[10] A New Troupe - Freedom Fighters

[Merc]

Session Start: Sun Feb 21, 2010

<Merc> When last we met our heroes, they had decided to take justice into their own hands, and show the rest of the world what's what! Planning a nightly assault on a bunch of slavers while Kheldor napped and recovered from the boat trip, and Jack continually posed in his new outfit, the rest of the group made plans on how best to set those poor innocent slaves free!
* Aleph also has a new outfit! ...it just was only introduced in an independent session
* Maya has had a stage set up, and has began putting out the word that they'll be a lively performance, one not to be missed, quite nearby.  She definitely made sure all of the slavers knew about it.
<Maya> Of course, nearby...and within shouting distance is two separate things.
<Elise> "So our plan is to distract them and then free the slaves while they're not looking? There won't be any...smiting involved?"
<Anassia> "And you're certain that I can't help them break the law?" Anassia asks the Gypsy, curiously.
<Maya> "An extra performer would help Anassia," She smirked. "And elise, if you end up fighting them, there's a good chance that those slaves will be spotted, maybe reclaimed.  The local guards might even help them.  Of course, if they're almost all gone, and one was to have a fall on the job while the slaves escaped?  By the time anyone notices, hopefully they're all gone and well away from here."
<Aleph> "It's better if we don't fight them, really."
<Elise> "Alright. I suppose I will just have to keep watch for trouble." She doesn't sound she'd mind if there was any, of course.
* Aleph is standing in...well...it's definitely different-looking.
<Anassia> "Yeah, but I'm sure you will be able to keep them distracted with you act,"
<Aleph> "...pity I can't watch." Aleph grins
<Maya> "Of course," She winked, "There's no reason they can't pay us for the privilege," She teased.  "Anassia, you can gather gold from the crowd watching.  Donations for the show between acts."
* Aleph quirks an eyebrow
<Maya> She stretched out a bit.  "Does anyone have anything to do before we start?" She smiled.  "It's only a bit before show time anyway."
* Elise shakes her head. "No. I am ready to see justice be done!"
<Aleph> "Not much here that I can think of." Aleph nods.  "As long as we don't go out to sea again, I'm good."
<Merc> Kheldor would agree with Aleph's comment, still resting and only knowing Maya is going to host a show of some sort in the evening and the others are helping out.
<Anassia> "Fine, fine," Anassia says, shaking her head slightly.
<Merc> As the group finalizes their plans, the sun has started to set, and the town starts to empty out its streets slowly. Their makeshift stage is near where the slavers are located, a few people, including a few of the guards have made questions about the stage, and shown interest, some staying in wait, others deciding to pass by later. (ooc - more)
<Merc> The slavers' caravans are not completely emptied, their salesman talking with some individual with a pair of guards besides them. At the back of the two caravans they seem to own, sit a pair of guards blocking the entry, munching on some fruit.
<Merc> Most of the guards that you saw earlier, however, seem mixed in with the crowd you have gathered.
* Aleph would be attempting to hide from plain sight of the two guards once the show got underway...
<Elise> "I'm sure I can fight these guards if we have to, but it might make more noise than we want," Elise says. "Perhaps if they are properly chastised they will back down out of fear?" she adds dubiously.
<Aleph> "...no."
<Aleph> "This is likely just a day-to-day job for them."
<Aleph> "As such, I don't think they'd be subject to this."
* Maya claps, the motion sending a musical jingle of bells across the crowd, gathering their attention to the stage.  With a cheerful smile and a teasing wink, she waved to the crowd.  "Welcome, countrymen of <InsertTownNameHereMerc>, I am so glad you could take time out of your busy evenings to come and see my humble traveling show.  Such faces, eyes gleaming with cheer and wonder, I invite you all to see dancing of lands far
<Maya>  far from here.  Musical performance and even theater from distant towns," She gave a twirl, her skirt teasingly floating with the motion.  "I ask you to put your worries aside for an evening as we, the Mahabala trope, ease your pain with wonder," She playfully curtsied.  "To introduce, a dance of the gypsies from far to the north!"  She clicked her feet, the strange bracelets along them clinging and sending a tune through the
<Maya>  air as she began to dance.
* Elise frowns. "Well, what should we do? I am not used to this sneaking around business. I could fight them both easily but they may yell and alert the others."
<Aleph> "...I've got an idea."
* Anassia eyes Maya slightly at her introduction slightly. "You enjoy this too much."
<Maya> roll 1d20+14 I DANCE
<Penuche> Maya invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=11]
<Maya> roll 1d20+14 They cheer and sing along!
<Penuche> Maya invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=12]
<Aleph> "You talk them both up while Jack and I set up position."
<Elise> "What should I? What do such men like to talk about?" Elise looks skeptical.
<Elise> *what should I say
<Merc> There's a fair bit of interest in the show, quite a few people giving a few hoots and hollers from the crowd gathered, and a few other passerbyes join in. The guards by the caravans seem to be looking in the direction of the show from time to time, but don't look like they plan to join in.
<Aleph> "I don't know, just ask around as if you were curious and new here.  When we strike, draw your hammer and take down the ones who aren't out or dead before they call for help."
<Elise> "Alright, I guess," Elise says, walking casually over to the two guards. "Hello," she says with a wave. "I was wondering if your employer had employment opportunities for warriors seeking, er, employment."
<Aleph> "Now, let's go!"  Aleph heads immediately for some foliage or other cover nearby
<Maya> She grinned as she wrapped up the dance, clapping as she took a bow.  "Thank you, thank you.  And I am simply warming up.  You are the best crowd indeed, but it seems there are many who might not know such a wonderful show is going on!"  She tapped her cheek.  "Ah, She leaned forward, well forward, giving those near quite a view.  "I know.  How about you all move closer to the stage and show me how much that your town can holl
<Maya> er.  Shake awake all those who are missing this wonderful show," She playfully stood up, putting a hand to hear ear.
<Maya> roll 1d20+14 there is nothing like a crowd with energy!
<Penuche> Maya invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=7]
* Anassia moves through the crowing crowd. "Help support the exotic dancer from lands distant," she says, flashing a winning smile to likely-looking.
<Aleph> roll 1d20+7 oh god don't let them see me
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=3]
<Merc> The crowd doesn't seem to be thickening, though they are still hollering for more.
<Aleph> roll 1d20+5 FOR ONCE, GIVE ME SOME GODDAMNED GOOD ROLLS, PENUCHE!  OR AT LEAST AVERAGE ONES.
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=10]
<Merc> The guards sitting on the caravans start looking around as they hear some noise nearby, but don't see anything with the crowd and the darkness starting to set in. Still, they seem to be focusing a little less attention towards Maya's show. The guards with the salesman and whomever his client are don't seem to have noticed anything. They seem to be in heavy, and loud, negotiations.
<Merc> The guards calm down when Elise pops up in front of them, asking about jo opportunities. "You'll have to wait for later to talk with him. He's with a customer right now, showing off some wares," one of the guard replies to Elise.
* Aleph lies in wait, taking his bow out, quietly mumbling to himself "...come on...occupy them a bit more..." (Trying to draw, and possibly aim if possible)
<Elise> "I see," Elise says stiffly. "Your employer keeps many slaves? You travel all over the country I suppose?"
<Maya> "Now, that is almost loud enough.  I truly believe you are all here for an amazing show.  But what is this...?" She turned, gesturing into the crowd, "Ah, my dear friend Anassia, surely you have a story for these good people.  A tale of a land far from their own, which can only be told by a beautiful woman who can even command the dead with her soft tones," She waved her onto the stage.
<Merc> "Just the ones we have here. Just travel between here and Redwood Post to pick up more slaves," one of the guards replies. "Why do you want to work here, anyhow?" One of the guards asks with a grimace. "It's a crappy job, wouldn't do it if I didn't need the money..."
<Aleph> "...I'm going to feel terrible about this..." Aleph mutters to himself
<Elise> "Oh. Yes, that. I am in need of money. I am suffering from crippling debt."
<Merc> The guards look between themselves, look at Elise and sigh. "Look, girl. You'd really better need money to want this sort of job. It sucks when you see a slave go to someone you know is going to be shit to them, but we're not paid to save 'em. It's like...a weight on your soul. Do you -really- need money that bad?" The guards seem to be trying to convince her otherwise.
* Joins: Kheldar (~zephiroth@173-106-21-154.pools.spcsdns.net)
* Anassia glances back towards the stage, before letting out a low sigh. "I will get you back," she mutters darkly before smiling brightly. "Why of course!"
* Elise frowns. This changes things! Possibly. "Well, if even you think it's wrong, why are you doing it? Surely there are other jobs that don't involve condemning your own soul?"
<Maya> Maya gave her a playful hug with her arm smiling to the crowd. "They're all worked up, keep it lively," She smiled, shifting to the side of the stage and surrendering the spotlight for a moment.
* Aleph tries to get closer...stealthily. Trying to be, anyway.
<Aleph> roll 1d20+7 hide
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=7]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+5 Move Silently
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=10]
* Kheldar takes up position on the right wing of the stage, carefully eyeing the audience for troublemakers.
<Anassia> ".." Anassia would glare at Maya, but people are watching.  So she just keeps smiling.  "I don't know what sort of story you would enjoy, however..."
<Merc> "Not that pays enough to feed the family, kid. Like I said, you don't look bad off. I really don't think you need the money bad enough if morality is going to be a concern," one of the guards advices.
<Merc> "If you really want to, we're not gonna stop you from talking to the boss, just...think about it."
<Merc> The guards don't really notice Aleph's sneaking around, a lot of things working in his favor even if he's not doing the best of jobs at sneaking.
<Elise> "Well, alright. But I think you should reconsider too! Doing something you know is wrong just for money is...wrong!"
* Aleph talks to himself, quietly..."...try to convince them. It's not exactly pleasant having my hand on the arrow here..." as he watches and waits, aiming at one of the guards...
<Anassia> roll 1d20+10 Storytime!
<Merc> "Heh, I know it kid, probably gonna damn my soul just to help feed my kids' mouths. I figure it's worth it, when I see 'em smile and grow healthy," the guard states with a shrug. The other guard just shakes his head, "Well, me, I'm ditching this gig as soon as I find something better. At least these guys get treated better than some of the other places I've worked guard duty for."
<Penuche> Anassia invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=19]
<Merc> The crowd seems to be smiling at Anassia's storytelling, as Maya takes a quick break. They even seem to be enjoying it a bit more than Maya's dancing strangely enough. The gypsy will surely not stand for being second best!
<Elise> "You're just trading one person's life for another, though. If you don't believe in slavery then you should do something about it. Everyone should! The whole country!"
<Aleph> "...Right.  You'd better convince them..."
<Merc> The guard laughs, although it rings a little hollow to Elise's ears. "You really wouldn't do well with this job, kid. And just because we think it sucks, doesn't mean everyone doesn't." "Yeah, did you see how that bastard, Samir, likes yanking their chains to trip 'em? Dirty bastard. Now he's just off enjoying that show while we get stuck with guard duty."
* Aleph waits just a bit more...
<Aleph> "Damnit, why do you have to make me feel bad about this...damnit, Maya, this is your fault."  And as they finish, he lets loose a pair of arrows at one of the guards
<Elise> "Then you need to change their minds," Elise says, leaving out that her preferred way of doing this is by rearranging them with a hammer. "You're just as bad as them if you keep supporting it, even if it is just for money."
<Aleph> roll 1d20+9
<Aleph> roll 1d20+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 12 > [d20=3]
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=20]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+9 confirmation
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 18 > [d20=9]
<Merc> The conversation from the slavers' boss seems to get heated up, as the man stands and slams his fists on the table, while the person he's speaking to calmly sips from a cup. "Look, I can't let them go for that cheap!" he exclaims loudly, making the guards speaking to Elise turn to look at the commotion...even as Aleph fires.
<Merc> ooc: one crit.
<Aleph> roll 3d8+27 damage
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 37 > [d8=2,6,2]
<Aleph> "ELISE!  DO IT NOW!"
* Maya sways about the crowd as Anassia captivates, gathering coin in donation with smiles and cheers, returning to the stage as she finished up.  "Ah, what a moving tale, dear Anassia," She lead the crowd in applause, her purple eyes gleaming as her motions brought their attention back over to her.  "Now if there is anyone who suffers from sudden fright in the audience, you may want to close your eyes...  for the next performa
<Merc> One of the arrows flies off impacting into the canvas of the caravan, but the other penetrates into the skull of one of the guards, even as the other turns startled at the sudden random yell.
<Maya>  for the next performance will be as terrifying as it is beautiful, yours truly risking her very life to show you a dance that is unlike any you have ever seen, a performance that you will remark upon twenty...maybe even thirty years from now," She smiled, beginning to spin.  "Anassia, if you would dear," She gestured for space.
<Merc> "What the...Tim! Someone's killed Tim!" the guard exclaims in loud horror.
<Aleph> "Damnit, Jack's not here."
* Aleph lines up another shot with the other guard
* Kheldar perks up at the shout and draws his sword, forcing himself through the crowd to reach the origin of the yell!
<Merc> A few of the guards at the show turn to look at the exclamation, trading smiles for grimaces as they stand. Similarly, negotiations stop nearby as the guards protecting the boss and his client ready their weapons, searching for the assasin.
<Merc> ooc: scratch
* Aleph drops back and remains hidden
<Aleph> ooc: scratch
<Merc> Those at the show don't hear the noise due to all the hollering going on around them. Negotiations on the other hand, stop nearby as the guards protecting the boss and his client ready their weapons, searching for the assasin.
<Kheldar> OOC: Scratch Khel's actions
* Aleph drops back into the foliage, trying to not be discovered. That would be bad.
<Merc> The horrified guard just stares at his friend's body. "Tim...why?" he mutters, as he looks at Elise blankly, one of the guards with the boss walking up. "What's going on?" he questions sternly.
* Anassia eyes Maya before moving off of the stage. "Show off," she comments to the other girl.
<Maya> She smiled and launched a rope to a pole staged over the crowd, a grin to her friend, definitely a showoff as she began to slowly dance,  her hips moving around as her feet quickly twirled along the ground, seeming to pick up speed as she went, leading into quick twirls and as she smiled for the crowd eventually something flying from behind her, up well above her head...was that a sword? It looked like it'd come right back dow
<Maya> n and hit her as she was bent backwards over, staring at the curtain behind her for a second.
<Merc> "Tim's dead! Some bastard shot an arrow through his head!" The other guard exclaims at the guard who approached. "Oh god, what do I tell his wife? Oh god, his kids!" "Calm yourself, Roberts! We still have an assassin to worry bout while you're panicking!" the other guard yells back as he grimaces at the bleeding body on the ground. "And who are you, miss?"
<Elise> Elise's only answer is a hammer to the new guard's head!
<Elise> roll 1d20+12+2 1/day bonus
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=8]
<Merc> ooc: hit
<Elise> roll 2d6+9
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 20 > [d6=5,6]
<Elise> OOC: would belatedly add Fanatic's 1/day +4 damage bonus if possible
<Merc> Elise's hammer smashes into the guard's shoulder, rendering his arm bloody useless, making him gasp. "You're with these assassins, are you, miss?" he exclaims. "Well you won't take me by surprise a second time!" The other guard just gapes at Elise, before turning furious.
<Merc> ooc: init
<Elise> roll 1d20+2
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=13]
<Merc> roll d20+4
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=13]
<Merc> roll d20+3
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=8]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+4
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=18]
* Retrieving #truesteel modes...
* Merc changes topic to 'Family Killer > Nameless Guard #1 > Roberts > Elise'
<Merc> ooc: Go Aleph
<Merc> As all this goes on, the crowd continues to cheer, gasp, holler and whistle at the show, entirely unaware of what's happening.
* Merc changes topic to 'Family Killer > Nameless Guard #1 >Elise  > Roberts'
* Aleph takes aim at the next closest guard--be it Roberts or the nameless one so far, as he lets loose two more arrows...
<Aleph> roll d20+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 24 > [d20=15]
<Aleph> roll d20+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d20=12]
<Merc> ooc: two hits
<Aleph> roll 1d8+9
<Aleph> roll 1d8+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d8=2]
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d8=6]
<Merc> roll 2d3
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 4 > [d3=3,1]
<Merc> Roberts becomes something of a pincushion as a pair of arrows stab into his chest and shoulder. He's still standing, glaring at Elise as his companion attacks her.
<Merc> roll d20+9
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 16 > [d20=7]
<Maya> Just as it was about to hit her, Maya's eyes opened, her hair brushing along it as she grabbed it twirling it back and above her head, beginning an immensely dangerous sword dance across the stage, twirling with the blade her fingers brushing along the edge, every weave seeming like it would fly into her...or away into the crowd, shrieks of amazement and fear soon turned to cheers and shouts of surprise as she soon took the da
<Maya> nce off the ground bouncing to the top of the stage and giving one playful bow before leaping over the crowd, barely making it to the rope as she swung, blade and all over their heads, slowly climbing up, twisting around the rope with the practiced care and seeming lack of support of an acrobat.
<Merc> roll 2d6+4
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d6=3,3]
<Elise> roll 1d3 armor
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d3=1]
<Merc> His blade cuts through Elise's front, leaving a gash in her armor, and drawing some blood in retaliation for her earlier sneak attack. The crowd continues to roar in approval of the show, still blissfully aware.
<Merc> ooc: Elise
* Anassia watches Maya, shaking her head slightly. Insanity.
* Elise takes another swing at the guard who struck her!
<Elise> roll 1d20+12+1 spending the token I got from hitting him last time
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=13]
<Elise> roll 2d6+9 damage that surely hits
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 21 > [d6=6,6]
<Maya> Coming up to the top, she smiled down at the crowd and seemed to let go, spinning and twirling down the rope, a small group shouting in surprise to get out of her way as she caught herself just in time with her heels, playfully blowing a kiss to the crowd, swinging by her ankles with the rope back and forth over their heads as she pulled herself up, getting speed, the sight leaving them trapped in a sense, with the beautiful g
<Maya> irl arcing danger over their heads so boldly before flipping back to the stage landing with a jingle of her musical rings and bowing before the crowd.
<Merc> The guard gurgles as his chest caves in, and he falls, looking at Elise, as if thinking '...you're just a slip of a girl...how?'. Or something like that.
<Maya> roll 1d20+34 taking 20 on performance :P  Unless merc opposes.  
<Penuche> Maya invokes Penuche's magic: < 53 > [d20=19]
<Maya> OOC: Fine, 34 for the roll anyway. :P  Enough to have them showering in gold.
<Merc> Roberts charges at Elise, shouting "MURDERER! VILLAIN!" as he attempts to skewer her, looking furious and with tears in his eyes.
<Merc> roll d20+9
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 29 > [d20=20]
<Merc> roll d20+9 threat
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 28 > [d20=19]
<Merc> roll 4d6+8
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 27 > [d6=3,6,6,4]
<Elise> roll 1d3 armor for what it's worth
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 3 > [d3=3]
<Merc> ooc: Aleph
* Aleph 's eyes widen as he watches Elise get impaled on a greatsword. It was bad enough having to murder like that, but...
<Aleph> Quickly, he releases two shots at Roberts, hoping to put the man out of his grief.  And keep Elise from getting killed...
<Aleph> roll d20+9
<Aleph> roll d20+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 25 > [d20=16]
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=4]
<Merc> ooc: one hit
<Aleph> roll 1d8+9
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d8=4]
<Merc> roll d3
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 1 > [d3=1]
<Merc> Roberts looks at Elise, fury still in his eyes as an arrow strikes into his neck, gurgles blood over her, then falls.
<Merc> The guard who had been watching over the boss and his client widens his eyes as he sees this, mutters "I don't get paid enough for this..." and beats a hasty retreat. The slaver seems to be of a similar mind, deciding his life is worth more than his stock. The client gives a brief look at Elise, as if considering her, before he too seems to try and vanish.
* Aleph emerges from the bushes once it seems like everyone's gone. "You okay, Elise?"
<Merc> All three ran off in separate directions. You can probably each catch up to one, but would have to let one go.
<Aleph> OOC: Scratch.  We seem to still be in combat time
<Elise> OOC: if I can take an action before they bolt, I'm chasing down the slaver himself.
<Aleph> OOC: Likewise, I'd like to try nabbing the client
<Merc> roll d20+2
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 9 > [d20=7]
<Merc> roll d20
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 11 > [d20=11]
<Merc> roll d20+4
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 23 > [d20=19]
* Merc changes topic to 'Shady client > Family Killer > Elise  > Guard > Boss'
<Merc> The client moves away as far as he can as Aleph prepares to stop whomever he can from fleeing.
<Merc> ooc: Aleph. Distances - 60 ft to boss/guard
<Merc> ooc: 30 ft for Elise
<Aleph> Distance to client?
<Merc> ooc: uhm, lemme check what run is normally. x4, right? It'd be 60+speed x4, so...
<Aleph> (180)
* Aleph lines up his aim for the client. It's...curious how these things end up getting--kill one, then you have to kill three more...
<Aleph> roll 1d20+6
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 14 > [d20=8]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+6
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d20=20]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+6 confirm
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 15 > [d20=9]
<Merc> ooc: one crit
<Aleph> roll 3d8+12
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 26 > [d8=5,8,1]
<Merc> roll d2
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d2=2]
<Merc> The man cries out as an arrow digs into his lower back, almost giving an impression of a tail, as he gives a cursory glance back to find his attacker and glare at Aleph, before he continues to run...no, hobble now, away. He's still moving steadily away, however.
<Merc> ooc: Elise
<Elise> Elise charges at the slave owner himself, wanting to put him down before he can escape to commit more nefariousness!
<Elise> roll 1d20+12+2 charging
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 30 > [d20=16]
<Elise> roll 2d6+9 so yeah that's clearly a hit
<Penuche> Elise invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d6=5,3]
<Aleph> "Damn.  He's still up..."
<Merc> The slavers' owner doesn't even have a chance to beg for his life, only widen his eyes as a charging crazy woman rushes at him, death in her eyes as the hammer smushes him into the ground.
* Merc changes topic to 'Shady client > Family Killer > Elise  > Guard'
<Merc> The guard screeches like a scared mouse as he yells "Don't kill me! I'm just a poor innocent guard!" as he flees.
<Merc> The client keeps moving away as fast as he can with his wounds.
<Merc> ooc: Aleph
<Aleph> ooc: distance?
<Merc> ooc: 240
* Aleph slowly sights along his first arrow, before letting that and another loose. He hasn't had a shot this hard in a long time, and he figured that he wouldn't get another shot if this missed...
<Aleph> "Elise, get to work opening that door..."
<Aleph> roll 1d20+4
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 22 > [d20=18]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+4
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d20=6]
<Merc> ooc: one hit
<Aleph> roll 1d8+4 damage
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 8 > [d8=4]
<Merc> roll d2
<Penuche> Merc invokes Penuche's magic: < 2 > [d2=2]
<Merc> ...He's still moving, even with another arrow in him. He seems to be pushed onward by how that arrow didn't hurt as much as the first. It's safe to put distance between him and the crazy ranged assassin!
* Quits: Kheldar (~zephiroth@173-106-21-154.pools.spcsdns.net) (Quit: ( www.nnscript.com :: NoNameScript 4.22 :: www.esnation.com ))
<Merc> ooc: Elise
<Elise> "An innocent helping a slave trader? That's not possible. Maybe you can redeem yourself if you help us set these people free." She kneels down to the dead slaver to see if he has an obvious key on him anywhere.
<Merc> The guard doesn't seem topay any attention to Elise, just focusing on fleeing. Elise' search does turn up some keys on the slaver's belt.
* Elise takes it! There's no time to waste in setting those people free.
<Merc> The client is almost a spec in the distance now.
<Merc> ooc: Aleph
<Merc> ooc: 300 ft now
<Aleph> ooc: I'll presume this is the last shot, anyway...
* Aleph nocks two last arrows...a shot this hard's almost impossible without luck. And he had hoped that luck would carry him through. There's not much more that's possible...
<Aleph> roll 1d20+2
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 13 > [d20=11]
<Aleph> roll 1d20+2
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 17 > [d20=15]
<Merc> ooc: one hit
<Aleph> roll 1d8+4
<Penuche> Aleph invokes Penuche's magic: < 10 > [d8=6]
<Merc> ooc: He got away, even without rolling armor.
* Elise takes the keys and marches to the back of the slave caravan. Letting everyone out from the far end of the caravan will likely cause less attention, after all.
<Merc> Inside are a bunch of raggedly clothed people sleeping in tight quarters.
* Aleph runs over to Elise. "Right...I'm not sure how many there are here, so let's do this as fast as possible. The other guy got away...though he should be easily recognized. I gave him a tail."
<Aleph> "...are you okay?" he asks, eyeing the nasty-looking puncture wound Elise was sporting in addition to the gash
* Elise tries the keys until something works. "We're setting you free," she says to the slaves. "Don't make too much noise." She doesn't seem terribly bothered by her wounds at the moment. She's on a MISSION here.
<Merc> "Hwuh? Free?" someone asks sleepily.
<Aleph> "Free.  Come on now," Aleph said in a hushed manner.  "Get up and get out.  Quickly and quietly before someone catches you."
<Elise> "Yes, come on. We might not have much time!"
<Merc> The sleepy slaves look uncertain, as if trying to decide if this is a trick.
<Aleph> "The guards are away for now.  Quickly."
<Elise> "Your owner is dead, but someone will notice if we wait here too long. Let's go!"
<Merc> As the manacles fall off, Elise's and Aleph's words seem to be finding their way to their hazy minds. "...free," they mutter, as they slowly start to shake off the sleep, stepping out of the caravan.
* Elise hustles the slaves out of the caravan, keeping an eye out for anyone who may be taking an interest on something other than Maya's indecent prancing.
* Aleph keeps a watch out for any errant guards who -weren't- scared off by all the killing taking place...
<Merc> Nothing o worry about, all the guards are still on the show, that's still roaring strong.
<Elise> Assuming everyone gets herded away from the caravan safely, well, it's probably a good idea for Elise to get out of sight pretty soon. It wouldn't do to hang around the crowd with a huge bloody gash running down her shirt.
<Maya> "Thank you, thank you.  You've all been the best crowd ever," Maya waved with a smile as they retreated behind the curtains, ending the long show that had been going on for a few hours, the shouts and cheers for an encore falling on tired ears and more tired feet as she leaned against the side of a column, resting a bit after the long performance.
<Aleph> Once everyone's clearly out of the area, Aleph follows Elise.  Being one of the few people with a bow, he'd raise suspicions pretty quickly
* Anassia sits on the side of the stage, glancing to Maya. "You owe me," she comments darkly, throat dry.
<Maya> "Let's go get a drink... " She playfully shook a rather heavy bag of coin. "I'm sure we earned it."
<Anassia> "Damn straight we did." Anassia says, sliding off of the stage.
<Merc> As the crowd starts to part, and people go their way, noise starts to spread as a pair of happy guards suddenly turn horrified, as they come upon the results of Aleph's and Elise's rampage.
<Merc> "The merchandise is gone!" someone yells, the yell reaching the ears of the others, as chaos starts to fill the outer areas of the town. Not that the group care much, as they seemingly get away scot free with their crime. Or act of justice, depending on the point of view.

[Merc]

<Maya>   Reconvening in the nearby inn, the day after the semi-disasterous slave freeing adventure, Maya was at least seeming as sure of herself as always, lounging about on the bed in one of their rooms as they talked in private.  "So how did it go?"
<Aleph>   "...horrible."
Aleph is slumped over a chair himself
Elise is badly in need of cleaning up. This doesn't seem to bother her much. "We liberated many slaves at the cost of the guards' lives."
<Aleph>   "...nevermind that they were just doing their jobs, Elise.  You heard them.  They didn't seem to have much of a choice themselves."
*   Anassia glances towards the others at Aleph's comment, sitting at the foot of one of the beds. "What do you mean?" she asks, frowning slightly.
<Maya>   "That's unfortunate.  They couldn't be lured to my...our show?" She pouted clearly at the thought.  "We had most the town there."
<Maya>   <Aleph> "Yeah.  There were a couple of guards there that didn't get drawn away by the performance."
<Elise>   "Everyone has a choice," Elise says with a shrug. "Maybe I shouldn't have talked to them so much, Aleph?"
<Aleph>   "...maybe."  Aleph looks down at the floor.  "Anyway, their client got away.  I think we need to skip town as soon as possible."
<Maya>   "That's the truth of things," Maya agreed.  "Wherever you are, you got there half by your choices and half by chance.  And so did everybody else."
<Anassia>   "Couldn't you have bought them out?" Anassia asks, frowning slightly.  "But I agree.  We should leave.  Soon."
<Maya>   "You do have some extra clothes, right Elise?" Maya wondered.
<Aleph>   "...yeah.  I asked you before, but...you okay, Elise?  You kind of got skewered there..." Aleph winces at the image he saw
<Elise>   Elise frowns. "Well, I don't exactly travel with a full wardrobe. Normally I don't travel at all! But I mean, it's not like I'm one of you fancy street performers who runs around with spare outfits. I thought I'd just sew this one up."
<Elise>   She can only shrug to Aleph. "I seem to have survived. It might leave a scar." Again, she doesn't seem bothered.
*   Aleph sighs.
<Maya>   "Mmm, Well, maybe this is an opportunity," Maya smiled, jingling a large bag of coin.  "We can get some ointment so it doesn't scar and more proper locals clothing," She almost purred with amusement at the thought.  "That way you won't be so noticeable until we leave town."
<Aleph>   "And honestly, you need some new clothes.  Your current ones are soaked in blood."
<Elise>   Elise narrows her eyes in suspicion. "Well, maybe...but what do you have in mind? I'm not walking around like some street tart. It has to be something tasteful! And simple. And not very revealing. It would be best if it wasn't very expensive, also."
<Anassia>   "Well, you're not asking for much," Anassia says offhandedly.  "You really should try expanding your borders,"
<Maya>   "Well, if you really want you can borrow one of my spare outfits while we go look.  That way you can pick it out yourself," She stretched with her back seeming to roll up to a sitting position, dressed the same as Anassia right now actually.
<Elise>   "But I can't wear your clothes!" Elise says. "They're indecent. And they're, you know, not my size. That wouldn't work at all."
<Aleph>   "...Yeah, well." Aleph replies, "It's better than being covered in something soaked with blood, and being hot and sweaty."
*   Elise just waves away Aleph's latter point. "Oh, that's nothing. Obviously you don't work for a living!"
<Aleph>   "But I insist.  Stinking like sweat is completely unbecoming of any woman." Aleph grins
<Maya>   "Well, they are not your size... Maybe you can borrow Aleph's clothing.  Either way, you shouldn't go out of here with blood smell on you.  You'll draw suspicion."
<Elise>   "I suppose I can agree with that much. Aleph, if you don't mind?"
*   Aleph shrugs. "I'll get them."
*   Aleph heads over to his pack to dig his normal clothes out, before tossing them to Elise.
<Aleph>   "Sorry if they won't be an exact fit."
*   Elise catches them. "They'll do. I try not to include vanity among my flaws."
*   Aleph , on the other hand, is wearing the getup he bought earlier
<Maya>   "Vanity isn't a flaw." Maya pouted.  "At least not in small amounts."
<Elise>   "Vanity in small amounts tends to invite company before long. Now, if everyone will excuse me so I can get changed?"
<Anassia>   "Yes, yes," Anassia says, standing.  "How is your wound," she asks Aleph, glancing over to him.
<Maya>   "This is mine and Anassia's room," Maya pouted, but stepped out for a second, her voice more teasing than anything as she waited by the door.
<Aleph>   "...what wound?"  Aleph shrugs as he stands.
*   Elise can go back to her own room for that, really! She wouldn't want to impose on anyone. She exits for a moment to discard her ruined outfit and switch into Aleph's.
<Anassia>   "I don't think you're going to get her into anything differant that what she came in," Anassia comments to Maya idly.
<Maya>   "I won't," She smiled, a diplomat sometimes.
*   Aleph wasn't wounded. Not in that fight, anyway. He had the cowardly practice of hiding in foliage
*   Elise returns, not looking all that different than normal, really. "Well, shall we go?"
*   Aleph is, notably, wearing a more revealing outfit than he got off the ship in--knee-length shorts bound by a belt, a blue band of cloth wrapped tightly around his torso. Notably, everything above chest level, and between chest and waist, is exposed
<Maya>   "Why not, I know a good shop.  We should give them more business," She lead around to the same shop as always.
*   Aleph heads to said shop
*   Elise follows along, not really knowing where much is in this town.
<Aleph>   "To be fair, Elise, this stuff is for a warmer climate, so...could you at least not go berserk?"
<Elise>   "I'm not going to go berserk because someone's selling inappropriately revealing clothing. I would have to chase every tailor out of the country if I did that! Just help me find something tasteful."
<Aleph>   "Yeah.  Well...just try not to re-enact what happened with that shell in any way?  People thought we were married."
<Elise>   "What?" Elise says, incredulous. "Why would they think that?"
<Aleph>   "Well, I guess between you getting a bit irate and...well, shattering the shell on whatever it was...they were guessing it was a marital spat."
<Anassia>   "Really?" Anassia asks, glancing towards Aleph curiously, mouth curving into a grin. "You two?"
<Maya>   "Elise and Aleph, huh?" Maya leaned back curiously.  "I suppose it might fit," She nodded to ANassia.
<Elise>   "I just didn't know how to eat the thing! I was not given proper instructions."
<Aleph>   "...I don't like where this is headed..."
<Aleph>   "Well, I don't think you were supposed to break it like it was someone's weapon."
<Maya>   "Did you ask for help?  It's important to be patient when learning other cultures."
<Elise>   "I didn't think it could be very complicated! It's only food."
<Aleph>   "It wasn't made of metal, Elise."
<Anassia>   "Obviously, you weren't correct in that regard,' Anassia says, smiling to herself.
<Elise>   "Well, next time I'm served something unidentifiable as a meal, I'll be more careful in striking it."
*   Maya cannot help but start giggling at Elise's turn of phrase.
<Aleph>   "...what are you smiling about, Anassia?"
<Anassia>   "Me?  On, no~othing," Anassia says, still smiling.
*   Elise looks suspiciously at...everyone, by this point. "What's so funny? Look, let's get this over with already, alright?"
<Aleph>   "..."
<Maya>   "ALright," She lead into the store of southern fashions, furs, and nothing even remotely looking like a good modest northern getup.
<Aleph>   "I didn't say anything was funny..."
<Maya>   "I'm sorry, hearing you talk about striking your food is hillarious," Maya apologized for giggling at the poor Elise.
<Elise>   "But in came in a shell!" Elise protests. "What else was I supposed to do with it? I--" Elise enters the sotre and starts looking over the merchandise.
<Elise>   "Hmm."
<Aleph>   "Welcome--...again?  Ah, a new customer!  Welcome!" the shopkeeper greeted the four, and Elise in particular
<Elise>   "Yes. A new customer," Elise says slowly, glancing around desperately for anything she might deem sensible to wear.
<Aleph>   "Can I help you with anything, miss?" The keeper inquired toward her.
<Maya>   "Hello again.  Our friend is a little...Fashion challenged," She whispered quietly. "Could you help her find something more fitting to the climate?"
<Elise>   "Somethign that doesn't make me look like a harlot!" Elise amends.
<Maya>   "Definitely.  We can't have Elise looking like a harlot," Maya slipped next to Anassia, daring elise in her own way to say anything.
<Aleph>   "Ah, sure, sure." the shopkeeper whispers back, wincing at the yelling slightly before walking toward Elise.  "Alright, Miss, if you would follow me back here..."
<Elise>   Elise follows!
*   Anassia smirks slightly to Maya. "Elise as a harlot. There's a laugh,"
<Elise>   "I should hope it's unthinkable!" Elise agrees.
*   Aleph gets a mental image of Elise in skimpy clothing, snrks
<Maya>   "I dunno, they do say denial tends to come most strongly from..." She trailed off.
<Elise>   "From those who can honestly deny it?" Elise finishes.
<Aleph>   "Now, if you look here..." he pulled out a light-looking shirt, along with what seems to be a knee-length skirt "This should be pleanty covering while being perfectly comfortable in this weather."
*   Elise frowns. "I don't know. I mean everyone could see my...my *knees*!"
<Elise>   "Is this really the least revealing outfit here?"
<Aleph>   "I do not believe anyone will take a second glance at your knees, miss.  I do not believe you have anything to be embarassed about."
<Aleph>   The shopkeeper insistently hands the clothing to Elise
<Elise>   "Well..." Elise takes a good, long look around the store. This is better than most of the stock, at least. "I guess I don't have much choice. Does it come in...brown? Or gray?"
<Aleph>   "Well, if you insist on taking this in particular, then...unfortunately, we do not stock such colors.  The clientele tends to find them drab and boring."
<Aleph>   Elise can note that a vast majority of the clothes are made using bright colors in general in this store...
<Maya>   "Is there something wrong with your knees, Elise?" Maya wondered softly.
*   Anassia can be heard tittering softly next to Maya.
<Elise>   "There's nothing wrong with those colors! They're just subdued and solemn! I--hrm. I guess blue would be alright, if I *had* to settle for something colorful. There's really nothing here in more subdued colors?"
<Elise>   To Maya: "Of course not! They're strong and solid from lots of hard work. But no one should see them!"
<Maya>   "Well, that sounds good...but what's wrong with someone seeing them?"
<Aleph>   "There isn't, miss." The shopkeeper replies.  "But hold on.  I'll be right back." and with that, he goes and searches for the outfit in a few shades of blue.  In the back room.
<Elise>   "They just...shouldn't," Elise says vaguely. "It's not something I should have to explain!"
<Aleph>   "I think you will, Elise.  Or just have to lighten up." Aleph shrugs as he moves into the area.  "I said before, it's...not healthy to be THAT uptight about everything."
<Elise>   "Someone needs to be serious and responsible for everyone else's sake," Elise counters.
<Maya>   "It's not good to have sweaty knees.  If you wear too long a skirt here, the sweat will build up and damage your nice skin," Maya pouted.
<Elise>   "What? Is that true? It never happened before, and I spend every day working."
*   Aleph quirks an eyebrow
*   Elise looks at Aleph. "What? What did I say?"
<Aleph>   "Nothing, nothing."
<Maya>   "Well, that's up north," She nodded. "It's a lot cooler there than here, haven't you noticed the locals dressing differently?"
<Aleph>   "What do you do for work, anyway?"
<Aleph>   "Er, what did you do for work, I should ask."
<Elise>   "They're foreigners, though. They're supposed to!" To Aleph: "I mostly fix things for people. Tools and furniture, that sort of stuff. I can make them too, and some simple weapons."
<Aleph>   "Weapons?  So...you work at a forge?"
*   Elise nods. "Yes, my father taught me to work it."
<Aleph>   "...well, given how hot it in one of those...and all the clothes you're wearing most of the time..."
<Elise>   "I'm not sure what you're suggesting. That I should...wear less while I work? Have you ever had molten iron splash on you?"
<Aleph>   "Just saying...what she says might have some merit."
<Aleph>   Just then, the shopkeeper returns...with varied copies of that outfit.  All in differing shades of blue.
<Maya>   "I don't think you'll find molten iron outside of a forge, Elise," She nodded.
<Aleph>   "Here" he says, shoving them all into her hands.  "Head to the fitting rooms and try them on, miss."
*   Elise will select the darkest blue she can get! Though she should probably go try them on first, probably. Elise hustles off to the nearest fitting room, wanting to get this over with as soon as possible.
<Aleph>   Elise will note that the shirt is a bit short and loose around the waist--if the wind comes up, her (gasp) midriff will show slightly!
<Elise>   Horrors! Maybe she can belt that tight around her waist, or sew it to the skirt or something. Elise isn't real happy about the situation here, but it's better than walking around virtually naked like Maya and Anassia have been doing. Everything being a matter of perspective isn't much comfort as she walks out of the fitting room and back to the others, though.
<Elise>   Everyone's looking at her legs, she just knows it!
<Maya>   "Mmm, how does it feel, Elise?" She wondered.
<Aleph>   "So," Aleph starts.  "...really, what WERE you smiling about?" he asked over to Anassia
*   Elise shifts uncomfortably. "It feels like I'm only wearing a nightgown or something. How does everyone walk around like this all the time?"
<Aleph>   "...uh, even I'm wearing less, you know." he comments over to Elise
<Aleph>   "You don't like it?" the shopkeeper asks.
<Elise>   Elise can only shrug to the shopkeeper. "Well, I have to buy something and this was the most concealing item in the store. It doesn't really matter if I like it."
<Aleph>   "Very well, then." he says, walking back to the front.  "You can pay at the counter when you're ready."
<Maya>   "Practice.  To perform on a stage, first you must abandon your fears.  While it's not about dressing in nothing," She winked, "No one can command a crowd if their afraid of being looked at."
<Elise>   "You're telling me this is the start of a never-ending slide into depravity? That doesn't make me happier, Maya." Elise follows the shopkeep to the counter and pays regardless.
*   Aleph looks over at Elise. "You know, you don't look bad in that."
<Maya>   "You know, only you could take every word I say as an insult," Maya pouted, heading outside to wait.
<Elise>   "I'm not sure what you mean. Do I normally look bad?"
*   Elise watches Maya leave. "What did I say?"
<Aleph>   "No, Elise.  I don't mean that."
*   Elise frowns. "Well, if I have to wear something I don't care for, at least it's not actually ugly?"
<Aleph>   "...bloody hell.  Learn how to take a compliment for starters." Aleph rolls his eyes.
<Elise>   "Oh. Well. I'm sorry, I didn't know that's what it was." A shrug. "Let's head back to the inn, anyway?"
*   Maya has headed back ahead of them it seems.
<Aleph>   "Yeah.  I guess we need to rest before we leave early tomorrow."  And Aleph leaves

[Merc]

bump for placement