Ruess

Huzzah! Victory!

In The Shade Varon turns his eyes to Skold at an opportune time in the conversation. "Correct. Once the matter of art sales is concluded, it is likely the matter of this visitation is considered concluded unless we are involved in another relevant matter as well - such as the social matter of a widow's grieving period." From somewhere, through the now open door, you hear heavy footsteps as Varon speaks. In response, he turns his voice to a more quiet tone so that his voice does not conflict with the heavy sound of metal greaves upon floor tiles. "That is likely the Captain." It is not a long wait. It is enough to arrange oneself into a suitable and comfortable posture so as to not look like one has been kept waiting. The woman who arrives does not arrive with a military posture. Nor does she come in alone. Instead, a battered figure of woman arrives at he door, held up by two men in servants' garbs - one is young and spry, the other aged and harrowed by age. Both are men and yet they are fighting to keep themselves upright with the armored woman in their middle, even though more plates and scale reinforcements are missing or shattered than there are left. She is large in physique but bent low by the harm visibly lingering on her. Blood and ichors cover her from the top of her head to the greaves, which are fully coated in rust-red stains. Before she is even at the door, you can see this woman fighting to come to a salute at a full attention with quivering limbs. She looks "Captain...Anika...Stormborn...Third...Of...Name... Present... As...Requested...My,...Lord...Skold." Her voice is a whisper, a ghost that lingers in shadows. RielatThird weekday, 30th49 days to a month, except Mesha is a day short of MeshaFirst month of the year, out of eight in total. 8:46 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 waits. And observes. "Yes. What His Holiness said." Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Crescenda rakes her mind for magics but has nothing workable. so Crescenda waits some more. Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

For the mercenaries, each. Standard daily rate plus Extra Danger Healthcare, to the fullest extent. If injured, they geat healed to full, by you or on your coin. Goes for any health affliction. Equipment maintenance and restoration Say they use up arrows. Or javelins. You pay for the replacement or fixing. Quartermaster Function If they need gear to get the job done, such as by getting a new cart or by getting toxin masks, that comes out of your money. Additionally, for each Named NPC [Veteran NPC] +5% off you cut of the total sales of the goods/spoils you found. Atat will take a separate fee of 36gp to make it all happen, but he will get it done rapidly.

You saw her flinch from something and try to fight it off. (She failed.) You saw her cling to a chair and scramble away from it in panic. And then you saw her clutch Doallyn in a substantial terror of losing him.

Under The Sun 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 Saai Vees "Lovely mistress Saai has graced Atat's table and she brings both fortune and profit with her, so Atat will happily share." A gloved hand beckons for Saai to lean in closer. "The Crocodiles are young, so you can easily lure them with small pay. But beware. Young and unblooded will run away unless you hire a veteran to, heh, whip them in shape. Veterans will demand more. Always more. There is a thousand tricks. But one is this: hire like the priests do with Ushabtis: one and ten. You want ten young bloods, and a veteran. Pay the veteran well, and give them the power to whip the youngs into form. Atat recommends this if you do not want your mercenaries to be monster feed, or like the ones you brought up here." Atat nods his head in the direction of the pile of dead bodies your group brought up from the lift to indicate at his point, and then continues. "If you pay Atat like a veteran, Atat will happily show you where Crocodiles have their camp, and will introduce you to their leader - who is also young blood, Atat must warn. Then Atat will introduce you to a flind who will make the crocodiles too afraid to run." Mercenary Pricing There are two categories you would need to consider when hiring mercenaries: their level of experience, and their type. The pay that a mercenary expects under normal circumstances is two silver [2sp] per level, per day. That is the standard they demand. If you want them to come in with equipment of particular level, you are required to provide either the gold or the gear. Be aware that you are asking them to go into a deep, dark and unknown territory and to maintain a chain of logistics for you. That may be a difficult angle to sell... As for mercenary types, you have the choice between Melee and Skirmishers, both of which can be either mounted or on foot. Alternatively, you can pay Atat to arrange you the same exact deal as what Doallyn made happen. Ruven And Kaldakazil You leave Saai and Atat to their disscussion of mercenaries and turn your attention to the kitchen area. It is slightly tricky to navigate your path to the back rooms since people are coming and going, and at least two halflings keeps coming and going through the door leading to the back, which creates something of a naturally occurring hindrance for you. At the same time, you are not challenged on your way. Thus, you manage to slip in, past the swinging doors, into the simmering heat of a kitchen that has room for both of you to stand in and to have a good look at the chef standing on a wooden box so as to reach the heated plates upon which some new meat slices are sizzling. The air in here is tantalizing to smell, rich in spice and heavy in greasy fumes. Sunny - Sunrise, as you recall is her actual name unless you are her friends - is a lizardfolk of small stature and small size but all of that is covered in a striking, potent hue of jade colored scales. You see neither armor nor clothes on her, not so much as a single strand of it or a band of gems: they are all piled on a table not far from a window, piled up like a treasure hoard on top of which sits a rather large spider that is as blue as Sunshine is green. The spider clicks its mandibles in your direction, which prompts the rather small humanoid by the stovetop to crane her neck so as to quip something sibilant at the sight of you, albeit with a pause. "Ava'yornssvabol?" Do you speak Draconic? If yes, have a look. Translation: "Hello. What?" Grammar Notice: Sunshine is using an altered grammar to poise two un-joined words to create an inquiry that is both a greeting and an inquiry. She wants to know what you what, and is using a short sentence to do so. Accurate grammar would take much longer to express into the same question, and sound far more polite. Mahdi Mahdi finds himself with a curious twist of luck. A message is waiting for him by the door, where a young runner is holding a small scroll of parchment. The wax seal is a rather familiar one, and fully intact as well. The contents of the scroll are interesting. Apparently Mahdi is wanted for a little sit-down, urgently enough that Zaid has rented a little room at an out-of-the-way tavern that Mahdi has been to once or twice. The place is called Silver Line, as Mahdi recalls, and it caters to private meetings. In less polite words it is one of many businesses that serve as neutral areas where people can sit down without being eavesdropped on by people who would see their arrested, dead, or even both, and not necessarily in that order either. "Mahdi. Good. Come in. Sit down." The interior of Silver Line looks almost like that of a tavern, down to a bard with more self-confidence than skill or talent. The meeting Mahdi is wanted in is at third floor, in a room that has a number. The letter even told Mahdi how to knock. "You brought something? Dates? Good man." The inside of the meeting room has just enough furnishing that one can pretend to be civilized and comfortable while discussing businesss. Here, in thiss room, there are a few chairs arranged around a modest table, all of them wooden and of unremarkable quality. The windows are shut, covered and shuttered but daylight still muscles in, perfectly casting the happy tint of daylight on an elven figure who looks rather unhappy about it. "Meet your newest associate. Fresh from Sutyu's care. The winds tell me that your paths should meet." Here sits Zaid Al-Massrani. Zaid has the looks an elven skeleton with a pallid stretch of skin on top, and a face that would rather bite a dragon than not look distinctly unhappy for a minute. Zaid sits with his back to one window, and looks particularly unhappy about how the light highlights the sheer darkness of his garb, which is black with more black except for some foreboding dark purples as well as choice chitings in the silken designs. Zaid's extensive hair looks like it was just swept back from whatever ordeal is suffered, again leaving Zaid ready to demand an explanation or a discount from the universe. "Given just how deep the city is in chaos, and in my- our pockets through that, I'm inclined to listen to every wind that comes my way. I don't expect either of you to be friends, but I do need you to pretend to be professional. You can do that, won't you. The song of coin is certain on this."

Since no one has reacted to Racanna's flashback and the cue it represents, we will move on to the meeting with the Captain Of The House Guard. If someone wants to try to have a go, you have until tomorrow to draw up a post. (I am excluding Skold from this since Skold is outside the room.) Terran. if your post is intended to represent Elektra's actual reaction, please do indicate as much. This OOC thrads is expressly Out Of Character.

Could be worse. Imagine if they started rolling criticals. Wouldn't that be a pain?

Under The Sun 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 10:2 Saai Vees At first look this gnome Atat is certainly aging - or then the sun is draining his beard swiftly. He iss quite well dressed and his top hat has a collection of tools about him as though the ones on his vest and inside his ample greatcoat were not enough. He looks almost ridiculous in this heat, and would doubtlessly be dead from heat stroke if not for the strange air of winter surrounding him. He has a steady smile about him, one that grows at the sight of Saai. "Eh-heh-heh-helloo~" he greets Saai with a warm smile "Do have a seat, Miss Vees. How can Atat help a lovely lady like yourself?" When Saai speaks of Roy and the matter of mercenaries, Atat nods. And rubs his hands together. "You speak of Crocodiles, mercenaries, yes? Atat has met them. Young mercenaries, very hopeful. Not blooded yet. Atat can show you where, for some coin. Atat can even make introductions. Atat might even know a few veterans if lovely Miss Vees needs more than youth and muscles." Mahdi Mahdi finds himself with a curious twist of luck. A message is waiting for him by the door, where a young runner is holding a small scroll of parchment. The wax seal is a rather familiar one, and fully intact as well. The contents of the scroll are interesting. Apparently Mahdi is wanted for a little sit-down, urgently enough that Zaid has rented a little room at an out-of-the-way tavern that Mahdi has been to once or twice. The place is called Silver Line, as Mahdi recalls, and it caters to private meetings.

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 considers her options. She is willing to dig up her notebook and open it right where her shorthand spell notes reside. Running through her latest theory on cleansing effect yields as little result as ever. None of it is of use here. Her allies cannot see in the darkness she might bring about, her aim is poor enough under best of times and her arms are unsteady with a blade... An aggrieved sigh escapes the tiefling. Conditions, Actions And Things Of Interest Crescenda rakes her mind for magics but has nothing workable. so Crescenda waits some more. Darkvision 60 ft Darkness 1/Day; as per spell, as a spell-like ability; Resist 5 Cold Resist 5 Fire Resist 5 Electricity

How in the world did you manage a Nat 20 right here?!

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 considers Saai's question before indicating at a particular gnome standing on top of a large box while arguing with two other gnomes. The one that Roy indicates at is wearing a very fetching hat as the only indicator you can find to tell the three gnomes apart by, at least on a quick look. "Atat there mentioned he is a... connector? People person? He makes it his business to know people, apparently. Ask him about Crocodiles. They are supposed to be a newly formed company."

In The Shade Varon observes the discussion, listening. Until: "Archmage McClare's research - did he leave observable records?" Outside the door, in the corridor, where Skold is speaking with the elven guard. The she-elf's blue eyes consider Skold and his words before she decides to nod. "The Captain is at the Medical Ward and will be able to attend to your lordship. If you will allow a moment, I will send for a runner." 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

A minor Point Of Order for those of you who appear to have missed it. Skold stepped out of the sitting room, and into the hallway. Skold is alone with the elven guard.

This is a concerning pile-up of zombies. How many do you suppose there are?

Huzzah! Hooray! Pip pip and cheerio! Raise a toast to yourself to celebrate, yeah?

In The Shade "You raise a point, Lord McClare. In answer, I raise you that our goals align. If conflict does arise, then we will resolve it in whatever manner is necessitated. If this, in turn, converges with the matter of attempts made on your self and your lady wife, so be it." 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

Team! Do you have a plan in the making? Your associate Mahdi already walked out the door and you're chatting by the table. You need to form a decision if you want to move out, whether on individual basis or for the group.

More importantly: are you alright?

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