005. Qusela the Sharran (?)

[Corwin]

[18:52] <Kotono> Sanuth bows his head to the storm of words, "But...but..." he stumbles on it, "I'll be ruined if I do, and..."
[18:52] <Kotono> Sylvie shakes her head, keeping quiet otherwise.
[18:53] <Janson> "Far less ruined than the girl you stabbed," Janson replies steadfastly.
[18:53] <Wayland> "Going to the guard now would only serve to drag his name through the mud, I think. We should go and investigate first." disagrees Wayland.
[18:56] <Kotono> "Please, please, please do that," Sanuth pleads, "Just don'truin my name!"
[18:57] <Aaeru> This is not a discussion Aaeru wishes to have in front of the man that is not thinking straight, and she gestures towards the door, saying, "Your greatest enemy is the fear, and the hold it has taken over you. Please consider this until we meet again."
[18:57] * Janson readily departs at Aaeru's suggestion so they can talk freely. "Do you really think it's an overly elaborate setup, Wayland?" he asks the blue man.
[18:58] <Kotono> Sylvie heads out with them. Once in the hall, "One thing is clear - Sanuth is being blackmailed. It might be a crime of opportunity or a setup, but either way there's another villian tangled up in this."
[18:59] <Aaeru> "Precisely," Aaeru agrees with Sylvie. She nods hesitantly at Janson, next. "That is my inclination, but I have no proof beyond a feeling."
[19:00] <Wayland> Following Janson, Wayland replies, "It has the makings of being a very elaborate setup, one that has probably already happened once."
[19:00] <Janson> "I guess. It might have been an accident, but who runs out into the dark when a guest in someone else's home and starts stabbing randomly? The man's dangerous anyway," Janson looks back to the door, keeping his voice low. "Blackmailing might be more deliberate and sinister, but it's not as bad as killing."
[19:00] <Andria> Andrea frowns and checks to see that they're far away enough from the scared merchant's room to not be overhead. "I still want to see this merchant to justice, but I suppose he's suffered enough from the guilt if he is being conned. For his sake, I hope he is, but I doubt I'd ever shop with him or recommend him to anyone."
[19:02] <Wayland> "The more we know, the better a set of decisions we can make. We should investigate the lodge, preferably covertly."
[19:02] <Aaeru> "The problem is how we go about this," Aaeru says, sighing. "I promised that if possible, we will try to resolve the matter ourselves. So even though the Guard should be alerted at once, I don't want to break tht promise."
[19:02] <Janson> "Lets take a look at the lodge, then," Janson nods, "We can see what we find there and then tell the guard so whoever needs to can be brought to justice."
[19:03] <Wayland> "I doubt that Sanuth will move any time soon. We can investigate and see what really happened. If he is indeed guilty of murder, we should let the guard know at once. We don't in fact know if that is so yet."
[19:04] <Kotono> "So if we go to the Silverback Lodge," Sylvie speaks up, "How are we going to investigate it...goodness," PAusing to rub her neck, "I'm really earning my money today."
[19:04] <Aaeru> "But do we have the authority to act on our own like this?"
[19:06] <Andria> "I don't think there's any law against snooping, at the very least," Andrea says.
[19:06] * Wayland glances at Sylvie. "I'd prefer to approach it under cover of darkness from the south, if possible."
[19:06] <Janson> "Who would we need authority from to do what's right?" Janson asks, shrugging. "The lodge is a few hours away, so I guess if we go there now we might get home in time for dinner."
[19:07] <Aaeru> "In that case, let's do it. I have no other objections."
[19:15] <Kotono> "Um, is this going to run really late then," Glancing between Janson and WAyland, "I'm really like to be home for dinner if I can, for my son."
[19:16] <Janson> "I'd want to be back in time for that myself, but just in case it does it's probably best if you go back to the shop so you're not held up or anything," Janson suggests in respect of Sylvie's situation. "How old is he?" he then asks curiously.
[19:18] <Kotono> "3," With a growing smile at that, "Mom's looking after him during the day."
[19:19] <Janson> "Still a few years before you can really leave him on his own," Janson agrees with a smile. "Can you go and tell Josa where we're off to, then?"
[19:19] <Aaeru> "Four people can look into the matter of lodge just as easily as five," Aaeru voices her agreement with Janson. "Being with your child is just as important."
[19:20] <Kotono> "I will," Sylvie says, "Good luck!"
[19:21] <Janson> "Thanks. See you later, Sylvie!" Janson waves as they start heading for the South gates to leave the city.
[19:21] <Kotono> OOC: Going to head out of the city and towards the lodge without delay then?
[19:21] <Janson> OOC: lets rock!
[19:22] <Andria> ooc: sure
[19:22] <Wayland> OOC: YARR!
[19:22] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 5." [1d100=5]
[19:26] <Kotono> You pass out of Balmuria and into the open world. The roads to Valandia are well kept, but you are on them but briefly. Going off on dirt roads you pass farms, freestanding shanties and open fields dotted with trees. Down and down the path you go, afternoon entrenced. Soon enough you come to the Silverback Lodge! A single dirt path leads to it. It is a large building made of fieldstone and
[19:26] <Kotono> feldspar, large and slightly rambling in size. There's a single door leading inside, a well not far from that front door. No one is immediately about outside.
[19:27] <Janson> "I have an idea, I can ask some of the local animals if they've seen any burials or anything lately," Janson suggests before they get too close to the lodge.
[19:28] * Wayland nods. "Good idea, Janson. Ask them if there's been a female about, too."
[19:29] <Janson> "Most animals can't really tell the difference any more than you can with them," Janson admits with a shrug, going off the path and starting to look around for any local birds or the like in the immediate vicinity of the lodge.
[19:30] <Kotono> Janson finds a few talkative birds, landing on his hand at his invitation! OOC: Go ahead and ask what you like.
[19:32] <Janson> "Hello," Janson greets the avians in a friendly manner. "Do you live around here?"
[19:33] <Kotono> "Uh huh," The birds twitter away, "Worms, lots of worms!"
[19:35] <Janson> "Have you seen much from the humans over there," Janson holds up the birds on his hand towards the lodge. "Have any of them been buried in the ground recently?"
[19:37] <Kotono> "Humans? Big humans," The birds sing, "No, none in the ground. Only the bad man."
[19:37] <Janson> "Which bad man?" Janson asks curiously, wondering what anyone must have done to earn such judgement from nature.
[19:40] <Kotono> "He scares us," The birds twitter and shift around, light on Hahn's hand, "Bad man. Bad aira round him."
[19:41] <Janson> "Have you seen him hurt anyone?" Janson asks, stroking their necks with his free hand to soothe them.
[19:42] <Kotono> "He sometimes hurts the other men and they hurt him, but they all get up after."
[19:44] <Janson> "Thank you, that's very helpful," Janson smiles, raising his hand for the birds to fly away before he rejoins his companions. "It doesn't sound like anyone's been buried recently, the animals are scared of one man in particular, though. They say he has a bad air around him and that he hurts the other men and they hurt him, but everyone gets up afterwards."
[19:45] * Aaeru shudders briefly. "It sounds an awful lot like the people who misunderstand our humble temple's purpose."
[19:46] <Wayland> "That's...a disturbing thought. Could it be undead?" wonders Wayland.
[19:46] <Aaeru> "Would the animals be able to tell? Or, well, flee?"
[19:47] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 14." [1d100=14]
[19:47] <Kotono> OOC: Make listen checks, all.
[19:47] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[19:47] <Janson> "If not for the 'bad air' I'd almost just wonder if the animals were misunderstanding wrestling or something," Janson shrugs, "But that 'air' could relate to a charnel miasma or something like that. Animals instinctively fear undead."
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 8." [1d20=6]
[19:47] <Andria> roll d20+2
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+2 and gets 10." [d20=8]
[19:47] <Janson> roll 1d20+6 wish i had wis
[19:47] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 wish i had wis and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[19:48] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[19:48] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 19." [1d20=16]
[19:52] <Kotono> Janson and Wayland can hear something behind them as they chat. Footsteps, sounds like.
[19:52] * Janson looks behind himself!
[19:53] * Wayland turns and looks behind the group.
[19:53] <Wayland> "Sounds like we have company." he says lowly.
[19:54] <Kotono> Behind you approach two men. They're a bit dirty, sweaty as well. They're scruffy and wear normal enough clothes, though they are wearing chain shirts. The slight tinkle of moving metal gives it away, as well as a slight bulge under their shirts. The first nods, "You fellows lost?"
[19:55] <Janson> roll 1d20+6 sense motive, are they looking for a fight?
[19:55] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 sense motive, are they looking for a fight? and gets 9." [1d20=3]
[19:55] <Aaeru> "Hi there!" Aaeru greets the two, smiling. "I was hoping to visit the lodge just ahead. Might you be staying there?"
[19:56] <Kotono> "Yeah, we are," He gives Aaeru a look, starting to smile a bit, "What's your business there?"
[19:57] <Aaeru> "I just want to learn more about it, really," Aaeru admits. "It was built by Vitalists, right? From that time that the empire broke apart? It sound pretty interesting to me."
[19:59] <Kotono> "Yeah..." The second one scratches his nose, "All for of you are just curious?"
[20:01] <Janson> "Well, we heard that you guys have good sources," Janson tries his hand at subterfuge, "Y'know, for trades? We wanted to see if we could do business."
[20:04] <Kotono> "Well..." The two exchange a look and then start walking, "C'mon. This way, you'll wanna talk to Qusela. He handles things like that."
[20:06] <Janson> "Great," Janson gives his comrades a big grin once the two have their back to the four, following along.
[20:07] <Andria> Andrea nods as she follows, observing the men as she ollows them.
[20:07] <Andria> ooc: follows*
[20:08] <Kotono> The four are lead inside! Past a small entry hall with a closet for coats and cloaks, you are taken to a large room. Several chairs lounge about, the scent of booze lingering in the air. A fireplace without a fire going is there, as well as a bare mantle. However, there is a portrait above it. It looks to be a table full of elves, watching another elf battle agaisnt some sort of hawk-like bird,
[20:08] <Kotono> bow against hawk. Other thant his, the room is plain enough, a few windows letting in sunlight. "Just sit tight a moment," The first one says, as the two duck out, "Qusela will be in."
[20:08] * Wayland follows along, keeping his opinions to himself.
[20:10] * Aaeru settles into a chair, sitting tight and humming to herself.
[20:10] * Janson nods and admires the painting for a moment as he waits.
[20:14] <Kotono> It's perhaps a minute before they return. The two men stand on either side of the door as Qusela enters. He is a slightly broad shouldered but plain looking man. He has black hair cut short, wearing a breastplate, greaves and armguards. A greatsword is strapped to his back, a headband keeping his hair out of his eyes. "Good afternoon," He smiles ear to ear, approaching and sweeping his gaze over
[20:14] <Kotono> all of them. "My friends said you were interested in trading?"
[20:15] * Janson looks slightly worried at the man being so obviously armed and armoured, instinctively looking towards Andrea and Aaeru for guidance on how to tackle this before he says anything himself.
[20:16] <Aaeru> "Hello there!" Aaeru greets him, standing up to offer the man her hand. "Mmm, my friend did mention that, but like I said, I really wanted to hear some stories about the lodge and those who built it."
[20:17] <Kotono> His grip is strong but not overwhelming, hand shaked. "The Vitalists, you mean?"
[20:17] <Andria> Andrea frowns as she observes the man. He certainly seems well-armed for a 'trader'.
[20:18] <Aaeru> "Exactly! I'll understand if you would prefer to get right down to business, but if you have the time to spare, first...?"
[20:20] <Kotono> With a slight, dry chuckle he goes to sit opposite the party, "This lodge is for those who found that new kingdoms didn't meet their fancy after all."
[20:21] <Aaeru> "It must have been pretty disheartening, to fight for what you believe in, only to find no place for you there in the end."
[20:24] <Kotono> "It was inevitable," Going on from that, "Hopes fade away, idealism is the gateway to despair and disillusionment," Waving a hand, "When two opposing dreams meet, both cannot survive."
[20:25] * Aaeru thinks about his words, before asking, "But didn't you build this place to continue your dreams?"
[20:27] <Kotono> "Curious, aren't you?" With a cock of his head to the side, "It's as much a home away from home as a bastion of anything else. But no matter - you desire trade?"
[20:28] <Aaeru> "We work for a Candymancer, as it happens," Aaeru responds. "A sweets-maker. Perhaps you have heard of him?"
[20:29] <Janson> "We're interested in reagents that could be useful," Janson offers on the undead centred hunch. "Black pearls, things like that?"
[20:30] <Kotono> roll 1d20+6
[20:30] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+6 and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[20:31] <Kotono> "No, I haven't," Shaking his head as he smiles slightly, "Black pearls, is it? Also things such as black oynx?"
[20:33] <Andria> "We'd have to ask, but I don't recall our boss ever saying anything about black onyx..." Andrea chips in.
[20:33] <Janson> "Oh, yes, onyx," Janson nods, smiling. "Those are even better."
[20:33] <Andria> "They are?"
[20:35] <Andria> Andrea shrugs soon after asking that. "Meh, I don't really care about magic sweets creation anyway..." she mutters, deciding she wouldn't care to know about the difference between black onyx or pearls or whatever, assuming her companions aren't just making things up.
[20:35] <Kotono> "Gentlemen and ladies," Qusela stands, "Ma'am," With a generous smile to Aaeru, "We can work with each other. If you'd come with me?" he offers.
[20:35] <Janson> "Definitely," Janson nods. "Along with special dirt and water."
[20:36] * Janson is happy to follow along, nodding for the others to do so as well. It sounds like their suspicions will be confirmed very soon.
[20:37] * Aaeru is all too ready to go along with this as well.
[20:37] * Wayland follows along as well.
[20:37] <Andria> Onward and stuff!
[20:37] <Andria> Andrea follows!
[20:38] <Kotono> He pauses a moment, "Oh, of course, I wasn't clear. Just you ma'am," WIth a smile to Aaeru, "It won't be long."
[20:39] * Janson doesn't really like this idea as much, but will defer to Aaeru...
[20:40] * Wayland raises an eyebrow.
[20:40] * Aaeru blinks, but then shrugs as she decides to follow. "Where are we going?" she asks, coming up to Qusela.
[20:40] <Andria> "Oh...uhm, well, up to you. I don't mind waiting, I guess..." Andrea says, likewise defering.
[20:41] <Kotono> "I want to show you what we can trade first hand," he explains, "But it's best not to take too many back there at once."
[20:41] * Aaeru nods in understanding, gesturing for him to lead the way.
[20:42] * Janson lingers by the door Quesala and Aaeru leave by, keeping a sharp ear out for any sounds of trouble!

[Corwin]

[20:43] <Kotono> You are lead to a hall, going down a ways past several doors. One door is opened by Qusela, "After you," he offers, stepping back and going to hold the door open. "Ladies first."
[20:44] <Aaeru> "Ah, this is the storeroom?" Aaeru asks, stepping in while trying to keep Qusela and his hands in her peripheral sight.
[20:47] <Kotono> Within looks to be boxes, old crates, that manner of thing. Qusela comes inside, closing the door behind him. He stays there, a hand going to the hilt of his greatsword. "I have to admit," Casually bantering as he smiles, "That was a good idea if you were right. By the way, I didn't catch your name."
[20:49] <Aaeru> "What was a good idea?" Aaeru asks curiously. "And what might I be wrong about?"
[20:51] <Kotono> He draws his blade, a soft snicker-snack of steel! "If I was a necromancer dealing in those, I'd be estatic." Grasping it with both hands, "Keep quiet and don't fight back, I'll make it a quiet and painless trip to oblivion."
[20:54] <Aaeru> "So you are not a necromancer, but a bandit instead?" she asks. "Very well! You wanted to have my name? It is Aaeru!" Her voice rises significantly in the hope that it would carry to the room she had just vacated. "Sheathe your blade and surrender!"
[20:55] <Kotono> "Not a chance," He smiles grimly, advancing on Aaeru as her scream echos! OOC: Roll init, I'm about to go line in #dunes relating the scream.
[20:55] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[20:55] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 14." [1d20=12]
[20:56] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:56] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 17." [1d20=13]
03[20:56] * Kotono changes topic to 'Qusela(17)>Aaeru(14)'
[20:57] <Kotono> He is on Aaeru in a split-second! As he approaches Aaeru feels a cumberous despair settle onto her, hope and resolve melting out of her! His greatsword flashes a matte black, circles of black dancing over it as he strikes!
[20:58] <Kotono> roll 1d20+11 (+4 smite good)
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+11 (+4 smite good) and gets 12." [1d20=1]
[20:58] <Kotono> His blade-slash is strong, but a good foot wide! Aaeru doesn't even have to dodge to avoid his overwhelming strike! OOC: Durred it up. Go Cor.
[20:59] * Aaeru leans into the strike, slipping past the man's guard and then trying to lock the joins on his right arm and immobilize him!
[21:00] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5 touch for grapple
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 touch for grapple and gets 18." [1d20=13]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:00] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+8 grapple
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+8 grapple and gets 23." [1d20=15]
[21:00] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:00] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 10." [1d20=5]
[21:00] <Kotono> OOC: Success. You have him grappled now, yes?
[21:01] <Aaeru> OOC: Yes. I get an attack on him?
[21:01] <Kotono> OOC: As an unarmed strike, yes. Go for it.
[21:02] <Aaeru> With the joint safely locked, Aaeru kicks at the back of Qusela's knee to hopefully drop him to the ground!
[21:03] <Aaeru> roll 1d6+2
[21:03] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d6+2 and gets 5." [1d6=3]
[21:04] <Kotono> Quesela is armlocked and his knee is hit hard! It isn't quite enough to down him y et, but you can hear him gasp! His greatsword drops to the ground, as one hand attempts to grab onto Aaeru!
[21:04] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 touch AC?
[21:05] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 touch AC? and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[21:05] <Aaeru> OOC: Hits
[21:05] <Kotono> OOC: 12 damage.
[21:06] <Kotono> His touch turns a tepid black, the life withering away from Aaeru! He struggles in the embrace, "Be quiet and accept oblivion," he growls, "There's no hope fo you!" OOC: Go.
[21:08] <Aaeru> "If that is my fate, I will accept it without complaint," Aaeru responds, her voice not wavering even as her face pales. "However, I think this fate is yours and yours alone." She pulls hard on Qusela's arm, kicking at his other knee.
[21:08] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+8 opposed grapple for damage
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+8 opposed grapple for damage and gets 12." [1d20=4]
[21:08] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 14." [1d20=9]
[21:10] <Kotono> Aaeru grapples back and forth,t rying to take out his knee! But this time he's a little too strong, as he struggles and tries to kick out of the hold altogether! OOC: Trying to escape the grapple, opposed check time.
[21:10] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[21:10] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+8
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+8 and gets 23." [1d20=15]
[21:11] <Kotono> But Aaeru has a grip like steel, not giving! They thrash back to against the door, a loud thump as Qusela hits against it! OOC: Go.
[21:11] <Aaeru> Rather than try and take out the vile man's other leg, Aaeru sacrifices accuracy for efficiency, slamming her free elbow into his back twice!
[21:11] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple for damage
[21:11] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple for damage
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple for damage and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple for damage and gets 17." [1d20=11]
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 1
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 1 and gets 7." [1d20=2]
[21:12] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 2
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 2 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[21:12] <Aaeru> roll 2d6+4
[21:12] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 2d6+4 and gets 12." [2d6=3, 5]
[21:13] <Kotono> Qusela's back cracks audibly under the strikes! He buckles terribly under that blow, raising his hand up o attempt to backhand Aaeru in revenge!
[21:13] <Kotono> roll 1d20+1 (-4 unarmed nonproficient)
[21:14] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+1 (-4 unarmed nonproficient) and gets 18." [1d20=17]
[21:14] <Kotono> OOC: AC?
[21:14] <Aaeru> OOC: 16. Did he subtract the -4 for attacking while grappled, too?
[21:17] <Kotono> OOC: Nope, so you're off the hook.
[21:18] <Kotono> His fist is quick, but he can't quite manage to slam Aaeru in the face! OOC: Go.
[21:18] <Aaeru> Barely dodging that desperate strike, Aaeru grabs a fistful of Qusela's hair and slams his face into the ground repeatedly.
[21:18] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:18] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 13." [1d20=7]
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 15." [1d20=9]
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 23." [1d20=18]
[21:18] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:18] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 15." [1d20=10]
[21:19] <Kotono> OOC: Higher mod wins the second one, so one hit.
[21:19] <Aaeru> roll 1d6+2 nonlethal
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d6+2 nonlethal and gets 5." [1d6=3]
[21:19] <Kotono> His face goes down in one slam, as Aaeru can distantly hear av oice - it sounds like Janson's! Meanwhile Qusela tries to escape Aaeru's grasp!
[21:19] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:19] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12." [1d20=7]
[21:20] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+8
[21:20] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+8 and gets 26." [1d20=18]
[21:20] <Kotono> But Aaeru is able to keep him locked down, unable to escape her grasp!
[21:21] <Aaeru> Unwilling to allow him that escape, Aaeru continues to feed the ground to Qusela, pressing her knee against his wiggling spine!
[21:21] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:21] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+6 grapple
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 11." [1d20=5]
[21:21] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+6 grapple and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 22." [1d20=17]
[21:22] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:22] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 21." [1d20=16]
[21:24] <Kotono> But they roll back against the wall, Qusela's grasp too strong to finish him! With a grunt he attempts to push Aaeru off!
[21:24] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 25." [1d20=20]
[21:24] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+8
[21:24] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+8 and gets 15." [1d20=7]
[21:25] <Kotono> With a kick into Aaeru's gut he gets her off, managing to stagger back and free of her! "Bitch," he spits out blood, stumbling about 15 feet back by the crates! OOC: Go Aaeru.
[21:25] * Aaeru literally flies at him with a kick!
[21:25] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5+2+3 charging smite!
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5+2+3 charging smite! and gets 28." [1d20=18]
[21:26] <Aaeru> roll 1d6+2+1
[21:26] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:26] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d6+2+1 and gets 6." [1d6=3]
[21:27] <Kotono> WHAM! The blow catches him in the stomach, staggering him! He coughs up pure blood, leaning back against a crate! He isn't quite down as he stumbles back further, eyes flashing black! In arcane words he gasps out syllables, as...
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 52." [1d100=52]
[21:27] <Kotono> A pair of black dots appear, soaring out at Aaeru!
[21:27] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2 and gets 6." [2d4=1, 3]
[21:28] <Kotono> The dots slam into each one of her shoulders, pain flaring up in both! Aaeru's vision tints dark for several moments, wobbling back and forth! OOC: You're up, gimme a sec to let Janson catch up.
[21:33] <Aaeru> She had never felt this way, Aaeru realizes with a start. Never quite so close to being tapped out. Never, when facing a real villain such as this. And another realization comes on its wake, that if she fails to stop Qusela here, she would be failing her obligations.
[21:33] <Aaeru> "I won't let it end like this!" Aaeru cries, launching herself after Qusela. A kick strikes high, aimed at his chin, and then she lands within his guard, punching out at his sternum.
[21:33] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3
[21:33] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+3
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 and gets 4." [1d20=1]
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+3 and gets 21." [1d20=18]
[21:33] <Aaeru> roll 1d6+2
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d6+2 and gets 4." [1d6=2]

[Corwin]

~MEANWHILE~


[20:42] <Kotono> Thus the two leave. The two men stay in room, leaving the three to their own devices..
[20:43] <Janson> "I bet he just wanted to flirt with Aaeru alone," Janson remarks, not really thinking that but gauging the two other men's reaction for any clues...
[20:43] <Janson> roll 1d20+6 motives will be sensed!
[20:43] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 motives will be sensed! and gets 16." [1d20=10]
[20:45] <Janson> They're not really being too incriminating... just have to trust in his ears, then.
[20:50] <Kotono> OOC: Make a listen check for reference, Janson.
[20:50] <Kotono> Meanwhile the men shuffle back and forth, "So..." The two lookb ack and forth, "Got some sea elf in you," they ask Wayland.
[20:51] * Wayland resists the urge to roll his eyes. "I do not. I am descended from air elementals."
[20:51] <Janson> roll 1d20+6
[20:51] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+6 and gets 25." [1d20=19]
[20:52] <Kotono> "Oh!" The second one's eyebrows go up, "I saw one of those once! It was like the wind turned into a human, and twice as fast."
[20:54] <Wayland> "Indeed, they are majestic creatures."
[20:55] <Kotono> As you talk, Janson can hear it! It's muffled by the stone, but it's definintely Aaeru raising her voice quite loudly!
[20:56] <Janson> "Betrayal!" Janson snaps to rouse the others to attention, promptly kicking the door open beside him!
[20:57] <Wayland> "Finally!" shouts Wayland, launching himself at the nearest armed man!
[20:57] <Andria> Andrea gasps! "That shameful man, betraying our trust!" she exclaims as she draws her blade.
[20:57] <Kotono> OOC: You guys have a surprise round, these two weren't THAT prepared. Go for it. Act Janson>Waylan>Andrea, then I'll call for init.
[20:58] <Wayland> OOC: are we close enough to combat without having to move?
[20:58] <Janson> "Eat spiders!" Janson calls at the men as he kicks the door open, gesturing at them as a loud *pop* heralds a seething mass of writhing black arachnids suddenly enveloping them!
[20:58] <Janson> roll 1d6 damage DC 11 fort save vs poison
[20:58] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d6 damage DC 11 fort save vs poison and gets 2." [1d6=2]
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:59] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 15." [1d20=11]
[20:59] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 18." [1d20=14]
[20:59] <Kotono> OOC: Not within 5ft step range, no.
[21:00] <Kotono> The spiders leap and jump all over the men, a swarm of them getting cries of alarm from the two door guards! OOC: Waylan.
[21:00] <Wayland> OOC: Distracted enough not to cause an attack of opportunity as I pungh one in the face?
[21:01] <Kotono> OOC: They're flatfooted, so yes.
[21:01] <Wayland> OOC: Assuming movement!
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: Yeah, they're not AoOing you. Flatfooted and no CR. Go for it, seriously.
[21:02] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6 whacka smacka
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 whacka smacka and gets 25." [1d20=19]
[21:02] <Kotono> OOC: That be a hit.
[21:02] <Wayland> roll 1d6+3
[21:02] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d6+3 and gets 7." [1d6=4]
[21:03] <Kotono> WHAM! Wayland jumps in and slams an open fist strike into the face of one of the spider covered men! His nose breaks and sends blood spraying out as he staggers back! OOC: Andrea.
[21:06] <Andria> Andrea targets the other spider-covered man, and slashes at his chest. "Down with you, you ruffian!"
[21:06] <Andria> roll d20+8
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+8 and gets 17." [d20=9]
[21:06] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:06] <Andria> roll 2d6+4
[21:06] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d6+4  and gets 11." [2d6=1, 6]
[21:06] <Andria> ooc: whoops
[21:07] <Andria> roll 2d4+6
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 2d4+6 and gets 9." [2d4=1, 2]
[21:07] <Andria> ooc: I mixed up the numbers!
[21:07] <Kotono> The other thug gets slashed in the chest! Blood flows freely from the wound as he thrashes in the swarm, screaming! OOC: Init.
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 1
[21:07] <Kotono> roll 1d20+2 2
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 1 and gets 18." [1d20=16]
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+2 2 and gets 8." [1d20=6]
03[21:07] * Kotono changes topic to 'Thug 1(18)>Thug 2(8)'
[21:07] <Andria> roll d20+4
[21:07] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 16." [d20=12]
03[21:08] * Kotono changes topic to 'Thug 1(18)>Andrea(16)>Thug 2(8)'
[21:08] <Janson> roll 1d20+3
[21:08] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+3 and gets 8." [1d20=5]
[21:08] <Janson> OOC: DC 11 fort save or nauseated when starting your turn in a swarm
03[21:09] * Kotono changes topic to 'Thug 1(18)>Andrea(16)>Thug 2=Janson(8)'
[21:09] <Kotono> OOC: Okay, I'll deal with that on their turn. Waiting on WAyland for init.
[21:10] <Wayland> roll 1d20+3
[21:10] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+3 and gets 15." [1d20=12]
03[21:11] * Kotono changes topic to 'Thug 1(18)>Andrea(16)>Wayland(15)Thug 2=Janson(8)'
[21:11] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:11] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 8." [1d20=4]
[21:11] <Kotono> The first thug can do nothing but retch and scream as the swarm crawls over him! OOC: Andrea
[21:11] <Kotono> .
[21:13] <Andria> Andrea continues her assault on the spider-infested man, but feeling just a little bit of pity (or perhaps not yet willing to kill a man), she attempts to strike him with the flat of the blade...
[21:13] <Andria> roll d20+4
[21:13] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+4 and gets 11." [d20=7]
[21:15] <Kotono> Andrea's blade sweeps down, the flat out...but it misses, whizzing though the air instead! OOC: Wayland.
[21:16] <Wayland> roll 1d20+6 it's clobberin' time
[21:16] * Hatbot --> "Wayland rolls 1d20+6 it's clobberin' time and gets 10." [1d20=4]
[21:16] <Wayland> OOC: Or not.
[21:17] <Kotono> WAyland strikes back even quicker, but the screaming man stumbles back in the swarm and dodges by pure luck! OOC: Thug 2, rolling for him first.
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 14." [1d20=10]
[21:17] <Kotono> The second thug stumblingly gets a dagger out, making a desperate single stab at Andrea!
[21:17] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:17] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 12." [1d20=7]
[21:18] <Andria> ooc: miss~
[21:18] <Kotono> But it hits against her armored chest, a metallic knickt as it glides along it and misses! OOC: Janson.
[21:18] <Janson> The spider swarm vanishes in almost entirely the same manner as it appeared, and Janson trusts that his new friends can handle this pair with even odds. "Aaeru! Where are you?!" he calls, hurrying down the hallway he just opened up.
[21:21] <Kotono> Janson can hear what sounds like a scuffle far down the hall. It's muffled, though.
[21:22] * Janson keeps moving until he can hear it clearly behind any particular door.
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC: While Janson's running down, thug 1 is up. I'll resolve him at the start of his turn.
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+4
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+4 and gets 22." [1d20=18]
[21:23] <Kotono> The thug staggers and draws a dagger, taking a desperate stab at Wayland!
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 and gets 24." [1d20=19]
[21:23] <Kotono> roll 1d20+5 crit threat, daggers are 19-20
[21:23] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d20+5 crit threat, daggers are 19-20 and gets 20." [1d20=15]
[21:23] <Kotono> OOC: AC?
[21:25] <Wayland> OOC: 16!
[21:25] <Kotono> roll 2d4+6 ow
[21:25] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+6 ow and gets 10." [2d4=2, 2]
[21:25] <Kotono> Wayland takes the dagger adroitly, dodging! The problem is that he dodges into it with his stomach, catching it with his colon. Blood comes flowing from the wound as the dagger is ripped out a second later! OOC: Andrea.
[21:27] <Andria> "Stand down, you two, if you want to be taken in alive! Otherwise..." Andrea threatens even as the one thug stabs Wayland! Her blade swings at the thug in front of her!
[21:27] <Andria> roll d20+8
[21:27] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+8 and gets 14." [d20=6]
[21:29] <Kotono> But Andrea can't quite close the blow, a miss by a few inches on him! The second thug falls to his knees, "Spare us! Spare us!" he calls! OOC: Wayland, you're up.
[21:30] * Wayland eyes the man that just freaking stabbed him right on the colon painfully.
[21:31] <Andria> "What about you?" Andrea demands of the thug attacking Wayland. "Do you surrender also, or do you want to see your life flashing before you?"
[21:31] <Andria> Andrea lets her miss come off as intentional!
[21:32] <Kotono> The first thug holds his hands up, dagger pointed aside, "I surrender! Mercy!" he seconds!
[21:33] <Andria> Andrea frowns at the two, checking to see if they mean what they're saying.
[21:33] <Andria> roll d20+7 sense motive
[21:33] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d20+7 sense motive and gets 8." [d20=1]
[21:33] <Andria> ooc: damn you hatty!
[21:36] <Andria> Andrea isn't sure if they're being honest, and isn't quite willing to leave them be to help Aaeru and Janson... "Drop your weapons!" she says as she steps next to Wayland and places her hands on his shoulder, channeling some divine energy into him.
[21:36] <Andria> roll 8+1 CLW
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls 8+1 CLW and gets 9."
[21:36] <Andria> roll d8+1 CLW
[21:36] * Hatbot --> "Andria rolls d8+1 CLW and gets 5." [d8=4]
[21:36] <Kotono> The thugs drop weapons just like that, quickly raising their hands up!
[21:36] <Kotono> OOC: Go ahead and free act at the moment, no immediate opposition.
[21:37] <Andria> "Do you think you can watch over them now that they're unarmed, or would you rather go to help the others? I can watch them instead, but since you're still a little hurt..." Andrea asks of her companion.
[21:38] * Wayland nods. "I can handle things here."
[21:39] <Andria> "Alright, call out if the two decide to cause trouble..." Andrea says, before narrowing her eyes at the two thugs. "Which you won't, RIGHT?"
[21:39] <Andria> She doesn't really wait for their replies as she heads out the door to help the other two!

[Corwin]

[21:35] <Kotono> The blow hits his sternum dead on! He stumbles back even more, dizzy and almost falling over! His eyes glaze over, almost falling down -b ut not quite! Meanwhile the door opens, Janson there! OOC: Go ahead and act, Janson.
03[21:36] * Kotono changes topic to 'Qusela(17)>Aaeru(14)>Janson'
[21:37] <Janson> Seeing Aaeru facing off with the evil bad man, Janson doesn't hesitate in raising his hand and channelling the power of his sylvan heritage into his hand which becomes surrounded in a warm orange glow before the gathered energy launches itself at Qusela!
[21:37] <Janson> roll 1d20-1 ranged touch, fuck firing into melee
[21:37] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 ranged touch, fuck firing into melee and gets 10." [1d20=11]
[21:38] <Kotono> The orange glow flies out, but misses both Aaeru and Qusela! He coughs up blood, "If...gonna die...take you with me!" he growls, chanting again! OOC: He can't spare the 5ft step due to being staggered. AoO, Cor.
[21:38] * Aaeru backhands the vile man across his lips!
[21:38] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+5
[21:38] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+5 and gets 13." [1d20=8]
[21:39] <Kotono> OOC: No love.
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 1d100
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 1d100 and gets 98." [1d100=98]
[21:39] <Kotono> roll 2d4+2 ow
[21:39] * Hatbot --> "Kotono rolls 2d4+2 ow and gets 7." [2d4=2, 3]
[21:39] <Kotono> Two more dots of black fly out! They slam Aaeru in the head, dropping her! For a moment Qusela grins...before collapsing on top of her bonelessly! OOC: Cor, make a stabilization roll.
[21:40] <Aaeru> roll 1d100
[21:40] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d100 and gets 10." [1d100=10]
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: Free act. Go ahead and act Aaeru and I'll move Andrea in here.
[21:42] <Kotono> OOC: I meant Janson.
[21:43] <Janson> "You bastard!" Janson clenches his fist in frustration at that cheap shot taking out Aaeru, firing another eldritch blast at the villain to ensure he won't cause any more trouble!
[21:43] <Janson> roll 1d20-1 not in melee at least, but prone still means -4 for ranged hits... god dammit.
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20-1 not in melee at least, but prone still means -4 for ranged hits... god dammit. and gets 12." [1d20=13]
[21:43] <Kotono> OOC: Hit.
[21:43] <Janson> roll 1d6
[21:43] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d6 and gets 3." [1d6=3]
[21:44] <Kotono> The powerful blast hits Qusela in the stomach, knocking him further back and down! Meanwhile Andrea comes running down the hallway!
[21:44] <Janson> "Andrea!" Janson sees the fellow redhead, "Aaeru's been hurt! You have healing magic, don't you?"
[21:45] <Andria> Andrea gasps as she witnesses the injuries Aaeru has accumulated. "Oh no!" she exclaims, briefly superimposing the images of dying men from the caravan onto the scene. Shaking her head clear of the memory, she rushes towards Aaeru, her hands glowing alight as she channels all of her remaining holy energy into healing her wounds.
[21:45] <Andria> ooc: +8 HP
[21:45] <Andria> ooc: +6 rather
[21:46] <Kotono> Aaeru's wounds partially mend, stirring her from the abyss of nothingness! OOC: You're awake and hurting, Aaeru.
[21:47] <Aaeru> "Did you stop him?" is the first thing Aaeru asks, struggling to her feet, once she sees Janson and Andrea nearby.
[21:48] <Andria> "I didn't do anything, I just arrived and saw you on the ground....are you alright?" Andrea asks as she fusses over the other girl.
[21:48] <Andria> "Well, relatively so, of course..." she adds hastily.
[21:48] <Janson> "He collapsed just a second after you did, I didn't even need to do anything," Janson admits. Didn't need to, but wanted to.
[21:50] * Aaeru sighs in relief. "I tried to pull back my last strike, so that the Guard could question him," she says, for the moment concentrating on getting herself vertical and keeping things that way.
[21:50] <Janson> "Oh... you did?" Janson suddenly looks guilty. "Um... is he still alive?" he looks down at the man he just blasted...
[21:51] <Andria> Andrea moves over to check him, though she wouldn't be too bothered if he was dead...
[21:51] <Aaeru> "I think I pulled my punch... I'm sure I did...." Aaeru says slowly, leaving the check to Andrea as she can move on her own.
[21:52] <Kotono> He seems to be alive, if badly wounded.
[21:53] <Andria> "Looks like he's still alive, so guess you managed to hold back," Andrea says.
[21:54] <Aaeru> "Excellent!" Aaeru wheezes, smiling. "Now, the proper authorities would get to hear the entire story, and he may even have a chance to repent and turn away from his evil ways. Though a Sharran doing that..." Aaeru trails off, before shaking her head insistently. "No, he must be able to! Everyone can change!"
[21:55] <Janson> "Yeah, you two must have knocked the hell out of each other," Janson nods. "I doubt he'll be moving, so we should check out the rest of the place for any more villains, shouldn't we?"
[21:55] <Aaeru> "Only after we secure him properly! Because he is an evil mage."
[21:56] <Andria> "If we're going to look for more trouble, Aaeru should sit back...or I can try to do something about her wounds. I think I might be able to heal you up a bit more, give me a second..."
[21:57] * Janson looks around for anything to secure Qusela with, not having really brought much in the way of equipment along.
[21:57] <Andria> Andrea takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, as she begins singing a song, the air around them turning lighter, and the little remaining holy energy in her feeling like it was bubbling in response to the song...as she begins to chant through the song, she moves her hands towards Aaeru, stopping the song as she channels the little bits of holy energy left in her into her.
[21:58] <Andria> ooc: +18 HP in two rounds.
[21:58] <Kotono> Most of the crates are empty, though Janson does find a sealed jar in one. Nothing really tie-able.
[21:59] * Janson is blatantly distracted from what he's doing, looking at Andrea with respect. "That's beautiful..." he marvels.
[22:00] <Aaeru> Now feeling much better, Aaeru thanks Andrea with a smile and uses the strap for Qusela's greatsword as something to bind his hands.
[22:00] <Andria> Andrea pants a bit after that. "Okay, I am completely spent for magic now..." she says quiety. "I hope you're feeling better now though..."
[22:00] <Kotono> OOC: Make a USE ROPE check?
[22:00] <Andria> ooc: quietly*
[22:00] <Aaeru> roll 1d20+2
[22:00] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20+2 and gets 20." [1d20=18]
[22:01] <Kotono> His hands are quite securely bound!
[22:01] <Aaeru> "I'm feeling great!" Aaeru responds, completely revitalized. "See?"
[22:01] <Andria> Andrea nods. "Hopefully there's nothing else left in the lodge to fight though..."
[22:02] <Aaeru> "Like what? You think there are more Sharrans around?"
[22:03] <Janson> "You'd think they'd have come running by now, but we should take a look through the place thoroughly to be sure. What if they've got a dungeon or something in the basement?" Janson asks.
[22:03] <Andria> "I doubt they'd have anything quite like that..." Andrea says, though she seems a little doubtful of her own words.
[22:04] <Aaeru> "Let's look around, just the same!"
[22:04] <Kotono> OOC: Going to search the premisis, basically?
[22:05] <Andria> "Let's check in with Wayland first, I left him watching the two of Qusela's guards, and he's still a bit injured," Andrea suggests.
[22:05] <Janson> OOC: yes
[22:06] <Janson> roll 1d20+7 I will roll search
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Janson rolls 1d20+7 I will roll search and gets 23." [1d20=16]
[22:06] <Andria> ooc: I'm going to go back to Wayland. My search modifier is negative anyhow, so I'd probably be of little help there.
[22:06] <Aaeru> roll 1d20-1 I'll help even though I'm bad at it
[22:06] * Hatbot --> "Aaeru rolls 1d20-1 I'll help even though I'm bad at it and gets 12." [1d20=13]
[22:08] <Kotono> OOC: #dunes, Andrea.

[Corwin]

[21:43] <Kotono> Andrea hurries off! The two men shudder all over as they stare up at WAyland, "Thank you," one says, "Qusela, it was all him when he came to the lodge. Not us."
[21:44] <Wayland> "So boys, tell me what you know about what goes on here. The more you say now, the less you have to deal with the guards in Balmuria. Hells, I might even forget you were here." says Wayland slyly.
[21:46] <Kotono> The two exchange a quick look, "Look...Qusela comes several months back and buys the lodge. Most of the old Vitalists go, a few remain. We get brought in to help him. Security and stuff. He's bad news - nasty and out there. Real bad news but we're just trying to make honest money!"
[21:46] <Wayland> "You know anything about a girl who used to come around here? Brown hair?"
[21:48] <Kotono> "Melaine?" Shaking his head back and forth, "Daughter of one of the old Vitalists, stuck around after Qusela came." A moment's sigh, "She was part of a scheme. Boss has her get hurt and play dead on this merchant, thinks she killed him. But then Qusela says that he knows her secret too, and that she's part of blackmailing. If that ever gets out, her life is ruined. So she ran, just up and gone
[21:48] <Kotono> one morning. The rest of the others are off chasing her."
[21:50] * Wayland shakes his head. "Not terribly surprising. When my friends get done with your boss, we'll all have a little chat and see where we're going to go with this."
[21:51] <Kotono> "You have to know - most of it wasn't planned. I mean, it was all Qusela's idea. She was supposed to just get bumped and fake break her neck, but she got stabbed for real because that merchant was twitchy. No one was gonna get hurt, promise." The second one says. "But Qusela's the bloodthirsty one. I bet he liked it like that. We're just normal guys making money!"
[21:56] <Kotono> The firs tone nods, "I twas all supposed to be magic and trickery," he says, "And we were supposed to just shake down that merchant for some money, not so much and not so hard. Look...you'll let us go, right?" he asks, looking up to Wayland. "Just let us slip out and we'll get the hell outta here? Say something!"
[21:56] * Wayland sighs. "Well, now it's all out of sorts, isn't it? You've been handed a beating, your boss will likely face the grards, and your fate is thus far undecided. Perhaps you should be rethinking your current career paths."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Yeaaaah," The second one licks his lips, "This whole mercenary thing isn't working out."
[21:57] <Kotono> "Dragonshite, yes," The first one quickly tacks on! "Say, you see that painting up there," pointing, "It's some fancy painting of the local hero Seira at the elven court! I bet you can turn around for awhile and take it, and you could sell it for a small bundle!"
[21:58] * Wayland grabs a chair and sits down. "So then, gentlemen, I may have a way out of this for you. That is, if you're interested in some honest work."
[21:58] * Wayland ignores the painting entirely for the moment.
[21:59] <Kotono> "What is it?" The first one asks even quicker.
[22:00] <Wayland> "Well, me and my skilled friends over yonder have decided to start an adventuring company of sorts. We're really for troubleshooting for the good of everyone. It pays decent, and you stay on the good side of the law. Would you two be interested?"
[22:01] <Kotono> "Are you kidding? Shit, it beats the dungeons or jail," The first says, "Hell yes."
[22:01] <Kotono> The second nods as well, "You want our services, you have them!"
[22:02] * Wayland nods. "Excellent choice, gentlemen. What are your names, then?"
[22:03] <Kotono> The first one rubs his horribly bruised chest and gasps, "Noel." The second then adds, "Branna."
[22:06] <Wayland> "I am Wayland of Chillander. A pleasure, gentlemen. You would not happen to know if the money shaken down from the merchant from Balmuria has been kept here, would you?
[22:06] <Wayland> "
[22:08] <Kotono> "Yeah," The first says, "Qusela keeps it in his room. Hell, I'll show you where it is," he gets up, as Andrea returns.
[22:09] <Wayland> "Andrea, good to see you. You may remember our new friends, Noel and Branna? They'll be assisting us this evening." says Wayland with a smile.
[22:11] <Andria> "You got their names?" Andrea asks with a raised eyebrow. Then pausing. "Wait, more than that, you made friends? Huh...well, Alicia would be happy with those results, I hope." The last part is muttered.
[22:12] <Andria> "Anyway, Aaeru and Janson seem to have knocked out Qusela. They're searching the lodge for other people, or evidence and such."
[22:12] <Wayland> "Indeed, it turns out that they have not agreed with what went on here for some time. They wish to make ammends and work for the good of all now. Incidentally, they told me of the girl that Sanuth thought he'd killed. She's likely alive and well, if frightened."
[22:14] <Andria> "Oh...that's good! I'm sure the merchant will be happy to hear that, although I hope he stays ashamed of how he acted through that," she replies, frowning at the thought of Sanuth.
[22:16] <Wayland> "I agree. He should be less hasty in the future. Hopefully he will have learned from this experience."
[22:18] <Andria> "He'd better! And I'm going to demand that he pay Vayth back every mark he owes him! Given we wouldn't have even looked into this matter if it wasn't for him, he should be very thankful to him!"