Ruess

In The Shade "Another unwelcome development. This is becoming a pattern..." Varon muses aloud, not addressing it to anyone in particular. At Sarai's look, Varon turns his head to address Sarai properly ss he continues: "The lady of the house is the only remaining authority in the household whom the emissaries cannot gainsay. We would require a noble peer to challenge the emissariers on their action. As Lord McClare mentions, a widow is expect to hold a period of mourning. We would need to challenge the emissaries, which is a matter of societal graces that, if you will pardon the phrasing, is as much a duel with words as it would be with weapons. We would have only one attempt. And the emissaries will doubtlessly have established their favor with the lady already. The castellan or the captain of the house guard may be willing to hear our argument if we pursue this path." Varon pauses to let you consider his words beore he continues in a more quiet voice. "If Sarai is correct and Lady Neferkare turns to undeath as a solution, that would bode darkly given the unrest in the tombs. I will not believe that it is a coincidence." Translating Varon's Meaning So what it boils down to is this: you can claim the emissaries are in violation of societal protocol. It will be your social skills rolls against theirs. And the party presents a better case to the third party, who Varon recommends as being either the Castellan or The Captain Of The House Guard, has their way. If you make a better case, the emissaries are forced to acknowledge their error or they lose face, and potentially face more consequencess. If you don't manage, you won't get a second try and the emissaries continue unhindered. This is not the only venue of approach, but it is certainly one of them. Skold in the meantime has stepped outside the room exact and found a guard not ten feet from the door. A she-elf stands there, fully armored and yet slim like most elves tend to be. She turns to look at Skold upon beind addressed, and offers a curtsy in greeting before she answers in a quiet voice. "The darkest of days are upon us, my lord. Is there something you require?" RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:44 A.M

Crescenda | WizardConjuror Variant of Wizard 2 | Spells used - L0: 1/5; L1: 3/4 | AC: 12/16Dexterity +2 Touch 12 Flat-Footed 10 If Mage Armor is cast and active, Hagen's Armor becomes: AC16, T12, FF 14 | HP: 11/11 | Fort +2 | Ref +2 | Will +4 | Spot/Listen +1/+1 Crescenda steps some ways from the crowd at the bottleneck, and from the two explosions of likght. There is little to be done presently, but the explosions of holy energy are a sight to the eyes- definitely a detail that Crescenda will write notes on. Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Crescenda moves away from the clusterpile and waits. Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

They did, yes. I have posted the info. It was an easier method than individualized PMs. Took a bit to get arranged due to today being a tricky thing.

In The Shade "It is good to see you ambulant, Lord McClare, and your lady wife as well. We require no heralds here, protocol notwithstanding: we have... Other priorities. You mention Archmage Macclare was in poor mental state? " Varon shows no emotion on his face, and his posture remains as rigid as ever. His voice is enough emotionless, and clear in pronounciation. ' RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:43 A.M

If everyone could please hold so that ArcaneDesperado can post next, that would be splendid, please and thank you.

Under The Sun Under The Sun Varon is quick to remove himself from the desperate hands of the aging manservant. When Sarai takes over, Varon gives a quick nod of his head in recognition. "Good day, Mister Taylor. These are the specialists I spoke of." "Thank the Sun! My lords! Ladies! I am Jonathan Taylor, humble servant of my Lady of Neferkare, at your service, and I plead you: board the chariot. I will offer every explanation, but please, I beg you, board with hurry! We have no time to lose!" You are offered a deep bow by this Jonathan Taylor. He is slow to manage it be he bows deep to your entire group. "We understand, Mister Taylor. But my associates are cautious due to recent experience. When did you and I meet, and what was the matter we spoke of?" Breathing rapidly, hands gripping air for fear of ripping Sarai's finery, the aging man turns quivering eyes upon Varon. Fear and panic are warring on this man's face - Varon's face in contrast is an unmoving facade of stone. Then. A spark. Something grabs that fear and old Mister Jonathon finds his center. "You approached my lady regarding artful acquisitions. You indicated they had historical and material importance and invited me to consult with... My lady's latest household guests. Per your suggestion , they confirmed this would be a matter worth my lady's time." Varon is happy with that. He indicates that you should board. "We shall proceed then." On The Way On the way to the villa itself you are briefed by the Jonathon, who invites you to call him by whatever form you feel best. The short and dire of it is that Evening Glory's clergy arrived far eariler than they were scheduled, entirely uncaring of the Castellan's and House Guard Captain's loud objections. Jonathon is certain they mean to sway his Lady Neferkare to a dark purpose. He cannot deny them passage now, no one in the household can except the lady herself. And she is grieving! If nothing else, these emissaries from Evening Glory should allow for a grieving period before they rush in like vultures! Arrival And then, you arrive. The manor is a fine thing. Elven, in a word. There are trees and gardens, cultivated and green. Orchards line a white marble path that leads to the entrance hall, through which you find yourselves escorted to a spacious sitting room. Of Jonathon you see little after disembarking and stepping onto a marble path, for he is called elsewhere to his duties- and yet you also observe another charior near where yours arrived. It is far darker, as though draped in shadows and grieving lilacs. Even the horses hitched to it look as though a shadow were hanging over them even though the sun is bright. Inside the sitting room proper you are offered the usual refreshments, including a plate of salted breads; it's all very comfortable and pleasant to sit on plush seating within what must be arranged cooler climate, in shade no less. In little time a maid brings you news that the lady is in good state and will be able to receive you soon. However. Before she excuses herself, Varon bids her thus: "Our business involves the lady's visiting guests. Please arrange for their arrival here as soon as possible." Once the maid has gone, Varon turns to you. "His Lordship conveyed that it would be of import for ourselves to meet the lady's two guests. He conveyed that they would know something of the events that would be of interest to us. " Rolling Opportunities Knowledge: Religion: There are some insignias on display here. Are any of them important as far as divine business goes? Also, by the by - there's a thing happening. Do you notice it? Knowledge: Nobility: There are some insignias on display here. Do you think will recognize any of them? Also, by the by - there's a thing happening. Do you notice it? Knowledge: Local: There's a thing happening. Do you notice it? Sense Motive How is the mood in the manor? You met one manservant who is looking like his world is collapsing. Is he the only one? RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:43 A.M

Crescenda | WizardConjuror Variant of Wizard 2 | Spells used - L0: 1/5; L1: 3/4 | AC: 12/16Dexterity +2 Touch 12 Flat-Footed 10 If Mage Armor is cast and active, Hagen's Armor becomes: AC16, T12, FF 14 | HP: 11/11 | Fort +2 | Ref +2 | Will +4 | Spot/Listen +1/+1 "So you know, these are unaltered hobgoblin zombies! We may be observing someones who did not serve eagerly enough, or someones who failed to produce results. Either occasion would be rather grim, but at least they haven't been upgraded. Your Holiness might be able to burn with with a holy...What is it? Turning? Blasting?," Crescenda shares with her allies while maintaining her vigil in the room. Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Crescenda maintains her vigil and talks. It's a lot to say and she has only six seconds to say it in. 5-foot step Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

Lights In The Dark AdrielFifth weekday, 32th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. Late Morning 10:26 Roy "I..." Roy halts. You can see his hands work out his contemplations. He, himself, looks at the table while his fingers dance all over themselves as he considers Saai's words. "I...don't know what to tell you. I don't know a single artificer. Consider visiting the sanctorum next door, and asking their head priest. If nothing else, they should know who to refer you to. Big letter *E* kind of evil things are... Tricky doesn't quite fit here. But it's that or shit-spaw. Take your pick. As for Varon... I don't know. Somewhere. I imagine with societal people. He's not here, he's not upstairs, he's not in the back, so I imagine he will turn up at some point. If you are heading, be safe out there."

Crescenda | WizardConjuror Variant of Wizard 2 | Spells used - L0: 1/5; L1: 3/4 | AC: 12/16Dexterity +2 Touch 12 Flat-Footed 10 If Mage Armor is cast and active, Hagen's Armor becomes: AC16, T12, FF 14 | HP: 11/11 | Fort +2 | Ref +2 | Will +4 | Spot/Listen +1/+1 Crescenda blinks at the zombies and racks her mind for what she mind recall... While she is at it, she steps out of the curtain spot sne meandered into so as to eye at where the rest of her new associateas wandered. She sees only one of them fully, and suspects she can guess where the other two are. "Naturally," Crescenda acknowledges Wilwick's plan. Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Crescenda takes a 5-foot-step, reloads her crossbow and thinks. 5-foot step Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

Under The Sun ' ' "This is an unwelcome and inopportune development." From within his clothes, Varon produces a coin that possessess a very peculiar green hue about its metal form, as well as a distinct sigil of a noble house. He makes certain that all of ou can see it, and should someone distinctly want to hold it, Varon allows whomever to take it into their hand. "The house guards that I spoke with earlier indicated that this would not take place. Not yet. Someone has changed the plans. If it is a bluff, there will be words with the officer or trooper who is... the designer of this change." Varon adjusts his ensemble one more time as he speaks and takes a slow breath. "Avoid interaction with Rakner group if able. And follow. Please." Varon goes. In steady, sharp steps. But without a hurry. It does nothing to interfere with this yelling dwarf Rakket's mixture of outrage and boiling temper, which does little to actually gain him and his group access through the fortified gate. "Begging your pardon, Master Rakker, sir, but there is another group arriving!" hollers that same person from the battlements. "I'm not finished with you!" comes an immediate and very irate rerort "Terribly sorry sir! Hello from the gate! Who comes?" Rather than use words, Varon raises the green coin in his hand higher in the air. There is some shuffling on the forifications as the gleam of a spyglass gleams there, and furious grumling from the Rakner group very much within hearing range of some ten feet maybe. "Unbelievable! They will let undeclared mutes- and is that an orc!? Murhadin save us all! This city's going down the shitter!" "I see it. Come over to the gatehouse, sir and company. You, Rakket-Rakner-Sir, will need a token or to send for someone at Riverhill Arbor. I'm under orders to demand a token and that's what I'm doing" Varon doesn't pause when Rakket explodes into something highly rude sounding in Dwarven. It takes a short time from there to pass through the gate. You are in apparent luck- Rakket is loud enough and opinionated enough that his distracting presence leaves the guards in the gatehouse very disinclined to ask about your business beyond registering your group's number and having a general idea of what you looked like when you passed through. Your group's thoroughly mixed state does draw a remark, but it is a respectful one in the vein of "Huh. That's interesting" rather than the alternatives. Once through, your group is halted by a manservant who practically rushes to you. He is thoroughly unremarkable in all aspects, and a rather uninteresting sight as far as men go, but if you truly try, you think he looks a little aged. And he is dressed like you would a household servant to dress in this desert heat. He has a wispy voice and a sun-tinted skin about him. "Mister Varon! Mister Varon! Thank the Sun that you are here! And you brought company as well!" Behind the approaching man, you spy a fully kitted out chariot suited for traversing streets in comfort and swiftness. Before Varon can so much as get a word in, the aged man continues, practically clinging to Varon. "Those people from before, the ones who promised to comfort the Lady, they came in early! Far too early! It is unseemly! They are pouring their poison in her ears already! I hurried here with Stevan and his chariot! Please Mister Varon! You and your companions are the only hope the Lady!" Your group observes a small detail Varon looks thoroughly uncomfortable being in this aging man's desperate grip. RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:28 A.M

Crescenda | WizardConjuror Variant of Wizard 2 | Spells used - L0: 1/5; L1: 3/4 | AC: 12/16Dexterity +2 Touch 12 Flat-Footed 10 If Mage Armor is cast and active, Hagen's Armor becomes: AC16, T12, FF 14 | HP: 11/11 | Fort +2 | Ref +2 | Will +4 | Spot/Listen +1/+1 Crescenda was happy and safe at the back, where she was idly musing on a minor trivia. The lack of yelling tells her it''s not a major danger, but the mutterings and the sudden lack of movements tell her something has come up. Thus, Crescenda cricks her neck. Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

I'll toss the player an invitation. You can ask the player your questions.

Question to the group. Is there room for one more player? What say you all?

Lights In The Dark AdrielFifth weekday, 32th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. Late Morning 10:24 Roy Roy makes certain that ales and plentiful and that steaks come in hot once he has heard your story. "Well! That..." Roy drums his gauntleted fingers on the table in thought. "Yees! That! That is that. So! Firstly, I'm happy to see you all back alive in one piece. If there is that much going on down there, I dread to think what will happen to less prepared groups. Shapeshifting monsters, eesh." Roy shakes his head. "Your descriptor for the... weaver shop? I've got nothing. But I might know a guy or two, maybe. I should caution you that they are cut-throat types, and those don't like telling tales. As for the corpses and their businesss... There was a plan, yes, and since you seem to have forgotten the plan, I will happily tell you that any in the city temple will take your business. It's just a matter of gold and services. Some will be happy to charge you a fortune, and some will take ten copper and sell it to the nearest necromancer for coppers." Roy leans in, and lowers his voice. "I can't stop you from marching to the closest temple of Heironous or rushing to kick in Grand Inquisitor Vibrum's door, but I'll have you know I'm diving in the nearest well if you do either of those. Water will only drown me and that'll be that." Roy leans back out and continues in his normal voice. "Local faiths and churches might be easier to talk to. They won't ask how exactly you came by the corpses and your...knowledge of their state. The Sanctum literally next door might be open to your business. Particularly since you have all these amulets and skulls. Roy pauses to pause for a short breath. "Plantwise I would ask Sunny if you are looking to make a sale. She might be good for consulting if you want to make something out of it. Maybe. But don't quote me on that. Artwise you should ask Varon, who is busy elsewhere today. You could send a runner to let him know you have art in need of moving - well, you could hire someone who knows art to move it. Your choice."

There's a pile of exp and sales gold headed your way. Be ready with your pens.