The Principality of Valorium. [IC]

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

Ignoring the fleeing soldiers, Trevor sends a blast of energy at the giant-sized one still standing nearby.

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Attack - (1d20+6)[15] ranged touch, Damage - (2d6)[6]

(( Action on hold... missed the part where the giantized private had surrendered. ))

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun Tranil

Seeing his current oponent fall to the ground after the attack, Caleun raises his sword in salute, "Excellent work, Leem," he says in dwarfish. Looking aound, he notices the fight is over, but the sargent's shout reminds him that not all enemies have fled the battlefield. With a weary sigh, Caleun turns and moves to engage Brannis before he can attack anyone else

Actions:
Caleun moves towards Brannis, and moves again (he does not Run, just takes move as his standard action). He ends his move diagonally to the south-east from Brannis. I assume I cannot combine full defence with the move action, but if I can, I do.

[Glyphic]

Tendrils of smoke puff from a large pile of hay and feed that's caught fire inside the barn house. Inside, a set of citizens lead a few farm animals out through the northeast exit, and an impish, small troglodyte stands 3 yards from the quick-lived fire. The fire has eaten most of its fuel, but creeps up the west planks of the building. A 10ft ladder leads up to the loft in the southwest corner.

Brannis's face is shrouded in ethereal wisps of smoke as he rushes at Vir-ra, leaving his back unprotected for moments. He turns his body back to face Caleun and Soren, brandishing his Elf-decimating blade. Artlessly, he drives it at Caleun's left shoulder in an overhead arch. "You will curse the day you stood in the path of my Retribution!" He screams, warped inflections of his voice echoing in the barn.

As the smoke puffs around him you catch a glimpse of Brannis's gaze. His face is set into a firm frown, as if his skin were marble. An image of a iron-wrought, unadorned scepter floats beside his right hand. Blood stains coat every side of this vision; it persists for but a moment, before winking from existence.

The young Troglodyte stumbles a few steps backward, before firing another ray of dark energies.

Was-Giant Private crawls forward, and pulls out a set of bandages from his belt-pouch, tending to whomever he stepped on.
himself.
Bethany stammers for a moment, before applying a droplet of healing to Private B. Leen, on the otherhand, races after Caleun, trailing his movements, still holding a hunk of bloody flesh.

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Since Soren Ran, he's flatfooted and thus can't make an AoO.
Caleun's AoO
(1d20+8)[16]
(1d6+1)[5]

Brannis's attack, at Caleun
(1d20+9)[26]
(2d4+1)[6]

Vir-ra
(1d20+2)[7]
(1d6)[4]

Private 2
HealCheck - (1d20+2)[20]

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Raw rolls if I need em.
(1d20)[14]
(1d20)[11]
(1d20)[14]
(1d20)[13]

Current map!

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

The warlock, eager to cement his unemployment, rushes into the barn to deal with Brannis.

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Double move to position just SW of Soren

[Glyphic]

Brannis swivels his eyes, looking for a defensive position. Between smoke, fire, troglodytes and yourselves, he plants his feet, beckoning with a bark, "Step forward, and I'll serve you your livers, whelps!"

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I messed up on that last attack +, Caleun. He hits two less AC (24)
Readied action to attack first target to move into melee range.
(1d20+7)[11]
(2d4+1)[6]

Looks like liver isn't on the menu tonight.

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

Saying nothing, Trevor simply focuses more energy at Brannis.

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Attack - (1d20+6)[10] (-4 if engaged in melee) ranged touch, Damage - (2d6)[7]

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun Tranil

Still realing from the blow he received, Caleun shakes off his weariness and falls into the familiar defensive patterns of his fighting style. As he keeps the sargent from piercing his defences, Caleun moves slightly to not be encumbered by the barn walls before striking back.

Actions:
5-feet step north

Full defensive attack:
RapierToHit - (1d20+3)[21]
CinquedeaToHit - (1d20+3)[11]
RapierDamage - (1d6+1)[4]
CinquedeaDamage - (1d6+1)[3]

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Rapier possible critical (rolled an 18: hopefully 21 does hit!)
ConfirmCritical - (1d20+3)[16]
CriticalDamage - (1d6+1)[5]

[Miraqariftsky]

Soren Solaren

((Juuuust confirming...))

The ironclad juggernaut clanks to a halt when he nears the overgrown hedge of entangling grasses stained scarlet with Tanstafaal's blood. There he kneels, setting his sword down and his hands upon the elf's wounds.

The flesh feels cold, the breathing becoming slower and shallower. Soren's palms begin to pulse with Pu'ur's purifying flame, those gauntleted hands glowing golden with healing light.

Dirt flees the ghastly gashes. Fresh flesh comes spawns anew, filling in the huge chasms of rended flesh. Corrupted weeds ensnaring shrivel and burn away.

The healing done, Soren scrambles up and rushes over to a place but five feet of the no longer swaggering sergeant. Smoke wreathes the edges of his blade, the spine of the sword glowing white-hot with the need for righteous revenge... "The end is near, fiend. You have fought well, dishonourable daemon though ye be. I give you this last chance. Surrender! Repent or perish utterly!"

[Beschoren]

tanstafaal

Felling the sudden warmith, the lifting of (some) of his pain and the clanging sound of blades... well, clanging, the elf realizes he just got saved by the priest
ouch...well, maybe the gods aren't so mean afterall... At leat i'm happy Soren isn't. By the way, how did he healed invisible wounds?
he emits a yellow smile, directing to the paladin. even if he would't see that at all
"Thank you Soren... now, to the fiend at hand..." ...but first those damm roots!

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escape artist(1d20+3)[6]. hell, next time I will max out this skill...

[Glyphic]

The flaming straw laps at the walls of the barn, desperate for new material to reduce to char and ash. The towns folk of Ree-marr exit with goats and mules. A man calls out with emotion and smoke induced tears, "My thanks to you, Saviors!"

Brannis snarls as Soren approaches, "I offer you the same congratulations, but we mortals may choose to walk but one path; And I follow the one Thunt commands! Your end, Ear-stroker, is with a blade through your heart!"

As Brannis curses and raves, his sword begins to weep tears of blood, which coat the blade with dark red malevolence. Brannis's age shows as he curves his blade through the air, striking at Soren. Crinkles crack the skin near his eyes, and he pants with every stroke. He must be nearing fifty years of age.

Out numbered, Brannis continues his forced retreat.

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Tanstafaal: As a note, you're prone from being unconscious.
Caleun: 16 does not confirm.
Trevor: 10 does not hit his touch AC, but it is very close.

Fire's growth direction: Will grow on 9, 10, or 11
(1d12)[7]

Brannis's attack vs Soren, using Arcane Channel to cast Blade of Blood.
(1d20+7)[19]
(2d4+1)[5]
blood - (1d6)[1]

Vir-ra vs Brannis
(1d20+2)[18]
(1d6)[5]

Player'sInitiative - (1d20+4)[10]
Brannis - (1d20+2)[11]

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Premium cut d20s.
(1d20)[5]
(1d20)[11]
(1d20)[10]

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun Tranil

"Big Talk for someone in your position." Says Caleun, moving to the bottom of the stairs, his blades constantly keeping Brannis' sword in check, "All you managed in your stupid attack was to kill a defenceless man. You are a disgrace for the Flame"

Seeing a posible opening, Caleun lunges.

Actions:
5-feet step to space north of Brannis

Full defensive attack:
RapierToHit - (1d20+3)[7]
CinquedeaToHit - (1d20+3)[23]
RapierDamage - (1d6+1)[5]
CinquedeaDamage - (1d6+1)[7]

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Possible critical on Cinquedea (3rd's the charm?)
CriticalConfirm - (1d20+3)[23]
CriticalDamage - (1d6+1)[5]

Edit: Caleun lunged low with his rapier, forcing Brannis to parry it and momentarily open his shoulder to Caleun, who took the chance to viciously thrust his cinquedea. Finding his mark, he then twisted it and pulled back, enlarging the wound.

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

Trevor sees Brannis heading for the ladder. Oh, no... you don't get away that easily. "CNOAG!"^* he shouts as he gestures toward the ladder, causing it to splinter into a thousand pieces.

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Baleful Utterance (CArc p132)
<Invocation[sonic], VS, 1StdAct, Close-range, Instantaneous, SR applies>

– By speaking a syllable of Dark Speech, the invoker chooses one of the following to occur:

a) all non-magic glass, crystal, etc., in a 5’ radius Burst that weigh less than 1 lb/lvl are shattered. An attended object gets a Will save to negate. Otherwise, no save.
b) a single solid object weighing up to 10 pounds per level can be shattered. An attended object gets a Will save to negate. If an attended object was destroyed, then the creature touching it must make a Fortitude save of be Dazed for 1 round and Deafened for 1 minute.

Effective Spell Level: 2nd.

(Will DC 15 if appropriate)

^*Translation from Infernal: "BREAK!"

[Miraqariftsky]

Soren Solaren

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Str + BAB + weapon enhancement + Aid + Smite Evil + charge - Power Attack 2

(1d20+11)[25]
(1d20+11)[22]
(2d6+13)[21]

AC 17
HP 13

Soren's vision bursts into myriad brilliant screaming shards when his aura-sense roars just as Brannis' blade lashes out. The blood-weeping blade of curved steel dips under the paladin's guard in a low slash and then the sinful sergeant drives the wicked point into the junction between breastplate and backplate.

The curved sword pierces the knotted muscles there, tearing the younger man's flesh. The blood of the blade seeps into his bones, leeching away his strength with a deep devouring sickness.

Soren gasps and stumbles back. Brannis rips the blade out viciously and hot blood pours down the paladin's flank, soaking his side and staining the steel of his mail. He tastes the coppery tang of blood as he coughs and gags.

His fleshly sight blurs and his spirit-sight comes into full power once more. The choking smoke from the pillager's flames fades away into naught but white vapours, the world itself seeming to grow vague. He glimpses the various auras of his comrades and foes once more but it is to the latter that his eyes are drawn.

Far to the west, fleeing on loping paws wreathed in infernal flames, a great black wolf runs away, its face shame-streaked. Behind it streams a spectre grey, unfazed by the blazing sun. These he feels and knows are the twilight-forms of the two lieutenants who fled the field...

Closer and a tad to the left, there growls a beast, small but deadly. A dog, loyal and fierce... yet Soren wonders, troubled, for there lurks the seed of a shadowspawn within the poor creature's heart...

Ahead is a gaunt bewhiskered daemon bounding up the ladder into the loft. Black are its scales, malevolent the eyes. Vitriol drips from its every pore and a song of sorrow wails as its muscles flex in wielding its great curved sword and hauling its lean body up and away. The blood that drips from the abyssal runes on the broad blade hangs in the air with a foul reek. The blood that spurts into the twilight of Soren's spirit-sight when Caleun stabs in is blindingly bright and every droplet burns through the air with a screaming sizzle. With no doubt it his heart, Soren knows this to be the blasted Brannis.

Suddenly there is a great blast of infernal energies as the ladder bursts apart in a great gout of black flame. A word so foul from the Black Speech rings again and again through Soren's ears in monumental torment.

The world seems to cease its motion. The tiniest splinter of old wood from the shattered ladder hangs delicately in the air, the minutest drop of blood tinkles there like a chime of crimson crystal.

Red flames lick at Soren's blade and then they intensify into a white-hot blaze. Surging forward as the world regains its motion, he yells as he lashes out at the falling fiend, "Die now ye old daemon! FOR GERALD! FOR RE-MARR!"

[Beschoren]

Tanstafaal

Struggling heavly against the roots, the scout tries again to get free. he has some relif, at least, as he notices the ladder brusting with Brannis on it.

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escape artist DC 20(1d20+3)[14]. Prone, I know, but geting free is a full round action. I can only move away in the next turn (I hope)

edit ACURSED STUPID PLANTS! I swear I'll chop down every tree in Valorion to avoid this embarrasing thing again!

[Glyphic]

Spinters of wood fly, embedding themselves in the wooden walls, in lumpy dirt, floor, and the neck and flanks of Brannis. Blow after blow tears away the aged man's vitality, the darkness in his gaze giving way to blood-rimmed eyes of death.

His body pierced hacked, slabs of flesh and muscle laying at his feet. As blood cascades down his face, rushing to meet the ground, Brannis pivots with staggering feet to reach to his escape; finding nothing to grasp but air.

With a slight stumble, he turns his face back upon you, his smile stained with his own blood, "I will join.." he wheezes, "..my God sooner than anticipated.. Yet it is no delight that fills me." He huffs a pained grunt, throwing all his weight and vigor into a final swing.

With that, Brannis crumples under his own weight; He plants his sword into the dirt, bracing himself against it. Shock twists through him, and a conclusive shudder robs his strength, his torso falling beside his Falchion with a damped thud.

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Congratulations on bringing him Exactly to zero hp.
Ending blade of blood early, to deal +3d6 damage. This will also deal five damage to him, and an additional damage for taking a strenuous action at 0 Hp.

Brannis VS Soren - (1d20+7)[24]
(2d4+1)[7]
(3d6)[11]

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun Tranil

Caleun watched how the final attack from Brannis had found its mark, causing a massive bloodspurt - how much from Soren and how much from the weapon's enchantment impossible to determine - and then how both fell, conciousness fleeing. Wishing he could follow them, Caleun felt the deep weariness that always followed the end of a fight. His wounds screamed for attention, but he knew others took priority. Gently touching one of the injuries, he calls, "Trevor, I need some help. We need to get these two out of here before the fire takes over the building. I'm not sure we shold be moving them, but I doubt we have the time for codling them. Maybe Bethany can help stop the fire, but she's also the one that can stop these two from bleeding to death"

With that, fighting over his bone-deep weariness, Caleun takes Soren by the arms and pulls him out of the barn, before coming back for Brannis.

[Beschoren]

Tasntafaal

In a rather sudden energy and skill brust, the scout tries again to get out before the plants grow flowers or something
next time I'll cast some sort anti-plant shell or anything like it...

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(1d20+8)[16]

"ahmmm... could someone help me? again?"

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

Not relishing the idea of dragging bleeding bodies, Trevor nonetheless complies with its necessity, but not without a snide, "are you sure we can't just leave Brannis in there to burn?"

Once outside, Trevor notices the sack of military orders, and starts sorting through them to see what the heck is going on...

[Glyphic]

Leen watches for a few moments, her eyes twinkling as she watches Tanstafaal writhe about in root and grass. As Trevor and Caleun drag out Brannis and Soren, she decides to make herself useful, she treads to the elf, and helps him cut his way out, both with claw and tooth.

Vir-ra scampers up, hovering over the two incapacitated warriors. With the smooth edge of her claw, she starts poking at Brannis's wounds. She breaks into a grotesque giggle as she lets a little more blood flow.

Armed with spears, slings, and very large wooden shields, a contingent of Militia men rush off to subdue the Longbow man. Off near the general store, a brigade of men and women with buckets, shovels, and other implements rush to extinguish what left of the flames..

The contents of the Military satchel are abit confusing; fresh at the top is a loose missive with the distinctive "G", belonging to Commodore Glaw; the second hand man to Admiral Hawthorne. It has been previously opened. Underneath that scroll, is a barrage of tattered, stained, crumpled or simply incinerated scrolls. Seven of them order different fireteams to scout Roke's peaks for 'low density populations'. Two scrolls tingle with magical energy, and instruct a specialist named Delserrin to continue negotiations. Thirteen other scraps of parchment origionate from Southern Valorium, stretching from Castle Brinnlaw to Sussrance: scouting, escort, delivery, and eradication orders, some of them ranging up to two years old.

One of the more disturbing things you notice relates to the day's events. Six copies of a single order exist. The command is to remove Gerald's title as Mayor of Re-marr, violently if necessary. They span from penned seven days ago, to nine months past.

At the bottom of the sack, there is only ash.

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Delserrin's messages buzz with magic as you attempt to read them. I'll PM what one of them says, and then you can decide to read the other or not.

Commodore Glaw's message will also be PM'd.

Brannis moves to -7, and we'll assume you can patch up both Soren and Brannis without hassle.

Silk ropes are much to fancy for hanging people with. It's just not classy

[Beschoren]

tanstafaal

Rapidly rising from the cursed vines, the elf moves out from that acursed fences. "ah, free at last... thank you troglodite. now let's continue the business... brannis won't just die. yet.". the elf moves to brannis, and tries to mend his wounds so he can stop bleeding.

I wonder how Trevor's friend saw me... useless magic potion, everyone can see me, won't waste another 300 gold pieces on it...

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heal check to stop bleeding(1d20+1)[13]. I supose I will use a potion on him if he drops to -9. due to the boots of agile leaping, i can stand up from prone as a swift action

[Glyphic]

Time passes, as the inhabitants of Re-marr move as weeping shades on a nightmarish day. Many come together to huddle and provide the warmth of community, as they blot at their still crying eyes. Others stalk off to the fields, to emulate the lone plants that shed no tears, and only sway in the wind. Many approach your group, touching your shoulders in fondest respects, or giving full embraces. They sing your praises for valor, and give their heart-wracked eulogies of the departed Mayor. You're all offered to rest in many of houses, as well as Gerald's own manor.

Soren is shown reverent care by those that follow Pu'ur and him. A moderate sized group stands below the platform, listening to a portly, red-haired man stumble through Sacred Scripture.

Bethany, Leen, and the rest of their clan linger by your group. Bethany and Leen attempt conversations with a few Villagers who share breakfast's remnants with them: small introductions, an offer to help till fields, and other quieted offerings. Bethany shies away from making too many inquires.

Kojiro returns from his distraction, a troubled and contemplative look on his face.

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Assuming you let him read the captured orders, he declares he must return to Castle Brinnlaw.

Rodion commands a small section of armed men, and deposits the Longbow Man and the rest of the capture soldiers in the auction house, binding them with rope and manacle. The spell casters have their mouths stuffed.

Jyo-lan attempts a smile, but says The Order of the Gentle Rain must know of today's events. He offers you all pleasantries, before riding out of town on a newly acquired horse.

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Soren, if you'd like, you can be conscious. Assume a member of your congregation knows enough to heal you, or that Bethany provided the cure. :p
How much time has passed, is up to you guys. No more than a day.

[Beschoren]

Tasntafaal

soon after the battle is over and the fires are out, the elf takes a look in the village perimeter, as long as the invisibility effect lasts (3 min total). he tries to track a general direction for the flames still lose agents.

when he's back, he makes some questions to the vilagers (not really caring about their weeps and tears).
"Who was that dwarf? just some merchant?"
"Where's gerald's wife? can we see her?"
"What was the total damage done to the vilage? say, in gold pieces?"
"Gerald had a bad experience with the flame or something? did he had enemies?"
"Do you have anyone to call for aid?"
"What do you think of the troglodites?"
"Where's the closest small vilage?"

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun Tranil

Once Caleun has had a bit of a rest, and has had his wounds patched as best as the local healer could, he takes a skin of water with him and request to see one of the prisoners (the one that grew during the battle). Once they are alone, Caleun liberates his hands, takes a bit of the water and passes the skin to the soldier. Once the soldier has had a chance to drink a bit and massage his wrists, Caleun talks to him friendly.

"That attack didn't turn out the way it was supposed to, didn't it? Listen, I'm sure that the locals will want to talk to you and give you a trial, but I wanted to have a word with you first. Things here are not what they seem, I've no idea what your sargent was thinking of, but you should never have attacked us." Flashing his Flame emblem before palming it away, he continues, "I am in a deep cover mission for the Flame - can't give you the details, of course, and I need you to forget I even told you - but Brannis' attack could have seriously endangered my own mission. I need to know all you can tell me about the mission. Not just the official bits - we recovered most of those from the orders' satchel - but anything you have picked up from the grapevine. Of course, if you help me I'll try and get you a deal with the village so you can go. No need to tell you that hanguing is in the near future for killing their mayor, but I'm fairly certain I can get you out of it. What I need to know if Brannis overstepped his orders, because if not I'm going to have to rush back to my commander to see what the hell is going on, and that will mean trouble all around, believe me. As it is, I may have to go anyway, and soon, so I may not be able to stick around for the judgement."

Taking another mouthful of water, Caleun continues, "So basically, tell me why Brannis went for the mayor, and if our arrival with the trogs was coincidence or planned, and any other detail you can think of, and I'll not only get you out of this, but put a good word back in HQ about you when I get back so that this snafu doesn't bite you in the ass. Deal?"

Actions:

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Diplomacy - (1d20+11)[27] General diplomacy, to try and get him on my side.
Bluff - (1d20+10)[12] To see if he swallows the whole "secret mission for the Flame"
Hopefully Calleun will get a few extra circunstancial bonuses on top of the base bonus for believability, good will, etc. For example, the lie should be easy to believe (the Flame emblem is real, and the lie plausible), and he would want to believe me because it means his neck won't be placed in the noose.

[Glyphic]

Tanstafaal

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Looping around town, you come across the dust the Fleeing soldiers left. You're confident they headed west, and that you will be able to track them as long as they stay on the dirt road, as it hasn't seen much activity lately. If they head north into the mountains, you think you'll have a good shot at keeping up with them.

The first villiger you meet is a balding man named Andrew, who takes some time from Pu'ur's teachings to talk with you.

"Akos lead a very fine life here. He oversaw the iron smelter at the edge of town, and had a talent with bronze, and occasionally wrought things from gold..The only thing better than his smithing skills, was his heart; Pu'ur's Blessing on him.." He rubs his nape, glancing about, "Adaliade? Oh... I hadn't even thought of her. I can't say it'd be fitting of me to bring her news." With a cough, he says, "You'd find her at the Manor, I bet.. but if you would please let another break the news to her?"

After the inquiry of Gold pieces, Andrew gives a lamenting smile, trying to gloss over the offense."The price of a soul isn't measured in coins, Friend." He invites you to stay and listen to the sermon, but otherwise turns unhelpful.

The second villager you talk to is younger man named David, who's part of the militia. He's just returned from capturing the Longbow man. "Gerald, as I know it, was a captain in the Flame of the west- He worked for the city guard of Dee-lee-ta, overseeing their river landing. He always said it was an administrative job that broke his heart; never visible violence, but Children and elven beggars with scars from Fanciful noble men's swords." He spits, and then re-wraps a cloth brace on his left wrist, "That made a prime place for Gerald to start sending them away, to a place with food and community. That place just hadn't been made yet." He gives a slight grin, "Until Gerald founded our little home. For the most part, we're all alone out here."

David gives a glance to The Crescent Moon Clan, "Mostly. They look like they've got spirits boiling in them, of the good sort. I'll be glad to have them around," He says as he gives you a playful nudge, "if they don't stink up the place."

"The closest village is Steren, a good two days walk from Fort Silvanos, and Three or four days from here. Best thing there is Kelos, and The Broken Wheel Inn. I'd stay away from the Lake, if you do stop in there. Something just isn't right, there."

Caleun

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"Fluke" pales as you pull him away from the rest of the soldiers. He takes a cautious sniff of the water as you unbind him, which turns to a greedy guzzle after it's brief inspection. He interjects, "But I was just-!" Before you tell him to listen. Which he does.

As you relate your undercover agent status, he spits up a stream of water after coughing on it. A steady torrent of apologies and pleas come next, until you can get him to shut up again.

He stumbles over his words once you give him time to talk; "There were just the five of us until two days ago; Kevin, that private with the rose crest shield, spotted those other four approaching. Our Bowman, drew out arrows before Brannis stopped him, Up by Chara's depths. He said they were friends- calling them "The Order of the Burning Spear!" I just shut up and kept quiet- Same with Kevin, but Kevin tired talking to his Brother and his Brother just wouldn't budge either. None of them wore the right uniforms and they all ate their meat raw; practically right after they killed it.

Suddenly, he points at a member of the other fireteam (Private A), "That man said his name was Stanford Chistov; a page report said he died on a Giant hunting mission in The Steps! I bet the others are dead-men too!"

OOC: Anyone is free to read these, the spoiler tags are just for readability. Caleun's meeting is secretive. As a note, the Private bought it, hook, line and sinker.

[Grey_Wolf_c]

Caleun

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"Fluke" pales as you pull him away from the rest of the soldiers. He takes a cautious sniff of the water as you unbind him, which turns to a greedy guzzle after it's brief inspection. He interjects, "But I was just-!" Before you tell him to listen. Which he does.

As you relate your undercover agent status, he spits up a stream of water after coughing on it. A steady torrent of apologies and pleas come next, until you can get him to shut up again.

He stumbles over his words once you give him time to talk; "There were just the five of us until two days ago; Kevin, that private with the rose crest shield, spotted those other four approaching. Our Bowman, drew out arrows before Brannis stopped him, Up by Chara's depths. He said they were friends- calling them "The Order of the Burning Spear!" I just shut up and kept quiet- Same with Kevin, but Kevin tired talking to his Brother and his Brother just wouldn't budge either. None of them wore the right uniforms and they all ate their meat raw; practically right after they killed it.

Suddenly, he points at a member of the other fireteam (Private A), "That man said his name was Stanford Chistov; a page report said he died on a Giant hunting mission in The Steps! I bet the others are dead-men too!"

Caleun Tranil

Caleun thanks him and adds with a wink, "Now, remember, next time you see me, I'm just some guy that came into the village at the worst possible time. I'll try my best you do not dance the grim fandango. Oh, if you can let your team members know I'm on your side, that'll be a great help. Don't give them any details - I'm in enough troubole as it is - just that I'm on your side. That way, I don't have to break the rules three times. I'll deal with that "Stanford"" Caleun ties him again and returns him to his cell, and politely talks to the prison guard so that he and the other members of the squad are treated well (meaning clean bedding and water). He also suggests that special care is taken with Private A. [OOC: I assume Brannis is already as secure as can be. If not, Caleun suggests how to make him more secure. That's one bastard that Caleun wants to keep locked up]

Caleun then takes a moment to go outside and brief on his finding to Soren. "Soren, I've got one of the privates to trust me. I'm going to try the others, but we'll see. I will call for him, and maybe some of his companions, for lenient sentences, in part because of the info he has given me, and also because I believe they were simple soldiers just doing their job, and the true bastard to be that Brannis. Hopefully I can convince you to see it my way, but if you have any reservations, do say now for I respect your views on this matter."

"Now, about what I've discovered, I have a very bad feeling about the second group of soldiers - the ones that got away. According to the guy I've talked to, they claim to be soldiers that are known to have died. I don't know who those guys are, but the Flame doesn't break and run that easily. We did capture one of them - do you think you could take a look at him and tell me what your feelings are about him? I think I may also get Trevor to take a look - if there is something magical, Trevor should be able to see it. I cannot help but think of those shape shifting spiders rumours I heard back in the city, not to mention Leem's stories and fears."

"Finally, I think we should deal with Brannis together. I wouldn't trust him as far as I can throw him, and I doubt he'd buy the story I've told the soldiers. Let me know when you are ready, and we'll talk about what we will do to make him talk"

With that, Caleun refills the water skin, and goes back to talk to the other numeric privates, one at a time.

Actions:

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I'm basically suggesting that Soren checks Private A for evil, and Trevor checks him for magic/alter self/etc. I'm fairly certain Trevor would've made his abilities known by know (when collecting the loot), and Soren is very open with his ability to read auras.

Not sure if I should roll against the other two privates - I'm hoping that private 2 will do most of the work for Caleun - the other members of this team should trust him. Also, since Caleun is no longer improvising, I'd just take 10 +11 base diplomacy + whatever circunstance bonus are appropiate. If, however, I do need to roll, here they are just in case.
(1d20+11)[13]
(1d20+11)[25]
Same as before, Caleun is fishing for whatever information they can give him about their mission, the circunstances, and these weird guys that joined them. He also wants their opinion on Brannis - particularly if they have noticed strange changes in personality, etc.

Edit: seriously, what is with me and rolling 2s in social rolls? Oh well, I was hoping not to need those rolls anyway, and even if I do, I do get the third one to trust me. For what is worth, given that I doubt they're different, I go first to private 1 and then to private 3.

[Glyphic]

Kevin (Private 1)

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Having been unconscious from most of the battle, it takes this soldier some time to come back to his senses. Blotchy, discolored spots of black and blue still radiate malevolent energy. He sits, slumped up against a wall. As you offer him the canteen, he waves it off with an apathetic motion.

Looking down into his lap, he curls his fingers into a fist, then relaxes them. His left eye stares off into nothingness, while the other buggishly focuses on your face. "My brother.. isn't with the others." He beings, his voice crawling to find the words, "He's... Not in this realm either.." His head knocks against the wall, as he tilts his head back. Tears flow down his face, mixing with blood and dirt, "My father.. He appointed us to Military service. No where else to go, nothing left to inherit. We're only a small family, serving the Diocletion clan.."

"Five months ago, my brother had me transferred into Brannis's command; I'd been pushing for it for a year. I.. didn't want anything to happen to him, but it the request was always denied."

"Brannis has about 7 men, who practice and spew about that statue-god. It's visage still gives me shivers. According to my Brother..I think it was five months- maybe less- that they started worship."

You're free to press him for more, but at this point, he's looking pained, and clenching his stomach.

Kenneth (private 3)

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Kenneth bares fresh, still dripping wounds when you get to him. This left calf bares his only bandaged wound, a spear-thrust. He leans with both hands on it, constricting the blood flow. He lets out a barely audible curse as you isolate him.

"Sargent Brannis has always been one mean bastard. Crazed or not, he's kept the Principalities safe- and killed the same scum you brought into town. He was -right- to kill a dwarf-licking 'Ribbon' like Gerald. You might let those other men live for being cowards and snot-nosed weaklings. But my Sargent, was following orders; it was Gerald who refuted and ignored whatever he wanted. He's had his warnings and penalties; He knew what specters were coming for him.

We just needed that little help to make sure he got it. The Burning Spear is dedicated to getting lost commands finished. They don't report to anyone in Fort Silvanos or anything. I bet the Prince himself commands them."

He taunts, a slice of smile flicking across his face, "With a little more help, -you'd- be in the grave right next to Gerald."

Replace "Ribbon" with whatever derogatory term you like, as long as it borders incredibly offensive.

[Beschoren]

Tasntafaal

The first villiger you meet is a balding man named Andrew...
After the inquiry of Gold pieces, Andrew gives a lamenting smile, trying to gloss over the offense."The price of a soul isn't measured in coins, Friend." ...

Still dry and unemotive, the elf replies to Andrew "I meant I want to pay for the damage, at least a part of it. I'll buy any lost livesotck and pay for the repairs on the buildings. This is not charity - the lost livestock is mine, and you will be responsible to keep the barn and burnt houses in good condition for 10 years, as part of them is mine too."

About the vilagers thanks: "I apreciate your gratitude. But if you trully mean it, leave Brannis to me. He is mine."

Heading towards Mistress Srikun (her house, the inn or herself), he asks: "I've heard you have unusual itens that may or may not be available for trade. could we make a deal? or coul you identify some magical proprieties over some armor?

After talking to the villagers, the scout tries to peek by the manor's windows (for anything (even more) unusual), and then knocks the door (hopefully with Trevor at his side)

[Duke of URL]

Trevor

Trevor seems visibly shaken for a moment reading through the messages, or, more precisely, one message in particular. He seems to manage to shake it off, however, after a few seconds.

He shares all of the other messages with the rest, regarding the one that seemed to bother him, he says, "there is some strong protective magic on this. I was lucky; the next to try to read it might not be as fortunate. It is much like the others, though, except that it gives some vague indications that there is definitely something of interest in Roke's Peaks, beyond this matter of the book," he adds, pointing to the message regarding the journal.

"If we want to check it out, we need to go to Firefell and head north from there."

After this, he is available for other duties, such as magical scanning and advice to Tasntafaal. (To the latter, he points out that if he's suspecting a ghost, that's beyond his area of expertise, but what he knows of planar binding would indicate that once one part of a link is gone, such as the summoner or binder dying, the link is severed. Whether that has any bearing on the current situation is beyond Trevor, however.)