Session 1-2: The Hunt for Knowledge!

[Carthrat]

[00:14] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> <--->
[00:15] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The day after the party returned from their previous adventure, they found themselves gathered outside the Town Hall for another meeting with Castor, to get more specifics and information on their next job.
[00:17] * +Thaeos yawns and sits on his pack, running his block of wax across his bowstrings.
[00:17] <@Thrall> Armoured and ready to go, Thrall greets his fellow mercenaries with a small nod as he arrives at the Town Hall, showing no discomfort at the still niggling injuries from yesterday's battle.
[00:18] * +Thaeos raises a hand, the one holding the wax, in greeting to Thrall.
[00:18] <+Thaeos> "Mornin'."
[00:18] * @Seraphin flashes a professional smile at Thrall, herself fully loaded down already, and toying with one of her knives.
[00:19] * +Thaeos finishes up with his bowstrings and packs away the wax, along with his spares, before stringing his bow and testing the pull on it.
[00:20] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[00:20] * +Maz stretches up, and returns her attention to the others, observing them silently.
[00:22] * @Kethean likewise greets the others as he stands, leaning against a wall as he awaits for the mayor.
[00:22] <@Thrall> "I believe we're expected," Thrall notes, seeing everyone here and starting inside the Town Hall, knowing the way to the mayor's office.
[00:23] * +Thaeos stand up, slings his pack on his shoulders, and follows after.
[00:24] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> You soon end up in the mayors office, quickly becoming a familiar sight to all of you. Castor is there, armed with yet more roles of parchment that he previously was. "Let's get right down to business," he says, quickly setting down a piece of parchment, and unrolling it for all to see.
[00:24] * @Seraphin heads in behind Thrall, pack over one shoulder.
[00:25] * +Thaeos leans a bit closer, interested in the parchment..
[00:25] * +Maz leans forward to get a better look at the parchment
[00:25] * +Thaeos glances at Maz with a slight grin and looks back at the parchment.
[00:25] * @Seraphin follows suit, leaning over the piece of parchment.
[00:25] <@Thrall> Letting the others lean forward, Thrall only cranes his neck a little, his height letting him look over their shoulders at the parchment with no difficulty.
[00:26] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's a map! And not a terribly elaborate one at that- Thaeos is pretty sure parts are actually missing from it, given what he saw on his way down. It's got the important things down- Saradush itself, and the location of the skirmishes.
[00:28] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "As you can see, we know the location of seven battles, so far," Castor says, rubbing the back of his head. "They seem to be focused to the northeast- perhaps that lake has something to do with it."
[00:29] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "To a one, each of the battle-scenes was a charred wastelands when our scouts got close enough to look. Apparently, each and every group favours a 'scorched earth' policy."
[00:30] <+Thaeos> "Hmm.. Was it just torched or mage-fire?"
[00:31] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Almost certainly mage-fire, given the propensity of the combatants to use magic." Castor shakes his head, annoyed. "But it's hard to tell. We don't have much magical support here in Saradush, see, so investigations along mystical lines are difficult."
[00:33] <@Thrall> "They're all close to a halfday's march from the city," Thrall rumbles. "Any villages or hamlets near that lake?"
[00:35] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8
[00:35] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=2 ]{10}
[00:35] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "There's a small hamlet along the southern bank," replies Castor. "Fisherfolk, mostly. It's very small, very sleepy place."
[00:36] <+Maz> "What about that spot located to the south-west?" Maz asks, pointing at it.
[00:36] <+Thaeos> "Hmm.. When was the last time you actually had word from the hamlet?"
[00:38] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "South-west.. there's not much in that direction," replies Castor. "Humanoids and bandits tend to hang around that area, and most folk stay on the road. It's mostly open plainsland- very tall grass, very easy to hide in.. as for the hamlet? They're very self-sufficient, but they come in to town to trade every week or so. Come to think of it, they havn't been in this week yet..."
[00:38] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Though, I would normally expect them in the next day or so."
[00:39] <@Thrall> "That should be our first stop, then," Thrall rumbles grimly. "If they're there, they might know something. If they're not... that tells us something, too."
[00:39] <+Thaeos> "Hmm.. It's possible that hamlet got taken, then.."
[00:42] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Mmm. A sound plan. My other ideas would have been to inspect the Sharran cell more thoroughly, but I digress. I have something else to show you, though it's not much." He rummages around his desk and produces a piece of torn-off cloth- about a foot long and a couple of inches wide, rough at the edges like it's been torn off something. It's a deep red colour, and is slightly scorched on one side."
[00:42] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> OOC: x that last ".
[00:43] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "This was the only thing left behind at one of the scenes other than ash- we found it on the western edge of the lake, see," he says, pointing at it on the map.
[00:43] * @Thrall frowns. A scrap proves nothing, but that's a very... distinctive, crimson. For now, he doesn't comment on it.
[00:48] <+Thaeos> "I'd say we start with the hamlet, and if that gives us nothing, start inspecting the battle sites clockwise, that'll bring us to the Sharran Cell.
[00:48] <+Thaeos> "
[00:50] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "As you see fit. I can afford to pay you a little merely for looking, but you're working on comission, here."
[00:51] <@Thrall> "You'll get results, have no fear of that," Thrall replies gravely, taking a step back from the desk. "If there's nothing else, we've got a long march ahead of us..."
[00:52] <@Kethean> "Is there anyone in particular you think we should search for at the hamlet?" Kethean asks the mayor.
[00:52] * +Maz studies the map and the scrap of cloth a moment longer, before nodding to herself.
[00:53] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "True. I can at least provide rations and the like," replies the mayor, leaning back, and considering Kethean's request. "There's a retired captain of mine living there. Valeria Uthridge, she should be willing to help."
[00:54] * @Kethean nods and keeps the name in his mind.
[00:56] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Do you have any questions? Is there some way in which you need help?"
[00:59] * +Thaeos considers and shakes his head negative..
[00:59] <+Maz> "Not at the moment, as far as I'm concerned," Maz replies.
[01:00] <@Seraphin> "Mmm, nope," Seraphin agrees with the rest of the group.
[01:00] * @Thrall shakes his head. "I am ready," he states with finality.
[01:01] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Right. I've got a letter, here, you can use it to purchase rations and the like from one of the outfitters," says Castor, handing over a piece of paper to Maz. "Remember- try to gather information, on who is fighting and what they're fighting for. I trust you're not going to engage in uncessary combat just yet."
[01:03] <@Thrall> "We'll only fight them in self defence," Thrall agrees. "Whoever they might be."
[01:03] * +Maz accepts the letter with a nod
[01:04] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Good luck, then," replies Castor. An invitation to leave if there ever was one.
[01:04] * +Thaeos shrugs and walks over to the door, holding it open for everyone.
[01:05] * +Maz nods once more at Castor, and heads outside, placing the letter inside her pack.
[01:05] * @Thrall likewise departs.
[01:07] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> And so, after a quick moment to buy supplies and the like, the group is off, travelling northeast towards the hamlet. The journey requires them to camp overnight, but that goes without incident- the only things they see along the way are the green, beautiful hills of Tethyrian countryside.
[01:09] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> After the time they've spent travelling through them so far, they're somewhat sick of that sight, so it's with a sense of relief that the group finally arrives at the nameless hamlet towards which they were directed. It's nestled between a small slope and the lake- a picturesque little village, buildings clustered together and a couple of boats out on the crystal-clear lake. It's very sleepy- only a few people are about when you walk in, and they give you looks ranging between surprise and suspicion.
[01:10] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's very sleepy- only a few people are about when you walk in, and they give you looks ranging between surprise and suspicion.
[01:10] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The buildings around are simple and sturdy, the people looking about the same.
[01:11] * +Thaeos smiles at the people, but keeps a constant scan of the area.
[01:12] <+Maz> "Perhaps we should find this retired captain, Valeria, and talk with her before we examine the area further?" Maz suggests quietly to her companions.
[01:13] * @Thrall has a more impassive demeanour as he surveys the villagers neutrally. Likely they won't react well to being asked questions by a large half-orc in menacingly spiked armour... bah, he hates such sleepy places. "Good idea," he agrees with Maz.
[01:13] <@Seraphin> "Probably...small town people dislike strangers unless there's someone to vouch for them," Seraphin agrees.
[01:13] <+Thaeos> "Yeah. She'll probably still be keeping track of anything going on.. Old habits die hard."
[01:14] * +Maz looks for a villager nearby she can talk to.
[01:15] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> There's a few of 'em, shooting dark looks at your little group (well, mostly Seraphin.)
[01:16] <+Maz> "I'll try to discern her whereabouts," Maz tells the rest, and heads towards one of them.
[01:16] * @Thrall is content to let Maz do the talking. She seems more personable, even with that odd impulse he has to shiver around her...
[01:17] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> He starts at Maz's approach, backing away a step involuntarily. "Uh, can I help you?" he asks, shivering a little.
[01:19] <+Maz> "Hello," she tells him in greeting. "And yes, I'm hoping that you could. Could you direct me to the home of Valeria Uthridge? A mutual acquaintance of ours asked me to deliver a message to her."
[01:20] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Oh, uh, Cap'n Uthridge? She's out fishin'," he replies, brushing off imaginary dust on his pants. "Over yonder, y'see?" He points over towards the lake- a short distance away, you can see a young woman in a boat, alone.
[01:20] * +Maz takes a moment to observe the lake, and whether any other boats are available on the shore.
[01:21] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> There's a small pier to which a few simple boats are tied. (They probably belong to someone.)
[01:21] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "She ain't gonna be long, I think, 'sides, if it's all urgent-like.."
[01:21] <+Thaeos> "We can just wait on the pier for her."
[01:22] <+Maz> "Thank you," Maz says, returning her attention to the villager. "Yes, it can wait a short while."
[01:23] * +Thaeos starts heading over to the pier.
[01:23] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> : 1d20 ???, 15 , Total: 15
[01:23] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Indeed, after a short while, the boat starts to move back towards the pier, bringing with it a hard-eyed woman with a large scar across her cheek.
[01:25] <+Maz> "Captain Uthridge?" Maz asks, once she's close enough for her voice to carry easily.
[01:25] * +Thaeos greets her with a salute.
[01:25] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> She soon gets off the boat, slightly damp, and looks Thaeos up and down. She's very military in demeanour- short hair, erect posture, the works. "That's me," she replies to Maz. "What brings a group of.. people like you up here?"
[01:26] <@Thrall> Hanging behind the others, Thrall gives the woman a respectful nod, recognising a fellow warrior, even if likely they spent most of their lives on opposite sides of the law.
[01:26] <+Thaeos> "Captain. The Mayor of Saradesh sent us to speak to you."
[01:27] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Saradush," she corrects. "Did he, now. Speak, then."
[01:27] <@Kethean> "Hello Captain," Kethean greets politely and then explains the matter. "As my companion stated, we were sentto speak with you. He hopes you can help us out with some information regarding skirmishes in the area he was concerned about."
[01:29] <+Maz> "A disproportionate number of them occured in the relative proximity of this hamlet," Maz adds.
[01:29] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "You're here about them?" replies Valeria, nodding. "It's very simple. Over there-" she points to the eastern side of the lake, "And over there." She then points to the west. "Those are the ones a couple of people here witnessed at night. Happened pretty recently, too."
[01:30] * @Seraphin stays silent, observing the village and the lake for the most part while her companions trade off speaking.
[01:30] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "If it happens again, you'll see the fireworks, no doubt. I've been staying up late each night in case it happens again."
[01:30] <+Thaeos> "Any idea of where they're making their camps, Captain?"
[01:32] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "I might have that," she says, starting to walk towards one of the houses. "Follow me for a moment."
[01:32] * +Thaeos nods and falls into line with her, automatically falling in step.
[01:33] * +Maz follows the woman, as asked.
[01:34] * @Kethean also follows
[01:35] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Even her walk is very formal. "I know this area pretty well," she says, in a monotone. "Up there, towards those mountains- the Marching Mountains. That's where the giants used to live, before the war. Now they're mostly up and dead, with only a few survivors."
[01:35] <+Thaeos> "The ones doing the repair work?"
[01:35] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "If you wanted to hide somewhere, that'd be a place to dissapear into. Most other locations around here get scouted every so often, sooner or later..."
[01:36] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Repair work? Oh, those were ones that got captured in the last battle," she adds. "There are still a few up there in the mountains- not many. Though I always said one giant is still one too many."
[01:39] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "You want to know what I think?" she says, arriving at a house. "I think there's something to do with that lake that's causing these fights. They were only a couple of days apart, you know. If you stay around here for a few days, I wouldn't be surprised if there was another one."
[01:39] * +Thaeos looks out towards the mountians..
[01:40] <+Thaeos> "Might not be a bad idea... Few days and I'd learn the land pretty well.."
[01:40] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's more of a mountain range- there are gaps between the mountains, pretty large ones, though. They're towering things, things you wouldn't want to climb unless you were well prepared. They're reddish in hue and jagged in form.
[01:41] <@Thrall> "It's a start..." Thrall rumbles thoughtfully, also looking off to the peaks in the distance.
[01:41] * +Thaeos tries to judge what the traveling time between the hamlet and the mountains is..
[01:41] <@Seraphin> "It'd be usefgul if we at least knew likely ambush points," Seraphin agrees, humming to herself.
[01:41] <@Seraphin> *useful
[01:42] <+Maz> "Have there been anyone else who visited this hamlet lately, aside from us?" she asks Valeria.
[01:44] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Ambush points, huh. When you get to the mountains, there's quite a number, but around here? Not many.. hmm, there was one guy. Showed up after the fights, all dressed up in black. A little like you, except with a nicer face," she adds, glancing at Thrall. "Didn't stay long- headed off to look at the battle sites, and never came back."
[01:45] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Didn't talk much, and I never did get his name."
[01:45] * @Thrall nods, wondering if she might say the same of him should any more travellers come this way asking about the battles...
[01:46] <+Thaeos> "Yeah, the land here is too flat and open for any good ambush spots.. Unless you know where the target is going to be and prep the area with camoflaged hides.."
[01:47] <+Maz> "Did this visitor in black wear armor, or have any visible weapons?" Maz asks curiously.
[01:47] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "I don't think your average mage would bother," snorts the woman. "And unless I'm very much mistaken, 'twas mages at those fights. They went on for too long for it to really be an ambush.. but who knows, with those folk? They can just turn themselves invisible if they need to surprise people.. oh, yes, armour, and this cloak. Didn't catch a weapon, though I don't doubt he had one."
[01:48] <+Maz> "I see," Maz says. "No special markings or crests?"
[01:49] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Nope. Pure black sure is popular."
[01:49] * +Maz snorts, but doesn't comment further.
[01:51] <@Thrall> "How long ago were you visited by this man?" Thrall rumbles, picking up the slack in the conversation.
[01:52] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Two days ago. Fights were four and six ago, respectively. All neatly lined up. You've come along today, so two days from now, something else unusual'l happen, mark my words."
[01:53] * @Thrall snorts in amusement. "Everything lined up neatly..."
[01:54] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "So. Who're all of you, anyway?" asks Valeria, eyeing the group. "Ain't usual for Castor to send up a motley crew such as yourselves."
[01:54] <+Maz> "The Mayor and I have a mutual friend," Maz says in way of explanation.
[01:55] <@Seraphin> "And all together we did some bandit killing work for him, so when this appeared..." Seraphin adds, shrugging.
[01:55] <+Thaeos> "Name's Thaeos.. I'm just working while I wander. This fit in well for me, at the time."
[01:55] <@Thrall> "Mercenaries," Thrall responds simply. "His own guard preferred waiting on whoever's fighting out here just killing each other and that being the end of it, so he had to hire out."
[01:56] * @Kethean can't say he likes being referred to as a mercenary, but it's pretty accurate given the circumstances. "Yes, that was basically the situation," Kethean comments with a nod.
[01:57] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Figures. Good luck to you, and your money pouches, I presume. Y'need any help around the area, give me a yell. I came here to get peace and quiet, not to have to worry about weird mages blowing each other up."
[01:57] <+Maz> "Excuse me," Maz says, thinking of something. "But do you know anything of the skirmishes that occured in other areas?"
[01:58] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "First I've heard, actually," replies Valeria. "Same story?"
[01:59] * @Thrall nods. "Most have been near here, but one was Soutwest of Saradush, and another up near the road to Amn," he supplies. "Nothing more than a scorched battlefield to be found afterwards."
[01:59] <+Maz> "One near the forest to the north, one in the direction of the coast," Maz replies. "Nothing of value nearby, apparently, unlike here."
[02:00] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "Maybe they're just killing each other for fun," snorts Valeria, shrugging. "But I suppose you'll be finding out."
[02:01] <+Maz> "Seems like it, yes."
[02:01] * +Thaeos (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[02:03] * +Serith (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[02:05] * Thaeos (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[02:06] * Serith (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[02:09] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> "And I hope you do. Good luck, and all that," she finishes, heading inside her house.
[02:13] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The day stretches out, and after a while, you wind up at what must have been the site of battle. It looks like everything you were told. For about fourty or fifty square metres, the grounds on the shore of the lake and around are char, evidence of either a brutal fight or a determined effort to ruin the ground.
[02:14] * Sailor_Pluto is now known as Kotono
[02:14] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The lake itself is calm and placid, and apart from the ground, your surroundings could almost be picturesque. You all feel that it's unusually hot for this time of year, too.
[02:15] * Insidious-GM-Rat sets mode: +v Thaeos
[02:15] * +Thaeos grunts and gets to work, looking for anything that would be useful.. Such as scraps left behind or tracks..
[02:16] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 to search
[02:16] * Kotono sets mode: +v Serith
[02:16] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 to search
[02:16] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
[02:17] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Woah! While you're poking around a little further afield from the scorch marks, you find something, almost buried by the dirt! It's not a set of tracks, but it's the next best thing- a severed hand!
[02:17] * +Thaeos picks it up and inspects it..
[02:17] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> With long, slender fingers and an ornate ring on one finger, this hand didn't belong to a warrior, that's for sure.
[02:18] * +Thaeos takes the ring off the hand and inspects it.
[02:19] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It looks to be a signet ring- there's an emblem on it that you don't recognize.
[02:20] * +Thaeos walks over to the others, holding both the ring and the hand.
[02:20] <+Thaeos> "Hey, I found something.. Anyone recognize this ring?"
[02:21] * @Seraphin heads over to take a look at the signet ring. Having a familiarity with seals due to being a scribe, and haivng lived in Waterdeep...
[02:21] * +Maz approaches Thaeos, and draws her wand. Holding it over the ring, she activates it with a simple command.
[02:22] <+Thaeos> "It was on this hand, and by the looks of it, it wasn't anyone who was a fighter."
[02:23] <+Maz> roll 1d20
[02:23] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=12 ]{12}
[02:24] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> You activate your wand, like you're used to doing.. and it goes *haywire*. Swirling, multicoloured lights emit from the tip, and with a loud *crack!*, explode in a blinding flash of light!
[02:24] * @Kethean (kazaana@cpe-68-203-163-111.houston.res.rr.com) Quit (Ping timeout)
[02:25] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Everyone is slightly stunned for a moment while their vision and hearing clears...
[02:25] * +Thaeos staggers back in shock, dropping both the hand and the ring.
[02:25] <+Maz> "Crap!" Maz curses, quickly pointing it away from anyone in her party.
[02:26] * @Thrall looks over at the noise and light show. "What just happened?" he asks, lumbering towards the others.
[02:26] * @Seraphin yelps at the explosion, jumping back. "Yeah..." she agrees, leaning down to look for the ring again.
[02:26] <+Maz> "I'm pretty sure my wand detected magic," she says dryly, before observing the area, and trying to see if anything else was activated by the spell.
[02:27] <+Maz> roll 1d20+10
[02:27] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=9 ]{19}
[02:27] * Kethean (kazaana@cpe-68-203-163-111.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[02:27] * ChanServ sets mode: +oa Kethean Kethean
[02:27] * +Thaeos rubs his eyes, and works his jaw, trying to pop his ears and picks up the ring again.
[02:28] <+Thaeos> "...Ow.."
[02:28] <+Maz> "I... don't know if you should just pick magical artifacts so carelessly," Maz says with a wince. "Especially those that seem to trigger this kind of reaction."
[02:29] * +Thaeos shrugs.
[02:30] <+Thaeos> "It was alright before when I held it."
[02:30] <+Maz> "Well, you wouldn't really notice any signs before it's too late," Maz says, shrugging. "Though I suppose it's too late, now, either way."
[02:31] * +Maz peers at the ring closely, before sighing. "I don't recognize this emblem. Does anyone?"
[02:31] <@Thrall> "Not I," Thrall shakes his head, having gotten close enough to see.
[02:32] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+8
[02:32] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=17 ]{25}
[02:32] <@Kethean> "I don't either," Kethean replies as he takes a glance.
[02:32] * @Kotono (dunefar@ip24-253-133-211.hr.hr.cox.net) Quit (Reboot, back in a few. -=SysReset 2.53=-)
[02:33] <@Seraphin> "Mmm...it's not directly familiar, but it looks Calishite," Seraphin provides, inspecting the ring. "The designs, anyway."
[02:34] * +Thaeos offers it to Seraphin.
[02:34] * +Maz concentrates on the area, trying to sense the magic in it.
[02:34] <+Maz> roll 1d20+10
[02:34] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=1 ]{11}
[02:34] <+Thaeos> "Well, it's more than we had.. Keep searching or head off to another battle site or the mountains?"
[02:35] * @Seraphin shrugs and takes the ring, still looking at it curiously. "That's all I can really tell from it, just looks like a bunch of trade seals from Calishite merchants."
[02:35] <@Thrall> "We can search here for a bit longer - if we found that so easily there might be more," Thrall suggests. "After that... mmm, I think the mountains."
[02:36] * Anastasia (dunefar@ip24-253-133-211.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[02:36] * ChanServ sets mode: +oq Anastasia Anastasia
[02:36] * +Thaeos goes back to work, then..
[02:36] <+Maz> "I believe I know what caused that little... accident," Maz announces. "This are seems to be one of wild magic, though I can't tell how far it extends into each direction."
[02:37] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 to search
[02:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
[02:37] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+9
[02:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=16 ]{25}
[02:38] <@Thrall> Turning to look at Maz, "I'd heard tales of great magical battles creating such areas... but this can't have been that huge, can it?" the half-orc asks.
[02:38] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Despite the thorough look you give around the battle scene, it's really like there's nothing there.
[02:39] <+Maz> "Perhaps it was created on purpose, as part of some ambush or strategy?" Maz suggests, shrugging.
[02:40] * IronDragoon (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) has joined #dunes
[02:41] <@Kethean> "Would you like any assistance with looking things over? I have a magic detection spell at the ready if so," Kethean asks of the mage. "Two heads might figure out our troubles more easily."
[02:41] * Insidious-GM-Rat sets mode: +v IronDragoon
[02:41] * +Thaeos (~iron_drag@c-67-163-114-219.hsd1.tx.comcast.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[02:41] * IronDragoon is now known as Thaeos
[02:42] <+Maz> "I'm not really sure what that will accomplish," Maz admits. "Though I'd like to know if the same thing happened at the other battle sites."
[02:43] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 to track
[02:43] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=10 ]{18}
[02:44] <@Kethean> "I shall save the spell for later then," Kethean replies with a nod. No reason to waste a spell needlessly.
[02:44] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's tough, but Thaeos finds a slight pair of tracks, heading towards the east- towards the mountains. You're not sure how easy it will be to follow from here, though.
[02:45] <+Thaeos> "Well.. Whoever was here headed off east, towards the mountains.."
[02:45] <+Thaeos> "Not sure what the trail will be like past here, but I can at least follow them for a little ways."
[02:46] <@Thrall> "It's the best lead we've got," Thrall nods, ready to get moving.
[02:46] <+Maz> "That sounds like a good idea," Maz agrees.
[02:46] * +Thaeos nods and takes point, following the trail.
[02:47] * @Seraphin nods, pocketing the ring.
[02:47] <+Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 for tracking
[02:47] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=7 ]{15}
[02:48] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> You manage to follow the trail about halfway to the mountains, but then you lose it, and given that there's lots of mountain and now no trail, it could be kinda hard to figure out where to go.
[02:49] <+Thaeos> "Hmm.. I lost it here.. We can keep heading this way, but I don't know if I can pick it up again."
[02:49] <@Kethean> "We can go to another of the skirmish sites and you can try to pick up the trail again from there," Kethean suggests.
[02:50] <@Thrall> "We could just keep going in the same direction, unless we see a trail leading somewhere else?" Thrall suggests, not as at home in the wilderness as his heritage suggests.
[02:50] <+Maz> "Perhaps we should take a moment to try and see whether the ring holds any magic?" Maz suggests. "Your detection spell could be put to use," she tells Kethean.
[02:51] <+Thaeos> "The best chance for me would to go to another site.. We could spend a while wandering through the mountains, unless anyone has a better idea?"
[02:52] * @Thrall shakes his head. "You're the expert at tracking. We'll do as you suggest."
[02:52] <+Thaeos> "I'd say hit another site. We could get lucky and find something else there, and a clearer path."
[02:56] <@Kethean> "Hrm...let's hold off on the detection spell for now. The ring isn't going anywhere, and the spell might come in handy later if we find more items or some such if we're going to other sites," Kethean decides after a bit of thought.
[02:57] * +Maz frowns, but doesn't object.
[02:59] * +Thaeos shrugs.
[02:59] <+Thaeos> "Off we go then? The closest site is a distance.. We'll be out here over night to get to it, if we head that way."
[03:00] <+Maz> "You're the Scout," Maz says simply.
[03:00] <@Kethean> "Alright, let's get a move on then," Kethean agrees.
[03:00] * @Thrall nods silently in agreement.
[03:01] * +Thaeos shifts his pack and leads off towards the next site, then.
[03:01] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The group sets off south, the mountains slowly becoming slightly smaller in view. Soon enough, it gets dark- time to make camp, unless you really love the idea of walking all night, too.
[03:02] * @Thrall has no trouble seeing in the dark, but it *has* been a long day. Camping sounds good to him.
[03:03] <+Thaeos> "I think we should set camp here for the night.."
[03:04] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> You're able to make camp near a few hills, so you're nicely tucked away, and anyone on watch will have a good vantage point.
[03:04] * +Thaeos drops his pack and stretches.
[03:05] * +Maz settles down to rest and clear her mind.
[03:06] <+Thaeos> "I'll take first watch."
[03:07] * +Thaeos covers his pack with his sleeping roll and grabs his bow, heading up the hill and low crawling up to the crest, settling in for his shift.
[03:08] <@Thrall> "Wake me when you get tired," Thrall offers, taking off his armour and setting it aside with his other belongings before getting into his bedroll.
[03:08] <@Seraphin> "I'll take third watch, then," Seraphin adds in once Thrall speaks, settling in for the night as well.
[03:11] <@Thrall> roll 1d20
[03:11] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
[03:11] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> Later during the night... Thrall, keeping careful watch on the surroundings.. doesn't really see much for a while.
[03:12] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> However, just as he's about to turn in and wake Seraphin, he sees a bright flash of light in the distance! Followed by another, and another! A while away, to the west, fire and light combine with dull cracks, faintly heard!
[03:13] * @Thrall starts, proceeding to shake Seraphin awake, and then the others in short order. "Look! to the west!" he hisses, pointing.
[03:14] * +Maz stirs, and turns to look at the flashes of light.
[03:14] * @Seraphin drags herself quickly out of her bedroll, biting back that reflexive stabbing motion at an adult waking her up.
[03:14] * +Thaeos rises up, rubbing his sleep away and packs away his sleeping roll.
[03:15] * +Thaeos tosses his cloak on and slings his pack, getting ready to head out.
[03:15] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's very faint, but you can hear the sounds of battle as well as see the flashes of light. Along with the blasts, there's the clang of swords, and the whinny of a horse...
[03:15] * +Maz readies herself for departure as well.
[03:16] <+Thaeos> "So, follow the victor, then?"
[03:16] * +Maz tries to estimate the distance to the battle.
[03:16] <@Thrall> Quickly gathering his belongings, Thrall slings his pack. "Let's wait till they're done," he agrees with Thaeos, "Then there should be fresh tracks to follow."
[03:17] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's hard to evaluate distance in the dark, but you estimate that it's not that far- you could reach it over the course of a few minutes, if you hurried.
[03:17] * @Seraphin packs together all her things to be ready to leave. Good ol' middle of the night combat...
[03:17] <+Thaeos> "Let me know when everyone is ready."
[03:17] * @Kethean also puts away his things as he stands ready. "I'm ready to go," he replies.
[03:18] <@Seraphin> "Good to go," Seraphin adds, making a last check of her weapons.
[03:19] <+Maz> "As am I," Maz adds.
[03:19] <+Thaeos> "Alright, here we go.."
[03:19] * +Thaeos leads off into the night, heading towards the battle, keeping slow enough for the others to follow.
[03:20] * @Thrall follows Thaeos, holding low to the ground and keeping his eyes on the battlefield ahead.
[03:20] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> But before you're halfway there, the battle seems to be over! One side is fleeing- towards the east, while the victorious party seems to be hanging around. They're not even bothering to chase down and harass the defeated side- who are riding away, at that.
[03:22] <@Thrall> Staying for cleanup, Thrall guesses. But why lose the chance to finish the losers off? For that matter, it might be better for them to follow the losers, since they're in too much of a hurry to cover their tracks, and clearly aren't as powerful...
[03:22] * +Thaeos turns to the group and whispers to them.
[03:22] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> It's not that it was an easy victory. As you get closer, you can see quite a few corpses from both sides on the ground, often charred and burned..
[03:23] <+Thaeos> "Okay, what's the plan.. Do we want to split up? A couple of us stay and watch these guys while I go follow the others, and meet at the camp site? Or just follow the losers?"
[03:24] <+Maz> "Is there anyone besides you who could follow the other group?" Maz asks just as quietly.
[03:24] <@Kethean> "I'd vote against splitting up, even if they lost, they still took out a number of the winning side. We shouldn't split up our forces in case we're found," Kethean replies.
[03:25] <+Thaeos> "Alright, then which group do you want to trail?"
[03:25] <@Thrall> "Agreed," Thrall nods to Kethean. "I think following the losers would be easier, for now, though. They won't be taking much time to cover their tracks, after all."
[03:26] * +Thaeos shrugs.
[03:26] <+Thaeos> "Alright, Maz, Seraphin?"
[03:26] <+Maz> "I'm a bit curious as to what the victors will do here, but I can get over myself," Maz responds.
[03:27] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> The victorious group still doesn't seem to be going anywhere. In fact, they're setting up camp...
[03:27] <@Seraphin> "I don't like leaving people behind me, but they haven't seen us, I guess," Seraphin allows, shrugging.
[03:27] <+Thaeos> "Off we go, then.."
[03:27] * +Thaeos starts to head off after the losers, then.
[03:27] <@Insidious-GM-Rat> <->

[Carthrat]

[00:17] <@GM-Sama> The horse-tracks aren't hard to follow at all- the darkness is a bit of a worry, but you can practically feel them out in the dirty, anyway, so Thaeos has no issue leading the party after the defeated group.
[00:18] * Merc-zzz (kazaana@cpe-68-203-166-225.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[00:18] * ChanServ sets mode: +oa Merc-zzz Merc-zzz
[00:18] * Merc-zzz is now known as Kethean
[00:19] <@GM-Sama> After around half an hour, you can make out their dim shapes in the distance.. the horses now walking, instead of galloping. The area around you is relatively flat, and you've been travelling almost directly east, by your measure. The group has scattered somewhat, but you can't tell exactly how without getting closer.
[00:24] * @Thaeos turns and whispers over his shoulder to the rest of the group.
[00:25] <@Thaeos> "You guys keep after them, at this distance, and you should be alright. I'm going to check our flanks and rear. The ones who scattered worry me a bit, I want to make sure they didn't double back or are cutting across their own trail."
[00:26] * @Thrall nods, not wasting breath on unecessary words, even if it's unlikely they'd be overheard.
[00:27] <@Thaeos> roll d20+9 for move silently
[00:27] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=4 ]{13}
[00:27] <@Thaeos> roll d20+9 for hide
[00:27] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=6 ]{15}
[00:28] <@Thaeos> roll d20+8 for spot
[00:28] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=11 ]{19}
[00:29] <@GM-Sama> Thaeos manages to scout out the additional riders without a problem- and he can even make out a little more details about their shapes and equipment. The group is scattered out in a circular formation, best as he can tell- there are five of them. To the flanks and rear are men carrying bows, wearing little identifyable in terms of armour.
[00:31] <@GM-Sama> In the front, though, is a man in metal, chainmail or scale mail or something, with a large, wide, curved blade strapped to his back. There's somebody in the center of the formation, too, but you can't tell much about him. The men surrounding the man in the middle are spaced about fourty feet from him, with one in each direction, walking along slowly, and making little noise.
[00:34] <@GM-Sama> The main group is only tailing a couple of horses, also walking along. It's hard to make out anything about them.
[00:36] * @Thaeos returns to the main group, comming up behind them, and moving into the middle of the group with a few whispered words of recognition.
[00:37] <@Thaeos> "Alright, I found them. Seven total, two up front, five off to the left a-ways."
[00:38] <@Thaeos> "One guy up front is in steel, and the the five off to the left look to be four guards around the fifth. The mage, by my guess."
[00:38] <@Thrall> "Any sign they know they're being followed?" Thrall whispers back tersely.
[00:39] <@Thaeos> "Not that I could pick up, but if they're trained well enough, they could hide any signs of it, and at the distance I was, with the night, I'd never know."
[00:39] * Anastasia (~dunefar@ip24-253-133-211.hr.hr.cox.net) has joined #dunes
[00:39] * ChanServ sets mode: +oq Anastasia Anastasia
[00:40] * Anastasia is now known as Ana-breakfast
[00:44] * @Thaeos moves up to the front of the group again, and continues following after them.
[00:47] <@GM-Sama> After an hour (or two? Or in between? It's hard to tell when the land doesn't seem to change..), Thaeos can see the pair of riders in the front ride across to the larger group. The whole party stops, and they seem to be talking about something.
[00:48] * @Thaeos motions for a halt, and to get down low to the ground.
[00:49] * @Thrall stops, crouching down and peering ahead.
[00:49] <@GM-Sama> After a short period of conversing, two of the horseman start to canter off (towards Saradush? It's not that far from here, and they seem to be going in the right direction..), while the rest dismount.
[00:50] * @Thaeos crawls backwards slightly, getting shoulder to shoulder with as much of the group as possible and begins whispering.
[00:50] <@Thaeos> "What now? Do we want to wait for them or try to get closer?"
[00:51] <@Seraphin> "We're only gathering information..." Seraphin reminds with a similarly toned whisper. "We might want to follow the ones heading off...if they're going to the city, we can get a lot closer without really being noticed once there."
[00:52] <@Thaeos> "True. It'd be easier to hijack and question those two than it would be to get anything from the entire group."
[00:53] <@Thaeos> "Plus, we can steal their horses, too."
[00:53] <@Maz> "Wouldn't kidnapping two of them qualify as more than merely gathering informatiohn, though?" Maz asks in a whisper.
[00:54] <@Seraphin> "Just a bit," Seraphin agrees with her fellow hellspawn. "ostly, ifg they go to a bar or anything, we can keep easy track of them, and it gives a better accounting of what they're doing, since we can look into where they've gone..."
[00:55] * @Thrall stares at Thaeos for a moment at the horse stealing comment. "If anyone wants to split up to chase those two, fine. But I think we should still be tracking the rest to wherever they're based," he whispers his own priorities.
[00:56] <@Thaeos> "If I were to guess at what they're doing, from experience, I'd say they're going back to report to someone, and to possibly pick up a few supplies. They've acted in a mostly disciplined way so far."
[00:58] * @Maz (~corwin@bzq-218-93-3.red.bezeqint.net) Quit (Connection reset by peer)
[01:00] * Maz (~corwin@bzq-218-93-3.red.bezeqint.net) has joined #dunes
[01:03] * GM-Sama sets mode: +o Maz
[01:04] * Ares (greek@deja-FF8CCE70.pantheon.org) has joined #dunes
[01:05] * @Thaeos nods to Thrall.
[01:05] <@Seraphin> "Mah...if they're going for supplies, they should come back, if they're not, we'll know we need to hunt someone down in town," Seraphin agrees, shrugging. "If we can find a place to hide and observe, I guess staying might be a good idea."
[01:06] <@Thaeos> "Alright, then we need to bunker down for the night. I can try to look for a better spot if you want, or we can just dig in here a little bit. Toss some grass and dirt over ourselves. Use cloaks as blankets and packs as pillows."
[01:07] <@Thrall> "Might be better to fall back so we have more cover," Thrall suggests. "We won't be able to follow as closely in daylight."
[01:07] <@Seraphin> "Backing off would be significantly more prudent," Seraphin agrees quietly.
[01:07] * @Maz nods in agreement to the plan
[01:08] <@Thaeos> "Alright. Best bet would those hills we passed by a ways back."
[01:09] * @Thaeos stands up to a crouch and works his way back slowly and quietly, gaining more distance before fully standing and leading the group back to the hills.
[01:09] <@GM-Sama> A short time later...
[01:10] <@GM-Sama> ...the group, properly dug in, has been able to see the other group set up camp; a couple of guards are placed on watch, while the other members sleep. There's not much night left to sleep in, and it passes quickly..
[01:14] <@GM-Sama> ...into morning, where the other group seems to wake up, and.. not really do anything much. They're not breaking camp, but they seem to be talking amongst themselves, eating, sharpening swords, all the mundane tasks that come with any expedition.
[01:14] * @Maz takes the time to meditate and rest, seeing as the group they're trailing isn't going anywhere for the time being
[01:15] <@GM-Sama> The sun slowly moves across the sky, the group patiently watching, and waiting. After a while, it's coming to be dusk, the sun having gone from one edge of the horizon to the other, when the two horsemen sent out before return... equipped, it seems, with bags of supplies.
[01:16] <@GM-Sama> Soon after begins a quite animated conversation between members of the group- you can't really hear what's being said, but there seems to be cursing and loud voices.
[01:19] <@Thaeos> "Sounds like they're pissed off at orders, to me.. I wanna go get an ear to what they're saying. Anyone else want to go with me?"
[01:20] <@Thrall> "They'd hear me coming a mile away," Thrall shakes his head.
[01:20] <@Seraphin> "Sure, what the hell," Seraphin answers softly, finishing her supper of dried deef and trail biscuit and following Thaeos.
[01:21] * @Thaeos nods to Seraphin with a grin and heads out, low to the ground.
[01:21] <@Thaeos> roll d20+9 for hide
[01:21] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=8 ]{17}
[01:21] * Ares (greek@deja-FF8CCE70.pantheon.org) has left #dunes
[01:21] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+11 to hide
[01:21] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=3 ]{14}
[01:22] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 spotting!
[01:22] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=16 ]{18}
[01:23] <@GM-Sama> As Seraphin and Thaeos crawl towards the camp, the worst happens- almost! One of the guards, putting his hand above his eyes and peering out under them, seems to notice you! He doesn't call for his comrades, instead quickly moving towards your position by himself.
[01:24] * @Thaeos motions for Seraphin to stand and does so himself, seeing the guard approaching and raises his arms out to his sides before whispering to Seraphin.
[01:25] * @Seraphin growls softly at how that went, moving into a low crouch, but not quite standing tall yet. Or short, not being particularly tall.
[01:26] * @Thrall tenses as he watches from their lookout. "Looks like trouble..." he whispers grimly, a hand reaching behind to his axe.
[01:26] <@Thaeos> "Follow my lead, I might be able to talk our way out of this.."
[01:27] * @Maz sighs, and nods at Thrall.
[01:28] <@Seraphin> "Uh-huh..." Seraphin answers, and letting the person who thinks this can be done with talking do the talking.
[01:31] <@GM-Sama> The guard gets closer, and soon seems to spot you clearly. "Hey! There's some people here!" he shouts out back to his camp, training his bow on you. "Stand up! Both of you!"
[01:33] <@Thaeos> "Whoa, friend. We're not for any trouble."
[01:33] * @Thaeos motions for Seraphin to stand up.
[01:34] <@GM-Sama> "Of course you're not. That's why you're crawling in the dirt not 50 metres away from us," scoffs the guard, his comrades approaching. "Who are you? What are you doing here?"
[01:35] <@Maz> "I'll try to get closer and help them out if it comes to that," Maz whispers to Thrall and Kethean, and tries to get to within a hundred feet of her other two companions, using the night and the guard's distraction for cover.
[01:35] <@Maz> roll 1d20+5
[01:35] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=5 ]{10}
[01:35] <@Thaeos> "We're on our way further into Tethyrian. We'd heard of the war in Saradush and the fighting around it, and had aimed to avoid it all togeather."
[01:35] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2
[01:35] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=6 ]{8}
[01:36] <@Thaeos> "We heard of it from that village by the lake, and decided to hook east there to the mountians and follow those south to the roads into Tethyrian, but uh.. Well, here we are.
[01:36] <@Thaeos> "
[01:38] <@Thaeos> "We were walking lightly since we heard of it, but we ended up near you in the night when we bedded down.. We were hoping you'd move during the day when we saw you on sunrise, but.. You didn't.. We figured to try and get past you without problems, but uh.."
[01:38] <@Thaeos> "Well.. Here we are."
[01:38] <@GM-Sama> OOC: Bluff check!
[01:38] * @Thaeos shrugs a bit, his arms still out wide.
[01:39] <@Thaeos> roll d20-1
[01:39] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=19 ]{18}
[01:39] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+0
[01:39] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=19 ]{19}
[01:40] <@GM-Sama> "Bullshit. Disarm yourselves," replies the guard, his comrades all training their bows on the pair of you.
[01:41] <@GM-Sama> Meanwhile, Maz, undetected, manages to sneak up and position herself a short distance from the accused and the accusers, unnoticed!
[01:49] * @Thaeos glances at Seraphin.
[01:50] <@Seraphin> "Get their attention, I'll blind them," Seraphin mutters with hardly a movement of her mouth, beginning to pull on the magic that has kept her alive in the past.
[01:50] * @Thaeos nods slightly..
[01:50] <@Thaeos> "Right.. Well, see it's like this, you pig fucker.."
[01:50] * @Thaeos turns and runs!
[01:50] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+4
[01:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[01:50] <@Thaeos> roll d20+5 for intiative
[01:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
[01:50] <@Maz> roll 1d20+3
[01:50] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=12 ]{15}
[01:51] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+1 for init
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=16 ]{17}
[01:51] <@Kethean> roll d20+3 for init
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Kethean : [ 1d20=14 ]{17}
[01:51] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 guard1
[01:51] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 guard2
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=2 ]{4}
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=2 ]{4}
[01:51] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 guard3
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
[01:51] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 guard4
[01:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
[01:52] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 toughguy
[01:52] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=4 ]{6}
[01:52] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+2 mage
[01:52] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=20 ]{22}
[01:52] * Retrieving #dunes modes...
[01:52] * GM-Sama changes topic to 'Mage > Seraphin > Thaeos > Thrall = Kethean > Maz > Guard4 > Guard 3 > Guard 1 = Guard 2'
[01:53] * GM-Sama changes topic to 'Mage > Seraphin > Thaeos > Thrall = Kethean > Maz > Guard4 = Toughguy > Guard 3 > Guard 1 = Guard 2'
[01:54] <@Seraphin> Smiling evilly to herself, Seraphin unleashes the darkness of her hellish heritage, centering the sphere of pure black so that it should block all the guard's vision before getting the hell out of dodge!
[01:54] * @Thaeos continues to flee.
[01:55] <@GM-Sama> The entire party sees a huge black sphere appear where the guards were, obscuring all vision! Shouts of 'What the?!' come from within, as Seraphin and Thaeos split from the scene!
[01:58] * @Kethean (kazaana@cpe-68-203-166-225.houston.res.rr.com) Quit
[01:58] * @Maz scowls, and then comes to a crouch and draws Auril's symbol in the air, the image solidifying for a brief instance before becoming translucent when she speaks the spell's name out loud.
[01:59] <@GM-Sama> Suitably shielded from the enemy, Maz (and everyone else) gets to watch the four guards stumble out from the magical darkness, in opposite directions! Taking a moment to get their bearings, two of them- obviously well-trained- immediately sight targets and fire from their bows!
[02:00] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+5
[02:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
[02:00] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+5
[02:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=17 ]{22}
[02:00] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d6
[02:00] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[02:01] <@GM-Sama> An arrow cuts into Thaeos' leg as he bolts, drawing blood!
[02:02] <@GM-Sama> Seraphin, however, takes an arrow- right in the armour, the shaft not penetrating and snapping off easily! Bit a of a bump, though.
[02:03] <@Seraphin> Turning on them, Seraphin brings up her bow and knocks an arrow, letting it fly in return fire!
[02:04] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+6
[02:04] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=17 ]{23}
[02:04] <@Seraphin> roll 1d6+3
[02:04] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d6=2 ]{5}
[02:05] <@GM-Sama> The guard Seraphin fired at takes the arrow, groaning, but staying upright!
[02:05] <@GM-Sama> "Bitches! I knew you were trouble!" he shouts, stumbling as *he* notches another arrow!
[02:05] * Kethean (~kazaana@cpe-68-203-166-225.houston.res.rr.com) has joined #dunes
[02:05] * ChanServ sets mode: +oa Kethean Kethean
[02:05] * @Thaeos turns to the guard yelling and takes aim, yelling himself.
[02:06] <@Thaeos> "Shaddup ya god damn son of a whore'in bitch!"
[02:06] <@Thaeos> roll 1d20+7 to hit the guard
[02:06] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=19 ]{26}
[02:06] <@Thaeos> roll 1d6+3
[02:06] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d6=2 ]{5}
[02:06] <@GM-Sama> A second arrow in him, the guard goes DOWN.
[02:06] <@GM-Sama> Choking for air as he collapses, a pitiful squeal emitting as his last sound.
[02:07] * GM-Sama changes topic to 'Mage > Seraphin > Thaeos > Thrall = Kethean > Maz > Toughguy > Guard 3 > Guard 1 = Guard 2'
[02:07] * @Thaeos moves back a ways, still keeping the guards in range.
[02:09] * @Thrall huffs as he continues sprinting down the hill towards the battle, greataxe held overhead!
[02:10] * @Kethean follows after Thrall, also running towards the battle as fast as his legs can take him.
[02:11] * @Maz takes out her crossbow, training it on the closest guard silently, and lets an arrow fly.
[02:11] <@Maz> roll 1d20+5
[02:11] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=13 ]{18}
[02:11] <@Maz> roll 1d8
[02:11] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d8=5 ]{5}
[02:12] <@GM-Sama> Taking a bolt in the midsection, the guard Maz shot groans, backpeddeling a little, as a fierce yell comes from the other side of Seraphins darkness! "TAKE COVER! BEHIND THE SPELL!" is shouted- the hardy voice of a veteran! The guards shout out an affirmitive, and take shots with their own bows as they run!
[02:12] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:12] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:12] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[02:12] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:12] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=8 ]{12}
[02:12] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[02:12] <@GM-Sama> roll 2d6
[02:12] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 2d6=9 ]{9}
[02:13] <@GM-Sama> Two arrows fly wide, missing Maz and Thaeos as the run! But one whistles into Seraphins chest, this time streaking right through her armour with a painful bite!
[02:14] <@GM-Sama> The guards rush to Seraphin's spell, taking cover behind it, as every can see a being rise up behind it.. a man, flying without any means of levitation! Taking a moment to survey the battlefield, he intones.. something!
[02:15] <@Maz> roll 1d20+10
[02:15] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=11 ]{21}
[02:18] <@Seraphin> Seeing the guards taking cover now, and the spell's initial purpose done, Seraphin wills it away.
[02:18] <@GM-Sama> The blackness vanishes, revealing three surprised guards,  and one man, wearing metal armour, wielding a massive, curved blade snarling in anger.
[02:19] * @Thaeos grins and waves to guards, hoping to take attention off of Seraphin.
[02:20] <@Seraphin> beginning to jog to meet up with Thrall, Seraphin takes a potion from her belt pouch, drinking it.
[02:20] <@Seraphin> roll 1d8+1
[02:20] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d8=8 ]{9}
[02:22] <@Thaeos> roll 1d20+7 to hit the crossbow'd guard
[02:22] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
[02:22] <@Thaeos> roll 1d6+3
[02:22] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d6=3 ]{6}
[02:23] <@GM-Sama> It's a miss, barely, the bolt flying a hairs-breadth from the man. If only you were closer!...
[02:25] <@Thrall> Snarling, Thrall continues to charge in. The flying mage is a bit of a worry, but hopefully their own mage can do something about that. That leaves the armoured guy with the scimitar for him...
[02:26] * @Kethean watches worriedly as Seraphin takes an arrow while he continues running towards the battlezone, though she seems to have come prepared. Might not need to toss her a healing spell.
[02:28] * @Maz begins chanting, placing the crossbow at her feet where she's still crouching, and takes out a small effigy of her sister. She holds her free arm around it, a bluish glow seeping from it and into the wooden figurine.
[02:29] * GM-Sama changes topic to 'Mage > Seraphin > Thaeos > Thrall = Kethean > Maz > Toughguy > Guard 3 > Guard 1 = Guard 2 '
[02:29] <@GM-Sama> Gripping his sword in both hands, the toughguy charges towards Thrall, the two no doubt going to meet in a brutal confronation of will and steel! Meanwhile, the three guards line up and fire off another volley of shots!
[02:29] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:29] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:29] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:29] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=17 ]{21}
[02:29] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=12 ]{16}
[02:29] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[02:30] <@GM-Sama> An arrow bounces of Maz's shield, and Seraphin nimbly dodges another, but Thaeos isn't so lucky!
[02:30] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d6
[02:30] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[02:30] <@GM-Sama> He takes another one- a painful blow to the arm!
[02:32] <@Maz> roll 1d20+10
[02:32] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=8 ]{18}
[02:32] <@GM-Sama> The mage in the air waves his arms again, intoning some dramatic spell, pointing his staff down towards the grouped archers! A wave of magic hits them, but what it does, you cannot say..
[02:35] <@Seraphin> Circling around to take the long route around to big boy's back, Seraphin knocks an arrow and looses it at the bolt pierced guard!
[02:35] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+6
[02:35] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=9 ]{15}
[02:35] <@Seraphin> roll 1d6+3
[02:35] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d6=3 ]{6}
[02:35] <@GM-Sama> The arrow misses the three guards entirely, Seraphin's blow coming to no use!
[02:36] <@Kethean> Finally within range of everyone, Kethean immidiately proceeds to cast a spell, extending his arms and letting loose a call of, "Savras, bless us with your guidance!"
[02:36] * @Thaeos moves in closer to the guards before nocking an arrow and firing again at the wounded archer, hoping to use his short range bonus to effect!
[02:37] <@Thaeos> roll 1d20+8 to hit the wounded guard
[02:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=16 ]{24}
[02:37] <@Kethean> ooc: scratch my line for a few more seconds due to Rattyness!
[02:37] <@Thaeos> roll 1d6+3
[02:37] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d6=5 ]{8}
[02:38] <@GM-Sama> The bolted-guard goes down, arrow through his heart! As Thrall charges onward, however, he sees his falchion-wielding opponent charging out to meet him!
[02:40] <@Kethean> Finally within range of everyone, Kethean immidiately proceeds to cast a spell, extending his arms and letting loose a call of, "Savras, bless us with your guidance!"
[02:41] <@Thrall> With a savage roar, Thrall charges at his foe, rearing back for a mighty chop with his greataxe!
[02:41] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+9 (-3 for power attack!)
[02:41] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=12 ]{21}
[02:41] <@Thrall> roll 1d12+9
[02:41] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d12=1 ]{10}
[02:42] <@Thrall> OOC: wait, I hit with 20, not 21. Should've been +8
[02:42] <@GM-Sama> It's a brutal axe blow, cutting deeply through the mans shoulder, just before he takes his strike!
[02:44] * @Maz cups her hands in front of her chest, icy lightning flashing between her palms as she names the elements out loud. As she speaks, the energy in her cupped hands changes color, finally settling in a shining orb of azure. Ready, she thrusts her palms towards the mage, a smirk playing across her lips.
[02:44] <@Maz> roll 1d20+25
[02:44] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=17 ]{42}
[02:44] <@Maz> roll 1d8
[02:44] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d8=4 ]{4}
[02:45] <@GM-Sama> The orb of cold hits the mage in the chest, and he grunts in pain.. you think. It's hard to tell from here. Meanwhile, the epic duel between Thrall and Falchion-man continues!
[02:45] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+11
[02:45] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=4 ]{15}
[02:46] <@GM-Sama> But the man just can't put his sword through Thrall like Thrall put his axe through him!
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> Meanwhile, the two remaining guards put out another volley of arrows.. wow! They're firing practically twice as fast, arrows ripping through the air like nothing else!
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:47] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+4
[02:47] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=10 ]{14}
[02:47] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=3 ]{7}
[02:47] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=6 ]{10}
[02:47] <@GM-Sama> But their aim is pathetic, and they whip about striking nothing!
[02:48] <@GM-Sama> The flying mage points his staff at Maz, and casts another spell! A powerful blast of fire streaks from the sky towards her, tinging everyones vision red!
[02:48] <@GM-Sama> roll 2d8
[02:48] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 2d8=8 ]{8}
[02:49] <@GM-Sama> Her natural resistance is certainly useful at times like this, though, only slight burns crossing her body.
[02:51] <@Seraphin> Thrall seeming to have things under cotnrol, Seraphin knocks an arrow and lets it fly at a remaining archer!
[02:51] <@Seraphin> roll 1d20+7
[02:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d20=18 ]{25}
[02:51] <@Seraphin> roll 1d6+3
[02:51] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Seraphin : [ 1d6=6 ]{9}
[02:52] <@GM-Sama> This time, she strikes true, the arrow lodging itself just below the mans throat! He still stands, though, gurgling something else! "This.. isn't worth dying for!", he shouts, starting to stumble away!
[02:53] * @Thaeos turns and fires at the unwounded Archer.
[02:53] <@Thaeos> roll 1d20+9
[02:53] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d20=19 ]{28}
[02:53] <@Thaeos> roll 1d6+3
[02:53] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thaeos : [ 1d6=5 ]{8}
[02:53] <@GM-Sama> It's almost an identicle scenario, both archers stumbling away with arrows in their sides..
[02:55] <@Thrall> Grinning savagely, Thrall takes a step back, before lunging forward in an overhead axe swing, putting his muscle into it!
[02:56] <@Thrall> roll 1d20+7 (-2 for power attack!)
[02:56] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d20=14 ]{21}
[02:56] <@Thrall> roll 1d12+7
[02:56] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Thrall : [ 1d12=7 ]{14}
[02:56] <@GM-Sama> Another solid blow, but the man is still up! He's obviously a veteran- well used to this sort of brutal combat.
[03:03] * @Kethean decides to help ground the mage by casting a command spell, focusing his will through his voice as he looks towards the mage and shouts, "Die!"
[03:03] <@GM-Sama> roll 1d20+6
[03:03] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 1d20=6 ]{12}
[03:04] <@GM-Sama> The mage seems to stoop a bit in mid-air.. and then he falls unceremoniously to the ground.
[03:04] <@GM-Sama> roll 2d8
[03:04] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for GM-Sama : [ 2d8=11 ]{11}
[03:04] * @Maz holds out her hand, pointing it at Thrall's opponent, and flicks her wrist at him with a command of, "Magic Missile!"
[03:04] <@Maz> roll 1d4+1
[03:05] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d4=1 ]{2}
[03:05] <@GM-Sama> The bolts slam into him, and he groans in his sleep.
[03:05] * @Maz picks up her crossbow in the aftermath of her attack
[03:05] <@GM-Sama> Glancing back at the stumbling guards and his sleeping mage-companion, the falchion-armed man falls onto his knees, leaning on his sword. "I.. surrender," he mutters, in ragged breaths.
[03:06] <@GM-Sama> As the magical bolt slams into him, and glancing back at the stumbling guards and his sleeping mage-companion, the falchion-armed man falls onto his knees, leaning on his sword. "I.. surrender," he mutters, in ragged breaths.
[03:06] <@Seraphin> "Thaeos!" Seraphin calls, as the big man surrenders. "Let's go run down those two archers."
[03:07] <@Thaeos> "On it!"
[03:07] * @Thaeos heads off after the two wounded, an arrow nocked.
[03:07] * @Seraphin heads off with the other speedy person, to capture the other survivors!
[03:07] * @Maz loads a bolt into her crossbow, and trains it on the other mage's kneecap, just in case.
[03:08] <@Thrall> Thrall grunts, pulling his axe back but still keeping it ready. "I accept your surrender," he nods, "Drop your sword and kick it away," he instructs.
[03:09] <@GM-Sama> The man drops his sword, kicking it away, wearily looking up at Thrall, but keeping his mouth shut. Meanwhile, the mage groans, slowly starting to pick himself up.
[03:10] * @Kethean goes over towards the mage, to help Maz keep an eye on him.
[03:11] <@Thrall> "I am Thrall," the half-orc tells his captive. "Recently hired by the city of Saradush to investigate the battles such as the one your group fought last night. Who are you?"
[03:11] * @Maz eyes the stirring mage warily, ready to fire at him
[03:12] <@GM-Sama> "I am Ferzouf," replies the swordsman, dully, not seeming to care anymore. "Mercenary, hired by the mage over there."
[03:14] * @Kethean continues to stand there looking warily at the mage, waiting for either a surrender...or continuing fight from him.
[03:14] <@GM-Sama> The mage stares at the ground, apparently unable to comprehend the idea that he has been beaten with such a simple spell.
[03:15] * @Thrall nods, smiling grimly. "Our mission was just to observe - a pity you yourselves were too observant. But now we can at least find out directly what this is all about... Who is the mage? And who were you fighting?"
[03:16] <@Maz> "Can you gag and tie him up?" Maz asks Kethean, not taking her eyes off the mage.
[03:16] <@Kethean> "If you have rope, yes," Kethean replies.
[03:16] <@GM-Sama> "The Mage is Herzoufwari, a Calishite, like myself," replies Ferzouf, glancing over to him. "We do not know the nature of our.. former foes."
[03:18] <@Maz> "Grab it from my pack," Maz responds, before shrugging. "Feel free to knock him out first, too."
[03:18] <@Thrall> "Then what were you fighting over?" Thrall asks, taking the meaning behind the 'former'. They're in no shape to fight anyone, now.
[03:19] <@GM-Sama> "You shall have to ask the mage, for I do not know," replies Ferzouf. "He explained little, but paid well."
[03:19] <@GM-Sama> "But I shall have to return my fee, as I have failed, on the assumption that you do not take our lives."
[03:19] <@Kethean> "I doubt it's necessary to knock him out, he doesn't look to be causing trouble...will you?" Kethean asks while looking at the mage with a smile.
[03:20] <@GM-Sama> He's calm and resigned- a man willing to accept his fate.
[03:20] * @Maz grimaces. "He uses fire. That's just wrong."
[03:21] <@Kethean> "Well, a compromise then. If he tries to cast a spell, I'll slam a fist down his throat. If he behaves, I just tie him up. Will that work for the both of you?" Kethean offers trying to remain diplomatic.
[03:22] * @Maz sighs. "Well, if you're unwilling to hit him on a mere principle, that shall have to do," she says at last. Maz then glares at the mage. "You. Talk. Who was it that you fought earlier?"
[03:22] * @Thrall shakes his head. "Killing you serves no purpose. And there's no bounty to be found in bringing you back to the city." Slinging his axe, he steps over to pick up the mercenary's falchion. "Conduct yourself properly and you'll come to no harm."
[03:23] <@GM-Sama> The mage mumbles something incoherent. He's in a daze, and doesn't look in much of a state to argue.
[03:23] <@Kethean> Taking that as agreement, Kethean lets Maz interrogate the other mage as he looks for rope to tie him up in, and prevent his arcane wiggling of fingers.
[03:24] * @Maz waits for the other mage to be properly tied up before continuing
[03:24] <@GM-Sama> "As you wish. Though I am in no position to do so, I would request that you allow us time to bury our comrades," says Ferzouf, turning and grimly looking at the archers who died. "They have died in battle, and deserve that, at least."
[03:26] <@Thrall> Nodding again. "That is fitting," Thrall agrees. "But first we will have answers. Stand," he instructs, before gesturing for him to start walking towards where Kethean and Maz have the mage occupied.
[03:26] <@GM-Sama> Ferzouf stands, wincing as blood drips from his brutal wounds.
[03:27] <@GM-Sama> Shortly after, he starts to walk back, and Thaeos and Seraphin return, wounded soldiers in tow.
[03:28] <@Kethean> Soon finding the rope, Kethean brings the rope to the two mages, and proceeds to tie up the enemy mage.
[03:28] <@GM-Sama> The mage can't struggle, he's literally in no position to.
[03:29] * @Maz finallly put the crossbow away, telling Kethean, "Watch him, please," just to be on the safe side, and takes out her dagger.
[03:29] * @Kethean nods and does just that.
[03:30] <@Thrall> Once all four survivors are in place, Thrall stands over them. "We have questions, although I think only one of you will have answers... Give us what we seek, and we will provide healing and let you on your way," he intones, looking across them before his gaze settles on the mage.
[03:30] * @Maz leans closer, and makes a shallow cut on the mage's cheek.
[03:30] <@Thrall> "WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Thrall suddenly roars, reaching over to grab Maz.
[03:31] * @Maz glances at Thrall in surprise. "Isn't it obvious?" she asks him.
[03:32] * @Kethean looks surprised, not having expected the girl to do that, but keeping his eyes trained on the mage lest he take advantage of what could have potentially become a distraction...and probably still could.
[03:33] <@Thrall> Yanking her back and away from the captives. "They surrendered," he growls. "I'm not going to let you torture prisoners, mageling."
[03:34] <@Seraphin> "It's not torture, yet," Seraphin provides, stretching and rubbing where the arrow wound had been not long ago.
[03:34] <@Maz> "No, your opponent surrendered," Maz replies calmly. "That mage hasn't."
[03:34] <@Maz> "I want him to talk," she continues, "Or to be able at the very least to understand us when we tell him to stop resisting. He is incoherent now, and I need to bring him out of that state first."
[03:34] <@Kethean> "He's tied up, I think that's pretty much moot," Kethean comments.
[03:35] <@Maz> "And what will you do if he snaps out of it later, when we are not keeping a closer watch, and decides he wants a rematch?"
[03:38] <@Seraphin> We can't spare someone to keep a knife at his throat?" Seraphin asks, a little surprised.
[03:39] <@Maz> "Fine, have it your way," Maz snaps.
[03:40] <@Kethean> "I'll keep an eye on him. He's pretty limited in what he can do in his tied up state anyhow, even if he wished to protest," Kethean says.
[03:40] * @Maz snorts, but turns away, putting her dagger back in its sheath.
[03:41] * @Thrall glowers at Maz. "Just keep back. We're not some band of cut throats and brigands," he snarls at her, before turning to their captives, wondering how they took that wretched scene.
[03:43] <@GM-Sama> They're sorta absorbed in their defeat and their injuries at the moment. The only person in any real condition to hold a conversation with is Ferzouf.

[Carthrat]

[00:18] * @Thrall frowns slightly at the mage. It could be an act, but he did take a beating and looks far from coherent... Turning to Ferzouf, "We saw two of your band returning from the city with supplies earlier. Do you have healing potions?" he asks, preferring to save on their own resources.
[00:19] <@Sober-GM-Rat> Ferzouf glances at his companions for a moment, and turns to Thrall, slowly shaking his head. "The only place for us to acquire them is from the Waukeenar, who we have had.. issue with."
[00:19] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "We had not planned to continue fighting at all- well, I and my men, at least," he continues, glancing at the fallen mage. "We did have a true healer with us, but he has perished."
[00:22] <@Thrall> Probably what they were arguing about before the fight, Thrall surmises. "Kethean, can you heal the mage?" he asks, gripping Ferzouf's falchion tightly and standing ready to strike if the wizard proves hostile. "He won't tell us anything in this state."
[00:22] * +Thaeos heads over to the bodies of the parted and begins going through their gear, pockets, and packs, sorting through the weapons and valuables.
[00:25] <@Sober-GM-Rat> Kethean nods quietly, speaking soft words as he chants a spell of healing over the fallen mage. A moment latter, he sits up, glancing worriedly around- and a pathetic look of dismay comes across his face when he sees the situation that he's in.
[00:26] <@Thrall> "Answer our questions and you won't be hurt," Thrall grimly tells the mage. "But any incantations will be your last words."
[00:28] <@Sober-GM-Rat> The mage stares up at Thrall, his face grimly set as though for an ordeal. "Ask."
[00:29] <@Thrall> Nodding in satisfaction that they have an understanding, "Firstly, who was that group you battled last night?" the half-orc asks.
[00:30] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "I don't know," replies the wizard. "One of many."
[00:30] * +Thaeos returns with a load of gear and sets it down, away from the prisoners.
[00:31] <+Thaeos> "Well... Pretty well equipped, I must say.."
[00:32] <+Thaeos> "Got your studded armors, couple pouches of gold, same rings.. And, my oh my.."
[00:32] <+Thaeos> "Got us a couple Masterwork Longbows, do we? And this big book."
[00:32] <@Thrall> "One of many what?" Thrall asks with a frown. "You've been involved in several of these battles around Saradush over the past tenday, have you not?"
[00:33] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Us? Around three," replies the mage, eyeing Thrall skeptically.
[00:35] <@Thrall> "Then you have to know who you're fighting. It's not as though you were randomly set upon while riding down the road," Thrall presses.
[00:37] <@Sober-GM-Rat> The mage's eyes flicker towards the book Thaeos brought back, briefly, before returning to meet Thrall. "It is not who we are fighting that is so important, but what we are fighting for."
[00:37] <+Thaeos> "And these rings are bothering me, too.. Randomly hired mercenaries generally don't wear the signets of whoever hired them.. Maybe they do of their Merc Companies, but not of who hired them.."
[00:38] * @Thrall looks unimpressed. "I'll be the judge of what's important, here," he tells the mage.
[00:39] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Is that so? Very well. I do not know who we were fighting. If you wish, I can pretend I do, and lie to you..."
[00:39] <+Maz> "Describe them, then," Maz voices.
[00:40] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Capable magi. Several of them. I could not make out their features," drones the mage, robotically. "More opposition than I expected."
[00:41] <@Thrall> "Very well," Thrall rumbles. "Then what is so important that you have been fighting for?"
[00:42] <@Sober-GM-Rat> The mage peers at Thrall closely. "Strength. Magic. Power. A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.. a chance to touch what lies behind the Weave directly!"
[00:43] * @Thrall glances over to Maz. This sounds more her field...
[00:45] * +Thaeos nudges Thrall and leans in to speak in low whispers.
[00:45] <+Maz> "And who provided this... chance... to you?" Maz asks the other mage.
[00:45] <+Maz> roll 1d20+10
[00:46] * +Serith bats the dice around, getting a roll for Maz : [ 1d20=2 ]{12}
[00:46] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Mystra herself," replies the mage. "In her own way."
[00:48] * +Maz frowns. "Are you trying to use the wild magic areas around Saradush to do this?"
[00:49] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "You are a quick one," replies the mage, raising his eyebrows. "But.. no, not quite. They are more a side-effect of the harvest."
[00:49] * @Thrall grunts in reply to Thaeos. "Do the signets actually match?" he asks, not bothering to whisper. "Ask Seraphin. She seems knowledgable about such matters."
[00:49] * +Thaeos takes the rings out of his pocket and hands them over.
[00:49] <+Maz> "Enlighten me, then," she says with a shrug. "I'm always out to learn new things."
[00:50] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "That so. Yes. I can tell you much about the present situation, as you are all clearly uninformed," says the mage, looking over you all with a hint of disdain. "But I must have your guarantee that all our equipment and goods will be returned to us."
[00:52] <+Maz> "Tell us what you know and we'll consider it," Maz replies.
[00:53] <@Thrall> "We'll be taking your horses so you can't run us down after we leave you here," Thrall states. "As for your gear, I care not." He shrugs, hefting the falchion. "This isn't my preferred weapon."
[00:54] <+Thaeos> "We'll also be taking your arrows, at the very least. Can't have you all puttin' any into our backs as we leave, now can we?"
[00:54] * @Thrall nods in assent to that.
[00:54] <@Sober-GM-Rat> Ferzouf grunts at that. "The spoils of war are as they come, mage," he says, glancing at his companion. "But we have been treated fairly thus far."
[00:56] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Hmph. Very well," replies the mage. "As I plan to return to Calimshan after this, I care not what you know once we leave."
[00:57] <@Thrall> "Then enlighten us," Thrall asks succinctly.
[00:57] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "You, there, fiendling," he says, glancing at Maz. "You will understand best of what I speak, though I will say it plainly. Know all of you of the Time of Troubles?"
[00:58] * +Maz inclines her head.
[00:58] * @Thrall raises an eyebrow at Maz, but refrains from comment. Explains the cold sensation, at least. "When Gods walked as mortals," he affirms his own knowledge of the event.
[01:00] * +Thaeos shifts a bit at the mention of the Gods, and adjusts his pack..
[01:00] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Yes. The magic of the world was ripped asunder, and nothing was certain," says the mage. "The ascension of Midnight as the new Goddess of Magic caused great upheaval throughout Toril. Though she did well in repairing the shattered Weave, there are still parts that are not whole."
[01:01] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "It is here you find Wild Magic, where spells misfire and misbehave. It is there you find Dead Magic, where it is as if The Art and The Power never existed, never can, and never will. Though nobody knows for sure, Mystra must take effort to repair these spots from time to time, lest the Weave itself unravel."
[01:02] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Certainly, however, she begins in those places that utilize magic the greatest. Thay. Haruula. Aglarond. The entire western coast.. many places across Faerun."
[01:03] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "But places like Tethyr and Amn, and the far north.. these places remain unattended, for magic is infrequent in these areas."
[01:04] * @Thrall smiles slightly as he recalls his journey south through Amn. Lots of work for a bounty hunter to bring in illegal mages up there.
[01:05] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "The rips and tears in the fabric of the Weave are subtle. Wild Magic, where the Weave is tangled and frayed. Dead Magic, where it does not exist. And now.. in Tethyr, where these spots have been given time to propogate, to tear apart more than themselves.. in Tethyr, we have places where the Weave is not.. full. Still existant, unlike Dead Magic, but not tangled, unlike Wild Magic. Few know- that the Weave channels power, but the Weave is also a barrier- one that prevents magi from stretching themselves- a barrier that has remained whole since the fall of Netheril."
[01:05] <@Sober-GM-Rat> Still existant, unlike Dead Magic, but not tangled, unlike Wild Magic. Few know- that the Weave channels power, but the Weave is also a barrier- one that prevents magi from stretching themselves- a barrier that has remained whole since the fall of Netheril."'
[01:06] <+Maz> "And for a good reason," Maz says with a frown. "Are you saying you're trying to tear through that barrier to get the power you spoke of?"
[01:06] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "But in Tethyr, there are places that are weak! Barely inhabited by mages, untouched by Mystra's healing hand- if a mage has the proper means, he can reach through the Weave and grasp the Magick Itself!"
[01:07] <@Thrall> "So that is what you and these other groups are competing for?" Thrall asks, things at last made clear.
[01:07] * @Midnight (~danchou@adsl-210-21-118.mco.bellsouth.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[01:08] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Correct. Groups all over have devised means for extracting the power of raw magick. It is like Spellfire.. but in the control of real wizards, real sorcerers, it could be used for feats of magic unheard of for thousands of years!"
[01:10] <+Maz> "And how did you learn of this?" Maz asks. "I doubt Mystra appeared to you, so who gave you this information?"
[01:11] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "It is a poorly-kept secret within the Calishite Wizards Guild," replies the mage. "Few individual, isolated magi would know of it..."
[01:12] <+Maz> "Are there others you know of, from your homeland, who have come here to attempt the same thing?"
[01:13] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "There could be. I doubt it. We knew that we could not be the only ones to know this," replies the mage. "And it is dangerous to seek it out- as you may have seen. As well as that, even were we to send many mages.. well, consider the ramifications. Mystra would notice the increased use of magic within Tethyr. No doubt she would take greater, more drastic steps to repair the Weave.. to deny us this opportunity."
[01:14] <@Thrall> "So if you do access this power, is it only available here where the Weave is weakened, or could you continue using it anywhere once you've gained it?" Thrall asks.
[01:14] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Once extracted, the power is finite," admits the mage. "But it is quantifiable, raw magical power, brought from beyond the Weave to the material plane."
[01:15] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "So it can be used anywhere- even in dead magic or wild zones, with no chance of mishap, beyond that which comes with experimenting with new powers."
[01:16] <@Thrall> "At least we know why those others set up camp right at the battlefield after running you off," Thrall nods to himself. "So how do you know where to find the proper areas to gain this power?"
[01:16] <+Maz> "And just how were you planning on extracting that power?" Maz adds.
[01:18] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "It is a complex process that I may be persuaded to explain to you in detail," says the mage, glancing at Maz. "However, arcanists alone cannot locate the raw magick.. no. The Art can extract it, but The Power is what finds it."
[01:20] * +Thaeos stretches a bit and shifts around before sitting down on one of their packs.
[01:23] * +Maz smiles wryly. "I can be very persuasive if I want to be," she asserts. "And you already said you'd be returning home. Wouldn't it be a shame if all your efforts were in vain at the end?"
[01:25] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "As you see, my efforts have already been such," notes the mage, dryly. "Death is almost preferably to the humiliation I will face upon returning."
[01:27] <+Maz> "I somehow doubt that," Maz replies, "or you would have chosen that instead of talking to us." She pauses for a moment. "And there must be something you're after, perhaps to erode some of that... humiliation upon your return."
[01:30] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "I would prefer not to return completely emptyhanded," replies the mage. "That is why I wish to retain my equipment, and be left to be go on my way as soon as I am done instructing you."
[01:31] * +Maz glances at her companions to see how they'd respond.
[01:31] * +Thaeos shrugs.
[01:31] <@Thrall> "That's acceptable," Thrall replies. Hell, that was pretty much the plan, anyway.
[01:33] <+Maz> "After I've gone over your things and made sure there is no danger in letting you have them back," Maz tells the Calimshan mage.
[01:34] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Danger? Beyond the danger a spellbook generally represents?" replies the mage, fiercly. "No. I will teach you the spells of extraction, and perhaps one or two more, but do not rifle through my spellbook."
[01:35] * Hotaru-chan is now known as Seraphin
[01:37] <+Maz> "Very well," Maz agrees. "Do you or your hired men have anything else with a magical signature?"
[01:38] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Little. I had scrolls and potions prior, but none now. I believe Ferzouf has a magical sword.. or some such. Either way, it is his business." Ferzouf shoots the mage a really, really black look at that admission.
[01:39] * @Thrall blinks, giving the falchion an experimental little swing. "Don't worry. you'll get it back when we leave," he tells the mercenary leader. This kind of weapon isn't his style, after all.
[01:40] <@Sober-GM-Rat> It hums nicely as you wave it through the air- it isn't a small weapon, this thing looks like it could cleave a tree in half, and it handles perfectly.
[01:40] <+Maz> "Once I've corroborated your words, we can proceed," Maz tells the mage, and takes out her wand. "Activate," she calls out, directing it at the pile Thaeos gathered earlier.
[01:41] <@Sober-GM-Rat> There's little magic about them- Ferzouf's armour lights up, as does his sword, along with the spellbook (quite strongly, the spellbook, far more than usual for a tome of it's kind. Evocation magic, almost certainly.)
[01:43] <+Maz> "Figures," Maz matters to herself.
[01:44] <+Maz> "His," she says, pointing at Ferzouf, "armor and sword are magical. The rest of this stuff isn't." She shrugs. "I'm satisfied."
[01:45] <@Thrall> "Well, teach her the spell and we can be on our way," Thrall tells Herzoufwari. They've done what the mayor asked, after all.
[01:46] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "It will take several days," notes the mage. "Magic cannot be rushed, lest mistakes are made. Better we study in a more comfortable environment."
[01:47] <@Seraphin> "Mmmm, and in Waterdeep, we would have cut their throats long ago, and been done with the whole mess..." Seraphin sighs softly from where she rests on a rock.
[01:49] <@Thrall> "We're a long way from Waterdeep," Thrall notes quietly. "In any case, the mayor isn't paying us to kill anybody - yet." No doubt their mission will expand after they report back on this one.
[01:51] * @Seraphin laughs softly, stretching foirward with a yawn. "I know, just amusement at how things change away from home," she murmurs.
[01:53] <@Thrall> "Anyway, we'll take you with us back to Saradush," Thrall tells Herzoufwari. "You can teach Maz there, and we can get paid." Looking to Ferzouf and the mercenaries, "The rest of you are free to do as you like."
[01:54] <+Maz> "That sounds about right," Maz agrees.
[01:55] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "I see," replies Ferzouf, glancing. "If you wish, we will go a ways away, and retrieve our equipment only when you depart. You seem honest- I trust you will not cheat us."
[01:56] <+Maz> "Just one more thing," Maz says, tapping her chin thoughtfully. "Have you heard of any Thay involvement in all this?"
[01:57] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Thayans? It would not surprise me at all for them to be here," replies Herzoufwari. "It would surprise me if they were not. But I do not believe I have encountered them myself."
[01:57] * +Maz nods.
[01:58] <@Thrall> "Right. Let's go," Thrall nods, gesturing for the mage to get to his feet and starting towards the horses. "Got all the arrows?" he asks Thaeos as they move.
[02:02] <+Thaeos> "Aye. Most certianly do."
[02:05] <@Sober-GM-Rat> <-Timeskippery!->
[02:07] <@Sober-GM-Rat> The group leaves the mercenaries behind, and as they ride (in some cases, fall off along the way), they're treated to more of the badlands of Tethyr; rolling hills and the like, but no signs of future battles. You make good time, and reach Saradush in the afternoon, the familiar guard giving you a slow nod as you head inside- with a quirked eyebrow at Herzoufwari.
[02:11] * @Thrall nods back to the guard, urging his horse forward at a slow canter through the city and towards the town hall.
[02:12] <@Sober-GM-Rat> The town hall is remarkably devoid of stables, though it sure has some nice pillars!
[02:15] <@Thrall> Dismounting, Thrall ties his horse to a hitching post. They can arrange stabling after reporting to the mayor, hopefully for free if he keeps employing them. "Feel like doing a reprise of your explanation?" he asks Herzoufwari.
[02:16] * +Thaeos swings out of the saddle, tying his horse next to Thrall's.
[02:16] * Midnight (~danchou@adsl-18-24-160.mco.bellsouth.net) has joined #dunes
[02:16] * ChanServ sets mode: +oa Midnight Midnight
[02:16] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "As you wish," replies Herzoufwari. "So.. you work for Saradush itself.."
[02:17] * +Maz dismounts her horse, following Thrall's example and tying it to a post.
[02:18] <@Thrall> "For the time being," Thrall allows noncommitally. "The mayor pays well, and our expenses are covered. It's a satisfactory arrangement."
[02:18] * @Seraphin sighs softly, patting her horse as she dismounts, tying her horse and following.
[02:19] <@Sober-GM-Rat> A short while later, the lot of you are walked into Castor's office, the mayor himself looking as forlorn as they come. "You're back," he says, solidly. "Report."
[02:21] <@Thrall> "The disturbances appear to be from several different mage factions attempting to gain power through the weakened magical Weave in this land," Thrall answers, before giving Herzoufwari a nudge forward. "Herzoufwari here can explain more."
[02:22] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Hmm. Do so," he says, then adding, "And, who is he, exactly?"
[02:26] * @Thrall falls silent, waiting for the mage to introduce himself and go through his spiel again.
[02:26] * @Midnight (~danchou@adsl-18-24-160.mco.bellsouth.net) Quit (Ping timeout)
[02:27] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Merely a Calishite magi, eager to be on his way," replies Herzoufwari, before launching into essentially the same explanation that he gave the party. Once he's finished, Castor glances towards the party, his face very serious (and turning pale). "But.. these incidents will not be relegated to Saradush alone?" he asks, glancing at Herzoufwari. "All of.. Tethyr?" The mage doesn't speak to reply, merely nodding.
[02:28] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "Then I must warn the capital immediately," he says, turning around and sitting at his desk. "All of you. This is.. highly urgent, I believe. I would ask you to return later, and we will sort out payment."
[02:30] <@Thrall> "We will return at midday tomorrow," Thrall nods, making to leave.
[02:32] * +Maz nods at the mayor, and then tells Herzoufwari, "Let's go."
[02:33] <@Sober-GM-Rat> "I will require my spellbook to properly teach you," he says, wryly. "Where are we going?"
[02:33] * +Thaeos heads out as well, eager for a bed.
[02:34] <+Maz> "To an inn," she responds. "We can start tomorrow."