Freedom Or Prison Chapter 1

[JettWilderbeast]

The dimly lit Prison was never quiet. Whether it was the crackle of torches, the screaming of the tortured or the quiet chitter chatter of insane ramblings. No this was no ordinary prison, this was Hamarckan, quite possibly the most corrupt prison run by the most corrupt Captain of The Guard in the History of Fringe. D’arvik. Because of the power he held over the Prison and its dangerous inhabitants D’arvik pretty much ran Fringe, showing the high council to be nothing but a sham. Under D’arvik’s rule money could be exchanged for a “luxury stay” in the prison and no one said a word.
The prison is in the North of the city of Fringe – quite possibly the biggest city in the planes and as such requires the biggest prison in the planes. And this is where our story begins, in the maximum security wing of Hamarckan on a bright sunny Sunday morning – though the occupants didn’t know this, it was always dark in the prison.
The heavy bolted door was swung open with a hideous screech and 30 or so heavily armed soldiers walked in slowly with swords drawn and took their spots outside the doors to the cells of the solitarily confined prisoners.
A tall slender man with a goatee walked into the wing, D’arvik himself, he was swiftly followed by two scholars carrying a small table each with scrolls on.
D’arvik said nothing but walked along the cells and looked in at each of the occupants – occasionally he nodded as he looked in the cells and the guards hustled these prisoners out their cells and towards the two tables at the front of the wing. Once he had picked out 5, the protagonists in our story (you guys) he returned to the tables where the prisoners were stood restrained by the guards.
“Now then…” he said; “What have we here? The scum and most dangerous filth in Fringe. Quite possibly the world.” At this point D’arvik walked over to the naked elf, he looked her over smiling at her form then a look of hatred crossed his face and he spat in her face. Though she, and all the prisoners, struggled – they were restrained by the soldiers and magic restrained by magic.
“The worst. Nothing but to be despised and killed, but, I have a game for you.”
He picked up one of the scrolls on the left table; “These are 5 scrolls for the pardon and release of 5 prisoners of my choice, not to be wasted on you.” He dropped the scroll on the table and took something from his pocket, turning his attention to the pile of scrolls he set them on fire with a match.
“No. That would be no fun” He grinned “I have come in need for a large amount of money recently and I believe you are the ones to get it for me. If you accept the invitation to my game I will transport you all to the only other city that rivals this one. Fringe’s mortal enemies – Yelt. Once there you will collect 1000000 gold pieces – this can be in any form; gold, art, gems - and return it to me. In return I will allow you to live, you will not be allowed to return to Fringe but you can live. Where? I don’t really care. I do not care how you get the money but you will get it or I will despatch an army to get you and destroy Yelt in the process.”
He looked at each convict one by one;
“There is a catch of course – this must be done within 7 days. If I do not have the money by sunset of the seventh day, consider yourselves dead.”
The slender man played with his goatee and motioned to the table on his right; “These are execution orders for each one of you. Consider them valid. Now do you play the game?”
He laughed before adding: "By the way you have no choice. If you say no I'll kill you now."

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi remains passive in the guards unkind grip, bearing a smile that showed bright white beneath, and despite; the grime of the prisons stinking corridors. His gold eyes shone in the gloom, and his golden-blond hair, strangely neat and orderly, despite the state of much everyone elses reaches down to his shoulders. He listens to D'Arviks tale with a quiet, thoughtful silence.

Oh dear, he seems to be insane. 1,000,000 gold pieces? Between us five, taking that much would most probably mean we'd have to bankrupt every citizen of Yelt. Poor man. Still; this chance sent by Pelor must not be ignored! I am sure that Pelor will provide for us in his all-seeing wisdom. Still... Who are these people? See if I can get a look.

While D'Arvik continues his monologue, Banadi glances quickly at those restrained beside him.

Hmm. Too hard to see in this light. Still not used to it. Got to wait for eyes to adjust. Still, Pelor would not give me the opportunity to escape with others for no reason? Aha! He wants me to show them his Glory so they will convert to his True way! I thank you for this opportunity, Morninglord.

Banadi abruptly turns his attention back to D'Arvik when he has finished his tirade. His face is calm and kind, and his voice soft as he utters his reply.

I accept your gracious offer, D'Arvik. May you walk in the Light. I hope you find solace in the future, for you seem devoid of it now.

[wxdruid]

Star already has nothing but contempt for the guards and for D’arvik. Their dungeon is filthy, the guards rude and very inconsiderate towards her person. She's covered in a layer of dirt, her hair is filthy and matted. They have to chase her down inside her cell, hold her down, grab her arms and legs before they have a chance of carting her out. The entire time she's alternating between whispering and shouting insults, but the guards have become inured to her by now.

When she's dragged out, still writhing, they hold her still (mostly) for D’arvik to inspect her. She leers back at him, when he spits on her, she gathers what spit she has left to do the same back and swears copiously at him before a guard cuffs her into silence.

Despite herself, she listens, she inwardly scoffs at the amount of gold he wants, greedy little... gold is worthless, but outwardly she remains quiet. When her chance for leaving is burnt up in flames she nearly starts another fight, but the guards are ready and subdue her once again.

The meaning behind D'arvik's words sink in, get him all that worthless gold and she will be free! If she doesn't, he'll kill her. She can't stand the thought of scum like him killing her, it isn't natural. She's the one that should be ridding the world of civilization, not rotting away in jail, unable to act on what she firmly believes is true.

But, what he offers...she could be taking from the others in Yelt and then blowing up their structures. That would be pleasing to her, send them back to the stone age where they belong. Then come back and do the same to this upstart idiot. She smiles, whether it's for the offer? the game? or not? they aren't sure.

Star nods, Yes, I'll play your little game, get you your worthless gold. She repeats to herself, I. WILL. BE. FREE! It's the one thing that has kept her sane throughout her incarceration. The memory, the thought, the future possibility of being free.

[AmberVael]

Charna is lax in the guard's grip, her eyes distant and her actions vague, as if she were half asleep. Something about her seems off- strange- and the wild look in her eyes and her unkept hair only add to the notion that this is a woman gone insane. Maybe they had left her alone in the cells too long, or possibly she had just been that way to begin with. Either way, her eyes roll around during D'Arvik's speech, fixating on random objects and twitching strangely. But yet, the others might notice a change in her throughout the time the corrupt captain spoke. Slowly she seems to pull back to reality, bringing her focus to the others and the area around her. Maybe there was a chance for her to regain sanity.

But of course, the only way someone could possibly think that, is if they did not see what was going on in her mind, what happened from her perception. In her mind, as the guards pulled her down the hall, a thousand screaming waves crashed into her world, pulling her down and under, into the depths of the dreaming land. The skies roiled and howled in a silent, cataclysmic storm that touched nothing, not reaching her as she dropped down into the depths, silence and darkness dropping fully around her. Unseen figures began to chant in harmony, and she felt power rising up in her again, ever so slowly. That which had been taken from her was coming back, even though she still could not reach it.

A visage of madness rose before her eyes, reaching out to grasp and touch her in an unholy blessing as it spoke to her- not in words, for no words could possibly serve such a thing as this. Just its actions, the way it formed itself and its myriad, hundred eyed, sightless gaze told her that she must go back to sleep, that she must go into the waking world once more, for an opportunity was coming... she could be free, free to learn more and if she did well, perhaps even merge with the dreaming world forever...

Though Charna dreaded returning to that mundane, horrible world, she knew she must. This was her chance- the chance she had waited years for. Even if she had learned much in that time, she had been, in part, cut off. It was time to leave, to take that part back for herself.

So, grimacing and bracing herself for the shock, she shut her waking eyes to the dreaming world, and slowly pulled herself back to this... disgusting place. What was going on? Who was this? What was he talking about it? She strained to listen and understand, but she had been gone so long she could barely remember what words were, what speech meant to her. Her eyes rolled around, taking the settings in without comprehending them, so long had she been in such an alien landscape. Her perception and understanding of this... mundane, ugly place came back in scattered fragments, and she slowly pulled herself back together. She managed to understand the gist of what D'Arvik was saying, finally back to full comprehension as he threatened their deaths on the seventh day.

Do as he will, thinks Charna, a sly, insane smile coming to her face as her cold blue eyes entirely focus on him, more intimidating in their clarity than in her madness. Do as he wishes, but once she is set free, there will be no going back... even if she fails to get what he wants, he will be broken, and she will never return. Once she was weak enough to be held by this cage and these hopeless, unawakened men, but no longer. Her captivity had strengthened her...

Drawing herself taller, Charna seems sane now, if strangely satisfied and confident in herself. Still looking at D'Arvik, she smirked and gave her response, her words slipping out mockingly, daring him to try and understand how she really meant them.
"I will take your offer... and play this game."
She seems to put emphasis on the fact that the offer was his, but the game was not... as if she knew something he didn't. As if she had set this all up. But how could she? When he had been getting scrolls of pardon, she had been laughing madly at the empty air in her cell. When he had been crafting writs of execution, she had been scribing maddening symbols on the wall of her cell with dirt and blood. Still, the woman seems to smile, her eyes focusing on the corrupt Captain with such intensity that he might flinch and shiver before her gaze, disturbed by her sudden recall to a seeming of sanity.

After a while, she lets her eyes flick over the others, realizing their presence and now able to perceive it. She measures each of them carefully, gauging what they meant to her.

[JackMage666]

Taevus Lyre is able to stand unrestrained - The guards don't bother, other than to guide him along as his meditation isn't complete when they interrupt him, so he keeps his eyes closed to focus himself inward. Nevertheless, he complies willingly, not because he's afraid of their hand but because he obeys the law itself. Regardless, any guard who attempts to grab him quickly finds he's lost his grip, as the slender yet muscular human seems to be covered in oil in their eyes. His meditation ends and he is suddenly aware of his new surrounds - With several prisoners who struggle against the guards and many guards who seem the threaten, with the high and mighty warden in front of him, shouting and taunting.

That pig D'arvik will get his own, for disobeying the written edicts of the lands in this makeshift prison. Taevus imagines doing it now, throwing his fist into the rat and watching the sinews of flesh tear from the bone, rending his pathetic form unable to defend himself from the onslaught of his fists. He can just see the true lawbreaker falling from his perch and entering the Nine Hells where he belongs, and with a quick...

Taevus twitches. Those are not the thoughts he should have after just meditating. He takes a deep breath and remembers that it's only a matter of time before his freedom will be granted. After all, D'arvik seems to wish to offer it now.

If a lawman makes a proposal, that proposal must have been authorized by a higher figure of law, after all. Regardless of whether or not his end of this deal D'arvik proposes is fulfilled, it seems true justice will be served - Either he will help these other lawbreakers and be granted his freedom, or he will see to it personally that D'arvik receives the punishment that the laws higher than man demands.

Taevus doesn't speak, he simply nods in agreement to D'arviks terms. The guard to his right (a young man named Charles, who's served many meals to Taevus and both taught and learned from him many laws of many cultures), signifies to D'arvik that Taevus approves.

Taevus then closes his eyes. He almost let his anger gain the better of him again. He must focus once more.

[crazedloon]

Hinric

As the guards enter his cell Hinric springs to his feat from his laying position. As the guards enter his cell to remove him he allows them to get just close enough before. Springing just out of reach, as this game continues the guards get more and more frustrated and begin to yell at each other as they attempt to box him in. However above their yells can be heard an inane cackle as Hinric thoroughly enjoys himself. He only gets caught when his laughter can no longer contain itself and he buckles over in amusement.

The guards easily pick his little frame up and carry him a good foot off the ground before the others. Two guards stand him up in front of their captain and hold him by the shoulders to keep him restrained. He begins to twitch just slightly and his right eye twitters as his enjoyment seems to only increase.

When the captain enters the wing the Hinric begins to make an extravagant gesture with his hands and attempts a mock bow before the two guards pull him into a standing position. As the captain speaks he gazes on with amusement and chuckles to himself at the least appropriate times.

When he is done speaking and the others had spoken their piece. He peers across the room at star.

You know pretty thing, such foul language is not befitting someone of your beauty. and then with a wink he adds And I would suggest you kick him next time he spits on you

But before the captain or anyone can respond to his comments he turns to the captain. Sounds like tons of fun. Did you go and use all your money on that sweet little girls funeral? Oh and did you find all her fingers? I went through quite a bit of trouble to hide them from you. And you gave me so little time to hide them not much of trek from your room to hers.

He ends his statement with a sincere look that breaks into a smile of amusement. His mannerisms return and his eye twitches and he looks around the room at all the guards.

He leans in close to the two guards next to him and tells them in a not so quite tone. You boys wouldn't have had to worry. You all are to much of *******s to have been on my hit list. Nope not nice enough at all.

[JettWilderbeast]

D'arvik looks disdainfully at the Halfling - "Bring him here." D'arvik shows the soldiers to have Hinric place his left hand on the table. D'arvik calmly draws a short sword and raises it above his head. He swiftly strikes down and the sword hits the table with a sickening thud as the realisation sinks in that the Halfling has lost his little finger.

Mention it again, and you will lose another finger. Keep going and you will lose your life. Ignoring any recourse from Hinric, D'arvik motions to the door and commands;

Take them through to the holding cell, I will brief them from there. Well done scum, you made the right choice.

You are bodily escorted through the heavy bolstered door of the wing and taken into a room with a large cell in the middle of the room.
Once again in this room magic is suppressed and you cannot cast any spells.
D'arvik looks about the room then has a scholar get a chalkboard from another room.
Naturally I want you to do well in your task, so I will now go through the basics of Yelt, the task and what should happen to you if you fail.
D'arvik spends the next few hours telling you all about Yelt and it's districts and inhabitants.
After the last few hours of talking he hands you each one map through the bars in your cell.
This is the town map at a glance just detailing the districts and so on... They may come in handy. Now I think I should inform you something about the task your convict minds may not have thought about. I will open a portal allowing you to get there, once you are there this portal will close. It will not open until Noon of the 7th day. It will close at sunset of the last day, this of course means you will have to keep the gold somewhere in the city until it opens again. If you miss the portal, I will launch the army and you will all die. A brief pause follows D'arvik's speech; Any questions?

Hinric

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Don't worry the finger is just fluff there is no mechanical disadvantage.

What D'arvik told you about Yelt in a nut shell;

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Yelt rivals Fringe for size and no one really knows which is bigger and both claim to be the biggest cities in the planes - Titals they could well live up too.
Yelt is a city of extremes - There are the filthy rich and the filthy poor, there is very little middle class and they city itself is run by those with money, Bribes openly change hands and the government that runs it, well organised though it is, is corrupt as hell. The poor generally live a meagre life with vast portions of the city taken up by slum dwellings, however equally as much is taken up by playhouses, taverns, universities, large townhouses, mansions and even small castles. The cities wealthy generally keep some money in their homes but most keep the vast majority in well guarded banks dotted around the wealthier districts.
Yelt's most peculiar area is whats called the "Abandoned district", Though no one really remembers the exact events to cause the abandoned district it is known that it was caused by the combination of a plague and rioting, this once prosperous area was sealed off by the city guard of the time and very few have entered in since for fear of superstitious repercussions. Those who have entered the abandoned district have found empty streets with no sign of life at all, the buildings still stand though a little smashed from old riots and a little weary from age, Rumour has it that some more undesirable figures do in fact reside there.

Map of Yelt;

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Ok honestly my photoshop/life skills are failing me here at the moment but I will get you one, just trust me it is HUGE and has an assortment of different areas, the Abandoned district is in the southwest of the city and is sorrounded by slums and the most wealthy districts being in the North of the city.

[crazedloon]

Hinric

As the blade severed his finger Hinric gives a little wince and then recovers. As the guards drag him from the table he gives another small bow and smiles at the captain. As he is escorted into the new cell he lets the blood drain from his finger leaving a long trail. As they are thrown into the prison Hinric rips the right sleeve off of his prison shirt and raps it around his bloody stump.

As the captain speaks Hinric trots around the large cell. looking all around the cell as he does so and inspecting the other occupants. As he looks around around the room his face is covered in a jovial grin. When the captain is done with his speech he steps up to the bars and grabs them. He shoves his face through the bars and smirks at the captain.

So is my finger coming out of your portion of the gold or do I get a bonus ahead of time? Oh and would you like a goody bag from Yelt you seem so interested in it. Perhaps some cookies or other baked goods?

((ooc and I am ok with consequences to my actions ))

[wxdruid]

Star

An hour? to explain about a backward people that need pushed further back? Star is getting restless, she paces back and forth, back and forth, sometimes listening, sometimes not. She wants to be outside. Kenja is finally brave enough to peer out through her hair with his little beady eyes. She halts for a moment, talks softly to him before she begins pacing again.

When she gets handed a map, it ends up on the floor. She disdains to touch it. Why would she want the by-product of a once healthy living tree? Or perhaps it was made from a sheep skin, still worse, both deserved to live, unlike the men in front of her. She keeps track of the facts that she wants to know, like, where the rich live... although it sounds like it will be completely obvious where they live...big houses, etc, all easy to find. She will also remember how to get back here, right through another convenient portal with another one after that to dump her dead body through once she completes the game. She walks to the bars, stares out, waiting to be gone already.

She wants to be clean, to scrub the filth of their magicless, psionicless dungeon off, to be clean.

[AmberVael]

Charna

The woman pays attention with a strangely detached interest, finding herself deciding that the halfling was insane (an ironic judgment from her), and that she should watch him closer, just in case he did something of further interest. Star seemed a bit odd, perhaps she fought a bit too much for Charna's tastes, but she seemed to stay quiet otherwise, only saying what needed to be said. The priest made her wary- at least, he seemed like a priest. She couldn't stand them, all filled that terribly narrow minded power that blazed a blind view on the earth... she'd encountered people like that more than once.

Whispering an eldritch chant to herself over and over again under her breath, Charna takes it all in, not speaking up when the captain asked about questions. She would do this on her own, without any of his help- she had greater powers on her side, powers that knew and were like her... she was one of them, and not one of the men who stood about her, trying to keep her prisoner. She could wait, just a little longer...

Complete freedom would not be far now, oh no, the dreaming world was close. Closing her eyes, the dreaming woman waited, waited for her release.

[JackMage666]

Taevus listens to his speech, but doesn't take much interest in it. He merely smiles and nods at corrupt lawman speak. He is unsure how he will acquire the money, but he thinks that perhaps the game deserves more than one way to win.

Taevus dislikes Yelt. It seems to be a place of chaos, ignoring the power of law. Perhaps, though, it is not their fault, but the fault of the governing body. Perhaps a fix in the would help fix the problems of the government.

How does this help the game at hand? The consequences of "losing", in D'arvik's eyes, is that he will send an army to attack Yelt and, overall, them. With a stronger government, and a prepared army, Yelt could surely hold out against the militia provided by the prison. What's more, with the aid of five who's strengths rival the best D'arvik can offer in opposition (he assumes the others share his strengths), Yelts forces will surely prevail.

D'arviks plan involves robbing the rich, stealing from merchants, or making deals with the underworld. Taevus plans to overthrow the government and train a decent enough militia in order to top D'arviks own, which will end a corrupted government and weaken the power, if not outright destroying, the power of another.

Taevus smiles. His chess pieces are ready to move.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi winces as the mans finger is removed. Once in the cell, he turns to him for a moment.

I am sorry about what happened to your finger, friend. If I had my magic I could ease the pain, but it will take powerful magic to regrow it.

He then listens intently to D'Arvik, scrutinising the map when he gets the chance. As D'Arvik finishes his tirade, he looks thoughtful.

I am truly blessed to have such an opportunity. Yelt does not sound as if it will be too hospitable... But I'm sure I will enjoy it. It will be like a holiday. Yes. A Holiday. Oh, but I will finally be able to serve Pelor through the gifts he has given me! I have felt them in my mind ever since I entered this place... I have a good feeling about this venture.

[JettWilderbeast]

Ignoring Hinric, D'arvik informs the group;
Well then, it is nearly noon here. You will be brought food and your equipment, then you shall leave. It is a saturday today, you will have the afternoon and night to prepare in the city and your 7 days shall begin at dawn tommorow, thats sunday.
D'arvik watches over you being brought food, gruel, boring and plain but he makes you eat it all the same. and 5 large chests are brought into the room. D'arvik informs you that each chest contains 1 persons belongings and that you are lucky he didn't sell them all.
After you've finished your food D'arvik laugh mockingly and tells you; Well I think I'd best let you know, In your meal was the components to a spell that I've had cast on the lot of you. As this is an anti magic chamber it won't have any effect here but the moment you leave, it will. None of you will be able to harm anyone in your little group. Don't even try it. D'arvik laughs mockingly as he does so he pulls a key from his belt; This is the key for your cell. When you get it and get your kit please leave by that door, D'arvik motions to the only other door in the room: It will take you to your portal. Oh and I suggest you take the chests, you'll need them for my gold. With a loud evil laugh D'arvik throws the key into your cell, he strides through the door, slamming it and throwing across several dead bolts.

[JackMage666]

Taevus unlocks his cell and goes to open his chest. He retrieves his items, which any of you might find strange. Rather than armor or weapons, he pulls out a few pieces of jewellry (2 rings and and amulet), a number of things for his arms (both gloves and bracers, which he takes time to strap on), a simple looking belt, and a heavy cloak. He dons his equipment, and looks like nothing spectacular - In fact, if it weren't for the jewelry, he'd look much like a commoner.

He then punches his chest, splintering it (he deals (3d6+3)[12] damage to it, so at least overcomes hardness and damages the wood.) This doen't seem like so much as a threat than to test his own strength. When it doesn't outright shatter completely, he contemplates, then remember that, since he equipment doesn't work in the area, he'll appear weaker than when he entered the prison. He ignores the remains of the chest, and walks to the door. He'll need something better than that.

See you on the other side. We'll figure out a plan when we're away from the "law"man.

[AmberVael]

Charna

Her eyes icy, Charna watches the corrupt captain leave, then turns to the chest in front of her. She slowly withdraws its contents, drawing out a number of items that are disturbingly... unnatural. The circlet she places on her head is of a strange design that could never have been crafted by human hands, and her ring and amulet echo the same craftsmanship. She draws out a cloak as well, but it seems surprisingly mundane, as well as the stout leather armor that she pulls on.
The others may become aware of a quiet mantra that she is chanting under her breath in some strange language that they can't identify. After she finishes picking up her items, she gets the key the captain left and tries the door, exultation radiating from her as she takes this step- a step towards freedom.

[wxdruid]

Star

Star thinks his methods are reprehensible. She doesn't care about hurting her companions, they're only people.

She listens and then calmly walks out, opens her chest and pulls out her few belongings. She expertly twists the feathers, bits of driftwood, two intricate wooden rings, several small shells with holes bored into them and a few small bones into her long black hair. A small bag made of some curious hide with a long strap goes over her shoulder. A interesting band made of reeds, long grasses and long dark hairs goes around Kenja's middle. Once done, she feels more complete, more herself, although she's still not clean. It irritates her. She takes a look around and then follows Charna, towards their 'freedom'.

[crazedloon]

Hinric

As the captain leaves Hinric calls after him.

Ok if we don't get you what you want don't come crying to me after all I did ask.

Hinric chuckles to himself and walks out of the cell and up to his chest which he kicks open with a single kick. With on hand he pulls the shirt of his back and tosses it to the side while the other pulls his pants down. He kicks off the shoddy slippers he has worn for the past 6 years and he bends down naked as Star herself and grabs out a pair of sleek black pants. When he shakes them out the pair of pants barely makes a whisper and he slides them on. He jumps about as he slides the pants on adjusting himself in the pants until he is comfortable. He pulls out a simple looking black belt which he weaves into his pants before grabbing a long sleeved button up shirt. He shakes this one and slides it on and buttons it up. He slides some simple black gloves on before folding his sleeve up to rap leather bracers around his wrist and hiding them with his shirt once again. He slides on a necklace and slips it under his shirt to lay against his bare chest. He grabs a ring from the chest and goes to slide it on when he makes the mistake of trying to slide it on his now missing finger. He mutters to himself

Well that's awkward.

He bights his lip and then slides the ring onto his index finger on the same hand. He slides the slippers in the chest onto his bare feet and he bounces on his toes and smiles to himself these shoes were much more comfortable. Last he pulls out a long cloak in sweeping arch. With one quick motion the cloak glides out of the chest in an arc and onto the Hinric's small shoulder.

He is left standing in front of the chest the rest of his black outfit covered by the long black cloak and his face beaming. His heir which to this point has been wild he slicks back with his hand and then he goes to step out of the room when a panic look crosses his face.

Those Bastards took one of my knives!

A look of pure panic streaks across his face and what seems to be the first look of anger. It is a grisly grimace and the halfling turns to the now locked door. And out of the cloak begins to fly dagger after dagger as Hinric begins to count. As the number rises the door begins to look more and more ridiculous as it is covered in a variety of daggers varying from long to short to broad make steady rhythmic thuds and stick to the door. Hinric finishes his count with fourty nine Hinric groans and turns to the chest to look it over he claws at the bottom and spins on the spot staring at the others in the room. As he spins a quite sliding noise can be heard and then a thud. when Hinric spins all the way around on the spot what he sees brings the grin back to his face. There on the chest was a single dagger which had sunk all the way through the wood and was up to its hilt.

Forgot I hid that bugger there.

Hinric begins to laugh with himself. As he laughs he trots over to the door and begins to remove every knife from the door each knife goes into his cloak and his hands come out empty until not a single knife is left. He spins on the spot his constant grin once more splashed across his face and he scampers towards the other door.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi nods at D'Arviks words, considering them.

So, none of us will be able to harm each other? How refreshing. I wonder if I could ask him for the recipe afterward? Ooh, but now I can get my equipment.

With another bright smile on his still dirtied face, Banadi moves to his chest. After a few moments struggling with the lock, he manages, finally to pop the damn thing open. He shields his eyes for a moment, hurriedly, as the dim light reflects off of what is inside.

Firstly, he hauls out a large set of plate mail, covered with religious symbols and passages of scripture, some written in Celestial, and some Common. It glows brightly even in this dim light, and is obviously heavily enchanted. He sets that aside with a frown.

Oh, damn. I'm going to need someone else to help me put that on, if I want to do it properly.

Moving back to the chest, he also takes out a small wood shield, similarly covered in religious writings, with what appears to be a small slot on the back where something thin and rectangular goes. A Crossbow is removed next, made of fine, stout wood, and it appears to be covered with the symbol for mercy, in Common.

A common backpack, spell component pouch and bedroll is removed next, as well as a quiver with some bolts for the crossbow. A host of trinkets and items next, including two rings, an amulet and an assortment of potions, the potions going in the pack, and the rings and amulet going on Banadi. Folded in the corner of the chest is a white robe of a priest, this one obviously being designed to fit under armor. Removing the things he is wearing now hurriedly, Banadi dons this robe.

Last, with great reverence and tears in his eyes, Banadi removes a Holy symbol of Pelor, on a leather strap from the bottom of the container.

Oh, thank you Morninglord. Thank you for blessing me.

He sits for a few more moments in silent prayer, before once again turning to his armor and weaponry. He sighs slightly.

Oh well, I guess I'll just have to do it a bit badly. Still better than not at all.

Banadi dons his heavy armor with difficulty, having to struggle to reach several straps, and leaving several parts on the back of his suit improperly fastened. He then places his heavy leather boots and gauntlets on with considerably more ease. All throughout he whispers prayers to Pelor in thanks. Turning to his other accouterments, he strides towards them, rather more heavily now.

Oh, what a glorious feeling to be armored again! I do need a wash though.

Strapping his shield to his left arm, Banadi continues to whisper religious teachings and phrases, continuing to do so as he adorns himself with pack, bedroll and quiver, finally strapping his crossbow to his pack with a knot of leather. Finally, he reverentially takes his Holy symbol and ties it to a knot on his breastplate.

I am Strong, just as the Sun of Strength bolsters me.

With that, he exits out of the door, following the others.

OOC:

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Banadi has donned his armour hastily, worsening its armour check penalty and AC by 1.

[JettWilderbeast]

As the door is opened what you see isn't what you are expecting, you are looking in on a clearly deserted kitchen with a fine wooden table and chairs and an empty fire place.

[JackMage666]

Taevus sits to wait for the others, his eyes closed as he sits in a chair, in a rather statuary manner.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi is clearly surprised by the fact that he has not walked out into open sunshine upon reaching the egress of the jail. He looks around the kitchen confusedly.

Could D'Arvik led us through the wrong door?

Well... That's not what I expected. Quite... Surreal, in fact.

Pacing around the room heavily, Banadi inspects some of its contents. He searches cupboards and the like for what lies within.

Perhaps there is a faucet, or similar fixture that I can wash my face with.

[JettWilderbeast]

Banadi looks through some of the cupboards to find them empty and dusty - Spiders addorning most corners - Upon finding a faucet you find it to be as dry as a bone.
Those with magic feel it course through their veins as it returns to them.

[AmberVael]

Charna

Charna steps through and feels the power of the dreaming world, which had so long been kept distant from her, surge through her once more. A terrible, mad smile plays across her lips as she calls on that power, wrapping herself in enchantments and charms that have subtle effects on her appearance... somehow, her presence becomes more noticeable, her gaze and every expression reinforced and strengthened. At times she seems to listen to things that others cannot hear, see things they cannot sea, and even stranger, at times it becomes hard to tell just quite where she is and how she is moving. Her unnatural and yet forceful appearance is hard to look away from, and yet somehow terrible to behold. It is as if she were partially in another world, a stranger to the very world she is a part of.

Seemingly comfortable with this change in herself, Charna looks around the kitchen they've arrived in, searching it with a gaze able to pierce darkness, invisibility, and with the capability to see magic. If this place had mysteries, she wanted to find them. If she sees nothing, she will move through the presumed house until she finds another room of interest, or a way outside.

[wxdruid]

Star

Star doesn't care what's in the cabinets. She feels her own magic and psionics returning and glories in the feeling. She looks around the room for another door? a way out? Kenja peers through her hair, his beady black eyes watching their new 'companions'.

[crazedloon]

Hinric

Hinric walks into the kitchen and nearly skips with excitement as he feels his power once more flowing through him.

Welcome to Yelt he screams and he throws his hands out to the kitchen. His smile is broad as he thinks of the many people he will be able to kill now.

He steps into the kitchen and looks for any windows and doors and should the only door be the one they entered through he waits for the last of the members to enter before closing it and opening it once again.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi frowns as he searches through the room. He shakes his head, irritably, as a tingling appears in the back of his head. He stops suddenly, rubbing his neck.

I feel... Oh! Pelor has returned his favor to me! Oh yes! Yes, yes!

Oh my. I assume everyone else has their magic returned to them? Let me try something... Oh, after all this time!

Taking his right hand and holding the Holy symbol attached to his armour, Banadi closes his eyes and stands absolutely still. Chanting in a low tone, he slowly repeats something in the tinkling syllables of the Celestial language three times, upon which he utters the first part of the chant loudly, and opens his eyes, throwing his hands skyward.

For those who know Celestial

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I am bright, just as the Radiant Sun illuminates me.
I am bright, just as the Radiant Sun illuminates me.
I am bright, just as the Radiant Sun illuminates me.
I am bright!

As he finishes his chant, light flashes from him in a blinding glare, and as second glances are taken, Banadi is surrounded by a glowing nimbus of light that courses and moves about his form as if alive. Banadi's face is alight with joy as it moves, and as he shapes and plays with the light as it courses about his fingertips.

Oh, Pelor. I have missed you.

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[Cast Nimbus of Light]

[JettWilderbeast]

As the last person enters the room the door quietly swings closed - There is a door to the opposite end of room next to a staircase that goes upwards.
There is also the door you came through.
There is nothing special about this room as you look round it. Just a dusty old kitchen.

[JackMage666]

When Taevus hears the door close shut, he opens his eyes and does a count of who's in the room.

"I think it may be best if we formulate a plan now, as opposed to winging it. We have one week to gather 1 Million gold pieces, quite a sum of money."

Taevus wrings his hands together, as if he were holding an imaginary cloth.

"So how would we go about this task. Obviously, the fine D'arvik expects us to do so by theft, mugging, blackmail, and going to whatever dark levels of corruption we can reach, making ourselves on par with him when it's all said and done. If you wish to go this path, then fine."

Taevus then stands, addressing each of the others directly with his eyes.

"However, I have created a plan that supersedes his own. He wishes for us to gather the money from Yelt, and hand it over to him and his government, leaving Yelt financially burdened, to say the least, and vulnerable for invasion. If we are still here at that time, we'll likely be part of this conflict too, in effort to defend ourselves. Regardless, D'arviks plan will ruin Yelt's economy, and make it an easy target for overtaking. While this may not be our concern, we can use this to our advantage instead."

Taevus clears his throat, and continues.

"The government of Yelt is corrupt at best. If we go about or ways to make it considerably more solid, we can have them raise an army to retaliate against D'arviks attack. Since D'arvik himself said he would send an army after us specifically if we failed, having our own trained army for defense would be beneficial. As well, if we help Yelt create a structured government, they'll be more than able to defend us and themselves against the pre-destined attack."

"Now, I realize this may not sound like the greatest plan to some of you..." he eyes the fingerless halfling, "The other advantage of this plan is, when D'arvik himself comes looking for us... Well, justice has many forms, some considerable more corporal than others. For those of you with care for the government, my plan should reduce the corruption in Yelt, as well as bring down the most corrupt lawman Fringe, weakening their tolerance for corruption as well. Most importantly, it grants all of us total freedom, as well as anyone else that was wrongly imprisoned in that hell-hole of a prison."

He goes back to his seat and sits.

"Now, that is my suggestion. It has the most beneficial outcome for the world as a whole. Regardless of if it's accepted, we DO need to formulate a plan, otherwise, we'll surely fail in this small time frame."

He looks to the others for their suggestions. He coughs a bit, as this was more than he'd said total in the 4 years he'd been waiting in prison. He saved his speech for when it was important.

[Rettu Skcollob]

Banadi turns his attention to Taevus.

Hmm. I agree that using 'unsavory' methods would not be to my liking, but we may have to adopt such measures as a final solution. Your theory on D'Arviks motives behind this seems plausible: 1,000,000 is a completely insane amount to attempt to gather for simple greed to be his only motive. A sum one tenth, or even one hundredth of that amount would be plausible for greed.

Banadi takes a breath, and looks around at his companions.

But on your idea of stabilising the government;

That woman over there is naked.

Jxyzqk. I mean, *Ahem*. Er, right. Yes. What?

Banadi hurriedly moves his gaze back firmly to Taevus, blood rushing to his face.

What I mean to say is; such a task is titanic to say the least. Why, not only does it assume that we can use our various... Talents to put this government on a steady course. Not to mention that our time frame for doing so is seven days, including the time we would need to mobilise this country effectively.

However; it does have merits. The fact that D'Arvik says that he is willing to expend a vast amount of manpower, money and effort by attacking Yelt to retrieve us should we fail, indicates that he is a liar, or an idiot. Such a venture is a huge wastage of resources, the outcome of which leaves him with a decimated army, the eternal hatred of a people conquered and a greatly weakened political state. All for our corpses.

If he is not an idiot, and there is a factor which we have not thought of or some such, then perhaps he will decide that the returns would not be worth the cost, and we can live in peace. We'd just have to avoid Fringe until he or we die.

I suggest putting the idea to a vote. To gather the gold, or to defend Yelt. My vote would go for the latter: It is better to die defending against evil than to live feeding it.

I don't think we have put quite enough distance between us to be discussing this in any case. Perhaps that should have occurred to me earlier.

[AmberVael]

Charna

Charna watches Banadi and Taevus speak and plot and plan for a while before laughing quietly and long, until the only sound in the silence is her laughter. She stops after a while and looks between them both before standing and moving forwards, her position still hard to pinpoint exactly... she seems to flicker in and out of existence, weaving in and out of the reality they know.
"Fools. Do you really think that you can build an army in a week-"
She says, staring at Taevus with a piercing, intimidating gaze, before turning to look at Banadi, the coolness and darkness of her eyes every match for the warm light he can now conjure.
"-or even if we can't, that it is better to die trying?"
She lets her gaze linger for an unsettling moment, and they may hear the faintest trace of some inhuman, terrifying word that she seems to whisper- and yet that comes from far beyond her, echoed in the vast realm that she flicks in and out of. Shaking her head, she crosses her arms and looks down at the furnishings as she speaks, her eyes darting about as if chasing something's progress across the floor.
"We can't build an army. We can't take over the government. We might be able to raise the gold, but I don't think that will even matter. But..."
Charna gives an evil grin as she looks back up at them all.
"Seven days does leave us time to do one thing that will solve our problems quite thoroughly- kill D'arvik. Think about it. In a week's time we can learn everything about his life, get back to Fringe, and slaughter him before he knows what has happened.
"Even if that enchantment he put on us makes it impossible to actually harm him directly, we could still hire other people to put him down permanently. It wouldn't be difficult... I'm sure someone wants that man dead. And after he's dead, we won't have to play this game of his, we might not even have anyone after us, and there certainly won't be an army coming."