Into the Rising Mist

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - Town Square

The city of Unitus stands tall in the evening sky's glow. The town square is busy, as usual, with citizens walking through the town square or sitting by the fountain. The fountain in the center reaches ten feet tall and shoots crystal clear water from its spout. At its base, small white lilies float in the calm water. Nearby, a lamppost with a sign attached is being lit by a town guardsman as the night begins to fall. The sign, written on a fine parchment, sports golden ink and a flowing script. On it is written the following:

Greetings, Citizens of Unitus.

I seek the assistance of a few seasoned adventurers. I own a mining business in the northern reaches of Bevorven. In my aging years, I find the trek too difficult to go alone from my home here along Lake Supreme. Any men interested in escorting me north should politely meet me at the Fawn's Tail at sundown. I can assure you, I will reward you handsomely for protecting me through the journey.

Sincerely,
Jackson Aurellis

[HempRope]

What would you have done if one of us was a straight barbarian?

Male Dwarf

Into the square strolls a dwarf -- in fact, the way that this dwarf is moving just about defines the word stroll, as he steps slowly, looking about himself with great leisure and apparent enjoyment, his hands sunk deep in the pockets of a loose shirt. He loves this time of the evening, sun preparing to set, families, young people and older couples out enjoying the always-temperate weather in this latitude. This time of day doesn't exist back home. It was a luxury afforded only residents of these large, southern cities. In fact, three weeks ago he himself had never seen a lamp lit. Well, besides a little lantern when someone come inside who isn't used to the dark.

His attention drawn to the lamp even after the lamplighter had departed -- they have lamplighters down here! It's silly, really -- he meanders over to look at what is attached below it. Some kind of public announcement? Inefficient way to spread news... oh, no, it's, well, it's a public announcement but it's not from the city. And look at that. Just precisely the sort of thing I was looking for. Alarmingly exactly the thing I was looking for. Uh-oh! I might be late! What is the Fawn's Tale? Is that a road? A gate? Oh, probably a pub or some such. Well, off to find it... I hope he doesn't want to leave tonight I finally found a place with northern ale, I can get a break from this sweet wine... and my bag is back in my room...

The dwarf leaves the square going back the way he entered it, his stride slightly quicker than it was. Though he still might be late.

[GuyFawkes]

What would I have done had I gone a straight barbarian? :D
============================================

Young Man

The sun had begun to set when the young man saw the sprawling city by the lake. Unitus. It has been a while.

As he continued towards the metropolis, memories begin to play in his mind. He was but a young boy when he was first brought here. His parents were traders from a small village on the island to the east, and Unitus was a major stop over in their trade rout which stretched all the way to Udo'kai in the deserts of the west. As he was an only child, and they had no relatives to leave him with, his parents had to bring him every time they went on the road.

He would always enjoy the stops in Unitus. It was a huge bustling metropolis, with wonders that captivated his young eyes; the buildings, the shops, the houses, everything was big compared to the ones in their village. And the majestic view of the lake during sunrise and sunsets. He could not remember the details, but he remembered the feeling it gave him as a boy, that of awe and excitement.

Nine years since I last came here, he thought. A long time, and yet it seemed like yesterday. Then he remembered why it was the last time. Flashes of whistling arrows, and clashing steel, and screams, and blood. He thought he had forgotten the pain, but there it was again, gripping his chest. He shook his head, trying to dismiss his thoughts. Now's not the time to be living the past.

As his mind shifted back into the present, he found himself walking in the wide streets of Unitus, working his way in the usual bustle of traders, locals, and travelers. The clatter of hooves and footsteps and traders shouting in advertisement of their goods, the smell of different kinds of perfumes, and bread, and other food all brought a sense of nostalgia. The city seemed so familiar, as he had remembered. And yet, it was different. Time. Time changes everything, he thought. He took a moment to take all the sights and sounds of the city in, making a new memory for himself, then he reminded himself why he was here.

He worked his way around the city into the central plaza vividly through memory, and as he arrived, the first thing he noticed was the large fountain at the center. It's still there, I see. Other than that, the plaza looked different from what he imagined. Changed. Then moving on to his purpose he looked around for signs and posters. He trained his eyes to look, it was already getting dark, and there were still lots of people going about. He noticed a guardsman lighting a lamppost, and as he looked closer he noticed something was posted on it. Bingo.

He walked towards the lamppost, snaking through traffic, and as he got there, his suspicions were confirmed. It was a job offer. He then proceeded read the details. Escort duty. Sounds easy enough. Though I've never been to Bevorven so I may not know what to expect.

"Hmm. Fawn's Tail by sundown," he told himself. The name sounded familiar. He paused for a while to try and work his mind into remembering, but to no avail. Maybe it was just his imagination, he thought. Then he looked around and saw the guardsman lighting another lamppost nearby, and approached him.

"Pardon my interruption, Sir. I am to go to this place called Fawn's Tail. Could you point me the way?"

[Hefty Lefty]

((Taught you to read? :smalleek: ))

Unitus - Town Square

The guardsman turns around to face the young man. Through the metal guard of his helmet a gristled mouth speaks. "Fawn's Tail?" The man seems a bit put off by the question. "You wanna blow a gold piece on food that won't even fill ya stummik? I tell ya, there are better ways to spend ya money than on that fancy food." He raises a hand to his hip and exhales. "But I suppose I can't stop ya. It's right down a'that way." He points his finger down a white cobblestone that follows the coast of the lake. The guard turns back to his duty at the lamppost.

[Omeganaut]

Haughty Human Musician

Amadeus strolls into the square. He notices a dwarf attempting a stroll, and with every fiber of his being, outdoes the dwarf. His nose is so high its hard to believe it was still attached to his face. He looks down upon the passerby, much as a god looks down upon mere mortals, and watches the dwarf scurry off back the way he came 'Probably going home to eat rat or some other lower-class food'

Watching the passerby, something about the sign affixed to the lamp catches his eye. Reading with a practices nonchalance, Amadeus is intrigued by the dwarf, and decides that following the dwarf would be a brilliant way of making money, making friends with a wealthy potential patron, and getting to Bevorven with a group of experienced travelers. Amadeus knew that something was happening with the mines around Bevorven, and wanted to be at the center of the action, in hopes of being inspired for new music. He looks for a well-to-do person whom he hasn't met before (due to that incident at the recital hall the other night), and finds one quickly.

He stops in front of the charming lady, and sweeps his hat off with a flourish. "Good Evening my dear lady, but I am afraid I am having trouble navagating this fine town. I thought such a well-bred sophisticated woman such as yourself would have a good knowledge of every delightful corner of this city. I know its a dreadful imposition, but I would be ever so grateful if you could point me in the direction of a place called 'The Fawn's Tail'. I have an urgent meeting there. I'd also just like to mention how delightful it has been conversing with such a stunning young beauty such as yourself."

[tonberryking]

Scruffy Mercenary

The professional mercenary didn't expect to find a job posting so soon back in his homeland's capitol. All the more reason for him not to stay for long. Not that there was no one left for him to trust; he had his huge war-mare stabled at an inn he was in good with the management with. No worries about her trying to rear-kick some stupid fool of a horse thief; she'd be tended and left alone.

No there were other reasons. Having the look of a Unitus cavalry man, but too scruffy, too lacking in insignias or banners let damn near everyone know he was out of work on sight. And here he was, not putting much stock in creating the appearance it was from choice, not from dishonor.

Oh well. Crap happens.

Kodoz walks with direction to where the taverns are and then manages to drift about until he finds the Fawn's Tail. Whoever set up that not back in the square smelled of money from the looks of the note alone, and he hadn't been north yet in his travels. May as well take a shot at seeing it.

[GuyFawkes]

Young Man

"My thanks," as he went on to where the guardsman pointed him. From what he could surmise, this Fawn's Tail sounded like a tavern, nay, more a restaurant for rich people. "Well that's a good sign," and he smiled at the prospect that the job would have a hefty paycheck.

As he walked down the street, training his eyes left and right for signposts, he finally found one that read "Fawn's Tail", and by the looks of the trappings and decorations on the place, it certainly looked like his prospects were correct. He smiled once again and entered.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - Town Square

A young lady stops dead in her tracks upon hearing the eloquent rambling of a certain musician. Her light blue doe eyes seem to gaze in amazement at the speech being presented to her, so much so that she seems not to be paying attention to the message but rather every individual word as if it were a work of art and a puzzle she was attempting to piece together. At the end of the speech, her face remained unchanged. The words ended, but she clearly expected more. She shook her head to regain her focus. Blushing a deep rose, she put her pale-skinned hand to her mouth. "Oh, I'm sorry," she muttered, "The Fawn's Tail. It's just up that hill. By the lake. Here, let me walk you." She turned around from the direction she had been walking in back from the path she came. Her blue dress matched her eyes and complimented her long blonde hair, which now draped to the small of her back as she walked in front of her new friend. "I really hadn't much to do tonight anyways." After a few steps she turns around and asks, "Well, aren't you coming?"

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

At about the same time, two men similar in height and stature, both sporting black hair and a strong build arrive in front of a restaurant named The Fawn's Tail, as made evident by the maroon and gold sign above the door. The white cobblestone leads to two small wooden stairs up to two doors. Inside, as the first man enters, he sees a very fancy arrangement of tables, chairs, tapestry, many large windows, and people. On the far right wall, a bar is well-stocked with many glass bottles of both exotic and domestic liquors. A smiling man with long, bold white hair tends the bar. He wipes the dark mahogany counter with a damp cloth, talking avidly with his other hand to two people drinking. Around the room the dark brown wood is accented by a dark maroon. The rug, tablecloths, and napkins match the color worn by the bartender and many waiters patrolling the tables. The area is well-lit thanks to many windows and a fine candle at the center of each table.

The restaurant is busy tonight, as it is nearing dinner time in the city. The room, however, is not too loud. The patrons know to keep their voices down to maintain the tranquility. The people eat politely and delicately. Their plates are accompanied by fine steaks, green vegetables, or seared chicken. The smell of the meats fills the room. Almost everyone is drinking either a red or white wine. Those who aren't drink clear water, presumably from the lake nearby.

In the back of the room, the lightest section, is two large windows rising from the floor to the the height of the door between them. Outside is a porch area overlooking Lake Supreme. The sunset floods the scene with a brilliant pink and orange glow. Outside, a few more tables can be made out. No table outside is empty, by what can be seen from the doorway. The lake seems to stretch on behind the deck without end but the horizon.

As the door opens, a finely-dressed half-elf in the black and maroon uniform of the restaurant greets the two men. "Good evening, gentleman." He gives a short polite bow to his guests. "Welcome to The Fawn's Tail." He raises an arm and points it, palm outstretched, towards the room. "Shall I see you to a ta..." As he looks up at the men for the first time, his eyes squint and he is clearly displeased. "I'm sorry, gentlemen." His hand falls back to his side. "Here at The Fawn's Tail we have a dress code. We like to keep a bit of class about us, as this is what our fine patrons request in an establishment. If you like, I can direct you to... other establishments for you to dine." His facial expression would assume he is insulted the two men even approached his doorstep.

[GuyFawkes]

Young Man

Approaching the entrance, the young man noticed another man whose destination apparently was the same as his. He noticed the armor and weaponry he carried about, certainly not your typical patron of a fine establishment as Fawn's Tail. A warrior. Perhaps here for the job as well. Realizing this he quickly entered the door ahead of him. He needed this job.

As he entered, his senses were assaulted by the myriad aromas and colors. Meat and vegetables cooked in different dishes, and fine wine as well. And the adornment of the place, the fine tapestries and furniture, and a majestic view of the lake to top it all off. He then noticed the people, all dressed regally, members of high society no doubt. Ah, the pleasures of the rich and wealthy. I most certainly have no business in a place like this.

That thought was apparently shared by a half-elf who stood beside him, by the looks an employee, who pointed out his attire as inappropriate and suggesting he could direct him to another establishment, with a look on his face that seemed condescending. In his mind, he entertained the idea of his fist connecting with the half-elf's face, but he knew better and just smiled sarcastically and spoke, "I am well aware of that fact, thank you. However, I am here for a different matter. Business. I am looking for a man by the name of Jackson Aurellis. Is he here?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

The half-elf host raises an eyebrow. "You certainly don't appear to be dressed for business." He looks behind him. A waiter who had been tending near the front of the main dining area floats near the conversation. The host turns to him and puts his hand in front of his face to mask his own mouth. The second man in the doorway, the one yet to speak, hears a whisper. The whisper matches the harsh tone with which the half-elf has been speaking. The waiter promptly turns around and heads back into the dining room. "Very well," the host begins, "Our esteemed dining staff will determine if a Mr. Aurellis is dining with us tonight, and will decide if he wishes to have you accompany him." His slanted and exotic eyes widen. "Ah-ah!" He turns around and raises a finger. "Cortland, would you please?" The waiter returns to the entryway in a hurry. Silently, he nods at the host with inquiry. "I must ask of you two," the host faces his guests once again. "Who is Mr. Aurellis seeking to dine with tonight? Surely we must learn your names before he is to decide whether or not to dine with you." The host looks up at the two men, waiting to be impressed. "Hm?" The waiter looks on with a blank stare. In his right hand he supports two plates full of food and two glasses of wine, both red. The whole time, he has carried the tray above his head with a flat hand and perfect balance.

[GuyFawkes]

Young Man

"I care not for dining. I came here to fill in the job description he posted, and I assure you, I am pretty well-dressed for that kind of business," he motioned towards his armor and sheathed weapon, then looked the half-elf in the eyes, letting his last sentence ring before speaking further. "And tell him the name's Marcus."

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

The host's eyes raise in both shock and disgust. "Sir I assure you we do not partake in here the same matter of business you are making reference to. Patrons in The Fawn's Tail do business with the matters of finance and politics. Can you not see we are sensible and polite?" At this point a large man steps forward. He has a profound brow and small eyes so squinted one might believe he can't actually see out of them. His hair is straight and down to his shoulders. He wears the same garb as the waiter and host, but his clothes are clearly custom-made for his bulging build. At his side rests a silver scimitar. He towers above all three men in the doorway by at least a foot; his presence is nothing short of intimidating. "And sir, please, do not threaten this establishment with weapons. As you can see," with a cocky half-smile the host raises an arm to the burly man behind him, "Neilson here ensures the patrons protection from people like you." He slows his speech to emphasize each last word of his sentence. The young man in adventuring gear seems to have dug himself into a bit of a hole here at The Fawn's Tail.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Again the young man's lips cracked into a smile, amused by the apparent intent of intimidation on the half-elf's part, then eyeing the man he called Neilson. Yes he was big, but he has seen larger foes in the pits of Era'dai. And all of them fell before him. "Yes, it is common sense that patrons here deal with those kinds of business as you said. That is why they need people like me to watch their behinds. That is why I am here. And you must be mistaken. I am not intimidating you, heavens no!" and he burst out a laugh. He just can't hold himself from what the situation has turned to. He had to take the situation under control, for he thought this might jeopardize his landing the job if he'd make a commotion. "I was merely implying my competence for the job. Mr. Aurellis is in need of an escort. Surely you've seen what escorts wear for business?" And if I did threaten you, I assure you and your little friend wouldn't be standing there right now, he would've liked to add, but knew better not to.

[Omeganaut]

Musician and Lady

"I would love to accompany such a lovely lady as yourself, indeed, I would count myself honored that you would find time to spend with me. Indeed, if you are truely kind enough to walk me there, the least you can do is have the pleasure of knowing my name. I am Amadeus Moses Wolfheart the third, and I am most pleased to have your company." Amadeus accompanies his introduction with a bow and a flourish, quite remarkable considering how he never broke stride.

As they walk, Amadeus continues to talk with the fine lady about all the wonderful things he has seen in his travels in this fine city, as well as during the time he spent with the elves. Of course, none of those beautiful sights could compare to seeing just the tip of her ear, a falled strand of her hair, or the merest glimpse of the trailing edge of her dress. He continues with a string of compliments until the pair reaches the door of the Fawn's Tail. He graciously asks the lady "While my meeting may involve tedious business-talk, I still feel that I must ask my lovely guide if she wants to have dinner. On me? Its the least I could do for taking my poor, lost soul to the location I sought." Based on the answer, Amadeus either walks with the young lady to the entrance, or bids her a fond farewell.

Amadeus walks up to the hosts stand, and gently nudges the unfortunate gentleman in the traveling gear out of his way. "Pardon me sir. Um, Excuse me monsieur, this is the Fawn's Tail, correct? I want to make sure I have selected the correct place and not a cheap imitator. I was wondering if my business associate Jackson Aurellis made it, as I wish to discuss his business proposition advertised in the town square. If he can meet, that would be excellent, if he is unable to meet, I would otherwise like a table of my own. Pardon my intrusion."He finishes looking back at the gentleman he nudged slightly out of the way.

[tonberryking]

Between the intrepid hothead and the stuffed shirt, Kodoz wonders for a moment if he'll need to leave the city post-haste anyway before the night is over. However it must be said that for the moment he sides with the establishment, appearing like a professional soldier at ease dealing within a superior's presence.

But eventually, he feels this has gone far enough and tries to intervene.

"Sir. I am Former Corporal Graesky, first class, with the Unitus Cavalry, 37th Division, Wotan Squadron. My apologies for barging in but I...we both seem to have business with a Mr. Aurellis concerning a business proposition." he shoots Marcus a glance. "I'm sure it will be brief on our parts."

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

Along the way up the cobblestone road, the young nods, enamored. The string of words seem to be never-ending, but this is all right as each one is equal parts interesting, pleasing, and beautiful. Her white heeled shoes make a loud clack with each step she takes. When she can get a word in, she makes known that her name is Clarissa. She has lived here in luxury her whole life as the daughter of a politician. She was peacefully shopping in quaint shops downtown when night began to fall. She stressed that, while her father would very much like her to be home, that she is a woman capable of making her own decisions and would love to spend the evening with Amadeus. When the couple finally reaches the doorway of the restuarant, the half-elf host, who has been stubborn all this time, quickly steps aside and bows. "Good evening," he begins, then brings his body back up to face them properly, "and welcome to The Fawn's Tail. I can assure you this is no cheap imitation! And yes, a Mr. Aurellis is indeed dining with us tonight. Cortland!" Without turning his head, the host beckons for the waiter who snaps to. "These people are to dine with Mr. Aurellis... just the two." His tone rebounds back to his condescending snare, as if he completely forgot the other two were in front of him. "Bring them to him."

The waiter quickly bows his head and leads them towards the back of the room. The dining area is busy, but the establishment is large enough that there is no shortage of space and the walkway is easy to maneuver. The waiter swings open the door leading to the deck. He dips his head again, and departs. Directly in front of the door is a man seated by himself at a table. He slowly sips from his glass of wine while looking over the horizon. His silver hair marks him as aged, but his fine blue ruffled coat with white trimmings shows that, like the fine wine he is drinking, he has aged well. The lakeside view is breath-taking. The orange and pink sky is radiant and glowing. The water is a dark blue. Along the side of the lake, there are a few more grandiose establishments with decks, some filled with people. The small lake waves lap upon moss covered rocks down below the deck, which extends a bit into the water. The gentleman's table is empty. Three chairs accompany the table, but they, too, are empty.

The host turns back to his first two men. "Do you see, gentlemen?" He folds his arms. "That is an example of who we serve. His exquisite clothes, his precise manners," his voice deepens and slows as he raises an eyebrow again, this time suavely, "the lady on his arm." He regains composure and continues. "I'm afraid you gentlemen are simply not the type we are here to serve. Good day." Just as he finishes, the second man speaks up. He claims to be a veteran of the Unitus guard. "Hm. Well, yes, we are always pleased to serve our protective forces here at The Fawn's Tail." The wind is taken out of the half-elf's sail as he begrudgingly accepts the fighter's request to enter. "If you must see your acquantice, I believe he is seated on the our waterside deck. But first, I must request that you, Mr. Marcus, you claim?" He spits the syllables to the name out of his mouth as if they were a bad food. "Mm. Yes. Well, I must request of you to unarm yourself here with Neilson. We here at The Fawn's Tail are not the fighting type, and you would gravely unnerve our fine guests with your blades and rash temper." The host motions to a table on the side of the doorway. "If you would."

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Infuriated by the difference in treatment, he held on to his weapons as if he intended to use it, but thinking he was out of line and this was indeed a place inappropriate for someone like himself, he proceeded to remove them from his person and handed them to Nielson, but not without staring the big man down.

"Handle them with care," was all he could say without bursting back into his angered tone. Then he again faced the half-elf and again smiled sarcastically and bowed, "My apologies for my behavior. On my word I shall do my best to behave myself as would be appropriate for such a fine establishment for the remainder of my stay," in his mind repeating over and over to calm himself down and think about landing the job.

As he walked towards the intended table, he leans towards the man walking beside him, and making sure the half-elf is out of earshot, whispered to him, "You have my gratitude. You saved me back there. If it weren't for you, something bad might have happened to those two. My temper--often gets the better of me. What did your say your name was again?"

[HempRope]

Male Dwarf

In the end, the dwarf is only a little late. Leaving the square, he had stopped two men who looked as if they were going home from work and asked if they knew "the Fawn's Tail," but learned nothing. Heading back to his temporary home, a boarding house called Longchamp, he asked a group of men outside another pub about the place, then a young couple, and finally a man hawking fruit. None of them knew the place. Getting a little worried the dwarf asked Longchamp's middle-aged owner, who raised his eyebrows respectfully.

"Naturally," he said. "Now that's a nice place. Some of the best food in Unitus there. It's maybe six blocks from here, down on the waterfront."

The dwarf was relieved a bit to hear that Aurellis wanted to meet at such an elegant place. No need to be ready to leave immediately -- at least, that wasn't likely. But he had still rushed upstairs; he changed into his dress robes and hurried back out the door, some purpose in his stride as he leaned into the breeze coming off the water. He would probably need to impress.

And so the dwarf is only a little late when he pauses to gather himself outside the Fawn's Tail. Shaking his wide head, he pushes the door open and steps inside the expensive room of maroon and white. It's a surprise to find a butler waiting for him. Talk about fancy.

"Good evenin', I'm lookin' for a Master Aurellis," the dwarf begins in Common, his accent pronounced but not problematic. "Jackson Aurellis? 'E should be here, per'aps with a large party..."

Show him to the table or not as you'd like... sorry, I didn't expect to being RPing the way to Aurellis. Would have gotten more done in the first post.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

In the order of how they entered the restaurant, Amadeus will have about a minute to act before the other two approach. Then, the three of them will have about another minute until the dwarf arrives. For that reason, let's have Amadeus act first, then the two humans, then the dwarf.

[Omeganaut]

Private Room

Amadeus gives a kind nod to both the host and the bouncer while following the waiter further into the restaurant. He is sure to mention to his companion how he is once again delighted to have her company, as it outshines even these elegant surroundings. When he reaches the table, he is sure to thank the lovely waiter for his escort, telling him to take his and Clarissa's orders in about fifteen minutes. He then turns to the potential employer, but his eyes continue wandering around the room, periodically going back to the expanse of water. "Good evening, Jackson Aurellis I presume? I must say, this is a lovely view. You must be a profitable man to afford a private room. Oh, I apologize, where are my manners? This is Clarissa, who has seen fit to grace me with her angelic presence this evening. Clarissa, forgive me if I fail to give you the attention you deserve, but I must figure out a business agreement with Mr. Aurellis." Amadeus, after shaking Mr. Aurellis's hand, pulls a chair next to him at a comfortable distance apart.

"So, Mr. Aurellis, I saw your advertisement in the town square regarding your journey north. I was very intrigued by it, as I was interested in traveling to Bevroven to experience it's unique culture. Furthermore, as you are obviously a man of taste, I believe my musical abilities might make the trek a little less bland. I do have experience in traveling, as I have been all the way south to Sara Clara, west to Coremite, as well as many wanders across the Azure Plains. So, what terms are you prepared to offer?" Amadeus turns to look casually out at the water. He hears a melody begin to form in his head, but it turns into the well-known ballad The Riverlord's Daughter.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

The man slowly turns to face his guest. The silver hair of the man drapes over his ears. One eye is covered with a black eye patch. The other, his left, is wrinkled and old. His chin sports a beard beginning to grow, the hair here is much more white than on his head. The man wears a thin golden headband around his hairline. He smiles and greets the singer. "Can you ask for a more beautiful picture?" He asks, half-gazing at the lake. The man then takes the young lady's hand and gives it a light, polite kiss. "Apparently you can." He sits back down and clears his throat. "I am Jackson Aurellis, and I own two large mines in the northern reaches in Bevorven. I see we have a similar destination, it would be unwise of us not to travel together." He takes a long, slow sip from his glass. He doesn't receive much of the red liquid, but he delicately tastes each drop. "Blackness Pass, from here, is about a week's journey. Hopefully we'll each have a horse and can cut a day or two. From there, we can journey through the mountains. That's the part I fear the most. Deep in those mountains..." Jackson Aurellis leans in towards the center of the table, "there are indeed mysteries. But I believe there are more that live in the mountains than just the dwarves." He holds there for a moment, his eye staring into those of Amadeus. After a few seconds, he leans back comfortably into his chair and again takes from his wine. "This is why I am requesting a travelling party. For my protection. I am confident I'll find someone of size and strength with a blade to accompany us as well." He takes a breath during a quiet lull in conversation. "As you can tell I am a man of good fortune. I promise you a hefty sack of gold for your accompaniment. And," his voice slows down once again, "if I do need the protection of you or any of the company members, well, I can assure you, I will spare no expense properly rewarding your efforts." During this conversation, Clarissa sits politely with her hands folded on her lap. She does not seem too intimidated by the dangers in the cave. She appears comfortable with the story. On the same token, she does not react strongly in any way to the large reward either.

[Omeganaut]

Private Room

Amadeus looks excited at the mention of a big bag of gold, but hides it quickly. [b]"Well, that is an offer that is rather hard to refuse. Just for the sake of having a set contract, how much gold is a bag's worth? I have found out that it is always better to set out specific payment ahead of time so that no-one is surprised. By the way, that is a lovely headband you're wearing. It really enhances your look."[b] Amadeus compliments. He pauses, wishing he had ordered some wine with the waiter earlier, but he knows that going back would make him seem indecisive in front of the lovely young woman, and after all there is not long to wait.

[Hefty Lefty]

The Fawn's Tail

Jackson raises his hand in the air and tosses it as he speaks. "Ah, exactly. I have five hundred gold pieces to share among the party for my accompaniment. If, however, it becomes necessary for me to be protected, I can see to add three thousand gold." He smiles as he offers the immense reward. "I hope this can influence you enough to travel with me?" Just then the door swings open again. This time, the waiter is followed by the two men seen earlier at the entryway. The waiter again bows silently and darts back into the dining room.

[Omeganaut]

Private Room

Amadeus gives a another quick look of delight before recovering his composure. Ah, yes. That would be delightful. Blessings fall upon your head for your agreeable business practices." Amadeus closes the deal with an elven blessing. He then turns to greet the newcomers. "Why hello there sirs. I am glad to see you managed to work out difficulties with the Host. Come and sit, for business is good!" Amadeus exclaims standing up. He carefully maneuvers his chair closer to Clarissa in a way that puts himself in between her and the newcomers.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

As he entered the room, he saw the smart mouth working his mouth again, this time with an old man with silver hair and an eye patch. This must be Jackson Aurellis. Then the saw the talkative man stand and turn towards them, offering them seats. Marcus nodded at the offer, but not to be bothered with sitting, went straight to the old man's side. "Mr. Aurellis? I read your notice on your need for an escort on your trip, and I am here to fill that position. Marcus, at your service," and he extended his hand to shake with the old man.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

Jackson quickly reaches out and gives the hand a shake. He isn't very strong. "Ah, yes" he begins, pleased, "Take a seat, take a seat. I'm sure the two of you have read my letter know your way around a blade? Our trip should take less than ten days, if we are well-prepared for a journey, which I intend to be." He takes a short pause. "Do any of you have any qualms with leaving tomorrow morning?"

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

He took the old man's hand and shook it, and noticed his shake lacked strength. He really does not escorts. The old man motioned for him to sit, and he obliged. He made mental note to do everything to please his potential benefactor. He already screwed enough for one day, he thought.

He listened as Mr. Aurellis talked about the details of the trip, and when asked about any qualms on leaving the next day, he quickly replied. "No problems here, Sir. I am ready anytime you want to leave."

[tonberryking]

His bow back with Eria, Kodoz hands over kukri and sword without a word, the well oiled leather sword belt wrapped into an easily loosed knot about the hilt. "No worries; I understand the need for appearance's sakes." he gives a lopsided grin before allowing himself to be led off, trying not to make any more of a scene than already lapsed.

"You call for a cavlary man?" he greets Jackson upon entry, coming in as the old man announces his intent to leave in the morning.

[Omeganaut]

Private Room

Amadeus begins beaming. Not because the deal has been struck, but because a waiter has come by with his wine order. Before the waiter gets to the table, Amadeus asks his new employer "Well, it sounds like business is concluded. While I would love to have what I'm sure would be a stimulating conversation, I feel i must show this fair lady a good time, as she has been patient with me so far. If you will excuse me, I'd like to find another table so I can devote the attention such a beauty deserves." Amadeus finishes

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

The old man at the table smiles and shakes the hand of the cavalryman. Again, it is frail. "Yes, yes, glad to see you." He sits down, "I am Jackson Aurellis, and these other two men here are accompanying me tomorrow in a journey to Bevorven. I assume you, too, are interested in the mission?"

Clarrisa looks up at Amadeus, shocked he is leaving the table. She opens her mouth slightly to begin to say something, but, remembering she is a lady, closes her mouth and gets up to follow Amadeus. She places keeps her hands down and closed together as she stands, and gives a small nod to farewell. Her cheeks are a bright pink, and seem to always be blushing.

"Good evening sir," the host cues his greeting for a third time, "and welcome to The Fawn's Tail." The half-elf is pleased to see the elegant and exotic robes of the northern dwarf. "Will you be dining alone tonight?" When the dwarf mentions that he, too, has business with a particular man, the host's eyebrow raises. "This man seems to be very busy indeed. Very well, please follow Cortland straight to the lakeside deck behind you." The waiter quickly ushers the dwarf towards the door, through the lavish decorations and extravagant people of the dining room. Just as the couple gets up to leave for the night, the door swings open and presents the dwarf.

[HempRope]

Promises broken left and right... computer problems overcome, though.

Male Dwarf

The dwarf does his best to keep a smile on his face but internally he girmaces when the human says that Aurellis is busy. This job seems ideal, and the less competition the better.

Though on the other hand, I don't want to be in too far over my head...

He slides past the flashily dressed young human couple who pass toward the door as he proceeds toward the deck, and audibly thanks the doorman leading the way to Aurellis's table.

"Good evenin', I'm Marwin Paolodun," he begins, the silence at the table clearly in honor of his introduction. He speaks slowly, partly out of formality and partly with the hope that his prospective employer will pick out each syllable of his family name: pay - oh - lo - doon. Or perhaps even recognize it.

"I've come regardin' the prospec'ive journey into Bevorven. 'Ope I 'aven't kept y'all waitin' too long?"

He holds out his hand to shake and takes an open chair if it's offered.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus sat down and kept quite, his business done, except asking for finer details on tomorrow's departure. He listened as Aurellis spoke to the cavalryman, waiting for his turn to speak. He noticed the smart-mouthed guy leaving with his lady, and as they did so, the door opened yet again, presenting the waiter and a dwarf behind him who introduced himself as Marwin Paoludun.

Great. Another odd one into the mix, he thought. Then he thought about the advantages of being in a group. He'd already secured his spot anyway, and more numbers would only make the job easier. The cavalryman looked reliable in a fight, and the dwarf was surely from Bevorven, they could certainly use his knowledge of the area. Plus he looked like he could handle himself in a fight.

Then he thought about the other one, the talkative one. He didn't look like he'd last one minute out there, but Marcus was quick to remember not judging people by how they look. And he remembered how easily the man talked his way into the restaurant. They might just find a use for that mouth of his, he thought.

Yes, more people would only make this job easier. Right?

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

The old man excitedly rises from his seat, extending a hand as he lifts himself. "Ah, hello Marwin!" His one visible eye is wide with anticipation. "A local, this is perfect! I trust you must know the way through those mountains. Excellent."

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin's smiles at Aurellis's warm welcome. Partly for show, partly for relief.

"Yes, local 'nough," he says with a chuckle that originates deep in his belly. Though Marwin is thin (especially for a dwarf!) his voice sounds like it should come from someone with a much bigger frame.

"'Ope I can help y'all some with yur navigation... and I'm trained as a spellcaster. You'll 'ave to tell me 'bout the route you 'ave planned." He glances to the others sitting at the table, just two very young human men -- but they seem well-armed, and at least one looks to have some experience. Though a visual inspection is worth little; Marwin knows from experience that in this robe, with only a dagger at his waist, he looks like a harmless cleric or scribe.

"These your men?" he says witha gesture. "I wasn' innerruptin' somethin'?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

"Yes, the two men here..." Jackson's speech slows. He raises a hand and twirls it. "You must forgive me I'm just terrible with names. These two men here and a Mr. Amadeus Wolf who recently left us with a fine young woman. The five of us should be a suitable travelling party, lest any other applicants arrive." He takes a long sip from his glass, and sits back down in his chair facing the lake. "We will meet at the city's western gate when the sun's at its highest." Jackson looks around to make sure this is okay with everyone. Regardless, he continues, "Until then, you are all free to continue to dine with me tonight. Or, I will happily see you tomorrow, ready to begin our journey." Meanwhile, in the main dining room, the date between Amadeus and Clarissa is going swimmingly.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

He didn't bother with the blatant discrimination again, or if it really was just a coincidence that the old man chose to forget his name over the glib that left before him; he was focused on keeping the job. "Well then, it seems we are done here. I shall take my leave now. I do not want to prolong my unwelcome stay here," he spoke as he rised from his seat. "I would like to join you for dinner, but perhaps another time, when I am properly dressed. Well met, good dwarf, Mr. Cavalryman, and of course Mr. Aurellis," bowing slightly to each one as he mentioned their name. "We shall see each other at noon."

After the courtesies, Marcus left the room and proceeded to retrieve his weapons from the front desk, of course not without staring down the big guy Neilson. As he walked out of the Fawn Tail's doors, he immediately breathed a deep breath to calm himself. "Well that went well," he said in sarcasm, and started walking absentmindedly, repeating the events inside the restaurant.

When he started to focus back into the present, he was back at the plaza. He went straight to the fountain and sat, admiring the beauty of lights from the lampposts playing with the water as it flowed down, making for a spectacular show. He remembered how beautiful the fountain was, but he never saw it at night; his father never allowed him to wander outside the inn after sunset. He looked took in the sights that Unitus during night time had to offer, and it was a marvel - the lights, the beautiful architecture, the view of the moon over the dark expanse of the lake, some of it had changed but it was the same Unitus he remembered from years ago: breathtaking. Realizing that he was starting to reminisce again, he got up and started towards the inn to spend the night, vaguely remembering the way. While walking, he noticed his stomach and remembered he has not dined yet. Ah, tonight I must feast, for tomorrow I have a job, he told himself.

After a few minutes of walking, he reached the inn. This was the same one their family stayed at when they would pass by Unitus. It was quite pricey, but his father could afford it, for they were quite better off back then, of middle class one could say. For a wanderer like him without permanent jobs however, it was a luxury, and there were other cheaper places he could stay. But right now, on a night before his new job, he could afford to give himself the luxury. I guess I deserve this for not totally blowing it up earlier.

Marcus immediately went to the front desk as he entered and spoke, "I would like a room please. The last room to the left in the second floor if it's available. And a table for one at the bar for dinner." And before the person could speak, he placed his money pouch on the desk, purposely juggling the gold pieces inside.

[Omeganaut]

The Fawn's Tail

Amadeus does his best to entertain Clarissa in the Fawn's Tail. He orders the second cheapest wine and food, worried about his current wallet. They have a delightful time, although Amadeus groans inside when he gets the bill. After finding just enough coin to cover his costs, Amadeus offers to walk the young woman home, seeing as it is rather dark outside, and there would be many scoundrels who would not respect her beauty as he does.

[HempRope]

M*****f***** I already wrote this post.

Marwin


"On the 'morrow?" Marwin says with some surprise. Tomorrow he was planning to... well, there wasn't anything he needed to do, he just wasn't expecting to leave so soon. But he doesn't have a good reason to delay the sortie... and how could he pass up such an opportunity?

"Pleasure ta meet my travelin' companions," he says in response to the young man's departure. He smiles wryly looking to Aurellis and then the other human. Smashing his little fists on the table Marwin looks the others square in the face.

"So 'e doesn' put much truck in names... mine's Marwin Paolodun like I said, what's yours?" He reaches his short arm across the table to the human sitting there, hoping to find at least one ally. "'Ope it's not an intrusion ta be havin' dinner wit' you after all. I'd love to hear 'bout the caravan ya have goin' north and tha rout yer plannin' on takin'."


Marwin would like to fish for as much information as possible, including about Aurellis and his soon-to-be traveling companions. Let me know how you'd like to run this... default, w/ a check, w/ RP...

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

During the course of the night, Marwin asks Jackson Aurellis a few questions. He answers them as such:

"Why are you travelling to Bevorven?" - "I'm going up north to oversee my two mines in the northern reaches. Additionally, I want to evaluate how well my nephew, Alden, has been trained for when I retire."

"Why do you need us along?" "What is the route, and what may be the length of the trip?" - "Well mainly for protection. The trip might take upwards of a week, and I simply cannot go it alone. It will require spending nights in the plains and in the wild alone. After we reach Blackness Pass, we will need to journey through the Black Mountains. I fear the creatures that may live in those caves."

"How we're travelling?" - "That is up to each of you. However is comfortable is fine. I have a horse in the stables near the western gate that I'll be riding. There's no way I can walk this trip myself! If you need a horse, but have none, I will pay for you to rent one at the stables."

"Are we expected to do anything else? Will there be a return journey?" - "No no no. I only need the protection from anything we might encounter along the way north. I plan to stay near the mines for... well, I have no intention of returning here, if that's what you mean. And I can't possibly ask you to stay and wait until I decide to travel again."

"How are we to be paid?" - "As I told Mr. Wolf, I will pay to the party five hundred gold if the trip is relatively safe. However, if your services are needed to protect my life from any dangers we may encounter, I will add three thousand gold to your purse."

Marwin believes everything said to him in response to his questions. Jackson appears anxious about travelling through the mountains, and a bit pensive when talking about the possibility of a return trip to Unitus.

[HempRope]

My bad, thought we were doing that all OOC.

Marwin

Marwin accepts the terms of the trip and agrees with all of its tenets... except for that one about riding.

"Hmm... I've ne'er been on a horse," he says. "'M not really 'cited 'bout it, either. Al'ays gone by wagon b'fore this. If you front the costs I'll see 'ow it turns out... but if that doesn' pan out, I'm gonna 'ave to bow ma way out."

And he's pleased with the payment proposed. Mostly.

"There an allowance for rations and such?" he inquires, not really hoping for a positive answer.

I almost hope we do have to fend off some thugs, I could find a good use for all that coin...

Marwin is otherwise casual and open throughout the evening, speaking openly about growing up in the North and seemingly pleased to be dining with Aurellis and the as-yet-unintroduced man.

Shaking hands enthusiastically after the meal is finished (his dwarven accent and mannerisms have become more pronounced as his similarly dwarven penchant for ale has kicked in), Marwin is thinking through everything he needs to do before leaving tomorrow.

"Mid'ay at tha stables, eh?" he asks.

Leaving the Fawn's Tail, Marwin returns to his room, changes back into less assuming clothes, and heads back out again. He has a number of goodbyes to say before he turns in for the night, and the pint or so that goes along with each will make his morning errands that much harder.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - The Fawn's Tail

In response to the horse comment by dwarf, Jackson seems a bit confused. "I suppose you can walk if you want. Or if you really would rather ride in a drawn wagon..." he trails off.

Overall, though, he is very appreciative of the dwarf's time and presence. He bids the man a fond farewell as he departs.

Unitus

The young woman Clarissa has been well wined and dined all night. Her polite and proper attitude has dropped a bit with each glass. Her hair is disheveled and her strides swayed. "Yeah, yeah definitely," she says in respond to Amadeus' offer, "please walk me home, it's uh, it's this way!" She points towards a dark road and gallops down it.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

After his sumptuous dinner, Marcus went and ordered a bottle of wine and proceeded to pour himself some in a glass. As he sipped his first drink, he stretched his weary body and relaxed in his seat.

It had been a long day. The most of it he spent on the road here to Unitus. Fortunately for him, he encountered no difficulties earlier, for he had traveled along a quite often-used road. He had spent the night before on the road, and now he took pleasure at the thought of a warm room and a soft bed under him as he would sleep tonight.

Pouring another glassful, he started to look around at the other patrons inside the bar. Beside him were a few men who obviously were here just to drink, and apparently they were at it for quite a while now, as the whole group was rowdy and loud. Or maybe they were just rowdy and loud even without the influence of alcohol, he thought. On his other side was a half-elf, dining by himself. This reminded him of that impudent host at Fawn's Tail, and with it the feeling he felt back then. But he shook his head and tried to remove the memory from his mind. He did not want to ruin his peace.

On the far side of the bar, one human family occupied one of the tables, the father, the mother, and two boys. Marcus looked at them as they dined, how they looked happy in each others' company.

Ah, family, he thought, and he recalled the one he had once, the one he had lost. He remembered how they used to dine here, just like how that same family did now, laughing, talking about the things that happened that day, about what is happening in the city, and their plans on the road and for when they'd pass by Unitus again. Plans that were now lost in that fateful day. Feeling his chest tightening again, he down the last content of the bottle in one gulp, placed his pay for the meal on the table, and stood up to go upstairs to his room.

Once in the room, he put down his gear at the side of the bed, untied his weapons, putting his bastard sword with the rest of his gear and his short sword under his pillow. Then he took of his chain shirt, some of his concealed daggers, keeping one tucked behind his belt, and took of his boots.

After setting down most of his equipment, he went to the window and opened it. He again looked at the night scene that Unitus offered, and closed his eyes to feel the gentle breeze flowing into the room. He remembered how he used to do this years ago, before his mother came to tell him to go to sleep. He turned around. Now there was only him inside the room. He was alone.

He closed the window and dropped forward onto the bed and forced himself to sleep. Enough about the past. I need to focus on tomorrow. Tomorrow. The last word was more of begging rather than a command.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus hurries after the somewhat "happy" girl, hoping that they don't run into any street toughs. He is wearing his second-best clothes after-all, and ruining them would be a shame. Keeping an eye out for any trouble, he follows her home, for once letting her do most of the talking

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus

The young girl Clarissa stumbles home, too distracted in her conversation with Amadeus to focus on important things like walking. The couple approaches her house which is about a twelve minute walk from The Fawn's Tail. She leans up against the door. "This has been such a great night." Her pale cheeks blush red, even in the dark of night. "Thanks for making this uneventful day so fun." She stands with her hands behind her back and gently rocks back and forth. She stands in front of the door, hesitant to open it until her date bids her farewell.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus is sure to give the lady his best charm, as he melodiously replies. "Well, you have made an eventful day for me rather fun. I wish I could spend more time with you, but alas, I am leaving tomorrow. What suffering I will have to endure having memories of you face but not having you there to hold. However, someday soon I will come back with a masterpiece, and the first thing I shall do will be to find you. Truly, in all my years with the Elves, I have never seen such unbelievable beauty. Farewell, classy Clarissa." With his last words he gently holds up her hand, and gives it the most tender quick peck that the city had seen in years. Sad that he must stop his courtship after such a promising start, he waves goodbye with the faintest of tears on his cheek as he walks back to his rented rooms.

While he was walking, Amadeus thought again about how lucky he was to find this venture. After all, the owner of his rooms had given him to the end of the week to get out, and now he not only had a place to go, but employment on the way. Plus there is no way that Bevorven could have heard about his gaffes. Maybe if he started as a simple bard, he could make it big. Of course, that would require learning more common music. *sigh*, the things we do for art. Oh well. With that, Amadeus had reached his rooms, and he climbed the steps, changed, and settled in to his last night in a proper bed for a week, making sure to enjoy it thoroughly.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus

Outside the windows of whatever inn you all chose to take shelter in for the night, the sky is a brilliant bright blue. Your sleep was hopefully restful, but regardless, it's good to be back. For today will certainly prove to be exciting. As you rise from your sleep, you remember the man you met last night, Jackson Aurellis, will be waiting for you at the west gate of the city at noon. A hefty reward is promised for accompanying him north - a hopefully simple task. Outside, birds chirp to bring the morning. People outside are deep into their morning routines. Shops are already open and people are busily moving in and out.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus awoke as a sliver of sunlight pierced through the curtains and fell upon his face. Ah, the appointed day of departure. He stood up and went to open the curtains and the window. He peeked out to see Unitus in its usual bustle, and looked at the clear blue sky. Judging from the position of the sun, he knew he had more than enough time before midday, so he didn't need to hurry.

After he finished donning his gear and made sure all his equipment have been accounted for, he went down to have breakfast and left after he finished. Noticing he had still some time to spare he decided to walk around town, this time passing through the parts he did not pass by the day before. He looked around to see the goods the merchants displayed and wondered if he could purchase something unique.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus woke up as the stream of sunlight fell across his bed. Unfortunately, that meant it was much later than he meant to get up, and promptly scrambled to get ready. Scrambling to put on his boots while he brushed his teeth, he tripped and fell, almost pulling the sink down with him. As he finally got his traveling gear on and was ready to leave, it was about 11. His stuff packed, he had to find the remaining food he hadn't already made into trail rations on the move. "Why did I have to pick a place to stay on the East side of town? Silly choice!" complained to no one in particular. He was so intent on making it to the rendezvous that he didn't hide his face from musicians he saw on the street. Luckily, his clothing convinced them that it couldn't possibly that talentless fop they hated, and he made it to the gate without major incident. while catching his breath, he looks up to gauge the time by the sun, and decided that it was 6 o'clock at night. That was about when the church bells starting to ring noon, which saved him from severe consternation, as he realized his poor survival skills. Looking around, he tries to spot anyone he recognizes from last night.

[HempRope]

Damn, I forgot how to spell my own character's name.

Marwin

After his busy night, Marwin wakes later than he intended but still with plenty of time before he needs to be at the West Gate stables. He heads first to the office of a wizard with whom he has spent some time over the past few weeks, a Master Chilgin, to peruse the potions available, and chooses a couple. The serious-minded dwarf then visits a traveler's market to pick up some cured meats, yams, and other non-perishable food -- enough to last him a couple of weeks, if need be. He asks them to hold it for him and ducks into the nearest tavern for a hearty bowl of hot stew, his favorite way to start a long trip, though this human stuff is a watery substitute for real northern stew. He'll get some of that in little more than 10 days, if Moradin favors his return home and Farlanghan smiles on their journey!

Marwin is early to the stables and hunts for Aurellis immediately. There's much work to be done, still -- he has to not just find a mount before the group departs, but learn to ride, too!

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus

Marcus wanders the city. Along the streets he finds typical food and cloth vendors. He also finds a stall purveying fine silverware, such as spoons and knives. He passes a store titled "Red Rings and 'Ristwatches". Inside, a dwarf and a northern halfling sell fine ruby items. Lastly, Marcus passes a store titled "Tick's Traps". The storefront is on the corner of a dirty alley.

Unitus - West Gate

Meanwhile, the other two party members quickly make their way to the west gate of the city. They immediately spot Aurellis. He sits atop a slender chestnut horse. He seems to not know a difference between fine dining clothes and travelling clothes. Aurellis greets those he sees with a wave and a small smile. At the city's gate, two armed men stand on the sides of a very large gray door with light blue trim. Their armor marks them as members of the city's town guard. Additionally, standing beside the horse is a stout dwarf who, as opposed to Aurellis, looks ready to travel as you do.

[HempRope]

Marwin

"G'morrow, Master Aurellis! greets the dwarf as he approaches the gates. "Trust you slept well? 'M ready to go soon as the others show up... 'sumin' I can manage my way onto one of those beasts."

Going into the stable, Marwin asks the first hand he meets for the most amicable pony they're willing to part with. After half an hour of tumbles and much laughter from those who gather to watch the dwarf, he feels comfortable enough in the saddle to ride Listie, the light brown mare that he was assured was quite docile, back outside. He's pleased to see that two of the others from last night, Marcus and Amadeus, have arrived. Marwin immediately dismounts to greet them, and starts loading his rations onto Listie's saddle. Figuring he may as well burden her rather than himself, the dwarf adds his bedroll and a considerable amount of clothing to the bundles hanging off her sides.

I assume we can retcon the dwarf's introduction and the pony business happens afterward.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

The dwarf besides Aurellis turns to you and instroduces himself with a somewhat stumbled bow, during which his axe drags on the ground. Greetings and well met. I 'ere am Gormil, most humble servant of Moradin, He who made the roots of the mountains. He pauses for a moment before adding quickly, lest his presence be misunderstood, Mr. Aurellis hired me for 'ere journey, as our little group's healer. He shakes the hands of the humans with a smile (or at least it seems likely, it's hard to say with that beard), hesitating for a moment before the other dwarf, eventually shaking his hand as well.

After the round of introductions, he climbs on a horse as well as only a thoroughly armored dwarf can, in other words, not very well. It seems that only his low center of gravity is preventing him from getting dislodged from his saddle at every stride, but he suffers his precocious situation with a smile. Again, likely.

[Omeganaut]

Once Amadeus catches his breath from the mad dash across town, he smiles and returns Aurellis's wave. Noticing the newcomer, and having been (however briefly) introduced to the other travelers, he goes over to introduce himself. "Hello, my name is Amadeus Leopold Wolf, and I will be traveling with you. Hopefully I can keep everyone's spirits up, and I'm not too shabby while in danger either. I'm sure it will be a please travelling with you. Ah, Mr. Aurellis, how are you today. It certainly seems like a wonderful day for traveling, doesn't it?" Amadeus is perfectly happy to continue with the small talk all day, but he notices that everyone except him has a mount. Embarrased by his oversight, he asks Mr. Aurellis about possibly getting an advance on his payment to rent or purchase a horse to travel.

[GuyFawkes]

The store named Red Rings and Ristwatches caught his attention so he went inside and looked at what they offered. Then when he was done with his business there he moved on and came across a store named Ticks' Traps which he also went inside to check.

Noticing that the appointed time drew near, he made his way to the appointed meeting place. When he arrived he saw Mr. Aurellis waving at him atop his mount and wearing clothes that were ill-appropriate for travel. He truly wanted to point this out but figured it was a waste of time. "Good day, Mr. Aurellis." He then noticed that he had a dwarf with him as company, but this one was different from the one he met the night before. Then when the dwarf made his introductions and the other dwarf appeared, it all became clearer to him.

Seeing as everyone was getting his own mount, he also went to the stables and got himself a trusty-looking horse. He tied his gear onto its back and mounted it.

Can I have a list of what I could buy in the two stores I mentioned? I'm thinking if I bought anything it would be behind the scenes and I'll just mention it in passing in the future.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - West Gate

"Ah yes, yes." Aurellis slightly embarrassed, introduces the party's fourth member again. "We had met earlier last night, but he left before the three of you arrived. Pleasant fellow, I'm sure he'll be a valuable asset and friend, as will the three of you." When Marwin starts to load his goods onto the horse, Aurellis does as well. He is interuppted by hte bard's plea. "Ah no worry!" He raises a frail arm toward the stables nearby. His arm, covered in a fine white ruffled sleeve and yellow trim, probably hasn't held a blade in decades, from what you can reason. "I've tipped the stableboy over there kindly. He should be able to fit you with a suitable animal. Just tell them you're a friend of myself." Jackson sits atop his horse willing to share pleasantries and any last-second questions or concerns, but you all know that daylight is valuable.

[HempRope]

Marwin, Slightly Earlier

The dwarf besides Aurellis turns to you and instroduces himself with a somewhat stumbled bow, during which his axe drags on the ground. Greetings and well met. I 'ere am Gormil, most humble servant of Moradin, He who made the roots of the mountains. He pauses for a moment before adding quickly, lest his presence be misunderstood, Mr. Aurellis hired me for 'ere journey, as our little group's healer.Marwin is surprised by the bow, but doesn't return it, instead shaking the proffered hand with two of his own. If this Gormil is going to be big on formality, Marwin can give it to him -- the other dwarf is clearly younger and so technically bowing in return isn't obligatory, as long as he shakes with two hands.

"Well met," Marwin says, continuing in Common despite the oddity of translating dwarven customs. "An' I'm sure our Lord is well-served. Marwin Paoladun, caster of the forges an' son of Osmanu, Protector of the West an' Lord of Ronquin. 'T'll be good to have another dwarf as we 'ead North."

Marwin's common is only lightly accented compared to the speech of most other dwarves, though the humans might not have the ear to hear it.

"Where do you 'ail from, and what brings you so far South, if Moradin permits you to share that reason with us?"

Alright, this business of talking to a real dwarf in Common is ridiculous. It'd be so much easier to just say 'if you don't mind me asking!'

Back in the Present!

After the round of introductions, he climbs on a horse as well as only a thoroughly armored dwarf can, in other words, not very well. It seems that only his low center of gravity is preventing him from getting dislodged from his saddle at every stride, but he suffers his precocious situation with a smile. Again, likely.Marwin is pleased to see that he isn't the only one new to this riding business. Though it seems that in some circles here skill on a mount is a sign of prestige and refinement -- the two of them aren't doing much to enhance dwarves' image in that regard. Not that anyone cares what these southerners think, really.

TK was the only one with a character who was any good on a horse. If we all leap off our mounts in combat and they run off, we're just plain screwed. :smallsmile:

Also, it looks like we should sort out some dwarven customs now that there are two of us. Vlad & HL, I'll PM you my thinking as a start, if that works for you guys.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus walks as quickly as he can without seeming to walk quickly over to the stable indicated. Asking the stable boy for a mount, he offers a silver piece for one that is easy to ride. Upon getting the horse, he quickly mounts, and finds that riding is not so bad after all. He joins the others, trying to imitate what he has seen other doing before.

[roll0]

Of course, his success is shortly outlived, and he suddenly finds himself on the ground with several diverse places on his body hurting rather badly. Praying to whatever god that would hear his please, he begs for help not doing that anymore. Amadeus decides to wait next to the horse until Aurellis decides it is time to be off.

[Hefty Lefty]

Unitus - West Gate

The stable boy stammers at the present of the coin. "Oh th-thank you sir!" The young boy's eyes light up as he holds the silver piece in both hands directly in front of his eyes. "Thank you sir!" He runs off with a wide smile.

The crew appears ready to leave, despite shambling to mount their horses. Aurellis raises an eyebrow, but quickly bats away whatever thought he had. "Well I'm sure you'll all get used to your horses soon enough. Let's get going, shall we?" He nods to on of the armored men, who then opens the gate with a loud creaking. The outside is bright. The cobblestone turns to dirt at the foot of the gate. About one hundred yards out begins the first of many fields; this one is a golden wheat field.

The day passes without any unexpected events. The party travels slowly, as some of them have difficulty with their mounts. Aurellis eats from his trail rations as he rides. The group passes three long fields during the course of the day, uneventfully without the conversation of the travelers. Eventually, the sun begins to set.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus led the group at the point, watching for any dangers that may be lurking, but he didn't quite worry for the first part of the journey used some familiar roads. He was more preoccupied with his mount, it was not his first time to ride a horse but he certainly was no expert. When the sun came about its full cycle and almost touched the western horizon, he slowed down for the others to catch up and asked their benefactor a question.

"Mr. Aurellis, it is near nightfall. Do you know of any nearby village we could reach and stay for the night?"

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The horses all rode together side-by-side to talk. "Eh, no.. err yes." Aurellis stumbles. "I believe I do... it's been a while since I traveled this road." The old man takes out an old scroll from his leather sack and reads the map from it. He mumbles as he reviews it. "Yes, yes, there's a tiny inn up ahead. We should be able to reach it by the night."

The company continues walking down the dirt path. At a time, a small family of hares dart out in front of the horses, jumping between and wheat field and a vegetable patch on the other side of the road. Lake Supreme has been to your right all day, and now it shines a sparkling dark blue as the sun falls lower. It is far in the distance, however, as the great city of Unitus shows only its tallest buildings now.

After hours of walking, it becomes almost completely dark; traveling to this inn apparently has taken longer than Aurellis had thought. Finally, far in the distance, a dim orange orb of light appears. The inn you approach is very small; it has one story, walls and windows in poor shape, and an inside filled with inhabitants of about the same quality. As you walk in, Aurellis gives you an embarrassed look as if to say this is the best he could do. Two desert halflings, with their tanned brown skin sit at the only table in the lobby rolling dice with three humans. They shout with vulgar language and throw coppers onto the table - one would assume the game they're playing is of the gambling sort. On the other side of the small room, a very old human reads a book. His head is bald except for the white hair on the sides of, and coming from, his ears. His face is covered by the book.

"Ahem," the finely dressed Aurellis begins, "We would like to stay the night, please."

The old man doesn't respond in any way to the request, but remains buried in the maroon book with a torn cover.

"Sir, I -"

"I 'eard whatcha said!" He shouts, slamming the book down onto the cut and worn table in front of him. His mouth is missing many teeth, and his clothes are tattered and ripped. He spits as he talks. His light blue eyes bounce around in his head as he scans the party. "'At'll be seven gol' fer de each 'a ya."

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"Seven gold each?! For this junk of a place?!!" was what he wanted to shout at the old man, but he knew better this time. He remembered what how his temper had almost cost him this job. He'd let Aurellis of perhaps the smooth talker handle this. To let his anger subside, he decided to go out for a bit. "I'll check the horses to see if they are properly tied up," he said as an excuse.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus looks around at his surroundings in disgust. And that old man's lack of respect to an obviously refined gentleman irritates him. "Pardon me, but that is no way to greet potential customers. If that is really how your treat patrons then its no wonder your place has seen better days. And your price is rather high, unless you expect us to bargain for it. Even though your place has a monopoly, your accommodations are spartan at best. With competition, your place would probably be only worth a few silvers, however, taking into account your location, I'd say 1 gp would be a fair price, and maybe five silver pieces more for a meal tonight and breakfast tomorrow. Besides, your roof appears to be leaking even though it is not and has not rained today." Amadeus notes, trying to encourage the innkeeper (if this could be called an inn) to accept a better deal.

[Vladislav]

Gormil


Where do you 'ail from, and what brings you so far South, if Moradin permits you to share that reason with us?
The Ironroot Mountains are what I called home, Gormil stops short of naming his clan, as he believes they covered themselves in shame by selling inferior ore, and until that little misunderstanding is cleared up, isn't happy to tout his heritage, especially not to a fellow dwarf, far to the north. As for my reasons for being here, well, I believe everything happens for a reason, even if we can't always see it. It must have been His will that I leave my ancestral home, and that I make my way here, through chain of seemingly unrelated events for purpose I cannot yet comprehend in full.

I wonder, Gormil thought to himself through the searing pain in his thighs, if He also meant for me to be on top of that horse. Probably not. I doubt even He plans in such detail. The horse was probably a random addition to the divine plan.

At the end of the day, he was smiling even wider, most likely, when he finally got to dismount. Hearing of the exorbitant prices, he raised one eyebrow, just a tad. Nonetheless, he was new to the human customs and wished to learn. Maybe price gouging is a test of friendship for them. He took seven gold from his purse, ready to pay his share.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin looks to Aurellis after the inkeeper's demand, hoping that their employer can either talk him down or pay the price. So it takes him a moment to register what Amadeus says when the young human jumps forward.

What is he... now he's gone and done it, we'll be lucky if he doesn't kick us out entirely -- or maybe it can be just him...

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The flimsy wooden doors swings open for Marcus to tend to the horses. The five horses are all tied to three posts in the darkness of the night. They stand at ease, perhaps welcoming the first real break they've had all day. Fireflies dart across the landscape and infinite stars shine above the dark night sky. Aside from that light, the orange glow from inside the inn behind Marcus is the only illuminating factor in his sight.

Inside, the innkeeper sighs. "Hmph. 'atever. But a gol' each. An' that's final ya'hear?" He stares down Amadeus. "And I won' have anymore disrespectin' a' ma place. I don' take anya that from the likes a yew." He spits on the ground behind the table without moving his head in order to retain his focus solely on the musician.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Oh. Well, that went well, actually. Should have given him more credit... or he just got lucky. Speak that way to a dwarf and you'd be out on your ass...

Now just to see who's paying!

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Seeing that the horses are securely tied up, Marcus looked for a place to sit down. He spotted a rock, sat down and enjoyed the evening scene. He loved nature and its different sides, having spent half of his life in the wilderness. He had come to know that she is a harsh mistress, but once's you've gone beyond her tantrums and fits of madness, you'll see her true and pristine beauty. Watching the fireflies flutter about in their enchanting dance and the vast number of stars that fill the night sky makes him feel so tiny, and calm.

He closed his eyes and breathed a deep one. His ears were assaulted by the multitude of sounds the night brings about. He just sat there for a while, in silence, enjoying the cool gentle breeze and the song of the night.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus looks up at the keeper of this establishment and smiles. "Thank you very much sir. I wish you and your business luck. Here is my payment," He states, pulling a gold piece out of his pocket and putting it down on the stand. He turns to the others and gives them a look as if to say Well, what are you waiting for? And why so surprised?

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The rude old man quickly pounces on the gold piece as a cat on a mouse. He quickly places in a drawer under the table and replaces it with an old bronze key. "Ye got eh, room one." He glares at the rest of the party. "Now come on, the rest a ya." Aurellis pulls a gold from his coat pocket and gently hands it to the man who, again, quickly snatches it up. He gives Aurellis another key. "Eh ya go room two." He shifts his gaze to the two dwarves who have yet to pay.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus reenters the inn at the exact same time as Aurellis giving his gold pieces to the old man. He quickly nudged Marwin and whispered, "So, what happened?"

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin's hand moves to his purse, too, drawing out a big shiny coin like the others.

"The haughty boy insulted the place, and the innkeeper came down to a gold a head," he explains to Gormil in Dwarven, bewilderment edging his voice.

It's good to have another dwarf along, actually.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

He heard Marwin talk to Gormil in some language, obviously Dwarven. When Marwin finished, he interrupted with another whisper. "Care to translate that for me? Common perhaps?"

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Unless Marwin does so before him, Gormil translates the conversation for Marcus. Shaking his head at the strangeness of the human customs, he rids himself of one gold piece. He wonders if .... Should I insult the place too? Because, to be honest, the masonry is actually quite shoddy.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

After he heard what happened from Gormil, Marcus can't help himself but chuckle. He shook his head while getting his own gold piece to pay for his share. He never quite understood how the power of words carefully strung together worked, but nonetheless he was amazed. He went forward to the desk and placed his payment before the old man.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus picks up his key, and watches as Aurellis gets his key as well. He over hears most of the conversation between the two dwarves and the human, and replies quietly, "Its all in the tone of voice and the body language my friends. Master yourself, and you can influence people like I do. Still, words can't do everything, so knowing your limits helps. But thank you for your appreciation." He ends with a wink. With that, Amadeus heads off towards his room for the night.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin is startled when Gormil translates what he said for Marcus. He's about to rebuke the other dwarf when he realizes that it was Marcus who had asked the question in the first place, not Gormil as he had imagined. :smallredface:

"Oh, sorry, right," he mutters.

Halfway to the stairway up, Marwin pauses again.

"That doesn't include meals, does it?" he asks the others.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The group of five filters through the inn, each paying the steep toll of one gold. The inn barely looks habitable, let alone worth a gold per night. Each person's room is different in their unique cracks and poor furniture. In Marcus' room, a moldy ceiling corner leaks dark green water. The old man at the counter scoffs at Marwin's request for a meal. The night progresses without event, and those who can fall asleep on their beds find the sleep very uncomfortable.

The morning appears too soon. Bright sun shines through the windows and holes in the walls of the bedrooms. In the small lobby, you find the same old man reading the same dusty book at the desk. The people sitting in the corner last night, however, are now gone.

[Vladislav]

Gormil, having eaten stale iron rations for supper, sets out to find something more nourishing for breakfast. He descends downstairs, back slightly aching from the uncomfortable beds, and addresses the bookworm at the desk. Ahoy! Had a good night with that interesting book, I sees? Me, I've had better nights sleeping on piles of rock, let me tell ya that! Doth yer establishment holds something in way of beer?

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus stumbles into the main room of the inn somewhat groggy. "I have got to get a better sleep schedule" he mumbles to himself. Going up to the bar he finds it depressingly empty. "Can a fellow get a drink before traveling all day?" He begs the proprietor (though he doubts the fellow would understand what that meant).

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The man begrudgingly looks up from his text. If one didn't know any better, it seems that he's reading the same page as when you left last him last night. "Drinkin' in the mornin' eh? I like yur style. I got 'cher drinks." The white-haired innkeeper reaches under the table and returns with a fine bottle of dark purple glass. The golden label presents elven text written in a red ink. He pours the two men a glass. "Two gol'. This 'ere's fancy stuff ya'here?"

[Vladislav]

Gormil decides to try out this human custom of insulting the merchandise to get a discount. Why, ye call this liquor? Elven swill tastes like something that came out of a horse, if ye know what I mean. Shave my beard and call me a gnome, 'tis not worth more than one silver, I say.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus had been up before the sun peeked out of the horizon, and in that time before the others were up he had tended the horses and had a little stroll around the village. The accommodations were far befitting of its hefty price, and he was more than eager to get out and stretch his body. When he got back to the inn, he arrived as the proprietor offered a drink to Amadeus and Gormil for two gold pieces each glass.

Two gold pieces?! How low could this old man go? But he decided to keep his thoughts to himself and distracted himself with greeting the other two. "A pleasant morning, Amadeus, Gormil," accompanying the mention of each name with a slight bow.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The man growls as he is once again haggled. "Look I paid a pretty gol' fer this 'ere elven rum." He rotates the bottle to show the label to the dwarf. "An' it's damn good. Truss me." He holds his hand out, apparently not willing to budge on the price.

Meanwhile, Aurellis steps into the main room dressed in his best dark green and purple ruffled clothes. "Good morning, men!" he says with a smile. He looks a bit nervously over his shoulder at the innkeeper. "I'm ready to head out of here as soon as possible, how about you?"

[HempRope]

Thanks for the FF.

Marwin

Marwin is by far the latest to rise, but his alarm at being late (and an excuse to skip prayers) spurs him to pack his things up fast enough that he makes it downstairs almost on Aurellis's heels.

And of course they're all already up. I must be getting soft after three weeks in the South. And they're drinking! Maybe I'm just getting old. :durkon:

"Maybe we can ride a bit and then fix ourselves a hot breakfast," the tardy dwarf suggests.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"Ready when you are Mr. Aurellis," was Marcus' short reply. He was eager to be on the road as well, for the place was getting to him. If they stayed a while longer he might not be able to hold back against the old man.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

He's a bit frustrated and bewildered that this strategy didn't work. Maybe it's a human-to-human thing, and he'll have to find different ways to get his way. Regardless, there's no way a dwarf will pay such exorbitant price for an elven brew. With a bow, as politely as possible in the dire circumstance, he declines the drink and rejoins his friends. Seems like Moradin's plans for today involve him staying sober.

And a good morning to you all. He most likely smiles. I'm ready to hit the road whenever you are.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The door swings open and Aurellis leaves the shack without a word. Once outside, he rests, leaning his back on the wooden outside wall of the inn. "I'm sorry, friends," he says, embarrassed, "I don't remember this place being quite so inhabitable." Once everyone is outside, Aurellis quickly saddles up and spurs his mount on. He is relatively quiet for the beginning of the day's journey.

[HempRope]

I don't have much for Marwin to say of substance...

Marwin

Marwin is pleased to get out of the inn and headed North again, though horseback riding has actually gotten worse than it was on the first day -- his body complains excruciatingly as he bends and stretches to saddle the beast, and as he settles onto its back he immediately understands the provenance of some blisters he discovered this morning.

"So, since I ne'er been to this part o' the country, one o' you feel like fillin' me in on this road? We expec' a warm place ta stay e'ery night or'll we be lookin' for safe spots ta camp aroun' sundown? An' can any of you cook o'er a fire?"

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

As the group took to the road again, Marcus took up his usual position at the point, always keen on the lookout for any signs of danger. He was especially worried since he had not much training in handling a horse, much less ride on in combat, and if he ever got caught unawares, it would surely mean losing his mount.

While he was on guard almost all the time, he did not fail to appreciate the scenery that passed them by. He would from time to time look back to the south where they came from, back to the open planes. Unitus was only a distant speck in the horizon now, and the great lake was starting to disappear from view. He wondered when he would see them again. Perhaps not for a long while, perhaps sooner than expected. One never knows what will happen, and with that thought he focused on the moment before him, for if he did not, the chance to do things in the future might just disappear then and there.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus, annoyed at the prices at the inn and the resultant lack of any good morning drink, spends the first hour complaining about the inn. After that his mood lightens, and he spends his time talking with Aurellis and playing melodies on his flute.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

The dwarf, having said his morning prayers, is glad to be out of the damp creaky inn, and out on the road. Yesterday's ride was not kind on his back and loins, and he's listing a bit to the left today, trying to ease the pressure on his right thigh and buttock. Tomorrow, by grace of Moradin, he plans to list to the right.

So, you're tired of iron rations and overcosted inn food as much as I am, eh? Not much of an outdoorsman here, but can make a fire and roast something. By His grace, never spoiled food in my life. he replies to Marwin.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The trail is again a dull one. The fields of crops the party passes is identical to each last one. Up in front, Marcus finds his attention waiting. Perhaps it is due to the boredom, or perhaps it is due to a lack of good sleep. However, as he lackadaisically enjoys the view, he happens to spot three human men crouching in the stalks of corn to his right. Two of them whisper to each other, but Marcus can't make out what they're saying. He can't make out any weapons, but they do appear to be wearing some form of light armor.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

As the day dragged on, Marcus's focus was waning more and more, more often than not he caught himself just enjoying the view rather than watch out for any ambush.

Suddenly, on the corner of his eye, he spotted three crouched men to his right. This startled Marcus a bit, cursing himself for the lack of attention. He slowed the horse down, preparing for the worst. But as the men made no move, he slowly turned his horse and trotted back towards the others as calmly as he could, glancing back every few seconds and trained his ears to check if the men followed him.

[roll0] [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

There is no movement by the men in the fields. Marcus can continue to hear the crouching men rustle in the crops as they adjust their stances.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

He continued to on the same pace while keeping an eye out for the men. As he approached the others, he started flatly, "There are a few men crouched by the side of the road up ahead, three of them. I am not sure if they mean harm, but it would be wise to be prepared. I suggest the four of us dismount, three of us go to check out these men, one staying to guard Mr. Aurellis not too far behind. We can tie our horses to Mr. Aurellis' horse. What do you think?

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

As soon as Marcus completes his first sentences, two desert halflings spring up from the corn. They brandish slings and fire from a startlingly close range; they are apparently much better at hiding than their partners. The one on the horse's left yells "Eh.. Now!" The two halflings swing their leather slings around twice and release them at the same time, both toward the middle of the party. The three men stand up a bit later. The closest two of them wield scimitars and clamber over the small picket fence between the corn field and the path and charge Marcus. The last one fires an arrow through the stalks.

It's combat time, folks! Roll Initiative in the OOC thread. But not before the enemy's surprise round!

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/CornAmbushTurn0-1.jpg

NPCs are represented as orange dots, and their smaller dots represent the specific NPC.

Halfling 1 attacks Marwin. [roll0] [roll1]
Halfling 2 attacks Aurellis. [roll2] [roll3]
Human 3 attacks Marcus. [roll4] [roll5]
Human 4 attacks Marcus. [roll6] [roll7]
Human 5 attacks Marwin. [roll8] [roll9]

The attacks fly past their targets, except those aimed at Marwin. The dwarf takes a strong sling bullet off the chin. At the same moment, an arrow pierces his broad shoulder. Additionally, the only other unarmored man on horseback, the aging Aurellis, is subject to the second bullet. He nearly falls off his horse in pain and appears very dazed.

[Omeganaut]

When Amadeus has a chance, He moves to put his horse imbetween his attackers and Aurellis (one square ahead to the left). As his horse is finishing the move, he attempts a leap off of his horse to tackle the halfling to his left.

I'm going to treat this as an overrun plus skill checks, since I'm knocking him prone. However, if you have a different interpretation, feel free to make any additional rolls necessary. [roll0][roll1][roll2]

[GuyFawkes]

The sudden attack caught Marcus by surprise, but he was fast enough to dodge the volley of stones. The thought of them sneaking up on him angered him, and in one quick motion jumped down his horse, unsheathed his weapons, and swung down on the nearest halfling while letting out a loud roar.

Marcus attacks the left one of the two in the middle of the road [roll0] for [roll1] damage if it hits.

[HempRope]

Oh Lord, I just realized that I never reshuffled what spells Marwin prepared for life outside the city...

Also, when you say Azure Fields, do you really mean that they're blue?

Marwin, AC 12, HP 5

Marwin is a bit confused when Marcus turns his horse, but that confusion is quickly allayed when an ambush is sprung.

Great scout he is! Marwin is halfway through thinking when one of the halflings' slingstones knocks all thoughts from his head.

"Aaargh!" he bellows a human's arrow sinks through his jerkin into his pectoral. But the pain helps his mind cut through the fog of surprise from the attack, and he acts quickly, instinctively snapping the shaft of the arrow where it protrudes from his jacket.

Then, looking to take out as many of their attackers as soon as possible, he begins gesturing with his other hand, barking out three sharp syllables in something that sounds rather like dwarven but isn't. Suddenly something happens in the air between three of the ambushers, and there's a faint sense of a roiling in the very material of the world, a roiling that washes outward and causes eyelids to swiftly droop.

Casting Sleep, Will DC 17. Ideally it'd be directly between the human archers on the left, but if you rule the radius is too short to affect them all, then in the space just north of Enemy 3.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Marwin, noooo!!!

Seeing his fellow dwarf hurt, Gormil knows the assailants must be taken down quickly. He dismounts his horse, and summons the blessing of Moradin. Lord, lend me your weapon to smite my enemies!

From thin air, a translucent axe appears, striking at the enemy to the right.

Move action: Dismount.
Standard action: cast Spiritual Weapon, attacking E2 [roll0], damage [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The combat begins in a hurry as most of the travelers dismount their horses with fury in their eyes. However, their rage leads to a bit of clumsiness in their first actions in this battle. In a nigh-heroic attempt, Amadeus leaps off his horse in an attempt to tackle the halfling in the stalks. However, on leaping from his horse, his foot gets caught in a stirrup and he falls flat on his face beneath the halfling's feet. Marcus, too, dismounts his horse, and slashes at a human, but he misses wide with his blade. Gormil, from the back, produces a magical axe to swing at the halfling above Amadeus, but it is conjured facing the wrong direction and misses wide. The only action that has any actual effect is Marwin's spell, which sends a human and a halfling into slumber.

Those two combatants remain asleep, however, the human archer won't let the caster go so easily. He fires an arrow, screaming at the wizard. The human wielding a scimitar slashes low at Marcus' knees. Lastly, the halfling with the bard at his feet drops done and attempts to pin him to the ground. Aurellis, bewildered by all the intensity, cowers atop his horse.

In the midst of combat, Marcus and Gormil recognize these five men as the men who were gambling in the inn last night.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/CornAmbushTurn1.png

Human 5 shoots an arrow at Marwin. [roll0] [roll1]
Human 4 slashes at Marcus. [roll2] [roll3]
Human 3 and Halfling 1 attempt to combat the spell. [roll4] [roll5]
Halfling 2 begins to grapple Amadeus. [roll6] (I'm going to say he does not provoke an AoO from Amadeus because he effectively fell, not jumped, off his horse.)

[Hefty Lefty]

The arrow strikes Marwin in his tough dwarven chest. The pain is incredible and he nearly falls from his horse. The small halfling is unable to wrap his legs around Amadeus and fails to pin him. Lastly, as Human 3 falls asleep, Halfling 1 is able to shake off the arcana and sends a bullet at Marcus as well.

Marwin is at negative 3 hit points. Ouch. :smallfrown:
Human 4 attempts to critically hit his opponent.
Halfling 1 attacks Marcus. [roll=Attack Roll]1d20+5 1d3+2 (( I made a mistake here, previously, so the dice rollers won't compute the Halfling's attack. Luckily for Marcus, it missed.))
Marcus is at 15 hit points.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

In the heat of the fight, Marcus recognized the attackers as the same ones that hanged out at the inn, and the realization that they might be in cahoots with the owner enraged him. When he saw Marwin knocked unconscious however, whatever control he had left in him was gone, and Marcus let out a ferocious growl before dropping his short sword and swinging down his bastard sword on the nearest foe with two hands.

Use Rage Ability.
Str mod +5, Con mod +4, AC 15, HP 21
Drop short sword and use bastard sword with two hands.
Use Demoralize Opponent on closest enemy (I believe Human 4).
Intimidate check: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Crit Confirm: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Those bastards saw us last night! Stupid, stupid, stupid, we had to be more discreet. Gormil swears at himself. But this is no time for restorpectives. Seeing his fellow dwarf fall, Gormil does what he can to get him back into the fight to even the odds a bit. He waddles toward Marwin and channels a bit of his power to bring the wizard back on his feet.

give up Bull's Strength for Cure Moderate Wounds,

Meanwhile, the translucent axe keeps hacking away at the foe.

roll[1d20+4 damage [roll1]

[Vladislav]

Attack roll [roll0]

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus pulls out his longsword and slashes at his foe, taking a step back to get room. While his acrobatics failed, at least he distracted his foe enough to stop more attacks on Aurellis and Marwin.

5-foot step diagonally towards Marcus, or if the picket fence would be in the way, up. [roll0][roll1]

[HempRope]

Marwin

As another arrow strikes Marwin in the chest, he collapses to the ground. But his bout of unconsciousness is brief; as Gormil channels positive energy into the other dwarf, Marwin's eyelids pop open again, and he straightens himself in his saddle.

So where exactly is Marwin now? Cause he can't still be on his horse, can he?

I replaced "lifts himself half to his feet" with "straightens himself in his saddle."

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

As their companion falls, all the combatants' eyes turn to the enraged Marcus. The deadly archer has proven to be gruesome this afternoon, and now shifts his bow towards the swordsman. The man in front of him, as well, takes a shot at Marcus. The profusely bleeding halfling fighting Amadeus, who needs to brace himself to keep from falling flat on his face again, takes a step backwards and lets a dark brown stone loose from his sling.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/CornAmbushTurn2.png EDIT: Halfling 2 should be one space below his current space.

Human 5 shoots at Marcus. [roll0] [roll1]
Human 3 slashes at Marcus. [roll2] [roll3]
Halfling 2 fires a bullet at Amadeus. [roll4] [roll5]

Marcus takes 11 points of damage.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus takes a step after the halfling, seeking to take him out of the fight once and for all as his sling stone whistles past his right ear.

Five foot step towards Halfling 2, [roll0][roll1]

[Vladislav]

Gormil lets the metaphysical weapon to keep attacking the enemy on the right, while he himself charges the one on the left.

Spiritual Weapon: [roll0] dmg [roll1]

Charge attack [roll2] dmg [roll3]; -2 AC until my next action (17)

[HempRope]

Marwin, AC 12, HP 13

Seeing that the others have engaged the only ambushers not gripped by his power, and severely limited by today's spell list, Marwin's hands go to his crossbow. He unloops it from his belt as he slides from his mare's saddle and kneels to load it, taking cover behind the horses.

"Master Aurellis! E'er get down off that horse an' stay safe 'ere wit' me, or make use o' 'er and get yourself a ways back up the road to safety," he urges the old man as he slides a bolt in place and straightens back up.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Having disposed of the enemy in front of him, Marcus turned his wrath to the closest enemy standing, roaring at him before bringing down his sword hard.

Demoralize Opponent: [roll0]
Attack: [roll1]
Crit Confirm: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] + [roll4](if crit hit)

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The dwarf Gormil unleashes his power this round, knocking two more raiders out of the battle. The last human looks over the battlefield and finds himself as the last conscious teammate. "F...f*ck you guys!" He calls, both hate- and fear-filled. "This ain' worth it!" He drops his bow and sprints away. After jumping the short white picket fence he takes off down the road ahead. The only other halfling continues to sleep, completely unaware of the situation at hand.

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/CornAmbushTurn3.png

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Its job done, the translucent axe vanishes into the celestial kingdom from whence it came, leaving a few drops of blood to drip from its blade as it dissoves.

Gormil waddles up to the sleeping halfling. So... he gonna be like that for a long time? He asks the wizard, eyes and axe trained on the hapless would-be-robber. Reckon someone better tie him up, and then we can all 'ave a nice little chat.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Let's hope my new companions aren't as quick to abandon us as that man was his friends.

And also that he doesn't come back for his.

"We've a cou'le minutes," Marwin replies. "But I don' know 'ow 'ard it is to wake halflin's... put a blade to 'is throat before you do anythin', if Moradin permits."

The mage is still bleeding profusely from his wounds but doesn't seem to have noticed; adrenaline is of course the best painkiller, perhaps followed by the lingering magic of a Cure spell.

"Master Aurellis, are you hurt?" he asks, turning quickly from Gormil to the old human.

"Someone check on those three, they ain't worth sh*t dead," he tells the humans.

Marwin pats his pony gently on her rump, pleased that she hadn't bolted -- or bucked him when he briefly passed out. A better first battle from horseback than he could have hoped for.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus steps over the halfling he has taken care of, and begins to reach down to touch him, but stops as he sees the blood. Instead, he cups his hand over the creature's mouth to see if he is still breathing, but he is careful to avoid getting any unwanted fluids on his person. [roll0] Untrained, to check if he is still alive.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus took a deep breath to calm himself down as the last of the assailants left standing ran away. He sheathed his sword and went to pick up the short sword he dropped earlier before taking care of the the unconscious attackers.

Heal check: [roll0]

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

"It's been a long time since I've seen a fight like this!" Aurellis exclaims, very frazzled, "I think I've picked the right men to protect me indeed." He looks over the crowd and smiles, leaning back on his horse with one old arm holding up his body. After his remark, he remains quiet as the people examine the defeated. Amadeus examines a beaten halfling slain by a mystic weapon. The floating axe may have disappeared, but the damage it left did not. The halfling is just barely breathing. The blood and sores from the weapon coat his body and stain everything he is wearing. On the other side of the road, the second halfling sleeps peacefully. Lastly, the two humans in the road are a bloody mess. Their bodies lie lifeless on the dirt road, blood flowing from their mouths as well as their many gashes.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Seeing that the two men lying on the road were beyond saving, he looked around at the others then looked at the direction where the other man ran off to.

"These two here are dead. The others?" he asked without looking their way. He was still wary the others may come back, maybe even with reinforcements.

[roll0]

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

Marcus looks down both ends of the path. All he can see is the small dot of the archer sprinting away. When Marcus looks into the corn fields he doesn't see anyone besides his friends - although he can't see much at all through the thick stalks.

[Vladislav]

Got ourselves another live one, eh? Well, better to keep 'im alive to let his momma know what he was doing. Gormil relieves the sleeping halfling of all visible weapons, and approaches the wounded one. He tries to quell the blood flow in mundane means, and if that doesn't work, he will, with apologies, ask for some of Moradin's power. Yes, it's just an honorless road bandit, but a life is a life.

Heal check to stabilize [roll0]
If fails, trade Light for Cure Minor Wounds.

He then looks at his allies to see who else is wounded.

I have three Cure Light (for 1d8+3) and three four Cure Minor, whoever is injured can assume I cast it on them

[HempRope]

Marwin, HP 5/14

One of the humans should have gone after that last man...

"Marcus, why don' you put a blade at this lil' guy's throat an' wake 'im up," Marwin suggests, fishing in his pony's saddlebags. He pulls out a long coil of rope.

"Anyone good with knots?" he inquires, walking to the halfling. He grimaces on every other step.

"Gormil, why don't you see to Master Aurellis's wounds," Marwin says. "An' maybe see if our Lord feels that a smidge o' 'is power should help me, too."

[Vladislav]

Aye.

Gormil isn't sure whether he should be happy there's holy work to be done, or saddened that it was needed in the first place. The human lands are such a savage world... dwarves don't cut each other's throat like that. Usually.

[roll0] for Marwin
[roll1] for Aurelius

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

When he saw the other attacker looked like he had no intent of coming back, he went to check the other ones unconscious. It was only then that he felt his body had become heavy from fatigue. He walked over to Marwin and got the rope from him, then proceeded to tie up the sleeping halfling.

[roll0]

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus watches the dwarf attempt to heal the halfling who had just attempted to do him bodily harm with wonder. "Well, if you must. But what are we going to DO with him. And what about the other one our friend the magician knocked out. I mean, we can't just leave them, but we can't take them with us... And, I mean, you never hear about famous heroes going around and carrying common bandits to justice." Amadeus looks quizically around at the group, wondering why they are all looking at him funny.

[HempRope]

Just my luck on the healing.

Marwin

Marwin touches the hammer and anvil symbol on his armor as Gormil channels positive energy into his bleeding body, and exhales as the gashes close up. He feels better, but it will still be many days before his wounds heal naturally.

"Thank you," he says in Dwarven before responding to Amadeus. Which he begins with a chuckle.

"Famous 'eroes? Don' get too far ahead of yourself, friend. Only person we're even known to righ' now is mister Aurellis 'ere. Speakin' of which, well fought. They had the jump on us, too. Glad I'm travelin' with y'all.

"As for keepin' 'im alive, 'ell, here's a 'alf dozen reasons for that. First off, I wanna know if 'e's got any confed'rates who're likely to be comin' for vengeance. Secon', 'e migh' know the lay of the lan', so to speak, what's ahead of us an' whe'er we're likely to see any more of 'is ilk. Bandits I mean, not halflin's. Plus, we can al'ays 'ope that someone's willin' to pay soemthin' for 'im, whe'er it's 'is family or the lawmen. Though I don' really wanna release 'im on the next innocen' trav'lers on this road.

"And beyon' that... well, I'm not too quick to toss away a sentient bein's life."

Marwin looks to first Gormil, then at Marwin and Aurellis as he explains his final reason.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

As soon as he finished tying the halfling up, he sat down near the side of the road and caught his breath. While the others pondered on what to do with the captured bandits, he cursed himself for allowing the attack to happen like that in the first place, putting his comrades' and their client's lives at risk. He wanted to beat himself up, and he could not concentrate on the topic being discussed.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

"Well," Aurellis says rather timidly, his first words in a while, "Let's make a decision soon, shall we? Admittedly I don't feel too safe just standing pat. You all fought well but we don't know what may lie up ahead, do we." When he speaks, his head faces the direction of the party but he doesn't look anyone in the eye. Instead he appears very lost in thought.

The halfling rolls, however, it is only in his sleep. His fate is yet to be determined by the group standing over him.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus looks at the others, realizing they probably know more about this thing than he does. "Well, I guess if you want to take care of them, I don't really have a problem with it. Just don't expect me to get my nice clothes all rumbled." With this, he pulls out a mirror and begins inspecting his clothes under his armor for damage. Stopping at the underside of one of his sleeves, he groans, "Darn it! I'll have to get this extra cleaned when we get into town. Dumb Bandits!"

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin tries to keep his face straight, but responds pointedly to Amadeus -- "Coul' be ra'er worse," he says.

"An' Aurellis is right, we should be movin'. Any o' y'all want to question him?" He gestures at the bound halfling. "Once we start off we can tie 'im to the horses, but let's try an' find out if there are lik'ly to be any more of the lil guys on the road ahead."

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus stood up and drew his short sword, then moved in closer to the bound halfling. He pointed his sword at the prisoner's neck, and nudged him awake.

"Hey you! Wake up!" As he spoke, his wounds acted up and his face showed his pain, but he tried to ignore it.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Under his abundant facial hair, Gormil was biting his lip trying to decide whether they should interrogate the halfling first or get on their way. Charge blindly on, or linger where they were just attacked? Either option posed risks, so it seemed. It was not without relief that he noted the choice was already made for him.

Standing guard over the group, he listened with half-ear as others questioned the halfling.

Observing the fields and the road, taking Listen and Spot checks (+2)

[HempRope]

Marwin

From a few feet behind and to the side of Marcus, Marwin levels his corssbow at the halfling. But he, like the dwarf, keeps half of his attention on the fields and copses near the road.

[roll0]; [roll1]
****, I forgot about Marwin's familiar. Can we still include her?

[Hefty Lefty]

((That's fine, add the familiar as best as you can.))

Azure Fields

Slowly, the halfling wakes from his sleep. His eyes creep open. Upon seeing the bloodied dwarf and the two weapons drawn at him, his eyes blink rapidly and he begins to shout anxiously. The halfling bandit tries to get up and run away, but instead is tripped by the rope and topples over. He tries his best to squirm his tiny frame out of the bindings...

[roll0]

((Wow, he made it?))

...and frees himself from the tight bindings just barely. The struggling, however, leaves him on his back and unprotected. With his new-found confidence from achieving this feat, he growls up at the dwarf.

((From here, we will re-enter turn orders, just to keep this all organized for me. This was considered the halfling's turn, and now the four of you will have a round before the halfling does again.))

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus is shocked by the halfling's sudden escape, but he recovers quickly, and pulls out one of his spears. "I bet this is why the heroes never tied up stupid bandits! Take him down!" If the Halfling runs away, Amadeus will throw his spear at him (prepared action)[roll0][roll1]

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Stay down or die!

With a burst of fury that surprises even himself, the dwarf brings his axe down to make a point. Filthy halfling, he's not running away from us after what he did!

[roll0], including power attack for 2, and +4 for halfling being prone
Damage [roll1]

[Hefty Lefty]

((Oh God... so I guess that ends the combat rounds...))

Azure Fields

The dark brown dirt on the road is instantly covered in the spilled blood of the halfling. His head is completely seperated from his neck in a disturbing and gruesome scene. Behind you, Aurellis shivers. "Yes, well. Thank you for... settling that. Shall we be off now?" Agitated, he spurs his mount and begins walking forward along the path.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Gormil's axe strikes not only halfling but the dirt of the road beneath him, and Marwin feels his stomach animate of its own accord. He touches the hammer and anvil on his breast again.

"'Ell," he says, his voice faint inasmuch as a young male dwarf's can be when speaking Common, "I guess we 'ill be movin' on. Per'aps we shou'... clear the road a bit."

Walking around the horses -- away from the decapitated halfling -- he takes a bandit's body by the feet and drags it to the edge of the road, clearly expecting the others to do the same.

"I'm glad that axe blade seeks the blood of my enemies, and not mine," he says to Gormil.

He hoists himself (with visible effort) onto his pony's back, and lays his loaded crossbow across his lap. His raven, who had so far ridden on the pommel of his saddle, circles once above his head and settles onto his shoulder. While it's the classic place for a wizard's familiar to perch, it's the first time Fatva has rested there, perhaps because she is about twice the size of Marwin's head.

This road is more dangerous than I would have thought. Though I think we just made quite a pretty bit of gold...

"Marcus, why don' you stay close to us -- I think we're be'er off with your sword beside us than your eyes ahead of us."

Your scouting wasn't much help with these blokes, I doubt it'll avail us if there's anything more dangerous waiting for us. Thank all the Gods that this little band didn't know what they were doing.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

The sight of the halfing being decapitated was something Marcus had in mind, either the others did it or himself. What you get for trying to run away. He sheathed his weapons and rummaged his backpack for a potion and drank it. He felt his wounds heal up a bit, then mounted his horse.

When Marwin suggested he stay close, he replied. "No, I made a mistake, and I am sorry. But it would still be wiser for someone to take watch. If you have no confidence in me, and I don't blame you, then one of you should do it."

[Vladislav]

Seeing the decapitated head roll away from the body, Gormil's knees buckled. What ... what have I done? his voice quavered. Killing an armed human in the middle of battle was one thing, but the halfling ... he was small as a child, and unarmed. Damn. What harm was there even if he would escape? One of the humans escaped already ... He looked in the eyes of his fellow travelers, expecting condemnation, but hardly found any. He wasn't sure whether to be relieved or bothered by this.

I'm sorry. He said to no one in particular, and climbed on his horse, ready to move on. The grim task of clearing the road, he'd rather leave to others.

I have to do something about those bursts of anger.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus puts his spear back in his pack and remounts his horse. "While that was fun, I think I'd rather get moving on now, seeing as there is nothing else left. Plus, Master Aurellis does want us to continue as well. Shall we?" Barring someone staying behind, Amadeus continues down the road.

[HempRope]

Marwin

As the five start their mounts down the road, Marwin continues his discussion with Marcus.

"I'm not volunteering either," Marwin says after the others' silences. "We'll all keep an eye out, but what do we get from having you go ahead? I used to travel with a caravan that sent scouts ahead, sure, but they kept off the road and out of sight. If you miss the next ambush, too, then either they attack you when you're on your own, or they let you past and attack us when you aren't there to help. If you do catch some more men lying in wait, aren't you just going to ride back and tell us, anyway? All that does is let them know that they've been spotted."

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"Not all fights would play out just the way it did earlier. Not all of them would involve a group of people who was expecting us all along. And besides, if we had gone in their trap as they had set it with all of us in a group, I doubt we would have fared better."

[HempRope]

Marwin

"We did 'go in their trap as they had set it,'" Marwin points out. "And what are you watching for if not ambushes?"

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"And tell me, if we had rode together, would that have made a difference? I think it would have made it easier for them to encircle us. I made the wrong decision on how I handled it, that's where it went wrong, not the strategy itself."

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus looks at the two arguing, and begins to cover his ears. As the two get louder and louder, he finally shouts "Stoppit. Stop yelling! It's so inharmonious. Look, Marcus, I know you mean well, but I don't know that you walking far ahead of us will help. I doubt you, on a mount, will see dirty bandits on foot in camouflage before they see you, and even if you do, I doubt they are stupid enough not to hear you turn around to warn us. Plus, I'd feel safer with you closer. Okay?" He finishes, nodding as if the act could make Marcus nod with him.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

When the smart mouthed man started talking as well, Marcus let out a loud laugh. Then his face became dead serious. "You really think bandits are the the worst lot we could face out here? Really?" He paused and looked the two in the eyes. "There are creatures that could do us harm far worse than mere bandits could ever rough your fancy collars up, and when they see us, it would mean the end of us. Well, have it your way then," shrugging in defeat. He was too tired to argue with both of them, and his wounds acted up when he tried to speak.

[Hefty Lefty]

Azure Fields

The sky remained a bright blue, but over the party of five it was hanging a dim and dark gray. The mood in the pack had turned sour, as the stress of such a fight might make one expect. The well-dressed Aurellis feels as out-of-place now as he did during the fight. He stays off to the side of the road and doesn't address anyone. Instead, he looks off to his right into the endless yellow corn fields that surround you.

The horses trod along the path with the same pace as they had before the encounter. For the first time in hours, the end of one field of crops is not replaced by another, but instead, a forest. The trees are small and far apart, but about a mile in the distance they begin to grow a bit thicker. The sky has just about fallen, casting a dark orange glow on the riders, before the party once again turns to Aurellis for a spot to sleep. He checks his map, and breaking his silence he had kept all day, announces, "There isn't an inn nearby. I knew not all nights would be as comfortable as our last. I'm afraid we'll have to camp out."

[Vladislav]

I assume no one argues with our boss and we agree to camp here

I'll be cuttin' us some firewood then. Gormil dismounts and raises his axe over a dry branch with the intention of slicing it off. The splatters on the blade, rust-colored by now, remind him of something that happened not too long ago, and his hands shake. It takes quite a few swings until the thick branch is detached from the tree, cut into pieces, and tossed wherever the group decides to make a fire.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin opens his mouth to parry Marcus's laughter with a sharp retort, but it's clear that the others have had enough of the argument, and he continues the ride in silence.

And what good was it going to do for you to be scouting when we encountered them?! he huffs to himself. Fatva reprimands him with a sharp peck on the ear, but the sun has fallen considerably by the time the wizard is smiling again.

"I hate to say it, but we may be better off without the flames tonight," Marwin says to Gormil as the other dwarf begins hacking at a tree limb. "I'd feel differently if that last man hadn't gotten away..."

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

With the fatigue he suffered from his rage, Marcus was quiet the whole time. His wounds had not healed fully as well, but he did not show any sign of this. When the prospect of camping out in the wilderness was brought up, he thought, Well, it certainly beats the last place we stayed at. Certainly much better.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus pulls out his bedroll after finishing his meal. "Well, I guess every hero had to spend many nights out in the woods. It would be embarrassing if I couldn't handle it. Well, good night everyone!" With that, he collapses among his bedsheets. After flipping over and twitching until his bedroll is nearly unrecognizable, snores are finally heard from his direction.

[HempRope]

Marwin

I wonder if he knows that we're going to wake him in a few hours...

"I suppose I'll take first watch," says Marwin, slightly surprised that no one objected to the lack of a fire. He picks at his cold rations a bit dejectedly.

"Gormil... any chance you could spare another spell to close these wounds before you turn in?

"And by the way, how should we secure the horses?"

[Vladislav]

Aye. Moradin will, if he's so willing, bless me with new magic come morrow. Wake me up for the last shift, I do enjoy watching the dawn spreading.

[roll0] CLW

[HempRope]

Marwin

"Moradin willing," Marwin repeats, smiling as their God's power erases all evidence of the battle earlier.

__________________________________________________
Assuming Marwin's watch is uneventful

After what he judges to be about two and a half hours, Marwin stands and walks quietly to where Amadeus is wrapped in his bedroll.

"Amadeus," he hisses, poking the man lightly with his cudgel. "Your turn to watch the woods."

[Omeganaut]

I assume I'm taking the second watch. If its the third watch, the only bit that would change would be who's doing the waking.Amadeus groans as he is shaken awake. "I don't wanna go back there. They're mean to me. Stop it!" Suddenly, his eye shoot open, and he tries to bolt up. "What! What is it! Are we under attack! Kill them!" He struggles to get out of his bedroll, falling over a couple times before he is able to get upright. His sword is out, even though it seems impossible for him to have gotten to it without ripping his bedroll to shreds. Yet, his bedroll is un-shredded.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin jumps backwards at Amadeus's outburst, for a moment about as alarmed as the human.

"No, no," Marwin says, at first trying to whisper but then realizing that if the others were going to be awoken, it was too late.

Oh, Lord... why the hells would he start shouting?

"It's fine! It's fine! It's just your watch," Marwin says. "And lower your voice -- we're trying not to attract attention."

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus looks at Marwin for a good many seconds before hunching over with a hand over his mouth. He exaggeratedly tiptoes over to Marwin's side and whispers in his ear. "Sorry, sorry, sorry. So wait, you said a watch? I don't have one on me... Oh, one of those thingies. I suppose I can take one, if no-one else is up to it. Next time if you want to wake me quietly, put a hand over my mouth first. I have a tendancy to startle. Anyway, who can I wake up to take the next watch?" He finishes, then leans back so that Marwin can whisper back into his ear. A plan slowly begins to blossom in his eyes.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin stares back at Amadeus, his eyebrows raised high.

What have I gotten myself into?

The dwarf leans away from the proffered ear. He speaks softly, but Amadeus shouldn't have any trouble hearing him from two feet away.

"Um, alright. I'll try to do that. You'll, uh, wake Marcus after about three hours."

He'll probably underestimate it anyway... and we might as well have him take the longest watch.

"But it's not a matter of who's 'up for it,' we're all taking a shift. Have you never traveled before?"

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus looks around at the other sleeping figures, and goes back to Marwin's ear. "Well, most of my travels were either when I was young and so loved that I had an escort and an entourage. Since then I've mostly stuck to the more travelled routes, and since I was by myself, I never really stayed up... But it does make sense.." He pulls away, although he keeps his voice low. His face is rather earnest now, most of his earlier adrenaline having gone away. "Well, I guess I'd better start watching. G'night"
Amadeus stays up until he feels three hours have passed (but was probably more like one to two hours), then wakes up Marcus for his shift.

[HempRope]

Marwin

'But it does make sense?!' Moradin, grant me the patience of mountains with this boy...

"Listen now, boy. Stay alert. Pacing helps. Don't leave your back in one direction for too long, and if you hear anything bigger than a squirrel, wake up Marcus."

And he can't see after sundown, either..."

"And Gormil."

He needs his sleep, but I need mine more.

Marwin rolls himself up in his bedroll and tries to sleep, but it comes slowly as he frets about Amadeus's ability to stand sentry.

The humans have gotten us ambushed once already!

What news of the moon?

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus woke up as soon as he felt someone touch him. His hand immediately tightened their grip on his swords' hilts, but relaxed as soon as he saw it was Amadeus. He quickly got up and took his post without saying anything.

[Hefty Lefty]

(Sorry for the long delay everyone. I just moved back into college and organized and met all my residents today (I'm an RA). I'm exhausted, but I should be able to get back to a normal post rate soon once things calm down.)

Azure Fields

The night passes without event. Aurellis, the only member to pass the night with continuous sleep, wakes with a long yawn and stretch. "A good night's sleep leads to a good day's travel, right friends?" He dusts off his garb and, with ease, loads himself onto his horse. "Let's begin, men. This forest in front of us will grow thicker with by the time the sun reaches its highest. From there, our speed on horses may slow. Until then, let's make the best of our time." From the top of his horse, he looks down on those still making preparations for the day.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

As the others prepared for the day, Marcus did his preparations as well. He got some of the rations he had in his pack, then packed up his gear after eating and readied his horse.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus groans as he sits up. "Sitting watch is not fun, but I guess I am getting paid enough to do it. Plus it's only for a week, so I should be fine!" He packs his gear and eats breakfast before mounting up again to hit the road (well, let his horse hit it.) "So Aurellis, I just thought of a new song while I slept, and I want to hear your opinion on it."
1d20+9

[HempRope]

Marwin

As the others pack their bags, Marwin digs a thick spellbook out of his and separates himself from the others a bit to piece a new array of invocations together in his head.

I'll be much more ready for a fight today.

He clambers up into his saddle with rather less trepidation today and urges the pony out onto the road.

See character sheet for spells prepared.

Welcome back to school! This is the first year I've ever not been starting school right about now, it's very weird.

I'm still really excited about football though. Where do you go?

[Hefty Lefty]

I'm a huge football fan, but sadly, I go to Hofstra, where we got rid of our football program halfway through my freshman year. :smallfrown: I'm guessing by your signature that you went to... Notre Dame?

Azure Fields

Today's trip is much more interesting then yesterday's. The fields of crops begin to disappear from view, and replacing it are forest landscapes of dark green rolling hills, evergreen trees, and animal life of many kinds darting through the grass. Rabbits and squirrels cover the area, and white-spotted deer can be seen at about a rate of one per hour. After a few hours, the trail begins to dissipate until it's barely there. Around that time, the trees become so thick that the horses must go in a single-file line. Just as Aurellis predicted, the sun is at its highest.

(Please post your order in the line.)

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus travels with Aurellis, intentionally placing himself so that he can continue talking with the man about musical matters, while still making sure he has two hired hands on either side (front and back) of him. He does often interrupt the conversation to make cautious glances at the woods around them, as he is worried about another ambush, especially since here is even better terrain for an ambush.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus still rode ahead of everyone, although not far before the others. He was wary of the tight path they were passing through now, and he had his entire focus on his surroundings. He did not want to fail yet again.

[HempRope]

Marwin

With Marcus riding at the head of the line and Amadeus next, Marwin finds himself riding behind their employer, just ahead of Gormil. He's been hoping to pick up some knowledge of the wider world from this well-traveled man, but with Amadeus going a=on about music, Marwin is happy to chat with Gormil about Dwarven things. He's only been gone a month, but he does miss the North.

I hope I'm not going too far by saying that Gormil is in the rear, I just assumed that we wanted someone hardy at the back. This doesn't strike me as a bad lineup, though.
What are the rules for moving mounts through spaces occupied by allies' mounts?

@Lefty So close, yet so far. University of Michigan.

[Hefty Lefty]

That's a big difference, ouch.

I'd say that the movement takes an extra 5 feet. I believe that moving through a friendly's square doesn't normally cost any extra movement, but since it's slightly difficult terrain, I'll say it takes 5 feet from your move.

Black Wood Forest

The further you all travel into the woods, the treetops cover the chance of sunlight from coming down to your level. The sky, as well as the aptly-named trees are a dark black. The leaves and pines of the nature around you is a very dark green. The horses collapse into an orderly line; Marcus takes the lead, followed by Amadeus, then Aurellis, Marwin, and Gormil. Another hour passes on horseback. The route takes the travelers up a relatively steep grassy slope. From the front, Marcus can see an apparent break in the darkness about one hundred yards away.

(The darkness doesn't interfere with any game mechanics.)

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus notices the light coming from just maybe a hundred yards ahead. "There seems to be some clearing up ahead, or we could be out of the forest. So which one is it, Mr. Aurellis?"

[HempRope]

Marwin

As the trees close in on either side Marwin becomes increasingly on edge, and eventually draws his crossbow, setting it across his lap. A few minutes later, he slides a bolt into place, too.

:durkon:

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus looks up at Martin's warning and stops talking altogether. He pulls out a shortspear and gets ready to throw it in case something else jumps out at them again.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Having watched the dawn rise over His creation, climbing slowly from the roots of the mountains to color the sky, Gormil says his morning prayers, packs his gear and lines up in the row of travelers for a new day. His mind is still heavy with the events of yesterday, and he doesn't talk much, limiting himself to curt answers, which he hopes Marwin won't find impolite. During the long ride, he searches his soul for the reason he got so angry, but can hardly find any.

He is yanked out of this contemplation hearing his comrades talking about the light ahead. He doesn't see anything scary about a clearing in a forest, in fact it seems a welcome change to him, but he readies his weapon just in case.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

About seventy yards from the clearing now, Amadeus believes he remembers something about a clearing in the forests. A few years ago, he remembers a tale from a dwarf travelling through these trees. The clearing, he recalls, was made from a long rickety bridge connecting two steep rolling hills.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The party reaches the clearing in the trees. A rickety wooden bridge stretches out to a hill across a startlingly tall drop. From the otherside of the bridge, a gruesome hairy beast snorts, then shouts. "There's a toll fer this bridge. Pay up 'er turn back." He holds in front of him a huge greataxe. Its edges are jagged and a bit rusted with blood. The bridge is about 50 feet long.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus sighed as he saw the hairy beast and heard its demands. Is there no end to the thugs and lowlifes that they would encounter? He looked at the others and shrugged. "Well, I'll let you handle this. I'll just take care of the dirty stuff when it comes to that."

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus
Sorry, for some reason I missed your post on the 8th Lefty, although I can't really think of any way that would have affected our actions ultimately. Amadeus turns to Aurellis as Marcus gets out of the way. "Well, you are the one who knows the path, so I would assume you are ready to pay this toll." He then turns back to the guard, and trying not to wrinkle his nose at the smell, asks him "How much is the toll?" He leaves his spear ready however, as the battleaxe and the being's savage appearance may mean the toll is merely a ruse.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin, like Amadeus, initially looks to Aurellis, but isn't so bold as to ask him outright whether he's planning on coughing up the gold. Though he certainly should have expected this.

I could probably put him to sleep... the dwarf thinks to himself when Marcus alludes to a fight.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

Aurellis shrinks on his mount. He whispers behind his hand. "This... beast wasn't here last time I took this bridge. In this barren neck of the woods he must have taken this crossing as his own. Should we just pay him... it, and get on with our journey?"

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus listened to Aurellis whisper something and he was barely able to hear it. He turned towards the beast and repeated Amadeus' question.

"How much do you want for our safe passage?"

[Vladislav]

Gormil's opinions are torn. On one hand, the beast behaved dishonorably by claiming for itself something which it does not own, and lying about it - this reminds him of a particular someone he knew - and this behavior should be punished. Humoring the beast with payment, he knows, will only bring further grief to travelers in the area.

On the other hand, he's still seeing before his eyes the blood splatter as the halfling's head separated from his body, and his dying scream still echoes in Gormil's ears. Does he have the resolve to swing that axe again so soon?

He grips the weapon tight and lets the others resolve the issue. If Aurelius wants to pay, he won't object - he's their boss, after all.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

Just in case you wanted this. The big green blobs are trees.http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/BWF1.png

The ogre snorts and smiles terrifyingly. "You adventurers. You made of gold! Hundred gold 'er you walk!"

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin shifts uncomfortably in his saddle. Then he shifts some more because he really is uncomfortable in his saddle.

One hundred gold? To cross a bridge?! This isn't the High Pass...

Can you talk him down?" the dwarf asks, looking mostly to Asmodeus Amadeus.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus's face turns into a frown at the mention of adventurers, and proceeds into a scowl when he hears the toll. With and expression of rage, Amadeus begins to lecture the foul beast from a safe distance away. "How dare an ignorant half-wit such as yourself call me an adventurer. I am a master of the arts, and have better things to do with my time than running off on a wild goose chase. And if I was an adventurer, then I would just kill you and be on my way. As for your price, that is pattently ridiculous. You are obviously just Trolling for gold, which is a step down even for your species, and you should be ashamed of yourself. Since you are obviously going to be unreasonable, and since there is no other way for us to go around, I am afraid we are going to have to cross. You can accept a normal toll of 5cp each, or we will have to have a disagreement. And I doubt the one of you would come out on top of a disagreement with the five of us, Ogre."

[roll0]

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus was surprised with Amadeus using intimidation rather than his usual sweet talking. Well, he didn't mind it, as long as it did its purpose. While the other human was busy taunting the beast, he whispered to Marwin.

"Hey, you still have that sleeping spell? Might wanna use it when things go awry. Not really smart to be fighting on a bridge, so if it gets violent, I'll try to talk a bit to distract it while you cast it."

[HempRope]

Marwin

"I was planning on it," Marwin said, surprised that Marcus had thought of it. "But I'm hoping to get across the bridge first.

"Think he'll let us cross first if we agree to pay the whole thing?"

Fatva ruffles her feathers huffily. She might disapprove.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"Yes, maybe we could just go forward and say we'll be paying it." he replied, continuing to speak discretely.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The ogre raises an eyebrow at the bard. The first half of that speech goes completely over his head, but at the word "copper", his eyebrows wretch into anger. "NO!!" He screams and slams his axe in the grass on the ledge of the cliff. A small amount of dirt flakes off and tumbles down the chasm. "You pay all! You pay gold!" He stomps his bare foot on the ground and, again, a chunk of the earth falls down the cliffside.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus tenses as a passing thought catches his fancy, and begins to speak in a smooth tone. "You don't really want gold do you? I mean, you can't exactly spend it anywhere, as I doubt you could trade with someone without them being terrified of you just killing them and taking it anyways. Stopping us will do you no good.
You should be off hunting, hunting, hunting.
You should try some hunting, some hunting in the woods."

As his voice trails off, quick as a wink his flute is in his hand, continuing the melody. Echoes of the sounds of rich game seem to come from all around.

Using Fascinate on the Ogre. Hopefully [roll0]

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The ogre grunts at the bard as he begins to speak in his rhythmic fashion. He drops his head in focus making the gold ring between his nostrils dangle.

[roll0] (I honestly don't know why I bothered...)

However, about one line into Amadeus' speech, the ogre's rage changes to fascination. He leans against the post of the wooden bridge using his giant axe for balance. His open, dumb expression looks especially so now because of the melody and song.

Because the Fascinate effect has a time limit, we are now acting in rounds. Please roll Initiative.

[roll1]

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus motions at the others, allowing them to go first so that if his song fails, they can get to the other side of the bridge. He silently prays that they do not aim any weapons at the Ogre, as the song he is playing now would backfire, and the Ogre would start feeling as scared as he imagines his pray gets.

[HempRope]

Marwin

"How long can you keep him like that?" hisses Marwin as he begins moving onto the bridge.

Assuming that Marcus starts moving, so does Marwin. And he readies an action to cast Sleep on the beast if it becomes un-fascinated.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus saw the ogre caught under the bard's song, and quickly moved his horse to start and cross the bridge.

"We do this slowly, follow me."

[Vladislav]

Gormil, late to get his bearings, also started to carefully cross the bridge behind everyone else.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u285/HeftyLefty40/BWF2.png

Aurellis files in suit as the party makes its way across the rickety bridge. You're shocked to find that it holds all five horses at once. The ogre, thank the gods, continues to stare at Amadeus in utter amazement.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

The young warrior wanted to rush forward and off the bridge as soon as he could, but knew he had to be calm about it, otherwise he might attract the ogre's attention. He moved as far as he could forward, signaling the others to do so as well. If they put a safe distance before the effect wears off, they could avoid the fight entirely.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus keeps as steady as he can as his horse moves across the bridge. His full concentration is being put into maintaining the song that is keeping the ogre entranced. He nods his head towards the head of the column as it reaches the end of the bridge, encouraging it to move forwards.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The group on horses carries themselves away from the ogre's bridge. Moving quickly, they are now about forty feet from him.

[Vladislav]

Gormil just keeps going, following the rest of the column, hoping for the best and trying not to look down.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Sweat breaks out on Amadeus's brow as he begins to struggle to keep up the spell on the ogre. His hands begin to shake, but the music still wavers on, mostly propelled by its own momentum. He can't maintain the spell much longer.

Yes, this is the last round of fascinate. Next round the ogre is free, and I say we high-tail it out of there. Agreed?

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Relieved that the musician's spell held on for them to get past the ogre, Marcus relaxed a bit. He was glad they were off the bridge and quite the distance from the ogre. He waited for the others to come closer then spoke to them in a low voice. "Come, we ride fast and leave the beast behind."

[HempRope]

Marwin

"Yes, hurry!" Marwin urges the others, and tries his best to do the same with his pony, digging his small feet into the stirrups as she picks up her gait. His hand tightens on the shaft of his crossbow as the ride becomes increasingly bumpy.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The men on horseback sneak past the ogre. Completely in awe of the spell-binding music, the beast simply lets them pass. As soon as the company is out of its immediate range, they take off running. The ogre can't keep up and is left out of sight. Aurellis turns to Amadeus. "That was brilliant!" An awe similar to the ogre's is stretched across his old face. "When we get to Bevorven you simply must sing like that again." The rest of the day ends without much to note.

As the party begins to settle for the night, the darkness above them is the deepest its been all week. But you all know how the saying goes.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

When the party was out of the ogre's sight, Marcus breathed a sigh of relief. He wanted to praise the bard for his job well done, but he was not comfortable doing that just yet.

As the party began to prepare for the night, Marcus prepared his gear and took some of his rations to eat for dinner. Then he announced to the group, "I will take first watch tonight."

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus takes a few seconds to catch his breath after his song ends. He readily thanks Aurellis for his high praise, and rehearses the fingerings of the song he just played. Hopefully that melody will help him make some money in the future, as it was original for once!

[HempRope]

Marwin

"I haven't seen that done before," Marwin said, impressed and pleased that he had seen a true bard's magic at work, music that really was 'spellbinding.'

...

Marwin hesitates but then, realizing that for once he doesn't have any need to take all his sleep at once, relents and volunteers for second watch.

"I don't mind tonight, go on."

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The first watch of the night passes without event. So does the second, third, and fourth as well. The party wakes up after a peaceful night's sleep. Aurellis is awake early this morning drinking tea. "Gentlemen," he addresses you all with a smile, "I've been up a bit early this morning, doing some scouting of my own," he nods towards Marcus, "and we're close to the mountains. We'll be out of this forest shortly."

[Vladislav]

Well, what are we waiting for? Let's get going. Giddy at the prospect of getting to the mountains again, Gormil quickly folds his bedroll and readies himself for another day of travel.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus awoke at his usual time, but is surprised to see Aurellis up as well. He did his usual morning routine of light exercise and breakfast, then proceeded to pack up his gear.

When the others awoke, Aurellis announced his little excursion alone, which immediately received a raised brow from Marcus. Of all the, what if something happened to him? But he let it slide as the old man looked his way, for he knew it was all in good intent. He stood up and prepared his mount for the day's journey. With the prospect of leaving the forest, Marcus was a bit glum on the idea. He loved the forest; it's fresh, unpolluted air, the trees, everything. But then, he was also curious about the northern ranges.

The mountains. Wonder what they're like. Guess I'll find out.

[HempRope]

Marwin

"Excellent," says Marwin, grinning like Gormil.

Though I went South for a reason.

Despite not needing to rearrange the spells packed into his head, Marwin leafs through his spellbook for a few minutes on his own; the routine is calming, and he slips into a brief, meditative reverie for a little while. He feel confident about the day's travel; they've dealt with every challenge that has presented itself so far.

He's getting faster at saddling his pony, and is ready to go no later than the rest of them.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus wakes up slowly, still unaccustomed to taking a watch and rising early. Still, it is a good paying job, and it has already payed off as Aurellis seems to appreciate his musical talents. He packs up his own gear, starting to find a rhythm to camping. Once mounted, Amadeus begins experimenting with the tune he enthralled the ogre with, adding variations and ornaments, as he is rather good at those. Despite the fact that this is the furthest north he has ever been, Amadeus is not worried, as he has fighters and powerful magic-users with him to ensure that the party will survive any dangers. Plus he still has some misconceptions about adventure, but anyone who has not been bloodied would have those.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Wood Forest

The party travels out of the woods with their new-found enthusiasm and, sure enough, the dark of the forest breaks at about midday. What they find when they make it through the trees is a rather chilling sight. Frost-tipped blades of grass, snow-covered mountains in the distance, and evergreen trees are the new setting for the company. It's noticeably colder in this region. "Don't worry men," Aurellis reassures, "We should only be out in the cold for a bit. I know of an inn we can stay at tonight." His confidence reassures you that this inn may be a bit more reliable than the last.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

The sight of the white-covered trees and grass and mountains was all new to Marcus. He looked around in awe, like that of a little child who got out of the safety of his home for the first time and ventured into the outside world. It was a mesmerizing sight to behold for him, and for a while he didn't notice the temperature drop.

When Aurellis told them about an inn they could stay at, his instinct was to think back at the last one they stayed at. But the confidence in the old man's voice was a bit reassuring. And besides, he knew better than to fall for the same trick twice.

He nudged his mount on through the frosty grass. Hopefully it will be a good day.

[HempRope]

Marwin

"Oh good," Marwin says, eager as any man to have a bed to sleep on and perhaps more appreciative than usual of not having to set watches at night.

As the group moved into the rocky north, he looked around with interest, trying to discern where exactly in the dwarven lands they would likely end up. He was almost certain to have people to see, wherever it was -- but hopefully none to avoid.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

As they made their way into the mountains, Amadeus forgot about his hunting tune from yesterday (although not in the sense that he couldn't play it again later. Instead, he begins whistling pitches, trying to find an elusive melody to describe his new surroundings. Nothing seems to fit, so he keeps trying. In between efforts, he replies to Aurellis. "I would really appreciate a warm inn, as the air out here is interesting, it is hardly enjoyable to spend the night trying to sleep in."

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Mountain Pass

The sky opens up in the new snowy region. Despite being very cold, it's very sunny. The light reflecting off the pure white snow requires you to squint your eyes and after a while it creates a real strain unless, of course, your dwarven eyes are accustomed to this. When the party was travelling through the corn fields, the stalks created a sort of wall hiding you from oncoming attackers. In this frigid tundra, no such walls exist. Everything for miles is in plain sight. Everything is the same startling white. The distance grants a view of the tall Black Mountains. No matter how long your horses walk on the tiny dirt trail, the mountains don't seem to come any closer. In a few hours, a small dot on the horizon becomes recognizable as a house, and in a few more hours, its' windows and door become recognizable. A dwarf in a long beard sits on a rickety porch swing. He holds a ceramic mug in his hands. Steam, rising from the mug, seems to get caught in his long red beard. "Aye," he greets you when you become close enough, "How are ye friends?" Upon closer inspection, the inn is considerably larger than the last, with two stories and three chimneys all smoking a thick black smoke.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

The sight of the inn in the vast whiteness of the fields came as a welcome sight to the young man, who by now has gone over his first impression of awe and succumbed to the cold. When he saw the hot drink, he can't help but stare at it as he climbed down his mount, wishing to have one for himself. As usual, he remained silent, letting the others do the talking.

[Vladislav]

Gormil

Well met! he addresses the dwarf in Common. Any chance of a rest and a meal for weary travelers? And quickly adds in Dwarven, this horsemanship thing is killing me.

I wonder how he can afford to keep such large inn amid this wilderness. Not many customers, I reckon.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

In deference to Aurellis, Amadeus replies with a simple "better, now that we have a warm place to stay", and allows Aurellis to carry the conversation. In fact, Amadeus is barely paying attention to the talking, still enraptured by the mountains.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Mountain Pass

The dwarf laughs something in dwarven. To Gormil, he tells the fellow dwarf that he's forsaken horses for that same reason. Aurellis smoothly gets the party rooms to sleep and pays the night's rent. The night goes very well. The dwarf innkeeper, Harumil, is completely absorbed in all the stories you have to share at the fireplace. Nothing too new or exciting happens around these parts, he claims, so the stories of travelers is his drug. He doesn't share many stories, but is very anxious when you speak of travelling through the Black Mountains. "Ya don' know the tales?" He leans over his third mug of hot coffee, "Vicious ba'barians live in de mountains. A mining company uncovered a tunnel, I hear, and has been mining into their li'le civilization. Da homes of da mountain people hold artifacts worth thousands of gold... but those who go in rarely leave with their lives." He leans back and lets his words sink in before continuing. "I 'ear de scholarlies ou' east are trying to start an expedition to make peace with them... but none of them are brave enough to go down."

[Vladislav]

Gormil looks at Aurelius intently, to see his reaction to this story. He wonders if the old man will agree to a small dangerous, yet possibly lucrative, detour.

[HempRope]

Marwin

"We'll have to be careful on the road, then," Marwin says. His eyes pass over each of his companions; hopefully they'll prove their mettle in a real fight. Hopefully he will, too.

And perhaps the 'scholarlies' in the North will be interested in those tunnels, too... it would be worth inquiring after patrons.

Marwin's tales are few, and of little interest to a northern dwarf. He listens more than speaks, and is happy to retire when the bright discussion in the common room sputters out.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

While the story is not well told (Amadeus notes some embellishments he will add if/when he tells this tale in the future.), the subject matter is still important. I wonder, could I entrance barbarians like I did that ogre? Indulging in idle fancy, he stares into his drink as the dwarf spellbinder states the obvious. Amadeus waits for the others to finish, then tells what tales he has of the intrigues of the plains cities. He feels, however, that his company is a little too low-brow for his best offerings, and decides to retire before investing his best work. Hopefully they can avoid the mountain folk on their next leg, or at least avoid conflict like he managed with the ogre.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

When he heard about the mining company, he immediately thought about Aurellis. He did say he had something about mining. Maybe it is his, this mining company? Well, whatever it is, it would certainly make our stay here interesting. Though I hope I could become used to this cold.

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Mountain Pass

The party gets some well-deserved bed rest for the first time in a long time. The night goes by well; the beds are soft and warm, the drinks are strong, and the stories are well-told. In the morning, a fresh ham and egg breakfast is served to you along with hot coffee from the Elven south. The party departs from the inn shortly after. The snowy trail is long but by the evening, the horses reach the trail between the mountains. The horses again walk single-file along the rocky craggy path. The only two colors on the landscape are brown and white. The snow-covered dirt rises high up the mountainside. If a horse's hoof steps too close to the edge, a piece of fragile earth is released from the mountain trail, sending each member of the party into a panic.

By nightfall, the company reaches a fork in the trail. A signpost marks to the left and right. Aurellis quickly marches his horse up the front and peers at the sign with his lantern held above his head. "We'll be taking a left, men."

The party brings their horses left. They're surprised to find themselves descending. The night quickly brings pitch darkness. Aurellis leads the way down the trail between two giant mounds of rock into a hollowed-out cave. After ten minutes of travelling by lamplight, another lantern's light is discovered. "Men!" Aurellis calls into the cave and listens as it echos, bouncing down the rock walls. "I've returned!" A scraggly-looking fellow completely soiled in dirt and soot comes running down the cave carrying the light. As the lantern bounces in his hand, the light cast by it runs along the walls. "Aurellis sir, we have much to report."

"I know," Aurellis calms the boy, "I've heard. That is why I came back so soon. Take us to the camp, I need to speak with those from Coremita."

The boy brings the five men on horses down further into the cave. After turning a left corner, the cave becomes a small hallway lined with lanterns lighting the way. A brief opening becomes a space to dock the horses, and further down a walkway, the camp is revealed. Fifteen tents are spread around an open mining site. Large carts of dirt and rubble are littered around the area, and a few tunnel entrances are on the walls. Aurellis waits to view his domain before pressing forward.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Just as I thought. So it really was his tunnels back then, the stories.

As they arrived at the camp, he looked around, surveying the setup of the place. He looked at the tents and wondered if they'd organize their gear first, but the tone of Aurellis earlier seemed like he had to talk to someone urgently.

"Orders, sir?"

[HempRope]

I swear I already posted...

Marwin

Marwin turns to look at Gormil as the party starts into the tunnel, a small smile on his face. We'll see how they do underground, now.

But Marwin is taken aback when Aurellis shouts into the cave. The mage had drawn his crossbow, just in case. These are his tunnels, then?!

He stays quiet as they follow the new human men deeper down the tunnel. He pats the pony almost fondly as they dismount, but is much more comfortable on his own two feet.

Aurellis didn't say he was in mining! Why not?

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

While the others tense up at their new surroundings, Amadeus is scared by the dark. Since he could remember, he has never been so far underground, nor walked so far without being able to see daylight. He sighs with relief as light appears ahead. Just as he is about to ask about the tunnels, he notices the carts and miners themselves. As his prepared questions are entangled with his new questions, it takes him a bit to sort them out. Thanks to the evidence, enough questions are eventually answered that Amadeus reconsiders asking most of the others on his list. Still, somethings are more important than respectful silence. "Excuse me, Aurellis, but is this as far as you are traveling? If so, might you tell us when we can receive our payment?"

[Vladislav]

Gormil follows the group, drunk from the underground smells and sounds. Every echoing step, every creak of the tunnel linger in his ear as he advances expectantly to a new adventure.

[Hefty Lefty]

Hey guys, we've had a weird couple of weeks here. I'd hate to see this die, and in order to fix that I'm picking things up a bit! I blame myself for making a rather tedious intro to this campaign, so here comes the adventure! :smalltongue:

Black Mountain Pass - Cave

Aurellis opens his mouth to answer Amadeus' question, but is interrupted by a dirt-covered human with a pickax. His gray hair and beard date him at about fifty. "Big problem sir, big big BIG problem." He hiccups. Looking at him closer you can see his clothes are tattered and his body is cut up with oozing sores and bleeding cuts. "Sir, I told them not go in I TOLD THEM NOT TO GO IN but they did and they got'em they got'em!!"
"Calm down, let me speak to Garret."
"I JUST TOLD YOU THEM GOT HIM!!" A tear drips from his eye. He takes a deep breath and continues. "We were excavating the south tunnel... we took down a wall... we found one of their tunnels... I said we should go back, that'd we could go back when we're ready, but they didn't listen! We went about a mile in and they attacked us. I couldn't see anything. Their traps ensnared me before I could see anything. I heard my friends scream... I heard them laugh... I cut myself free from their riggings, but everyone was gone. Five trails of blood... is all that's left. Their screams echoed down the halls... They're dead... or worse."
A calm Aurellis responds, "We've prepared for this. Myrtle and his company will go in and find them. That's why they're here."
"No sir, no sir that's the problem sir." He runs his hands through his thin hair. "They don't want to go. They're too scared sir. And with good reason! They're not prepared for these things!"
Aurellis looks disgusted. "I'll talk to them later. First, we have a situation." Aurellis turns to the four of you. "It looks like I'll be staying here for a while. Here is your payment," he drops a velvet sack into Amadeus' hand, "You are free to go. If you're interested in more gold - much more gold - it appears I am still in need of your services."
The sack contains 3,500 gold pieces.

Level up!

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"Ha ha ha ha!" Marcus cannot help stifle his laugh. "You brought us here into this cave in the mountains and you tell us we are free to go? Sure, the dwarves might have things to do, but what can a lowland dweller like me do here? If anything, in this unknown land, I shall stick to the one I am sure will give me my fair share of compensation."

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus looks around at the cavern, trying to match his knowledge with his mental map of the world. Unfortunately, he has no idea where he is (old dwarven-elvish dispute lead to his tour never making it to Bevroven). He gives up trying to figure out a way home. "I was hoping we would be near the capital, but we did sign up for this task. Unfortunately I have not been to this part of the world, so I have no idea how to continue to Bevroven. I suppose I have nothing better to do then help you with your cave problem. Besides, adventuring has actually given me inspiration, it would be a shame to stop now. Also, more payment for more risk would be greatly appreciated." Amadeus adds at the end, ever the opportunist

[HempRope]

Sorry, internet & cable got knocked out in the first snow of the year. Doesn't bode well for weather to come.

Marwin

I could get to Bevorven from here. But it would probably be too dangerous to go on my own, Marwin rationalizes. I guess I'll just have to stay here with them, and then take them North with me after we do what we can for Aurellis. And the poor old human does seem like he needs some help.

In reality, Marwin was eager for some more excitement. The skirmish on the road and sneaking past the troll had his blood rushing in anticipation of meeting new challenges and adversaries. And this time, on his terms -- underground. What are these creatures that has abducted the mining crew?!

"I know the way to Bevorven," Marwin says, relishing the distinctive Dwarven sounds of the city's name. "But I'm not going alone. If you're going to see what Aurellis has need for, I'll go with you."

Now this is an authentic adventure!

[Hefty Lefty]

Black Mountain Pass - Cave

Aurellis smiles and claps his hands together. "Splendid. I'm afraid we don't have much time though. The entrance to the cave is down that corridor." Aurellis points towards one of three large black holes in the cave walls. "If you need anything, you'll find the men around here will sell it to you. Otherwise, you know where you are needed."
The man shouts from behind your benefactor, "Hurry!! They might still be alive!!"

You can buy anything you need with the gold you were given (you can assume it will be sold here). Otherwise, feel free to begin into the cave.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

"I shall be waiting at the entrance should you need to buy anything for yourselves," Marcus said as he made his way to the cave.

[HempRope]

We each got 875? Do they have potions and/or scrolls?

Marwin

Marwin's face is animated by surprise.

"Wait, that's it?" he says. "Hold on. Who was taken, where were they, and who took them? Where do those tunnels go? What are you mining here, anyway? How long have you been here and how many men are there?"

He at first speaks with great urgency, but after a few questions has become more of hie tee-totaling self.

"You two can't even see down here!" he says to the humans. "Do you have torches or some such?"

[Hefty Lefty]

They have whatever you need. Including torches.

Black Mountain Pass - Cave

"We're mining for silver here, we've been excavating the caves here for some time- "
"You'll know our men when you see them - they're the ones that aren't bloodthirsty monsters!!" The man shudders.

[GuyFawkes]

Marcus

Marcus turned back, "I am always ready," before heading to his earlier destination again.

[HempRope]

Marwin

Marwin shrugs.

"Well, it won't be this dwarf that keeps us from heading down."

He makes as to move off with Germaine.

[Omeganaut]

Amadeus

Amadeus considers the offer of items available for purchase, but cannot think of anything off the top of his head that would be useful, so he merely thanks Aurellis for the offer, and moves to head off.