Adventure 1: The Puzzle of the Netherese Cube!

[Ebiris]

Loot:

Found on dead/captured bandits (some armour was ruined by burnination and not counted)

1 - Breastplate
1 - Chainmail
2 - Studded Leather Armour
2 - Leather Armour
1 - Masterwork Orc Double Axe
2 - Masterwork Scimitars
2 - Longswords
2 - Shorbows
2 - Longspears
2 - Daggers
2 - Smokesticks
1 - Tanglefoot Bag

Found in bandit lair

144gp
Trade Goods worth 80gp (can be offloaded pretty easily at the general store in Moonhaven)
Jewellery worth 100gp (again can be sold pretty easily)
2 Light Warhorses
Netherese Puzzle Cube

Quest Reward

500gp for recovering the Netherese Puzzle Cube
300gp for slaying Vlad
60gp for bringing 3 bandits to justice


Experience!

Vlad - 200 XP
Grom - 100 XP
3 Bandits - 150 XP

Resolution that didn't involve complete slaughter of all opposition - 150 XP
Recovering the Netherese Puzzle Cube - 200 XP

[Ebiris]

[15:05] <Usagi> The town of Moonhaven is a welcome sight for Amonet and Varul after several days travel across monotonous wilderness. Passing through gradually more and more built up farmland, the pair soon find the town itself, a somewhat disorderly collection of buildings and streets kept within sturdy looking stone walls.
[15:05] <Usagi> The walls themselves only seem to be present as a barrier and little else, though - only a few guard towers are seen surrounding the town of mostly low lying buildings, easily eclipsed by the single tall tower towards the Western edge of the town. The gates are manned by two bored looking guards in chainmail and armed with Halbards, who wave as you approach. "Halt, strangers! What business have you in Moonhaven?" one of them calls.
[15:06] <Varul> Varul does just that, grunting. He does hold for the moment, leaving the talking for Amonet. Pulling up short and waiting, he looks on at the town. AT least they should have a real bed in there.
[15:09] <Amonet> "We are travelers on a quest of exploration," Amonet informs the guards, stopping her horse in front of them. "We merely wish to rest in an inn and eat decently before setting out again into the wilderness."
[15:11] <Usagi> The guard nods - he's a clean shaven youth, probably just out of his teens. "The best inn in town is the Drunken Dragon," he tells you, giving simple directions - it's pretty much right down the main street as you enter and on the town square. "If you're looking for supplies, we have a blacksmith and general provisioner who can see you right."
[15:11] <Usagi> Coughing and trying to muster up an imperious demeanour, he concludes, "Just don't cause any trouble while you're here."
[15:12] <Varul> "Yeah," Varul grunts, and with a look to Amonet, "Let's get going."
[15:13] <Amonet> "We shall," she agrees, inclining her head at the guards, and nudges her horse to head towards the inn.
[15:14] <Varul> Varul follows suit, keeping quiet and looking about the town as he goes. Doesn't look like much on first glance from what he saw, though.
[15:17] <Usagi> Really, it could be any middle sized town anywhere across Faerun - children play in the streets, housewives gossip, merchants shill their wares... The two of you do attract some small notice from the citizenry as you pass through the town, but it's little more than the odd second glance...
[15:22] <Varul> Without anything catching his attention of anything from Amonen, Varul heads to the inn.
[15:28] <Usagi> As you approach the inn, someone does happen to try and get your attention. "Ah... E-excuse me?" a hesitant voice speaks up from the side, its pitch shifting from high to low mid question. Turning to the owner of said voice, you see a young freckled man with unruly red hair clutching a sturdy looking quarterstaff and dressed in verdant green robes as he hesitantly approaches.
[15:29] <Amonet> "Greetings," Amonet says, looking down at him from her saddle. "How can one such as I help you?"
[15:29] <Varul> "Yeah," Varul grunts, staying back and looming large.
[15:35] <Usagi> "U-um... y-yes, if y-you can help..." the young man stammers out awkwardly. "I'm... I'm Dextil. D-Dextil Greenshade," he bows briefly. "I... I c-couldn't help b-but notice, you are a-adventurer's, yes?" he makes a show of looking over your arms and armour at that, as if to make clear that he had at least some reason for his observation.
[15:35] <Amonet> "In a manner of speaking," Amonet allows. "Are you in some form of danger?"
[15:36] <Varul> "Yeah." The word is drawled out, as if painting a fact that the entire world is aware of. "I see'em, I smash'em. What'cha want?"
[15:37] <Varul> As an afterthought Varul idly rests his hand on the hilt of his greatsword, waiting.
[15:39] <Usagi> "Um, it... it's not for m-me," Dextil shakes his head. "W-well, it s-sort of is, b-because it's my fault, b-but my M-master is l-looking for someone to r-recover the th-thing that I lost!" the young man stammers out, cowering back slightly from Varul before speaking directly to Amonet.
[15:40] <Amonet> "And what of your Master's have you lost?" she queries, raising an eyebrow as she observes him.
[15:41] <Varul> "Is that true," Varul asks quietly, mentally weighing his options. 'less he pissed someone off and doesn't know about it - always a possibility! - it's probably nothing more than some kid looking for a bail out. "So you wanna use us for that?"
[15:45] <Usagi> "Y-yes!" Dextil nods quickly. "M-my Master n-needs someone to g-get his N-netherese puzzle cube b-back! I l-lost it wh-when I was robbed by b-bandits!" he stammers. "H-he's willing to p-pay a lot for it!"
[15:46] <Varul> "Hmph." Varul crosses his arms at that, pondering it. Magic. It has to be fucking magic, doesn't it? Of course, the kid looks like he wouldn't know a rapier from a great sword anyway. Scowling, "How much is a lot," he asks outright.
[15:47] <Usagi> "Five hundred gold!" the youth blurts out, before his eyes widen and he covers his mouth, looking around warily. No one seems to be paying attention so he relaxes a bit, "A-and y-you'd probably get a b-bounty for the b-bandit, too!"
[15:47] * Amonet glances at Varul. "It may be a good idea to prevent Netherese items from the hands of bandits on principal alone," she mentions to her fellow traveler.
[15:48] * Varul glowers over it a moment but nods. Damn it. If this is true, you really can't let all that hocus pocus runa round, can you? "Up to you, Amonet," Varul decides at last.
[15:48] <Usagi> "P-plus th-they probably have more g-gold and st-stuff from other victims!" Dextil continues to move his head up and down so much you almost worry it might fall off.
[15:50] <Amonet> "I feel a growing need to help this community by ridding it of its uncivilized pests," Amonet muses out loud, before nodding. "Yes, Sir Varul, I believe we should act."
[15:51] <Varul> "Fine. Who's this 'Master' of yours," Varul shakes his head. Oh well, a small part of him argues, ridding the world of bandits with ancient magic can't be a bad thing.
[15:54] <Usagi> "You will?" Dextil lights up. "G-great!" he grins. "M-my master is Alastor Engerwood - he lives in that t-tower," he points at the dominating feature of the town, the large tower you spied on your way in. "The b-box is about th-this big on all sides," he holds his hands to measure out a 3 inch cube. "A-and it's got l-little coloured stones all over it. Y-you turn it so the colours all m-match up on e-each side."
[15:55] <Amonet> "And these bandits?" Amonet asks. "Where were you waylaid by them?"
[15:55] <Varul> "Wait," Varul interjects right after, "Before we get to the details of this little expidition, I want to meet this master. That won't be a problem, will it?"
[15:56] <Usagi> "N-no," Dextil shakes his head. "Master E-engerwood d-doesn't like v-visitors, b-but if you're g-going to get h-his puzzle cube back, h-he'll w-want to meet you."
[15:57] <Varul> Varul raises an eyebrow to that, "Hmm. Go on, Amonet," Varul waves, stepping back to think.
[15:58] <Usagi> "I w-was accosted a-about eight m-miles S-south of town," Dextil goes on. "I-if you c-come with me to the M-master's tower, I c-can show you on a m-map."
[16:04] <Amonet> "Lead the way, and we shall accompany you to your Master's place of residence," Amonet agrees, nodding at Dextil.
[16:04] <Varul> Varul says quiet for now, arms crossed and going along with things.
[16:07] <Usagi> Dextil nods again and leads you towards the large stone tower, setting a quick pace ahead of your horses. Upon reaching it, he unlocks the heavy wooden door and pushes it aside, beckoning you to follow him inside.
[16:09] <Varul> Varul follows without comment, but he does keep his eyes open to where this is in the town as well as anything interesting on the way/inside.
[16:09] * LadyAmonet dismounts, and leads her horse inside, taking a look around.
[16:09] <Usagi> OOC: You're leading the horse inside the mage's tower? >_>
[16:11] <LadyAmonet> OOC: Isn't it a walled-off complex?
[16:12] <Usagi> OOC: The town is walled off. The Tower is just a big free-standing tower at the end of one of the streets.
[16:12] <LadyAmonet> OOC: Axe that!
[16:12] * LadyAmonet dismounts, and looks for a place where she can tie the reigns to her horse.
[16:13] <Usagi> There are plenty of hitching posts and the like on the street nearby. The tower itself seems to be in a residential part of town - naught but cramped houses around here, although the tower is given plenty of space between them.
[16:14] <Varul> That means money, Varul notes to himself. Okay, kid's story checks out a littl ebetter. Maybe it is just some dimwittted apprentance that got shooed into a shitty task?
[16:14] * Amonet uses the services of the nearest one, and follows Dextil inside the tower.
[16:17] <Usagi> Inside you see a fairly well appointed entrance hall - a spiral staircase leading up and three doors at the cardinal points beside the entrance. There are no windows here, but it is well light by several wall sconces which give off no smoke, and various paintings and tapestries hang on the walls.
[16:17] <Usagi> "M-master! I've f-found some p-people who m-might be able to g-get the puzzle c-cube back!" Dextil calls, quite loudly and gracelessly once you're inside.
[16:18] * Amonet waits for this master to make an appearance, her head held high.
[16:21] <Usagi> "How many times have I told you not to shout, Dextil!" a snappish male voice returns as an elderly man makes his way down the stairs. He's attired in far fancier robes than Dextil, royal blue with a silver trim, and looks every inch a distinguished noble - neatly groomed white hair and a rakish goatee on his weathered face as he sizes you up.
[16:21] <Usagi> "Welcome to my abode," he greets in a more pleasant baritone, sizing Amonet and Varul up. "As my apprentice has no doubt told you, I am Alastor Engerwood."
[16:23] <Varul> "Yeah." It's all Varul says, stepping back to let Amonet deal with him. The words 'poofy' 'noble' irritating' 'small dick' and other such phrases always tempt him here. Control. He just looks too fancy for a working man.
[16:24] <Amonet> "I am Amonet," she says in response, bowing her head to him in greeting. "Thank you for welcoming us into your home."
[16:26] <Usagi> "Yes, well, if you can make up for Dextil's mistake then you'll be quite more than welcome," Alastor smiles thinly. "I presume he's already told you about the Netherese puzzle cube he went and lost to those bandits South of town, yes?"
[16:28] <Amonet> "Correct," she says curtly. "What do we need to know of these bandits that would help us punish them for their misdeeds and retrieve your puzzle cube?"
[16:32] <Usagi> "I understand they've been making a nuisance of themselves, lately," Alastor frowns. "Normally the road between here and Silverymoon is well patrolled by Rangers, so I don't know how these bandits have gotten a foothold, but a foothold they have."
[16:32] <Usagi> "Their leader is a man named Vlad Grimjab - accosted poor Dextil after he was taking my Puzzle Cube to an aquaintance in Silverymoon who wished to make a duplicate. Its made of semi-precious material, but has far more historical worth than its construction. Anyway, I believe Dextil can tell you where he encountered them..."
[16:36] * Amonet glances at Varul again. "This seems to be all the information we require," she tells him, "unless there is something you would like to know, Sir Varul?"
[16:37] <Varul> "Got a description of that Vlad?" Varul asks.
[16:38] <Usagi> "Y-yes!" Dextil nods, going over to cabinet and producing a vellum map which he unrolls and holds out. Seems to show most of the Silver Marches in a fair amount of detail. "Here," Dextil points to a thickly wooded copse South of Moonhaven. You actually remember passing it yourself this morning, although no bandits accosted you.
[16:38] <Usagi> "There was that V-Vlad man and t-two others that I saw. I tried to cast Sleep but it only worked on o-one of them so I s-surrendered after that..." Dextil explains sheepishly. "He had a b-black cloak and t-two scimitars. Long b-black hair as w-well."
[16:40] <Varul> "Tall? Short? Big? Small? Anything else?" Varul presses quietly. He looks over the map, making a mental note of the locations. "The more information the better."
[16:40] <Usagi> "Um... average t-to b-both?" Dextil replies, cowering back from Varul.
[16:42] <Varul> "Alright. Average it is. Black hair and clock. Got it." Varul looks to Amonet, "Ready when you are, then. Do you want him alive by any chance for trail, dead, or does it matter as lon gas we get the cube?"
[16:42] <Amonet> "He shall have a chance to surrender and return for trial, of course," Amonet interjects.
[16:43] <Usagi> "I care not for the life of a bandit," Alastor sniffs. "The return of my cube is all that matters. The guard may have a reward for him dead or alive, but it does not concern me. 500 gold for the return of my artifact by whatever means you see fit."
[16:43] <Usagi> "H-his h-ead is w-worth 300 gold!" Dextil pipes up, nodding rapidly. "400 alive!"
[16:44] <Varul> "Yeah.  Long as justice reaches 'im..." Varul shrugs. Be it by his hand or not, if he is truly evil? Let 'em die in battle at least instead of at the machinations of the law. Have to see, though.
[16:50] <Usagi> Backtracking along the road you travelled to get to Moonhaven wasn't on the agenda so soon, but nonetheless, the lure of monetary reward is enough to see Amonet and Varul riding South of the town, past sparser and sparser farmland which gives way to wilderness after a few miles, and all too soon, the wooded copse that Dextil pointed out to you...
[16:52] <Varul> Varul makes a point to keep his eyes open, on guard as they head into bandit territory.
[16:53] * Amonet rides into the copse, leading the way, as she waits to encounter these bandits.
[16:55] <Usagi> After perhaps ten minutes of riding through the trail with denser and denser woodland on your sides, a commotion ahead catches your eyes! Perhaps 300 feet away, you see a great gout of flame suddenly erupt! Focusing at the sight, you see it emanates from a horsebound figure in brightly coloured robes, burning up two other horses and a figure between them!
[16:57] <Varul> Varul holds up short, stopping his ride and carefully keeping a view of the situation.  Looks like a battle, and that would be stupid to charge into.
[16:59] <Amonet> "A battle!" Amonet exclaims. "Doubtless, the fell bandits have struck again! Sir Varul, for all that is good and just in the world, we must go and offer assistance!" she implores him, her weapon drawn.
[17:00] <Varul> "Wait." Varul keeps his hand on his sword, but doesnt' draw it let. "It's worse to charge in without a clue of what's goin gon."
[17:01] <Usagi> If there is a battle it appears to be over. The colourful figure of flame-throwing has now dismounted and appears to be looting the corpses. She looks odd... her form blurry and difficult to make out from here.
[17:03] <Varul> "Too late," Varul opines, shaking his head. "Either the bandits struck again or they chose a bad target. WAnt to go anyawy?"
[17:05] <Amonet> "Of course!" Amonet asserts. "Be they bandits, their victims' blood cries out for justice! And were they ambushed by Vlad, they might require assistance and healing!"
[17:05] <Varul> "Alright," Varul agrees, falling in behind Amonent.
[17:07] * Amonet rides towards the firemage, her Ranseur's tip raised high to the sky, and not aimed at her.

[Ebiris]

[15:00] <Usagi> The beaten trail North of Silverymoon finds three brave adventurers riding North this bright Autumn day. Not a paved road, but still a quite servicable track of packed dirt, weathered by who knows how many pairs of feet or hooves over the years. To the East in the distance you can see the foothills of the Nether Mountains, snowy cloud-topped peaks themselves stabbing into the sky on the horizon.
[15:00] <Usagi> The trail itself is bordered by sparse scrub and woodland, cutting through the hills and valleys of the North across a mostly flat plane...
[15:02] <Alveria> "Igstakuntan, fierashtsamu koalcsentai," mumbles Arvelia, hands firmly gripping the reins as she slowly rides onwards. Her horse has not been spared her dress sense; all the colours of the rainbow are represented between her dress and it's coverings and saddlebags.
[15:03] <Serene> Serene rode quietly along on her horse, observing the various woodland with a curious eye and straigtening her brown hat as she rides smoothly.  "What was that, Alveria?" She softly wondered of her fairly colorful companion.
[15:04] * Aramas looks over at Alveria... oddly..
[15:05] <Alveria> "Kossuth, I was praying to Kossuth," she says, cheerily. "Because it's cold, and I hate the cold, so praying to the god of fire makes sense."
[15:06] <Serene> "You should wear a thicker robe," Serene observed.  "At least the wind isn't blowing hard."  She reached forward, gently stroking Fiera's mane.
[15:06] <Usagi> It is rather chilly, in spite of the bright sunshine above. The bracing cold air of the north is at least mercifully still, but the riot of golds and reds in the leaves of the trees around you remind that Winter isn't far, and the weather could be far worse...
[15:07] <Aramas> "You can just throw a blanket over your shoulders for now, as well, Alveria."
[15:08] <Alveria> "Hmph! Kossuth will provide!" she proclaims, releasing the reigns and spreading her arms. With a yelp, she almost topples from the saddle, but grabs them and straightens herself, just in time.
[15:09] <Serene> "You have such a strange thought of the gods," Serene shook her head at her irreverant companion, continuing along the road.
[15:09] <Usagi> As the trio ride, the woods about start to become steadily thicker, a shady canopy overhead blotting out the sun and what little warmth it provides. Still, the rustle of the falling leaves and chirping of the odd songbird provides a pleasant background noise to your journey...
[15:09] <Usagi> OOC: Spot checks
[15:09] <Alveria> roll 1d20+1 you're a cruel man
[15:09] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 1d20+1 you're a cruel man --> [ 1d20=13 ]{14}
[15:09] <Serene> roll 1d20+4 spot ho
[15:09] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+4 spot ho --> [ 1d20=5 ]{9}
[15:09] <Aramas> roll d20
[15:09] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20 --> [ 1d20=1 ]{1}
[15:13] <Usagi> As your horses trot along, you spy a tall black-haired man step out of the woods and onto the trail ahead, standing before you. "Ho, there, travellers!" he greets in a loud, hearty voice. His form is mostly obscured by a thick black cloak, but you can see he's wearing a steel breastplate over his chest.
[15:14] <Alveria> "Hello!" replies Alveria, cheerfully. "I'm Alveria! Who're you?"
[15:14] * Aramas watches the man carefully, with a small grin.
[15:15] <Usagi> "Ah, you must truly be new to these parts to ask such a question, my fair lady," the man grins, making an exaggerated bow. "I am Vlad Grimjab, at your service," he proclaims.
[15:15] <Alveria> "Excellent! Are you the porter?"
[15:15] * Aramas chuckles at this..
[15:16] <Serene> Serene stared at Alveria, confused as usual at her words. "Yes, we are new to the area," She answered the man shortly, without further explanation.
[15:17] <Aramas> "So, what is your business with us, Vlad?"
[15:19] <Usagi> "Porter... haha!" Vlad chuckles gaily at that. "Well, my lady, you perhaps have it almost right. For I certainly will take great pleasure in relieving you of your goods." His demeanour remains perfectly friendly throughout his delivery. "So if you'd be so kind as too dismount and hand over your valuables, I'm sure we can get through this with no one getting hurt."
[15:20] <Serene> "Oh my," Serene frowned.  "A bandit?"  She dismounted, seeming to go along with his commands. "Surely you don't mean to harm us?" While she was doing so, she scanned the perimeter for more.
[15:20] <Usagi> OOC: Spot check, Serene
[15:20] <Serene> roll 1d20+4 spot ho
[15:20] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+4 spot ho --> [ 1d20=11 ]{15}
[15:21] <Usagi> "Of course, I wouldn't dream of harming you should you cooperate," Vlad nods agreeably. "I'm sure we'd all be far happier to do this without any violence."
[15:22] <Aramas> "But then, we'd not have our belongings, and that would make our journey all the more difficult."
[15:22] <Usagi> Serene: Ahead of Vlad, through the trees you think you can spot a pair of horses with riders atop, though they aren't easy to make out with all the foliage in the way.
[15:22] <Alveria> "THAT'S A LIE!"
[15:22] <Alveria> "Violence is the optimum solution!"
[15:22] <Alveria> OOC: Surprise round, init, or what?
[15:22] <Aramas> "I must agree with Alveria."
[15:23] <Serene> OOC:...  Well, I was going to get closer for a surprise attack
[15:23] * Aramas continues to smirk.
[15:23] <Usagi> OOC: The perils of travelling with a Wild Mage? Surprise round go.
[15:24] <Serene> "Look out, there's more than him," She moved close with quick strides following the statement, rushing the man with a Kama shifting out from beneath her sleeve.
[15:24] <Alveria> Alveria slips off her horse, rapidly casting a spell that will split her form into a set of identicle images!
[15:24] <Usagi> Vlad shakes his head sadly at that, "Very well, you leave me no choice..." he declares, spreading his cloak to go for a pair of scimitars at his sides as two arrows whistle out from the forest, one at Aramas and one at Alveria!
[15:25] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4 for Aramas
[15:25] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 for Aramas --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[15:25] <Usagi> OOC: Ouch
[15:25] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4 to confirm
[15:25] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 to confirm --> [ 1d20=14 ]{18}
[15:25] <Usagi> roll 3d6
[15:25] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 3d6 --> [ 3d6=5 ]{5}
[15:26] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4 for Alveria
[15:26] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 for Alveria --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
[15:26] <Alveria> OOC: Haha, loser!@
[15:27] <Usagi> One arrow sails easily over Alveria's head, but the other finds its mark! Aramas has no time to react before the shaft punctures his chest, just barely missing something vital!
[15:27] <Usagi> OOC: init
[15:27] <Alveria> roll 1d20+5 Ow!
[15:27] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 1d20+5 Ow! --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
[15:27] <Aramas> roll d20+2
[15:27] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{14}
[15:27] <Serene> roll 1d20+5 kama strike to the man.
[15:27] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+5 kama strike to the man. --> [ 1d20=3 ]{8}
[15:28] <Usagi> roll 1d20+7
[15:28] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=15 ]{22}
[15:28] <Usagi> roll 1d20+3
[15:28] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{10}
[15:30] <Usagi> Drawing both his weapons in a flash, Vlad springs forward, blade lashing out at Serene with deadly intent!
[15:30] <Usagi> roll 1d20+6
[15:30] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+6 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{16}
[15:31] <Serene>  OOC: Yeah  that's more than my ac
[15:31] <Usagi> roll 1d6+2
[15:31] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d6+2 --> [ 1d6=4 ]{6}
[15:32] <Usagi> Vlad's blade cuts out swiftly, slicing a strip of flesh from Serene's arm and spraying an arc of blood across the dusty trail below!
[15:34] * Aramas snarls through the pain of the arrow and drops off of his horse, turning it for cover before launching a rolling ball of demonic power at Vlad.
[15:34] <Aramas> roll d20+5
[15:34] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+5 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{16}
[15:35] <Usagi> OOC: Hit. Roll damage.
[15:35] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[15:35] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=7 ]{7}
[15:36] <Usagi> OOC: Wait, no... Sorry, my mistake. That missed.
[15:37] <Usagi> OOC: Nevermind that, forgot it was a touch attack.
[15:38] <Usagi> "Gah!" Vlad cries out in shock as he's blasted by infernal power, staggering back a half step and widening his eyes in alarm as a large scorchmark is left on his armour, burning away part of his cloak. "Damn magery!"
[15:38] <Alveria> "See! Optimal, optimal, optimal!" cries Alveria, slipping off her horse, standing on the side opposite the archer who shot at her! With a flick of her wrist, her physical from splits into many!
[15:39] <Alveria> roll 1d4+1 mirror image go?
[15:39] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 1d4+1 mirror image go? --> [ 1d4=4 ]{5}
[15:39] <Alveria> OOC: Ex. Cell. Ent.
[15:41] <Usagi> As Alveria is surrounded by duplicates of herself, two more arrows sail out of the forest, one at Alveria from the other side she was last hit on while the other aims at Serene!
[15:41] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4 for Alveria
[15:41] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 for Alveria --> [ 1d20=16 ]{20}
[15:41] <Usagi> roll 1d5
[15:41] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d5 --> [ 1d5=1 ]{1}
[15:41] <Usagi> OOC: forget that.
[15:41] <Usagi> roll 1d6
[15:41] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d6 --> [ 1d6=5 ]{5}
[15:42] <Usagi> roll 1d20 for Serene
[15:42] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20 for Serene --> [ 1d20=7 ]{7}
[15:43] <Usagi> One arrow penetrates an image of Alveria which abruptly winks out of existence, while the other digs into the ground near Serene, not causing any harm!
[15:46] * Serene winces at sword blow, seeming to fade before Vlad's eyes as he she ducked low, moving first to one side, and then sliding to the other, her kama striking out between his armor. (Ghost Step 1 round, am invisible)
[15:47] <Serene> OOC: should deny dex bonus (invisible) and thus allow sudden strike.  That's my intent anyway.
[15:47] <Serene> roll 1d20+3
[15:47] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{19}
[15:48] <Usagi> OOC: Hit. Go and add sneak attack damage.
[15:48] <Serene> roll 3d6+1 kama of bloodiness!
[15:48] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 3d6+1 kama of bloodiness! --> [ 3d6=7 ]{8}
[15:50] <Usagi> Serene flickers from view for an instant, but it's long enough for Vlad to pale in alarm for just a second before her kama slices under his ribcage, tearing through the steel of his breastplate to leave a bloody wound! "D-damnnation!" he staggers, coughing up blood for a moment before he makes a sharp whistle and turns to flee!
[15:50] <Usagi> roll 1d20+1 for horsemen to join init on next round
[15:50] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+1 for horsemen to join init on next round --> [ 1d20=19 ]{20}
[15:55] <Usagi> Rushing away up the trail, Vlad exposes his back to you as he runs while the two horses Serene spotted earlier bound onto the trail, moving to meet him as he runs!
[15:56] * Aramas snarls again and fire a second blast at the fleeing Vlad.
[15:56] <Aramas> roll d20+5
[15:56] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+5 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{12}
[15:57] <Usagi> Sadly, the blast misses, sailing over Vlad's head as he regroups with his fellow bandits!
[16:00] <Alveria> "Craven cur! You dare threaten me and live? I'll show YOU some valuables!" yells Alveria, hand flying forth and discharging a pair of twisting, shimmering, rainbow-hued bolts!
[16:00] <Alveria> OOC: Magic Missile on this Vlad loser
[16:00] <Usagi> OOC: Make with the damage
[16:00] <Alveria> roll 2d4+2
[16:00] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 2d4+2 --> [ 2d4=2 ]{4}
[16:00] <Alveria> OOC: EPIC
[16:01] <Usagi> The magical bolts lance out, swirling dizzily through the air and impacting right on Vlad's back! The eponymous bandit promptly collapses between the two horses, which shift nervously...
[16:03] <Alveria> Alveria smirks, hands still dancing with trace magical energy! She shortly climbs back on board her own horse...
[16:03] <Usagi> As this happens, a pair of arrows fly out from the trees at the now elevated Alveria!
[16:03] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4
[16:03] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{8}
[16:03] <Usagi> roll 1d20+4
[16:03] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
[16:03] <Usagi> roll 1d5
[16:03] <Alveria> OOC: 5 images remaining and stuff
[16:03] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d5 --> [ 1d5=4 ]{4}
[16:03] <Alveria> OOC: Er, 4, sorry
[16:04] <Usagi> One is a clean miss, whizzing through the air to no effect, while the other punctures one of the dizzily swirling images about the Elf mage!
[16:04] <Usagi> roll 2#1d20
[16:04] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 2#1d20 --> [ 1d20=16 ]{16}, [ 1d20=5 ]{5}
[16:06] <Usagi> The arrows seem to be coming from a pair of shortbow wielding humans huddled in the bushes on either side of the trail.
[16:07] * Serene rolls off the clear road into the woods, hiding amongs the trees and foliage as she makes her way forward.
[16:08] <Serene> roll 1d20+7 hide
[16:08] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 hide --> [ 1d20=4 ]{11}
[16:08] <Serene> roll 1d20+7 move silent
[16:08] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 move silent --> [ 1d20=13 ]{20}
[16:09] <Usagi> roll 1d20-2
[16:09] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{10}
[16:11] <Usagi> Serene ducks into the undergrowth while one of the horsemen jumps off to help Vlad, the other moving forward to provide some cover for this.
[16:11] <Usagi> roll 1d20-2
[16:11] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{6}
[16:23] * Aramas turns and opens fire at the archer on the right side.
[16:24] <Aramas> roll d20+5
[16:24] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+5 --> [ 1d20=18 ]{23}
[16:24] <Usagi> OOC: Damage
[16:24] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[16:24] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=8 ]{8}
[16:24] <Usagi> The bowman utters a sharp scream as he's blasted with hellish power, being sent flying back off his feet and not moving afterwards!
[16:26] <Alveria> "Consign yourselves to fire, bandit scum!" pronounces Alveria, spurring her horse towards the horsemen! Drawing back her hand, she thrusts it forward, creating a burst of bright red flames that wash over the horses and the bandits both!
[16:26] <Alveria> OOC: Reflex save half DC 17, 4d4 damage GO
[16:26] <Usagi> OOC: Make with the damage
[16:26] <Alveria> roll 4d4
[16:26] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 4d4 --> [ 4d4=10 ]{10}
[16:26] <Alveria> OOC: Average to the MAX
[16:27] <Usagi> roll 2#1d20+4
[16:27] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 2#1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{13}, [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[16:27] <Usagi> roll 2#1d20+1
[16:27] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 2#1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=2 ]{3}, [ 1d20=14 ]{15}
[16:28] <Usagi> Both bandits scream in mortal terror as their skin is turned to ash! The horses fare little better, the lead one suffering horrific burns but remaining upright while the rear one just manages to escape with a nasty singing. Vlad happens to be burnt beyond all recognition...
[16:29] <Usagi> "To hell with this!" the last bowman cries, turning and fleeing into the woods!
[16:29] <Usagi> roll 1d20+7
[16:29] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=6 ]{13}
[16:31] * Serene sneaking closer to the fleeing bowman, Serene lets forth with a shuriken into his back.
[16:31] <Serene> OOC: Any sneak bonuses?
[16:32] <Serene> roll 1d20+5 My Mighty  Shuriken of please let this be a sneak attack.
[16:32] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+5 My Mighty Shuriken of please let this be a sneak attack. --> [ 1d20=9 ]{14}
[16:33] <Usagi> The shruiken embeds itself in his leather armour, but seems to provide no inconvenience beyond that as the bandit flees for dear life, his comrades exterminated!
[16:33] <Usagi> OOC: Pause here while #evil catches up
[16:33] <Alveria> OOC: Can we banter? >_>
[16:34] <Usagi> OOC: No.
[16:39] * Serene moves swiftly after the fleeing man.
[16:39] <Usagi> OOC: Hey, I said you were paused!
[16:39] <Serene> OOC: Oh.  but ...you just said in the room ...
[16:39] <Serene> OOC: @_@
[16:40] <Usagi> OOC: I said you could do that. But you have to wait to be unpaused for it to happen!
[16:40] <Serene> OOC: Ah
[16:56] <Usagi> OOC: Unpaused! Make a ride check, Alveria!
[16:57] <Usagi> OOC: Nevermind that.
[16:57] <Alveria> "Ahaha! Victory is ours!" cries Alveria, punching a hand into the air.
[16:59] <Aramas> "Indeed, though it would have been a less painful victory had you not acted without thought."
[16:59] <Alveria> "I thought about setting them on fire, and made my thoughts a reality," replies Alveria, nodding. "Er, are you fine? You're talking? No missing limbs?"
[17:00] <Aramas> "I seem to have aquired a new one, in fact. An arrow."
[17:01] <Alveria> "Oh. Sorry. I think. They probably would have shot us anyway, though," she rambles, slipping off the side of her horse, and poking the bodies of the bandits with her foot.
[17:01] <Usagi> As Alveria and Aramas chat it up, Serene takes off into the woods after the last bandit, who's currently tearing hell for leather out of there! It's hard to gain on him at this rate...
[17:02] <Usagi> As Alveria gets off her horse, the two bandit horses whinny unhappily and flee into the woods, deceased riders bouncing atop them like macabre ornaments!
[17:03] * Aramas grunts.
[17:03] <Alveria> "It's not far to the town! We can get healing there, probably!"
[17:03] <Aramas> "Well, I suppose we should look for anything of value on them. One good turn, after all.."
[17:04] <Alveria> "Stealing from bandits. An eye for an eye, as they say. But I still have both my eyes. The arrow wasn't in your eye, right?"
[17:04] <Aramas> "I
[17:04] <Aramas> "I'm sure there will be other chances for it, Alveria."
[17:05] <Alveria> "Don't worry! I'll avenge your vision, Aramas!" she replies, steadfastly, before kneeling down behind this fallen raider and checking his belongings.
[17:05] <Aramas> "Indeed, thank you."
[17:05] * Aramas replies dryly and then moves to search the bodies himself.
[17:06] <Usagi> The two scorched corpses left are pretty much unrecognisable. Vlad wears a breastplate that might still be servicable, and his two scimitars seem of fine construction. The other bandit's studded leather seems ruined, although his longsword might still be servicable.
[17:07] * Aramas searches for any small, but valuable items, such as coins, gems, or trinkets..
[17:07] <Alveria> "This stuff will be heavy, but Lester here can carry it. Right, Lester?" Alvelia pats her horse happily, picking up the scimitars and storing them in her saddlebags.
[17:08] <Usagi> A silver ring glints on one of Vlad's fingers, but little else is found of note...
[17:08] <Usagi> As you loot the corpses, another pair of riders approach along the trail!
[17:09] <Aramas> "Alveria, riders. Be on guard."
[17:09] <Alveria> "Hmm? Oh, yes, right. Hey, you there! Are you bandits?"
[17:09] * Serene growls after a few moments of chasing him...turning and heading back.
[17:10] <Usagi> The bandit continues to sprint unerringly away from the scene of battle, soon lost in the woods as Serene gives up the chase.
[17:11] * Amonet rides up to Alveria, and looks down at her from her horse. "Indeed not! We are champions of justice, sent here to bring them to justice!" She cocks her head, observing the mage. "And you, are you a bandit?"
[17:12] <Alveria> "No, but you're late! I brought them all to justice already! They've been justified!"
[17:12] <Varul> A larger man in chain mail follows behind her, quiet and lookign over the others.
[17:13] * Aramas rubs a point on his temple with one hand and mutters to himself about more zelous insane people..
[17:13] <Alveria> "I mean.. wait, that's not how you use that word..." Alveria furrows her brow, glancing at her horse with a quizzical expression.
[17:14] <Amonet> "Do you require any assistance?" Amonet asks her next, observing Alveria curiously. She cannot discern any head wounds, but maybe....
[17:14] <Alveria> "Do I look like I need assitance? He needs assitance, the poor dear," replies the mage, gesturing at Aramas, wildly. "He's in pain!"
[17:15] <Usagi> Returning from her aborted chase, Serene can see two new arrivals speaking with her companions. At least they don't seem hostile...
[17:15] * Aramas sighs.
[17:15] <Aramas> "Yes, the arrow hurts. If you could, M'Lady, how far to the nearest town?"
[17:16] * Serene steps out a bit, beside her companions. "The last one got away. We should be careful...who is this?" Her voice was quiet, but quite serious.
[17:16] * Aramas shrugs.
[17:17] <Aramas> "Bounty hunters of a sort, I would guess. They seem to have been after this group."
[17:17] <Alveria> "A shining champion of justice," replies Alveria. "Isn't it obvious? She even said so!"
[17:17] <Amonet> "Eight miles, by my estimates," Amonet responds, before dismounting. "Though there is no need to travel that far for healing."
[17:17] * Aramas raises an eyebrow at the dismounting woman.
[17:17] * Amonet smiles at those words.
[17:17] <Aramas> "Oh? You are a priest, then?"
[17:18] <Varul> Varul just hangs back - they aren't hostile. While he has a chance, he gives the corspes a visual once over, looking for anyone like Vlad.
[17:18] <Amonet> "I follow the guidance of Horus-Re!" she says brightly.
[17:18] <Usagi> Well, one of the corpses *is* wearing a black cloak. His hair appears to have been burned off, though... but there are a pair of fine scimitars clutched in his dead hands.
[17:18] <Alveria> OOC: There so aren't, I took them. >_>
[17:19] <Usagi> OOC: Sorry, thought you were just looking.
[17:19] <Usagi> OOC: Axe that!
[17:19] <Alveria> OOC: They're in the saddlebags of Lester.
[17:19] <Usagi> Well, one of the corpses *is* wearing a black cloak. His hair appears to have been burned off, though...
[17:19] <Serene> Serene looks up, her visage shy despite her narrowed eyes as she took in Amonet.  "I..see.  Alvaria... shoot first, speak second with bandits.  Are you two alright?"  Serene bound her bloodied arm in some cloth.
[17:20] * Varul just grunts at that sight. "Any idea who the bandits were," he speaks up.
[17:20] <Alveria> "Some Glad Dimgrab, or something," replies Alveria. "He was a porter who turned to banditry."
[17:20] <Aramas> "That one introduced himself as Vlad."
[17:21] * Amonet reaches out with her hand towards Aramas, the tips of her fingers glowing softly as she invokes her deity's name, and touches the wound lightly.
[17:21] * Serene moves to check on her horse, quiet as the other two spoke.
[17:22] <Amonet> roll 1d8+1
[17:22] <Reikobot> Amonet rolled : 1d8+1 --> [ 1d8=4 ]{5}
[17:22] <Usagi> At Amonet's magic touch, Aramas feels the wound in his chest seal up! It still aches a little, but it's now barely a niggling pain compared to before.
[17:23] * Amonet smiles at Aramas, asking genially, "Is that better?"
[17:23] * Aramas rubs the wound briefly before bowing slightly to the woman.
[17:23] <Aramas> "Indeed, I thank you, M'Lady."
[17:24] <Varul> "Mmmph. So that..." Varul looks on at the dead bandit. One part down - but he doesn't see a cube around, does he?
[17:24] <Serene> "A...what?" serene spoke up softly in surprise at the question.
[17:25] <Alveria> "We better drag these off the road," says Alveria, with distaste. "It'd be really bad if horses tripped over them..."
[17:25] <Amonet> "This Vlad..." Amonet says slowly, shaking her head. "He will not have a chance at redemption, now...."
[17:27] <Aramas> "Redemption is not the way of his kind. May I ask your name, M'Lady?"
[17:28] <Amonet> "Amonet!" she responds, suddenly perky again. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir...?"
[17:28] * Serene nodded to Alveria, beginning such and making sure things of value were moved of of them.
[17:28] <Aramas> "Aramas Dagoren, M'Lady Amonet."
[17:28] * Aramas bows once more with his introduction.
[17:29] <Alveria> "I'm Alveria! They call me crazy, but that's because I know magic, and they don't," explains Alveria, nodding.
[17:30] <Amonet> "A common misconception, Lady Alveria," Amonet agrees, nodding gravely.
[17:30] <Aramas> "You have already met Alveria, and Serene is my other friend. And who is your.. partner?"
[17:30] <Varul> "Varul," said swordsman contributes,  in time with the question.
[17:30] * Aramas inclines his head to Varul.
[17:30] <Aramas> "Greetings, warrior."
[17:31] <Usagi> OOC: I'll assume the looting goes without incident - aside from their weapons, you also find 2 smoke sticks and a tanglefoot bag. The rest will go in the loot thread at the end.
[17:31] <Amonet> "Oh my!" Amonet exclaims, taking in Serene's appearance. "You are hurt as well!"
[17:31] <Serene> OOC: Can you just put that there too?  Or want us to keepp note of it?
[17:31] <Serene> "He managed to clip my arm," She nodded.
[17:32] * Amonet brings a once more glowing hand to the other girl's arm, concentrating.
[17:32] <Usagi> OOC: There will be a loot thread after the adventure. I'm listing notable items now in case you want to use them during the adventure.
[17:32] <Serene> OOC: *nods*
[17:32] <Amonet> OOC: +3hp!
[17:33] <Usagi> In short order, the bodies are stripped of valuables and cleared off the trail, left to rot ignominously in the undergrowth...
[17:33] <Alveria> "Are you guys headed to Silverymoon?" asks Alveria, curiously. "We're off to Moonhaven, in search of History!"
[17:33] <Varul> "Greetings," Varul notes back, "Amonet...mmm." Looking over the bodies meaningfully, he pauses.
[17:33] <Serene> "Thank you, Miss Amonet.  We should be moving along now, before any of their friends arrive."
[17:33] <Serene> OOC: Um wha?
[17:35] * Amonet says a prayer for the souls of the departed bandits, so that they might find enlightenment and redemption in the arms of Horus-Re, and then turns to look at Alveria. "I am afraid we must retrieve something the bandit Vlad stole from Moonhaven. In the wrong hands, it may cause disastrous consequences!"
[17:36] <Serene> "Hmm?"  Serene questions.
[17:36] * Aramas glances at Serene.
[17:36] * Amonet describes the box's outwards appearance.
[17:38] <Alveria> "I didn't find anything like that on him," says Alveria, her voice deepening in tone, a little. "Must be keeping it somewhere else."
[17:38] <Aramas> "Bandits who are known in an area usually have a camp.. Perhaps you could track the one Serene chased off?"
[17:38] <Amonet> "Alas, we shall not be able to join you on the trip back to Moonhaven," Amonet says with regret.
[17:39] <Serene> "Hmm, what is it that was stolen?" Serene asked curiously.
[17:40] <Amonet> "A dangerous puzzle box."
[17:40] <Alveria> "Puzzles! I like them," nods Alveria. "How is it dangerous? Does it summon demons when you finish it?"
[17:41] <Amonet> "It is dangerous in unknown but potentially life-threatening ways," Amonet says gravely.
[17:41] <Varul> "It's magic," Varul rumbles, as if that's all that needs to be said.
[17:42] <Alveria> "Then it's decided," nods Alveria. "We'll help you look for it. No unidentified magic puzzle box should be left unfound!"
[17:43] <Amonet> "It may not necessarily be magic," Amonet cautions. "Though that is quite likely, yes."
[17:43] <Varul> "A wizard wants it and it has some strange name on it. If that ain't magic, sheep are probably growin' out my ass," Varul drawls. "But probably."
[17:43] <Aramas> "Hmm.. Items of magic such as those tend to be powerful in their uses.. Were I you, I would not attempt to change the box in anyway once it has been found."
[17:43] <Serene> Serene eyes Alveria and nods. "It'd probably be for the best not to leave alone... Though we really should continue towards Moonhaven."
[17:44] * Aramas shrugs.
[17:44] <Alveria> "Are we in a rush?" asks Alveria, blinking.
[17:45] <Serene> "I don't fancy being ambushed again on the way by prepared bandits," Serene calmly replies.
[17:45] <Aramas> "Though a delay would be somewhat annoying, it would not be overly problematic, if you wish to accompany them, Serene."
[17:45] <Alveria> "Oh. Ok, you better head on the Moonhaven, then," admits Alveria. "Make sure to reserve me a room!"
[17:47] <Amonet> "We do not wish to inconvenience you," Amonet says, frowning lightly.
[17:48] <Alveria> "I'm not inconvenienced!"
[17:49] * Varul just shakes his head at all of this. "Let's just go if we're going to go."
[17:49] <Serene> "You're crazy as usual," Serene shrugged. "Yes, I suppose it'd be best.  Alveria might get into trouble again."
[17:49] * Amonet nods. "Then we should start searching. The sooner we find it, the faster we can return to our inn."
[17:49] <Serene> "I'm Serene," She introduced herself to the two.
[17:49] * Amonet inclines her head at the introduction.
[17:50] <Alveria> "Crazy. Even my own companions think I'm crazy," mumbles Alveria, sadly.
[17:50] <Aramas> "It is settled then.. After the bandit who fled?"
[17:51] <Serene> "Does anyone actually know much about this area?  He has a good lead," Serene gestured to the direction he'd last been seen in.  "I don't know where they might be set up."
[17:52] <Amonet> "We have a map," Amonet says, taking it out and spreading it across her saddle.
[17:53] <Usagi> OOC: If you're referring to the map Dextil showed you, he only showed it to you, he didn't give it to you.
[17:53] <Amonet> OOC: He is such a cheapskate!
[17:54] <Amonet> OOC: Fine, we have no map or line
[17:55] <Varul> "Not I," Varul grunts, curiously looking Serene over. "Where'd you get that name," he asks, a curiosity over someone named as such.
[17:58] <Serene> "Hmm?  I come from around the high forests.  My family gave it to me." She semi-dodged the question, shy at the direct asking.
[17:59] * Varul chuckles. Something about that...bah, off target. "Are we going after that camp," Varul gets back on subject.
[17:59] <Alveria> "Yes! Let's go!"
[18:00] <Serene> "We can try..." Serene responded uncertainly.
[18:00] <Aramas> "Ineed, we might as well be off."
[18:00] <Amonet> "I'm certain Horus-Re smiles down upon attempts to restore stolen property to its owner!" Amonet announces.
[18:01] * Serene leads where the bandit had been heading before.
[18:01] <Usagi> Following the direction that the bandit and horses had made off in, the party begins to slowly make their way through the woods in search of the bandits' hideout...
[18:01] <Usagi> OOC: Survival checks
[18:02] <Varul> OOC: What dicing is that?
[18:02] <Usagi> OOC: 1d20 + Survival + Wisdom
[18:02] <Aramas> roll d20
[18:02] <Serene> roll 1d20+2
[18:02] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20 --> [ 1d20=17 ]{17}
[18:02] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=5 ]{7}
[18:02] <Amonet> roll 1d20+3
[18:02] <Varul> roll 1d20+2
[18:02] <Reikobot> Amonet rolled : 1d20+3 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{12}
[18:02] <Alveria> roll 1d20+1
[18:02] <Reikobot> Varul rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=8 ]{10}
[18:02] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{14}
[18:04] <Usagi> Its slow going, the woods keeping your horses to a steady trot, but it does allow you to keep an eye out... Luckily those bandit horses were in far more of a hurry, and left a fairly easy trail to follow. After perhaps half an hour, the woods begin to thin out and Aramas spots what looks to be a cavern entrance against an uprise in the land.
[18:09] <Aramas> "Hmm.. There, that cave, perhaps? It would be well suited for a hide, and the tracks seem to head that direction."
[18:10] <Alveria> Alveria stops her horse for a moment, briefly taking the time to cast mage armour on herself. "Excellent. Let's head in!" she says, once she's all magicked up.
[18:11] <Varul> "Wait," Varul shakes his head gruffly. "Just charge into a cave with bandits likely in it?"
[18:11] * Serene blinks and stares at her. "Let me scout it ahead. That way we know whether we're walking into an ambush."
[18:11] <Serene> "They know they lost earlier as the other bandit did get back."
[18:12] <Alveria> "There might be more of them? Stupid bandits," says Alveria, dreamily. "If they'd all come at once, we would've lost, after all. Lucky!"
[18:13] <Aramas> "Just remember that the next time a group confronts us, Alveria."
[18:13] * Serene eyes Alveria again, wondering if anything goes on inside her head.
[18:13] * Varul glances at Alveria, raising an eyebrow. Okay...
[18:14] <Varul> "Then scout," Varul grunts again.
[18:15] * Serene nods and sneaks ahead, looking over the ground cautiously to see what cover there was and taking her time as she approached.
[18:15] <Serene> OOC: Hide + move silently?
[18:15] <Usagi> OOC: Roll hide & move silently
[18:15] <Serene> roll 1d20+7 hide
[18:15] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 hide --> [ 1d20=3 ]{10}
[18:15] <Serene> roll 1d20+7 Move silent
[18:15] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 Move silent --> [ 1d20=15 ]{22}
[18:16] <Usagi> Serene glides over the grass and mud with nary a sound, keeping her profile low as she approaches the cavern entrance. No one seems to be around outside...
[18:16] <Usagi> OOC: Listen check
[18:17] <Serene> roll 1d20+4
[18:17] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+4 --> [ 1d20=20 ]{24}
[18:19] <Usagi> As she nears the cavern, Serene can hear noises within... a dry crackle of flames burning, and voices. Sounds like three, maybe four men conversing...
[18:19] <Serene> OOC: Can I make out anything they're saying?
[18:21] <Usagi> One of them is talking about how they should pack up all their stuff and leave, while another far more guttural voice is telling the first to shut up. The other one... no, definitely two, are chiming in with unhelpful comments here and there. You definitely hear the words 'Vlad' and 'Crazy Elf' mentioned a few times.
[18:22] * Serene slides back quietly to the others, standing up beside Varul. "There are three or four of them in there, they seem to be recovering and not expecting trouble, if we're careful, we should be able to catch them unaware."
[18:23] * Aramas nods.
[18:24] <Amonet> "How underhanded!" Amonet protests. "Shall we not offer them a fair chance at surrender, as we number more than they, and the bandits have just been defeated and lost their leader?!"
[18:25] <Varul> "How about we force them out, knock them out and then offer them that after they're safely tied up," Varul counters back, turning aside and spitting. "It's safer for us, and they'll live regardless."
[18:25] * Serene stares at her silently. "It is a wonder you are still alive. If you wish, but I will have nothing of it," Serene's patience with idiocy dropping fast.
[18:25] <Aramas> "Bandits, Amonet, do not generally extend such a chance to their victims. This group is most likely responsible for the deaths and murders of dozens, and if we did not stop them, would simply move to a new area to continue killing with no thought to ever stopping."
[18:26] <Alveria> "Didn't they just give that chance to us?" asks Alveria, thoughtfully.
[18:26] <Alveria> "They deserved to be set on fire in any case, but I suppose it couldn't hurt to try it this way..."
[18:26] * Amonet frowns at that. "And that poor apprentice boy was left alive as well...."
[18:26] * Aramas shrugs.
[18:26] <Aramas> "You may offer, but I tell you now; this will end in blood."
[18:26] <Serene> "Yes, before you wisely incited them to shoot," Serene shakes her head, wondering what the consenus was going to come to.
[18:29] <Aramas> "You wish to take the fore and speak to them, then?"
[18:29] <Alveria> "Well, they're losers, anyway! If we offer, and they decide to fight, then they won't last long, anyway."
[18:30] * Serene eyes Alveria again. "They have sharp enough blades and arrows, or so my arm tells me."
[18:30] <Amonet> "Yes, Sir Aramas," she says, nodding emphatically. "I cannot in good faith ambush the bandits after they themselves offered a chance at salvation to their victims."
[18:31] * Serene shrugs. "Your head, I shall wait in preparation then."
[18:31] * Serene sneaks off towards the side of the cave, becoming one with the mountainside in wait.
[18:31] <Aramas> "Have at it, then. I shall stay out of sight in case they decide to fight, as to not tip them off to our power."
[18:31] <Usagi> OOC: Hide checks if you're hiding
[18:32] <Alveria> Alveria wanders of, restraining her desire to whistle. She finds a spot within viewing distance of the cave... OOC: I'm actually getting about 60 feet away from it, distance matters!
[18:32] <Amonet> "We are on the side of good and justice!" Amonet proclaims, hoisting her weapon proudly. "Once they see the truth of that, victory shall be in our grasp! That is the only possible outcome!"
[18:32] <Varul> Varul follows suit, hiding for now.
[18:32] <Aramas> roll d20+2 to hide
[18:32] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+2 to hide --> [ 1d20=9 ]{11}
[18:32] <Alveria> roll 1d20+1
[18:32] <Reikobot> Alveria rolled : 1d20+1 --> [ 1d20=7 ]{8}
[18:32] <Varul> roll 1d20+2
[18:32] <Reikobot> Varul rolled : 1d20+2 --> [ 1d20=10 ]{12}
[18:33] <Serene> roll 1d20+7
[18:33] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=11 ]{18}
[18:34] * Serene readies her kamas becoming as stone against the rock.
[18:35] * Amonet places her hand on her chest, a shimmer passing through her armor as her god's favor descends upon her, and then calls out towards the cave, "Bandits of Vlad, you are surrounded and outnumbered! Come out peacefully, and we shall treat you with fairness and kindness! Do not, and the cave shall be as an inferno, a fiery tomb fit for your final resting place!"
[18:36] * Serene resists a groan at the speech, wondering where someone would ever pick up such a habit.
[18:37] * Aramas sighs again and shakes his head at the speech.
[18:37] <Varul> Varul just waits. Really, what else is there to do at the moment?
[18:39] <Usagi> You hear some loud swearing from within before a group of bandits come charging out! There's a half-orc wearing chainmail and wielding a great double-axe, glaring hatefully at you and flanked by two spear wielding humans in studded leather. Serene might also recognise the bowman from before - he looks far less gung ho than his comrades, though.
[18:39] <Usagi> roll 1d20-2
[18:39] <Reikobot> Usagi rolled : 1d20-2 --> [ 1d20=9 ]{7}
[18:40] <Usagi> Not seeing anyone besides Amonet, the Half-Orc snarls. "You and what army, girl?" he demands, spittle spraying from his tusky maw.
[18:40] <Alveria> OOC: I'm gonna cast Ghost Sound!
[18:40] <Amonet> "The army that slew Vlad and his followers!" she announces bravely. "I stand before you here, but I stand not alone!"
[18:41] <Alveria> OOC: Actually, never mind.
[18:41] <Varul> "Yeah," Varul whips his sword out, stepping out and ready. "See...you're gonna cooperate or you're gonna die. Whichever you like." Pointing his blade  at the bandits, "It makes no difference to me if you shed your blood here."
[18:41] <Varul> roll 1d20+5
[18:41] <Reikobot> Varul rolled : 1d20+5 --> [ 1d20=12 ]{17}
[18:42] <Alveria> "That's right! You'll burn like Glad did, unless you give up!" yells Arvelia, not moving from her position in the woods!
[18:42] * Aramas remains silent, though he raises his hand in preperation..
[18:42] <Usagi> "I don't recognise her!" the archer to the rear of the bandits cries. "And there's..." he cuts himself off as Varul emerges, shrinking back along with the two spearmen. The Half-Orc seems unimpressed, though, spitting at the ground. "Bah, a little girl and one warrior? We can take them!" he tries to rally his cohorts.
[18:43] * Serene slips behind the half-orc, striking at it's back with her kama.
[18:43] <Serene> OOC: Tell me to roll init?
[18:43] <Serene> OOC: or surpriise round?
[18:43] <Usagi> OOC: Surprise round go. Serene and Aramas can attack.
[18:44] * Aramas summons a swirling ball of raging demonic power and launches it at the half-orc, the sphere ripping and tearing through the air with a horrific sound as it takes off.
[18:44] <Serene> roll 1d20+3 kama strike from behind.  Dunno if there's any other  bonuses so just basic one.
[18:44] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+3 kama strike from behind. Dunno if there's any other bonuses so just basic one. --> [ 1d20=15 ]{18}
[18:44] <Aramas> roll d20+5
[18:44] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : d20+5 --> [ 1d20=14 ]{19}
[18:44] <Usagi> OOC: Both hit. Damage.
[18:44] <Aramas> roll 2d6
[18:44] <Reikobot> Aramas rolled : 2d6 --> [ 2d6=5 ]{5}
[18:44] <Usagi> OOC: Sneak attack, too.
[18:44] <Serene> roll 3d6+1 DAMAGE!
[18:44] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 3d6+1 DAMAGE! --> [ 3d6=13 ]{14}
[18:46] <Usagi> The beefy half-orc is startled by a sudden blast of hellish energy from Aramas, barely having a moment to react before he's expertly gutted by Serene, body falling limp before her as his lifeblood drains away!
[18:46] <Usagi> The remaining bandits promptly throw down their weapons. "We surrender!"
[18:46] <Alveria> "Hurray!" beams Arvelia, walking out from the woods.
[18:46] <Amonet> "A wise choice," Amonet agrees, nodding with approval at them.
[18:46] <Serene> OOC: Sorry, that's 3d6+3.  so 16 damage.
[18:46] <Serene> OOC: Forgot the bonuses
[18:46] <Usagi> OOC: He's even more dead.
[18:47] <Varul> Varul grunts, "Lie down and spread out," he instructs, slowly pacing forward.
[18:47] * Serene cleans her blade and quickly surveys the cave behind them for any signs of additional bandits.
[18:47] <Usagi> The bandits hurriedly do as instructed, making themselves prone on the ground. "Please don't hurt us!" one snivels.
[18:48] * Aramas steps out of his cover and stares at the bandits, his midnight purple power swirling around his hands and lower arms, waiting for one to try something..
[18:48] <Alveria> "Don't worry! We'll take you to Moonhaven, where you'll face a fair and equitable justice system! That's right, isn't it?" she asks, glancing at Amonet.
[18:48] <Varul> Varul goes to the closest, poking his back harmlessly with his sword before frisking him down. "Hmph. Bandits," he mutters, doing the once over on 'em.
[18:48] <Amonet> Shifting the tip of her Ranseur to the ground, so that it points at one of the bandits, Amonet asks, "There was a cube you took off a stuttering apprentice from Moonhaven. Where is it?"
[18:49] * Amonet nods at Alveria, before returning her attention to the bandit
[18:49] <Usagi> All are wearing dirty clothes and leather armour, not seeming to have much else on them. "All our loot is in the back of the cave!" the archer cries. "But there's a pit trap in the way - we can show you how to get past it if you let us go!"
[18:50] * Serene shrugs. "I can handle it."
[18:50] * Serene doesn't say it loudly though.
[18:50] <Amonet> "You surrendered without condition!" Amonet exclaims, angered. "The cube you stole must be returned to its owner! Failure to cooperate at this stage...." She shakes her head, frowning at them.
[18:50] * Aramas kneels down in front of the archer and extends his hand near his face, forcing some of the power to form a small sphere which rolls and screams as it hovers against his palm.
[18:50] <Varul> Varul leans into one, knee gently keeping him down. "Say, what's thel ikely punishment for bandits," he asks idly to the others.
[18:50] <Aramas> "You'll tell us regardless."
[18:51] <Usagi> "That cube's in the chest with all the real valuables - Grom has the key on him!" one of the spearmen points at the dead half-orc. "But there's a blade trap on it as well!"
[18:51] * Serene searches the half orc.
[18:51] <Usagi> "Please don't kill us! Vlad and Grom were the real nasty ones!" the archer snivels, shuffling his belly on the ground to retreat from Aramas.
[18:52] * Aramas shifts his gaze back and forth before speaking.
[18:52] <Aramas> "You *will* tell us how to disarm the traps. Now."
[18:52] <Usagi> The half-orc is wearing chainmail, and dropped his nice double-axe. But a key is found on a string around his neck.
[18:52] <Amonet> "I shall speak on your behalf in Moonhaven," Amonet tells them. "There, I shall tell them of your bloodless and swift surrender, and of your cooperation."
[18:52] * Serene takes the key, moving the double axe out of easy reach of the other bandits.
[18:53] <Usagi> "We'll tell you, really!" one of the spearmen nods quickly. "Honestly, we won't give you any trouble! Not after what you just did to Grom, no way!"
[18:53] * Alveria wanders around them, nodding. "And then, you'll all become fair and responsible citizens of.. um... the north."
[18:53] <Aramas> "You stalling is wearing my patience thin. Speak now. The traps."
[18:54] <Amonet> "After their debt to society has been paid, yes," Amonet agrees, talking to Alveria.
[18:54] <Usagi> Breathing rapidly as he tries to shuffle away from Aramas, the archer speaks, "If you hug the left side of the wall, you can get past the pit trap. And there's a pressure plate you have to hold on the side of the chest when you open it so the blade won't come out!"
[18:54] <Aramas> "Which side?"
[18:55] <Usagi> "The right - just at the corner below the lid!" the bandit nods rapidly, only too eager to please, now.
[18:55] <Alveria> "Thanks! Let's have a look!" says Arvelia, walking into the cave, and hugging the left side of the wall, just like he said.
[18:56] * Aramas stares at him for a moment more before letting his power flare and then disapate into the air.
[18:56] <Serene> "Let me, Alveria."
[18:56] <Aramas> "If you have not been truthful, I shall be.. Angered."
[18:56] * Serene pulls her back gently.
[18:56] <Serene> "In case they're lying."
[18:56] <Alveria> "As long as I get to look at the box," she affirms.
[18:56] <Usagi> The cave opens out into a larger space with a firepit crackling merrily towards the left. To the right is one passageway, while another leads further on - a few small lanterns provide lighting throughout.
[18:56] * Serene shrugs and nods.
[18:57] * Serene leads the way in, carefully searching for traps and prepared for the ones they mentioned.
[18:57] <Usagi> OOC: Search check
[18:57] <Serene> roll 1d20+7
[18:57] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 --> [ 1d20=13 ]{20}
[18:58] * Amonet takes out a length of rope, and proceeds to tie up the bandits' wrist, binding their arms together, and then binding all three men to one another.
[18:58] * Aramas stands outside, watching the bandits, locking eyes with them on occassion while flaring his power around his hands and arms as he locks eyes with them.
[18:58] <Usagi> Serene spots the pit trap she was warned against - at the beginning of the far passageway there's some scuffmarks where a pit has been covered over with a dusty blanket. It blends in quite well, but not well enough for her sharp eyes!
[18:59] * Serene checks the solution they gave and whether it'd hold out, tapping ahead on her way before heading through.
[18:59] <Usagi> There's space about a foot from the wall to inch your way past, you think. The pit extends about 10 feet and then the path continues on to another open space in the distance.
[19:00] * Serene removes the blanket and checks the wall first for traps and then moves past it carefully.
[19:00] <Usagi> OOC: search check
[19:00] <Serene> roll 1d20+7 many search checks @_@
[19:00] <Reikobot> Serene rolled : 1d20+7 many search checks @_@ --> [ 1d20=9 ]{16}
[19:00] <Usagi> OOC: Also, use rope check for Amonet
[19:00] <Usagi> Serene doesn't spot anything else suspicious.
[19:01] * Serene continues on after making sure the trap is self-evident.
[19:02] <Usagi> Onwards Serene goes, the path descending a little before it opens up into the bandits' stash. Various fabrics and other trade goods are stacked haphazardly about, and a chest is also visible at the far end.
[19:02] * Serene scouts the room for traps and then checks for the pressure plate they indicated.
[19:02] * Amonet takes the time to bind the bandits.
[19:02] <Amonet> OOC: Take 10!
[19:04] <Usagi> Forewarned is forearmed, and Serene is able to open the chest without mishap using her knowledge of the trap and the key she procured earlier. Within... oooh, shiny! There's a small fortune in gold and other valuables, along with a small brass cube like the one Anomet described, its faces inlaid with jade and onyx and other semi-precious stones in an apparently random pattern.
[19:04] <Serene> OOC: Is the chest carryable?
[19:05] <Usagi> OOC: What's your strength?
[19:05] <Serene> OOC: 12
[19:05] <Serene> OOC: If it's huge I'll go get Varul and the others
[19:05] <Usagi> OOC: No. You could drag it.
[19:05] * Serene carefully moves it to the front of the cave, presuming she can do so safely.
[19:06] <Usagi> OOC: Let's assume you guys clean out the cave with no further difficulties. Also, we can wrap here, since Alastor can give you next week's quest hook when you meet him, so we can do that first thing next session.