Kingslayers: Wild Magic of the Seekers

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros readily invites Cara in, veritably attacking her with a kiss once inside his abode. "I thought your services would never end," he gets out, while coming up for air.

[dauphinous]

Cara returns Taros' affection with a little less fervor, but fully matching warmth. "They always end at the same time, Taros. It's just a bit of a walk from there to here." Her warm smile takes on a bit of an impish grin. "And I found that people seem to think I am more awe-inspiring when fully armored. Makes it take a little longer."

The logical thing to do was to invite him to move. Closer to her. Very close. Like the same living space. Completely against the traditions she was raised with. Looking into his eyes, she falters on the edge of asking. Sure, she'd stood against an orcish army, Voidite priests, shadows, demons, and more, but that's the easy part of her life. Apply mace to orc. Repeat as necessary. Apply divine power to demon. Repeat as necessary. Apply healing to ally. Repeat as necessary. Easy stuff.

This, though? It is the custom in Skaarsvard for the women to be in charge, to make these decisions and tell their men when it's time to ask them out, to propose to them, and so on. Because if they didn't, those blockheads would never figure it out. But Taros isn't like that. Not in the slightest. He isn't a blockhead that needs to be told what he wants. He is an equal, a partner - and a highly intelligent one. And that...well, it's wonderful, but it's scary as hell, too.

[BlueWizard]

Crusty Bucket:
Highline, under Anthony's observation, will design a few holding cells from the spare lumber below decks. He and his boys will gladly pitch in to separate the criminals in the extra hull-space of the storage hold.

With Cassy's presence, Pauline spills a lot to Latigo. She ignores Latigo though and reveals all info to the mostly silent Cassy. "You into Fairy Dust? That stuff's pricey, but if you can get a large amount into the King of Kandor... you could become very rich. Oh my god Cassy! Did you join the Bardic Guild? They know where all the good drugs are. I have a friend who's in it. She also freelances for the 'Ladies of the Night'. She's quite rich, but I guess, if you got it, use it." She says with some jealously as she peers awkwardly through her thick glasses. She shrugs as best she can while bound.

She doesn't know much and has basically been making a nice living working as a wizard for this local gang of thugs. Pauline would have no trouble going to the highest bidder, even joining the Bucket crew. {Hahah...:smallamused:}

The young man is Lamar Werkain, quite an ugly tan man with longish hair, that is not kempt. He wears fine linen of nobility, but it is grungy as if he doesn't like to bathe often. Clearly Pauline cleaned him up a bit. He was not much useful for information. He seems to own a few trade routes now, but so do his brothers. From Pauline will be gathered that the main reason that Werkain loots merchants is for the slave trade. Lamar knows more slavers in Kandor with plenty of contraband, but he is not too bright and is mostly into killing and sex.


Sunhaven:
Information on the Deeker interview by Ethan will be on file for Cara and Taros to read. A secret copy will be sent to the King and Queen. Both will be sending more military aid to the region, and even discuss the investment of an extension branch of Fenbrooke's university in Sunhaven for wizards {good magic only!}.

Time will pass here, not long after Cara returns she will get the report on Cassy's 3 guests. Heron, Pauline, and Lamar.

Cara and Taros will have more time for each other.

Depending on where the couple go for the late Fall, they may encounter more forces of the Queen around Sunhaven.


Jamestown Fort:
James will get a report that the Crusty Bucket has three important political prisoners. The report was sent to James to see what to do, the next step would be the Queen or King of the North.
Time will pass here.
If James seeks Trillo he will find that the wizards have now reported TRILLO missing. Another Queen wizard can be sent for transport if James needs it.


On to KANDOR: {Anyone else?:smallamused: }
OOC- I remember talk that James might drop in with the ship once the crew reached Kandor. I could allow Cara and Taros to do it as well, unless they want to enjoy their vacation time... Fall is a good time, harvest is in, and feasts abound!
I will try to make the jaunt into old Galorine role-play, but you know how it goes...:smallwink:
{XP Will be coming soon. Maybe next weekend.}

[kariokie]

Cassy lurks in the interrogation, asking questions with an easy, confident manner, until Pauline starts going into too much detail about drugs. Then Cassy withdraws quickly, eventually leaving the room to Silvas. My own damn fault, I asked. Shoulda picked something else to cover our questions with.

She retreats to her room where she tidies herself up. Sitting down on her bunk, the teenager realizes she has little to do except think. And she has almost nothing to think about except for Pauline's information. Or Tunia's recent Sending. Or just about any other thing she didn't want to think about. So, she takes out the stone from her pack and sends Cara a message:

"Old school mate tried to kill me yet again. Stole our wine. We took it back. Boats are dumb. I'm bored. Hope we land soon."

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony attends the interrogation, but does not speak. Cassy's magic seems to be doing all he could do and more.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"Well why don't we do something about that long walk, then?"

As soon as he says it, Taros' stomach tries to crawl its way out of his belly, via his throat. After the moment's panic, his brain catches up to his mouth, mulls over the implications of what was just said, and realizes that he likes it. And it feeks good. Logically and emotionally. Sometimes his mouth was pretty smart.

His stomach thoroughly subdued now, he continues, "I mean, I'm almost always over there, anyhow. It makes sense, no?"

[dauphinous]

The last time Cara remembers blushing was about four years ago. And it hadn't been from anything good happening. It also had precipitated a fistfight. One which Cara had won handily. She has a pretty good right hook.

Taros gets a full-force blush as she smiles and nods, heart pounding. "Yes, it does. Very much so. Please. I would like that."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"Right then. It's decided." Still embracing the priest, Taros can't help but feel that what had just transpired had occurred rather suddenly, and without much forethought. Perhaps he thought too much of things; this felt good. No, it was good.

"I'll bring my things over in the morning. No reason to rush into it tonight," Taros says with a smirk.

"On another note, I was thinking we should do a proper survey of the surrounding lands. Maybe a dayhike or two to get a feel for any caves, lairs, abandoned crypts, or other suspiscious dwellings about Sunhaven?"

[dauphinous]

Incapable of smiling anymore than she already is, Cara positively beams, and even glows. "Dayhike," she says with mock inquiry. "That sounds quite like something you do during the day." Cara puts one hand on Taros' cheek, tracing his cheek and ending with touching his lips lightly. "It is not currently daytime. That particular area of expertise is one I happen to be skilled in. We shall have to find a way to pass the time until then."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Drawing the beautiful priestess into himself, Taros merely quips, "Oh, I think we can find something to do to pass the time until then."

[dauphinous]

Of course, Cara isn't actually there when Taros moves his his things into her rooms. It's like a lovely gift to find him there when she is done for the day. Not that it's never happened before, but the knowledge that he will be there, that there's no question of it, and that he will be there tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that - it's more than enough to keep her step light all through the day. And to keep her glowing.

If her mother knew about this arrangement, she'd get the Cow speech. Because everything for her mother relates to cows, or chickens, or pigs in one way or another. This particular one would be of the 'why buy the cow when the milk is free?' theme. It would undoubtedly have a lament about grandchildren tacked onto the end. But waking up to find Taros beside her, Cara just doesn't care all that much. This is a good thing. The rest will happen when it happens. There are still important things for her to do in this world, as Cassy is constantly reminding her with her Sendings complaining of boredom.

It's while they are sitting together, eating, that Cara brings that last concern up. "Taros, do you want to join Cassy and the others when they make their foray into Kandor?" She'd like to go, and cannot disguise that fact completely, though she tries, so as to not overly influence his choice. The reasons why they are not suited to the task haven't changed, but sitting around in Sunhaven, however enjoyable it is, will eventually grate on her nerves. No matter how many 'dayhikes' they take.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

At first he thought it'd be awkward, sharing a living space with her. He'd been on his own for a very long time, even if most've that time he'd spent in tents or otherwise bivouacked out in the field. But it wasn't; it just came naturally.

Cara's question doesn't catch him off guard. Quite the opposite, actually: "I thought you'd never ask. Of course I would. The thought of sitting here, finding things to pass the time - though passing the time with you is a wonderful way to do so - while others are facing danger, at my suggestion?"

"We'll meet up with them at the first opportunity. Besides, the Gods know what trouble those lot are stirring up, without us to oversee them," Taros grins.

[dauphinous]

Grinning back at him, Cara nods. "By what Cassy tells me, there is no trouble to be stirred up, but I expect she is leaving things out when they seem to be quickly and easily dealt with. What do you think? Just pop in and surprise them, or give them fair warning? I'm sure Trillo can get us right to them without a problem."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros's grin never fades, "I think they like surprises. Who wouldn't, will in a hostile country, far from home, right?"

At Trillo's mention, his grin turns into a small frown, "You mean teleportation? I dislike it so, though it does beat walking or sailing all that ways. I just worry they'll get the incantations wrong, and I'll end up inside a mountain or something."

[dauphinous]

Cara shrugs. Teleporting has never bothered her in the slightest. Maybe it's just that she sits in the palm of Pelor's hand, and he shields her from that sort of thing, or maybe she's just made of a kind of stuff that doesn't have a problem with it. Possibly it's just from growing up on a farm, and being what they sometimes call 'earthy' or 'grounded'.

"We'll never get there in anything like a reasonable amount of time if we don't teleport. I'll see if I can get him or someone else to take us to them in the morning." She smirks. "It would be a shame to go without getting a full night's rest first."

As soon as she can get someone to teleport them out to the Crusty Bucket, she does. It is an amusing quirk of timing that puts them on the deck just as Cassy's latest Sending reaches her. Decked out in her regular gear and glowing, she grins.

To Cassy: "Then maybe you should go up on deck."

[kariokie]

Cassy tilts her head to the side as she gets Cara's latest message. Knowing that her best friend can't even hear her, Cassy still speaks aloud, "What, and go bored in the open air? That's stupid. I mean, it's not as if anything… interesting… is… HEY!" Slowly her mind pieces together what Cara's message means, forcing her speech to slow down and finally cease before her exclamation of realization.

Grabbing her staff, the teenager waves her hand once to dismiss the illusion that disguises her, and then says a single word in Draconic. Nothing happens. "Fine, fine, I'll walk." Walking is hardly what she does, though, as she bolts through the door and darts along the narrow hall of the ship before bounding up the stairs and ending up on deck.

She turns slowly in a circle, seeing Cara and Taros, but pretending not to at first. "Why would that big hick tell me to come up here, huh? Rocks-for-brains priestess! Or maybe it was that dolt paladin's idea of a holy joke." Cassy turns once more in a circle, then slowly turns back and grins at the two of them. "Well, well. Look what the basilisk dragged in."

[dauphinous]

Cara lets Cassy go on. Her wit was one of the things she'd missed. But then she steps up immediately and gives Cassy a big hug. "I missed you, too." She squeezes gently, knowing she is covered in metal plates, which aren't exactly fun to hug, then lets go. "We thought that since it was boring at home, and it's boring here, the best thing for everyone was to be bored together. Are we near Kandor?"

[BlueWizard]

Port of Old Galorine:

The floating walls of New Galorine stretched endlessly into the distance as the Crusty Bucket pulled away, and even when it was nearly out of sight the next day, it filled the horizon as a black line. The structures were new, and magically created, and some even haphazardly tossed together. The poorly built ones leaned together, some even the top's of the towers touched. {OOC- As the mythical city of Anhk-Morpork. Some legendary city somewhere in the multiverse called, Discworld.:smallwink: }

This horribly crowded city had an army of sea druids maintaining the sea around it, and keeping the pollution contained. Many of these red and green marked imperial ships were seen, among the merchant and fishing ships. These 'druid' ships also carried many soldiers and acted as sea-patrol.

There is strict rlaws once you reach Kandorian seas, and shipping lanes must be abided. There is constant patrol, and only licensed, KANDORIAN citizens could be fisherman, and seemed spaced, but still the seas were crowded. The fisherman were the main trade import into New Galorine, and many greedy KANDORIANS have made a fortune fishing for the Galorites of New Galorine.

The Crusty Bucket is given a good wind, and a safe passage through the Kandorian seas and the traffic. Any Druid ship encountered saluted the Crusty Bucket as it passed. Word had clearly spread of the execution of Werkain, who died in a raging inferno that still is being fought by sea druids. The smoke however was not seen, for invisible Air Druids of the Empress kept the air clean.
Most of your information will be in occassional updates that Robero gives, who is in contact with the priest of Bahamut, who is acting as his wise council. {OOC- He never finished the naval academy, and his skills are kind of low.:smallamused: Though Cassy, Silvas, and Anthony had figured out this a long time ago}

Deck of the Crusty Bucket, near Old Galorine, Morning:
Cara and Taros' appearance with a young elven wizard named, Thistleberry, takes a moment to be noticed by the busy crew, with all excited at 'normal' landfall. Thistleberry has been Trillo's replacement diplomat for the Queen. A skinny, nervous fellow he is immediate sea-sick when he apppears on the ship. "Uhmmm.... ert.. that will be all madam?" He will bow respectfully then teleport away before he loses his lunch.

As Cassy bounds to the deck, the first officer Helmav is noticing the suddenly appearing 'stow-aways' as the crew around Taros and Cara begin to stop working, and begin staring at Cara as if she is a goddess. A few men will bow and weep tears of happiness.

Rugus the cook is one who bows and mutters to Cara, "Oh sweet Sif! Where is your golden sword? Bless us all!"

Helmav will smack Rugus in the head as Cassy greets Cara, "Get up you bone-head! This is the great sun priestess, Lady Cara, you fool."

Cara will answer her own question, as she looks beyond Cassy and the crew to Old Galorine. Taros, Cassy, and Anthony might've seen Galorine as children. Taros maybe on a diplomatic mission with his father, Anthony to see the games, and Cassy to sit in the rented palace bedroom and listen to the roar of the crowd while her parents enjoyed the games. {Probably James if he comes along.}

It is a beautiful city if you like great ancient architecture and huge stone cathedrals. Libraries were some of the largest buildings here, and the towers of the ancient Galorine wizard university were an artform to themselves. {A rival school of Cassy's, her's was the largest and at the heart of the empire.}

The most impressive building not the King's palace was a coliseum on a hill. There were several buildings that were connected to it, but judging by the crowded Market Place on the hillside it was a center piece to this city. It had changed since any of you had come here as children. It probably had a 100,000 people living there and in the hills back then, now it probably was double that! This is huge, but actually a lot less threatening than the massive city of Galorites beyond the sea-wall.

Cara will have never seen anything like it. The lands of Helmswood the Queen's city, including the lands around it, totaled 50,000 people, but this city was so concentrated and huge. {OOC- She will be amazed the most since she has never seen a city like this before.}

When Rome thrived of old it looked like Old Galorine, with the life and color that covered every wall, graffiti and everything. There was a lot of gold filigree and paint on much of everything, including the great gate to the port.

The great white and gold walled palace in the distance was the jewel of the city and it's tower walls loomed in the backdrop of the coliseum. The lands surrounding the palace were open and wild, and the only bit of nature viewable on Kandor from your perspective here on the Bucket.

The city port had a giant wall around the harbor. The soldiers wore brown surcoats with a black dragon and manned this wall. There were shady-looking warehouse docks, outside the main harbor, but all legitimate trade went to the Main docks. The warehouses were for raw goods and criminals.

The gates will open for the Crusty Bucket, a druid ship will even be following it in as an honorary escort. Even the Kandorian soldiers will salute the Crusty Bucket as it approaches the harbor walls.

{OOC- Robero will allow you to choose where to dock the boat {of course:smallwink: }. At the Main Harbor you can set-up shop in a very affluent city, or in a shady area at the warehouses....
Typical Inns are here, but remember it is a city of high magic, and illicit activity. Every Inn is a brothel and every cafe sells drugs. Heavy Kandorian guard keeps order, and arrest rates are alarmingly high, as are the execution rates. Galorites are only allowed into the city as slaves. This added info coming from Robero's Bahamat source. The prices here are anywhere from 4 to 10 times as much, and even higher at times... depending on the 'deal'.:smallamused: }


Jamestown:
James and Ethan will have everything in order around the fort when James gets the message that the Crusty Bucket is in Kandor. {OOC- If I don't hear from Vazzaroth soon, I am going to assume... for game sake that he joined along.:smallwink: But, I will retro him where ever if needed at this time.}

[kariokie]

Cassy hugs Cara, then knocks on the armplate of her armor. "As Chulyen would say, 'clang!'" She turns to look at the city as they approach. "That'd be Old Galorine. At least things will get more interesting from here out. Maybe none of us will hafta be bored!"

"Oh, and now that you're here, I've made a list of people and inanimate objects I've said you'll punch for me. You prefer alphabetical or in the order the threats occurred in?"

[dauphinous]

"Thank you, Thistleberry. Let us know if anyone hears anything about Trillo."

Chuckling at Cassy's query, Cara chances to look up, and her eyes go wide. "By the Silver- No one mentioned it was this...vast." Her glow fades and she just gapes all around like the hick that she is. "How do they breathe? Where do they put everyone? Where do the children play?" At least she'd seen a city before. Otherwise, she'd be asking much dumber questions, like 'where do they put the cows?' or 'how can a building be stacked so high?'

[kariokie]

"They don't breathe or play. They're actually all zombies. ZOMBIES!" Cassy can't help but chortle with the same sort of glee that Chulyen might -- if he weren't currently in the newly dubbed 'Raven's Nest' plotting exactly how he might acquire Taros' helm as a new nest -- as Cara being flabbergasted by a city was something she hadn't been able to enjoy in quite a while.

With a wave of her hand, she casts a quick spell and sends a message down to Anthony and Silas, "I've always wanted to say this, it's in all the plays: We've got company!"

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony makes his way up to the deck.

"Cassy, who is i-" He notices Cara and Taros. He is clearly happy to see them, but cannot resist making a joke. "So... Cara's at sea again?" The warlock feigns fear. "Someone better make sure the crew knows that, in case the ship starts to sink, saving the wine is the number one priority."

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

"Please don't sink my ship" Silvas says, popping into sight in his Latigo guise, "it's only a loaner. And welcome aboard the Crusty Bucket."

[BlueWizard]

Port of Old Galorine:
Young Captain Robero guides the ship into the safe and walled port of old Galorine, and the escort guides the ship to a well-guarded dock near a small harbor guard-post. There were many ships of many types within this crowded port. A maze of docks jutted out into the large circular harbor, complete with huge shipwright and factory. This factory carries the King of Kandor's brown and black dragon flag.

Many dockmen work the docks, and scurry about shirtless with deeply tanned skin and long hair and thick black beards.
The ships crowded in the harbor flew many flags of the empire and more than a dozen noble flags flew above their kingdom's banner. {Cassy and Anthony might be able to recall a few.}

The Crusty Bucket will dock safely in the busy and crowded harbor, and Helmav begins speaking in an imperial accent so the gathered crew can hear. "Avast ye men, show these dock-bruisers respect I want us representing the empire as if we scrub the emperor's butt ourselves! We hail the emperor and fear the empress. Speak nothing of our new home. We serve a great cause now. Greater than many of you know. Believe me... more than one of you may be bribed. Even more than normal for Galorine. I pray that you trust the miracles that you have seen in this priestess of the sun. Her word of Pelor speaks true to all of us. This great god has a light we can all trust. Keep the faith. Do your praises of good wind to Poseidon, but we must remember all the elements can provide wisdom."

Robero will look and listen, and doesn't want to add a single word.

Only a few men at a time will be allowed to make shore-leave. This was normal, often many captain's wanted to keep track of their men. And in Old Galorine there are MANY, MANY, MANY temptations around every street corner.

The crew of the Bucket will work well with the crusty, but strong peasant dockmen, who all seem to curse every other word. Robero and Helmav will look to the 5 heroes for guidance.

OOC: Vazz busy with school, I believe, he's on a break... :smallconfused:
James will be in Jamestown until further notice.

[dauphinous]

Although she's still gawking at the city, Cara does spare a moment to say, "I did not sink that ship." Mindful that they are supposed to try to blend, she keeps any other questions to herself. Before anyone from the city gets close enough to see it, she tucks her holy symbol in under her armor, so she could be any heavily armored backwater warrior-type. Who just happens to be from the north and matches the description of herself perfectly.

"Is there a plan yet?"

[kariokie]

"I have an excellent plan 'bout getting the hell off this ship and having myself a drink!" Cassy smiles, then thinks a laugh at Chulyen to finally tempt him to come down from the raven's nest and perch on her shoulder.

"As for a proper plan, though, that's all Si-Br-Latigo. I'm just here to look pretty and cause trouble. You know, the usual."

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

"Well, we've already got quite a bit of information from our prisoners, so mainly, I'd like to sell off this wine, maybe buy something that's cheaper here than back across the pond, and see if we can learn anything more about the more profitable trading ventures we came here for."

He smiles somewhat creepily - the Latigo face was good at that. "As for an exact plan, I have some names of people to contact, maybe some of you would be interested in accompanying me?

[dauphinous]

"If you want me along, I'll go," Cara offers distractedly, not indicating to whom she is addressing it. She probably can be easily spotted as someone who would make an excellent mark for pickpockets, and just generally anyone who enjoys taking advantage of hicks in the big city.

[kariokie]

"So long as it gets me the hell off this boat, I'm all for accompanying you. Come on, let's all go. This place is such a zoo I don't think we'll even turn heads, you know? Oh, wait..."

With a slightly irritated hand-gesture Cassy resumes her disguise. "There. Okay, I'm all set. Let's go hassle some people."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

The teleportation was, as usual, discomfiting. Especially as he went from a staid and sturdy land domicile to the rolling and pitching deck of a ship. It was all he could do not to fall on his backside.

At Cassy and Cara's reunion, Taros merely stood back quietly, and let them have their day. He often wondered if he and Cara would ever be as close as those two; but then their own relationship was likely much different. He wondered idly on the nature of true friendship versus the love between a man and a woman.

It helped him avoid thinking of what the ship was doing to his stomach.

The discussion of going land-side breaks him of his quiet reverie and observation: "Did someone say drinks? I'm all for reacquainting myself with land."

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony grasps his ruby earing, changing his appearance to that of a dark-skinned imperial.

"So then, where to first? A bar, an inn, a tavern? So many choices, I can barely decide."

[BlueWizard]

Latigo knows through Vallone's info how to contact the King's trader. One of his men will be waiting to take Latigo and his entourage to a forum to better discuss the transaction in private. A young merchant man in his late 20's with full light brown beard is here. He seems nervous and pleased to meet you all.

He will take you on foot off the docks, through the harbor district, and to the downtown area with all the tall stone towers.

{OOC- This can be skipped or role-played, there will be all sorts of scum and villainy at the forum. Cassy and Anthony know the rich ones like to live there. You will be given a fine hotel suite at the forum with hot and cold water, with servants and all. Latigo will be getting a good deal... unless he sold it to the king himself. This would probably be the best legal deal. There will be ways Latigo can also make deals with other shady types in the forum that might spend more on the black market.}

[BlueWizard]

An Inn or Tavern can be found if the PCs want to split while trading is done. There are many things to do here, including the colesium which has venues until late at night and even morning matinées for school children {usually feeding slaves to lions or some other wild animal, it passes for a zoology lesson}.
If you want to check out the main slave trade zone that can be done as well, but do take caution there, many thieves and cutthroats there.

[dauphinous]

"I am not certain I would be helpful in the trading," she pauses, trying to recollect the name Silvas is currently using, "Latigo. I do not know that I would be able to hide my distaste at anything which might be encountered in such a place. But if we would prefer to not split up here, then I will simply lurk and keep my mouth shut. Accoutered as I am, I possibly can pass for a hulking brute."

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo will shrug at Cara's implied question. He didn't want to put her in any discomfort, especially not for something so trival as a bit of trading. But she'd come all this way to give them support and who knows what they'd come across.

"I guess, since you're here, I'd prefer the safety of numbers. I'm going to inquire about a legal sale, but also other arrangements, less savory ones, in order to get a word with some people about the more illicit trade we're interested in. It could get ugly, I suppose."

He wasn't going to decide for her, or any of them, but he suspected they'd come along. They didn't come all this way to sit on a boat, and splitting up in this immense metropolis just seemed like a bad idea, even to the adventurous pixie.

[I don't mind skipping this or RPing it. Either way is fine with me. Latigo's mostly just looking for a good price, which he can get either way legal or illegal, and to gather a bit more information about the slave trade. Also, he's got in mind to pick up some cargo for the return voyage - either profitable cargo or freed slaves. He'd prefer to free some slaves and take them back to wherever they came from or back to Sunhaven, if they please.]

[kariokie]

"Let's do the 'strength in numbers' thing, huh? At the very least that means a lot of people to hide behind if things go wrong. Not that they will. Uh. But you know." Cassy grins. "Plus, last time we split up in a city didn't go so well. I mean, I met Anthony!" A lot worse things had happened -- including Cassy's near death by (of course) Tunia's hands -- but the sorceress seems to just gloss right over them, and not a flicker of concern shows on her face.

"I suppose if we just start... uh... acquiring the 'goods' we're after we won't make it out of the city in one piece, huh?"

[dauphinous]

"Then we should avoid splitting up at all costs." Cara tears her eyes away from the sights and grins at Cassy. "I would hate to have to deal with yet another highly capable warlock. I will follow your lead, Latigo. Business first, fun later."

[BlueWizard]

The young man waiting on the docks in green and red will take the group to meet the head trader in his offices at the main city Forum. This building is a palace, but lacks the interesting features a king's building might have. This massive stone building has simple columns and flat roof and siding. It is painted black and brown patterns that are rather boring and drab.

Latigo and his assorted entourage will disappear anonymously into the massive sea of people of Galorine. Mostly humans, but never has Cara seen a more diverse city of humanoids, that included minotaurs, centaurs, and even many dwarves and elves! Though these elves didn't look like your friendly wood elf.

Many windows showed the wares of the shoppe, including the brothels; some with open windows so the public could pay the barker to watch the normally private activity on balconies!
Several cafes and smoke houses had clouds of smoke coming from them. Respectable looking business men were staggering out in the daylight from these places. Drugs and sex were open to all, and all ages. Cara and Taros will have to cringe as they pass through the brothel area and see people too young for such activities hanging out of windows in offering to passerbys.

The forum is full of evil men, Taros will get almost sick, and be forced to ignore the tingling sensation. The young man you all follow is not evil.

He will take you within the great black and brown building, with black and brown marble covering everything within. The building was 10 stories high and tens of thousands of feet in square footage. Once inside the great trading hall it opened up to a great atrium with trees and pyramids and many other smaller buildings within it, as well as the lesser offices on the outer walls.

From here outside the forum, you can hear the hum of the coliseum crowd.

The Forum indoors is all brightly lit by many magical lights, and flying humanoids were going everywhere, up and down in the great indoor hall.

The young man will take you to the largest building in the forum, a six-story black and brown marbled pyramid. There is an entrance in the bottom.

Within is a secretary at a desk, and a doorway to an elevator {of magical nature}. You will be taken to a great office on the top floor and there you will meet an old lady. She wears black and brown robes, and has two large men that stand behind her with nothing but loincloths and pole-arms:smallamused: . They look juiced with magical steroids.

She is Annie Croft, wife of Vito the third, but only Cassy and Anthony would know this upon seeing her. She is well known to those who had contacts in the guild. She is revered, for her husband has been one of the most benevolent guildmaster's ever. Many say that his wise and crafty wife has been the reason. Some of you would have no clue who she is. {Silvas would've only just learned of her.}

She will look at all of you, she is able to make each of you feel acknowledged with respect as she gazes over you all. She doesn't radiate evil.
"I am pleased to meet you. I am Annie Croft. Our man at the New Galorine gate... Vallone, told me: you have some of Ocamally's Northern wine? I wanted to come here personally to meet with you. Had you met my daughter-in-law, you surely would've gotten a rotten deal." She sneers as she mentions this woman. She blushes, and fumbles with a scroll and platinum star, "Oh, before I forget... The emperor himself has been informed of your 'dealing' with the rebel Werkain. This star is given to those people who the emperor deems have done important work for the empire, and I believe that is a signed document by the emperor himself, giving you thanks. Sorry, you have to receive it like this... he doesn't trust the Kandorian King to do it right. When the emperor heard about the wine he HAD to have it before the King of Kandor... Omar will be pissed, but that debauched fool has enough. Anyway, the heart of the matter is that we will be willing to pay you 30 platinum a crate.... The emperor will go no higher than 40, the dragon wars have cost him a lot of coinage." She smiles respectfully as she presents star and scroll. She has now resumed her business approach.

Her office is decorated with a feminine touch, and has added several flowers to match the marbled decor of the room. There are four one-way windows looking out into the great chamber, and important looking stone cabinets along the walls.

{OOC- Basically, the PCs scored a big victory on the wine sell, and got to meet the literal Queen of the Guild. We can move it along, she is a busy woman, and as of yet she has no idea who any of you are, only that she has made the emperor VERY happy. You can all now move about your other business in Kandor if you'd like. Or get what info you can from old Annie.}:smallamused:

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo greets Annie warmly calling into play all his years of courtly experience. He's pleased about the price, and with a minimal amount of haggling, he happy unloads all the wine still in unopened cases. He accepts her gifts from the emperor graciously, handing them off to others, if they seem interested. While he's curious about what she could tell them, it seemed imprudent to stay here over long.

"It was an honor to meet you and we are happy to have been of service to the Emperor."

He bows courteously and begins to leave. Should no one stop him or have anything more to say, Latigo is prepared to leave.

He heads out into the forum, specifically to ask after a trade or two he'd heard of recently that might have the 'other' information they were looking for.

[BlueWizard]

She will retrieve a suitcase with platinum bars, and will count out a fair amount, giving Latigo 35 platinum bars for each crate. Each bar is worth 100 gold pieces. The young man will then be ordered to collect the crates from the Crusty Bucket. This can be taken care of by the crew, while Latigo and company set up shop in some Inn.

The Crusty Bucket is still safely guarded in the harbor with its prisoners under secret guard by Highline and his rotation of mercenaries. Somehow, through Latigo's diplomacy, the group has missed the routine ship inspection.

[kariokie]

Cassy holds her tongue and remains in the back until they leave Annie Croft's office. Or "lair", as Cassy prefers to think of it. "I hate that, you know, that people like her can get away with being all respectable and such even though they're in eyebrows-deep with the Guild. Maybe she's supposed to be keepin' everything in line, but if she's not a bad person I don't see why she just doesn't upend the whole organization and start shakin'." Her eyes dance a little and the corners of her mouth upturn as she adds, "Or, to put it in a metaphor you can understand, Cara -- she should sink the ship so's the rats swim off."

"Anyhow, lead on, Latigo. Let's go do something useful."

[dauphinous]

Cara just does everything in her power to keep her face straight and neutral. All these guild-types...well, some of them weren't so bad. Anthony turned out alright. Cassy was in that lot once, too. Still. They could just as easily be doing something to help people instead of using what they had to screw as many people as they could.

She rolls her eyes at Cassy's ship comment. "So, let me see if I understood that correctly. The Emperor just gave you a commendation for dealing with one of their problems? This was one of those guys that tried to kill you and take the ship?"

[BlueWizard]

The five visitors of the Crusty Bucket have plenty of time to discuss things in private. Latigo will even set up residence in an Inn near the harbor. The Spread Eagle.:smallamused:

It is a little expensive, but Annie Croft's estate will cover expenses for now. There is clearly prostitution of men and women here, but this is a classy place with beautiful and exotic 'agents', that dressed in fine clothes and lingerie. The areas are separated, and the guests here will seem more respectable. Rich foreigners, dignitaries, and other people that dislike the evil of the city. Most of the people here will NOT detect as evil.

{OOC- I assume Latigo would've sought out the most tolerable Inn or sleeping place. This ship is always an option too.}

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo sets up shop at The Spread Eagle, storing both commendation and the newfound wealth aboard the ship under whatever magic wards the group, or a trip to the local magic dealer, can provide. Having been born into a family where money was both never an issue and always held in organizations, he was a bit uncomfortable with the large amount of hard currency. Still, it was a fantastic sum, perhaps enough to keep him well-supplied now that he was cut off from that family wealth. He had spent nearly his last gold piece on that wine and was both pleased and greatly relieved that the wager paid off.

"We didn't take well to be being attacked and firebombed and, well, you know these two," he says with a wag of the finger at Cassy and Anthony, "they decided to fight fire with fire. Apparently, the now-dead attacker, one Werkain, was a thorn in the emperor's side. Killing him did seem to get us the royal treatment both there and here. Unfortunately, his wizardess friend recognized our lovely, young friend here, which led to our next little adventure."

Latigo takes the time in private, aboard ship when necessary, to fill in Cara and Taros on the details of their journey. He'd found the sea voyage much like his life overall, mostly slow with occasional moments of intense activity. He details the assassin's visit and Heron, the incident with Werkain and Pauline, and anything else that seems interesting. He tells it all from his own point of view, pausing to let Cassy and Anthony add whatever points they wanted.

In the Inn, Latigo spends a bit of money playing the role of a wealthy merchant and getting to know the trading that goes on here. He makes forays out to darker contacts, if need be, to learn more about the slave trade locally and empire wide. In addition to a general understanding, he's looking for a weakpoint in the trade; some major holding area, some disruptable trade route, some way to strike a real blow to the trade. This crusade wasn't really his idea, and he wasn't going to take command of it, but he did feel like he promised to get some good information, and he'd already lost some lives to do so.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Of the group's treatment proffered by the Emperor, following their dispatching the would-be assassins, Taros merely quotes, "The enemy of my enemy, after all..."

After their recounting of the adventures, Taros adds, "You've done well so far. I suspect next will be more of the ground work. I'm afraid the only role I can play is as muscle, or perhaps the clueless noble looking to make a purchase. You're still our front man."

He begins to offer suggestions, but quickly realizes Bryce *** Latigo has covered most of the angles already.

[dauphinous]

"Indeed. I almost feel that we were slacking off, only handling hobgoblins and neogi." Cara grins and nods. "I am afraid my place here is also that of muscle. It would probably not be wise for me to attract any attention to myself here, even if it is while pretending to be someone I am not. A task at which I do not excel in the slightest. But I will gladly accompany you as a bodyguard if you need it. That is a role that Taros and I can both fill for you without difficulty."

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

"Ah yes, what every merchant prince needs, a pair of hulking brutes flanking him," he says with a sly grin knowing that his friends were anything but. Of course, he wasn't exactly an Antarian trader either...

"Frankly, the entourage would seem to enhance my status, I think," and more seriously he adds, "and I could certainly use the protection." Particularly in this form.

Latigo is happy to have their company, all of them, for whatever dealings he has. If things seem to be taking time regarding their main mission, Latigo's not above doing side deals, using his considerable diplomatic skills to his advantage.

[BlueWizard]

Latigo will see a lot of the young man, Emilio. Latigo can get a lot from him.
Slavery in Kandor is second nature here. The neutral emperor and evil empress over-look this area's law defaults, and in fact have many slaves themselves despite many imperial laws forbidding it. Emilio talks freely of the slave trade and even the branding magical process that takes place. All slaves processed in Kandor are given a mark at the main auction stage, and then sent to an appropriate area to be sold. Harems, workers, soldiers, food, breeders...

Emilio will talk about the aliens that come, the Neogi, the illithid, and even other dark mysterious creatures, he can't even describe from the multiverse. He also describes the many underground breeding grounds for slaves, beneath Galorine and other places in the empire. There overlords rule, and even lesser foremen whip the slaves to submission. In some areas Emilio will say there are thousands of slave communities only existing and breeding for Illithid and Neogi farms.

He will add secretly that the empire is insuring these as businesses, so in the case of escaped slaves... well, the empress will at least cover your expenses.

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony does his best not to show emotion when Emelio speaks. Still, it is clear that what this talk of slavery make Anthony somewhat uncomfortable.

"So... does anyone want to tell me what a Neogi is?"

[BlueWizard]

You will all have plenty of time to explore this city. Latigo's cover and Cassy and Anthony's actions have confused the Magic Secret Service of the Kingdom.

Taros will encounter a secret alliance spy in the evening. His name is Alvac, and he says Taros's brother is stationed in a fort in old Galorine! Alvac is merely a good human rogue, he looks like a scruffy bum in his 30's.

OOC- How much time did you want to spend in old Galorine?

[dauphinous]

"I can't offer too much insight on the subject, Anthony. They look like some sort of hideous twisted spider-thing, and they can be killed. They seem to have a penchant for the slave trade." Cara shrugs. More would have to come from someone else. "Other than that, well, we didn't go there to sit down and have tea."

[BlueWizard]

Latigo will see that slavery is common here, all of you will see it. And more than a dozen silver necklaces can be seen on messengers running to-and-fro.

To strike at this massive hydra, would best be fought by striking the heart. There are important people that live in Galorine's palace and the Coliseum complex, as well as stores of thousands of slaves beneath the city.

Taros' brother, Lieutenant Terris, is stationed as an officer at the station near the Market here. This is an important station in soldier terms.

[kariokie]

"So, what're we gonna do, anyhow? Are we going to break some slaves-- erm--" Cassy realizes that talking so openly about their mission, even with the precautions they were likely taking, was possibly unwise. "So. We're here to get... muffins. At a discount. A deep discount. You know, practically free. And we're pretty sure the muffins want to come with us. So, do we go and select individual muffins, or just get our muffins in bulk. And what about the bakers? Do we want to... uh... stop all of them, or just the worst ones? Or the biggest?"

Well, it was a weak attempt at code, but considering how unintelligent many of their enemies had proved to be it would probably keep them guessing for days.

Grinning, Cassy can't help but add, "An' now I'm hungry."

[dauphinous]

"Muffins are invariably better by the dozen. I think the primary goal should be to put a stop to the baking activities of the largest suppliers, but I suspect that we will have to begin with smaller scale ones." Cara can't help grinning a little bit despite the subject matter. The image of muffins in chains, or dancing free, and naughty bakers being beaten with wire whisks is just a little too much to maintain complete seriousness.

"I would like to save them all, of course, but I think that taking down the worst bakers and liberating as many muffins as we can at a time will have the biggest impact."

[BlueWizard]

Latigo info:
I realize you might not want to actually start at the top...:smallredface:
There are many different levels of the slave trade, including many lesser operations, and even 'suburb' ports outside the great walled port of old Galorine. The warehouse district is home to at least 60 different slave dealers. Hitting a few lesser ones would be no problem in the lesser guarded warehouse districts.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"These muffin men, we should start with some of the lesser 'bakers', if only to get a feel for what we can expect. And possibly some good intel from those we fre-, er, eat. Work our way up the 'baker' food chain, as it were."

Taros was a bit on edge; his brother was somewhere out there, as far as he could tell. If he was spotted, he could ruin the whole operation. He wondered how indoctrinated his brother had become in this empire.

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Slavery seemed to be a way of life here. It was terribly common. Fortunately, that meant that there were many possible targets. While he each freed slave would be a victory, they would be risking many lives everytime they acted, so he was interesting in finding just the right spot.

Hearing of so many slaves being held in the warehouse district, outside the walls no less, Latigo thinks he's found a possible place to start.

"Perhaps we could free some muffins in the 'suburb' warehouse district outside the city wall. I'd like to do more than that, though. I'd like to start a movement. I'm not sure whether to empower some local leader, if we can find one, or invent some fictitious freedom front, or what. But we could do alot more than merely become a muffin ferry for a single boatload.

Any ideas?"

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony likes using code language, for it makes him feel professional. Having the code involve baked goods is icing on the cake.

"I like Latigo's plan. Teach the muffins how to use weapons. Get them to make the bakers afraid. Make it so that any potential baker will fear for his own safety. We can't end the system, but if we do this right, we won't have to."

[dauphinous]

"The fictional muffin freedom fighters would work well, I think. Whispering about it here and there, then we pull off a muffin extraction and attribute it to them. Of course, it wouldn't really be fictional, then, would it? We would just need to make people think there are more of us than there really are, so those who are like-minded can join up." She gives a light sigh. "And the Empire spies, too. Hum. Any thoughts on weeding out the spies from the actual sympathizers? Without giving too much of ourselves away, that is."

[kariokie]

"Well, I can always make the muffin-sympathizers tell the truth about their muffin sympathies." Cassy drums her fingers on her legs. "We should create a hero. One that anyone can be, you know. One with, like, a mask, because masks are pretty hot. Who shows up at any scene, freeing muffins. And no one in particular is that hero. But anyone can be, so when we leave, it keeps going. We do some vandalism, right, to keep the hero out there. You know, paint 'The Sword is Watching You' lots of places, on bakeries and at the houses of nobles with sl- muffins. Muffins. And 'The Sword is Coming For You'. Except, like, a cooler name."

She gets more excited as she speaks. "Then people can rebel by vandalism, which is one of my favorite -isms. They have a can of paint and they're suddenly a hero, too. Anyhow. We get name recognition, we pull off some capers, we get other people on board. The guards spend a lot of time looking for someone who doesn't exist, and who pops right back up again right after the guards claim they've caught him or her. Makes them look like asses."

Something makes Cassy's face light up, and it's obvious her planning has suddenly taken a very sharp left turn, away from useful ideas. "A secret hideout! Oh, we need a secret hideout!"

[dauphinous]

Cara smiles a little indulgently at Cassy. I didn't really realize how much I missed her. It's good to be working together again. "Perhaps we can leave the secret hideout to those who will still be here when we are gone. They are the ones, after all, who would be using it. I suspect that they will have more pride in such a thing and protect it better if they have to carve it out for themselves than if they are simply handed a place. The rest of it, though, all sounds like a very good plan that we can get rolling. "

[BlueWizard]

Taros' contact, Alvac, will be able to provide Latigo important 'allied' info.
The Secret Alliance does have agents working here, and Alvac could put the group in contact with some of the important people involved in this operation. Your party currently is surrounded often by unwitting imperialists, so they will tell you they can be met in a run-down section of the southern warehouse district. {One of the port-suburb districts, rather nasty place.}

Alvac {the human rogue} feels they that the elves will know even better places to strike. {
OOC- If you want the abbreviated meeting, I can basically point you to a target the Secret Alliance wouldn't mind taking out. Though Latigo could also track down some interesting 'filth-pits' to destroy if he wanted. Especially the particular foul branch of the Guild- the Ladies of the Night-, who recruit their members early in life. Actually a co-ed guild.}

Realistically, Latigo could spend a fortnight and maybe a few days in port without raising the suspicion of the King's men. After a month the King might actually have a patrol look around Latigo's rented ship, the Crusty Bucket.

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo is eager to move long before he wears out his welcome. His merchant cover was working well, but there was no reason to push his luck.

He'll ask Alvac, through Taros if necessary, to convey any slavery-related targets of interest. While he'd be interested to see who the Alliance was working in this part of the world, the less contact he had with Alliance agents the better. Their secrecy was their greatest asset.

After the information is in, he'll pick a target that seems to present the best balance of good to be done vs. risk to be taken. If possible, he'll plan a series of targets.

"How about 'The Fist of Freedom'? Most slaves probably have no access to weapons, but anyone could be 'The Fist'."

[BlueWizard]

Alvac will provide three good targets, without Epic-magic guarding them.:smallconfused:

3 Potential Slaver Targets:
Pirate Igoran Thesnick: Specializes in grunt slaves for the King's grand coliseum shows, sea and land battle-reenactments. Sort of like 'background' for the massive imperial plays, with casts of hundreds when whole towns are often troupes. Igoran's 'background-grunts' all die though. Those who actually do survive become champions in the popular gladiator games. Saturday through Monday, is all gladiator time through the Spring and Fall. It is nearing the end of the gladiator season, so the massive wars that get people by in the winter, were on hold. Igoran's low-grade operation would be with lower guard. This man is truly wicked with unmentionable crimes, some actually publically documented in legal records of the twisted Kingdom of Kandor! Igoran is also a slumlord for hundreds of his peasant paid employees; actual poor folk of Galorine.
Low Magic, lots of thugs, and Igoran the badass fighter.

'Merchant' Trader Oinessa Firebringer: A farm-girl that has risen to the merchant class through excellent field-work with great results. She and a small team of specialists sail on her small yacht, and do midnight raids to recruit the children for the 'Ladies-of-the-Night' Guild. She is basically an independent contractor. with little contact with the empire. She is only interested in adding wealth to her mansion back in the imperial seat, Lemuria. She is currently in port near the suburb ports. She doesn't like to draw attention to her sometimes high profile young slaves, often nobles or village beauty queens.
High Magic, Evil Party of Adventurers, and small amount of thug sailors


Ruthelfred Harpyslayer esq.: wizard/scientist; experiment with humans and living creatures. He has helped the wizard school design some of the foulest contraptions and even mixed creatures the world has seen. He lives in a mansion in old Galorine, and has some wizard guards, and only trusts wizards... he has no contact with known Seekers {imperial wizards}. There are horrible screams that come from this building all the time. It even frightens the wealthy neighbors in this crowded mansion borough.
VERY High Magic; mostly wizards; possible danger of alerting the constables

[dauphinous]

Every word of all three options just makes Cara's lip curl. That people can do these things to other people is revolting and disgusting. It's a tough decision. Obviously, all three have people who desperately need to be freed. Certainly, they would handle all three if possible, but which to go after first?

"I feel that this 'Harpyslayer' should be our first target. Regular people couldn't possibly take him on, and he is the most disturbing of them to me."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"I disagree. This is our first foray into the liberation of slaves, and that is likely to be the most difficult. Added with the threat of the constables being on guard..." Taros taps his chin in thought, then holds out one hand, palm up, "I say we hit this Thesnick fellow, as he is a true repressor of the lower classes - the very people we hope to ignite into action - and deals in their wholesale slaughter for the entertainment of the wealthy; surely something to hit them where it hurts."

Taros holds out his other hand, palm up, "Or, we strike at the wealthy Firebringer, which would also serve to bankroll our expedition. I'm sure Latigo can come up with some creative uses to put that liberated wealth to."

[Idiotbox90]

"When I was young, a little wizard brat, I got to see a gladiator match. It was bloody, violent, really enjoyable for the younger me. I didn't know at the time that the people in the pit were being forced to fight." Anthony absentmindedly adjusts his signet ring. "This man, nay, this creature, Thesnick. He enslaves more people than any of the others. The others, they're evil, but they affect few. Plus, it seems like their actions aren't very public. Thesnick, he's a high-profile target. If he's killed, people will notice. The slaves will feel hope, the slavers will feel fear." The warlock draws his black dagger, the symbol of Loki, and takes an experimental stab at the air. "And of course, what slaves would be better to have on our side than gladiators?"

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

"I agree with Taros," Latigo says, "Thesnick, then Firebringer, and then Harpyslayer. Frankly, I'd like to see them all receive their just desserts, but I think we should start with Thesnick.

Perhaps we can hit Thesnick and Firebringer in quick succession, and let the rumor of the Fist build while we go after Harpyslayer?"

[BlueWizard]

As this is planned Alvac probably gets word that something might go down, the Secret Alliance will try to distance itself from association with the Fist; though they won't know what name you have planned yet. Due to brainwashing and propaganda the Kandorian people view the Secret Alliance, as a chaotic rebel group of humanoids.

Alvac the rogue, would wink and tell you with a thumbs up that, "All's a go!", anyway...

Silvas knows he can trust Alvac, for he knows the secret pass-codes of the Queen's rogues, and can tell this man is genuine. Besides, he somehow found out your rooms at the Spread Eagle Inn. Silvas might even know Alvac from a previous 'incarnation', but Alvac has no clue who Latigo is. Taros and Cara are his main concern here.

Info on Thesnick:
Owns a minor warehouse district, called, of course, Thesnick. He is known as Lord Igoran, and lives in his ocean side manor amid his dilapidated warehouses and teetering peasant/slave apartment buildings. It is a fenced compound surrounded on all sides by a 20 foot wall. The seaside compound has a 'mini-port' all its own, that would rival most imperial city's port in size.
Rumor has it there may be a way into the Old Galorine Underground from Thesnick's docks. There is a lot of servants and slaves about at all time. The free roaming slaves are marked by silver mind bands.

Firebringer is at a 'boyfriend's mansion' and sea-dock- this boyfriend is a lesser noble similar to Igoran.

Harpyslayer is usually always in his tower with his wizard staff.

[kariokie]

Cassy muses for a few minutes while the others discuss the plan -- or possibly she's looking at her reflection. "Well, I agree with Cara 'bout that wizard deserving an ass-kicking, but I get what you guys are saying. Let's start small, I guess. Do we want to start poking around for a secret way in, come up with a ruse, or what? I mean, I can get Chulyen to have a flyover and he can let me know a good place for us to pop in, or Cara can scry and I can use that, maybe. We'd have to get close -- 'bout eight hundred feet, unless I can get something I think should be working to actually work. Or we can be invisible, or pretend to be slaves and try to blend. Lots of options."

[dauphinous]

Cara shows no sign of having even a single ruffled feather at being refuted so thoroughly. On the contrary, she seems a bit relieved. "As you like. I do not have a font acceptable for scrying, so that option is not truly available. Could Latigo perhaps just pose as one interested in buying, or contracting, or whatever is appropriate? We could possibly take the man personally then with a minimum of fuss. After being given a tour of the premises, of course."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros smirks, knowing Cara has no head for the subterfuge they're planning. He doesn't either, actually, but he does know a think or two about inspiring troops.

"A minimum of fuss might not be what we want, though, if we intend these actions to start nothing short of a rebellion. It should likely be loud, chaotic, and daresay, inspiring. Then again, we could easily have an inside force to take him down quickly, whilst others outside make it seem like something people will talk about for days to come. Something to strike fear in those who uphold slavery, and to inspire those who fight against it."

A gleam enters Taros's eye as he contemplates the upcoming raid, "A night attack, on his compound. The attack will be a ruse, while those inside take out the target, and generally sow confusion. We want the enemy to be thoroughly demoralized after the fight, not necessarily all dead, however. Someone needs to spread the word of The Fist. We could use some more forces; too bad James and his men are not here."

[BlueWizard]

OOC- I will prepare the Igoran excursion then!:smallcool:

[dauphinous]

Cara just shrugs. "I am obviously as suited to the task of planning this escapade as a chicken is to fighting zombies. Just tell me my role and I will perform it. Whatever it may be." She says this with a light sigh, one of mild frustration.

[kariokie]

Cassy grins and pokes Cara on the arm. "You can help by being my bodyguard. Let's go civvie and start some gossip, huh? I'll tell some tales of The Fist in bars and get people interested. You know, start rumors. And you can do the usual thing -- make sure someone doesn't punch me in the face for my smart mouth."

[dauphinous]

Cara only half hides a grin. "Trolling bars and getting into fights? I'm not altogether certain I remember how to do that, Cassy. What with all this being civilized, I've nearly forgotten my barbaric past. I mean, how long has it been since I punched anyone in the face? Months!" She throws her hands up in mock despair.

[kariokie]

"Turn that frown upsidedown, Cara. You'll be punching people in no time." Cassy looks around to the others, "Anything else we need to discuss right now that is more important than sewing discord and chaos and also drinking beer? I didn't think so. I'll go get changed. Cara, get out of that damn armor and into something better suited for running awa- erm, drinking. Better suited for drinking."

[dauphinous]

"If only I had known this trip would be all about drinking and punching people, I might have brought more clothes. Taros, would you give me a hand with the armor? And here," she pulls out the Sending Stone that Cassy has the twin of, offering it to him. "Just in case. I do not wish to forget before we go."

Cara turns to Cassy as she heads for a room to change. "Is a mace an appropriate accessory for this particular excursion?"

[BlueWizard]

Cara can become embroiled in a city-life she has never seen... Cassy will take her places that would even make Cara's agrarian father blush. The two ladies can become lost in this strange busy world. Only Cara's armor and Cassy's swagger keeps the crowds of men and women from groping them; just to be friendly. :smallbiggrin:

Prostitution is so common, prices are offered to passer-bys. In a way this strange status has empowered the women of this city. {Evil human males do dominate the Civilized world. Except in the North and a few other places.} More than a few times, women are seen ordering city guards to execute harassers or even out-right slapping or attacking men; these men know the laws protecting these guild women, and usually slink away. These men {and women} who blatantly violate laws, are drug off, usually with few questions asked.

Eventually though, and especially if Cara and Cassy bring their retinue of men, they will all just blend into this city of Chaos. Even Latigo will find himself the recipient of more than a few nods from 'fellow' Antarian men walking by; from scaring looking priests of Set, to happy go-lucky dock workers.

The gossip can begin, and Cassy will find plenty of low class men to inspire near the warehouse district's bars. And Taros' word ofThe Fist can spread slowly through the hushed lips of men and women of the working class. Anthony's charisma will work excellent on the working women of the 'Night-Ladies', many of whom were forced into the trade at an early age.

All of this and more can be found in Old Galorine, and you will probably feel as if you don't have enough time, even if you spent the whole month out every night. Cara and Cassy may have quite a few hang-over mornings. {OOC- Have we decided on whether their was a cure for this? I think Cara could have some divine remedy.}

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony listens to the conversation, smiling all the while.

"Cara, weapons are always appropriate. Whether you're attending a wedding or on a night on the town, a weapon is the height of fashion."

[kariokie]

It's at least the third drink, though it might be the fourth. Or more. Cassy works a small crowd in a tavern, talking a bit -- but not terribly much -- drunker than she is. "Now, I'm juss saying, these guys here are scared as all get out of The Fist. Why else they'd hire me an her-" Cassy jabs a finger at Cara "-to watch their backs, huh? These here high class snobs know The Fist is going to come and show them what for. And I'm juss sayin' that when he -- Or she! They got no idea! -- shows up, I'm gonna be out of there as quick as a bunny. Ain't fighting The Fist. I heard what he -- Or she! -- did to the last batch of slavers. Ain't pretty. Ain't pretty at all. They better watch out or they'll have a full uprising on their hands. Happened elsewhere. Gonna happen here, too. Someone buy me a drink and I'll tell ya all about it."

Her green eyes scan the room, skimming across the people. Murmuring under her breath, Cassy sends a simple Message to Cara, "Whatever you do, you big galoot, don't look to your right. Nothing you can do about it, so just don't look." That'd been the watchwords for this visit -- there were plenty of scuzzy things here, and they were all scuzzy things they couldn't do a damn thing about. Better that Cara not even see them if possible.

Bluff! (1d20+22=28) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1314003)

[dauphinous]

Cara drinks, but minimally. Keeping her mouth shut while drunk is not exactly a forte. As they are actually on a mission here, and not really a tavern-crawling expedition, she does as Cassy requests and avoids paying overmuch attention to the goings-on around them. Which means that she's not really watching for pickpockets, muggers, and general trouble, but one cannot have their cake and eat it, too. Cara's just there to make sure Cassy is okay and provide some incentive for people to leave her alone. Oh yeah, and to drink beer with her best friend.

She nods and provides appropriate supportive noises as Cassy goes on, but mostly just acts like dumb meat. Which isn't a terribly taxing acting job for her, and thus not difficult to do convincingly.

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony disguises himself and blends in with the crowd at another tavern. He acts as though he is drunk when he enters and, after having a couple of drinks, seems sloshed.

"I have this brother. Works on a slaver ship. He... he told me this, not supposed to tell you... but who cares? An entire load of slaves went missing on one of his voyages. Every single sailor that was awake was knocked out, except my brother. He was left awake to tell the others what happened. Some masked guy showed up while the ship was docked. It was crazy! All it took was one touch from him to knock a man out. He didn't use weapons or nothing! Plus, it was sort of weird that, while he fought, he made no noise. He didn't even breath, for all they could tell. Then, later on, when the others came to and untied my brother, they went down below deck to check on the slaves. All the doors were still locked. Same with the shackles. It was like the slaves had just disappeared." He takes another sip from his drink. "I heard similar stuffs been happening on other ships, but they're working really hard to keep it secret. If this story got out, there could be a bloody slave revolt. So, you know, don't spread it around."

[BlueWizard]

At one tavern perhaps a week after word of the Fist begins to spread. {OOC- 12 Monkeys or Fight Club... anyone...:smallamused: }
You will all begin to hear the Fist spoken by people you never met, even hearing conversations recruiting people to the cause.
{OOC- Cassy's bluff and diplomacy is key in this... with all of your support that bonus is just incredible.}
Word will spread quick, Latigo will recognize a few of the ruffians, secret alliance members, who will give Latigo a secret roguish wink in passing. There are many who help, and Cassy will also notice a few lowly pumped fists in her direction as she passes with her entourage.

At 2 weeks a dark cloaked fellow will approach Latigo at the fine Spread Eagle Innnear the main dock in the late late evening after you all have returned from rabble-rousing. The cloaked man has a deep voice and keeps his hood pulled over his eyes. He will try to meet in quiet with Latigo in a corner of the main bar. "I believe you may have friends on your ship, that are involved in this rising... peasant mob. The... 'Fist'. If this is true I expect you to leave our harbor promptly. I may have to send in a full investigative team to arrest those suspected. We in the Guild aren't fools, and have dealt with rebel up-risings before... We kill them all." He seems about to leave, "Pity... my mother stole the wine from me, I might've got you a better deal. Northern wine is quite nice." He will then leave quickly, and literally disappear into the shadows.

The cloaked man leaves looking at no-one else, Latigo can only remember a nicely trimmed short, black beard, from under the hood. And the voice.

As the man leaves Latigo feels sick, as if that man was, or at least played with, Evil incarnate and laughs. Latigo would probably not want to meet this man again, for the sound of his voice alone would cause babies to cry. He whispered, probably, because he had uttered so many unholy curse words that even his breath tainted that around him.

Those of you returning that night, perhaps getting a last drink in this Inn, will see the brief conversation {if you want}, and can see the cloaked man slip into the shadows. {OOC- For Anthony and Cassy this could be any number of people involved with the Guild, and probably involved in the not-so secret shadow guild. A branch of assassins and thieves, very bad-ass.}

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo feigns surprise at the possibility, but nods as the man advises they leave and smiles at the comment about the wine.

Latigo suggests that they return to the ship, and cast off promptly, though not in a suspicious hurry. He settles his affairs with the Inn and mentions something about a shipping deal on some innocuous local product that's too good to pass up.

Once on board the ship, he conveys the disturbing conversation to the others. "As you probably guessed, that little visit was from the Guild. They suspect some of you maybe involved with the Fist. I think that was a courtesy 'clear out before we come to arrest you' visit. And I think we should, the plan seems to be working pretty well so far. Though I must say, that guildsman was evil to the core, and I fear a bit for the common folk that might get cracked down on by the likes of him."


[roll0]

[BlueWizard]

Canned Swamp Eels of Kain are quite a popular import, and it would be a good time to head to the kingdom of Catherae for this rare canned animal.

Latigo can give young Captain Robero the tip, and the ship can slip out of the harbor.

{OOC- I don't want to push you out, so feel free to take more actions here. Your combined diplomacy skills will do quite nicely in rousing the rabble.}

[kariokie]

Cassy grins, happy their plan is working so far. Then she shakes her head at the idea of taking off. "Wait, so why are we leaving? Aren't we supposed to go kick some guys' asses now? I mean, the gossip was just a warmup -- so we can get word of mouth going. We have some slavers to kick around and steal from. I ain't leaving until we do something actually useful."

Not sure why anyone would pump their fist at Cassy, as she's been telling everyone she's actually there to protect the slavers...

[BlueWizard]

OOC- These fist pumpers will be Secret Alliance Members, Latigo might later tell Cassy.:smallwink:

[dauphinous]

"I agree wholeheartedly. If the Guild is starting to get antsy here, we should move on. After we carry out our attack on Thesnick. Time to suit up and spread some freedom. We can hit him hard and be on our way by morning. Running from the Guild grates on me, but we clearly have little choice if we wish to avoid bringing the entirety of it down on our heads."

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

"I'm all for continuing our work, just not from here."

[dauphinous]

"We're not leaving without hitting Thesnick." Cara's tone is adamant and firm on this point. "We can clear out as part of the withdrawal from the raid, but we. Are. Not. Leaving. Without doing that first." If the humorless expression and emphasized words are not enough to express that she won't be budged on the matter, her body language cannot be missed - arms crossed, stance solid and implacable.

[kariokie]

Cassy grins and rises up on her tiptoes, then pokes Cara on the tip of her nose. "Plink!"

More serious, she looks at the others. "I agree with Cara. Don't see why we need to clear off. Why don't we just have the ship clear off and disguise some of the people on the ship as us? We figure out a place to meet them later, buy a scroll or two of teleport, and pop over and catch them after we're done? Gives us a great alibi if we're not even in the city. And I know allllllllll about alibis."

[dauphinous]

Cara glares at Cassy for the nose-poke, but is unable to repress a grin about it, so it comes off as more of a reproachful smirk. "We need no precise and detailed battle plan. We have broken people out of a jail without knowing much about it before. Improvisation is one of our skills, one of our strengths even, and we can capitalize on that."

She glances to Cassy, then back to Bryce/Latigo. "If we did what the Guild wanted every time they asked, we'd probably be dead already. We certainly would never get anything accomplished."

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

Latigo nods as Cassy speaks, "that was my thought exactly. Move off shore so that the crew doesn't get arrested or worse and make our raids from there. They're committed and damn good in a fight, but there's no reason to risk these people's lives unnecessarily by sitting here. Once we're at sea, we reckless hero-types can teleport over and do what we do." He smirks despite the steel in his tone. Did she think I was advocating fleeing back across the sea?

[Idiotbox90]

"Reckless hero-types plus Anthony Faucet," the warlock jokes. This is the first display of humor he has made since Bryce reported on the Guildsman. The description reminds Anthony of someone he would rather not meet again, at least not when the arcanist is at a disadvantage.

[kariokie]

"Yeah, but what I'm saying is we stay here, they go there dressed as us, we catch up later. I don't want to run off with them. You know how much a scroll of teleport costs? Each time we go, that's two scrolls each way -- barrin' any accidents, and I can't promise there won't be any accidents. Best we pretend to shove off and stay hidden in the city, unless you want to spend..." Cassy pretends to do complex math, then smirks and throws her hand up, "A whole lotta money each mission. And, like, I could be spending that on shoes."

Something occurs to her, and Cassy suddenly looks offended, "And hey, who you callin' a reckless hero type? I've never been so offended in my life. Except all those other times I've been offended."

1125gp per scroll of teleport, each can take Cassy + 3 people one way. That'll be effectively 4500gp per mission.

And I'm not saying "oh we can get Trillo to do it" because 1) the Queen's people aren't supposed to be involved and 2) I think it's getting terribly cheap to have these easy-peasy solutions like calling up NPCs to have us whisk us around. Having such easy access to transport magic kind of diminishes the value of all the running-around-and-not-getting-killed I've done with Cassy for more than a year.

[Roland St. Jude]

Latigo

"I hadn't really thought of the expense." He shrugs, except for the most recent stretch, when he'd been flat broke and cut off from either familly fortunes or diplomatic entitlements, he never really thought about money. And now that the wine deal had come through, he was back to not thinking about it again.

"I do like the subterfuge of your plan. Let's get to it."

[BlueWizard]

Latigo can secretly and invisibly arrange allied {Secret Alliance members}/shape-changers to take the cover as the heroes, while the Crusty Bucket leaves Kandorian Seas. Latigo has a lot of contacts here, even if he is wandering around in a wholly new land for him. The Secret Alliance is his Guild.:smallwink:

The Secret Alliance will help make sure that your whole plan goes off without a hitch. You have to remember, and surely notice now that they are did a lot behind the scenes to insure that your ship was not discovered by the Guild. Magic is used at every corner in this city.

OOC- There is some truth in Kariokie's words. My world is highly magical, especially Kandor. Those who become too involved with rabble-rousers will be in danger. Wizards will become very expensive, especially as the queen needs her own wizards for other business.

The group's plot can proceed as planned, and you can make your way to Thesnick or wherever. The secret alliance members can set you up with teleport scrolls, wwhich will take you as far as the Northern Kingdom's coastal isles. There are are Queen's allies that Latigo will know here. The elder elves will agree that your group is becoming too dangerous for your group to associate with directly.

Silvas will be the source of most of these contacts.
He will also have met at least a score of minor slave traders and probably made a list of many other men and women who have committed most vile deeds.

[BlueWizard]

The outer areas of the Thesnick compound are very residential, except for the small park in the entry way... which is patrolled by a few evil priests of Tiamat.
It is likely Cassy dimension-doored the group to an alley way behind the slave quarter.

Actually here, as Silvas descends to the rendezvous point invisibly, he will notice hidden markers pointing to a Secret Alliance hide-out within the Thesnick compound.

This compound here could be like any busy metropolis part of Old Galorine, except most of the miserable people are slaves, and must live in the Thesnick compound. It is a minor city inside the walls here, and Thesnick was probably King. Slaves here were bakers, flower-arrangers, cobblers, even hostlers, they existed in a state of working and trading for nothing. There was no sense of gain, and nothing to strive for. Though bakers and certain food vendors seemed happier than others, and their families were healthier looking.
In all there was probably a few thousand people here. Few children, for they were probably all sold off... though perhaps the food vendors had 'deals' cut.

Near the docks will be smoking, polluting factories, that are joined near some of the crappy warehouses there. The docks are heavily guarded.

There is no uniform for Thesnick's paid men, but all the ugly looking mercs were probably Thesnick's thugs. Often patrols of them will come roaming through.

Silvas can also find himself to the basement of one of the peasant resident structures... but this should all be done with the utmost discreetness.

{OOC- I am now wondering what disguise you will wear to get you into the central mansion of Thesnick or even about the complex. I think Cassy's transport powers may be improved... but we'll see.:smallsmile: }

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas leads the way to a seemingly secure hiding spot within the compound. He takes a flying tour of the city looking for Thesnick's "palace" and approach and escape routes thereto. If he finds it, it looks for any ways to sneak in. He notes any thug patrols, though he doesn't expect them to be on any kind of set routine. He also notes any gates or exits the city may have.

Take out Thesnick, set his power center ablaze, open what gates exists to allow the masses to escape.

He shares his recon and his rough plan with his friends upon returning to the nearby hideout.

[kariokie]

The first thing Cassy does when they appeared inside the compound is drop the illusionary disguise she'd been wearing. "If I die, I ain't dying as a pasty-faced blond. Uh, no offense, Cara." She flashes a brilliant smile, her green eyes dancing at her latest unprovoked jab.

The short woman – now no longer a teenager, but still youthful – wears velvet black robes and carries a charred wooden staff tipped with silver with matching silver runes engraved down its smooth length. Her short black hair has been cut carefully to frame the fine features of her olive-toned face. On her shoulder sits a black raven. "You know, I look sort of evil. A really hot sort of evil, though. Not like those skanky bimbos in the Guild." To finish the effect, she pulls up the hood of her black cloak, hiding her face in shadows.

Cassy speaks a few quiet words in Draconic, then draws her left hand over her eyes. Repeating the words, she reaches up and draws her left hand across Cara's eyes as well. "The boys? Or save it? Anthony's fine." she directs at Cara.

She nods at Silvas' words. "Okay. That's a plan. Now for the details. We have three hats of disguise, right? We can use that to our advantage. Or sneak. I don't know if your scouting can be precise enough to help me jump us, Silbrytigo, but I can get invisible and pick safe landing spots between here and the mansion, then take everyone and you meet us. Or I can go start f---ing with people and see who comes out to play."

Darkvision on Cassy and Cara.

How far to the mansion from our hiding spot, and what did Silvas see on his scouting?

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Waiting with the others, Taros realizes that, while he's no stranger to discussing tactics, when it comes down sneaking into somewhere, it's best to leave it to the professionals. Or at least those with more experience.

"Perhaps I could lead a diversionary frontal assault. Might draw off their forces for you to free the prisoners, or it could just raise the alarm. I must admit I am not one skilled in disguises and stealth. Confusion and chaos might be in good order; I doubt his forces are very disciplined being the collection of thugs that they are."

[kariokie]

Cassy shakes her head. "Hate to say it but you and Cara are the only tin cans we have, and this guy seems heavy on the muscle. Don't think he's going to have marshmallows guarding him in his mansion, you know? Hate for my neck to get snapped by some meathead."

She begins to chew on the knuckle of her thumb as she thinks. With a self-conscious grimace, Cassy realizes she's doing so and hurriedly puts her hand back down by her side. "If our objectives are to kick this guy's ass, make him regret ever keeping slaves, and free the ones he has, we gotta figure out how to accomplish those three things. I think kicking his ass first and burning down his home will make it easy as pie in the confusion to open up the gates. Likely once he's dead, no one's gonna fight us. So, we get there first, huh?"

[Idiotbox90]

"Maybe we could start by attacking the outer wall. Setting it aflame or something, then teleporting into the compound." The warlock keeps his black-bladed dagger held in his hand. He readjusts his stance, standing in such a way that the hand holding the dagger becomes concealed in one of the long sleeves of his crimson robes. "If needed, I could go in alone, find a nice place on a rooftop. Any non-slaves who come near me will be fried."

[dauphinous]

Cara chuckles at Cassy. "Yes, hit Taros with it." She immediately thinks that perhaps this was not the best choice of words, but shrugs a bit and smirks, wondering if Cassy will actually do it.

"I thought we agreed that there would be no splitting up here. We stay together, because we do not know what exactly we are up against. If it seems that separating will not be detrimental to our mission, we can do so once we have a better grasp of what we are facing."

[BlueWizard]

The area is quite large, you are maybe a block away from the central mansion of Thesnick. He even has a channel cut up from the docks so he can sail his personal yacht from his home. There is a mini-port and harbor in the mansion's backyard. {OOC- If you have seen the studio lots, which often times are converted estates, you can imagine the different world that lives inside. Thesnick's mansion is at the center of all this.}

Cassy can easily move to a position where they are 800 feet away from the outside of Thesnick's mansion, and could theoretically pop the group right inside the place.

Silvas' intelligence will, of course, have planned this whole event when Thesnick was not out and about. He had already gone for his morning perusal of the slave pens for the night auction, and had breakfast in an upscale bistro. He was somewhere inside the mansion now, but Silvas did see a lot of activity out back in the personal harbor, as the morning also brought in scores and scores of more slaves from Thesnick's own merchant ships.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros smiles, "You are right, we shall go as one. Forgive me my hesitations. Let's do this."

Taros flexes his hand around his sword. Now that the decision to do battle had been made, he was eager to get it joined. The waiting before the actual fight was sometimes the hardest to deal with.

[kariokie]

Grinning, Cassy pulls back her hand as if to slap Taros, then instead reaches up and pulls her thin left hand across his face while she chants. When she finishes, she casts another spell as she holds a rod hanging from her belt then points at each of her companions in turn.

"Now's the time to speak up if you can't see in the dark, Silbrytigo." Cassy moves -- her steps silent -- to a window where she can get a view of the mansion.

"Don't want to set fire to the wall, Anthony. That makes innocents run away from the wall, into the center. Makes it so they can't go up and over the wall either. We need to make a scary at the center. Then hopefully all the innocent people run away, and all the scumbags run towards it. So let's go hit the mansion, huh?"


Darkvision on Taros. 8 hours.
Message with 400' range on everyone using Rod of Enlarge Spell.

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

"I cannot, actually." There was probably enough light most places for his low light vision to be effective, but better safe than sorry. "I'd appreciate that ability."

[dauphinous]

While Cassy finishes casting her long term spells, Cara adds a couple of her own, linking everyone to her and setting up her warding circle. The circle isn't likely to do much good here, but it never hurts to have it.

"Alright. None of you are getting away from me now. I am ready to go." She settles her helm on her head and adjusts her grip on her shield. She nods at the 'plan'. "Make a ruckus in the middle. I can do ruckus. I can do loud and noticeable. Let's go."

[kariokie]

"No problem," casting the spell on Silvas takes her only a few seconds, though after casting she exhales heavily. Cassy's not feeling tired yet... which concerns her a little. In less than a year she'd gone from a few party tricks to this vast reserve of power. What next?

"Now get small and get in my bag, Silbrytigo, or meet us over by that-" Cassy points through their window towards a window in the mansion "-window."


Darkvision on Silvas.

If Silvas wants to get small, Cassy can stuff him in her Haversack and Dimension Door herself, Cara, Taros and Anthony inside the mansion. If he doesn't want to hop in a bag, he can fly over invisible and Cassy will give him a headstart, then DD over and let him in.

Spells remaining after that:
0th: 5/6
1st: 8/8
2nd: 4/8
3rd: 8/8
4th: 4/6
5th: 4/4

[BlueWizard]

The group can plan in an alley way, and is avoided by anyone here. As of yet, Silvas has spotted no obvious thugs coming.

Cassy knows her mansions, and she can probably pick a room in one of the mansion's outer chambers. Several have open windows, and Silvas can even investigate one room that has no-one in it. There are plenty of guest rooms, and the place is so big, it is constant need of airing and cleaning out, so servants move about slowly from room to room.

Silvas' info provides that Thesnick is obsessed with assessing his slaves, it is his passion, and feels it is how he made his fortune. All reports of him give him calling out prices to lords and ladies, and even innocent passer-byers. In his youth he acted as a low-level pimp for the Night-Lady Guild, and worked his way through the slime to this debauched wealthy position as slave-merchant business-man.

With spells up you can proceed into the many guest rooms of Thesnick's mansion. Low-Light will probably be good for most places, unless there is basement crawling here...:smallwink:

[BlueWizard]

Cassy can pick a safe guest room, and all of you can rendezvous safely, with no servants around.

[kariokie]

Once again it takes a few seconds for Cassy to regain her bearings after moving them all. Her eyes remain closed, then they open slowly and she starts to blink. "Ten fingers and toes? Check."

"Wanna scout, Silbrytigo? Or I could, uh... well, I could go. And find the guy. Then come back and pop us all into his room. Or we could just kick open this door and start smashing things."

[dauphinous]

"We came to make a ruckus. All we need do is act as if we are not an insurmountable foe and he will come to us. I say we kick down the door and start smashing." Cara hefts her trusty mace with a little bit of a grin. "As soon as we encounter resistance, have one of them run back to Thesnick and speak of some upstart rabble that would make excellent slaves if he can just subdue them."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros unsheaths his sword, and mockingly says, "Taros smash! For the Fist!"

Grinning, he takes a moment to nonetheless ask for aid from Heironeous, in the coming battle.

{
Before leaving:
Cast Aid on Cara: [roll0] temp hps, +1 Attack (morale)
Divine Vigor on myself: +16 temp HP, +10' MR
}

[Idiotbox90]

A small tongue of flame suddenly covers Anthony's fist.

"Shall we begin, then?" The flame is replaced by violet energy. "Or is now not the time for fire?"

[BlueWizard]

Some of these rooms had probably not been cleaned or visited in days.
Many of you may be used to large palace estates having spent time in the Northern Queen's palace, but it was still daunting for you country-folk.

It won't be long before you encounter servants. They will assume you are Thesnick's thugs, and the women servants will whimper when they see the steel and armor. The men are wary too, but respectful.

The group will likely come across a set of guards in the main entry hall. This place is so lax the servants will go on about their business and even assist if need be. Cassy, Anthony, and Taros know their mansions though Thesnick's is a mini-palace. They can find their way to this entry hall and surprise the eight guards.
They could even connive the servants to guide you all downstairs to the 'basement'-dungeon- catacomb area, and slave stock-room. You will all quickly learn that he is into EVIL something deep here.

{OOC- Basically you are all badass, and can maneuver about this poorly guarded mansion. There is valuable drow and d'Veil art of some worth, and statues, paintings, and other items... you can suggest if you want...}

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros looks about at the decor of the mansion, and shakes his head. "This man deserves to die solely for his taste in art. I mean, really...Drow art?"

When they encounter the guardsmen, Taros's hand instinctively goes to his sword, but he holds. He barks out, "You there - where is Thesnick?"

[BlueWizard]

Taros' boldness surprises the men. You will come from the upper staircase, totally surprising them. They assume you are all Thesnick's special guests, and a fat bearded one stammers, "Uh um... downstairs in study." He points at the ground and stares at Taros blankly, trying to figure out who he is. He gawks stupidly at the pretty blonde in armor, and decides to look away when more than one of the group he notices wears dark cloaks.

The other guards look confused, and don't look like they want problems from you guys. The wear no uniforms but, breast plates, and common clothing. They have weapons ranging from pole arms to swords.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Narrowing his eyes balefully to the guards, Taros says only, "Then out of our way."

If they move, Taros marches past them, not sparing a glance towards the hapless guards. He keeps his hand on the hilt of his sword the entire time.

[BlueWizard]

Taros will find Cassy's path is corrected by a handsome teenage thug, who is trying to peek under Cassy's hood. "Uhm, this way's best."

He will open a secret passage in the wall. "All of Lord Igoran's prettiest ladies go this way." He gives Cara a big smile, and checks her rump out in the armor.

The fat, bearded one pushes the teen out of the way.

"Yes, now, uhm.... Sorry! What room were you in? I'm not sure I had you on the guest list..." An older one whispers something, and the bearded man blushes turning beet-red, trying to move it along.

The other man was looking frightened toward hooded {?} Anthony. Even without showing their faces Cassy and Anthony had their effects. Cassy had them shaking in nervousness, and Anthony had them out-right quaking in fear. "I apoligize, your worshipfulnesses. My humble, unmagical mind can't comprehend. Welcome to the master's domain! All is at your service. Backrall will greet you at the bottom to direct you better."

The group is pointed toward a grand stairway beyond a wall. There is a great chamber beyond here, opening up below. There is a foyer at the far bottom, with exits into deeper chambers beneath the complex. The region was lit by continual flames, that lit the great underground hall with an orange-yellow glow. It was rather dull and gray here, like an upside down, half of a ziggurat down. There are 3 doors, one into the flat wall, and two going to your right and left.

{OOC- Presuming you go this way...}

The horny frontal guards will leave you be, and the secret doors will close behind you. When you reach the lower foyer, an invisible voice will speak to you.
"Who are you? What business do you have here? And WHO let you IN here?!?" The voice is shocked and fearful.

[kariokie]

Cassy leaves the hood of her cloak over her eyes. Her voice is playful and mocking, but with an edge that's frightening. "Us? You're asking who we are? Well, let's see if I can find small enough words to explain the concept to you. If you're supposed to be guarding Thesnick, then we're the people who are going to have your jobs in a minute, you incompetent oaf. Oh, sorry. Was that too many syllables?"

She waves her hand at the invisible voice, obviously annoyed. "Now bring us to Thesnick before I get upset."

{Bluff! (1d20+25=31) (http://invisiblecastle.com/find.py?id=1331778)}

[BlueWizard]

The voice thinks it sees something familiar with Cassy's chin and then a door straight ahead of you opens. "He is assessing the boys for auction tonight." A man steps from behind the door. He wears fancy green robes, that look gaudy, and are probably in style somewhere in the empire, with flairs, and extra ties, that makes the guy look extra swishy when he walks out shaking his hips as he moves. He has a short trimmed dark beard and looks every bit of tanned imperial blood. Overly polite. "I'm sorry. But, you must understand, Lord Igoran has a lot of stupid thugs. He's been waiting for... for response from you Princess Jadis. It is an honor. We didn't think you'd come. I must say his stock of boys and girls of now 'workable' age are nice. You won't be disappointed. With our quantity, we are always bound to get gems, and with our first sellable class of bred slaves, we have skilled slaves in the making." He is smiling, proud of the business, as he leads you down long dark, gray hall with more evil pornographic art, many depicting only males of all ages.

Once you leave this hall, you come through another underground Foyer, with stairs up, and off to the side, and even a few other entrances in this 3-story hall, you are led to. This man is sweating profusely as he leads you all through the underground complex, trying to get a better glimpse at the tan face of the little cloaked woman {Cassy}.

The stairs down seem sterile and foreboding. Though Backrall leads you up.

There is a living quarters on the 2nd level here, and a hall. You are led down this hall to a great stone door, designed with art of Hecate, in a very sexual manner. The swishy wizard sighs nervously, lifts his hand, then begins to rap on the large stone door with a light mace.

The door opens after some wait, and a graying bearded imperial man in his mid-50's pokes his head out, he is sweaty, and has a helmet on. "What the fu...?" He stares at the group, "What is this? Who're you?!?"

OOC- Now you have a surprise round... or what ever you have ready, go for it! :smallbiggrin:

[dauphinous]

Cara is glad for her helm to obscure the curl of her lip at all the disturbing artwork. She focuses on just looking forward, and trying to keep her gaze sliding over it all without actually registering it.

As soon as the door is answered, Cara feels that it is probably time to actually prepare for this fight in truth. She casts a spell that brings a pulse of light into being all around her and washes over everyone else.

{
Blessing of the Righteous: Affects all of us, +1d6 holy damage to all melee and ranged attacks, weapons count as Good vs DR (not that I think that part will matter), lasts 11 rounds
}

[kariokie]

Cassy keeps up the haughty act from the second the man mistakes her for Princess Jadis. "Yes, yes. It sounds… acceptable. Hurry, please, you are wasting my time." She follows him through the halls, though it's easy to see her tensing at both the art and the topic of discussion. The dark halls and art bring her back somewhere she'd rather not be.

She's not quite sure what makes her do it when the door opens and the man pokes his head out. It might be that she's looking for any way to actually take action against anyone associated with slaving. Or perhaps she's just startled when she realizes they've have to fight. Either way, Cassy flicks her left hand out at the wizard who escorted them as she speaks in Draconic. "Enough of you."

{Phantasmal Killer, DC 21 Will or 3d6 damage, if failed then DC 21 Fort or death. If the wizard is down by her initiative, then the guy who poked his head out goes next.}

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros rips his blade from its sheath, and stabs at the man ahead of them. He tries to barrel into the room as he does so, to prevent him from merely shutting the door on them.

{
+1 Initiative
Smite Attack: +17, 1d8+13+1d6
98/82 HP
AC 29
}

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony, his hood masking his face, laughs at the thugs who are frightened of him. "Yes, yes. We can not expect those of your... capablities to behave properly, I suppose. Yet, do try to be more respectful in the future."

Despite the warlock's current status, a bit of his upbringing as a wizard-noble peaks through in his voice.

***

The hooded arcanist raises his left hand. His fingers are held outward, pointing towards the helmed man. With a flick of his wrist, magical flame aimed at man in the doorway bursts forth . Anthony places all of his energy into the blast, hoping to down the man in one shot. If the blast hits the him, it will seem to curve towards the green-robed mage.

((OOC: Init: +4, AB: +11, Dmg: 9d6+1, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas remains invisible throughout the tour and as the door opens and violence ensues, he flits into the room over the heads of the others and takes a look around.

move action into the room, though not too far.

[BlueWizard]

OOC- With no necessary order for surprise round, I went with initiatives. I figure you all were a little surprised by Thesnick's head popping into the hall. Though not as surprised as Thesnick is now...

Thesnick Ambush!:
Anthony blasts the man's face with fire! Somehow he ducks his head and is able to avoid some damage {the catching on fire part}, but Anthony does warm the helmet up some bit. {d:35} Thesnick roars as his head burns, but it doesn't catch fire.
The wizard catches fire, and looks hurt bad as the fire arcs back towards the wizard standing next to you all in the hall.

Silvas flies into a large chamber with several stages, and a few large doors out in other directions. In the room are a few men in colorful robes, but it is mostly full of about a score or more of boys and young men in loin-clothes. The obvious slave youths stand at attention on the various stages, though are quite surprised by the fire blast at Thesnick's head. Silvas also notices that Thesnick's codpiece is missing, and certain things are out for all to see. Clearly, Thesnick does more than just inspect his slaves.

The wizard doesn't get much time to feel the burn of the fire, for whatever Cassy showed him with her shadowy illusion caused his heart to stop immediately, and he drops like a rock! Backrall is dead!

Cara's powerful holy magic infuses you all with the divinity of Pelor, and you feel that much more dangerous.
{OOC- Would this include Anthony's warlock blast?}

Taros steps to the front-line unaware that invisible Silvas has just slipped into the chamber beyond ahead of him. Taros stabs hard into the evil man, and can see that he found a good piece of flesh to open a wound on. {d:19}

End Surprise Round------------------------->

Initiatives:
Anthony 19+4
Silvas 10+9
Cassy 10+6
Cara 12+1
Taros 11+1
Thesnick and company

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 26/28 vs. evil HP 85/75

Cara stands where she is, casting another spell to benefit her friends. As she does, someplace int he back of her mind, she realizes that James isn't there. She knew this, of course, but hadn't really thought much about what that meant until now. Without James there to provide his unique brand of punishment taking and dealing, Taros needs a different kind of backup than she has grown used to providing. Wishing she'd thought of this before selecting her spells this morning, Cara hefts her mace and steps up, ready to use it.

{
Cast Bless
Move up behind Taros
}

[Eratosthenes]

Taros: AC 29 98/82 HP

Taros continues to press this vile excuse for a man. The idea of what crimes this wicked criminal was committing threatens to send Taros into a fit of rage. He channels his anger into carving the man into as many pieces as he can manage. "FOR THE FIST!"

{
Full Attack: +15/+10
Damange 1d8+1d6+6
Activate Shield (Free Action): Attack +8/+2
Damage 2d6+1d6
}

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas draws his bow and fires the first of Thesnick's people to attack or begin spellcasting. Get ready for a surprise!

Draw bow as move equivalent; ready an action to fire at any spellcasting or attacking.

[Idiotbox90]

Quickly moving to the side and up a wall, Anthony tries to get a clear shot on Thesnick. He sends another blast of blazing energy at the man, taking care not to hit Taros.

"The Fist does not approve of your actions, Thesnick. I can only hope that your demise will serve as a lesson to others. This is what happens when you treat human as things to be bought and sold."

((OOC:AB: +7, Dmg: 5d6+1+1d6, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round.))

[kariokie]

A chill runs down Cassy's spine as she kills the wizard, but she shakes it off and continues her work. Pointing at Thesnick she intones several words in Draconic. Five violet missiles form by her fingertips, then fly at the slaver.

{Magic Missile, 5d4.}

[BlueWizard]

Anthony blasts Thesnick again as the dirty old man backs defensively into the room. {d:19} Thesnick avoids catching on fire again!

Silvas has his bow out, and holds....

Cassy fires her magic missiles and pelts Thesnick painfully! {18+6 Holy?} Thesnick looks battered and hurt and he hasn't even drawn his weapon.

Cara casts Bless and steps up behind Taros for more than just morale support.

Taros slices Thesnick with his first strike, but his blade's second blow is deflected by the heavy armor of Thesnick.

Silvas notices that 3 of the men in colorful robes are casting minor priest spells. He plucks a shaman-caster immediately, and drops him with a green arrow. {Sleep one?}

Two of the men touch the boys, and Silvas sees them drop to the ground, the boys' skin ashen colored. The boys are not dead, but the men used negative energy to strengthen themselves. The 3 other men in robes draw rapiers and stand defensively behind Thesnick.

Thesnick makes a full retreat into the chamber, he hides amid a group of teen boys.

End Round 1----------------------------->

Initiatives:
Anthony 19+4
Cassy 10+6
Cara 12+1
Taros 11+1
Silvas
Thesnick and company

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 26/28 vs. evil HP 85/75

One more spell. It's kind of like an addictive drug, when you get right down to it. At first, she was mildly annoyed that her role had become that of spellcaster rather than in-your-face-evil-stomper. But she'd gotten used to it, and even come to like it. The power is a heady rush. Feeling the touch of Pelor's warmth and light is something you can't just walk away from. She follows Taros, but casts a spell as she keeps pace, filling the chamber with light - for a moment, anyway.

{
Cast Holy Smite: 5d8 + blinding to evil creatures, half to neutrals (no blinding). Will save DC 19 for half damage & negate blinding. 20ft. radius burst.

Active Spells:
Bless
Magic Circle Vs. Evil
Blessing of the Righteous
Greater Status (Cassy, Taros, Silvas)
Status (Anthony)
}

[Eratosthenes]

Taros: AC 29 98/82 HP

How craven, running. The might of Heironeous shall fell you for your cowardice in battle!

Unleashing a battle roar, Taros charges straight at the wicked man, seeking to end his flight here, and now.

{
Swift Action: Rhino's Rush
Full Round Action: Smite Charge on Thesnick: +20 Attack, 2d8+54+1d6 damage

If Thesnick is down already, then charge one of the priests who attacked the slaves instead.
}

[kariokie]

Just start talking. No thinking, just talking. Cassy points her open palm at one of the casters and sends two jets of fire at him. "Ew. What's this glowing feeling spell all over me? Did you get, like, Pelor on me? I suddenly feel an urge to be all self-righteous and date meatheaded do-gooders and see the best in people. It's horrible." After a second, Cassy adds in a bored tone, "Oh yeah, and 'for The Fist' or whatever. Woo."

{Scorching Ray, 2x +7 touch attack, 4d6 damage each ray.}

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

The invisible Silvas fires again at another shaman-priest hoping to drop him before he sucks the life from any more boys. He remains aloft, above and out of the way of his companions.

[Idiotbox90]

Scurrying in his spiderlike fashion, Anthony makes his way into the next room. He sends a blast of fiery energy at one of the priests. If possible, he chains it to strike the other one.

"Come now, give yourself up Thesnick. Face justice the like the man you should have been, instead of the rat you've become."

The warlock tilts his hood back slightly. His face is not revealed, but two glowing, red points of light can clearly be seen by those in the room.

((OOC:AB: +10, Dmg: 5d6+1d6, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

[BlueWizard]

Anthony {critical!} fries Thesnick with his warlock blast and sends him teetering. The charred man finally catches fire! {d:30 on fire!} The children and teens cower and the more intelligent ones flee if they can and aren't chained to an altar.

Cassy will have to hold for Taros' big butt to move action...

Cara sends in Pelor's holy Light. {d:23} Only two of the men in colorful robes stand after the holy Light burst. One is a caster who seems severely hurt by the damage, and the other is a thin, pasty man with a pointy beard and rapier. Silvas will notice two of the less intelligent boys were killed and a few are now dying. The rest now flee if they can faster. They are heading toward a rear chamber beyond the door on the opposite side of their stage-room. Thesnick is only minorly effected, but it sends him to the brink!

Taros charges into the partially open door as his move action and into the retreating Thesnick who is reaching for a fancy little elixir bottle. Taros {d:69} ends this man's reign of evil now, by severing his torso {warhammer hit locale stuff :smallwink: }, and the disemboweled man gets to attempt to scoop his innards up in horror, as he watches his codpieceless legs laying beneath him. He quickly dies horribly. He even had the pleasure of being on fire in the whole process, and will continue to burn next round to a molten heap of goo and metal.

Cassy {has her opening now and} fries the last drain-caster, and kills him, as he crumbles to charcoal dust on the ground. No time to even scream.

Silvas sees all the drain-casters are dead, and hits the last man with a rapier. He drops immediately from the minor damage. Silvas can see he is faking it, with the man's horrible bluff. {He resisted the sleep, but went with it.}

The battle is over and all the boys will now cower as they see the tormentor dead, and gored on the ground. One tall skinny teen boy about 18 steps forward. He looks at at Cara embaressed at his nearly naked state."I've heard of you. There's an elven whore, who says she's with you, they keep her caged in the woman's quarter. She has told of you. Not all of us liked the masters. We want to be free... I have been in rooms like these for many years, shipped on boats, given to many awful people. It was the elven whore who told us you'd come. The master treated her poorly too."

The faking man will try to crawl away secretly, only Silvas and a few boys will notice.

Most will be looking in awe at the dead pile of Thesnick-goo magically glowing red with rapidly cooling hot metal. All the surviving boys {that can} will raise their arms in salute to the Fist, and make what seems to be the symbol of the Fist. It starts low and then they all lift their arms, and look to you for guidance.

[dauphinous]

"Yes," says Cara, frowning over the couple of the young men who were apparently felled by her own blast, "by the light of the Shining Hand- ah, and the...might...of the Fist, you are free." She rushes quickly over to the ones that are dying to help them.

{
Cast CMiW to stabilize any of the slaves that are dying for now, on up to 6 of them.
}

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Fury seethes in Taros, as he glances around the room at the downed slavers. Their depravity was almost complete.

Walking over to the crawling man, he levels his sword at him. In a tone that barely conceals his anger, he pronounces, "For these crimes against humanity, you have been tried. You have been found guilty. Now you shall be punished."

Taros hacks down at the man's hands, aiming to sever them. If successful, he moves to seal the wounds, so he does not die of blood loss or trauma {Lay on Hands if necessary}.

The grisly work complete, he says to the downed man, "The Fist shall not abide these horrors you men keep. This villainy ends."

Taros sheathes his sword, then moves to the door, listening for sounds of coming guards.

[kariokie]

Cassy emits a squeak as Taros cuts off the hands of the slaver, then grows visibly pale under the hood of her robe. "I'll, uh. That... I'm gonna go uh, over here." She finds a corner to be in where she's not looking at the carnage, nor at Taros, then gestures vaguely at the slave who mentioned the elven woman, "Gimmie directions to where the women's quarters are."

[dauphinous]

Cara sees it, but doesn't quite believe it. Somewhere in her head, the image of Taros doing something that...brutal gets intercepted on its way from point A to point B. Looking from the down man to the slaves, to Cassy and back to Taros, she stops herself from saying anything about it. They can't afford to seem divided in front of these people. She makes a mild, choked cough sort of noise, but turns back to the person she is kneeling beside, giving him enough healing to keep him alive before moving on to the next. This isn't the place or time. It just isn't.

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas flits, invisibly, from slave to slave unlocking their bonds and setting them free. He spares a glance as Taros proclaims his judgment, but otherwise focuses on his work.


They may not even notice his work until someone pronounces them freed and they test their bonds. :smallwink: *drama!*
Open Locks take 10 = 31
Move Silently take 10 = 31
Sleight of Hand take 10 = 22

[BlueWizard]

Cara will find 3 boys fell, and she'll stabilize them with her healing. Two teens are quite dead, apparently very evil.

The man with the pointy beard screams for a moment and then passes out from the shock as Taros severs his hands. He comes-to gasping in fear, he can't even speak and lays on his back with his stumpy arms held out in front of him.

The skinny teen blushes when Cassy speaks to him, and he tries to see a little more of her face. "I can take you there. I fear none of Thesnick's men, you felled him within seconds.... I thought I'd live and die as a slave to his son. Now I want to kill that man." The 18 y-o is eager to lead you all to the women's quarters.

Silvas frees all of the young men quickly. The boys are surprised at the bonds undoing themselves, and then all gather around sheepishly together. They are all frightened and don't know what to do.

Cara can see the handless man is stablized by Taros and is looking in horror at the two fists laying next to him.

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony audibly gasps at Taros's action. The two red points of light dim as he struggles to control himself. The clarity that the warlock finds in battle is gone now, replaced by uncertainty and doubt.

He throws back his hood and makes eye contact with Cara, before taking a glance at Taros.

I remember when Cara killed a void priest with her mace. It seemed awful to kill a man begging for his life, but I know now that it was for the best. Taros once yelled at Cassy for killing a woman with one of her spells. Again, it was for the best. But this? Was this necessary?

Anthony crouches down and whispers in the ear of the fallen man.

"A life without hands. Were you a mage? What misery it must be for you. Not that you deserve anything but misery, of course. There is an easy way out, if you wish to take it. If you hold still." The warlock lays his left palm on the man's forehead. "Would you like me to give what mercy I can give?"

[BlueWizard]

The man looks up and cowers before ANthony's palm, finally speaking, "Nnnno! No! No! I want to live!" He kicks his rapier on the ground far from him.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros coldly looks on as Anthony bargain's with the man with his life, saying nonchalantly, "Let the man live, if only to serve as warning to those who carry on with their depraved lives."

Turning to Cassy and the teen, he indicates he's ready to go. "It seems our work here is just beginning."

Heironeous shall exact his justice on many today, by the Gods.

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony tilts his head when Taros gives him the order. Oh dear. He's telling me what to do. I don't think I've given him the authority to do that. Still, the warlock removes his hand and stands up. He then scans the corpses of Thesnick and his men, looking for magical auras.

[dauphinous]

In the brief moment that her eyes meet Anthony's, it is clear that Cara is struggling with this. She stands up, having done what healing she can for the moment without jeopardizing the mission. When the unknown is what lies ahead, conservation is more practical. Besides, these boys would not fight, and the others can carry the ones that cannot carry themselves. "You," she points to one of the boys, then another, and speaks with a lightly quavering voice, "and you, help him." She designates two more for each of the boys that are injured.

Then she just looks at Taros. Maybe Hieroneous thinks what he did is fine. But she doesn't. Squabbling here and now will only undermine their mission, but she wants him to know that her silence is not approval, and that is the message her eyes carry. Really, her whole face and body convey this, as clearly as if she'd said it out loud.

{Used two CMiW per boy, as there are only 3 in need}

[kariokie]

When Cassy had killed Helena, it hadn't felt right, but there didn't seem to be any other option. And she'd seen Cara do things she didn't agree with -- and somewhere in the back of her mind she knew there was probably more that she didn't know. However, aside from yelling at her, Taros had yet to do anything she actually disagreed with.

She catches Cara's eye briefly when her friend looks over at her. Cassy's green eyes are still shocked and wide then, but within a few seconds it's all put away and her face is neutral once more. It's as if nothing had ever happened.

In the end, Cassy had made it through life by often studiously ignoring those things that didn't mesh up with the world she wanted to build. It was best to pretend Taros hadn't just done what he had done -- because if he had done what he had done, she had no idea what to do about it.

"Okay, see any magic Anthony? We need to get going. Go help the women, you know? If there's been an alarmed raised, they might start doing something... uh. Drastic, you know?" There's a little hitch in her voice when she says the word "drastic" but otherwise Cassy seems like her usual self in a dangerous situation: disorganized with a healthy smattering of fear.

[BlueWizard]

The 18 y-o will lead Cassy {and whoever} up to a higher level. You will pass by nurseries, where collared female slave in loincloths mindlessly tend to the babies and children. There are glass walls that one can view all of them as they pass by. There are more chambers beyond the glass observing walls, for sleeping and eating probably.

The teen will lead farther until there is a locked door, which he has a key for. He blushes, "I'm a new breeder. We have access here." He appraises Cassy as best he can in her hood. {Note: This one was one who ran to the far side of the room away from the action, and away from the blast. Cara was able to get the men, and not all the boys.

In this direction a few warriors will be encountered, who will likely flee if Cassy shows any power. She will be shown into a plush spa, and lounge-couch chamber. Many women and a few men and eunuchs are here. Those non-eunuchs are taking advantage of Thesnick's spas and ladies, and range in race and age, possibly a few female patrons.

Those in Thesnick's display stage room are unencountered.
Cara can heal up the neutral boys.

The pointy beard man looks at his hands and is finally recovering, "My hands! Why?!? What kind of rebel scum are you? No pirate would do this? The Fist!" He suddenly realizes in horror and looks to Taros, then his fists.

[BlueWizard]

Group is together....:smallwink:

[kariokie]

It was easy enough scaring the guards -- a simple illusion and some mumbo-jumbo sent them running.

Cassy freezes when she enters the lounge chamber then starts chewing her lip nervously. It was hitting too close to home. Still, it was time to get moving. "Right, everyone get your hands offa other people and put them where I can see them. You bastards get uppity and I start making bad guy flambé." She points her staff around the room.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"You heard the woman," Taros begins, drawing his blade and shouting, "Get on the floor! The Fist will not abide these depredations!"

Scanning the room, he seeks out those tainted souls, prepared for flight or fight from them.

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas remains unseen, please to play a silent role after a long stretch of pseudo-command and glad-handing. He sort of liked the idea of being the secret, supernatural power of their mythical Fist. A broad smile crosses the pixie's face and he once again draws back his bow, ready to drop anyone that tries anything foolish.

[BlueWizard]

Most everyone complies, and some of the many brain-washed young women begin to cry in fear of you, though Cassy's charisma will quickly calm the masses down.
A couple of men show annoyance and complain of 'paying good money'. Once force is shown they all comply.
The earlier illusory distractions caused by Cassy delayed the inevitable alarm, but about the time the teen is unlocking a few chambers to Thesnick's prized ladies, metal bells rang out all over the Thesnick compound.

Many woman are here, from big healthy mama's, that have bourne many children, to young women, to elves, and even a Nymph. The Nymph is hooded, and in a magic glass box, that the teen can't unlock. There are a couple of elven ladies here. Everyone here is chained or confined in a small room. This is basically a small complex of bedded and furred cells. All these women are prevented from killing themselves, and the mother-types have silver collars, and mindlessly nurse babies when they are found. No older women are here above 45.
{Thesnick is evil... and there will also be found a few nobles, including....} A book-keeper of a treasurer who is having his way sadistically with the elven whore when you arrive. He can be detained quite easily, and no conflict other than disgruntled Johns will be encountered here as well. The teen will remove the silver collar with hesitation from the elf he brought Cassy to see.

When the elven lady is freed, she closes up her fine green and red gown, and will bow thanks to you all with little shame. She has brown hair, and deep wood brown eyes, but fair skin, that is a little bruised. She is very pretty and if she were human would be mistaken for a girl in her mid-20's. "I am Ehlia... I thank you. The alliance has ears and voices within these walls. They came to me and told me of the Fist... I... I can no longer reward you. All of my people are dead... or enslaved... I may be the last of the Northern Hill elves. I am very old... over a thousand of your suns' years. I remember a different world than now.

I knew ones like you would come... I have... I have minor abilities. The ancient ones called it psionics, my people were known for it, and were slain. It is now my duty to teach it to the world. Even humans can master this great art. I would've killed myself long ago, for what they have done with my poor half-elven spawn. You have helped me with but one piece to a great many puzzle pieces I must destroy. Your Fist shall help me crush this evil tangle of slavery and I know how I can help you. I won't tell you by what scum-sucking method I came to this hole, but I was long ago a slave to a drow prince in the north, who... well, blood and sacrifice go well with those people. They have opened a dark pit to the Abyss and other worlds that must be shut! I have seen things I shouldn't have, without weeping when I see Freya.
I found how to get around some of the controls of the silver collar. They don't necessarily prevent you from speaking, as long as the master is not around, I can talk freely to whomever. There are those who come and work in these walls. They are less bold, but I must say you are effective. I hope you are ready for a big fight. We got a lot of men coming, and if you didn't know Thesnick was a great gladiator. He'll tell you if you ask him."
{OOC- Some of you would've encountered psionics, or you might not have. Either way it is rare, and most people don't like it. Even the fire empress is said to burn them. The Void is a Psi-Factory, as some of you may remember.:smallwink: }

The teen will laugh, "Thesnick is dead!"

Ehlia looks at you all her brown eyes twinkle. "Then the rest will crumble like dust!"

This whole woman's quarter can be reinforced, and the women {who know} assure only two ways in and out. The main locked door, that the teen led you in, and then there is a secret door, which a few of the real sexy women know about. The King of Kandor would come to visit; he had a secret door to every noble's home in Galorine. The secret way, led to the mini-dock in Thesnick's personal harbor. Currently his boat was ready now, and Ehlia assures you she can get the ship ready with a little QUIET help. {You can fit 30 people on his yacht, would say Silvas from his earlier invisible fly-by.}

Meanwhile alarm bells are ringing. Outside the few colored window panes you find, soldiers can be seen scrambling about the building running towards the main mansion's entrance. You will realize you are the first floor of the mansion now, the city street level. The windows are magically reinforced, and probably illusory walls on the other side, whuch is a garden courtyard with oblivious gardners with collars. You all can guess at where you are in the mansion. You are now on the ocean side, and can move about as needed or set-up a defense here....

OOC- Up to you all.:smallbiggrin:

[dauphinous]

Cara starts to the work of getting all the former slaves in one place. Better to keep track of them, to defend them, and to evacuate them. She has an odd sort of unhappy look the whole time, and bites her lip as if doing so will keep everything on the inside from coming out. "Should we make a stand against his employees, or just leave?"

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"We've bloodied the beast, but we must ensure it has been slain. If we leave now, some other tough may try to assume Thesnicks now vacant position. The slaves and prisoners should be shown to the ship; we can make do fighting our way out. But first things first," Taros says as he moves to begin removing silver collars from the assorted slaves.

[BlueWizard]

The first few men that come will be patrols just searching the estate. These small groups of three will be detained easily. As the mansion fills up with men, there may be more of an army to deal with. According to the first prisoners, the report is that Thesnick is dead, but no-one believes it.
{OOC- Not all have seen the dead Thesnick.:smallwink: }

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony, unusually grim, gives assistance whenever possible. He assures the freed slaves of their safety, giving what little comfort he can.

"Those who have or would harm you will be punished. Thesnick is dead: his armor melted and his skin turned to ash. Soon, you shall be free." The warlock raises his left fist. "The Fist provides!"

Seeing what has gone on in the compound has clearly inspired Anthony. Not generally a hero, an uncharacteristic courage has entered him. He turns towards Taros.

"I agree with you on this business.. We have accomplished much, but let's try to finish the job. We came to make a point, we'd better ensure that all slavers hear it."

[dauphinous]

"Then we should be ready for them." Cara waits as long as it seems reasonable to do so, then casts one spell, then another, and a third. For the first one, she gently pokes Cassy in the arm, getting more Pelor all over her. The other two, though, are for Cara.

Then she takes her mace back up from where it hangs on her belt and stands ready to hold the front line with Taros. Even if what she'd really like to do is punch him in the face. Yes, that would make her feel a whole lot better right about now. She starts glowing.

{
Protection From Evil on Cassy, 11 minutes
Bull's Strength on Cara, using Rod of Extend, so 20 minutes
Entropic Shield on Cara, 10 minutes

Active spells: Status, Greater Status, Magic Circle vs. Evil
I am assuming that it has been more than 10 minutes, so the Bless from before would have expired.
}

[kariokie]

Cassy points her finger towards the magical glass box, coming close to touching it, but stops short. "Uh, you want me to pop in and get her and get back out, or wait? Or can-" she realizes that Silvas has yet to make himself known, "-someone open it?"

When the decision is made to stay and fight instead of run, Cassy starts to fidget yet again, rocking back and forth on her feet, then looks at Cara. "Okay. Um. How many do you think he has? I mean, like... I mean..." She looks around nervously, "I don't want to... not win." Death wasn't exactly the thing she was most afraid of here. There were worse things.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

His grim demeanor finally cracking, Taros offers a grin, "We shall not continue the fight if it looks as if we are overmatched. We can hold here, and if need be, retreat down the secret passage to the docks. From there, perhaps swim or commandeer some other craft." Taros shrugs. "But I doubt it will come to that."

Taros waits until the main body of guards are near - any captured patrols are disarmed, and told to disarmor - before calling upon Heironeous to Aid his ally in the coming fight.


Aid on Cara: [roll0], +1 Hit (Morale) for 2 minutes
Divine Vigor on self: +16 HP, +10 MR for 3 minutes

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas moves invisibly to remove the bonds of any who are restrained, and he goes immediately to the Nymph, probably working on her glass box as Cassy speaks. Oh, cousin, what have the done to you!
He continues to work silently.


Open Locks take 10 = 31
Move Silently take 10 = 31
Sleight of Hand take 10 = 22

[BlueWizard]

When Anthony speaks he gets many people's attention, even some of Thesnick's soldiers. One particularly cooperative guy recently captured on his patrol blurts out, "Thesnick's eldest boy made his way to the treasury, he thinks this is a robbery. He doesn't understand the Fist."

A woman speaks up and points at the man who speaks, "This one is a liar and a cheat! He'll say anything to get in favor of those in power. He'll feed ya to the dogs if you turn around."

Silvas will be able to free the Nymph of her magically locked box. She will remain hooded, and put on traveling boots. The Nymph looks to Silvas' general direction."Thank you." She remains hooded, and he can only see her lips.
{OOC- World of fey in this land has slight differences than standard rules...}
Fey can look upon the Nymph with no effects, however her unearthly grace {and beauty} throws all beings off a little. Quietly to the air she says, "I sense fairy magic... I am feeling stronger every minute!" She will stand ready and look to the other rescuers, who she watched the whole time in her box. "I am free of the magical bonds of this. I can aid you. I can heal, protect, and charm, and will lift a dagger if I must." She lowers her voice, "I have the power to kill if... if you want... though tell the boys and others to turn away."

Outside the room forces will have finally gathered, realizing the threat inside the ladies quarters. A messenger will come and ask for terms. He will knock on the main door and speak through it if he must. "My lord comes to ask for your price. You have made him lord of the estate, and he would actually like to thank you, and perhaps, reward the Fist. We believe we can reach a 'deal' where all sides can benefit. My master's father was a cruel man. This can be changed." The messenger is nervous, but tries to put on his best smile. He is unsure of who to speak if he is face to face with all of you.

OOC- Your spells can be timed to start when the thug forces gather in the hall outside, and the messenger approaches... or even after you send him away.

[dauphinous]

"We use the door as a chokepoint. We stop them there and make them go backwards, then fall back when we get to a place where they could possibly do the same. Blow them the &*%^ up while we hold the front line."

With the messenger's words, Cara clenches her jaw. The man undoubtedly wants part of the bargain to include him remaining in the slave business. "He's happy," she mutters. "I think perhaps we can deliver our response in an unmistakable fashion." She nods to Taros to indicate that she is ready for the door to open and chaos to ensue.

[BlueWizard]

When no resolution is given to the him, the well-dressed messenger, wearing a fine merchant-class brown, black-striped, silk robe, will back out of the area and retreat in confusion in a hurry.
"I can at least blind them all." The nymph says to Cara. "Once again tell the mortals to look away."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros nods to Cara, and after seeing the pompadour messenger on his way, throws open the door - shield raised - and shouts out, "The Fist shall destroy this House, and all those who make their lives in it. Come on then, you bastardly cowards!"

[kariokie]

Her nerves aren't soothed in the slightest by the others' words -- Taros' attempt at addressing her concerns falls flat as he was just terrifyingly lopping the hands off of a man a few minutes before, meanwhile her best friend just seems intent on killing whatever evil gets in her way. There's no choice, though. Not like I have a better plan.

Cassy moves back from the door before Taros opens it, and keeps her staff at the ready. She looks nervously around the room, shuddering as she remembers... something... before she pushes it all back out of her mind. Focus.

[BlueWizard]

At Taros command an answer will be heard from deep down the hall, and out of your sight. All Taros can see is a wall of armored men. The answer is an angry "Charge! Kill them! Kill them all!" , some commanding sounding voice. It is not familiar to any of you.
Men charging have polearms, torches, swords, even crossbows and they rush the doorway, that is maybe 4 feet wide.
All spells have just been prepped about 20 seconds ago, at most.

The closest in the 20 foot hall are 60 feet away, but men come out of adjacent doorways between the 60 foot area, and will be funneling into the tiny gap...

{OOC- We can play mini-300 here, or I can just fast-forward to the part where the tired and bloodied, uninjured Taros, stands in a swath of dead men that is blotting the doorway, and sending a stream of blood everywhere.
Also good is the vaporizing of men, or stunning them with goodness. At some point the crowd will run, and we can see where that goes. I just don't want to jump into a long battle, unless all of you are really want to, these warriors provide mostly role-play XP anyway, since none have had the battle training that Taros has had and still continues to pursue. }

[dauphinous]

Confident that Cassy can handle the mass effects that will make this a shorter fight, Cara lets the nymph do her thing, then steps up next to Taros, fully prepared to use both mace and spiked shield to prevent anyone from getting past the both of them.

There is still plenty of outrage at what Taros did. Deep down, though, she loves him, and something like that won't change this fact. Standing there next to him, about to deliver this scum to their gods, she can't help but take a sidelong glance that brings to mind other times and places. It isn't as if she's never done anything that might be considered on the darker side of righteous zeal, and once she has a real opportunity to tell him precisely what she thinks...the thought of freeing all these people from the clutches of their captors is an incredibly energizing one.

[BlueWizard]

In whatever state you leave the dead, the many survivors in the distance just run, and Taros will be sure a couple men are trampled to death on the retreat alone.
After a mass exodus, it will suddenly be quiet outside again.
The bells will even stop ringing, and outside the strange windows to the complex's streets people flee in panic and chaos.

[kariokie]

Cassy looks around at the bodies of the dead, paling yet again. Stop looking.

"We need to..." Cassy turns her head, then her body, facing away from the direction their victims -- enemies -- came from, and instead towards where the tunnel to Thesnick's yacht laid. "We should go. And try to get these people free. If no one helps them, they'll just end up as slaves again. They... they don't have any rights."

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Out of nowhere, a familiar voice, the deep, rich voice of Latigo, says, "The gates must be thrown open and these people freed from this entire city. Let's open the door for these people."

[BlueWizard]

OOC- Plans can still be made to make your way to the personal yacht of Thesnick, but I am unsure of what spells were cast, if any, or if Taros just tired up his sword arm. Anyway, the masses flee, and many minutes will pass with nothing. Eventually outside the windows will even calm as no-one seems left to flee. It will seem barren outside, like a ghost town.

OOC2- I imagine this to be like a company town, like what Wrigley, Hershey, and all the big name men had in the late 1900 century. In the land of Old Galorine there are many little mini-cities within its borders similar to this, though with not as high profile a slaver.

[dauphinous]

"Whatever we are going to do or not do, we need to leave fairly quickly. I expect this will be noticed soon, and we do not want to be here when it is." Cara glances down at herself. noting that her armor and shield, and mace for that matter, are liberally splashed with blood, she avoids getting too close to Cassy. At least the brains and entrails and bits of bone tend to just slide right off when more blood is splashed on. A mace just doesn't make pretty cuts and slashes like a sword does. Brains get bashed in. Stuff goes flying everywhere. It's a real mess, and so is Cara.

"These people have been ordered around for who knows how long. They deserve a choice for once. If they want to leave this place, we'll take them. If they want to stay and try to carve out a better life, we'll open the door. We can do both, too, so long as we do it quickly."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

The long fight had drained him of his initial fury. Now, Taros looked upon the aftermath of the battle. Slaughter, really. These warriors were pawns, nothing more, likely ordered into battle by men of no ethics or morals, when these soldiers wanted for nothing but coin to feed their families or live their lives.

But they had had a choice, Taros reminds himself. Their actions placed them on the wrong side of justice, and so they met their end. A weary sigh escapes his lips as he examines his gore-splattered arms and armor, the metal suddenly feeling like dead weights tied to his arms. Battle was easy: the fight to kill or be killed, when one could lose oneself to the red haze of survival. It was the times between that was hard on the soul.

"I should like this place - the scene of so much pain and debauchery - burnt to the ground. But we must see to those we freed first. Let us be gone from this hell."

[kariokie]

With a flick of her hand she sends a spell to clean Cara and the others up, without looking at their gory state more than she has to. "We can't just open the doors of this compound and chase slaves out into the city and think they're gonna be safe. They don't have any money, or even proper clothes. They'll just get picked off by other slavers or fall into whoring or whatnot." Cassy had magic to fall back on, but these people probably didn't.

"They said this guy had a treasury, right? Let's go bust it open and hand it out. Maybe he's got an armory, too, we can hand weapons out. In the Empire, money and violence talks. Then, let's all run like hell. 'Cos I'm good at that part."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros nods to the young arcanist; she was right. Looks like their job here wasn't done. "Good idea. Let's go treasure hunting."

[BlueWizard]

Any of the slaves will help, as well as the traitor/cooperative-guard. The guard will go with, but in no way wants to combat his master or his fellow guards.

At one point the Nymph would've aided by showing her face to the attackers. For many it was their last sight. Though Taros' blade or Cara's mace was usually their last sensation.

There is a short walk from the central Mansion area. If there was a secret underground passage to the building none of these people will know about it. The freed slaves under the guidance of Ehlia will head towards the ship through the secret passage, the hooded Nymph will go with this group.

To the treasury....

The streets of the Thesnick compound are eerily quiet, though occasionally you will see an aimlessly wandering slave with silver collar. In the distance you will even see the main gate of Thesnick's Compound open and abandoned. With busy city traffic outside beginning to notice.

The treasury is near the main mansion, a smaller but well-built stone structure. Stone steps led up to the main door, stone as well, with metal plating, and an emblem of Set on the door. The large serpent coils about a globe. The door is magically locked, but unguarded.

[Idiotbox90]

A few of the corpses die from Anthony's magic instead of the others' might. By staying in the back, the warlock avoids much of the violence. Still, the gore on the others mildly disgusts him.

"Cassy, that is the world's greatest spell. If I had to remove all the magic in the world except for one spell, that cantrip would be the one I saved."

((OOC: Was Anthony able to detect any magic on Thesnick's corpse?))

[kariokie]

Talking always made Cassy feel better. Especially about relatively inane topics. "I couldn't even do it until... well there was this big fight and all I wanted to do was to not have blood on me and no one else to have blood on them. Then I woke up the next morning and I knew how to do the spell." Cassy looks at the magically sealed door and adds, "In the fight I also kept wanting to disappear so no one could hurt me and I could do that the next morning, too." Her face grows a little serious and she begins to frown. Don't know what that means if I can kill people with my thoughts, though.

[dauphinous]

The idea of plundering the wealth of this man is made palatable by the idea that it will go to the slaves. Cara shrugs lightly, a gesture that is all but lost in her armor and starts following to the treasury. Normally content to just walk behind Taros and watch his body move, she frowns the whole way, not really paying the sight much attention at all.

"Do we have a good way to deal with this seal? The only spell I have for removing magic can only be used on creatures."

[kariokie]

Dragged from her thoughts by Cara's words, Cassy looks around for something or someone that she can't seem to find. "I can't do much 'less there's no other option. However I think our invisible friend is more than able to get us where we need to be going."

[BlueWizard]

Silvas invisibly will have no trouble figuring out the simple magic spell locking the door, and can wipe it away with ease. The lock mechanism took some time to disarm, and apparently opened a trap beneath your feet.

Some of you probably stood back from the door down the stairs, they open out, and there was little room for the wide doors to open. As the magic is undone, the doors swing outward and large, lumbering humanoids come shambling out. They are wrapped in ragged grizzly hides, and smell as if they live in feces.

The teen guide will turn and flee the moment he sees them and scream, "Giants! They let the giants loose!"

Cassy has heard of these beasts, mostly extinct in imperial lands. They were hill giants, basically a race of giants that evolved from a society of castaway giants. Dumb, big, and brutish, they know one thing, 'their own needs'. And now they all wore large silver collars and wielded heavy clubs. Five of these ugly giants shambled out, and are now ducking single-file out of the front door. They do not see Silvas, and will pass right by him, giving him a great opportunity to show off the sneakiness of the fey backstabs!

{Most all of you have heard of giants.}

Initiatives:
Silvas 14+9
Cassy 16+6
Hill Giants
Anthony 9+3
Taros 6+1
Cara 3+1

{OOC- Anthony will spot an invisble 30 y-o man in the back of the decorated entry hall.}

[kariokie]

"Yipes!" Cassy backpedals, then points her staff forward towards the giants as she invokes a spell.

If possible, fireball a couple in the second row/back (10d6) without hitting anyone -- she'd know where Silvas was to start, at least, since he opened the door.

If not possible to do that safely, scorching ray, 2 rays of 4d6 each, +7 touch attack to hit.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros: AC 29, HP 82/82

Taros grins at these new opponents, "Giants? Well, you know what they say about the bigger they are..."

Taros moves forward to engage, attempting to block the giant's egress from the treasure room.

{
Attack: +14, Damage 1d8+6
}

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 26/28 vs. evil HP 75

Cara quickly casts a spell, then takes a fighting stance at Taros's side. A glowing mace appears beside her, and she points with her own mace hand at the first giant in the line. The floating mace streaks towards that giant, leaving glowing mist as a trail that dissipates almost immediately.

{
Cast Spiritual Weapon, direct it to attack the closest giant.
to hit +11, damage 1d8+3

Active spells:
Bull's Strength (Cara)
Status (Anthony)
Greater Status (Cassy, Taros, Bryce)
Magic Circle vs. Evil
Prot From Evil (Cassy)
Entropic Shield (Cara)
}

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony ignores the invisible man for now, instead focusing on the bigger threats. He shoots a jet of eldritch flame at one of the giants and makes it curve, striking another.

"Would someone cast Prestidigitation on these things? They smell like Thesnick looks."

((AB: +7, Dmg: 9d6+1, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas flits invisibly past the giants, poking each with his rapier.

Great Flyby attack
[roll0] (applies to each target)
[roll1] + [roll2]
[roll3]

[BlueWizard]

Silvas fails his fly-by attack, and can't puncture the tough skin of the giants with his rapier.

Cassy can hit the three giants in back, and burns the hair off their smelly skin, scalding them in her ball of fire. It smells worse now. They all groan in pain, and anger. Their grizzly bear hides are charred and blackened. Anthony can see the invisible man in the back is no longer smiling, and just missed being fried by the fireball.

The two lead giants are able to make it to the foot of the stairs, as Taros is unable to trap them at the doors, at least the two of them can't step by him with out pain. Their clubs are mighty and batter him mercilessly! {d:13 and 19}
The 3 charred giants get bottle-necked on the stairs and doorway, and Silvas could get an Attack of Opportunity next round if he held for them to move by his threatened space. {He can be right up in them, they do not have a clue he is there.}
The man will flee through a door in the back of the room...

Taros is able to slice up the lead giant, that seems bothered by gnats on its way down. {d:12 and 8}

Cara's spiritual weapon appears and she steps alongside Taros, at least to draw some fire from the other... they only had one attack that round! The spitual weapon clobbers the lead giant. {d:11}

End Round 1---------------------------->

Initiatives:
Cassy 16+6
Silvas
Hill Giants
Anthony 9+3
Taros 6+1 hp 50/82
Cara 3+1

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 26/28 HP 75

Fight or heal. It's the same choice as always. Kill them faster, or make sure her team can fight longer. Deep down, a dark little voice nudges her towards letting Taros feel the pain for a little bit. He can take it, and my mace is still clean. She swings her mace and punches with her shield, somehow timing her attacks with that of her glowing mace.

Cara's to hit, damage: mace/mace/shield +10/+4/+9, 1d8+4/1d8+4/1d4+2
Spiritual Weapon to hit, damage: +11/+5, 1d8+3/1d8+3

Taros also gets the benefit of the Magic Circle since Cara is right next to him.

Active spells:
Bull's Strength (Cara)
Status (Anthony)
Greater Status (Cassy, Taros, Bryce)
Magic Circle vs. Evil
Prot From Evil (Cassy)
Entropic Shield (Cara)

[BlueWizard]

The invisible man not seen will definitely announce a presence sort of when the rear hall door is opened.

[kariokie]

Cassy draws her hand across and then down, speaking a few words in Draconic as she does. There's the sound of a sheet unfurling and being shook, then everyone starts moving more quickly. "Come on, shake a leg."

Everyone after Cassy's initiative gets:
An extra attack when they make a full attack action
+1 to reflex saves
+1 to hit
+1 AC
+30 to movement speed
Duration: 10 rounds

[Idiotbox90]

Anthony speaks to Cara and Taros, "Guys, there's an invisible man in that vault. Not our invisible man, another one."

Still, the warlock does not attack him. Instead, he continues to focus on the current threat, the giants. He attempts to refocus his energies, before launching another barrage at the behemoths.

((Concentration: +11, AB: +8, Dmg: 9d6+1 or 5d6+1, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

((OOC: Did Anthony's previous attack hit?))

[Roland St. Jude]

Silvas

Silvas wrinkles his small nose at his apparent ineffectiveness. I rushed it a bit, I think. Silvas waits nearby the nearest giant and jabs at him as he passes. He then zips up and by for another pass, his rapier flashing - at least to those who can see it.


[roll0]
[roll1] + [roll2]

Great Flyby Attack (applies to all targets)
[roll3]
[roll4] + [roll5]

[BlueWizard]

Retro: Anthony Attack. :smallredface:
d:24 +5 following round! The lead hill giant is looking bad. The second giant is not on fire! d:12 The lead giant is now looking worse!

Round 2:
Cassy's spell suddenly seems to slow everything around you. HASTE

Silvas holds... {DM action} and as the giants move he whacks one of the charred rear giants with a big poke as it moves by him! {d:19} He then follows it up with a series of attacks all of his own! None of the pokes however could penetrate the giant's hide.

Taros is battered some more by the giant's club, it is on fire! {D:20, 17} Taros' looks a little woozy. {One attack nearly critical.} Somehow Cara's armor deflected the blows, but she could feel the might of the great swings as they glanced off her armor.

Anthony fires up the front rank of giants again! The lead one on fire is screaming horribly and burning badly! Anthony focuses hard and flames erupt on the giant that just battered Taros! {d:37} The giant some how lives, even as the fire finally dies down! The second giant attacking Cara is minorly hurt. {d:9}

Taros drops the giant facing him with a cut to it's femoral artery. The giant stops screaming and dies. {d:14} He can then aid Cara with a couple more hasted swings! {d: 10 and 14}

As this giant falls the third one {charred} charges down the stairs on to the bloody stair, while standing on the dead giant. It is very precarious and difficult for it to swing its club, and can only make a glancing blow off of Taros' armor.

The other two are looking about for the invisible gnat. The rear door closes as the man leaves completely.

Cara is a flurry of blows as she suddenly becomes aware of Taros' condition... {OOC- I can retro this... for healing. Cara hit almost every time with her hasted self, and did good damage. I'll give her either option. The giants are getting good rolls on the three hits, but still Taros is in danger.}

Her spiritual mace fumbled its first attack versus the 2nd giant. And bounced on the second.:smallmad: The spiritual mace gets an extra attack? {If that is the case... :smallfrown: it still missed!}

End Round 2----------------------------------------->

Initiatives:
Cassy 16+6 {HASTE in ROUND 2}
Silvas
Hill Giants
Anthony 9+3
Taros 6+1 hp 13/82
Cara 3+1

Edit Silvas looks like he damaged everyone!

[Eratosthenes]

Taros: 13/82 HP, AC 30+4 Defensive

Battered and bloodied, the continual fighting of the day was beginning to cause Taros to be just a little too slow, and a little too careless. Taking a moment, Taros calls on the power of his deity to bolster himself, while slipping into a defensive stance. His one goal was to prevent the giants from reaching his companions, and for that he did not to fight aggressively.

"You swing like a baby goblin, you big lout!" Taros calls to the remaining giants. Under his breath, he invokes a prayer to Heironeous for renewed vigor, if only to endure the blows sure to come his way.

{
Move Action: Goad on the least hurt giant: DC 15 Will Save, or must melee me if they melee
Standard Action: Divine Vigor: +16 Temp HP, +10 MR for 3 minutes
Fighting Defensively.

Edit: +1 AC due to Haste
}

[kariokie]

Cassy moves a little forward again, pointing her open palm at the giant attacking Taros, sending two beams of fire towards the creature. "Oi, you dummy giant! An' I mean you, Taros. Get out of there before you're pancaked. I'll even let you chop off his hands after, if that's what's floating your freaky-ass paladin boat this week."

Scorching Ray -- two rays, 4d6 damage on each, +8 touch attack for each.

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 27/29 HP 75

Her choice made, Cara watches the consequences play out. Taros is getting badly hurt, and on some level, it's her fault. She makes a small helpless noise, throat tight from watching him take the beating and stay standing, stay fighting. He could have stepped back to let her take on the brunt of the assault.

Taking her own step back, she puts herself behind him and chokes out the words to a spell, finishing by laying her hand on his back as gently as she can, then moving it to turn the gesture into a command for her spellmace.

No retro, thanks.
CCW on Taros this round, spending a use of TU to boost it: 31 (http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=2488)
Cast defensively if needed (DC is 19): 30 (http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=2489)
Spiritual Weapon: +11, 1d8+3 on the giant closest to Taros.

[Idiotbox90]

Taros is acting oddly today, Anthony thinks to himself. I wonder, whatever for?

The warlock, eyes taking on a faint glow, launches another attack against the giants. After the flame leaves his palm, he reports again to Cara and Taros.

"The invisible man, he just left. Just thought I'd let you all know."

((Concentration: +11, AB: +8, Dmg: 9d6+1 or 5d6+1, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

[BlueWizard]

Retros:
Silvas was able to poke all 4 remaining giants somewhere on their body as he whizzed perfectly through them!

Cara bludgeons the giant now in the lead attacking her. {only one mace miss! d: m9 m12 s5}

1st round note: I just realized I forgot to actually post Cassy's fireball roll. It was huge, most 6's I've seen in awhile! d:46 I got so into the description of the damage... all 3 failed the save!

Round 3:
Cassy sends two fire rays at the giant just stepping up to Taros, squeezing next to the giant trying to smash him. {D:11 and 17} "Gaaaaaah!" It screams.

Silvas can see the two rear giants are trying to sniff the fairy out, and muttering some horrible giant poem, in their guttural tongue. "Fee, Fi, Fo, Fum..." is about all you make out.
He whizzes by them all, poking all 4 giants for a little damage! {d:11 with sneak bonus!}

The hill giant burned by Cassy's fireball and rays bursts by Taros toward her! Taros tries to cut it as it passes and fails. It steps by Taros and moves on Cassy, and crushes her right arm with a strong blow stinging horribly! {d:18} The club's pain seems to take over her whole shoulder.

The giant near Cara stays on her, as she seems to be causing him a bit of belly pain. Cara is clipped hard by one of the giant's mighty blows giving her a headache and knocking her helmet a little to the side. {d:20}

The rear giant stays distracted by whatever invisible gnat is bother him, because it is starting to hurt. The other however decides to rush down the stairs, and step over the fallen one, to get a shot at the human that just killed it's brother. It clambers down the stairs over the downed giant and tries to hit Taros, but only manages a glancing blow off his armor.

Anthony flames the giant charging Cassy, and burns it up! The big humanoid falls and lands with a thud near the natural arcanists. He hurts the one by Cara with the ray's secondary deflection, and he can see this giant teetering. {d:36} {Only 3 Left! One by Cara hurt BAD!} All the three last ones were hit by Cassy's big fireball.

Taros GOADS the 2 lead living giants, the one in the rear seems to distracted by the invisible fey. They look to him, and find him the biggest threat now! Taros also boosts himself with holy vigor.

Cara defensively casts, and heals Taros, making him a lot better! Her spiritual weapon continues to have trouble damaging the tough giants.

End Round 3------------------------------>

Initiatives:
Cassy 16+6 {HASTE in ROUND 2} d:18
Silvas
Hill Giants
Anthony 9+3
Taros 6+1 hp 60/98
Cara 3+1 hp 55/75

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 27/29 HP 75

"If you get killed, I'm going to beat the crap out of you, Taros." Standing behind him, Cara casts another spell, dropping a column of holy flames into the midst of the fight. "Thank you, Anthony. We're a little tied up right now. Bryce? Can you see him? Follow him maybe?"

Cast Flamestrike: 10d6 damage, Ref DC 20 for half, aiming to get two giants if possible, go after the least injured one if not.
Concentration check to cast defensively: 27 (http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=2490)
Cara knows exactly where Silvas is, so she won't accidentally hit him.
Spiritual Weapon: +11/+6, 1d8+3/1d8+3

[kariokie]

Cassy's lifted off her feet and knocked sideways with the heavy blow from the club. "Ow! F---!" Staggering backwards, she tries to put on a brave face as she taunts the other giants, "If your friend got blood on my robes I'm going to be so pissed."

"And thanks, Anthony." Pointing the palm of her hand towards the giant on Cara, she says a single sharp word of Draconic and then flattens her palm, pointing her fingers. Five violet missiles appear and fly towards her target.

Move away from the giants, then Magic Missile: 5d4. HP: 25/43

[Idiotbox90]

"I'm good at two things, detecting magic and seeing the invisible." Another jet of flame is sent at the giants. "I'm not too bad at blasting things, though."

((Concentration: +11, AB: +8, Dmg: 9d6+1 or 5d6+1, Target must make a DC 16 Reflex Save or take 2d6 fire dmg the following round. Second Target: Dmg is 1/2 original dmg. Must also make DC 16 Reflex Save. If the save fails, he takes 1/2 the fire damage of the original.))

[BlueWizard]

Cassy's magic missiles pelt the giant's scalded flesh, {d:16} and Cassy drops it! The damage the giant's body withstood was just too much! {2 left} She free's Cara up only a little, since the giant fighting Taros is right there!

Silvas {critical fly-by! D:19} flies by invisibly and slices up the last two giants, and finally the rear giant gives up on finding him!

The hill giants attack the goading Taros. The nearest one critically strikes Taros, ringing his bell! {d:33} Taros feels as if every bone in his body is rattled!

The badly hurt rear giant comes forward in anger, and tries to swat at Taros, but can only bang up the heavy armor.

Anthony continues his fire blasts! {d:28} The front one collapses, and the second one takes on some fires as well! It screams loudly, now it is totally incoherent!

Taros fells the last giant with two swift cuts! {d:9 and 7} The combat is over here, but there is an evil man fleeing you!

End Round 4--------------------------->
{OOC- We can push on in the same initiatives, or move along a little more cautiously. Cara can save her spell...}

Initiatives:
Cassy 16+6 {HASTE in ROUND 2} d:18
Silvas
Anthony 9+3
Taros 6+1 hp 27/98
Cara 3+1 hp 55/75

[kariokie]

Rubbing her arm, Cassy runs up next to Cara, a little off-kilter. "I can port us past that door to find the invisible friend Anthony's talkin' 'bout real quick while he might still be there, or I can wait. I'd rather wait, and: ow!" Cassy glances over at the injured Taros, then at Cara, "Ouch for both of you, too."

[dauphinous]

Cara stops on the edge of calling down Pelor's finger to smush anything and turns it instead into a spell of healing. She looks around quickly to make sure that the group of them are essentially alone. Before delivering the spell, she steps around Taros and pulls off his helm. Then she slaps him, quite hard and with her gauntleted hand, across the face to discharge it. It feels pretty good from her end.

{CMW for Taros: [roll0]}

[kariokie]

Cassy backs away from Cara and reaches into her haversack. "Uh. I'll drink a potion. Thanks."

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Rubbing his jaw, Taros has a shocked expression on his face. "Hey - ow! What was that for?"

[BlueWizard]

You all have a moment to breath, and can spell up and recover as those inside have no interest in coming after you out here or in the entry hall.

[dauphinous]

"Pull your head out of your ass, and grab the stick that's in there while you're at it," Cara snarls at Taros. She shoves his helm into his chest roughly, holding onto it tightly. "Don't you ever do anything like that in front of me again, or I'll cut your hands off." Then she lets go of the helm whether he grabs it or not, still glaring at him.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Raising his voice slightly, Taros responds, "What, should next time I just step aside and let them thru? You saw what happened to Cassy with just one hit! She's a fearsome arcanist, but do you think she could've stood toe-to-toe with them?"

Taros catches his breath, before adding more quietly, "And other thing, woman: you were right there beside me. Think I was going to leave you to those overgrown goons?" The last is said as he swipes his helm from Cara, though he still holds it awkwardly at his side.

[dauphinous]

"You big...dumb-" Cara swipes the air a little bit, willing it to provide words good enough, because she's much too upset to actually come up with them on her own at the moment. "I'm not even talking about that!"

She steps in close and pokes his armor in the chest with one finger. "I thought it could wait until later, because I didn't want to say anything in front of those people, but it can't. It can't wait anymore. Who the hell do you think you are, anyway? Judge, jury, and executioner? You think you can just pronounce a sentence and carry it out with as much blood as you see fit? What makes you better than them if your sentence is some kind of-" She pauses and flexes her fist, using the gesture to try to pick the right wards again, "grotesque mutilation?"

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros looks a bit stunned and confused, his mouth opening and closing in a good impersonation of a fish. Eventually his brain seems to catch up to events: "Huh? Oh..."

Furrowing his brow, he tries to explain, "The man was engaged in obviously criminal actions. The punishment I meted out was meant to discourage him from his evil ways, and to serve as a warning to others. Judge, jury, and executioner? No more than what we are all engaged in here, right now, in this very demesne. Grisly? Yes. But somehow I didn't think a mere slap on the wrist wouldn't break a man such as that from his ways."

Taros shrugs, "He'll live. And either he'll repent, and perhaps the Gods will have mercy on him, or he'll be ineffective in perpetrating his crimes. And he'll serve as a warning to those like him."

[dauphinous]

"And maybe we should stick these other men's heads on pikes and use them to decorate the place. That would be just as effective." Cara's instinct, as a woman, is to just turn and walk away for now. To get the job done. As a priest, she wants to grab him and shake him until he gets it. Metaphorically, anyway. As the upset person standing there, torn in half by who and what she is, she drops her head and leans forward just far enough to clunk it into his chest, grabbing onto his armor with both hands to hold herself there. "Please," she whimpers, "please don't ever do that again. Please. Never mind the 'why' right now."

[BlueWizard]

The group stands and recovers in front of the treasury building or in the entry hall, which Silvas helped in accessing. There are a couple places you aren't supposed to step.

Beyond the door that the invisible man fled, you can hear lots of movement as if things are being piled in front of that door to block it. There is a lot of activity suggesting that there might be quite a few slaves or guards on the other side of it.

The teen will speak of a rear entrance, that is guarded by a post station there. This building is maybe 30 feet tall, 50 feet wide, and 80 long all said. It is surrounded by a few other buildings, some depot on one side, and a large abandoned barracks building...

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros begins to counter, on the problems with merely piking the heads of the soldiers sent against them, but reconsiders with Cara's last request. "Of course, m'lady." He bows his head in acquiescence.

Putting his helm back in place, Taros calls upon a quick prayer from his deity before turning to the others, "I think we have a runner to chase down."

{
Lay on Hands on myself for whatever I have left: 15?
Divine Vigor again, to renew the duration
45/82 HP + 16 Temporary
}

[kariokie]

"I can get us past the door they're stupidly trying to block, but only under two conditions. One: no more frickin' drama, and two: someone fixes my arm 'cos it hurts like a motherf---er and I was only kidding about the potion thing and I'm a frickin' baby so f--- all you people." Cassy stands there, clutching her left arm with her right and clenching her teeth as she speaks.

[dauphinous]

Cara waves a hand, whispering the words to a spell. She doesn't reach over to touch Cassy, or even look at her. She uses the link that her status spell provides to send it to her from where she stands. Then she straightens and pulls out a wand, using it on Taros. "Whenever you're ready," she says quietly.

{
CMW provided by Pearl of Power and boosted with TU, just 'cause it's Cassy and she'll whine more if I don't heal it all the way: [roll0]

CLW for Taros from wand: [roll1], [roll2], [roll3]
}

[kariokie]

Cassy should be more horrified by what Taros did, but again: her life was made bearable by ignoring all of those bad things she could find a way to ignore. It wasn't unexpected, either. People did brutal things, all the time, and Cassy's inability to do the same to other people had only led to her being hurt and allowed other people to get away with hurting her.

Honestly, some small part of her mind -- the part shaped by people like Helena -- thinks Taros' explanation is bunk anyhow. Chopping off hands was silly. Then the person couldn't do anything useful for you. You chopped off fingers, that's what Helena always did. Then they were scared and they could still be useful. Well, I guess Taros didn't need anything from him. Of course, then why not kill him? That makes a good warning, and there's less horrified screaming.

And, of course, some other part of her mind was miffed once again that Taros had yelled at her about killing Helena -- who had sold her into slavery -- but chopped off this man's hands and thought it was perfectly dandy. Even if Taros had apologized later, it seemed like he should apologize a second time. Plus, he'd upset Cara, which probably meant he had to apologize a third time.

Better just to ignore it and keep going, though. No paladin would listen to her. She makes her voice falsely chipper as she prods the others for their next action, "So, boss-people, jaunt in the front door past whatever they're blocking it with -- and possibly into a wall -- or shall we go 'round the back like the kid says?"

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros notes Cassy's false bravado, but knows it likely has nothing to do with the fight they were just in, nor the one they were likely to face. He knew she'd seen more in her short life than most war veterans. In fact, the only times she seemed to be distraught were...

Sighing, he decides to hash all that out later. "Front, side, all the same to me. If he thinks it is more reasonable to go where they don't expect us, then let us go that way."

[Idiotbox90]

"Shall we go, then?" Anthony refocuses himself, dimming the red glow. "Giants, the man had giants guarding his stuff. What ill-gotten gains he must have had. But that can wait, I suppose."

[dauphinous]

"Around the side." Cara makes a half-hearted gesture around the building and nods to Anthony. She picks up her mace and shield where they lie and just walks, holding the wand she has out in her shield hand. A few steps away, she absently starts tapping herself with it.

{CLW for Cara: [roll0], [roll1]}

[kariokie]

"I hope we get to illy get some of his ill-gotten gains after we're done sharing. Mama needs a new pair of Elven boots," she kicks one of her feet out towards Anthony, showing the blood that's splattered on her boots.

Frowning briefly after noticing her friend's mood, Cassy jogs after Cara, taking a moment as she does to clang! Taros on the backside of his armor with her staff. "If you broke her, you're buying me a new one."

Cara gets no better treatment, earning a sound two-handed staff clang! to a shoulder guard of her armor. "Cut it out and focus, you big dumbass farm girl. You don't get to be upset when someone could splatter me at anytime. Them's the rules. I wrote 'em, so I know 'em."

[BlueWizard]

Either way you go, your best guess is that what lays beyond the rear door also lays beyond the door in the entry hall. There is a rear door guard post, but no-one man's it. The activity in the inner room is blocking both doors, and Cassy can D-Door you all inside without a problem.

The set-up is almost comical. Several thuggish looking men load up cabinets, trophies, tables, and chairs against one door or another. An open door to stairs up is to one side, and a stairway down on the other side. There are also well-dressed house slaves with silver collars helping to stack. In the chaos, people will actually bump into you a few times before they notice you. This was once an office room, with many clerks working it.

When they do notice the allies, there is mad hysteria toward the upper and lower area through the open doors. The doors are heavily blocked with art and furnishings worth a lot. Within seconds, unless hindered, the whole crowd will disperse up or down, even the slaves in finery.

Anthony will have seen an invisible shadow go up, before the chaos began.

[dauphinous]

Cara flinches at the clang, but just says "I'm fine." There is a little bit of an edge to it, but she's doing a good job hiding behind her helm at the moment. She leaves the wand in her shield hand and grips her mace. Get the job done. "Unless there is an obvious threat, I suggest we see about getting the invisible man first. If he's there, of course."

The first thing Cara does when they pop in is grab the nearest slave and get the collar off him.

[Idiotbox90]

"I saw him. We go up." Anthony points in the direction he saw the invisible man flee.

[kariokie]

It always made Cassy feel helpless and upset when Cara was upset -- she never seemed to have much of an idea how to make her feel better. This stupid invisible person they were chasing around just upset her even more. "Okay, that's it." Cassy pulls a scroll out from her pack and reads it, then starts up the stairs. "Can't run, can't hide, better surrender!"

{See Invisibility.}

[BlueWizard]

Cara can grab any one of the well dressed bald male slaves running amok. With his collar removed he salutes in a panic, "Tolhorn, Clerk 43rd class, reporting!"

Your path up the stairs will be unimpeded up to a room of desks.

There is a door on the other side, likely going to a stairway up, but it is closed. All those who fled here are either pounding on the far door in fear, or cowering under desks.
Cara and Taros could guess the crimes on the books here. Probably enough to incriminate any noble involved with Thesnick.
If proven guilty, the emperor must try them, if not then He must be tried and removed from office. The emperor holds the balance of all through following divinely agreed upon laws of the empire. You might be able to bring up a legal case in here.
Even churches can be found guilty here.

Edit:
No invisible guys here now...

[dauphinous]

"Thesnick is dead," Cara tells the clerk, loudly enough that anyone who is close should hear it, too. "In the name of the Fist, begin removing the collars from everyone here."

She follows Cassy upstairs, taking a quick look around. The people pounding on the door seems obvious enough. "Through the door, I suppose?"

[kariokie]

"Guess so. Don't want to port us, don't want to run out of juice." She looks at the fearful clerks, "Oh, for f---'s sake, we're not going to kill you. This time. Better not work for a man with slaves again, though. Anyhow, stop pounding on that door and get out of the way so we can open it."

[BlueWizard]

As the freed slave moves to free other slaves, a soldier starts to stop them, but at the reminder of the Fist, he stops and the soldiers flee faster.

The slaves will begin to free themselves and some immediately run toward the exit. Some stick around, hide, and watch to see what happens. Taros sees miracles as man after man converts from evil. Some stay evil, but plead the same for aid.

A few still pound on the door to try and knock it down.
One of the soldiers will turn when the Fist arrives at the doorway to the upper level. "A wizard from the Arena is there. He 'cooks the books, and often rains hail upon winning gladiator-arena armies to cut out the chaff. Thesnick's boys are up there. The eldest is crafty, but watch out for the younger one's sword."
{There are often once or twice a year, at the Colosseum Arena reenactments of sea battles or land wars, sometimes with the same amount of soldiers, and often different results. Thesnick supplied these stock grunts, and wizards ran this as clerks, in a vast Entertainment empire. Usually reacted battles had few survivors who became famous, if too many survived wizards were around to kill them. This Arena sponsors the annual Imperial bard tourney, an awesome site to behold, with epic and amateur competitions. Anyway, wizards are clerks of the empire, and are quite common in important positions. In the Empire wizards are common, and even Name level wizards are reduced to poverty and traveling trips in the over-populated lands. Especially Old Galorine, land of luxury and entertainment... or uh, menace and vice.}

Silvas will be able to unlock the gas trap on the door, and a magical lock with a little time. Beyond is a stairway up, and he will find a few evil glyphs on his way up... definitely chaotic in nature, and wipe them away with a little effort. At the top is another door, this one is black with a silver seal of young Hecate, in a sexy gown, the way the edges and outline surround her, makes it look like she has demon wings.

There is silence on the door, as if a priest cast the spell.

The slaves and grunts won't be a problem, and many are very cooperative, trying to be your friend, many are no longer evil.

[dauphinous]

"Just stay out of the way," Cara offers to anyone trying to ingratiate himself or help. Noting the silence, which is incredibly obvious when you're used to the rhythmic clanking of armor, Cara makes sure she is not within it, then casts a spell. "Let's go."

Use Pearl of Power to cast Bless

Active Spells:
Magic Circle vs. Evil
Greater Status
Status
Bull's Strength (Cara)
Prot From Evil (Cassy)
Entropic Shield (Cara)

[kariokie]

Cassy moves out of range of the silenced door and casts a spell on herself, disappearing from sight. "Turnabout's fair play in my book." She follows the others through the final door, trying hard not to look at the figure of Hecate.

Invisibility. See Invisibility is still in effect.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

While Cara worked on freeing the slaves, and Cassy and Anthony searched for the invisible man (Taros had no idea what their own invisible man was up to), Taros kept an eye out for armed resistance.

At the door, Taros again invokes his deity for strength in the upcoming battle.


66/82 HP, +16 Temporary HP
AC 29

[BlueWizard]

Silvas can again disarm the lock with no trouble, as well as plug the poison gas tube with gum, then the door with Hecate's seal opens. Beyond is a dark chamber, and a great desk greets you at the door. On one side is a laboratory with potions and vials of many colors, all in clear glass, all labeled. A wizard stands behind this magical counter.

Those seeing invisible will see the 3 human men in armor. One of them stands in front with shield up. They are dispersed in the room, but a well placed area effect could get a few. Near a back vault door, that is sealed with Hecate, but more racy, a priest of Hecate. A priestess holds up the setting moon symbol of Hecate. It is dosed red from being bathed in blood so long. It may be a little damp even now. Taros and Cara will recognize this as the blatant evil version of the alignment swaying goddess.

To the right is a horror to evil to look at, an altar of blood, with bath and mounted small heads. None of them are adult humans, but all are human.

These men will attack immediately, and don't pause to talk.
{OOC- What, Blue, no Bondian speech attempts?}

Initiatives:
Cassy 14+6
Villains!
Silvas 7+9
Cara 15+1
Anthony 12+3
Taros 11+1

[kariokie]

"Three invisible tincans, one of them's right in front of you, Taros." She wasn't about to just launch a fireball into a room. That seemed unwise. However...

"Hey, that stuff dangerous?" she asks, waving a hand towards the laboratory the wizard stands behind, even though no one but Anthony can see her. "Why don't you tell me, huh?" Cassy makes a motion in the air like she's grabbing something and flinging it through the air, then appears. Items on the shelf begin to shake and move as she does, then launch themselves from where they rest.

Take 10 of the potions and whack the wizard with them with Telekinesis. +12 to hit him with each item. Cassy: Putting the Chaotic in Chaotic Good since 2006.

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

Taros, slow to react to the invisible defenders, makes his way to any who might have gone past him.

If they are still invisible, he will use Cassy or Anthony's guidance to try to strike at them, invisible or not.

{
Against visible: Smite Evil: +22 Attack, 1d8+13 damage
Room to charge? Smite Charge: +24 Attack, 1d8+27 damage
Against invisible: Attack +15, 1d8+6 damage
AC 29, 66/82 HP + 16 Temporary
}

[BlueWizard]

There are countless potions or elixirs, and the order in which they hit will be about as random as the ones that were picked.

The potions shatter on the man or about the room and he snarls in annoyance.

{OOC- It is my understanding they must be imbibed or are destroyed.}

The wizard will howl in annoyance, and grab a minor healing potion and drink it to heal the minor wounds he sustains, and then ducks for cover behind the lab counter.

The invisible front man charges Taros, but he manages only to clip Taros for a little damage. {d:6} This is the man that Anthony saw, and looks to be the youngest of the three darkish tan bearded men.

The eldest moves to the priestess, and the one in the middle stays about 20 feet from where his younger brother blocks the doorway versus Taros.

The priestess is a middle-aged woman with unnatural youth, she smirks, a smirk that has a lot of lines. She casts fireball, as a divine priestess! And launches it into all of you! The younger brother is able to avoid all the damage and gives the priestess an angry look, to which she only returns a fluttered laugh. {d:37 only Taros and Anthony feel it all!}
Silvas darts to an air pocket...
Cassy and Cara are able to shield themselves from the blast center, it still makes things hot. {And if I missed resists please post.:smallsmile: }

Battle Begins------------------>
I can move the initiatives here now to account for the enemy's action.


Initiatives:
Silvas 7+9
Cara 15+1 d:18
Anthony 12+3 d:37
Taros 11+1 d:43
official round ends----------->
Cassy d:18
Villains!

Edit: I'll post Taros action with the round.:smallwink:

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 27 HP 75

Unable to see these invisible people, Cara starts for the priest. Damnable priests of Hecate had already caused her enough trouble. She hadn't been able to do anything about the last one that did some very disturbing things, but this one, she could deal with. The holy symbol covered in blood will probably bother her later. Not now. Now, it's tunnel vision, and nothing is getting in the way of her vision of the future where this priest of Hecate is dead on the floor.

So, I've got some if-then statements.
If the priest is within 60 feet and it is otherwise possible, then charge with +12 to hit, 1d8+4 damage.
If charging is not an option, and the silence effect is not active 30 feet into the room, then cast Hammer of Righteousness at the priest: 11d8 damage, Fort DC 18 for half and Cara takes [roll0] temp Str damage.
If neither of the above conditions are possible, then just move up to get as close to the priest as possible.

[kariokie]

"Well, I thought that would do something more interesting," Cassy says in a disappointed tone. Then the priestess of Hecate decides to go all flamey on them. Trying to pat out the flames on her arms, Cassy complains, "Ow, ow, fire, ow. Lady, I've just about had enough of all of you."

If Cara reaches the priestess in melee, use TK to grapple and pin the wizard, +17 to touch attack to start grapple, +17 to grapple check. If she doesn't, or the wizard is out of LoS, use TK on the priestess.

HP: 25/43

[BlueWizard]

OOC- I think some confusion is had, by me too. There is silence on the doorway, and the stairs go down here, so it is rough to get a view into the room. Cassy can have moved 20 feet into the room against the walls left or right. The youngest brother trapped Taros at the doorway in silence. I will accept Taros' held Smite evil, and then he moved up to the door, so his action can be the same... Some people will have to push into room to do their actions.

Battle:
Silvas darts into the room able to line up the two younger brothers but can't find a chink in their helmets with his little rapier. He is still invisible, and the brothers' have no clue just what bonked over their heads.

Cara will push by the younger brother and enter the room, and take a glancing blow off her magically enhanced shields. She can then cast the Hammer of Pelor, and a beam of sunshine forms into an arm in the middle of the room and drops upon the head of the priestess. {d:39} The evil priestess is pained and looks in anger at Cara! The sunbeam fist then disappears into the ceiling. No windows here, just stone wall.

Anthony is clever and can duck out of the silence in the stairway and fry the two lead brothers to soften up the ranks. {d:25} He fries the front brother, but instead of ricocheting it at the other brother, he hits Taros instead! {Fumble D:12}

Taros knows there is an opponent blocking his path and can attack him.{He can see the lead attacker now! Smite no charge d:17}

Cassy moves to grapple the priestess! {18+17, 10+17} Cassy can tackle the woman. {OOC-I am unsure what TK is. May retro what priestess does.}

The youngest brother stays strong on keeping at least Taros at the door in the silence. {d:7 and 12} The bearded man in his late 20's whacks hard into Taros!

The middle brother moves on the priestess, Cara. He sees the solo caster alone as an easier option... His sword is unable to hurt Cara on his charge. {He is visible now, too!}
The eldest and last invisible brother, will move quietly toward Cassy. She and Anthony will see him apply a sickly green poison to his dagger. Very easily. He doesn't know he is seen yet.

The wizard stands reading a scroll and causes a 'flat, vertical wall of festering, stinking organic ooze to bubble into being. It blocks Cara and Taros in by the entry way side, with the two younger brothers. It is quite nasty, and smells a bit acrid.
Silvas and Cassy are 'trapped' with the priestess, wizard, and eldest bro on the other side.

The priestess will take this round to free herself in a counter move. The priestess is clearly pumped in strength, and Cassy can feel it in the mighty move she makes to get her off. {OOC- Unsure on the TK effect.}


End Round 1----------------------------------------->


Initiatives:
Silvas 7+9
Cara 15+1 d:18
Anthony 12+3 d:37
Taros 11+1 25/82
official round ends----------->
Cassy d:18
Villains!

[BlueWizard]

OOC- Figured it! You mean telekinesis.:smallredface:
This woman is grappled, and will fight off the grapple on her action.
depending on how far Cassy went she may be on the Cara side of the wall...

[dauphinous]

Cara
AC 27 HP 57/75

"Damnit." Cut off from the priestess, Cara snarls a little. Taking stock of the current situation, she makes a further annoyed noise. Everyone but Silvas is hurt already. Taros clearly needs help to face these two men. She steps away from the two men interested in skewering them both to put Taros between her and them so she can speak the words of a spell to heal him as much as possible. "If you could stop getting hurt, Taros, it would make my job easier." If she sounded more blasé about it, it might even be a funny thing to say. It comes out a little strained, though.

Cast CCW on Taros, spend a use of TU to boost it: 44 (http://roll.coyotecode.net/lookup.php?rollid=2673)

[Eratosthenes]

Taros

"But if I stop getting hurt, I won't have the pleasure of your healing touch!" Taros realizes his attempt at good-natured humor wasn't a very good one...but it was the best he could do, given the circumstances.

At Cassy's warning, Taros does as he's told. They've fought together often enough that he knows the girl was tactically smart, if not brilliant, and she surely had some sort of ace up her sleeve.

{
Hold action until Cassy's, then:
Full Attack: +18 (Smite)/+10 Damage 1d8+6(+7 Smite, +21 if I can charge)
Dragon Shield: +8/+2 Damage 2d6
AC 29, 69/82 HP
Used 3/5 Smites so far, and 4/6 Divine Vigors/Turn Undeads.
}