. Sleeping Dragon: "Alright." Sakura: "Good. We trust you and that is something to value right now." Sakura glanced at Rafael, "Time to get Alun now. I guess." Idris: Rafael nodded. "I suggest we tie Alun to that table, and get an old sack to put over his head as we did with Dag. He will be far less likely to see reason, and that will disorientate him." Sakura: "Good idea." Sakura replied, "We will know the informations of his cult soon enough." Idris: "Or he may respond if we treat him with respect, as if we are impressed with his ideas, of course." Rafael added. "Which approach do you think will work?" whispering to Vachir, "Those situations are few and far between, and against the Torathi will be useless anyway, there's too few of them. We should start negotiating now to keep what freedom we can. In a few years the Torathi will probably all be rebelling again and we can break free. And as for entertainment, what's wrong with a good game of cards? At least in my games the worst thing you can lose is your money." Sakura: Responding with a smirk "I think we try respect first and if that fail, we can use other means. Be nice first then be nasty later." Idris: Rafael nodded. "I think that is a very good idea. We tie him first though. He isn't someone to take chances with." whispering to Vachir, edit: too many of them... Idris: He called Vachir down to tie the ropes. Vachir: (whispering): "Money can be made and lost, but the thrill of the fight is...something else altogether."replied the Bolgar. Then, hearing Rafael call to him, he left leaving Enrico and the woman there. Vachir: "Need me to tie the bastard tight, eh?"asked the Bolgar "I'll do what I can."he said as he took the rope and started to tie Alun carefully, taking his time Idris: When Alun was securely bound, Rafael worked to bring him round. Sleeping Dragon: after a few minutes Alun came conscious. He looked up at Rafael and said nothing. Idris: Rafael moved back. "I'm afraid that we've had to treat you somewhat unpleasantly. I'm sure you understand why." Vachir: Having finished his task and seeing Alun wake up under Rafael's care, Vachir decided to return upstairs Sleeping Dragon: Alun said nothing. Sakura: "Hello, Alun. It is nice to meet you once more. We have heard much about your intresting cult... Crimson Way it is?" Sleeping Dragon: "Where did you hear about that?" Idris: "We're the ones asking the questions right now Alun." Rafael said in a reasonable voice. "Firstly why did you employ a gang of thugs to kidnap one of us?" Sleeping Dragon: "I don't need to answer anything you ask." Sakura: Sakura smiled, "Yes, you do. After all, we have Memmio saying that it was you that hired him to kidnap me. It was Matt, that bought you the new and now you are not replying to our simple questions. Surely I should know why you want to kidnap me?" Sakura: "Or maybe, it was just a pure whim. I know some men are like that." Sakura: "Or maybe you are just too sacred to take on Ardrun, my man. So you hired memmio to send few unworthy thugs to kidnap me for your desire. It does rather show your umm... weakness." Sakura: Edit: scared Sleeping Dragon: "You are an idiot and you understand nothing." Tristan: "Then elighten us." Tristan said in a soft growl. Idris: "Yes, enlighten us" Rafael said. "You seemed a man of ideas and strong beliefs when we spoke to you." Sakura: She nodded at Tristan and Rafael's wods, "Indeed so, that was made clear when we visited you in that inn after these fights." Sleeping Dragon: Alun said nothing. Sakura: "Very brave and very foolish. You are not really following your cult's ideals. Surely it is aim for every cult to spread across the city, country and the world. Otherwise, your cult will spread, then stay and eventually die away. Soon, your cult will be just a forgotten memory. A legend that later people will snigger at, if they ever come to anything. Anyway, this is good chance to spread your ideas around to willing audiences..." Sleeping Dragon: Alun laughed and said nothing. Sakura: Sakura looked very annoyed for a moment, "Oh well, let start getting real shall we?" Ardrun: "He's not going to be any use to us," said Ardrun. "Should I kill him?" Tristan: Tristan glared at Alun, but said nothing. Sakura: Sakura looked as if she is seriously considering it... Idris: "It seems to be the only way." Rafael said. "Before you die Alun, you will no doubt be glad to know that we are going to destroy your wretched little cult in this city. We know all about it anyway, so there is no point in continuing this charade." Sleeping Dragon: Alun smiled. "I am pleased that you all understand the important role violence has to play in solving events, and that you are not afraid to use it to achieve your ends. I wish you well on your journey down the Crimson Path." Sakura: "Indeed, we will discuss this matter with your leader very soon." She winked at Alun. Idris: Rafael smiled back. "Mad dogs must be destroyed. That is not violence, it is a simple necessity." Ardrun: Ardrun took out his scimitar and stood over Alun, hesitating for just a moment to see if anyone raised objections Idris: Rafael nodded to Ardrun. Tristan: "Hold." Tristan steped forward. "He doesn't need to be killed." Sleeping Dragon: "You call us mad, but you too wield the bloody blade proudly and eagerly, and kill as you please," Alun began. It sounded like he would say more, but he stopped when Tristan spoke up Sakura: "Hmm?" She glancded back at Tristan, "What do you suggest? Spare his life but destory his life?" Idris: Rafael turned to Tristan. "He has to die. As do all the cultists. You cannot appeal to their common sense or anything else. They are committed to death and destruction." Sakura: "I suppose we could just remove all his thumbs and index finers and blind and eye so he can reflect on his punishment..." Sakura considered Tristan: Tristan pulled a simple looking dagger out from a sheathe at his belt. "Close the door." He said as he stopped in front of Alun. Idris: "That is a savage way to deal with a man." Rafael said, reprovingly to her. "Let him die as a man should, quick and clean." Sleeping Dragon: "My common sense is yours! Kill when you must, wield your blade proudly, have no pity on those without the strength to keep themselves." Alun heard Sakura's suggestion and burst into laughter. Idris: "You see? He is raving!" Rafael said. "Would you let him loose on the streets?" Ardrun: "I have pity for some. But not those like him," said Ardrun, though he stepped back and allowed Tristan to have his say. Ardrun: He closed the door. Sleeping Dragon: "You and I rave with the same words, my friend. Kill those in your way! Why waste time on them? Be good at killing and do it without regret." Idris: Rafael shook his head and stood in front of the door. "You cannot argue with a madman." he said to the others. Tristan: Nodding at Ardrun, Tristan looked down at Alun. "You seem quite eager to die." He said simply, turning the dagger over in his hand. Sleeping Dragon: "I would prefer to live, but I am not afraid of death. Everything dies, there's no need to feel sad about it." Tristan: "That is true. And you know you will not leave this room alive, so would you say you are resigned to that fact?" Sakura: Sakura settled back and watched Tristan and Alun's debate with intrest. Sleeping Dragon: "Yes. You know that you, or one of your companions, is going to kill me within the next few minutes. Are you resigned to that fact, or do you look forward to it?" Tristan: "I care not about it. For it will not be one of us that does it." Tristan quickly cut the ropes binding Alun and pressed the dagger into his hand. "You will." Sleeping Dragon: Alun stood up, stretched, and looked at the dagger for a moment before dropping it. "I'm not sure what you're trying to achieve, but you're more clever than your companions." Sakura: Sakura blinked at Alun's reaction. Tristan: "You seek to cause death. I am just providing the meens." Tristan said, his eyes narrowing. "Why you seek such a thing is beyond me however." Idris: Rafael leaned back against the door and watched the two. Sleeping Dragon: "I don't seek to cause death, but neither do I fear it. Do you feel that if I were to stab myself that you'd somehow not be responsible for my death, that your hands would be cleaner, somehow? Your party has already stated that your goal is to eradicate all those of my religion, and in doing you follow our tenets as closely as any of us. Now kill me, and be proud of it." Ardrun: "I would be happy to. And word games will not make me regretful," said Ardrun. He gazed at Tristan to see if he was done. Idris: "If your religion is not the bloody cult it is rumoured to be, then tell us of it." Rafael said. "We are willing to listen." Tristan: "What is it you seek then?" Ardrun: Ardrun looked annoyed. Sleeping Dragon: "We seek to remind Malador of the importance of violence and to teach people not to fear killing. For fifty, sixty years, Malador has known peace. People claim that they enjoy peace and that it is the highest of all things in life...but are people any happier here for it? People starve in miserable slums and are robbed blind by fat, useless merchants. And the supine people of Malador have done nothing about it, because they are afraid. We seek to reignite their bravery. The merchants who run us are useless and hold everyone back. Why fear to kill them? The fools who complain endlessly, but do nothing, are useless and hold us back. Why fear to kill them? In the end, the strong will grind down the weak anyhow. Our many years of supposed peace and prosperity have got us nowhere save on the brink of annihilation. When you strip away all the nonsense about law and nations and kings, what you are left with in the end is a world shaped and dominated by simple force. Many religions would tell you that violence and rage should be controlled and eliminated, but their methods are useless. We are the only ones brave enough to admit that killing is in our nature and should be embraced. To seek not to kill is like seeking not to breathe or not to shit." Idris: "so you see death, killing, as the end in itself?" Rafael asked slowly. "Not as a sometimes necessary evil?" Ardrun: "Killing is a choice. Sometimes I take that option. Sometimes I do not. Perhaps you could have convinced me and others that now was the right time to make that choice. But none of us want to live in a world where there is no choice not to kill." Ardrun stared at Alun. Sleeping Dragon: "Then kill yourself now, fool." Alun told Ardrun Tristan: Ignoring the others, Tristan spoke again. "So you would kill the weak? Those who can not defend themselves?" Ardrun: "Or you," grumbled Ardrun. Sleeping Dragon: "Sometimes. Just as you plan to kill me now, when I am weak and unable to defend myself." Ardrun: "Stand up then," growled Ardrun. "Someone give him a sword." Ardrun: edit: "Alright, then," growled Ardrun. Idris: Rafael held out the sword Alun had been using. "You know we can't let him live don't you." he murmured to Ardrun. Sakura: "You know, Alun. That sound just like home back in Ispera. All these bloodsheds" Sakura smirked, "What an nice idea. Let have a match here." Sleeping Dragon: "The games you people play! I am badly wounded already and am still weak. But I will fight you anyway." Ardrun: "I don't plan on it," replied Ardrun to Raf. Idris: "You're not dying." Rafael said. "And this is your choice." Ardrun: "I was the one that wounded you, when you weren't so weak. Now I just plan to finish you off." Sleeping Dragon: "A fair point." Tristan: Tristan turned away from Alun. "This is more than you deserve." He said walking away from the gladiator and letting the others deal with him. Idris: Rafael moved round and stood on the other side from Tristan. He watched the proceedings with intense interest. Ardrun: Ardrun stepped forward and immediately knocked Alun's sword to the side before plunging his falchion into the man's chest. As the body fell, he twisted the blade into the heart to make sure he was dead. Tristan: Tristan waited until Alun's body had fallen before retrieving his dagger and sheathing it. Sakura: Sakura approved of this match, "Good short match. At least we now know little more of the cult's aims." Idris: "Now we deal with the rest of the vipers." Rafael said looking down at the body dispassionately. "Matt, would you go to Memmio now, and tell all his people what you have learned of the Crimson Path." Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 23:30 Sleeping Dragon: "Of course," said Matt, who had been listening from the outside and looked very shaken. Sleeping Dragon: "As proof...can I take one of those symbols you found? It might make Memmio listen more than if I just walked up to him and came out with the story out of the blue." Idris: "The people of the Flow deserve to know how these people see them, as fodder for their death cult." Rafael added. "But be careful. There may be adherents of the cult we know nothing of." Sleeping Dragon: "Yes." Sakura: Sakura nodded at Matt, "Good luck!" Idris: Rafael went to tell Adder, Enrico and Vachir of what had transpired. Tristan: Tristan resumed his leaning against one of the walls, his face dark. Vachir: "So you killed him?"replied Vachir when he heard of the news "That's good. One less enemy for us!"he said Sleeping Dragon: "So what's the next move?" asked Adder as Matt departed for Memmio's. Sakura: "Well, we can go to that place we been looking for but... are we capable of dealing with possible large number of cult members?" Vachir: "We killed a good number of them fairly easily, didn't we?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes," Adder said confidently. "They're rubbish fighters, although I imagine Sandelt will be an exception, and perhaps Sart." Idris: "We need to strike while the iron is hot if we can." Rafael said. "But we need to prepare, and if you'll forgive me saying so, you need more than that. Let me look at those wounds Adder." Tristan: "This man was not unknown in the city." Tristan spoke up. "Rather, he was quite famous. This will not go unnoticed." Sakura: "Hmm... then, it seem we need to act quick." Sakura gussed Idris: Rafael examined the wounds. "I can patch you up but if you come with us and suffer more injury it may be that you will be worse off." he said. Idris: "I can give you something for the pain, but it is up to you whether you are happy to take that risk." Sleeping Dragon: "What are you waiting for?" Idris: Rafael bent to the task of binding wounds, and brought out a bottle of some dark liquid. Mixing a few drops with a little water he gave it to Adder to drink. Sleeping Dragon: "Fuck me, do you wank into this bottle or something? That is bloody disgusting." Adder's face contorted with distaste, but he forced the medicine down. Tristan: Disconnecting from server... Tristan (exit): 23:59 Idris: "The better the medicine, the worse the taste." Rafael said with a grin. "As my mother used to say."
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Post by sleepingdragon on Nov 2, 2008 12:21:48 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Adder spent a few moments recovering from the vile taste of the elixir. "Pah. Strangely, I think I do feel a bit better. Shall we go put an end to this cult now? You'll be very pleased, Alys," he added as an aside to her, "we're going to go kill the woman who runs the Arena, so you won't have to deal with any uncivilised blood sports around here anymore, at least until the next lot comes along." Alys sniffed and didn't reply. Sakura: Sakura hide her twin daggers into the folds of her clothes, taking efforts to make sure they are well hidden. Idris: Rafael moved into a quiet corner where he could work unnoticed. Idris: (whispering): Taking out a vial, Rafael applied some poison to one of his daggers, handling it with great care as he hid it away about his person, then did the same to another. Sleeping Dragon: Adder watched Rafael askance. "Bloody mysterious people. Are we all ready to go?" Vachir: "I'd think so."said Vachir, who had been checking on his bowstring and arrows to make sure that they were in proper condition Idris: Rafael nodded, then addressed the group. "Remember these people are death worshippers. They may be trafficking with demons. Showing mercy to them will merely be seen as weakness and they will take advantage of it. What we are doing will protect the innocent here in the Flow." Tristan: Tristan nodded The Vault Dweller (enter): 19:32 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3963) The Vault Dweller... Sakura: Sakura nodded at Adder, "Ready to go!". When Rafael finished his speech, she replied, "How nice. They will die or we will die. Hopefully they will!" Sleeping Dragon: Adder gave Alys a mocking bow and exited the house, making his way towards the shanties which housed the Crimson Path. Idris: Rafael followed Adder, talking to the others as they walked about how they should attack the shanties. Sakura: Sakura made sure her crossbow was ready to fire as she strolled along behind Adder. She did however like the idea of having an arena. Tristan: Tristan followed as well, oiling his sword as they walked. Sleeping Dragon: they made their way along the narrow, muddy streets, and soon they had approached the street that Matt had described. "Does someone want to go scout ahead?" Adder asked. "Get the lay of the land." Idris: Rafael nodded. "One or two of us should go." Sleeping Dragon: Enrico volunteered to go Idris: "Just take a look Rico," Rafael advised him. "When you have a good idea of what's there and who, come back." Sleeping Dragon: Enrico nodded. Sakura: "You are better off in disguise" She snickered at Enrico Sleeping Dragon: rather than sneak ahead, Enrico ducked into an alley for a few moments and emerged in the shabby garb of a common labourer before heading up the street. Idris: Rafael leaned against a wall and waited. Sleeping Dragon: ten minutes later, Enrico came back up the street towards them, having taken a long route around to avoid attracting notice by passing the headquarters twice. "They're on their guard, it seems, there's two of them out in the street. They gave me a filthy look but nothing worse," he said. Sakura: "Are they guarding a door or just standing around, eyeing you?" Idris: "How hard is it to get inside?" Rafael asked. "Is there a way to the back?" Sleeping Dragon: "They're just hanging around in the street. I don't know if there are any ways into the buildings around the back, all the doors I saw were in the street. There's four, or five, buildings. One is boarded up and I'm not sure if it's part of their base, the rest are all leaning against each other." Idris: "Any ideas for how we get past them without raising an alarm?" Rafael asked the others. Tristan: Tristan shook his head. "It would have to be quietly." Ardrun (enter): 20:09 Idris: "It doesn't seem a good place for a frontal attack," Rafael said. "Either we need to check out the back or find another way to get in. What kind of roofs do they have?" he asked Enrico. Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3975) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3963) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 20:10 Sleeping Dragon: "Bits and pieces. Wood and canvas mostly." Idris: "Are there any houses near enough to get accross onto them?" Sleeping Dragon: "No, except for the four buildings themselves. They're not very tall, if you could get around back of them you might be able to climb up." Tristan: "Do they look particularly sturdy? We might be able to collapse them, or at least make our own entrance. Tristan: " Idris: "If there aren't guards round the back. Adder, you know the lie of the land better than us, is there a way to sneak up close enough to either climb or even smash into the houses?" Sleeping Dragon: "They're a bit better than most of the houses around here, I saw some bits of stone in the walls. But we might be able to cut our way through the roofs." Vachir: "This shack looks like it would burn fairly well..."suggested Vachir somewhat loudly Sakura: "But it is raining lightly" Sakura gestured to the sky, "However, I do like the idea of setting fire to one of them." Idris: "No need to tell the whole district." Rafael reminded Vachir. "Fire might be a good idea, would drive them out. Do we have a way of setting them alight?" Tristan: "I have a few pints of lantern oil, but I think we would need more than that to cause signifigant damage." Sleeping Dragon: "Fire-arrows. Soak some cloth in oil, wrap it round the head of one of Vachir's arrows, set fire to it, and shoot," Adder suggested. Sakura: Sakura smiled at vachir, "Look like you will have some fun today!" Vachir: As the others plotted, Vachir touched his talisman muttered a silent prayer to his god, possibly asking him to stop or at least lighten the rain Idris: Rafael nodded. "Good thinking. The other thing is that we need to set the fires carefully to ensure they exit the buildings in the right place for our attacks. We don't want any of them escaping." Sleeping Dragon: "I've thought of a side way round, I'll show you," said Adder. "Do we all want to go around that way, or should Ardrun and Tristan stay here? That way, when you see the fires you can charge up the street and stop them getting out the doors." Ardrun: "Sounds wise," said Ardrun. Sakura: Sakura nodded, "Indeed and Tristan's armours can attract attentions. Not useful for sneaking!" Idris: "The fire will be the sign." Rafael said. Sakura: Sakura nodded and ready her weapon, it tip flashed in the day Sakura: she followed Adder but only to the corner of the building Sleeping Dragon: Adder led them around to a side street, allowing them to approach the buildings from behind. There didn't seem to be any guards in that street, nor any windows, though some of the walls were of canvas and they thought someone might be able to peer out through those. whispering to Vachir, and indeed, as they came up behind and Vachir readied his fire-arrow, he saw a face quickly peer out through the wall of the largest, middle building, then duck away again. Vachir: "Shit."whispered Vachir to Rafael and Enrico "I think one of them may have seen us!" Idris: "Get firing then." Rafael said. Ardrun (enter): 20:53 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3992) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3975) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 20:56 Vachir: Aiming high, Vachir happily fired the flaming arrow on the roof of the shack Sleeping Dragon: Adder rushed forward to one of the doors. Putting his shoulder up to the wall and drawing his rapier, he readied to attack anyone who opened the door. Idris: Rafael moved around the buildings to cover the front entrances. Sakura: Sakura prepared herself to look mean and cool but while she starts to sing, the rain dampened it down Sleeping Dragon: there was a shout of "FIRE!" from around the front of the buildings Ardrun: Ardrun hurried to his position by the building, preparing for combat. Ardrun (enter): 21:14 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (3998) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3992) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:14 Vachir: Moving close to Enrico and Vachir, Vachir tried to circle the building to get closer to the doors Tristan: Tristan hustled over to the door as well, sword and shield readied Sakura (enter): 21:22 Sakura (enter): 21:24 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (4001) Sakura... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(4000) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 21:25 Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3938) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 21:25 Sakura (enter): 21:28 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (4004) Sakura... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(4001) Sakura' from room... Sakura (exit): 21:29 Sleeping Dragon: the door by Adder, Tristan, and Ardrun opened. Adder leapt out and stabbed out unexpectedly at the first cultist in the doorway, but his rapier whistled wide, and he took a vicious stab from the man's spear in return. Another came out of the door, stabbing at Tristan, but it went harmlessly wide. Then they saw a panel on the back wall of the building open and a third red-garbed man came out, dashing through the door. Ardrun took advantage and slashed him heavily, staggering the man so he couldn't bring his spear to bear. As they fought, they heard more footsteps coming towards them from the main street Sleeping Dragon: through the panel in the wall, Ardrun and Tristan saw Volturn Madic, the Head of Security at the Arena, rush out and into the street. Ardrun (enter): 21:39 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (4011) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(3998) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:40 Sleeping Dragon: the fire began to spread on the roof Idris: Rafael leaped accross to where the fighting was and stabbed deep into one of the cultists with his dagger. Sakura: Sakura begun to climb the wall to get onto the roof, after unsuccessful attempt, she did managed to get onto at the end. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico, moving up alongside Vachir, fired at one of the cultists, but the bolt sailed wide Ardrun: Ardrun quickly felled one of the nearby cultists and cut into the side of another, as he advanced on the larger cluster of enemies. Vachir: Even though his target was partially behind cover, Vachir aimed carefully and struck him twice - however the arrows only glanced the man, who was still up and fighting Tristan: Tristan stepped up to the door, clasping his shield across his chest and swung at the cultist standing beyond, but his target was able to avoid it. Sleeping Dragon: Adder tumbled around to flank an injured cultist along with Tristan. He stabbed out with his rapier, skewering the man straight through the heart. Sleeping Dragon: several of the cultists came forward to assail Ardrun and Adder. The cultists cried out as they stabbed. Adder and Ardrun avoided one blow each, but Ardrun was not so lucky with the second attack, which scraped along his side Sleeping Dragon: around a corner came Sandelt, dressed all in red and carrying a battleaxe in either hand. She leapt forward, trying to gain one last burst of speed in order to close with Ardrun, but her chainmail hindered her and she wasn't able to reach him. "Fight me if you dare!" she challenged him Sleeping Dragon: Madic also moved round, trying to reach the fray Idris: Again Rafael twisted and spun, confusing another of the cultists who was unable to prevent Rafael slipping under his guard and wounding him in the vitals. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico fired at Volturn Madic, grazing him lightly with a quarrel Sleeping Dragon: two big, burly cultists came round the corner, wielding swords and large shields. They moved into the fray, trying to circle around the party Sakura: Sakura quickly got her green apron off her gown and made a roll to cover her mouth and nose to protect her mouth and nose. As she did so, she qiuckly move toward to the fire, thinking she is totally insane to do so. She knelt down, using her foots , she managed to crave a hole through the very badly made roof. When it became large enough, she jumped through it, and landed with a flourish with a crossbow in her hand. Only to be disappointed by the fact there was no one in... Ardrun: "I dare," said Ardrun. He cut down a nearby cultist, then swung his sword toward Sandelt, but she easily avoided the blow. Vachir: As he ran to help his companions, Vachir could now see most of the fighters involved. He decided to shoot at one of the men next to Madic, wounding him Tristan: Tristan lowered his shoulder and rushed at the cultist he was fighting. Ignoring a suprisingly strong blow, he barrelled into the man, pushing him back into the building. Sleeping Dragon: Adder adeptly wove through the foe and stabbed up suddenly at Madic, but his attack struck the Chief of Security's shield Sleeping Dragon: several of the cultists pressed their attack. One rushed forward at Rafael, drawing his spear back viciously. "DIE, MEWLING FOOL!" he cried. His spear stabbed out, thundering past Rafael's defences and nearly straight through his chest, blood gouting out. This heavy blow seemed to inspire his comrades outside, who moved and flanked Ardrun, one landing a heavy hit. In the building, the cultist fighting Tristan had far less success, stabbing far wide with his spear Idris: The pain was so sudden and agonising, Rafael could barely think. Rather than trying to run he dropped to the ground, letting his body fall as if dead, biding his time. Sleeping Dragon: Sandelt accepted Ardrun's challenge, stepping forward. "You'll never be the best unless you can beat me!" she shouted, slashing with both of her axes, utterly unfazed by the two weapons' weight. One hacked into Ardrun heavily, but the other sailed past. Sleeping Dragon: Madic hacked at Adder with his enormous bastard sword, but the former bravo easily dodged Tristan: Disconnecting from server... Tristan (exit): 23:02 Ardrun: Ardrun roared in anger as he saw Raf fall to the spear, and in comparison barely paid any heed to the heavy wound Sandelt dealt him. Idris: Rafael remained where he was, studying the cultist who had laid him low through half-closed eyes. Sakura: Sakura saw the cultist and rushed toward the enemy with nasty kick into his most... favourite thing in universe. Cultist groaned heavily as he collasped, glutching his groin, seeping into blackness. Sakura smiled at Tristan who been fighting her target. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico reloaded his crossbow and levelled it at Buck, feigning to squeeze the trigger. Enrico's feint put the cultist off balance as he tried to dodge, so that when Enrico truly fired Buck walked straight into the bolt's path Ardrun (enter): 23:22 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (4082) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(4011) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 23:23 Ardrun: Ardrun glanced back at the cultist who had felled Raf, but decided that Sandelt was the most immediate threat. He jumped and kicked against the adjacent wall, coming down with his sword slicing in an arc down Sandelt's arm. Vachir: Grimacing at being hit, Vachir managed to leap a few feet back and shot at his assailant. His first arrow hit squarely, drawing blood from the charging cultist, but his second went wide Sleeping Dragon: the cultists continued to pound on Ardrun. He took one heavy blow, and then the second flashed towards his throat, but he just barely twisted aside. Idris: Rafael suddenly leaped up from the ground and struck out at the cultist next to him, dealing him a deep wound. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico feinted Buck then smashed him in the face with his crossbow, but the attack made the man angry more than it hurt Sakura: Sakura rushed out into open and fired a bolt at an enemy fighting Raf but failed to score just barely. She swore Sleeping Dragon: Buck struck out at Enrico, lightly wounding him, while Rayford turned on Tristan. He lashed out with his blade, arcing a vicious path through the air, but Tristan was ready for it. He braced himself and pushed just so, and Rayford's sword struck him and snapped clean in half as it hammered into Tristan's armour. Rayford gaped in amazement as Tristan emerged unhurt Ardrun: "Run Sakura!" shouted Ardrun. "Run, all of you!" He turned and sliced off the head of the injured cultist. His eyes widened at the sight of the upright Raf, but he continued in his follow through and slashed Sandelt across the belly. Vachir: Ignoring Ardrun's call for retreat, Vachir decided to try a desperate attack. With a leap to the side, he shot two powerful arrows in Sandelt's flesh, severely wounding and blooding the woman Sleeping Dragon: "I'd rather run through," Adder declared. Rolling beneath Sandelt's guard, he stabbed up, driving his blade deep into her belly and sending the Arena Champion toppling down into the dust. "That's how a champion fights, bitch!" Ardrun: Ardrun laughed triumphantly as Sandelt fell, but kept his eyes on the nearby enemies. Sleeping Dragon: Madic growled and slashed at Tristan. With grace that seemed impossible for a man encased in steel, Tristan flowed into the attack, and Madic's sword struck at exactly the wrong place, and, like Rayford's, snapped clean in half Idris: His eyes fixed on the cultist who had struck him so fearfully, Rafael stabbed the man in the back, wounding him but not as badly as he'd hoped. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico drew his dagger and nimbly feinted round Buck, setting him up for a vicious attack Sakura: Sakura yelled back at Ardrun, "No, I will not leave you behind!" She reloaded and fired a bolt toward the enemy beside heavily wounded Raf, it hit barely but still have not bought him down. Sleeping Dragon: from the boarded up hut to the right there came a sudden scrabbling noise. The panel suddenly fell away, and the doorway stood open. There stood Amarana Sart and a disgusting, four foot tall shapeless creature holding a claw hammer. "Take heart! These fools are just more bodies on the Path!" Sart cried Sleeping Dragon: Buck struck Enrico again, while Rayford, without a weapon, punched feebly at Tristan. Tristan took advantage and struck him heavily, and the punch sailed wide Idris: Rafael looked over at the sound of Sart's voice, and his mouth moved silently in a prayer. Sakura: Sakura glanced at Sart's and her gruesome creature Ardrun: Ardrun hacked down the cultist who'd felled Raf earlier and struck a fearsome blow to the other beside him. Assuming Adder could deal with the injured man, he hurried to help protect his friends from the strange new arrival. Sakura: Sakura yelled very quickly to her friends, "Dretch! Cold Iron to hurt them! Make fear and Horrible Gases!" Vachir: "By Alaric's blood!"shouted the Bolgar in disgust when he saw the shapeless monstruosity which had appeared, possibly conjured by the Red Woman herself. Thinking quickly, he tried to shot her, but only one of his arrows hit its target, the other burying itself in the walls of the shack. Wary of the new opponents, he took a step back. Sleeping Dragon: Adder rolled in under the guard of one of the few remaining cultists, bringing his sword up and stabbing nimbly. The blade drove straight through the cultist's heart, killing him instantly. Sleeping Dragon: Madic attempted to grab hold of Ardrun, ignoring a swing of his blade, but Ardrun wrestled him away Idris: Rafael took the opportunity to attack Madic from behind, but the man nimbly avoided him. Ardrun (enter): 00:49 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (4117) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(4082) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 00:49 Sakura: Sakura swore at seeing Sart getting behind at Sart but seeing that she is unable to reach Sart but could reach that fighter battling Enrico, she charged at the poor fighter and started stab him neatly but not causing much blood. Although it is very saftistying. Sakura: Tristan* Sleeping Dragon: Enrico took advantage of Sakura's distraction, faking a cut with his dagger and then driving it hard into Buck. Unfortunately, the man remained on his feet, just Sleeping Dragon: the demon stepped away from Tristan and pointed a hideous, pustulent finger. A sickly green cloud appeared, centred on Ardrun, filling the air with horrible noxious gas Ardrun: Ardrun was unprepared, and took in a breath of the horrific substance. He almost fell to his knees, gagging. Ardrun: Disconnecting from server... Ardrun (exit): 01:08 Sakura: Sakura managed to avoid breathing it in and hope for free fresh air/ Idris: Rafael breathed shallowly through his nose and avoided the noxious effects of the cloud. Sleeping Dragon: Ardrun moved forward, stumbling towards Sart Vachir: Vachir managed to hold his hold his breath and resist the noxious vapours, but he didn't look like he could out for much longer.Moving quickly, he leapt out of the cloud and tried to shot at Sart, hoping to surprise her. However it was only a glancing shot, which barely grazed the woman Sleeping Dragon: Tristan also slashed out at Sart, but it was a weak blow Sleeping Dragon: Adder rushed into the cloud to try to help Rafael, but the horrible gas proved too much for him Sleeping Dragon: Sart hastily drew another dagger and flipped it to Rayford, who attempted to catch it, but failed. Undeterred, Sart rolled round Tristan and stabbed him in the back. His armour absorbed most of the blow, and the weapon snapped and cracked as it struck Idris: Rafael threw himself forward out of the green gas, somersaulting to drive his dagger deep into Rayford's back. To his satisfaction the man dropped on the spot. Sakura: Sakura screamed at Sart, "You fucking trollop!" after she managed to leave the cloud and after quick and sudden movements, she mangaged sneak her puny dagger into weak spot. Sart staggered and Sakura laughed in glee. Sleeping Dragon: Enrico feinted again, and drove his dagger into Buck's body, sending him staggering and bleeding to the ground Vachir: Vachir quickly glanced around - Madic was apparently out of the fight, and only the now surrounded and bleeding Sart could still fight. His smile broad, he took his bow and pulled the string quickly - far too quickly, for the arrow went wide, hitting the shack. "Curse you, witch, I'll kill you!"he swore, and tried again. This time the shot was flawless - the arrow went through the already-wounded woman's chest, piercing her heart and throwing her to the ground. The Red Woman was dead Idris: Rafael shouted to the others. "Quick, there's one getting away here!" Sleeping Dragon: staggering and sick, it proved an easy task to catch up to Madic Sakura: Sakura yelled at Rafael, "Coming!" Sleeping Dragon: still nauseated and unable to defend himself, Madic fell quickly Sakura: Sakura caught up with Rafael and Maric Idris: Rafael inspected the fallen man, to see if he was still breathing. Sleeping Dragon: Madic remained alive, though he was badly hurt Sakura: Sakura glanced around the field of slains and yet she felt happiness as it was clear they won and her insultor lost. Idris: Rafael made sure that Madic lost no more blood. "We should interrogate him, maybe we can find out how Sart came to set up the arena and something of the cult." Sakura: Sakura glanced over Madic's clothes and say, "Well, he is not wearing red so... he may not be of the Cult after all, Still, we can always kill him later after hearing what he have to say." Sleeping Dragon: by this time, the fire was spreading merrily, gutting the shacks the Crimson Path had inhabited. Tristan went into the boarded up shack that Sart and the dretch had emerged from and discovered that a ladder led down into a secret tunnel Vachir: Vachir looked to be pretty excited at this victory, especially as he glanced at Sart's dead body. However soon he returned to normality, and he could be seen looking for any stray arrows which had not broken and putting them back in his quiver Idris: Rafael tried to get local people to help put the fires out. Idris: Disconnecting from server... Idris (exit): 01:42 Sakura: Sakura supported Rafel in aiding getting public support with her grand speech. However, she kept glancing where Tristan is
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Post by sleepingdragon on Nov 2, 2008 13:13:02 GMT
Descending down the secret passage, Tristan and the others found the heart of the Crimson Path's operation in Malador, a temple carved out of earth, walls, ceilings, and and floors clad with long planks of wood. Thick lengths of lumber were set up in two long rows marching down the length of the room, granting additional support to the roof. The columns and walls were hung with red draperies which reflected the lights of a dozen candelabras, giving the whole place a bloody glow. Simple wooden benches formed makeshift pews which faced towards a large stone altar that appeared to have been carved out of the bedrock during the excavation of the room. Upon the altar was a dagger and a bronze bowl, and altar, dagger, and bowl all bore bloodstains.
Further back along the passage was Amarana Sart's room. Like the temple, it was hung with red canvas drapes. A bedroll, several blankets, and a rag-stuffed mattress made up a bed in one corner, while a writing desk and a chair stood in another. At the foot of the bed was a wooden chest. Checking the chest they discovered it was trapped with a poison needle, but Enrico disabled it and allowed them to examine the contents. There were several changes of clothes, all of them red, and a bag containing a large amount of money, but most importantly the chest contained the Path's 'holy' text, Followers of the Path. The contents of the book were disturbing and nihilistic in the extreme. Its introduction read:
We are plagued with curiosity and questions. We wonder to ourselves ‘What has happened to the Masters?’ and ‘Are the Masters gods? Are there gods at all?’ and ‘Is there life after this one?’ and ‘How can we please the gods? What rites should we perform’ and ‘How did the world come into existence?’ and on and on and on…
These are the questions of fools. Their answers are irrelevant even when they can be answered. They are unworthy of the title of ‘religion.’ True religion is about ourselves.
What is the real nature of humankind? We are a fractured and bloodthirsty race. In our pride, we flatter ourselves to think that we are special and unique, though all the world stands in evidence against this foolish idea. The Masters left many races behind, and the human is not the cleverest or the strongest. We are not the kindest, nor the most beautiful. We are not the most organised or the most creative. It is simple egoism to think that we are the centre of all creation. The lives of humans – yours, mine, those of your loved ones (if the world has left you any) are not, by default, worth anything. Repeat this to yourself until it has sunk into your mind, until it becomes part of your flesh.
Our lives are worth nothing. Our lives are worth nothing. Our lives are worth nothing. Our lives are worth nothing. Our lives are worth nothing. Our lives are worth nothing.
So it continued in rambling, disjointed fashion, randomly changing subjects without any particular organisation. At great length it expounded upon its primary theme, that the destiny of all life was to destroy itself, and only a few, strong individuals could survive. Therefore, reject the foolish orthodoxy that asserts that violence is immoral or, at best, a necessary evil. Do we not all benefit from the deaths of lesser creatures such as the pig and the cow? We are not in our nature better than these. Only a few strong, hard-willed creatures will survive the onslaught of the world, and it is immoral to burden them with those too weak to protect themselves, read one passage. In the margins throughout the book they could see what appeared to be Amarana Sart's own writing. Her notations showed how the divine edicts applied to the eventual destruction of Malador. One section in particular, which attacked the philosophies of pacifism and avoidance of conflict, was so filled with her notes that it was a hugely difficult task to read it.
They were able to eventually put out the fires and examine the hovels above, but they were bare of almost anything save the basic necessities of bedding, clothing, and small amounts of food. Only a few scattered coins and a few spare spears and daggers were of interest to them.
At length, Volturn Madic awoke and they were able to interrogate him and find, to their surprise, that he was not a member of the Crimson Path, though he had been aware of them. In fact he had only arrived at the huts a few minutes before the party, having been summoned by Sart, who had, rightly as it turned out, feared a trap when she had sent Alun to get the supposedly captive Sakura. It quickly became clear that Madic had been desperately in love with Sart, and he grew furious and swore revenge when he learned she was dead. Unfortunately, as he was not part of the Path, Madic could give them little information about them, their beliefs, or their activities, and he had not been with Sart when she arrived in town and had no idea where she came from or how she had obtained the funds to set up the Bloody Banner.
At length, they left the hovels behind and made their way to see Councillor Wellaw. The old shark was highly pleased by their progress, and extremely disturbed when he perused the Path's holy book and saw the full extent of their crazed beliefs. Thanking the party on behalf of all of Malador, he gave them their full reward of 600 gold pieces each, and promised to commend them for their actions to the entire Council. In passing, he added that Covis Elassyn and Stygg Alharsen, the smugglers they had unmasked previously, had both been hanged while they were in the Flow.
After a few days, the party had recovered from their exertions. Adder Arasp had very nearly expired when his wounds had reopened the day after their confrontation with the Path, but with Rafael's assistance he was able to recover, and came to visit the party at the Old Pirate for a drink.
(Question - do you want to spare Madic, or kill him?)
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Post by sleepingdragon on Dec 14, 2008 12:36:17 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: Weeks passed, and the bright spring banished the last vestiges of winter from Malador. Alongside the coming of spring, there was the coming of many people, most of them mercenaries. Anticipating war, groups of six to twelve began to arrive regularly, motley collections of warriors from many nations hoping to take Malador’s gold to fight against Torath. As there was as yet no war, however, none of them could be employed, and the influx placed strains on the city – on the capacity of its inns, the resources of the Watch, and the patience of the citizenry. Large number of armed foreigners were not a sight Maladorans were used to, and their distrust of the mercenaries was not improved by their conduct. Without employment as yet, many of them turned to petty theft and brawling. Without anywhere to stay the night, many camped on the grass between the Flow and the rest of the city, making forays into the Flow and joining in the gang warfare which had flared up again. A short outbreak of disease swept through the poor district, killing dozens, but bringing, for the time being, a respite in the fighting.
The negotiations between the Council and the Torathi Envoy continued to little good. News coming out of Clifftop revealed that the Council was bitterly split between a faction favouring Union, led by Toban Wellaw, and one favouring independence, led by Chyra Delorri. Midway through April, General Juthe was able to force the Council to finally agree on a date on which they would hold the final vote to decide the issue - Monday, the 26th of May. As the date grew nearer, tensions grew greater and greater as Maladorans realised that in a month's time their city might be subjugated - or at war. whispering to Sakura, on the 24th of April, shortly after she woke up, there was a knock at Sakura's door. Answering, she saw a short, sharply dressed young man. "Good morning. Are you Sakura Ayanna?" Sakura: "Yes, that I am, what is your reason for attending at my house?" Sakura answered Sakura: (whispering): "Yes, that I am, what is your reason for attending at my house?" Sakura answered whispering to Sakura, "A private citizen wishes to speak to you and your companions regarding an urgent and quite profitable matter." Sakura: (whispering): Smiling at the possible chance at the profitable task, "I am always open to any profitable discussions but you may be aware that some companions may not come to this private citizen. What informations have you bought from this private citizen?" Enrico: Last month proved to be a busy one for Enrico. He was constantly tending to what he called "promising interests", yet never explicitly describing said prospects. Enrico was seen several times, however, in the company of some hungry looking armed men. An intermittent communication was maintained with the rest of the party in case a particularly profitable venture were to appear. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael spent most of his time at his house in the Jethi district, tending to the sick and injured who attended in increasing numbers. He occasionally met up with the others, and appeared to be doing well. Tristan: Tristan was impossible to locate for the first week of the month, appearing back at Shimth's smithy near the middle of the month, where he could be found from then on, when not at the Old Pirate. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael let his companions know that he had met with the Torathi spy and passed on some false information in the form of rumours about certain councillors. Sakura: Sakura have been trading for whole month, dealing with gems and silks from her homeland. However, due to her unknown friend, she managed to scored a deal with a dealer in gems from aboard in another realm making herself more prestige and of course... profit. whispering to Sakura, "I can't say. I'm simply to lead you back to where they are and then you can hear their proposal." Vachir: Vachir was similarly busy doing odd jobs around - and sometimes outside - town, mostly involving protecting merchants from street gangs and caravans from bandits. However despite being so busy he had managed to contact the others a few times - during which he sometimes asked if there was some other work they could do together, obviously happy at how profitable their previous collaborations had been. Vachir: edit: add 'and exciting'after profitable Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael agreed that it would be good to take on another important mission, particularly if it helped keep the Torathi from taking over the city. Tristan: Tristan displayed no interest at all in working with the others beyond smithing work, hinting that he disliked having to take time away from his job. whispering to Vachir, Tristan, Enrico, one morning, Enrico, Tristan, and Vachir were eating their breakfast at the Old Pirate. With the influx of mercenaries, the inn was packed to the brim with warriors from many nations, most of whom were passing the time by drinking themselves into stupors and wagering how low it would be before war broke out, and how long Malador would last if it came. Few gave it very long.
When Pesk brought them their breakfast, she sat down next to them. "I need to have a word with you, dearies," she said pleasantly. "With all this rabble coming in there's lots of demand for my rooms, so I'm afraid to say I'm going to have to raise my prices. I'll give each of you three more days since you've been here so long and been so reliable with your pay, but after that..." she spread her hands. Sakura: (whispering): Her eyes however narrowed with suspicious intent as she replied, "Hmm... I will be right back." She went to Ardrun and told him that there is a possible mission and ashed him to go with that messager to the Old Pirate. With Ardrun at her back, she told the messenger, "You will go with Ardrun to meet the rest of my companions and I will pick up last one as well." whispering to Sakura, "Of course. Shall we meet you back here?" Tristan: (whispering): Tristan nodded. "Understandable. What would the new rate be?" He asked. Sakura: (whispering): "Yes, we should." as she responded, going off toward where Rafael is living. whispering to Tristan, Vachir, Enrico, "Six silvers a night for single rooms, which I believe you're all staying in at the moment," said Pesk. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir looked somewhat displeased, but he didn't say anything. Enrico: (whispering): "I have no problem with that" whispering to Vachir, Tristan, Enrico, "Thanks for being understanding, dearies," said Pesk. With that matter out of the way, she got up to serve the other customers whispering to Sakura, Rafael ben Efrim, on the morning of the 24th of April, Rafael awoke to a knock on his door. Getting up and getting dressed, he opened the door and saw Sakura. whispering to Vachir, Tristan, Enrico, shortly afterwards, Ardrun entered the Pirate with a short, sharply dressed man at his side. They glanced around the inn, then spotted the trio and walked over to them. "Good morning," the short man said. "I have a message for you. There's a private citizen who wants to talk to you about an urgent and potentially profitable matter." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan looked at the man appraisingly, but waited for the others to speak first. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael was up already. He greeted Sakura and ushered her into the house, offering her fruit juice and small seeded biscuits. "Do you have a special reason to visit me?" he asked sitting down opposite her in his simply furnished living room. Sakura: (whispering): "A special reason is that there is chance for another mission but this time, it is from private citizen whose messenger want me and our companions to meet them directly. I thought it would be at least something to listen to." Vachir: (whispering): Quickly forgetting the price raise, Vachir looked glad to hear that there was a new job for them. Interested, he turned to face the speaker. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael looked quizical. "A private citizen? A person of means I imagine. I would be interested to hear the details." Sakura: (whispering): "But sadly, he refused to give up any details until we come with him to a meeting place. Thus I dispatched Ardun to the Old Pirate to collect our companions. I arranged for us to meet back at my house." She told him Sakura: (whispering): Sakura grinned at Rafael's agreement and said, "Right away in fact." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael got up. "I have one or two things to do first Sakura, if you will excuse me." whispering to Vachir, Tristan, Enrico, "I've already contacted your companion Sakura, we're to meet at her residence and then I'll lead you to the citizen in question." Sakura: (whispering): Standing up as well, "Very well, I will wait out for a moment then." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "No need to wait for me." Rafael said, showing Sakura to the door. "I know your house, I will follow on shortly." Sakura: (whispering): Which never occured to her, "Ah, yes. I almost forgotten that." She smiled for a moment and went out toward back to her house. Vachir: (whispering): Vachir thought about it for just a moment, then rose up from his seat "Sounds good."he said, gesturing for the others to come and follow the man and Ardrun Tristan: (whispering): Tristan shrugged and stood to follow. Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): As soon as Sakura had left, Rafael gathered some things, then quickly wrote a short letter to the High Priest, letting him know the latest news. He hung a sign on the front door to say that he would be back in a few hours, locked up and set off to the Temple, careful to check that Sakura had not hung about to spy on him. Rafael left the letter at the High Priest's house, then set off quickly for Sakura's. Sakura: (whispering): Upon returning to her house, she settled down at her dining table, to consider what to do next. Sleeping Dragon: Rafael arrived at Sakura's house at about the same time as Ardrun, Vachir, Tristan, Enrico, and the messenger. The messenger knocked on the door and waited for Sakura to come out Sleeping Dragon: after a few moments Ehlana opened the door and let the party in Sakura: Sakura glanced at the messenger and nodded, "Hello, everyone. A private citizen got his messenger to bring news about possible task for us." Sleeping Dragon: "Actually, they got me to lead you to them. I don't know what they want - in fact I don't even know who they are, I was hired by what seemed to be a plain clothed guard. I'm to lead you to a particular house. Ready to go?" Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked questioningly at the others. Sakura: "Which is getting to sound strange" She mused over it Tristan: Tristan shrugged. "I'm fine." Vachir: "Umh..Sounds a bit fishy. "mused Vachir "But let's go." Rafael ben Efrim: "Where is this house?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "It's on the road connecting the Foot to the Harbourside." Sakura: "While I do have faint misgiving, it might be well worth looking into." Sakura told them Rafael ben Efrim: "I am ready but I would just like to have a word with the maid, her child is a patient of mine." Rafael left the room and went into the kitchen looking for Ehlana. Sky Meister (enter): 20:59 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (773) Sky Meister... Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael went into the kitchen, and asked Ehlana how the boy was doing. whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, "Feren is just fine, thank you. He's doing very well here, and Mistress Sakura and Ardrun are very patient and understanding." Enrico: "It's probably nothing dangerous. Something like those dead members of the Crimson Path coming back to life as shambling wraiths that hunger for our flesh and intent on revenge. I'd rather worry about the upcoming war, frankly." Sleeping Dragon: "Members of the what?" the messenger looked alarmed. Tristan: "Nothing important." Tristan said, waving his hand dismissivly. Enrico: "You haven't heard? They are a bunch of suicidal priests bent on awakening some ancient evil. A bunch of bollocks if you ask me." Sleeping Dragon: the messenger gave a confused laugh. "Sounds like something from a fairy tale." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): "That's very good." Rafael smiled at her. "There is something I would like to ask you though." He drew a paper and a pen from his bag. " Mistress Sakura and Ardrun and I, and the others, are going off with someone, and hopefully it will be fine, but if for any reason we don't return, I'd like you to take this note to the Jethi Temple in the Foot, and give it to the High Priest's servant at his house there. Would you be willing to do that for us?" Rafael sealed the note and looked at her seriously. Enrico: "It does until some horror tries to gnaw on your ankles. One way to keep safe is to have a cat or several. Buggers scared blind of cats. Knew me a fellow - had himself a house full of them and lived without worry." whispering to Rafael ben Efrim, Ehlana looked startled. "Certainly." Rafael ben Efrim: (whispering): Rafael handed her the note and returned to the others. Tristan: "He's touched in the head." Tristan explained to the messanger. "Pay him no heed." Sakura: Sakura smiled for a moment at Enrico's taunt."Indeed." Sleeping Dragon: the messenger glanced at the door, looking like he wished he'd asked for double pay, and said nothing Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael came back into the room, looking satisfied. "They are doing well, thanks to your ministrations Sakura, and yours too Ardrun. Now are we going to accompany....?" he looked at the messenger enquiringly, awaiting his name. Enrico: "Look, you can dismiss everything or just get yourself a couple of cats and feel safer in your home. Speaking of which, where are we going again?" Sleeping Dragon: "I'm Janon, and we can leave now if you're ready." Rafael ben Efrim: "It seems so." Rafael said, shouldering his bag. Sakura: Sakura stood up from her chair and left to tell her servants that they are going off. She then followed them out. Sakura: *the group Skyman (enter): 21:17 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (786) Skyman... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(773) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:17 Sleeping Dragon: with obvious relief Janon led the party out of Sakura's house and along the road towards the Harbourside, passing the Covenant of the Return temple as they went. As they came near their destination, the houses on either side began to thin out, allowing them to look south towards the Beggar's Flow and see several of the makeshift camps the mercenaries had set up on the hills and grass between the Flow and the rest of the city. Two groups of four were engaged in an argument so loud that they could hear the noise of it from several hundred feet away, though not enough to make out any words.
Shortly afterwards they came to the house, which was about the size of Sakura and Ardrun's, but in somewhat poor repair. Janon went up and knocked on the door and was answered several moments later by a tall, hawk-nosed man with short black hair. The man glanced out, saw the party, grunted, and handed Janon a small purse. Janon took his pay and left quickly, and the man opened the door. "Come in," said the man. Ardrun (enter): 21:20 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (789) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(786) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:21 Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael walked in, carefully, eyes and ears wide open for any sign of an ambush. Vachir: Vachir went in with the others, trying not to look worried but not really managing to. Sakura: Sakura looked calm as she followed them in Tristan: Tristan followed Sakura in, looking bored. Ardrun (enter): 21:25 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (793) Ardrun... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(789) Ardrun' from room... Ardrun (exit): 21:26 Sleeping Dragon: there was no sign of any ambush. Instead, they found themselves in a small kitchen with a round red table around which there were three chairs. Another big man sat in one of the chairs, a sheathed sword in front of him. The man who had answered the door was also armed. He closed the door. "Our mistress, Chyra Delorri, is upstairs waiting for you," he said, pointing to the staircase in the far right-hand corner of the room. Tristan: "That's hardly a private citizen." Tristan commented, but did not change his expression. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded as if the name was familiar to him. He walked over to the staircase and began to climb. Sleeping Dragon: "I merely convey Lady Delorri's words, I don't explain them. For that you'll have to speak to her." Vachir: Seeing that there was no ambush, Vachir relaxed himself a bit. Not thinking much of that name, he just walked with the others without saying anything. Sakura: Nodding as if confirmed her suspicion. "First, the Old Shark and now the Lady..." She followed Rafael up the stair Sakura: *she whispered to herself* Sleeping Dragon: one of the guards led them upstairs and into a narrow corridor. They walked a short distance and then entered a large bedroom. In addition to two other armed guards, the room also contained a large table around which sat seven mismatched chairs, on the most comfortable of which sat a woman in her late forties. Delorri wore a long sky blue dress embroidered with flowers, and wore her dark hair up, and despite her wealth she wore no jewellery. She gestured for the party to take seats. Vachir: Vachir looked around the room for a moment and then quietly sat himself with the others. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael bowed politely to her, and took a seat with the light behind him. Tristan: Tristan just sat in one of the chairs, remaining some distance with the table. Sakura: Sakura made a gesture of respect toward the most powerful woman in the city and sat herself on the chair. Enrico: Enrico sat down saying nothing, waiting for the woman to start speaking. Sleeping Dragon: Delorri waited for them to all be seated before she spoke. “I am sorry for the subterfuge and secrecy, but there is good reason," she began. "First, I must make it clear that I am here as a private business owner, not as a member of the Council. Second, before I say anything further, I must make it clear to you that the matter I wish to discuss is extremely sensitive. While you are under no compulsion to agree to my proposal, I must ask for your word that you will not speak to anyone else about what I have to say." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded in agreement. "I give my word." Sakura: Nodding at Deloori, "We are good at keeping secrecy." Vachir: "Your secret is safe with us."stated Vachir Tristan: "You have my word as well." Tristan said solemnly Enrico: "That was a given from the beginning. What are the details?" Enrico (enter): 21:55 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (812) Enrico... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(713) Enrico' from room... Enrico (exit): 21:55 Ardrun (exit): 21:58 Sleeping Dragon: "Very well. A pirate vessel has been attacking Maladoran ships as they return from the Drowning Towers. This has never previously been a problem, both due to the difficulty of locating vessels as they return from the Towers, and because those vessels are carrying people who have survived a Tower expedition such as yourselves: men and women more than capable of fighting off the rabble who take up piracy."
"But the crew of this new vessel - which I believe is called the Hydra - have now successfully raided three of our ships, making off with a great deal of treasure and killing any aboard the vessels who tried to resist. You have recently proven your abilities and survival instincts in the Beggar's Flow, and I believe you may be able to help with this matter as well." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael frowned. "That is surprising news. What is known of this vessel, the Hydra?" Tristan: "There's an overabundance of mercenaries in the city as it is, why us?" Enrico (enter): 22:06 Attempting to assign the role of PLAYER to (823) Enrico... Sleeping Dragon: Booting '(812) Enrico' from room... Enrico (exit): 22:08 Sakura: "Not mentioning the plan as well. I am sure you already got a plan for us in mind." Sleeping Dragon: "Because your abilities and reliability are known factors, whereas those of the other sellswords in Malador in the moment are not," Delorri answered Tristan. "As for the Hydra there are a number of things known about the ship. First is its remarkable prow, from which it derives its name - five painted serpent heads all reared to strike. Secondly, we know of two of the pirates, including their leader - a howling, powerful beast of a man, who seems driven to greater bloodlust as the battle continues. Also, one of the survivors saw that one of the pirates was unusually dressed in full armour. The survivor swore that he saw the man knocked from the vessel into the sea, only to walk across the sea floor and climb right back up onto the Hydra!" Rafael ben Efrim: "That sounds most unlikely. However, are there any survivors who we might talk to, to gain further information?" Rafael looked around at the others. "If we're willing to take on this job?" Enrico: "Surely it would work better to send multiple vessels loaded with soldiers and scorpions against this enchanted ship than a bunch of freelancers? You don't exactly expect us to tackle dozens of mysterious, well armed combatants at sea?" Sleeping Dragon: "Such would not be possible," Delorri told Enrico crisply. "As for our survivor, he is still in the city, but I don't know where he is. His name was Lancel, I believe. A tall, fair young man with long red hair." Vachir: "Sounds like a very dangerous job..."Vachir joined in the discussion, the tales of howling pirates and plate-armored sailor having aroused his interest "I assume there would be an adeguate reward, yes?" Sakura: Frowning thoughtfully, "I have heard of this ship before but I dismissed it as a ship from the Teeth. But then, it was drunk man's speech instead. However, I will say that such job sound difficult to achieve." Vachir: edit: "the tale of the howling pirate and of the plate-armored sailor" Rafael ben Efrim: "We should be able to find someone of so striking an appearance." Rafael mused. "Yes, the reward..." Enrico: "2500 gold coins per man" - Enrico snapped back. Sakura: Sakura glanced at Enrico with a such force that it should burn Enrico into the wall. Tristan: Tristan shot a glance at Enrico before speaking. "I still fail to see how six individuals would make a diference where the barges have not." Sakura: "Please dismiss Enrico's demand." Sakura dismissed it with a wave, "What is your offer?" Sleeping Dragon: Delorri looked at Sakura. "And as for a plan, yes, I do have one. There is one great worry in this matter, and it relates to why we cannot simply send large numbers of soldiers in to deal with the matter. Simply put, I believe there is a spy for the pirates on our docks. You see, as I said, ships returning from the Towers usually contain battle hardened men like yourselves, but these three ships all carried first-time Tower explorers, avoiding ships which carried more seasoned men." Delorri regarded Enrico with disbelief and then continued on. "My plan is this - that you are to make a new Tower voyage, at the same time as the next group of neophyte explorers. Such a group is departing tomorrow. Once you are away from Malador and any spy that may be there, you are to swap vessels with the inexperienced explorers and not venture into the Towers themselves. When you then return towards Malador, the pirates on the Hydra will not realise that there are hardened individuals aboard. In addition, I can select the crew for their battle skills, so you will not be expected to do all the fighting yourselves. Capture some of the pirates and discover the location of their base, and travel there and kill or drive off any pirates at the base, and discover the identity of the person or persons who are spying for them." Rafael ben Efrim: "That makes sense." Rafael said, trying to ignore the others. "What were you thinking of offering us to do this dangerous job?" Sleeping Dragon: "I am prepared to offer you 400 gold pieces a person if you successfully capture the Hydra. Beyond that, I will pay 300 gold pieces if you capture the pirate base and 300 if you discover the identity of the spy. Depending on the nature of the information you discover about the pirates and their plans I may pay you more, but I cannot put a solid price upon it." Rafael ben Efrim: "That seems reasonable to me." Rafael said, "but the others may have something to say about it." Enrico: Enrico simply shrugged. Enrico: "Others have to say that - Enrico: "Others have to say that -" as he was about to say something, Enrico changed his mind and finished in one breath "We'll take care of the pirate scum. Yes." With that, he coughed and stared at the adjacent wall. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael sighed and looked at Sakura. Sakura: Sakura nodded at Rafael and started on saying, "However, while these rewards are indeed suitable, it is not high enough for we have many expenses to cover if we return well and successfully. These tasks you required us to do is likely to take long time. So after careful consideration of risks and dangers, the group would like see these rewards increased modestly." Sleeping Dragon: Delorri thought for a moment. "I will increase those amounts to 420 for the Hydra, 320 for the base and 320 for the spy, and of course there is the potential for more depending on what you uncover." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked at the others, but it seemed the offer was the best they would get. "Is everyone in agreement that we take this mission?" Vachir: Vachir nodded in agreement Sakura: Sakura nodded in respect for Delorri and replied, "Yes, I agreed." Rafael ben Efrim: "We will do the job for you then." Rafael said to Delorri. "May I ask if anyone on the barges has seen anything of these pirates>" Tristan: Tristan leaned forward in his chair, stairing off into space. "I have regular employment." He said, not looking at anyone. "It is fairly difficult to take time off from it and then suddenly come back to it, even for such a sum." Rafael ben Efrim: "We all have our commitments Tristan." Rafael said quietly. "But these pirates are bad for the city, and we rely on the city for our living." Sleeping Dragon: "Indeed. If your employer has any sense of patriotism, they'll surely understand the need." Tristan: Tristan was silent for some time. "Very well." He said finally. Sleeping Dragon: "Superb. Any more questions? Sakura: She shook her head to say she doesn't not have any question. Tristan: Tristan shook his head, still looking thoughtful. Sleeping Dragon: Delorri looked to Rafael. "As far as I'm aware, no one on the Fortress Rafts have seen any signs of the pirates." Rafael ben Efrim: "Isn't that rather strange?" Rafael asked. Sleeping Dragon: "No. The primary job of the Fortress Rafts is to ensure that no unauthorised persons enter the Towers, and then to protect those coming back. After all, those coming back from the Towers are usually able to protect themselves - this is the first time since my father's war many years ago that any pirates of consequence have threatened the city or its interests." Rafael ben Efrim: "Is there any chance that they are more than mere pirates?" Rafael asked. "Could they be connected in some way to the Torathi threat?" Sleeping Dragon: "I have worried about that myself. I pray they are not, but fear that they are." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "We will do everything in our power to rid the seas of them." He thought for a moment. "Who knows of this plan apart from us and yourself?" Sleeping Dragon: "None know of the plan. A few have heard of the attacks, but this plan, and your role in it, are of my devising." Rafael ben Efrim: "That is good." Rafael agreed. Sleeping Dragon: "Yes. If that is all..." she looked around at the party and none said anything. "Very well. Tomorrow a group of adventurers are heading out on a ship called the Blue Lady, owned by Stammett Runn. You will head out on an expedition of your own with Tancred Tarris, who has taken over ownership of the Take a Chance since you exposed Covis Elassyn. I will inform Captain Tarris of what is going on tonight, and he will tell his crew after you set out, but no one on the Blue Lady will know. I will give Captain Tarris a message ordering Captain Runn to switch ships with you when asked." Rafael ben Efrim: "You have complete trust in Tarris?" Sleeping Dragon: "Yes, a solid, trustworthy man." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "Then we will make our arrangements and be at the docks tomorrow." Sleeping Dragon: "Very well then. Farewell for now, and best of luck." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael thanked her and left. Sakura: Sakura also thanked her and left, considering her lists of things to do Tristan: (whispering): Before he left, Tristan stopped to ask Delorri a question. "You said that you did not want us to talk to anyone about this... job. How much would I be able to say to my employer?" Vachir: Vachir got up and left with the others whispering to Tristan, Delorri considered that. "Tell him that you are doing an important task away from the city for a few days. Beyond that little. The fewer people know of this task the better, and at any rate if you say too much to him you might even put him in danger. We don't know how many eyes the pirates have or how far they are willing to go." Tristan: (whispering): Tristan nodded. "Understood." He said simply as he left.
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Post by sleepingdragon on Dec 21, 2008 9:56:57 GMT
Sleeping Dragon: the party left the house where they had met with Delorri and headed back out into the streets of Malador Tristan: "I have some business to take care of." Tristan informed the others. "We'll meet tomorrow at the Old Pirate? Or would it be better to meet at the docks?" Rafael ben Efrim: "I too have some things to arrange," Rafael said. "The docks may give any spies less time to observe what is happening." Sakura: "I may also got other things to attend to." Sakura agreed. "It would also be easy to look for more informations as well." Vachir: "I haven't got any fancy business."commented Vachir "So I'm just going to stay at the inn and met you at the docks if that's what you prefer." whispering to Vachir, that night, Renhart entered the pirate and shared a quick drink with Vachir. "Hmm. The last of my companions arrived today, so we should be leaving for Karatekos soon. In case I'm gone when you return, Vachir, may Alaric watch over you! And hopefully in a few months I'll come back richer than the gods and can tell you about the Demon-King's city." Vachir: (whispering): "May Alaric let you find many riches there and come back here alive!" Vachir said raising his mug "I'm looking forward to listening to the tales of your deeds here." whispering to Vachir, Renhart clapped Vachir on the back and embraced him roughly, then finished off his ale and headed out again Sleeping Dragon: the next day, the party gathered at the docks and made their way towards the Take a Chance. Its' new Captain was Tancred Tarris, a big, tanned man of indeterminate origins, with huge, meaty hands and long black hair. "G'day," he greeted them curtly. Off on the dock next to them, the party could see a group of four young warriors packing their goods onto the Blue Lady, glancing over at them with interest. "Let's move quick, no time to waste, see? The Lady will be setting off soon." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded and made his way to a comfortable spot on deck. Tristan: Tristan followed Rafael onto the ship, still unarmored, though his sword and shield were ready to be drawn. Sakura: Sakura smiled at the captain and replied that she is pleased to see the ship once more and made her way for usual sitting spot. Enrico: Enrico checked and repacked his gear when on board Vachir: Vachir found himself a decent place to sit down, and checked on his equipment and weapons, making sure everything was in order Sleeping Dragon: Tancred grunted and set about preparing for the voyage, haranguing his crew with loud yells and insults. Five minutes after the departure of the Blue Lady, the Take a Chance also set sail towards the Towers, discernible in the distance as it was a clear morning. Ardrun: As they sailed, Ardrun sat near Raf. "So... While we have time, I am interested to hear more about this strange god of yours." Sakura: Sakura considered what happened in that meeting so far, glared at Enrico but for a moment as she settled on Tristan. She crept closer to Tristen and told him, "Thank you for coming with us. Your skills are of great help for our group." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked up, pleased that Ardrun hadn't forgotten. "He is the One. The creator of the whole universe including men. It is up to us to know his bidding and perform it." Ardrun: Ardrun frowned. "But why should we perform his will if he doesn't tell us?" Vachir: Vachir idly watched the horizon as the ship sailed, though he tried to be in a position where he could hear what the others were saying Rafael ben Efrim: "But he does tell us!" Rafael warmed to his subject, more animated that anyone present had seen him. "He speaks to us. The Sacred Texts record his words to men. We have the priests and scholars to aid us in interpreting their words. Also the One may speak to us when we pray." Tristan: Tristan simply nodded to Sakura. "Personally, I don't think that we should be here however. The city should deal with its own problems." Ardrun: "Speak to us? The gods of my village never spoke to anyone but the shaman. So the Sacred Texts are recordings of things that people heard when they prayed?" Sakura: She mulled over Tristan's reply, saying, "We are living in the city, depending on it for our liveihood. Surely you desire to see the city stable as it is now, rather than a city that drowned in blood." Tristan: Tristan shrugged. "It doesn't matter. Whatever happens, we'll move on." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael frowned as he searched for the right words. "It's revelation, the One speaking to that person very clearly and directly, telling him something important about the way the world is. Not exactly prayer." Ardrun: "Hmm. Have you ever had revelation?" Enrico: Enrico put his kit away and leaned over - "Talk to the One about any subject! Marriage prospects, riches to be accumulated, everything can be foretold in minutes! Holy Shaman Enrico will receive you for a measly gold piece per minute." Sakura: "But as it is, there are always chains that ties us down, no matter how much we desire to move on." Sakura sighed for a moment, looking over Tristan. "I have been wondering about you. What is that?" She gestured at the star on Tristan's chest. Rafael ben Efrim: "The words of the One cannot be compared to some fortune-tellers tricks." Rafael said dismissively. "I have never been blessed with great revelation Ardrun. But I do pray. Being a Jeth is about how we live in our community as well. About being free." Enrico: "Fine, squander a chance of a lifetime to converse with your deity." Vachir: Vachir chuckled as heard Enrico's words, obviously not impressed by these religious discussions Tristan: Tristan looked down at the star around his neck before tucking it under his tunic. He looked at the others on the boat before saying something quietly to Sakura. Sleeping Dragon: as they sailed, Tancred continued to shout loud orders, haranguing his men with an endless stream of aspersions on their competence, parentage, and other, more intimate details. As he went, several of the party noticed that he had a mark or tattoo on his left shoulder, which, on inspection, appeared to be a rune of some sort. Tristan: (whispering): "It's a memento of my sister." Ardrun: Ardrun was about to respond to Raf, but he noticed the rune. "I wonder what that is," he murmured. Sakura: Smiling softly for a moment, "Sister? It is younger or older sister?" Rafael ben Efrim: "Do you actually believe in anything Rico?" Rafael asked with a sigh. He looked over at Tancred. "It means nothing to me. Perhaps he belongs to some society." whispering to Sakura, Sakura recognised the rune as a Torathi mark called the Lawbreaker's Rune, applied to the shoulders of Torathi found guilty of major crimes such as rape, major theft, speaking against the king, or travelling without a licence Tristan: (whispering): "Elder." Tristan said simply, obviously a little uncomfortable with the topic. Ardrun: Ardrun shrugged. "In any case, perhaps I will look at the texts some time." Rafael ben Efrim: "They are written in Jethi," Rafael answered. "It would be hard to get hold of a copy." Sakura: (whispering): Nodded at Tristan, understanding the matter and whispered him, "On that rune, it is a Lawbeaker's Rune of Torathi. I came across it while I was much younger in Torathi." Tristan: (whispering): "Hmm? What rune?" Tristan asked, glad to change the subject. Sakura: (whispering): "On that captain's shoulder. It deserved for the people commited major crimes like travelling without permission or rape or just complaining about the king." Tristan: (whispering): "I see. We will have to keep an eye on him then, without knowing the true reason for it." Ardrun: "That is unfortunate, if only some have a chance to listen to your god's words." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael shrugged. "His words are for the Jethi." Enrico: "I'm always here!" - Enrico waved. Sakura: (whispering): Grinning at Tristan for a moment "I will find out nevertheless and I do hope we can talk more later." She strolled toward Ardrun and Rafael. Tristan: (whispering): Tristan nodded. "Always a pleasure." He said, looking out at the sea. Ardrun: "I have not heard before of gods that charge a coin each minute," said Ardrun to Enrico. "Although perhaps a sacrifice is the same thing." Sakura: Sakura went toward Ardrun, Enrico and Rafael and nodded at them, "Did you spot that Captain's rune?" She whispered at them. Rafael ben Efrim: "You did not say what you believed in," Rafael turned to Enrico. "Apart from yourself that is." Enrico: "A coin a minute, a life a minute during some zealous war - what's the difference? I'm just as good of a god as any other." Ardrun: "Yes. Do you know what it means?" responded Ardrun to Sakura. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael smiled. "You are speaking from the point of view of the believer. The One is what he is, whether you believe in him or not, and he is far more than a mortal man." His attention moved to Sakura, waiting to hear what she would say. Sakura: Smiling slightly at them, "Indeed, I do. Ardrun. I came across it back when I was much younger in Torath. It is called the Lawbreaker's Rune and he is a Torathi who been found guilty of major crimes like rape, theft, treason, or simple as travelling across Torath without pass." Sakura: edit: rape, theft or simple as travelling acorss Torath without pass. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael looked briefly at the man. "So he has turned against his land to be here. If he is everything he appears." Vachir: Vachir eventually seem to grew somewhat bored with just staring at the waves, so he slowly decided to approach his companions to listen more closely to what they were saying and see what they were doing. Sakura: "But then Rafael, no one is what they appears to be. I think I will try see if I can drag out the answers from him." Sakura nodded at them once and went off, waiting for good chance to engage the captain in the discussion, long discussion. Sakura: (whispering): After managing to convince the captain into talking to her, she managed to ask him some questions about himself. "There is something I noticed about you, Captain. The one on your shoulder. While I know very well the price to get it, I wonder what you did to get that mark?" Sleeping Dragon: the party sailed along, keeping the Blue Lady in sight, sailing in some places over the sunken remains of villages destroyed during the deluge in the Masters' War, now home to kingdoms of fish. About a half hour away from the shore, the Captain told the crewmen the true nature of what they'd be doing. "One day out, one day pretending to search the Towers, and one back, so we'll fight the Hydra on Sunday," he said. whispering to Sakura, Tancred gave Sakura a stare, then shrugged. "My cousin killed someone. His wife was sick and they needed money for her medicine, so he embezzled a bit but one of the Kingdom Guards caught him so my cousin killed him and asked me to help him hide the body. We got caught and I was too far from my village without permission, so he hanged and I was branded and spent a year cutting trees for the King's damn in Willowslow." whispering to Vachir, edit: dam, not damn whispering to Sakura, edit: dam, not damn Sakura: (whispering): "Sound like Torath to me. At least you are free from that kingdom. Not mentioning getting this ship as well." She replied casually. whispering to Sakura, "Free for now," Tancred said sharply. "We'll see how long that lasts." Sakura: (whispering): "Only time will tell that, Captain. Still, I am sure most people would share the same desire of your. It is however a shame that the Council is divided on the subject, nevertheless." whispering to Sakura, "They should bloody fight, but the Council are only interested in what's best for them. I've lived in Torath and it's appalling - taxation beyond belief, famines, and incessant rebellions. Will you fight if war comes?" Vachir: "I'm looking forward to seeing these so-called pirates."mentioned Vachir to the others as the ship sailed "Delorri sure made them sound impressive opponents." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael nodded. "If they are unaware of our plan." Sakura: (whispering): She only glanced across the sea, only considering the reply before saying, "War? It is much better off if we ensure that war never come to the city but made Torath the price so heavily that they will not reach the city. There are many other ways of actions then mere fighting to ensure that city is free from dangers of greedy ruler." whispering to Sakura, Tancred grunted and said nothing, returning his attention to the crew Sleeping Dragon: the ship continued towards the Towers, being boarded and searched by the raft guards shortly before they reached the Towers themselves. The Blue Lady anchored near one of the closest of the Towers, and Tancred ordered the Take a Chance to anchor at the Tower next to it. "Alright, you smelly twats, keep an eye on them!" Tancred told his crew. "If those buggers turn and run we'll need to catch them up! Otherwise, we'll go and speak to them tomorrow night." Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael went to speak to the captain "When exactly will we be changing ships?" Sleeping Dragon: "Assuming the Lady doesn't turn about to run at any point, tomorrow night," Tancred told him. "Thought it would be best to do it at night, to minimise the odds that any spies might see us." Rafael ben Efrim: "We will keep watch." Rafael assured him. "If there is a spy they will want to communicate, and may do it at night." Sleeping Dragon: Tancred nodded Sakura: Sakura nodded as well, she spent considerable amount of efforts on talking to Tancred over last few days. But it seems she done well with the Captain. Vachir: Vachir always kept his bow at hand, ready to point it at any suspicious would be-spy he could have seen Enrico: "Just shoot whoever tries to get from one ship to the other" Sleeping Dragon: "If he does that he'll be shooting the whole lot of us soon," said Tancred Enrico: "Much easier, though" Rafael ben Efrim: "I think Vachir will know when to shoot." Rafael said with a slight smile. Sleeping Dragon: the evening, and the next day, passed with little incident. Once or twice they noticed the crew of the Blue Lady glancing over towards them, but nothing seemed to come of it.
Several hours after the sun had gone down on Saturday, Tancred ordered the anchor to be hauled up and they slowly sailed over towards the Blue Lady, flying a peace flag as they went to ensure their intentions were not misunderstood. By the time they pulled up alongside the Lady, the entire crew had been woken and were watching curiously and muttering amongst themselves. The adventurers stood fingering their weapons, though the party noticed that there were now only three of them.
Tancred stepped over onto the Lady and reached into his clothes, retrieving a piece of paper. "Good evening, Captain Runn," he said, approaching his counterpart quickly. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to cut your expedition short. You're returning to Malador tomorrow on the Chance, and we're taking the Lady." As Captain Runn, a big, round, bearded man spluttered with outrage, Tancred held the note up in front of him. "This will explain everything, I trust. You're free to take any treasure you've wrested from the Towers back with you. Keep that note, by the way, Captain Runn, so that the guards on the Fortress Rafts understand why you're on our ship, and we're on yours. Now all of you, get moving!" he ordered the Lady's crew Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael gathered his belongings and waited to cross over to the Lady. "Has the fourth member of their party been lost in the Tower?" he asked Tancred. Sakura: Sakura also gathered her belonging and glanced at the group, "Bound to happen." Sleeping Dragon: Tancred shrugged. "Did one of your people die?" he asked the adventurers. They stood still for a moment, looking angry, until the shortest of the trio nodded. "Alright then, best that you not go back in then. Now get moving." Vachir: "We were lucky to get out of the place in one piece, weren't we?"commented Vachir Enrico: "And back for some seconds. Glorious." Sleeping Dragon: the Lady's crew shuffled across the plank over to the Chance, complaining amongst themselves. "When you're over there, sail back to where we were!" Tancred ordered. He was obviously enjoying this. "And stay there until the morning. Sail back an hour or two after we leave. Thank you!" Sleeping Dragon: when the Lady's crew had completed the switch and sailed away, Tancred clapped his hands together. "Superb. We'll set off tomorrow and see if the Hydra bites..." Rafael ben Efrim: "And we'll watch the Chance and make sure they don't get up to anything." Rafael added. Ardrun (exit): 23:05 Sakura: "I am sure Hydra will bites. We are after all, some poor innocent fights who may or may lost one of our own." Sakura smirked. Sleeping Dragon: when morning came, it was one of the more unpleasant ones in some time - it was drizzling and humid, and a thin blanket of fog lay over the sea. "It will be too much if this wretched fog keeps the Hydra from being able to see us," Tancred complained. "But then it will stop them from getting too close a look at our crew either." Rafael ben Efrim: "They may hear us though." Rafael said thoughtfully. "We could make sure we sounded right." Sleeping Dragon: "Sound right?" Tancred shrugged. "Just don't do anything that might give us away." Sleeping Dragon: they set sail shortly after sunrise, heading back towards the rafts. The guards reacted with great confusion at the switch of crews and swords were pointed at Tancred, but he was able to get the note from Delorri out and show it to the Sergeant, and their attitude improved immediately, though they were still scrupulously searched to ensure they hadn't tried to sneak anything out of the Towers. At length, they were allowed to sail on back towards Malador. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael checked his weapons yet again. "This is when they'll come, if they're coming." he said, then moved to be alone for a short while. From his bowed head the others could surmise he was praying to the One. Sakura: Sakura made sure her weapons are ready to fire and daggers in her holders. She carefully glanced around, prepared to fight these pirates. Vachir: Vachir decided to check his bows and arrows one last time, but not before praying Alaric to steady his aim for the battle to come. Sleeping Dragon: they continued on throughout the day, waiting for the Hydra to make its appearance. The rain slackened off, but the fog remained. Captain Tancred cursed their luck and the crew, who deliberately rowed poorly and slowly, to maximise the chance that the Hydra would spot them. At one point they stopped and spent a short while flinging buckets of water overboard and heading down into the hull, as if to patch a hole.
Whether because of these theatrics or in spite of them, about two hours before sunset, they spotted the Hydra'ssail off in the distance to the port bow. Half an hour later the ship was clearly visible, rapidly closing the distance between the two ships. As they had been told, its prow was carved in the shape of the fearsome, many-headed hydra of legend. It was somewhat narrower than the Blue Lady or the Take a Chance, from which, Tancred surmised, it derived its speed. "Not very good for carrying cargo, but of course that's not what it's for," he said conversationally to Sakura Vachir: "There they are!"said Vachir, eager for battle Sakura: "No surprise there. Lot of pirate ships are built for speed. At least the trap is work." Sakura narrowed her eyes in resolve. Rafael ben Efrim: Rafael said nothing, but crouched over his pack. He removed a vial of dark green stuff and began applying it to his daggers, using extreme caution. Enrico: Enrico fiddled with his kit, wincing at one point and emerged with a cocked and loaded mini-crossbow. Sleeping Dragon: the chase was on. With its much greater speed, it was clear the Hydra would have caught them up even had they not wanted it to, and Captain Tancred ordered the crew to put everything they could into attempting to escape, so as to not raise the suspicions of the pirates by seeming eager for a fight. Only when the ships were close to each other did he relent and allow them to prepare for battle. The crewmen pulled on leather jerkins and took up crossbows, cutlasses, and small wooden shields, while Captain Tancred went into the hold and emerged wearing lovely leather armour fastened with metal rivets, a light shield of polished steel, and a beautiful cutlass with gems inlaid into its hilt. He tied a red bandana round his head and went to take cover under the tarp, preparing for the collision between the ships. "BATTLE STATIONS!" he shouted.
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