City of Sinister Delights IC 4

[AlanBruce]

Chapter IV

The Badlands

“He was a tool of the boss, without brains or backbone.”

― Franz Kafka, The Metamorphosis

In The Palace of Justice, a few days ago…

Grand Inquisitor Connor of the Cudgel, seated on his golden throne, magnificently decorated with a thousand gems and boasting eight pairs of beautiful angel wings, looks down upon High Priestess Na’Wa, while Inquisitor Dalpinian stands further back, almost in the shadows.

A large trunk with the jade Sultanate crest sits beside the young Cuthbertine.

“Your contributions to the City of Power will not go unnoticed, High Priestess. We are aware that you , as a political refugee, want nothing more than to see your lands restored from oppression.

In a way, I have been burdened to do the same here in beloved Halmathan. As soon as the King’s Campaign is brought into fruition, as Steward to this noble City, I shall advise the King to see into matters concerning the Sea of Sands.”

High Priestess Na’Wa looks at the trunk and then up at Connor, who is basked in light from a the Eye of God window behind his throne, casting shadows over his face and bows.

“I am aware of the plight of your land, Your Holiness. All I ask is that I can be given the authority to build a legal church to The Ruby Sorceress. One that will not be countered by the other churches.

Once her doctrines are accepted by the people, they will come to see that we are not vile necromancers as many would be quick to point out.”

Connor leans over like a hawk and locks eyes with her.

“Are you sure about that, High Priestess? You know what you have to do before I call the Conclave.”

Na’Wa closes her eyes and sighs while nodding.

“I am aware. My finest man will see to it.”

Dalpinian clears his throat and takes a step forward, a smug look on his face and takes out a small note book while he leaves through it.

“You mean the dwarf? Your bodyguard by the name of… Sharkun, son of Thrazir, yes? He has been absent lately from your side. Not exactly a reliable bodyguard, if that is indeed his position amongst your very small flock.”

Connor raises an eyebrow and looks down at the High Priestess, who ignores Dalpinian and looks up at Connor.

“If we are to be here for a long time- presumably citizens- I asked him to get to know our new home. I did not see it as a transgression of sorts. If it was, my apologies, your Holiness.”

Connor is about to respond when he grows silent and his hands clench the arm rests of his throne.

“A subject that will be covered at a later time. This audience is over. You are dismissed. Dalpinian! Escort the High priestess back to the Palace Guest House.”

High Inquisitor Dalpinian bows deeply and a pair of guards open the massive ornate doors for both him and Na’wa to leave, making sure to shut it ever so gently- Connor depsises loud noises, after all.

And with nobody in sight, the Grand Inquisitor looks at a shadowy corner of the vast Chamber of Law where so many trials have taken place since he took up office and a crimson robed stranger bearing a ruby mask walks up to him, bowing just as courteously.

“That is a nice coffer, your Holiness! I take it the King;s Campaign is sure to be well on its way now…heh.”

Connor does not take this well as he leans forward and looks at the man straight through his ruby mask.

“Why are you here?”

“You know why:

She has been fully awakened, Connor… was this part of your plan? Because if it is, I really hope you have a way to contain her.

Connor grips his arm rests and looks around at the room.

“I am aware. I had not expected her to fully emerge. But there is little reason for conern:

She has played her part. And I believe she is no longer welcome into my plans for this City. The mages at Runestone will be a problem, but I can diffuse it. Done so before, it will be the same result.”

The masked man looks around the room as well and shakes his head.

“Once she has amassed enough power, what stops her from coming here? Everything we have strived for will be for naught!”

Connor smiles and puts his hands together in prayer as the sun seeps from the great window behind him.

“I believe it is time we give such a Bright Mind a proper burial… a real one, this time.

And you will do nicely. You know where she lairs. Make it happen. I am too close to achieving my goals and those of this City. I cannot have loose ends.

Now go- I have to meditate and Commune. Do not report to me until the deed is done. Understood?”

The masked man looks up at Connor as a purple aura surrounds him.

“I hope you know what you have unleashed, Connor. Know that i will not risk my life for your brilliant plan. At first chance, I shall elope. And with me, so does my army.”

Connor furrows his brow and looks at the man as he’s about to disappear.

“Faith, my son- it moves mountains.”

The masked man chuckles before leaving in a silent shadowy veil, leaving Halmathan’s Grand Inquisitor alone in his room and looks at his right arm, which holds something surgically implanted beneath the skin.

I cannot lose. Not even to her! With Borazon gone, I can still use this new acquisition to further my lofty goals.

I am and always will be in control!

[dantiesilva]

As the town guards approach Sister Elizabeth's first reaction is relief, surely they would be able to help her. That all changes however as they begin speaking to her and she realizes the city is far more dangerous than the Mercy ever was to her. Maybe Lady Alexia is right, this world has changed but certainly not for the better. the old woman thinks to herself as she visibly shakes in fear as the guards meant to protect people begin speaking.

"Oh no officer, Cornelius is not feral, I just bought him..." the old woman says, quickly silenced as the other guard gets a greedy grin on his face and begins tell her about the tax, more like extortion the old woman thinks, as with shaky hands her hand reaches to her very old coin purse and begins pulling out a gold coin when a third figure appears almost making her jump out of her very skin. Towering even over Hannibal would be an understatement referring to this half-orc as her nerves slowly came back to her as he spoke, like a true town guard should.

"No sir, absolutely not." the old woman says as she gets out of the cart, watching as he easily places Cornelius inside of it before lifting it over his head. All the time she stands their mouth ajar with Firewood of the Mercy in her hand. " My you are a strong boy, it is a good thing you are not like those other guards." the old woman notes, still rather shaken as she follows him towards the Mercy. "To be honest I still am not use to all that has changed, it feels like only yesterday people were a lot nicer and very few people had those contraptions, automobiles I believe they are called." the old woman says trying to keep up the small talk. "So what happened to the city, everyone seems so different from the good old days fifteen years ago, I barely even know my neighbors anymore." the old woman says trying to give out as little information as possible, while still learning what had happened to cause such a change in people.

As the two arrived at the wall of separation and Captain Wulfur lowers the cart the old woman pulls out her bag and takes out two gold coins. "I know it is not much, however you are one of the nicest people I have meet in a long time and have saved me no doubt a great deal more than those two pieces." the old woman says holding out her hand with the two gold pieces in it to Captain Wulfur. "If they don't I will have to find a way to get a message to my friends is all. I knew we should have all stuck together. Again thank you for your help young man and have a blessed day."

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: Maybe Alexia is right after all...

Is this the kind of world Man deserves? Men with badges acting as crooks, warded by an umbrella of Law, ready to cut your purse open with some clearly imagined tariff. Has the City sunk so low so as to become a thieving ground?

However, as noble as Alexia's intentions might seem, her way is an extreme- this behavior would cease to be... as would any other. Everyone would be a monster fit to serve her, forever beholden to her designs. A lot of work indeed you have cut out for you now, as you dig into your coin purse, only for the crooked guards to gulp and skittle away as a titan of a half orc lifts Cornelius Rust and the cart you drove on above his head and walks beside you towards The Mercy.

"You think I'm strong? Ha! You're alright, lady. Truth be told, you can get fined by the City if you stall traffic. Mules are good pack animals, but when the streets are packed head to butt with those machines, traditional transportation is usually frowned upon.

So you have been away fro awhile? Fifteen years? That's a long time, madam. I hope your views on Halmathan haven't changed too much for the worst. It wasn't always like this, though:

People weren't that mad at each other.

The streets weren't packed with sleaze bags toting a baton.

And mules could haul a cart without them or their rider being insulted.

It was a good... kind of miss it myself.""

He does not address more of your questions and shakes his head as you dig into your purse once the cart and mule are put down on the ground, pointing at his badge.

"To protect and to serve, ma'am: that's my job.... and of everyone wearing a badge like. I appreciate your gesture, but that's what we do. Besides... this is the entrance to the Mercy.

You might need it more than I. Have a good one.""

And just like that, Captain Wulfur, thought still in retirement, walks away. Perhaps there are other men of the Law here that behave like him? Maybe not all is lost, after all...

But such idea is quickly washed away when the Cuthbertine Guards look at the cart and mule and then at the tents, not fit for pack animals and of course, set out to inspect the goods going in, papers on you or not.

"Didn't you leave here a few hours ago? Old wrinkled bat like you is hard to forget. Are you as blind as one? Entrance to the wall is for people, not carts or beasts of burden...and what the hell are you buying all this stuff for, anyways?""

The guard moves the stuff around the box, but not really finding anything to blame you on, shurgs as a young pelorian neophyte offers to watch for your mule, cart and stuff, with the promise to return quickly, since no matter how much you argue, sweet talk or sing-

That cart and mule aren't making it through the Wall. That's a fact. Could the guards carry it over? Yes.

Do they want to? What do you think?

Access to The Mercy is lengthy, having to go through the many checkpoints as your eye catches sight of more Mercyfolk are rounded up in dark tents and amidst the wails of plea and hard steel on flesh... cured.

But at long last, you find yourself in the slums of Hope's Caress and head towards the Den, where everyone except Sharkun is assembled.

Sasha checks the tools that will hopefully, one day make her a top cook and examines them as one would in her line of work:

By how sharp they are.

William is quick to show you the letter he got by one of his own people and upon analysis of the penmanship and the seal, it becomes clear:

It's Alexia's... she has taken somebody again.




@The Party: With pretty much everyone assembled, the path is clear: to the Badlands and then on to Karyllyn's Mine. If there is a way to bring Halmathan's Brightest Mind down, it has to be there. Is there solid proof that there is? Not even close, except the file you have read.

But if there is at least a chance you can learn something about her weakness...anything. You have to try.

Cyrus will be cause for all of you being arrested- it's not like Raikou can fly over Halmathan's skies riding him- The little guy was shot down upon arrival.

Sparky is an old SMC bot. It is true that many SMC products dot the City, but you have yet to see another one like him around, so both construct and familiar are stuffed in a bag and, leaving the Den and the Bitter Coffee to Will's capable little army of runts, you walk towards the Wall of Separation. From there, cross the City of Power to the North Gate.

The Cuthbertine Guards at the checkpoint eye all of you most warily- especially Rusty, but don't act on it, as an Eye in the Sky looms above all of you and Elizabeth introduces you to Cornelius Rust, pack mule extraordinaire.

...


...


...

A mule. And a cart. Because you need these... why? At least she bought food for it, and a dozen other things that may or may not come in handy.

A young Pelorian priest releases the mule back in Elizabeth's service and of course, you can't fit cart and pack animal in a cab or carriage- they won't fit and you are a big number of people... so.

The old Zodalian is back on the saddle again, with all of you walking at a slower pace as she whistles and sings a tune about a grey rider or some such, all amidst more insults from the cabs driving past her as you stick to the sidewalk and listen to the most inventive insults people can throw at some sixty something driving a wooden cart, pulled by a mule... in the advent of an Industrial Revolution.

Insults aside and booing and laughter and mockery, you reach the North Gate.

None of you have really been to the edges of the City. No need to. Your business is inside, but the soldiers have no problem opening the enormous metal gates for all of you and watch you take that first step outside Halmathan proper...

The gate closes behind you and you all feel a tad...unsafe. Not as if the City was safe at all. The Mercy much less, but at least there you had an almost idea of what was what and where to go.

But out here, the road stretches for a few miles and into the unknown. No Eyes in the Sky, except for those orbiting above the City, but a few steps and you should be well on your way... somewhere.

If only Sharkun were here with you.

[remetagross]

The dwarf is relieved at first to hear the sound of people, but then looks with dismay as he discovers that the newcomers are Royal Guards, led by a slavish servant. Sharkun is too stupefied to resist being pushed aside by the guards.
"But what are you all doing?"

Sharkun makes the first motion towards claiming the High Priestess again, but he is soon shoved away by the Guards.
"...what is the meaning of this? I used magic here to heal her of course!" The only reason while Sharkun lets go is because he has witnessed his uselessness. Regardless of how rude the Guards may appear to him.
"My Cure spell has proven ineffective! I suggest Remove Disease, or Remove Curse! Please be gentle with her, I beg of you" says Sharkun to the guard carrying her away, imploring.
"And yes, of course, I am sorry for having used magic in an unauthorized ground, and will not do so again...and yes, I will set into motion at once to satisfy His Holiness' demand..."

Sharkun watches haplessly as the High Priestess is taken away from his view. His grim satisfaction is that Connor has no use of a dead Priestess and has to keep her alive to carry on his blackmail on him. Meaning the Priestess will be correctly taken care of...

What now? Trying to make contact with either Ugmar or Bertio would be utter foolishness, if Sharkun were to blackmail someone into doing his bidding by threatening his friendsI, the first thing he would do to secure his position would be to ensure said friends remain within his power and out of reach of his victim.

But I cannot take on Connor all by myself...I need other allies...

Sharkun starts his journey towards the Bitter Coffee, all by foot. He needs to calm down and to ponder. Besides, he is utterly penniless.
I need the Olidammarans.

[Chimaera]

Hannibal give the olidammarans a farewell and leave the Den with the guys and... Cornelius Rust., the mule. His first thought at the name given to the mule was to hammer Elizabeth in the head for the audacity, but heh... Soon they'll be out of the town and into no-man's-land so murder can wait.

The travel through the City was not fantastic, but at least he could hear people insulting her all the way to the North Gate.

Once outside the city and away from those damned eyes in the sky, Rusty look at those he gathered.

"I'll let the guys tell Sharkun to track us if he ever go back to the Mercy, so for now we are a dwarf short", he says and look at the mule, "And a mule extra. Wonder why you didnt named it Cornelius Assford, cause it's a donkey and all".

No matter the answer he just shrugs and look at the map, "So let's focus on getting where we have to. Once you have time to pray and get some spells, be sure to prepare a Sending to call Sharkun since the reporter never did and he was very useful on combat".

Setting the direction to the mines, Rusty try to figure out how far iare they from their destination and keep on moving.

[Frendle]

Will listens to Elizabeth explain that, yes, this note did come from Alexia. He thanks her, and walks out of the room in a daze. Why take Jenny? How was it that she figured of all the Guards taking Jenny would cause him any more pain than the others? Not that Will would want any of the guard to be taken, and indeed Jenny had accepted the mantle of, well, at least Hero of the Mercy in training.

Will sits down in a chair away from the others pondering these things, “Do I go save her? Could I go save her? Can all of us do it? Would I be leading others into a trap just to save someone I love… wait, what?” Will smiles and shakes his head, well of course, he loves all the guards, but all the same, “Certainly not any one of them more than the others.”

He stands up and shaking his head, “No, I cannot take others to their likely death, now is not the time to take on Alexia. They need an angle, to find some weakness, which maybe they will find in the mines. “Begin at the beginning, it makes sense.” Will says aloud as a passing rouge looks at him and shakes head in turn.

Just then Will hears a loud commotion in the common area, “Well, I wonder if that is the mountain hammer?” He heads back to the others and upon learning of their resolve, he gladly packs up and leaves with them. But not before quickly stopping by the Coffee to let them know he will be gone for a bit, but will return.

As they leave the gates and Mountain Hammer mentions the Dwarf, suggesting that he will just have to track them down. “I’m not sure leaving ahead of the Dwarf will do us much good, he’ll just get lost and we will be without his services and he’ll…. Well who knows, Be dead?”

[Niwrad]

Once a safe distance from the city, Raikou lets Cyrus out of the bag and the two spend several minutes souring high above the others, reveling in their freedom from the tyrannical laws of the city. After they have their fill of flying, they return to the ground and Raikou listens to Rusty. Heheheh Assford...

That sucks though. I was really starting to like having that dusty armored dwarf around. Plus he was one more warm body for bad guys to hit before getting to me. Should we wait a bit around here for him to catch up? Not having to worry about any of those annoying city laws is nice though.

Then the halfling turns to the newest addition to the party, the mule. I think I'll call this one Assford.
So Lizzy, is there anything special about this mule you bought?

Oh and Hammers, remind me... where exactly are we going again?

[Frendle]

Will watches the Halfling fly unbound and unassisted, well almost unassisted, and finds, despite all the concerns on his mind that he envious. Then he smiles a little, well, he can kinda do that. “Ya know, I’ve always wanted to fly freely, without relying on my wings,” he ruffles his cloak as he speaks.

An image of a large cat’s powerful hind legs seems to appear over his own and he smiles broadly while taking a moment to gather himself. He leaps straight up more than twice his own height and with a scream of defiance disappears in black smoke only to appear much higher and then immediately he disappears again and reappears over a hundred feet in the air. Whooping he crosses his arms and slowly descends to earth. As he lands lightly down he looks around at the others as if to say, pretty cool, eh?

“Not bad, and all without any magic, I’ve always wanted to do that, but never dared for fear of getting shot down before I reached the ground.”


After a moment his smiles disappears, "Now's not the time for that I suppose though." and he takes a few measured moments and the image of the cat appears around his face and fades.

He pulls out his Kukris, "So we waiting for the Dwarf or not? I feel the need to kill something evil."

Spoiler: Will's exuberant moment

Show

Change stance to Leaping Dragon Stance

Swift - leap straight up, min distance is 14'

Standard - Shadow Jaunt- 50' straight up
Move - Shadow Stride - 50' straight up

Ring of feather fall takes over for the ride back to earth

Free action, draw both Kukris

Change stance to Hunter's Sense

Use Adaptive Style to reset his Manuvers

[dantiesilva]

"Sadly it is a great deal different then I remember, a lot less open to people. Something I hope will change before my time is up on this world." the old woman says with a kind smile to the captain, making it clear that she intended to try and be a force of change in the city. She did not expect things to go back to how they were, but perhaps with time they could be made better.

Once at the hideout the old woman chuckles as Sasha holds up a spatula and states its not very sharp. "Not every tool a chef owns is meant to be sharp, they even have hammers to make meat tender." the old woman points out with a kind smile. "Now just keep practicing the basics Sasha, and between what you have learned and the cookbook you should do fine, or at least better than the raw chicken that first day of me being here. And don't worry, I will do what we talked about, even if it means having my own Rust drag him kicking and screaming back to you." the old woman says before saying goodbye to everyone at the den and wishing them the best of luck.

Once outside as Hannibal insults poor old Cornelius the old woman pats the mule on the head. "You don't listen to him now Cornelius, he's just jealous you look better than him." the old woman says soothingly as she turns to address Hannibal and the others about her mule. "For one I am old and had a lot of stuff to carry, two to make the map not stand out as an odd request as it was already drawing a few questions I had to buy other things to make it seem like a normal adventuring party heading out for a short trip. Three he is adorable and makes it so I do not have to walk." the old woman says from her lofty seat in the cart. "As for his name, well I could not call him Connor inside the city, I doubt very much I would have made it down the street. Only old people like myself would put Cornelius and Connor together, and as for Rust well he is as dependable and stubborn as another person I know called Rusty." the old woman says with a smirk before turning Firewood of the Mercy on Raikou, "His name is Cornelius, or Rust. Not Assford, just because you meet a single bad egg doesn't mean the whole basket was like that." the old woman points out before turning and listening to Williams request.

"It could be referring to your friend Jenny, but what about that paladin lady we meet the other day? You did offer to help her and if Lady Alexia saw that she would assume you were friends. I do not want to get your hope up, but there are others this could be referring to." the old woman explains before watching him seem to vanish into the air before floating back down. "I suggest we keep the fancy tricks until the wall is more than a shadow behind us, never know how far out those flying machines will go to protect the city from what it sees as a threat." the old woman points out.

"As for preparing the sending spell by resting I am not a wizard Hannibal that can just change my spells whenever I so choose. I must pray each day at dawn. I had hoped he would have returned to the den before we had to leave but it was beyond our control. I would be more worried about finding shelter out here tonight. I can use magic to provide us a safe place to sleep for eight hours, but that will be one less spell to help you all in battle. Just wanted to say this now so it is out of the way and we all know what our jobs are." she states, making it clear she would have to wait an entire day to prepare a sending for Sharkun.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: If only you were back in your homeland...

And had your gear at full working capacity, of course. These armored thugs would not stand a chance as one of them carries away with High Priestess Na'wa and you start suggesting what to do regarding her condition as the Royal Guard points to the door.

"I suggest you shut up and leave, dwarf. You have work to do... and you better not show up around here until it is completed!"

Thrown out of the comfort of the Royal Palace and pretty much broke, you walk down the many streets of Halmathan, with its busy horns and whistles and people always in a hurry to go somewhere as Connor's Eyes in the Skies watch everything from above...

Can you get Bertio and Umrar involved? Yes, if you can find them.

Can you guarantee they will be of any help to freeing Na'wa? Unlikely. Connor has her well protected now. The Royal Palace is pretty much next door to his own and security is extremely good.

And what about the deal you have made with Connor himself? He wants to know Rusty's identity and that of his friends... which so happen to be the very same group he purged months ago. The last remnants that defy him here.

Is there any way for you to wriggle out of his grasp? Maybe. You could always lay low, abandon your loyalty to Na'wa and Wee Jas...

And fall from grace in such doing. Rusty did mention a dwarf mercenary shortly before you joined... a monster turned by Alexia. No, you need to find help. Bridges will have to be crossed... in due time.

Right now, you need the very people Connor despises and that you have become rather well acquainted on your side. How can they help? Good question, but they are brash and impulsive. Strong.

Maybe all together can topple Halmathan's Grand Inquisitor? How hard can it be- he did look rather old for a man on a golden throne.

Going through the check points once more seems like a doldrum exercise as you take a whiff of the cracked and filthy Mercy streets and head for the Bitter Coffee. They all like to hang out there and...

Nope.

Rusty would be someone easy to find: Big Hammer and fiery red beard, but he's nowhere on sight.

The same can be said for Raikou and Cyrus. The little pun caster can't be seen anywhere.

Elizabeth's nagging would be the first thing you'd hear at the pub, but no sight of the old Zodalian.

Travis the mage most likely walked out. Who can blame him after being turned into a monster?

And then there's that guy William, with the blades... no sight of him either.

Hell, not even Nana is here to greet you. A bunch of faces- none of which you know, as you grab a table and mope around before a local approaches you and crosses his arms.

"You gotta eat or drink something. Otherwise, I think there's a few benches out in the Green Meadows you can loiter in.""


@Rusty: The nerve on this old hag!

Rust is a good name! You got it from your father, who inherited it from his father who... stabbed someone? I think that's how it went.

And here she's calling that mule Rust, Cornelius Rust. Stupid healers and their rickety wooden carts. You just might have to get chatty with her once outside Halmathan.

And once the gates close and your merry traveling troupe is already hitting the Imperial Road, you eye Cornelius, who drags Elizabeth's bony behind as she sits on the cart like a sovereign and mention her getting ahold of Sharkun:

You need that guy out here. Sure, he got hit by Alexia just as hard as you, but the whole strength in numbers holds truer than ever now as you take the map from the cart and unfurl it like an expert tracker and...

What is this?

Bunch of drawings on a parchment. Nobody here is a tracker or known geographer or map maker? Whoever penned this, they did not spell "Karyllyn's Mine" anywhere. For all you know, this could be a map of the Sea of Sands!

And to be honest, your work is better done within City Walls... and that could use some improvement. What are you going to do out here- punch trees and rocks and hope they spill out information?

Having said that, there is a fork in the road with a single sign pointing west. The road continues north for about a mile or so before getting lost in a thick forest, but it's the name on the sign that maybe piques your interest:

Santa Noria's Correctional Facility

@William: So Elizabeth confirmed it.

This is Alexia's handwriting, but what to do with this information?

Does she have Jenny in her clutches?

Do you drag these guys back to her House and hope and pray to any god up above that will listen and perform a brave and most likely incredibly foolish escapade?

Who knows if Jenny is indeed captured, but right now, you need to find a way to bring that monster down. Rusty says the answers lie in the mines, so the Mines it is.

The Bitter Coffee should be able to hold itself without you. You are after all, only gone for a bit...

And although your people back in The Mercy may have to endure trials of their own, be it from brigands or Alexia's nefarious forces...

You can't let the halfling steal your thunder, can you?

Raikou may fly, but so can you. Wreathed in shadows, you skyrocket upwards and watch the group mildly amused by you and and the halfling's antics as Cornelius Rust's eyes widen with wonder and more than a little fear.

Back in Halmathan, a stunt like this would have you locked up or killed, in no particular order. But here in The badlands... you;re free!

But for how long... where are you guys headed to again?


@Raikou: Assford...heh.

And that's how the mule shall be named from now on. This may not be the The Ossian Way or The Sea of Sands, but it sure feels good to be out of that confining City... until Rusty lets you know you'll be heading to a mine.

Might as well enjoy the open plains as much as possible. Getting Cyrus out of the bag, you cast the very familiar spell on him and ride the wind, as high up as you can go...

It sure is a big place. Lot's of green. Forests as far as your little eyes can see. However, it is an imposing building that catches your attention west as you descend and let Cyrus float around on his own.

Oddly enough, a very strange feeling caught up to you the moment you began flying with Cyrus. What is is? Impossible to tell. Not necessarily harmful. But not good either, just... funny.


@Elizabeth: The nerve of these people!

The finest name in Halmathan's history reduced to a joke? Not on your watch! Sure, Alexia has become a monster and she has done horrific things to the people you once called family...namely Jarvis. Calling her a Bad Apple may be going on the lighter side, but come on...

Assford? Really?

And regarding getting ahold of the dwarf? No can do.

You can't just switch spells on the fly! Why didn't Rusty let you know this a day BEFORE leaving the City? Now you need to hunker down, put up a Tiny Hut, cook some rats...

yeah, that would be nice. Who knows what they have out here when it comes to game. A good thing you bought trail mix.

[remetagross]

Sharkun freezes. Ah, that is unfortunate. Especially given he does not know the way to the Den. But no time to waver. Sharkun firmly walks up to the bartender and asks with a steady voice:
"Hello good sir. Allow me to introduce myself: Sharkun, son of Thrazir. Would you happen to know where Mr William Merrit, Sister Elizabeth Rose, Mr Raikou Stormborn, Travis Wood and Hannibal Rusty all might be? I was to meet them in the Mercy. Or maybe does Mrs Nana knows about their whereabouts?"

In case Sharkun is not answered, he turns around to scan the room and try and recognize a rogue from the Den. If there indeed is one such, Sharkun asks him the same questions. If not, then Sharkun decides to boom aloud his questions to all of the patrons, with a voice both strong and polite. That is the voice he uses to execute his White Raven maneuvers.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: The few times you have been here, people were a lot nicer.

Sure, you always had Rusty calling the shots here and Nana was always willing to make some small talk, but with any people you can get acquainted with here and relate, you are like a fish out of water.

And so, you stand up and face the local with all your dwarven might and ask in order, where your companions and allies in arms ought to be. They are after all, regular heroes. Chances are they know about...

"I have no idea who these people are, Sharkun...

Except for one of the names you mentioned- William Merritt. He owns this place now, but you'll have to wait for him to return. shouldn't be long:

He said he'd be gone for a bit, so if you have the coin, I can get you a drink or cup of coffee while you wait. How's that?""

[Chimaera]

Hannibal look at the sign and look to west, his mind starting to get some ideas and thoughts and...

No. He shakes his head and look to the forest north, "We have no business in St. Noria. Not now. Let's keep on the road north", he says and look to Elizabeth and Cornelius, "Move you Assford, old lady".

[dantiesilva]

"Well I would hope we have no business in a place where they send criminals like Dr. Cutter." the old lady says as she looks up from the map of the two maps with the compass in her hand as she begins looking at the north road before following it on the map to see where it leads. "Now now rushing is how you get lost youngling, patience. Besides we do not want to go to far away from the city if you wish for me to send to Sharkun come the morning. Though honestly I do not know why we are trying, he has not tried to contact us in three days, even though he knows where we were. No doubt whoever he is supposed to be protecting sees it as him needing to be with them at all times now after what he no doubt told them about Alexia." the old woman says as she, pushing her glasses up, uses her pointing finger of the other hand to follow the north road until she finds a place that looked like it may be good for camping. "Okay kids lets carry on now. Cornelius you know what to do." the old woman said with a kind voice as she told the mule to begin walking as she placed the maps back in their protective cases. While doing so she reaches into her cornucopia and pulls out a fruit like she had been doing the past few days.

Spoiler: Checks

Show

Survival (untrained) using compass (1d20+8)[17] Without aid another
Knowledge Geography (Trained) (1d20+4)[5]
Cornucopia (1d100)[16] Grape Cluster that can be split into twelve and acts as heroe's feast for anyone LG, NG, or LN) suffice to say she is eating a grape

As she pulls out the grapes she eats one before holding them up to the others, "Anyone want one, they are delicious cotton candy grapes. Taste like they just got picked off the vine."

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: So the prison is that way, eh?

How easy it would be to just waltz in there and Hammer every last person in that place into a bloody pulp. Hell, you have the back up necessary: Raikou and William alone just showed you their aerial prowess...

But murdering Halmathan's State Prison will have to wait. Right now, you have mines to go to. And in those mines, Alexia's weakness HAS to be. You read it in a file, right? Since when do manuscripts lie?

And even if you don't get to the mines- which you should- Travis here can always teleport you back safely to the Den. Go in, say hello. Kill anyone who disagrees with you and out before dinner time.

There is a talk about getting Sharkun back on the team. He is an important member of the party after all. Can't leave him waiting back in the City, when his immense abilities as a Jasidian and Royal Guard have proven to be of unparalleled strength and virtue...

For all this, Sharkun is remembered as you keep walking away from Halmathan and over a mile of coppery plains and grey cold skies....

He can always catch up. Somehow.


@Elizabeth: Cornelius Rust brays in the direction the sign points to, clearly approving of your words as he pulls your cart further into The Badlands themselves.

Who wants to go to prison, anyways? Cutter spent time there and if a man like him ended up in that place, how would you fare any better?

The conversation soon changes to the matter of Sharkun. Well of course he would stay with his liege: he is a bodyguard. If yours hadn't gone crazy and megalomaniacal, you would be in the comfort of the Ashford House right now.

But that isn't the case, as you stick your hand into your horn and a cold breeze flies from the plains, causing you to wrap your quilt around your arms as you take a bite of the grapes...

They taste... different somehow. Not rotten. Not overtly citric... but not like a grape ought to taste. Bunch of different flavors inundate your taste buds, but other than that... you're fine.

@The Party: It becomes obvious to all as you leave the City's sight altogether, that some parts of these plains have been badly blasted. It wasn't recent, that much is clear, but immense craters remain on the ground. They aren't too deep- time has taken care of filling them, but at a glance, one of them might well have the circumference of the entire Mercy.

Erosion, most likely.


@Elizabeth: Chastising Rusty for not being patient, you arrive at the entrance to the huge expanse that is a most peculiar forest:

Not even a hoof in, and you can already tell that Cornelius is spooked. In fact, tied to a nearby tree, you can see old hemp ropes, like the ones used to tie down horses:

They have no horses attached to them. The rope has been bit off. Whatever happened, happened a long time ago... and with Rust shaking so much his teeth rattle, it is hard not to feel something utterly foreboding about this place.

A place perhaps, not meant for men and beasts of burden.

[remetagross]

Sharkun has mastered himself a little again, and does not show his disappointment.

"So you say Mr Merrit is the new owner of the place, but he has gone on an errand, you could not say where or when he would return? Well, then, I thank you for your help nonetheless." Sharkun bows slightly to him, and proceeds towards the exit of the Bitter Coffee.

Once out, the dwarf thinks while munching on a trail bar. Where to? The one place where he has seen Olidammarans apart from the Bitter Coffee is the Den itself. Hmm, but the place is hidden even if one knows where it stands. Still, there should be a number of guards that could maybe recognize him or carry a message to Rusty for him to fetch the dwarf, maybe. This appears as good a plan as any. Where was it already? Sharkun recalls the memory of Drakan accompanying him out...pictures himself taking that path in reverse. All good.

The dwarf sets out to reach the Den. When he arrives at a place which he believes is as close to the Den as possible, he almost starts shouting "Rusty, are you here?" before noticing that would do no good to the rogues' privacy. Instead, knowing he is observed, Sharkun carefully writes a message in the dirt with the haft of his guisarme, in letters large enough to be read from a high and afar viewpoint.
RUSTY HERE? CAN I COME IN?

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: So this place is under new administration?

The man looks around at the patrons and then back at you, nodding as you get up.

"For a few days now. William is said to have been given this place by Nana herself. He is a trustworthy man- he would not lie... and a fool one would have to be to counter that statement.

As to where he went? Beats me, but knowing William, he should be back shortly. You could wait and..."

No time to wait, as you give the local a quick bow and head back to the cracked streets, filled with all manner of miscreants and thieves of all caliber. You need the Olidammarans if you're to save Na'wa. That being said, they need you if they want to have a prayer of a chance to survive against Alexia. Only your training, well honed back in the Waste, can ensure their survival and victory against that monster.

William barely met these guys a few days ago, a lot less time than you. He was invited to live at the Den with Rusty's people and although you did not receive the same courtesy, your actions saving their home should warrant an invitation... but how to get in?

The old book store, seemingly abandoned, should house all of them in the lower levels. Rusty is most certainly there, poring over maps with Corwin, Ross and the rest, but how to get their attention without barking like a mad jackal?

And so, you trace a message on the ground with your guisarme as a myriad of slumped hooded hobos, rattling their rusted tins for a copper or even a silver piece, begin rattling them faster and faster as Drakan, whom last you saw was possessed by one of Alexia's mutants, comes out from the shadows behind you and taps you on the shoulder.

"It's the holy warrior of Wee Jas. How's the City? I'm sure it's nice, as usual... why don't we go inside?""

Drakan walks ahead of you and takes a number of twisting turns before tapping a few loose bricks on a side wall and getting you and him onto the first floor of the very dusty library as he asks you to stay put and disarms a few traps.

"Wouldn't want you turning into a pincushion, heh! The guys are downstairs. Let's go.""

The Den is just as you left it before, but no sign of Rusty, Raikou or the others.

Sasha doesn't even acknowledge you, working on something in the kitchen as Drakan motions to a chair, opposite Corwin, who shakes your hand and puts one of his magazines down on his lap.

"Good to see you again, Sharkun. I hope everything's fine in the City of Power...all things considered.

You are looking for Hannibal? I thought he would've fetched you- all of them left hours ago. Outside the City walls. North, towards The Badlands....""

Corwin goes silent for a few seconds and lets that information sink in before continuing.

"Of all the places they could have chosen, the one we all know the least was their top pick. Given that they left hours ago, they must have a good head start, unless they chose to wait for you at the North gate. That's where people leave Halmathan and head towards uncharted lands.

Let me see if I can get ahold of him for you....""


@Rusty: You look up at the foreboding forest and watch Rust the Mule get all shaky- dumb donkey.

And then Corwin's telepathic signal rings in loud and clear:

Hannibal! Where are you? Sharkun is here in the Den, looking for all of you. You left him behind? We cannot escort him to the North gate or else we'll be arrested, but if you can go meet him there, he sure could need some company and given what he's carrying, he looks ready for a good fight.

Just let me know where you are and I'll let him know.


@Sharkun: Corwin closes his eyes for a second and then opens them, looking straight at you.

"Waiting on his answer. Not much we can do now but wait, unless you wish to head for the North Gate, but that's all the way across the City, a few hours on foot.

So... how's your priestess doing? I have yet to meet a Priestess from the Sea of Sands.""

[remetagross]

"Ah! Hello, Mr Drakan. I am pleased to see you again. The City...could be in a better stage, though that is hardly anything new to you, I am afraid. How about life here in the Mercy?"The dwarf stretches his hand to salute him the way he did last time. He then obediently follows the rogue, and stops at his beckoning before the traps. Once inside, Sharkun salutes both Corwin and Sasha, carefully does not disturb Sasha as he sees her busy and not reckoning his presence, and walks forth to Corwin.
"Ah, that is most unfortunate...and you do not know why they have left? Ah, so they are still not too far...very well, if they answer that they are waiting for me, then I will go and join them."

"As to how the High Priestess goes..." Sharkun's face hardens. But he manages to maintain his calm and polite ways, with great effort.
"She is all but a hostage to Connor now. And she, as of this very evening, seems to be suffering from a disease against which I found myself powerless...I suspect it was an affliction brought about by the Cuthbertine Church, so as to have an acceptable reason to hold her prisoner completely..."

Sharkun clenches his teeth even harder. No one here is anyone to whom he must show a formal deference, only people he respects on a personal basis, so the dwarf asks for a chair, and allows himself to heavily sit.
"...so it appears High Priestess Na'wa al-Habai is quite unlikely to be the first Priestess from the Sea of Sands you might encounter in Hamalthan. She nonetheless sent me here, saying that keeping on fighting to bring down Alexia - and eventually Connor - was the best I could do to serve her. What would you make of it, Mr Corwin?"

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Drakan shrugs when you inform him of the new things happening in the City as both walk towards the Den.

“It’s that bad, then? Why am I not surprised?”

The myriad of traps is overwhelming- they sure don’t want anyone just coming in here and raising hell like last time, but you are on the level: you did help them a few days ago, after all.

And once seated across Corwin, you learn where Rusty and the others are gobe off to, followed by some questions of your own.

“They left a few hours ago. Hannibal believes that those mines may have a way to deal with her, something I can hope as well. I thought they stopped by to pick you up, but that clearly isn’t the case...”

And then, when asked about High Priestess Na’wa, you let Corwin know of the current situation. How Connor and the Cuthbertine church has...

It is during your explanation that the room seems slightly distorted as a burning sensation sears your hand and the feeling swells through your body.

The room spins, as Corwin appears diffused. In fact, the whole room does as the pain within your body reaches critical proportions.

Spoiler: A Painful Reminder

Show

18 damage. DR and saves don’t apply

Why won’t the room stop spinning? Cold sweat. Shortage of breath...

Corwin gets up and inspects you with a very concerned look.

“Are you okay, Sharkun? What’s going on!?”

[dantiesilva]

As the group sets out Sister Elizabeth lets down her long white hair from its prim and proper bun as she begins singing a simple tune to help pass the time as they follow the road.

Cornelius Rust is the Mule you can trust,
He's got the stuff that sturdy and tough,
Who else but Cornelius Rust has the guts,
To face the open road without a fuss.

Cornelius Rust is more dependable then a baboon,
It is said he once won a fight against a racoon,
But whos to say what is what,
Besides good old Cornelius Rust.

...."

The old woman continues to sing as she turns to Raikou and with a smile and a wave of her hand says. "Come on now thunder kid, lets see the sparks that you can spin." she says encouraging the halfling to join in the song as she keeps the beat going for him.

As the group travels and sings Sister Elizabeth studies the land they are going across, it looked like a great battle was once fought here, and judging by the craters in the ground it was nothing small or weak that did the fighting. But what, she didn't really remember much about the world outside of Hamalthan as it was never of high priority to her duties. Looking to all the others she points down to one of the holes they were passing. "Does anyone know any reason these would be here?"

Spoiler: Checks

Show

Sing (1d20+15)[32]
Bardic Knowledge (1d20+9)[15]

As the group arrives at the entrance to a forest the old woman notices poor Cornelius shaking like he had back in the city with all those machines around him. Taking the grapes she had still up to him she slowly patted his head, stroking down his neck with one hand as she feed him a single grape at a time. "What's wrong Cornelius, your a smart boy you can tell me. Is it those ropes that spooked you? After all you are a lot brazer than any horse I have ever meet. And look how strong you are." the old woman says soothingly as she tries to calm the mule. "Someone mind looking at the map, its in the cart, and try telling me where this forest is to the mountains? Cornelius seems awfully spooked and I don't think he will come in." the old woman says turning to Sparky the robot and asking "Is there anything you could do to calm him Sparky? If not I suppose we could always try going around the forest, or I could use magic to try and calm him." the old woman notes to not one in particular. "Then again this is a good place to set up camp and wait for Sharkun as well."

[AlanBruce]

@Elizabeth: It's not so bad out here in the open plains, as you let your white hair flow with the mildly cold wind blowing through.

And then you notice the enormous craters on the ground while Cornelius Rust raises an eyebrow as well and keeps his ears straight up, always on edge.

Who knows what happened here. Maybe an earthquake? There haven't been any in the City as far as you can remember.

A Fire perhaps? If that were the case, these plains would be blasted and barren. Although there are no trees, tall coppery grass fills the entirety of the plains... hmmm.

Who knows what they are, but they don't seem to be a problem for you and your group, so that's a plus.

The problem is once you reach the entrance to the huge forest, as you give Rust a few of your tasty grapes, a boost in confidence for the old mule, as he takes each greedily.

It's a murder of crows that fly off the trees further ahead, cawing at the skies and echoing in the air around you as the air grows colder. Cornelius is startled of course, but nothing an extra grape won't calm down.

After all, this is a forest. Birds are a common thing. The question is:

Do you move in, or set up camp right out here? It's the grand open plains after all, what could go wrong?

[kinem]

Travis smirks at the ass' names but agrees that they are appropriate.

He accepts the grapes from Elizabeth. "Thank you."

Upon sees the craters and the dark forest he ties to figure out what my have happened here - and to see what is currently happening.

ooc: Spot (1d20+8)[28], Know (arcana) (1d20+19)[28], Know (local) (1d20+8)[23]

[Chimaera]

Once at the entrance of the forest, Rusty receive Corwin's message and reply back.

"So he finally showed up? Good. Tell him to go to the North Gate and follow the road until he find a fork with a sign point to St. Noria. From there he need only to follow the road, but not towards St. Noria. We'll be waiting him here at the entrance of a grim looking forest. Also, advice him to pick some winter clothes, cause weather is turning colder".

After replying Rusty look at the party and come to a halt.
"Let's wait Sharkun here. He is on his way out of the town, so he should catch up in a few hours".

He look to Elizabeth, "And prepare a Sending for tomorrow anyway: I've come to learn that the magic weapons Fetterman forged for us might have their magic restored and so I think it would be good to see if Fetterman have any idea how. And if you are as curious as me toward the foret and the many craters around, you can also have some divination as well to answer thise questions".

[AlanBruce]

@Travis: You walk besides the group, not really paying attention to Rusty and Elizabeth's back and forth banter.

What you do notice are those gigantic craters on the ground as the group travels through the plains and look at Raikou:

You have seen these before. Many times, actually. These are the result of a large blast upon hitting the ground. Usually by spells like Fireballs or even an empowered orb or any such spell that causes massive destruction. The imprint on the land is usually small- orbs and even blasts like that of an evocation aren't that large.

At most, an empowered orb of force cast by you would have the circumference of your clenched fist and leave just that big of a hole on a surface upon striking.

These are gigantic in scale. Why? Many possible reasons, not necessarily related to the size of the caster, though.

As for the forest itself? Not a soul has ever spoken about it back in the City or Runestone. You have never left town and so, these woods may be just like any other woods learned about as much in a book on geography, botany or a fairy tale.

What does catch your attention, however, is that once at the entrance to the woods, you can see that the rope that held beasts at the entrance- now thoroughly chewed out- is not the only thing to catch at a quick glance:

Very faded hoof prints can be seen on the soil. Even squinting, you can only make about one or two sets, but they seem to be heading into the woods. Why? Who knows.

As for the grape Elizabeth hands you as a snack... it's just that. A tasty syrupy treat, not what a grape ought to taste. And nothing else.


@Rusty: Always the dwarf...

You let Corwin know specific instructions about where Sharkun should head to. Shouldn't be difficult, as long as he avoids heading to St. Noria's prison, which is clearly marked a few miles behind.

And then, looking at the huge foreboding forest, you instruct Elizabeth to prepare some spells come the morrow.

Fetterman should have a way to restore your weapons. He owes you that much after freeing him. Having said that, he did warn in his letter when all gifts were granted that every weapon, no matter how powerful, has one mighty flaw:

Its wielder.

As for the forest itself? It can wait. Sharkun can bark his way over here in a few hours. Dwarves are good at running even when carrying a mule like Rust on their back. And you need Sharkun- his might in battle has proven true many times over in Alexia's abode.

The same should hold true here.


@Sharkun: Vision resuming back to normal...

Burning sensation ceasing, but what caused it? Corwin steps back and looks at you in a most quizzical way.

"You alright? You seemed a bit under the weather. Hannibal replied:

Go to the North Gate and follow the road until you find a fork with a sign pointing to St. Noria. From there, you need only to follow the road. Needless to say, avoid heading for the Castello.

Hannibal and the others will be at the entrance of a grim looking forest. If you have any winter clothes, that would be prudent as well."

[remetagross]

Sharkun's mind goes blank as an incomprehensible pain bolts through him. What. He tries to raise to his feet, staggers, and rises again, as much concerned as Drakan or Corwin about what just happened here.

"...I suddenly felt a burn spread through my body...did you feel something like that too, or was I the only one? It clearly felt magical in nature, as if I was hit by a delayed blasting effect. But...I have no memory of someone casting a spell upon my person ever since the fight here." Sharkun immediately proceeds to try and detect magic upon himself. In case some magic appears, he takes all the time needed to concentrate on the cantrip and glean as much information as he can.

Whatever his spell answers, the dwarf then acknowledges Corwin's answer.
"Ah, this is great! I will immediately proceed to reach them. As it happens, desert nights are particularly cold in the Sea of Sands, and the day under the Sun is so hot than one has to cover oneself in thick insulating clothes to prevent one's cooler body temperature to rise up to the temperature of surrounding air...I think my ceremonial garment will do fine as a winter cloth, as it were. Also, the North Gate it not an area I have often wandered around. Could you provide me with some indications as to how to reach it? I will go by foot."

Still dizzy, the dwarf gathers up the strength to put himself into motion. He starts to thank and say goodbye to the Rogues, when one last thought strikes him. He bows to the rogues, and then speaks with a somewhat embarrassed voice.
"Mr Drakan, Mr Corwin, I once again thank you for your diligent help...no need to disturb you, provided the traps that were disabled on my way in are still nonoperational, I remember the path clearly enough. Though, hum. I confess I am far from being a conoisseur in the art of roguecraft, so my next words might appear utterly preposterous to you, and I beg of you not to taie offence for them. But come to think of it, I have been able to, ah, map out how to enter and leave the Den rather easily. Obfuscating the various ways to ingress even more might prove a wise endeavor."

That being said, and after the potential answer, Sharkun exits with or without the help of a Rogue. Following Corwin's instruction, he sets out for the North Gate. If nothing of note happens on the way, he immediately carries on following the trail out of Hamalthan as per Rusty's instructions.

[AlanBruce]

@Sharkun: Whatever this was, it caught you totally by surprise.

Corwin sits back down and listens to your words as he looks around the room and you focus on your own self with a very novice divination, registering something strong on your body.

“A spell, you say? You have been fighting below in Alexia’s home. Who knows what you may have caught. A lingering residue is not unheard of, especially in a place like The Mercy.

As for the North Gate... it’s north, Sharkun. Leave the Mercy and take a left. If you’re going by foot, we’re talking hours before you reach it. And that’s getting to the Gate itself- never mind where Hannibal is. Expect to travel out there by sun fall.”

On the matter of cleverly mapping the Den and its traps, Drakan walks you out and laughs.

“We took notice. The boss and Corwin change the traps every so often. Although you may find the Den, getting in isn’t as easy. So relax...

We’ll be fine.”

That’s as much information as you will get from the Olidammarans, but it should suffice: you now have a place of destination. You know where to find Rusty and the others.

Hopefully they don’t get too gung ho and start trouble since you have a long, long walk ahead of... you?

It is the moment you leave The Mercy and its check points that a Cuthbertine carriage, studded with spikes on the roof and painted black stops traffic, as a half dozen mounted guards don’t make it any easier for traffi to move as a cabbie gets out of his vehicle and approaches the carriage.

“Hey! What’s the big idea?! First I have to slow down because of a goddamn mule and now...”

The boisterous can driver shuts up immediately as a window is lowered from the carriage and the man bows his head and retreats back to his vehicle.

The mounted guards mive close to you as the carriage driver opens the door for you and makes sure your weapons are not on your person.

Inside, sitting with a notebook in hand is Dalpinian, who bids you to sit opposite him as he takes out a white silk handkerchief.

“Dwarves and the sewers they like so much. So... enjoy your trip to The Mercy? We figured as much.

The names of those requested by His Holiness. As well as their address. Now.

I do not need to remind you what is at stake, is it?”

[AlanBruce]

@Raikou: It’s getting colder out here.

But if Rusty says Sharkun will be joining you soon, he must be right. He’s never been wrong so far, after all... but the idea of resting isn’t so...

Wait... why are your eye lids so heavy? The cold wind around you takes on a scented lavender smell and that grass looks awfully, awfully... soft.


@Elizabeth: What happened to Raikou?

It’s not like you were walking that much that he just fell face first and the ground and began snoring. You just mentioned shelter. The tiny hut! Sleeping out here like tgat is reckless! You need to...

You need to do... what, exactly?

Wait... where are you?

Who are these people?

Why are you with these people?

And most importantly:

Who are you?!

[Niwrad]

Raikou's eyes start feeling quite heavy. Maybe they had just been waiting at the entrance to this forest for a very long time. A short nap couldn't hurt could it?

Nighty night. Imma take a quick snooze right....

With that the halfling falls asleep, nearly falling off his familiar.

Cyrus is quick to catch him though, and is left quite confused. He looks at the others with a very confused expression.

[dantiesilva]

Sister Elizabeth looks on in puzzlement as Raikou falls to the ground asleep, sure they had walked a good distance, but the sun was still out. There was no way the little halfling should be that tired. Wait is was that halfling, over their sleeping the old woman thinks to herself as everything starts to get a bit foggy.

As the old woman begins to wonder why the halfling was laying on the floor sleeping, with a cloud Why is that cloud not in the sky, it should not be so low this doesn't make any sense. the old woman thinks as she looks around with a look of utter confusion on her face as she stares at the other three figures with her, and her old pale skin turns all the paler as she sees the menacing giant of a man holding a hammer as big as the mule she was sitting next to. By his side was another with wicked looking blades and some shiny armor just standing a little bit taller than herself. His Blonde hair and blue eyes looked the least bit friendly to the poor old woman as she began to grip the reigns of the mule in fear, her knuckles turning white.

However these two vile bandits seemed to have another with them as a third stranger dressed in some kind of dark evil looking robes stood by their side all looking at her. Fear slowly crept into her eyes as they darted left and right looking for some way to escape, no doubt these vile people were thieves who had beat up that poor halfling and were about to steal all the things in the cart she was sitting in. "Get away from him you vile thieves!" the old woman hissed out as she flicked the reigns of the mule she was sitting with as her other hand reached out to grab the staff by her side, golden specks of dust went flying at the thieves somehow. Not questioning what was happening as the mule began to flee pulling the cart the old woman directed it to the 'unconscious" halfling and tried to heft him up into the cart before the thieves could catch up and kill them.

Spoiler: Sorry guys

Show

Glitterdust Will DC 17

[AlanBruce]

@Rusty: Why the hell is Raikou... Raikou...

How long have you been walking all the way here, as you place your Hammer on the soft grass and a sweet lavender breeze lulls you to profound and pleasant sleep.


@Elizabeth: Who knows how you got here, but these people...

You have no idea who these people are. Kidnappers? Highway men? Murderers? Most likely given their attire.

And how did you get this mule? And the cart- maybe tgat guy with the robes... a mage. They are evil, so the tales go... but from where?

No time to think too much about this. You have a cart. And a mule. You can get away from tgese ruffians, but not before blinding them for their folly, as acloud of multicolored glitter explodes in their face.