Act 1, Part 2: Blood and Blades

[AnemoneEnemy]

Thomas of Nowhere | AC: 16 | HP: 19/19 | Per: +4 | Fort: +6 | Ref: +6 | Will: +6 | Hero: 1/1 | FP: 1/1

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Eidolon | AC: 18 |  Per: +4 | Fort: +6 | Ref: +7 | Will: +4

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Thomas and Æthelflæd close ranks without saying a word--perhaps by coincidence; they don't even look at each other as they converge behind Verne and the bear. Æthelflæd clutches their staff of office with both hands with a white-knuckled grip; Thomas' wyrd shivers the air around him, a ripple like a heat-shimmer.

"A hot iron i'the fire," he proclaims, green sparks flying as he speaks. A leaf-green sizzle of energy reaches into the garden, briefly connecting two of the bushes through the water between them.
 

OOC/mechanics

Electric Arc - hoping to use it to create steam and/or start a bush fire to create more steam.

 

[Kistler]

Millanius the Arcane - Human Thaumaturge 1 HP: 17/17 | AC: 18 | Perception25; 7: +5 Fort: +6 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5  | Conditions: None ResourcesCharacter: -Hero Points: 1/3 -Focus Points: 0/0 Items: - | Spells/ScrollsScrolls: - Cantrips:  - Level 1: - | Skills*Acrobatics: +6 *Arcana: +3 Athletics: +1 Crafting: +0 *Deception: +8 *Diplomacy1020: +8 *Esoteric Lore: +7 Intimidate: +5 Medicine: +0 *Nature: +3 *Occultism: +3 *Performance: +7 *Politics Lore: +3 *Religion: +3 Society: +0 *Stealth: +6 Survival: +0 *Thievery25: +6 *Trained Consumables: 2x Tanglefoot Bags Effects: None

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Millanous has no time to hesitate as both doors are forced open by the bear and four more of the black-clad assassins are revealed. The press of people behind him leaves him no line of retreat, so he steals his nerves and grips his borrowed crossbow tighter. He moves around the corner as quickly as he can, dropping the torch he carries as he moves. He drops to a kne and raises the crossbow, imagining a stage performance, with a beautiful assistant and an apple on her had. But this time he aims just a touch lower. The crossbow kicks, and the quarrel streaks away.

 

He drops the contraption as soon as its discharged, knowing it takes far longer than he has to reload. Then he pulls out his small scepter, its presence calming his fears somewhat, though perhaps a proper weapon would've been a better choice.

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OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1: Move Action 2: Shoot at villian due West Action 3: Draw Regalia Reaction: Recognize Spell Free: Drop torch (I'd like to have dropped it 5' SW of Mill's position, if that's okay) Drop crossbow.

Familiar/Other Modifiers Stitches the Monkey | 5/5HP | AC18 Per: +5/Fort: +6/Ref: +6/Will: +5 -Low-light Vision -Manual Dexterity -Valet -25' Land Speed   Effects: -15' Aura, Circ bonus to Dip/Int/Dec & +1 v. Fear -Success v Mental is crit success -+2 Damage from empowerment -Activate any Scroll

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Studded Leather Armor -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Thieves' Tools -Ringy Thingy -Bandolier   Weapons -Sword Cane -Aldori Sword -Crossbow -9 bolts -Dagger -5x Darts -Scepter (Regalia)   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Lantern, hooded -Rations (1 week) -Rope (50') -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -3x Flasks Oil -Manacles (poor) -5x Sacks -Potion of Healing -2x Tanglefoot bags   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Flint and Steel -Playing Cards -Thieves' Tools -Soap -2x Candles -Ring of Keys -3sp, 7cp

 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Kistler (see edit history)

[BlackHat]

Zakon Malheur HP: 14/14 | AC: 13 | Perception: +6 Fort: +3 | Ref: +3 | Will: +6 Hero Points: O | Focus Points: O

As the doors burst open, Zakon sees a couple of intruders in the garden and hears more beyond the door. He quickly moves into a position near the doorway, where he might have some cover from incoming bolts. As the bear cub took down one of the bandits, Zakon was forced to lean out from the doorway to see the man who seemed to be in command. Shouting out into the yard, he tries to distract the man further with implications of his impending death. "Whatever pittance they offered you to sacrifice your life, it was not enough." His words seemed to have the desired effect. Whatever drug these men had taken, it did not override their survival instinct. His next words carried subtle power behind them, "If you wish a stay of execution, plead your case quickly."

OOC

Action 1: Move to position in Forge
Action 2: Demoralize the intruder fighting the bear (success!)
Action 3: Cast Pact Broker (this time after they are Frightened 1)

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by BlackHat (see edit history)

[Spektor]

Antonia Rullianus

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AC: 17 | HP: 19/19 | Per: +5 | Fort: +4 | Ref: +8 | Will: +5 | Hero: 1/1 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven

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Antonia was so caught up in her little speech that she had barely enough time to register what was happening as Shardik started scratching at the door to open it. Her eyes went wide and she quickly moved to dart behind cover near the opening door, hopefully out of sight of the assassins that waited beyond. She shot a glare towards Verne, "Perhaps you should consider allowing us to prepare next time, hmm? Some of us do not have fancy magic or pet bear to draw fire." Her voice carried a lecturing tone and she ended it all with a quick exhale through her nose, showing her displeasure.

She stuck her blade's pointed edge into the scabbard and sheathed the weapon. Thankfully, she had been given the chance to gather her items from her room before being caught in another life-or-death situation. Antonia retrieved a small hand crossbow that was folded neatly and holstered on the opposite side of her rapier. She held the weapon up and the two limps unfolded and clicked into place. Thankfully, A bolt was already prepared and ready to go. She just needed to line up a good shot...

Actions

Action 1 - Stride towards the door, not peeking out quite yet.
Action 2 - Sheath Rapier
Action 3 - Pull out Hand Crossbow

Oh and to PlotDevice: This is Antonia lecturing Verne, not Foxxe/Spektor lecturing you 😛 Don't want you to think I'm actually upset about it, considering this is PbP and time is a weird soup.

 

[Rider Z]

Lerris Ninthborne

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HP: 17/20 | AC: 17 (19 w/ Raise Shield) |  Per: + 4 | Fort: +7 | Ref: +3 |Will: +7 | Hero 1/1 | Languages: Common (Taldane), Hallit, Skald

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"Dammit all, take cover if you don't won't to end up with a few new holes in you!" Lerris called out as he saw the crossbows being primed. He hated damn crossbows. He was never good at using them and it felt like they always ended up pointing at him.

"Would have drunk less if I'd known there'd be this much fighting." Lerris mumbled to himself as he rushed past everyone to plant himself just in front of Millanius and at the end of one of the bridges. As he ran he pulled the shield off his back, holding it steady forward and readying for any crossbow bolt that might catch him. 

 

Actions

Action 1 - Stride

Action 2 - Stride

Action 3 - Raise shield 

Edited January 25, 2023 by Rider Z (see edit history)

[Kavonde]

Shardik lunges for the surprised assassin's throat, and before the man can register that there's a bear trying to murder him, he has been murdered.

Verne's accompanying spell misses the assassin who was giving orders, but it nevertheless jumps to the bandit to his northwest, who cries out in stuttering surprise as the bolt nearly cooks him.

Thomas unleashes a lightning bolt of his own that strikes the surface of the stream and spreads, crackling, through the waterway. A 10'-wide cloud of evaporating steam rises from where the bolt hit, concealing the apparent leader of this group of assassins in an unexpected but quickly dissipating fog.

Millanius' crossbow bolt strikes true, hitting the same bandit who, just a heartbeat earlier, was struck by a bouncing jolt of electricity from Verne. The man falls, clutching the feathered shaft sticking from his chest.

Zakon's words find their mark against the mist-shrouded assassin, unnerving him. Zakon's Pact Broker cantrip unnerves him even further; though he still looks like he intends to attack, his hands are visibly shaking, even from thirty feet away.

Antonia and Lerris move into position in preparation of committing their own acts of violence, Antonia with her hand crossbow drawn and Lerris with his shield ready to intercept any blows aimed his way.

The assassin to the north aims one such blow at the rugged warrior, firing his hand crossbow. Lerris easily moves to avoid the bolt, and the assassin throws down his weapon in irritation, draws his dagger, and advances towards the warrior, wading through the knee-deep stream. Lerris, like Antonia, can clearly see indicators that this man is under the effects of some kind of drug that's making him extremely aggressive and idiotically fearless.

The apparent leader of these assassins fires his crossbow as well, but at Shardik. Remarkably, despite the assassin's shaking hands, the bolt is surprisingly well-aimed... but the cloud of steam obscuring his vision makes him aim just a hair's breadth over Shardik's head, missing him. Beginning to panic, the assassin reloads and fires a second shot, but this goes further wide and clatters uselessly against the garden's wall.

After the first few seconds of battle, two of the assassins already lie dead, though the remaining two are as yet unharmed. For our heroes, only brave Shardik has yet suffered any damage from this encounter, though Lerris' small wound from the previous fight has not yet been treated.

Edited January 26, 2023 by Kavonde (see edit history)

[Kistler]

Millanius the Arcane - Human Thaumaturge 1 HP: 17/17 | AC: 18 | Perception25; 7: +5 Fort: +6 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5  | Conditions: None ResourcesCharacter: -Hero Points: 1/3 -Focus Points: 0/0 Items: - | Spells/ScrollsScrolls: - Cantrips:  - Level 1: - | Skills*Acrobatics: +6 *Arcana: +3 Athletics: +1 Crafting: +0 *Deception: +8 *Diplomacy1020: +8 *Esoteric Lore: +7 Intimidate: +5 Medicine: +0 *Nature: +3 *Occultism: +3 *Performance: +7 *Politics Lore: +3 *Religion: +3 Society: +0 *Stealth: +6 Survival: +0 *Thievery25: +6 *Trained Consumables: 2x Tanglefoot Bags Effects: None

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"Stitches! My darts!" The false wizard calls, and the monkey snaps into action, grabbing a dart from his belt and scurrying to drop it in his hand. As soon as it hits his palm, Millanius flings it at the man wading through the water in front of him, movements somewhat frantic in panicked haste. Stitches then drops the blackened dagger into his hand, and Millanius frowns at the odd weight, but throws it anyway.

---

OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1: Command the Monkey -Stitches1: Get Dart 1 Action 2: Throw Dart -Stitches2: Get Dagger Action 3: Throw Dagger Reaction: Recognize Spell Free:

Familiar/Other Modifiers Stitches the Monkey | 5/5HP | AC18 Per: +5/Fort: +6/Ref: +6/Will: +5 -Low-light Vision -Manual Dexterity -Valet -25' Land Speed   Effects: -15' Aura, Circ bonus to Dip/Int/Dec & +1 v. Fear -Success v Mental is crit success -+2 Damage from empowerment -Activate any Scroll

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Studded Leather Armor -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Thieves' Tools -Ringy Thingy -Bandolier   Weapons -Sword Cane -Aldori Sword -Crossbow -9 bolts -Dagger -5x Darts -Scepter (Regalia)   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Lantern, hooded -Rations (1 week) -Rope (50') -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -3x Flasks Oil -Manacles (poor) -5x Sacks -Potion of Healing -2x Tanglefoot bags   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Flint and Steel -Playing Cards -Thieves' Tools -Soap -2x Candles -Ring of Keys -3sp, 7cp

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by Kistler (see edit history)

[PlotDevice]

Verne Greencloak | HP: 16/16 | AC: 15 | Fort: +3  Ref: +4  Will: +9 | Hero Points: 1/1

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Shardik | HP: 16/16 | AC: 15 | Fort: +5  Ref: +5  Will: +4

 

Verne says in a raised voice, "Carry on, buddy!"

 

The bear drops the body of the of the first assassin... and seems to swallow.  Then he lopes forward, jaws lolling open, looking almost good natured.  But when he reaches the other assassin, he lashes out again, teeth piercing the assassin's guts, and tears him in almost in two.  The bear follows him to the ground, worrying inside his body with a grumbling growl.

 

Meanwhile, Verne looks back at Antonia, and shrugs. "If we'd had time to prepare, they'd have time to prepare, or run away, or call for reinforcements.  The quicker we stop them the more likely we can save some lives.  Anyway, you do have fancy magic and a bear friend, because we're on the same side."  He gives Antonia an innocent smile, and walks forward through the doors to look around the garden.   

ActionsVerne:

1- Command Shardik
2- Move forward
3- not used (extra talking)

Shardik:

1- Move
2- Bite the Assassin he's next to.

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by PlotDevice (see edit history)

[BlackHat]

Zakon Malheur HP: 14/14 | AC: 13 | Perception: +6 Fort: +3 | Ref: +3 | Will: +6 Hero Points: O | Focus Points: O

Zakon continued to concentrate on the hold he had over the apparent leader. Although the intruder refused to negotiate an end to the violence, the hex Zakon had weaved with his words granted him authority to hinder the law-breaker's attempts to further it. In a supernatural sense, arbitration was compulsory. If they would not represent themselves, representatives would be appointed for them, metaphorically. Zakon wielded power that cannot be so casually dismissed once called upon. His hex included a motion for 'default judgement' and, in this matter, the prosecution held an abundance of evidence. And leverage.

The defendant had lost half of their accomplices before they even fired their weapons and the survivors did not manage to land a single bolt in their counter-strike. Was this the will of the gods? Zakon was not so naive but perhaps even these drug-addled simpletons could see their options evaporating. The warlock prepared to cast another spell, holding the severed hand of one of the victims and the dagger, which was still coated with the blood of the innocent man it was used to murder, in the other. An abundance of evidence.

Zakon began to speak arcane words of power - dark, sinister words, the likes of which may make the hair on the back of one's neck crawl. These were a form of occult legal argot - cryptic references to established case law and precedent. In this way, with only an utterance, Zakon implored powers beyond this world to honor their eon-old oaths and hold these mortals accountable for the deaths in which they are complicit. The severed hand twitched once and the dark blade began to leave blood-red glyphs in the air where Zakon carved them. 

Just then, before the spell was complete, the wild animal tore into the accused and began to feast while Millanius threw a knife into the chest of the other man in the water feature. It appears that the jury has reached their verdict. 

Abandoning the spell, Zakon exchanged a glance with Antonia before exiting into the courtyard to join the others.

OOC

Action 1: Concentrate on Pact Broker
Action 2 & 3: Start to cast Phase Bolt at the Leader but, oops, everyone else killed them all before the spell completed. Nevermind. Nothing to see here.

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by BlackHat (see edit history)

[Kavonde]

As the assassin throws himself headlong through the water, Millanius' hurled projectiles both find their marks, the dagger taking him through the heart. He drops into the water, which immediately begins to turn red as it flows south.

Meanwhile, Shardik... well, what Shardik does to the remaining assassin isn't fit to describe among polite company.

Another battle with these assassins has ended, and just as quickly as the first. So far, you all would have to surmise that the only reason they proved so effective against your fellow adventurers was the sheer amount of alcohol Lady Jamandi provided at her banquet. These men appear to be good for cutting throats in the dark of night, but perhaps not for much else.

Of course, it probably wasn't one of them that caused the ground to shake earlier.

[Kistler]

Millanius the Arcane - Human Thaumaturge 1 HP: 17/17 | AC: 18 | Perception25; 7: +5 Fort: +6 | Ref: +6 | Will: +5  | Conditions: None ResourcesCharacter: -Hero Points: 1/3 -Focus Points: 0/0 Items: - | Spells/ScrollsScrolls: - Cantrips:  - Level 1: - | Skills*Acrobatics: +6 *Arcana: +3 Athletics: +1 Crafting: +0 *Deception: +8 *Diplomacy1020: +8 *Esoteric Lore: +7 Intimidate: +5 Medicine: +0 *Nature: +3 *Occultism: +3 *Performance: +7 *Politics Lore: +3 *Religion: +3 Society: +0 *Stealth: +6 Survival: +0 *Thievery25: +6 *Trained Consumables: 2x Tanglefoot Bags Effects: None

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Millanius tries to hide the shaking of his hands and turmoil in his gut with a flourish and a bow. "Witness the power of a well-placed spell!" He calls, just a bit too loud. Then his quickly staggers back through the doors and into the closest place that's out of sight; last room they explored. Muffled sounds of retching can be heard moments later. Stitches grabs the torch and helpfully follows after.

 

After a minute, breathing deeply, wiping his mouth, and taking a swig of water to spit out again, he emerges, poised and chin held high once more. He moves to the southern door and opens it to glance inside. After, he joins the others in the garden to pull his thrown dart and dagger from a corpse, the grind of bone on blade almost making his lose his dinner once more.

---

OOC/Actions Other:  Action 1: Check other room Action 2: Recover weapons Action 3:  Reaction: Recognize Spell Free:

Familiar/Other Modifiers Stitches the Monkey | 5/5HP | AC18 Per: +5/Fort: +6/Ref: +6/Will: +5 -Low-light Vision -Manual Dexterity -Valet -25' Land Speed   Effects: -15' Aura, Circ bonus to Dip/Int/Dec & +1 v. Fear -Success v Mental is crit success -+2 Damage from empowerment -Activate any Scroll

Gear Worn -Clothing (Winter) -Studded Leather Armor -Backpack -Belt Pouch -Thieves' Tools -Ringy Thingy -Bandolier   Weapons -Sword Cane -Aldori Sword -Crossbow -9 bolts -Dagger -5x Darts -Scepter (Regalia)   Containers Backpack -Bedroll -Lantern, hooded -Rations (1 week) -Rope (50') -5x Sacks -5x Torches -Waterskin   Bandoliers -3x Flasks Oil -Manacles (poor) -5x Sacks -Potion of Healing -2x Tanglefoot bags   Belt/Pouch -10x Chalk -Flint and Steel -Playing Cards -Thieves' Tools -Soap -2x Candles -Ring of Keys -3sp, 7cp

 

[PlotDevice]

Verne Greencloak | HP: 16/16 | AC: 15 | Fort: +3  Ref: +4  Will: +9 | Hero Points: 1/1

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Shardik | HP: 16/16 | AC: 15 | Fort: +5  Ref: +5  Will: +4

 

Verne looks over and sees that Shardik is still munching on his last victim, head covered in blood.  He looks around at the various reactions, and sighs.  Then he casually steps off the walkway down into the stream.  He calls the bear to join him, and the bear leaves his meal to get in the water.  Verne washes the blood and worse out of his fur, and hugs him affectionately, saying, "Thank you for your help."

 

Once the bear is no longer gruesomely bloody, Verne climbs up out of the stream, to stand, dripping, on the plank walkway.  Shardik follows, spreads his legs, and vigorously shakes the water out of his fur.  There is time to get out of the splash zone, but Verne doesn't bother.  He looks around the garden for more doors, and says, "Does anyone know the layout of this place?  Or know where we should go?"  

 

 

Edited January 27, 2023 by PlotDevice (see edit history)

[Spektor]

Antonia Rullianus

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AC: 17 | HP: 19/19 | Per: +5 | Fort: +4 | Ref: +8 | Will: +5 | Hero: 1/1 | Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven

---

The finely dressed fencer looks to Verne with an expression that says 'I have more to say but not now.' and shakes her head disapprovingly. She leaned out from her hiding spot to aim her crossbow, but the bear is already on top of her target, tearing out his insides as the man lets out a gurgling, expiring breath. Wincing at the gruesome sight, Antonia grimaces and inhales a sharp breath of her own before attempting to choose a new target. But surprisingly enough, all of the assassins had been dispatched. What's more, Millanius proves to be quite capable with his 'spells' and has killed one of the assassins himself.

Having no targets, she refolds the crossbow and places it back in its holster. "My my, quite efficient, aren't you?" She asks no one in particular, more meaning the group as a whole. She slowly strides out into the courtyard and observes their work with her hands placed on her hips. "Never before have I witnessed such an efficient group of killers." Though she struggles with the grisly scene internally, she tried to play it off with a half-hearted joke and a mirthless chuckle.

Antonia catches sight of Millanius as he excuses himself to a side room to take care of his business. The sounds of retching are audible and for a moment, the fencer's expressions changes to one of pity. She understood, of course. This was a macabre situation, but it was kill-or-be-killed in this moment. Though one may not guess it, it was not the first time she had been in such a situation. She had hardened her heart against death and killing a long time ago as a younger woman. Once Millanius stepped back out of the side room, he might catch her looking at him. When and if he did, she offered the man a knowing nod and walked over to him, just as he removed his blade from the corpse. "It gets easier." Her voice is low, shared only between them. But it also different somehow. It is not theatrical, like her usual tone. It is genuine. The Brevoy accent is gone, replaced with something else. An accent that may be hard to pin down, but certainly foreign to his ears. "Not the killing, of course. That will stay with you forever. However, the reflexes to kill come to you much easier in time. Just know that tonight we do what we must." She extended a gloved hand to place it gently upon his shoulder, giving him a comforting smile.

In that moment, Millanius may have been the first to see past the mask of nobility to the genuine woman beneath it all. She is much different than the Antonia who had been showing herself up to this moment. This woman knew the pain of taking a life when you did not want to. This woman knew the fight for survival all too well. Then, just as quickly as she showed herself, she disappeared back behind the mask and a sly smirk spread across her face. "Oh, and liquor helps blur the memories." She pat his shoulder twice and turned her back to him, walking towards the rest of her group. "I know the way to Lady Aldori's office, as I'm sure the Judge and Lerris can recall as well. Although, I'll admit I am a bit turned around..." She trailed off, placing a curled finger to her chin in thought as she looked around herself, trying to regain her bearings.

 

Edited January 27, 2023 by Spektor (see edit history)

[BlackHat]

Zakon Malheur HP: 14/14 | AC: 13 | Perception: +6 Fort: +3 | Ref: +3 | Will: +6 Hero Points: O | Focus Points: O

Zakon made his way across the bridge while Verne and Shardik bathed and Millanius emptied his stomach. The corpse of the leader was a disgusting mess and, rather than touch it directly, he prodded the flaps of meat and leather and torn cloth with the long knife he still held, looking for anything that the one barking the orders might have been carrying that might give them some clue as to their mission. It seemed like a lost cause, though. Any scroll or missive would be soaked by now in blood and worse. He then moved on to one of the less-decimated corpses to find a black-leather sheath for the dagger he held as, once he was done with the blood on the blade, it would be convenient not to have to hold the implement all of the time.

Zakon perked up at Antonia's mention of his position and glanced at the door nearby as their only obvious avenue for exploration.

Edited January 27, 2023 by BlackHat (see edit history)

[Rider Z]

Lerris Ninthborne

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HP: 17/20 | AC: 17 |  Per: + 4 | Fort: +7 | Ref: +3 |Will: +7 | Hero 1/1 | Languages: Common (Taldane), Hallit, Skald

---

"I think I remember well enough. But this is a bloody huge mansion as well, almost a labyrinth. And I had my fair share of spirits last night." Lerris said as the tension in his arms lessoned slightly, white knuckles regaining their colour as his iron grip lessened somewhat on his sword and shield. But then he drew in another breath and his shoulders raised again, grip growing tighter once more. 

Lerris moved forward, stepping over the head of the bleeding assassin whose corpse had been caught on the side bridge. He couldn't help but notice as the river grew redder around the man, carrying that stain of blood downstream as it slowly disappeared into the night. It reminded him of his childhood. He spared a moment to give the man a half prayer. "I hope the river of souls carries you better than this one friend."

"For now though seems like we've only got one door in front of us. And beyond that I'm sure the fighting will lead us in a certain direction." Lerris continued as he stepped up towards the door leading back inside. Before he got to it though he turned back around towards the group. He gave them all a considering stare, mostly Millanius however. But his eyes eventually flickered back towards the group as a whole and he spoke to address them.

"I reckon this area is about clear now. At least safer than most other parts of the mansion and certainly more than where I'm heading. So I'll say this once before we continue forward. And only once. If any of you would rather hunker yourselves here and let the storm pass, no one would blame you. You aren't expected to risk your lives, nor take any others. In fact it's rather the opposite. It's expected of you to not lose or take anything at all. There's no shame in living and there's certainly no shame in not killing." 

Lerris of course, was mostly speaking to one of them in particular. But there was no point in singling anyone out just to make them feel worse.