Chapter 3 - The Way To Become What You Want

[BigRedRod]

The night ends too quickly, but passes uneventfully. In the pre-dawn of the twenty-third day of Alturiak the high-summoner and her two Guardians find themselves outside the Cathedral once more.

Clearly, a message was sent to the Riskbreakers during the night, as they anticipated the arrival of Luian, Kythrin and Triren by loading the massive weight of the sarchophagus onto a sturdy cart. Two very powerful looking horses stamp their hooves restlessly as they are attached to the cart.

Lowry, the Dux of the Riskbreaker company approachs the trio,
"We'll have you ready to go shortly. Head directly down the wide road leading eastwards, follow the roads towards Alvarez, and then to Staton. Through the highway cut through the mountains and you'll be there. Good luck, don't worry about Andrion, it's an capable hands."

From an alley-way, Ielenia emerges followed by Garland, hand on his weapon as always, she approaches the group and addresses Kythrin and Triren,
"Guardians, it is a sad day that we must part company. I relieve you of any duty you had towards me, I hope your pilgrimage goes well from here on."
The High Summoner merely nods at Luian. Garland remains silent, although he is clearly frustrated, as the normally serene look is gone from his face

[TheDruid20]

Feeling her pack heavy with rations and supplies, Luian's mind runs over the concept of a strict Hierarchy over and over again, everytime all she can see is the corruption and babbling idiots palced in positions of power just because of their age or who they know. But now thats irrelavent the vile sarcophogus must be destroyed, she runs over the route in her head trying to think of any places that might be a nice place to stop or ones to avoid.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin drops a knee before Ielenia. "I was an honor serving you, mistress. May you remember me upon my return." He rises once more nods to Garland, a silent goodbye for a silent warrior.

The cleric then steps to Lowry, speaking softly. "If anything goes awry here, don't hesitate to seek our help. The great city of Andrion shall never fall."

Despite the recent funeral and horrible news, Kythrin's visage remains unphased by sorrow. Kythrin looks to the cathedral of the Core, remnants of the funeral still emblazoned upon his mind. "Lords, please help me lift the sorrow from our shoulders. The world needs us," he whispers to himself, sure that no other can hear.

[tyckspoon]

Triren's mood visibly lifts as the hour of departure arrives and the twin prospects of sating his wanderlust and leaving the depressive atmosphere of the city that once was alive become realities. The wait passes fairly pleasantly for him as he spends the time imagining small surprises he might one day have a chance to rig into the Elder Summoner's quarters.

[TheDruid20]

Turning to her fellow summoner, "May we both learn from our time here and find our own way and own path. Good luck in helping the city, hopefully we can destroy this foul relic without any problems."

[BigRedRod]

"I hope neither mission relies on luck..."
Luian takes a step backwards as Lowry approaches,
"High-Summoner, your luggage awaits"

...

The heavy cart slowly rolls away, the trio walking ahead of the horses with Kythrin gripping the reigns. The road to the east is much wider than most of the city streets and the buildings slowly decline in height and density. It's hard to define an exact end point for Andrion in this direction, but it can't be far from the first major turning to take the party northwards.

The sound of jingling bells.

The first lights of dawn are accompanied by three small spheres of light which arrive out of nowhere before the party and travel backwards to glide around the heavy sarcophagus in the cart. Turning to follow the lights the party catch sight of a figure standing in the deserted street.

An entertainer.

A court-jester.

A fool dressed entirely in black and white, his face painted and his dress distinctly strange. A mixture of painted skin, a skin-tight garment and ornate spiked armour. The boundries between soft leather and skin are hard to make out due to his colouring, but after a mere moments study it is clear that this is not simply a fool caught by the madness.

Bells single once more as his shifts his pose,and the tiny bells attached to his foolscap ring. Rather than the traditional fool-scepter, the figure carries a long thin sword. His face remains set in a grin as he greets the party in a warm friendly voice,
"Luie, Kyth, Tri, I'm sorry but I can't let you leave Andrion with that-"
His sword points toward the cart,
"-It's not yours, you see. Be a good girl Luie and just walk away, I don't want to hur- ...."
Mid-syllable the fool pauses, before continuing in a lower voice
"Or maybe I do. Hmmm"
The jester begins a rather exaggerated mime of careful consideration and the three ghostly lights pop out of existence

Map
[ooc: it should be clear. The yellow lies mark the rough road boundry, the black things are buildings, mostly two floor homes. Any cut off sections of house are second foor terrace areas. The circle is a well. The green box is the cart. 5ft/square scale as per usual]

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@-3 bm 6b rs 0 L *s -3 3k 56 rs 0 J
*END -2g4d9x

[TheDruid20]

"You wont hurt us so long as I am alive."
Luains rattles off a series of words that make no sense that cause all three of the group to grow much larger.

(Mass Enlarge person)

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin's grip around the horses' reigns tightens as a prayer goes through his head. His lips move slowly and his eyes lock onto the jester.

OOC: Delay action Hold Person in case he decides to rush us.

[tyckspoon]

Triren's good mood evaporates as the lights appear, and is replaced by full anger as the jester speaks. The thief moves around the cart while returning the fool's speech with abuse. "Bastard kid of a lovesick whore and a beggar! Stop bothering us! Core help me, if you come closer I'll rip your Gods-damned throat out!" Triren pulls his weapon free and takes a couple of swings to get used to the increased length of it and his own greater stature, then stands to await the jester's next action.

(Move to in front of one of the cart's far corners, relative to us.)

[BigRedRod]

Luian's spell completes and the trio find themselves swelling in size. Kythrin stands ready while Triren draws his weapon and moves closer toward their foe.

[ooc: end of your suprise]

The jester smiles, finishes his mime and dances sideways singing a song of seeming nonsense. Ending with a twist he raises his sword into the air and pushes forward with his outstretched palm. Luian's recognition of the jester's words come a fraction of a second too late. Lightning streaks from the jester's hand. The rogue nimbly jumps a few feet to his left, steadying himself on the wall of a nearby house but Luian doesn't manage to move in time.
The electrical blast strikes the High-Summoner squarely, sending her muscles into spasms. The effect lasts only for a fraction of a second but the pain caused was seemingly infinite
[ooc: Luian is under ten percent hp]


Initative
Black and White Fool
Tiren
Kythrin
Luian

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3 bl 54 rs 0 K *s -3 8y 77 rs 0 T *s
@-3 bl 6g 37w 9g L *s -3 3k 6l rs 0 J
*END -adif15

[tyckspoon]

Triren reaches into his backpack as the magic bolt streaks by him and calls a thunderstone to his hand. He palms the rock as he steadies himself and once more sets facing the jester, waiting for the next word out of the fool's mouth to toss the stone and shut him up.

[TheDruid20]

Luian uses her strength to move behind the cart for as much cover possible, only head sticking up if possible, and readies a counter spell action.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin, seeing the bright flash of electricity and his charge sent reeling, lets go of the reigns and moves to Luian. He places his hand on her arm and closes his eyes, reciting a prayer known to all clerics.

OOC: Replacing Consecrate(lvl 3) with Cure Serious Wounds and casting it defensively

[BigRedRod]

The rogue grips the thunderstone tightly in his hand, waiting for the mysterious jester to let a single sound pass his lips.

The noise and spiralling chaos arriving with the lightning bolt seems to have thoroughly worried the horses, but the Cleric releases their reigns to tend to his fallen charge. Maintaining constant watch on the fool, he summons divine energies to flow into Luian and sooth her painHealed and more physically able, Luian moves around the cart using it's sturdy wooden frame as a shield, her inflated form struggling to find as much cover as she might otherwise. Her eyes watch for the beginnings of another spell
Dancing across the wide-road, the odd figure stops as it moves in line to see the cowering figure of the enlarge summoner. The fool begins another short dance with his sword, Triren and Luian prepare to act, but no spell arrives... The black and white figure simply freezes into a mocking pose.

Initative
Black and White Fool
Triren
Kythrin
Luian

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@-3 8u 4p rs 0 L *s -3 6r 4n rs 0 J
*END -umzw9j

[TheDruid20]

((assumeing nothing else happens big))
With a series of arcane muttersing the ground pulses in bright light and a celestial lion appears next to the fool, attacking his back.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin steps to the horses and once again grabs their reigns to keep them from dashing off with the precious cargo they tow. The cleric then looks to the gods and recites a swift prayer, touching his holy symbol in an attempt to gain protection from the Core.

OOC: Casting Sanctuary (DC 14)

[tyckspoon]

Triren moves across the cart to end up in front of Luian and drops the thunderstone into a belt pouch, freeing up his hands for proper use of his main weapon. The rogue looks down at the fool from his increased height and gives a half smile before whipping the chain towards the fool's legs, with intent to drag the gaudy man into the dust.

[BigRedRod]

The chain lashes outward skimming the floor, sending up a tiny foot-level cloud of road dust. With eternal grace the jester performs a small hop, allowing the chain to pass beneath him.

Golden light surrounds the cleric as he prays for protection. Wave of serene calmness accompanies the light. With their reigns held once more the horses seem to settle slightly

For all his grace and poise, the fool seems quite unprepared for the Summoner to actual summon something. The lion rakes with it's powerful claws, catching the target with both, snarling it also plunges towards the monochrome with t's teeth bared. The lion bites, but misses the dodging fool.

Arcane words float down to the street-level engagement, and the lion vanishes as suddenly as it arrived. Looking upwards, a figure stands above the conflict on a roof terrace a dozen feet above. With her spell complete, the figure rests her hand on the short wall surrounding the terrace.
The arrival is dressed in a similar manner to her male counter-part, although her clothing lacks the cruel spikes or reinforcement. Her garb is blue as opposed to black, and thin blue ribbons trail from her odd costume. In her left hand there is a simple rod coloured in blue and white spirals

Taking advantage of the suprise caused by his companions sudden appearance, the black fool leaps forward with his sword ready. The first stroke made is rather clumsy and Triren easily dodges, with it's follow up he is no so lucky and has a light gash cut into his right calf.

Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@-3 8u 4p rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 7k 3u rs 0 B
*END tbmgmq

[TheDruid20]

With this new threat Luian moves toward the horses to keep as much cover as possible and does her best to watch both fools to counter any spell they cast.

[tyckspoon]

Triren smiles at the man facing him before laying a length of chain across the fool's sword and, with a savage twist, attempting to close the loop and rip the weapon out of the jester's hands. The angered trapsmith then performs the same technique on the motley-clad opponent's legs in accordance with the combat doctrine of Andrion's street gangs, which states a helpless opponent is better than a merely injured one.

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin lets go of the horses' reigns and steps towards the monochrome jester. He graps the holy symbol about his neck and prays to Darnizan. "Lord of Earth, encase us within your holy protection!"

OOC: Moving to 10 feet from the jester and activating Family domain on me and Triren.

[BigRedRod]

The fool clearly believes he has deflected Triren's chain whip as it spins and coils around his weapon. His face changes from it's mocking smile as the thin blade is wrenched free from his hand and sent clattering against the wall of the building next to the rogue. Leaping to his left, the Fool avoids the second sweep of the chain, but is now weaponless.

Divine protection falls from the heavens upon the rogue and the cleric, revealed by a warm sensation and an odd sweet smell, much like honey, spreading through the damp morning air.

Pointing her Rod toward her companion, the blue jester mutters a few words before she is struck by Luian's counterspell. The suprise overpowers her spellcasting ability and whatever the fool was attempting to weave is lost.

Without his weapon in hand, the fool resorts to magic once more. Holding a black feather in one hand he waves it to form a complex pattern in the air, whle his other hand throws a small collection of tiny pastries plucked from a pouch towards the rogue. The tarts impact, spreading their sweet filling acorss his armour. An evil twisted giggle escapes the lips of the fool, who promptly raises his now free hand to cover his mouth. Triren snorts, and then as the fool covers his mouth bursts out into laughter, gripping his chest tightly and falling backwards onto the pavement, rolling from left to right in fits of giggling. The laughter is tinged with agony and frustration in a way that neither Kythrin or Luian have heard before

Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
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@-3 8u 4p rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 7k 3u rs 0 B
*END fgfca0

[TheDruid20]

Luain moves behind the cart away from the fools summong 1d3 celestial eagles to distract and harry the Jester on the roof, with orders to prepare an action to attack on any movement, be it an attack, spell or move.
((Summon Monster 3 and prays for a 3 on that 1d3 roll don't forget they are stronger cause of augment summoning.))

[LuneMoonshadow]

Seeing Triren on the ground in a maniacal state, Kythrin turns to the monochrome jester. "Revenge is a sweet drink, while you shall taste the bitter draught of Albaren! Drink your poison!" he says, rushing at the jester to reach out touch him, channeling the powers granted by the Lord of death.

OOC: Casting Poison (DC 17); I have +4 AC too, just in case... heh

[BigRedRod]

Pushing forward the cleric lunges at the fool. Dancing backward a few steps in an attempt to dodge, the fool trips over a raised cobble. Kythrin grips the black and white figure as he steadies himself and poison flows through his body. Instantly the face of the jester becomes gaunt and ill as his health begins to fade.

Luian moves back summoning forth a pair of eages to harass the spellcaster lurking above the streets. The birds wheel around in the air directly above the blue and white jester

Painful forced laughter continues to fill the air, as Triren uncontrolably rolls around on the street beside the cart.

Harried by the eagles and seeing her companion in extreme peril, she raises one arm in the air and points her scepter toward him,
"Lu-"
Before she can complete anything further than a single syllable, the eagles begins to scratch and peck. Abandoning the spell, the jester raises her arms protectively trying to ward off the aerial onslaught

Blood oozing from his lips, the poisoned jester joins in with Triren's insane laughter, waving his arms he begins to cast another spell. Kythrin lashes forth with his half-spear, which catches the jester's cheek leaving a thin red line. Undeterred the spell is completed, and a thin line of lightning flies forth from the fool's fingertips. Projected downwards the lightning scorches the priest, the rogue and leaves a pool of bubbling stone where a cobbe once lay. The pain doesn't stop the tormented laughter of the rogue however, it only seems to add to it

Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
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@rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k 2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44
@68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44 40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0
@1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58 34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0
@0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o 3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c
@78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3 87 54 rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s
@-3 b5 59 rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 7k 3u rs 0 B
*END -ii0957

[TheDruid20]

Luian takes a few steps and summons an arcane force of energy around herself, then begins to move towards Kythrin.

((mage armor))

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin grimaces as he raises his spear, and slashes forward twice, the adrenaline and grace of his Lords driving him.

[BigRedRod]

The fool easily dodges the first spear thrust and th spear is deflected by the spiked leather costume he wears. Moving back from her posiiton hidden behind the wagon, Luian surrounds herself with a webbing of arcane protection.

Once again the jester on the terrace attempts to weave a spell. This time however, the attacks of the birds don't deter her and a thin golden ray spirals outward from her scepter and impacts on her companion.

Re-energised by the spell from the blue jester, the black pulls a long knife was some unseen location and stares directly into the cleric's eyes


Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 40 24 rs 0 9zabk -40 1w 40 24 *s -1 7g 24 rs 0 9zabk k 24
@70 1w 7g 1w *s -1 7g 3g rs 0 9zabk -7g 38 -s 3g 5w 30 7g 38 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 1edc 3o 1w 50 1w 50 30 3o 30 3o 1w *s 7 aj 5o rs 0
@*s 7 ak 51 rs 0 *s -1 1o 1s rs 0 0 -10 8 -10 1k 1o 1s 1o -g -10
@-8 -10 8 *s -1 3c 20 rs 0 0 o 20 o g 3c g 3c 20 o 20 *s -1 4c 20
@rs 0 0 2c -1c 30 20 4c 20 4c -1c 2c -1c *s -1 4c 1o rs 0 0 2s 1o
@4c 1o *s -1 38 10 rs 0 0 10 -k s 10 38 10 38 -c 10 -k *s -1 5s
@1w rs 0 0 3k 1w 5s 1w 5k 4 3k 4 3k 1w *s -1 6s w rs 0 0 3w -8 3w
@o 6s w 6s -8 3w -8 *s -1 7c 1w rs 0 0 4w 10 4w 1w 7c 1w 7c 4 4w
@10 *s -1 1o 4w rs 0 0 -10 2g -18 4w 1o 4w 1o 2o -10 2g *s -1 3c
@4w rs 0 0 w 2g w 4g 3c 4w 3c 2g w 2g *s -1 3c 40 rs 0 0 w 40 3c
@40 *s -1 2s 6c rs 0 0 10 3w -1o 5w k 6c 2s 4s 10 3w *s h 9n 11
@rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k 2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44
@68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44 40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0
@1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58 34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0
@0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o 3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c
@78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3 87 54 rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s
@-3 a4 4j rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 7k 3u rs 0 B *s -3 6y
@3t rs 0 E *s -3 84 3u rs 0 E
*END pv0n9h

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin steps backwards ten feet and begins waving his hands and speaks mockingly to the court fool. "From dusk to dawn, the change can be seen. Channeling light into one thin beam." Kythrin outstretches his palm and calls forth the divine power invested within him.

OOC: Casting Searing Light

[TheDruid20]

((I shared the Mage Armor with Erren who know has an AC of 27))

"May the strength of the Bull see your skull collapsed by my hand."
((Bull's Strength on Erren and I if you let me know how mcuh since this is 3.0 I will be better able to give attacks and damage))

Luian and Erren now move towards the black and white jester ready to harry him should he try to cast a spell or any other action that would provoke an AoO.

[BigRedRod]

Backing away the cleric unleashes a thin line of shining divine might toward the poisoned jester. The line strikes him squarely and he crumbles to the group in a heap, his fingers still clutch the knife but the poise and grace are lost to him now

[ooc: as he's down, I'll let billy repost for Luian's actions]

Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 40 24 rs 0 9zabk -40 1w 40 24 *s -1 7g 24 rs 0 9zabk k 24
@70 1w 7g 1w *s -1 7g 3g rs 0 9zabk -7g 38 -s 3g 5w 30 7g 38 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 1edc 3o 1w 50 1w 50 30 3o 30 3o 1w *s 7 aj 5o rs 0
@*s 7 ak 51 rs 0 *s -1 1o 1s rs 0 0 -10 8 -10 1k 1o 1s 1o -g -10
@-8 -10 8 *s -1 3c 20 rs 0 0 o 20 o g 3c g 3c 20 o 20 *s -1 4c 20
@rs 0 0 2c -1c 30 20 4c 20 4c -1c 2c -1c *s -1 4c 1o rs 0 0 2s 1o
@4c 1o *s -1 38 10 rs 0 0 10 -k s 10 38 10 38 -c 10 -k *s -1 5s
@1w rs 0 0 3k 1w 5s 1w 5k 4 3k 4 3k 1w *s -1 6s w rs 0 0 3w -8 3w
@o 6s w 6s -8 3w -8 *s -1 7c 1w rs 0 0 4w 10 4w 1w 7c 1w 7c 4 4w
@10 *s -1 1o 4w rs 0 0 -10 2g -18 4w 1o 4w 1o 2o -10 2g *s -1 3c
@4w rs 0 0 w 2g w 4g 3c 4w 3c 2g w 2g *s -1 3c 40 rs 0 0 w 40 3c
@40 *s -1 2s 6c rs 0 0 10 3w -1o 5w k 6c 2s 4s 10 3w *s h 9n 11
@rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k 2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44
@68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44 40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0
@1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58 34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0
@0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o 3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c
@78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3 88 6i rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s
@-3 a4 4j rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 7k 3u rs 0 B *s -3 6y
@3t rs 0 E *s -3 84 3u rs 0 E
*END 35feyg

[TheDruid20]

"Take this you blue fool!!" Another of the celestial birds joins the harrasment of the jester, the other two simple attack while the new one takes the task of trying to distrupt any action it takes.

[BigRedRod]

The two existing eagles peck and scratch at the blue jester while the third circles above.
Abandoning her ally under the constant attack of the summoned minions, he jester retreats backwards inside the house

[ooc: the red x marks the downed jester, the other tiny red line just marks the location of the door on the building. As I assume you'll be heading inside]

Initative
Black and White Fool (J)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 40 24 rs 0 9zabk -40 1w 40 24 *s -1 7g 24 rs 0 9zabk k 24
@70 1w 7g 1w *s -1 7g 3g rs 0 9zabk -7g 38 -s 3g 5w 30 7g 38 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 1edc 3o 1w 50 1w 50 30 3o 30 3o 1w *s 7 aj 5o rs 0
@*s 7 ak 51 rs 0 *s -1 1o 1s rs 0 0 -10 8 -10 1k 1o 1s 1o -g -10
@-8 -10 8 *s -1 3c 20 rs 0 0 o 20 o g 3c g 3c 20 o 20 *s -1 4c 20
@rs 0 0 2c -1c 30 20 4c 20 4c -1c 2c -1c *s -1 4c 1o rs 0 0 2s 1o
@4c 1o *s -1 38 10 rs 0 0 10 -k s 10 38 10 38 -c 10 -k *s -1 5s
@1w rs 0 0 3k 1w 5s 1w 5k 4 3k 4 3k 1w *s -1 6s w rs 0 0 3w -8 3w
@o 6s w 6s -8 3w -8 *s -1 7c 1w rs 0 0 4w 10 4w 1w 7c 1w 7c 4 4w
@10 *s -1 1o 4w rs 0 0 -10 2g -18 4w 1o 4w 1o 2o -10 2g *s -1 3c
@4w rs 0 0 w 2g w 4g 3c 4w 3c 2g w 2g *s -1 3c 40 rs 0 0 w 40 3c
@40 *s -1 2s 6c rs 0 0 10 3w -1o 5w k 6c 2s 4s 10 3w *s h 9n 11
@rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k 2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44
@68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44 40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0
@1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58 34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0
@0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o 3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c
@78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3 88 6i rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s
@-3 a4 4j rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m rs 0 J *s -3 6y 3t rs 0 E *s -3 84
@3u rs 0 E *s -3 7j 31 k8 b3 E *s -1 3w 24 rs 0 9y6tc 3w 1w 3w 24
@*s -1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 1o 40 2c *s -1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 2c
@40 1o
*END d7mn9y

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin turns to Luian and yells, "Go to the back of the house!" he then rushes to the front door of the house and pushes himself inside.

[TheDruid20]

Ordering the eagles to Circle higher and attack the jester if ir reapears Luian moves slowly into the house, attacking the jester if she sees her.

[BigRedRod]

The Cleric steps over the fallen body and the jester and past his incapacitated companion, opening the door to the home and stepping inside. The house is simply and the first room appears to be a kitchen, with a large table dominating the room, the stove is out and the room is intensely cold. A single door leads to the next room which must contain the stairs to the second level of the house.

Ignoring his guardian's plan of action, Luian follows Kythrin through the door and into the building

The duo hear some loud footsteps and a bang from the next room

[ooc: you can't direct the eagles as you can't communicate with them. Unless I'm missing some hidden ruling about celestial creatures gaining speech, although all I can find is some stuff about an int of at least 3]

Initative
Black and White Fool (J) (down)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)


Map
[ooc: I've stripped off the top floor of the building. Yellow stripes are doors, I usually use orange, but that was already marking the road]

Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 40 24 rs 0 9zabk -40 1w 40 24 *s -1 7h 24 rs 0 9zabk k 24
@70 1w 7g 1w *s -1 7g 3g rs 0 9zabk -7g 38 -s 3g 5w 30 7g 38 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 1edc 3o 1w 50 1w 50 30 3o 30 3o 1w *s 7 aj 5o rs 0
@*s 7 ak 51 rs 0 *s -1 1o 1s rs 0 0 -10 8 -10 1k 1o 1s 1o -g -10
@-8 -10 8 *s -1 3c 20 rs 0 0 o 20 o g 3c g 3c 20 o 20 *s -1 4c 20
@rs 0 0 2c -1c 30 20 4c 20 4c -1c 2c -1c *s -1 38 10 rs 0 0 10 -k
@s 10 38 10 38 -c 10 -k *s -1 5s 1w rs 0 0 3k 1w 5s 1w 5k 4 3k 4
@3k 1w *s -1 6s w rs 0 0 3w -8 3w o 6s w 6s -8 3w -8 *s -1 7c 1w
@rs 0 0 4w 10 4w 1w 7c 1w 7c 4 4w 10 *s -1 1o 4w rs 0 0 -10 2g
@-18 4w 1o 4w 1o 2o -10 2g *s -1 3c 4w rs 0 0 w 2g w 4g 3c 4w 3c
@2g w 2g *s -1 3c 40 rs 0 0 w 40 3c 40 *s -1 2s 6c rs 0 0 10 3w
@-1o 5w k 6c 2s 4s 10 3w *s h 9n 11 rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k
@2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44 68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44
@40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0 1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58
@34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0 0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o
@3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c 78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3
@7n 3v rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s -3 7j 39 rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m
@rs 0 J *s -3 6y 3t rs 0 E *s -3 8v 31 rs 0 E *s -3 8v 21 rs 0 E *s
@-1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 1o 40 2c *s -1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 2c 40
@1o *s 0 w 1a rs 0 *s -1 40 20 rs 0 9zldr 3c 20 40 20 *s -1 3o 20
@rs 0 9zl6o 3o 20 3o 1c *s -1 4c 10 rs 0 0 38 10 4c 10 *s -1 3s
@10 rs 0 9zl6o 3s 10 34 10 *s -1 48 20 rs 0 1edc 48 g 48 1s 3s 20
@*s -1 48 18 rs 0 1edc 48 18 40 s *s b 7z 2o rs 0
*END fphpqx

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin eyes Luian as she enters through the front door but continues on into the next room silent. He grips his spear tightly, awaiting some unseen foe.

[TheDruid20]

"The eagles will attack it if it tries to leave the building, I don't think being alone is the best plan. Wait this will help you."

((Bull's Strength on the Cleric, your right I can't command them as I can't talk but they will continue to circle and attack her when she leaves the building.))

Luian moves forward slowly behind/next to the cleric with caution.

[BigRedRod]

Kythrin moves into the next room, suddenly forcing the door open unveiling a room which seems to contain little else than chairs. Some lie on the ground as though someone has rapidly moved through the room. The back door lies slightly ajar.

The Summoner follows her guardian and peers past him into the room, a few sounds of squawking birds travel from outside as she grants increased strength to the cleric

Initative
Black and White Fool (J) (down)
Triren (prone and unable to act)
Kythrin
Luian
Blue and White Fool (B)

Map
Drop this text at http://www.irony.com/java/mmee
*BEGIN 0 0 rs 0
*s -1 40 24 rs 0 9zabk -40 1w 40 24 *s -1 7g 24 rs 0 9zabk l 24
@71 1w 7h 1w *s -1 7g 3g rs 0 9zabk -7g 38 -s 3g 5w 30 7g 38 *s
@-1 50 30 rs 0 1edc 3o 1w 50 1w 50 30 3o 30 3o 1w *s 7 aj 5o rs 0
@*s 7 ak 51 rs 0 *s -1 1o 1s rs 0 0 -10 8 -10 1k 1o 1s 1o -g -10
@-8 -10 8 *s -1 3c 20 rs 0 0 o 20 o g 3c g 3c 20 o 20 *s -1 4c 1z
@rs 0 0 2c -1c 30 20 4c 20 4c -1c 2c -1c *s -1 38 10 rs 0 0 10 -k
@s 10 38 10 38 -c 10 -k *s -1 5s 1w rs 0 0 3k 1w 5s 1w 5k 4 3k 4
@3k 1w *s -1 6s w rs 0 0 3w -8 3w o 6s w 6s -8 3w -8 *s -1 7c 1w
@rs 0 0 4w 10 4w 1w 7c 1w 7c 4 4w 10 *s -1 1o 4w rs 0 0 -10 2g
@-18 4w 1o 4w 1o 2o -10 2g *s -1 3c 4w rs 0 0 w 2g w 4g 3c 4w 3c
@2g w 2g *s -1 3c 40 rs 0 0 w 40 3c 40 *s -1 2s 6c rs 0 0 10 3w
@-1o 5w k 6c 2s 4s 10 3w *s h 9n 11 rs 0 *s -1 4o 4s rs 0 0 2w 2k
@2o 4s 4o 4s 4o 2k 2w 2k *s -1 44 68 rs 0 0 1w 48 1w 68 44 68 44
@40 1w 40 1w 48 *s -1 7c 6k rs 0 0 1k 4c 1k 6k 7c 6k 7c 58 2w 58
@34 44 1k 44 1k 4c *s -1 6o 5k rs 0 0 4o 3k 4o 5k 6o 5k 6o 3c 4o
@3k *s -1 78 4c rs 0 0 30 30 38 4c 78 3o 78 2c 30 2k 30 30 *s -3
@72 1u rs 0 K *s -3 86 4m rs 0 T *s -3 74 2h rs 0 L *s -3 7m 4m
@rs 0 J *s -3 6y 3t rs 0 E *s -3 8v 31 rs 0 E *s -3 8v 21 rs 0 E *s
@-1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 1o 40 2c *s -1 40 2c rs 0 9y6tc 3c 2c 40
@1o *s 0 w 1a rs 0 *s -1 40 20 rs 0 9zldr 3c 20 40 20 *s -1 3o 20
@rs 0 9zl6o 3o 20 3o 1c *s -1 4c 10 rs 0 0 38 10 4c 10 *s -1 48
@20 rs 0 1edc 48 g 48 1s 3s 20 *s -1 48 18 rs 0 1edc 48 18 40 s *s
@b 7z 2o rs 0 *s -1 4c 10 rs 0 0 3w 10 3w 4 4c 4 *s -3 8d 1w rs 0
@^ *s -3 8d 1k rs 0 ^ *s -1 3o c rs 0 9zldr 3o c 30 c *s -1 3o g
@rs 0 9zl6o 30 8 3o g *s -1 3s 10 rs 0 9zl6o 3s 10 3s c
*END 3k3wqa

[TheDruid20]

"This time the strength is for me"' Luain uses her staff yet again and moves slowly behind the cleric staff in both hands ready to bash the jester.

((remember d10 +1 +bulls strength *1.5 cause its in both hands))

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin looks about the room and turns to Luian. "Either the jester ran out the back or merely made it look that way to get us out of here. Check outside while I go upstairs."

Kythrin then moves up the stairs slowly, not going all the way up to keep an eye out for Luian in case the jester really is outside.

[TheDruid20]

Luian slides slowly out the back door looking for any obvious signs of flight but cautious for an attack.

[BigRedRod]

Kythrin heads up the stairs. The entirety of the upper level is a single room dominated by a large bed and the wide double doors that open onto the stone roof terrace where the second jester stood. A few feathers lie outside and the squawking sounds are a little clearer now but there is no sign of the remaining fool.

Completing her spell Luian opens the back door fully and cautiously steps out. The sound of the birds is a little louder now, but the summoner can neither see the fool or the birds. The alley is far too narrow to allow much view of the sky and further twisting alleys leads off in every direction, continuing straight for no more than a dozen feet before another wall crosses them and forces a sharp turn. Luian's hearing is not well enough disciplined to filter out the echos and random ambient noises of the fairly quiet city.

[ooc: I think we can drop out of combat mode for now]

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin sighs and walks back downstairs and out to the cart to make sure everything is in order and to check up on Triren.

[TheDruid20]

Luian hurries to the front to make sure their compartiot is alright, albiet laughing.

[BigRedRod]

After a few more moments, the rogue manages to stop himself laughing and climbs back to his feet, with the constant noise silenced the city once again takes on it's eerie stillness.

The Cart has moved a good distance further down the path, as the horses, left unsupervised, fled from the laughter and the squawking birds but paused where a tall leafy weed has driven itself out of the edge of the road. One of the horses chews thoughtfully while the second stands almost motionless

[TheDruid20]

"It may be best to simply speed on our way and rest latter." Luian kicks the dead clown to make sure he is dead and to see what he has on him.

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Yes, I would have to agree. Let us get a move on quickly." With that, Kythrin walks over to the horses to make sure they don't decide running away was fun and try it again.

"Thank you Core for this victory. It is in you we trust," he whispers while petting the horses thoughtfully.

[BigRedRod]

Any life that was left in the jester when he fell has since been drained, the body rocks slightly as Luian touches it with her foot. Aside from his spiked armoured costume, the blade that lies by the side of the road and the knife he wielded, Luian finds nothing bar a pair of rings on the body. One on each hand, the rings were hidden by the scuffed formerly white gloves. The first is made from a dull black metal, which looks to have been blackened by fire, and it is a simply band. The second is more ornate and silver, made from several angular strands that join where they cross.

[ooc: spiked leather fool's outfit, 2 rings, a knife and a sword. Split it how you want]

[TheDruid20]

Witha few breif words the Summoner looks to see if there are any auras, and if not do any of the items look to be worth takeing. Assumeing there is any magic present, "We do not know what they are and it may be safest to not use them till we do."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods, waiting for the group to ready themselves to go.

[BigRedRod]

[ooc: Billy, could you work a bit harder to make your posts comprehensible?]

A single simple cantrip and the High-Summoner sees the magical auras surrounding the Fool's equipment. All but his knife appear to be enchanted in some way. Collecting the items together, the three embark on their journey to dispose of the cursed artifact

...

The sky darkens on the second day of travel, the journey thus far has been dull but accompanied by an artic wind and occasional short rain showers. The rain continues now but the High-Summoner and her two guardians find themselves in a warm ill-lit inn. The hour is far too early for sleep despite the long days of travels behind and ahead.

A day more and the trio will arrive in Alvarez, three more after that lies Staton and the wide tunnel cut through the mountain to Fire, their destination.

Sitting at a large table towards one side of the small room, a boy of maybe sixteen years with a good dash of elvish blood in him places three bowls of a thick stew containing some unidentifiable meat, a random array of vegetables and large dumplings. The food isn't any more or less than what would be expected from such an establishment. Before the boy leaves he pauses for a second, and opens his mouth as if to say something, but then quickly reconsiders and returns to the kitchen.

The inn is empty, this seems odd for such a cold raining night, when there is little else to do but have a warm mug of ale. No other travellers sit at any tables, the two other characters in the room are the landlord, who stands behind the bar trying not to stare at the High-Summoner or her guardians, and the serving boy who remerges with his own bowl of stew and sits at the bar slowly eating it.

Sounds of the rain lashing down against the buildings somehow fit the general air of depression that covers the small village, even out of the rain, he empty inn does little to lift spirits

[LuneMoonshadow]

"No jug of ale nor bowl of soup," glancing up to the landlord, he adds, "no matter how fine, may lift this dreaded weight from my spirit. This is no easy journey and its taking it toll." The cleric leans back in his chair rubbing his eyes warily. "We need to make good time on the morrow. Let us pray the Core grants us speed."

[tyckspoon]

Triren plucks a dumpling out of his bowl with the fool's knife and waves it in the air in counterpoint to his speech. "No nutters tried to kill us. Sure, it was cold and wet, but I still call that a good day." The irrepressable rogue bites the dumpling off the tip of the knife before continuing. "Whoa, hey, that's good dough. Why's this place so empty? Weather like this, it ought to be full of people getting happily drunk."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Nodding to his companions words, the cleric sets his current cup of ale down and turns to the barkeep. "Excuse me sire, but may I bother to ask as to why the tavern be empty on such a night when ale warms the cold body?"

[BigRedRod]

The barkeep stops polishing a tankard with the slops cloth and pauses for a moment before speaking in an honest and slightly gruff voice,
"I don't mean to be rude. Especially not to a High Summoner and her guardians-"
He bobs his head slightly at the party,
"-but it's not your business. We'll all be better off if you just leave in the morning"

Chirping in with rather high-pitched bewilderment, the serving boy turns to the barkeep,
"But Dad, they could-"
And is swiftly interupted by a rather more angry barkeep
"ANGUS! Stay out of this and eat your dinner."

Lowering his head, the boy goes back to his stew in silence while the barkeep continues to rub the cloth around the inside the metal cup

[LuneMoonshadow]

Nodding to the barkeep, the cleric turns to the others. In a lowered voice, he speaks, "It's none of our business. But, I have a feeling the luggage we carry will bring harship to whoever sees it. May the Core protect us all."

[tyckspoon]

"Yer right, I guess. We'll be on our way tomorrow, then?" Triren finishes off his stew with much less flair as he mulls over the barkeep's less than convivial manner. Not our business? Bet Luian thinks differently. Kythrin'll get the story from that kid smoother than pickpockets pluck their marks, no doubt.

[TheDruid20]

With a wisdom that has been learned in the last few days, Luian whispers to her companions, "We cannot delay here, but it would be wish to do what we can to find out what is going on. We may be able to provide aid in a small way or come back to help them. Remember we still don't know who released that foul creature and they may still be up to no good. Perhaps Kythrin, with your skill with words and soothing ways can manage to get the child alone and ask a few discrete questions. We could keep his father busy if you desire."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"I planned on doing such a thing tonight. Let us finish up and be off to bed."

The cleric glances behind him to the barkeep and the boy. Nodding to himself, he turns back to his companions. "Let's see if I can get him alone. When you two finish, go ahead and return to your rooms. I'll try my luck down here."

[tyckspoon]

Triren stands, thanks the tavern keeper for his food, and heads off to bed. There, the rogue considers the appearance of the items they removed from the fool in an attempt to divine their function and, eventually, sleeps.

[BigRedRod]

Each of the party returns to their small, unglamourous room and tries to bring on the morning. Kythrin however, informs the barkeep, as he prepares to climb the stairs, that he requires several candles.
After a few moments there is a soft knock at his door and the lad enters, setting the candles on the bedside table in the room and nodding at him,
"Is there anything else, err Sir?"

[LuneMoonshadow]

The cleric smiles at the boy and nods slightly. "Well, yes there is." He steps over to the door and softly shuts it, turning back to the child. "Can you tell me why your father's inn is so deserted? We might be able to help you and your father. All you have to do is tell me what you were going to say downstairs."

OOC: Diplomacy, of course.

[BigRedRod]

The boy half shrugs,
"It's not a happy time for the village and no one likes to spend any coin they might have left in case it gets taken too."
He rubs the back of his head, and then continues,
"It's been a while now. A gang of ogres started demanding stuff; money, food, anything and lots of it. When they think we have more they take it, when we don't pay they take villagers and break things."
Tears begin to well up in his eyes,
"A month ago, a High-summoner and his guardian came. We begged them to help us and they went to the ogres' cave. That night the ogres burst into town, they took some children. One of them was my lil' sis. Dad is worried as everytime we try to fight back they take more from us. We barely have enough to get by now these days..."
After a pause he gulps,
"But you can 'elp us! There are more of you!"

[LuneMoonshadow]

The cleric smiles and places a hand on the boy's head. "Of course we can help. The lives of the innocent should never be so painfully lived. I'll talk to my charge and we'll figure out something in the morning."

With that, Kythrin opens the door once again. "Sleep well tonight. We're here to protect you."

Once the boy leaves the cleric turns and lights the candles, placing them in a circle on the floor. With his armor and weapon to his side, the sits in the middle and begins his prayer, followed by sleep.

[BigRedRod]

Nodding in thanks the boy hastily dissapears, looking rather more cheerful than he had previously.

...

The winter morning rolls around a good hour before dawn even begins to hint about occuring. Cold blackness makes going outdoors all the less appealing. Breakfast is served by the son of the bartender once more, a simple but warm and filling porridge.
Looking quite optimistic, the boy stands behind the bar, there is no sign of his father this morning

[LuneMoonshadow]

In a hushed voice, not wanting the attention of the barkeep, Kythrin tells the other two about the threat of the ogres and how he thinks they should intervene.

"The town will die if something isn't done. I know we have the sarcophagus with us and there is very little time to spare, but these people need our help."

[tyckspoon]

"Either of you got a spell to send a message real fast? This sounds like the job of those Riskmaker people back in Andrion to me. If we tell them about it, we can move on. And your conscience can be clean." Triren digs into the porridge while rather whistfully wishing for some honey or cinnamon, anything to flavor the boiled oats. "Maybe we should help them ourselves. Nobody deserves to be stuck with just plain porridge for breakfast."

[LuneMoonshadow]

"Well, I say we help them ourselves. I'd rather not leave them alone for any period of time, and the riskbreakers are not trustworthy yet. The boy needs a bit of hope anyway. Dark times are very unsettling."

The cleric glances over to the boy, remembering what he told him last night.

[TheDruid20]

With a seriousness that is rare for her, and tears starting to fill her eyes, "I am afraid there is nothing we can do at this time. I have no power to send a message magically, but if you do my dear friend do so, otherwise I will send a rider with all speed to the Grand High Summoner, he will make sure aid arrives for these people. We will come back this way with all haste once this foul box is destroyed. Our delay or failure in doing so will doom more then this one town I am afraid. We must put the good of all we know, even Lunos, above these people. Hardship and fear though it may be. If you stay you will break your bond to me, I will see to the destruction of the box alone if need be..."

She trails off choking back tears, its obvious she is more upset about haveing to leave these people to fend for themselves then anything else.

[LuneMoonshadow]

The cleric leans back in his chair, staring at his charge. After much thought he sighs a bit, leaning forward once again. Nodding, he speaks. "Very well, then. We'll destroy the box."

He glances over to the boy, wondering what he is going to tell him.

[LuneMoonshadow]

The cleric rises from his seat, moving to the boy in silence and sitting down beside him. Before the child can speak he begins, "Good morning to you. I have news about the ogres from my friends. We're not going to be able to help you because of the casket we carry. It's keeping us from stopping here."

He looks at the boy, wondering how he'll take the news of the departure. "If we stayed and helped, we'd only bring things worse than ogres. So, my group and I are going to the nearest summoner temple to get the summoners out here to free your town forever. There will be more of them to help with the job, too."

He lays a hand on the boy's back while finishing. "Your town will be free of the ogres, one way or another."

[BigRedRod]

The boy looks wide-eyed at the cleric, for a moment it seems he may start to cry but instead he stands gives a brief nod to the man and walks away. After a few steps he turns,
"It's to be expected from the summoners ain't it? No time for us worthless ... ... peasants! If we can't shower you in gold and fancy food you don't give a rat's ass. Get moving then, you being here will just give us all hope."
Tears have started to quietly leak from his eyes, rolling down his cheeks. The boy dissapears into the kitchen, leaving the Luian and her two guardians in an empty inn common room

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin places his elbow on the bar, rubbing his temples with his middle and index fingers. "I'm sorry, child, but it must be done. Hopefully you'll understand later," he whispers to himself.

He then rises from his chair and moves back over to his group. "I think it would be wise to get back on the road."

OOC: What do we do about gold for the inn room and food?

[tyckspoon]

"Then let's move." Triren slips a couple of gold coins under his bowl of porridge, then heads for the door. "Hope they've got a good hiding place, I'd hate to think I just gave the ogres that money. I'm going to check on the cart."

[LuneMoonshadow]

Kythrin nods, going to his room to gather his gear, then returning downstairs adorned in his armor. He walks outside to assist Triren with anything that needs to be done.

[BigRedRod]

The party head to the stable. The cart seems undisturbed and the horses glad for attention. Leaving the troubled village behind, the Summoner and her guardians ride out, by the end of the day they should have reached Alvarez.

It's no secret that the outer reaches of Alvarez are having prblems with bandit raids. Tales have reached most corners of the world, and still the mayor has done little to halt the attacks.

Alongside the road, the party can see several mall homesteads and the occasional cluster of houses marking a rural hamlet off in the middle distance. The cliffs grow to the west as the party travel and the sun steadily drops in the winter sky. The town of Alvarez is already dark, being in the shadow of the great cliffs. The huge waterfall that drops from the cliffs draws eyes inwards to the town and is currently lit by a myriad of tiny coloured lights moving in complex patterns high on the cliff-face. The mystery of the lights mostly intrigues children, with the adults of the area chalking it up to the antics of an unknown wizard.

Here the inn is a little more crowded, most of the people offer Luian, Kythrin and Triren a quick glance of interest and then return to their former activites. The evening passes without any great event and before long morning light spills through Alvarez making the falling crystal waters ll the more exciting.

Riding away from the gnome-run settlement it's possible to look back and see barges drifting up and down the slow river, trading with regions further from such rich mining.

The scenery never fails to be spectacular with the huge cliffs on on side and rolling hills on the other. A day and a night pass without event and with daylight having faded, the trio arrive in Staton.

Staton, the gateway to Fira, is a grand town crafted from grey and black stone. The walls are rather squat, at only seven or eight feet tall, but built to last. Passing through the village gate, one of the dwarvern guards offers a quick salute as he realises a member of the High-Summoners is passing by. The streets are still crowded despite the freezing air and dark skies. The highway to Fire closes during the hours of darkness, but a good portion of tomorrow in travel will have the party in Fira.

[ooc: if anyone wnats to do anything let me know. The town is still open for shopping. It's a large mining town and trade route from Fira and the scattering of villages beyond.]

[TheDruid20]

"With so little to spend it is a shame we have come by such excellent shopping. We must return to here when the time is not so pressed and the money is greater."

[tyckspoon]

"Ah, well, I've got the money. I think I'd best change it to something more useful for adventuring." Triren stares up at the darkened sky, trying to judge the time. "If I'm not back by the time the moon is there"-he points to a spot roughly halfway to zenith-"come find my body." The thief ambles off to the shopping district(s) in hopes of finding a good alchemist or, at the least, an apothecary.

[BigRedRod]

The squat stone buildings all look near identical, and Triren wanders through the crowded areas in search of someone who deals with the items he requires. Eventually he passes a narrow alley which catches his eye, above a sturdy iron-reinforced door is the symbol he was searching for. A simple design looking something like a tree sprouting from infinity. Such a symbol marks the building as a purveyor of alchemical substances who is affiliated with the Red Opal. The Red Opal are a very large guild of alchemists, difficult to contact directly even by their members. But guildship is a mark of quality

Stepping off the main road and in to the less well lit areas, the rogue gives the door a push and it swings open easily. An intense wave of exotic scents accompanies his steps inside.

The room is over-decorated and small. Cloth is draped across the ceiling and shelves contain racks of small jars, ornamental bowls, large bottles, bulging waterskins, small paper packets and many other containers which seem to hold practically all herbs and concoctions known to the world. A figure in a huge hooded robe sits at a table on the far end of the room. It is currently pouring over an open tome. Upon Triren's enterance he sits back in his chair, the poor lighting prevets the robe revealing the face of the store-keeper and his hands remain inside the robe. The voice is light but heavily accented. Triren believes he is speaking to an elf, although an elf from somewhere the rogue has never travelled,
"Greetings Traveller. I am Lektop the Great, Master of Alchemy and Divination. There is little I cannot aid you with ... Perhaps a love potion? One to keep you surrounded by swarms of pretty maidens? Or perhaps there is one special girl...?"

[tyckspoon]

Triren decides to cut off the alchemist before he can move on to offering a fortune reading. "Don't bother with the sale. I need more useful stuff." He crosses the room to Lektop's table and sets upon it a thunderstone and a tanglefoot bag. "Some of these, if you got 'em. And something to protect my ears from the rocks. And..there's a paste I've seen surgeons use when they have to cut somebody. Makes 'em not feel the pain. Makes 'em not feel much of anything."

[BigRedRod]

The shoulders of Lektop The Great drop slightly and he waves a dismissive gesture over the table. The door quietly shuts and two bolts slide into place. Without his former accent, but a more normal local accent mixed with elvish tones, Lektop The Great stands up,
"Are you sure you don't need help with the ladies?"

Turning around he opens the rear door and steps inside,
"Come in, I conduct my real business back here."

The rogue steps into the back room to find it small, bare and mostly euncovered stone. A few rows of sturdy cabinets line one wall. Lektop The Great removes his baggy robe and hands it on a hook. Underneath he wears a pair of slightly loose trousers and a simple vest, both in dull browns,
"Righty then squire. I suppose I should have been able to guess that you wanted something more professional. How many thunderstones and tanglefoot bags do you need? I should have something to block your ears but bear in mind that it offers protection from loud bangs at the expense of hearing most other things. And this salve, you want something which applied to the skin makes people go numb, I should have something like that."

Before Triren can respond, the alchemist adds a further point,
"Oh, and if you are here to try and rob me then I'd leave now. I had a fella try that last week, came in bold as brass, said he recognised I was guilded and then he pulls a sword out when we get in here. The cheek of some people, ah well I suppose it's one less arse in the world now isn't it"
Lektop The Great smiles and waits for Triren to provide a list

[tyckspoon]

The rogue pulls out the bag containing the rest of his money and dumps it on Lektop's desk. "You're guild. Everything I know says I shouldn't do this, but I'm going to trust you to give me fair price. Give me the ear cover and the salve. If there's any coin left after that, fill it out with stones and bags, as close to even numbers as each as you can get."



(should be 106 gold left. Alchemical gear is bloody expensive..)

[BigRedRod]

Lektop carefully upends the bag of coins on the bare stonetable in the centre of the room, a shower of golden coins quickly fill it
"Oh... Shall we forget about any poison then?"
The Alchemist slides the golden coins about on the table to count them and then closes his eyes for a moment,
"I can give you a pot of putty to jam in your ears. It'll feel a little weird but it should last for a good few hours."
Opening one of the cabinets he pulls out a very small wooden box and places it on the gold covered table,
"It should be good for five uses and you can have it for twenty pieces."

Reaching down to remove some other items from a lower compartment he laughs,
"Whatever you are trying to do isn't cheap, you should have saved for a bit longer."
He places an oddly shaped angular stone on the table and an amorphous leather sphere,
"And that little lot leaves you with one gold piece for yourself."

[ooc: Make sure you include the uses, and effects of the ear putty : -5 listen +2 on saves, a full round to use, lasts for 2d4 hours, or it takes a minute to remove prior to that. Ok, I'll let Tyck make a reply and if everyone else is done i'll push to the morning and the trip to Fira]

[tyckspoon]

Triren gathers his purchases and exits the shop in silence, saving his grumbling for when he's out of hearing of the alchemist. "Con men, the lot of them. If I charged for my craft what they do, there wouldn't be a single lock in the world..or a trap.." The rogue makes his way back to the inn in a happy daydream of a world with no locks or traps to encumber his more avaricious desires.