"What was Matti looking at. Did he know I was on the roof tops?"
Amidst the bustle of all the commotion. It suddenly dawned to Tamerlane. That he had to play the dirty role, if not for his speed then certainly for his knowledge of the back streets. "Well you are a bard Tammy", he thought. "Now why don't you act like one"
Stirring up a great deal of courage, for those amongst the street were exceptionally armed and also some what skillful with their weapons of choice. He decided to lead this entourage of assortments away from his overwhelmed comrades. He knew what to do, he yelled to gain their attention and then broke out in one of the most distasteful array of songs. Needless to say it involved constant immature remarks about thieves in general.
Well it sure did get the job done. He soon had a crowd following him down the darken alley ways. "Just like yesterday" he thought to himself. If his companions couldn't find an escape route now after all his efforts. He would certainly raise hell should they ever meet again...
Blades Story Thread
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With a full twirl of his staff, Saien managed to deflect the blade of his charging foe, aimed at piercing his chest. He completed his parry, bringing the opposite end down on the thick wrist of his assailaint, the sound of cracking bone resulting. The thief, face contorted in pain, had time only to drop his thin blade from his maimed arm before Saien brought the same damaging end of his staff hard into the man's face. The thief's head whipped back as his legs went limp, and the man fell to the ground.
Saien had no time to set himself, as two more Handlings charged him. With a flurry of blows, Saien proceeded to defend himself as best he could, though he was hard pressed, back against the wall quite literally. The two men before him attempted several different approaches to getting within striking range. They alternated thrusts, the other trying to approach from Saien's backswing. They tried both lunging at him in unison. At one point, one of the thieves, probably out of frustration to Saien's continued evasion, pulled a dagger from within his coat and hurled it at Saien with amazing precision, but Saien both side-stepped the dagger and knocked it out of the air with his staff.
Saien was quick, but his staff was quicker. It was an extension of Saien. What lay out of arm's reach was within the reach of the staff. Where the hand could go, the staff could go faster. Over the years Saien had developed both his agility and his skill with the staff. Nevertheless, he tried to never grow arrogant, as Hastin had some time ago shown Saien there was still much to learn of the staff. The old cleric had been quite the instructor, and it seemed the training Saien received had been part of his destiny. Without that training, Saien might have met his end more than once over the past three days.
He would not let either of the men before him in striking distance, yet he could not get close enough to take them down. He was vaguely aware of shouting all around him, yet he did not take his eyes off the two men before him. They were not as wise. Both stopped to look to Saien's left. One went down with Matti's rapier through his calf. He had not hit the ground before Saien's staff struck the back of his head, blocked an enemy blade from reaching Matti, and launched itself at Saien's second attacker, who quickly broke off from the engagement.
Matti and Conn were both standing close to Saien, looking past him. Saien turned to see that the battle had been joined. A mob of people were taking on the Ash Hand, and Saien realized it must have been the crowd from the market he and Matti had just left. Hilden, the Ash Hand commander, was nowhere to be seen.
Conn pulled Saien back into the alleyway. A small girl was standing over a fallen Bel, but when she spoke, he knew it was no child. The filth that poored from her mouth was enough to strike any mother stiff with livid fury.
"Are you flaming dungbats just going to gawk the afternoon away while your comrade bleeds his bloody insides out all over the bloody street!?" Saien doubted the short woman, apparently a halfling, would care one bit what anyone thought of her language, not even her own mother. It might very well have been her mother who taught the halfling to curse like that.
He knelt to Bel and quickly used his energy to seal the wound and stop the bleeding. The rest of Bel's wounds would have to wait until later. "Well, that was unimpressive," the halfling continued, looking to Saien. "I suppose you expect me to carry him for you? Leave all the real work to the women, while you men brandish your bloody weapons and terrorize the peaceful neighborhood? Well not today! I've already lugged that elven treehugger farther than I intended too. You there!" She pointed to Connavar, who stood over her with towering authority. She was obviously having none of it. "Yes, you look like just the oaf for the job. All muscle and not enough brain to argue with a woman's good sense. Pick up your fairy friend and the three of you follow me. I'll lead you out of this mess." She turned to walk deeper into the alley.
Matti and Saien looked to one another with a smirk, but Connavar spoke out. "We follow no one until we receive an explanation."
The halfling lass rounded on the three men, face red with fury. "You flaming goat-grabbers dare to demand of me?! There are three ways out of the mess you've landed yourselves in. You can take a sword through the ribs. You can wake up with a swollen head in a jail cell, as the local militia is soon to arrive. Or you can follow me."
"And who would we be following?" Connavar enquired.
"Why, none other than the great and famed...Gertrude. Not so grand is it? That's because I'm wise enough not to go seeking the foolish fame and fortune you no doubt throw yourselves at. Let it be enough that I work for a certain faction here in Arberdan that has great interest in meeting you. In fact, they've already arranged for that meeting, and you've kept them waiting long enough." Gertrude continued on down the alley.
Saien had no time to set himself, as two more Handlings charged him. With a flurry of blows, Saien proceeded to defend himself as best he could, though he was hard pressed, back against the wall quite literally. The two men before him attempted several different approaches to getting within striking range. They alternated thrusts, the other trying to approach from Saien's backswing. They tried both lunging at him in unison. At one point, one of the thieves, probably out of frustration to Saien's continued evasion, pulled a dagger from within his coat and hurled it at Saien with amazing precision, but Saien both side-stepped the dagger and knocked it out of the air with his staff.
Saien was quick, but his staff was quicker. It was an extension of Saien. What lay out of arm's reach was within the reach of the staff. Where the hand could go, the staff could go faster. Over the years Saien had developed both his agility and his skill with the staff. Nevertheless, he tried to never grow arrogant, as Hastin had some time ago shown Saien there was still much to learn of the staff. The old cleric had been quite the instructor, and it seemed the training Saien received had been part of his destiny. Without that training, Saien might have met his end more than once over the past three days.
He would not let either of the men before him in striking distance, yet he could not get close enough to take them down. He was vaguely aware of shouting all around him, yet he did not take his eyes off the two men before him. They were not as wise. Both stopped to look to Saien's left. One went down with Matti's rapier through his calf. He had not hit the ground before Saien's staff struck the back of his head, blocked an enemy blade from reaching Matti, and launched itself at Saien's second attacker, who quickly broke off from the engagement.
Matti and Conn were both standing close to Saien, looking past him. Saien turned to see that the battle had been joined. A mob of people were taking on the Ash Hand, and Saien realized it must have been the crowd from the market he and Matti had just left. Hilden, the Ash Hand commander, was nowhere to be seen.
Conn pulled Saien back into the alleyway. A small girl was standing over a fallen Bel, but when she spoke, he knew it was no child. The filth that poored from her mouth was enough to strike any mother stiff with livid fury.
"Are you flaming dungbats just going to gawk the afternoon away while your comrade bleeds his bloody insides out all over the bloody street!?" Saien doubted the short woman, apparently a halfling, would care one bit what anyone thought of her language, not even her own mother. It might very well have been her mother who taught the halfling to curse like that.
He knelt to Bel and quickly used his energy to seal the wound and stop the bleeding. The rest of Bel's wounds would have to wait until later. "Well, that was unimpressive," the halfling continued, looking to Saien. "I suppose you expect me to carry him for you? Leave all the real work to the women, while you men brandish your bloody weapons and terrorize the peaceful neighborhood? Well not today! I've already lugged that elven treehugger farther than I intended too. You there!" She pointed to Connavar, who stood over her with towering authority. She was obviously having none of it. "Yes, you look like just the oaf for the job. All muscle and not enough brain to argue with a woman's good sense. Pick up your fairy friend and the three of you follow me. I'll lead you out of this mess." She turned to walk deeper into the alley.
Matti and Saien looked to one another with a smirk, but Connavar spoke out. "We follow no one until we receive an explanation."
The halfling lass rounded on the three men, face red with fury. "You flaming goat-grabbers dare to demand of me?! There are three ways out of the mess you've landed yourselves in. You can take a sword through the ribs. You can wake up with a swollen head in a jail cell, as the local militia is soon to arrive. Or you can follow me."
"And who would we be following?" Connavar enquired.
"Why, none other than the great and famed...Gertrude. Not so grand is it? That's because I'm wise enough not to go seeking the foolish fame and fortune you no doubt throw yourselves at. Let it be enough that I work for a certain faction here in Arberdan that has great interest in meeting you. In fact, they've already arranged for that meeting, and you've kept them waiting long enough." Gertrude continued on down the alley.
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wolven86
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"Ow what the hell happened to me?"
"You charged in blindly and got stabbed in the back, but you should live now." replied Connavar
"Damn that hurt, now where are we?"
"We're in an alley near where you got stabbed, and if we don't get you up soon we will lose our contact." Connavar replied.
Helping Bel up, Connavar and the others half dragging half walking with him started off again after Gertrude.
"You charged in blindly and got stabbed in the back, but you should live now." replied Connavar
"Damn that hurt, now where are we?"
"We're in an alley near where you got stabbed, and if we don't get you up soon we will lose our contact." Connavar replied.
Helping Bel up, Connavar and the others half dragging half walking with him started off again after Gertrude.
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
"Come on you lazy beggars! I've seen worms move quicker than you 'orrible lot" Gertrude grinned again and scurried off ahead checking for any possible obstruction.
"I'll give her worms alright, she can be buried with them!" Conn muttered as he helped drag the Elf to the supposed rendezvous with their 'allies'.
They came to the end of the alley, shrouded in shadows they could see out, and hopefully no one could see in.
Connavar helped push Bel up against a wall and he stood, hopefully not falling over.
Saien looked out of the alley and noticed the inn that they had tried to investigate before. He came back to Connavar and whispered in his ear.
"We are back to where we were before. This 'Cloaked Traveller' inn looks pretty seedy to me. We'd best be careful."
"Now then you bunch of fools! How 'bout's we go meet my boss, eh? I know he wants to meet you and you'd best not be late or he'll gave your guts for garters, you mark my words!" She grinned again and motioned for them to follow her.
Connavar hefted Bel as she scurried off to the door of the inn. Motioning for them to hurry up. They moved quickly to the shade of the door and she grinned at the sentries at the door.
"Come on then! We'd best be moving lively now!" They stumbled through the door and she walked up to the bar, with them in tow.
"Hey barkeep, I think we'll have five Clintran Brandies. How bout you's hurry up and show us what you got?" She winked at him and he merely turned on his heels. Gertrude got up and followed the man. The rest simply followed her through to the back.
"'Ere we are then, Clintran Brandy, direct from the store. He turned one of the taps of the barrels and an awful groaning emerged from the far side of the room.
A small set of stairs led downwards to a massive underground room with many doors and a hive of activity. Dozens of people moved quickly around talking to each other, drinking and shouting and then leaving through one of the doors.
"Welcome to the den of the Cloaked One's big'uns. Ye be lucky to be here so don't overstep the grounds or you'll be having a meeting with old Jimbo over there." A huge bear of a man grinned a toothless smile. He laughed and slammed his hand down on the table and put a hole through it.
"Ye don't want to be doing that methinks..." Gertrude grinned again and led them through to an ornate, metal clad door.
"This is Trant's room. He's the boss and he be the one who asked you to come. Call 'im sir or one of his guards'll do you one in the back, if you know what I mean..." She nudged Connavar and motioned to leave.
"Uhmm.... Thanks for your help Gertrude, it was ummm... appreciated...." Connavar smiled.
"So you do have manners then?" She grinned and scurried off, probably looking for another likely target...
Connavar banged on the door and it creaked open slowly. It revealed a massive dome of a room filled with ornate furniture, bookcases, chests, beds and a beautiful bath tub...
"Ah, Connavar, Saien, Matti and Bel, welcome to my humble abode. I trust Gertrude was polite?"
"Yes sir, she brought us here, is there something you wanted to speak to us about?"
"She gave you that nonsense about sir, didn't she?" Trant sighed. "Call me Trant, please, I do so tire of all that formal nonsense."
"Yes si... Trant. Without meaning to be rude, could we actually see you? I don't like to speak to someone without looking at them."
Trant was sat at a desk with his chair facing the opposite wall. He turned around slowly on his chair, his eyes locking with that of the group.
One eye was black and the other a strange shade of blue, it was... unnatural...
"So this is the four that caused all those problems for The Ash Hand, how good to meet you!"
Saien and Matti's eyes narrowed at Trant, how did he know who had come into Cloaked One territory?
"Oh don't look so sceptical! We've known they've been here for a little why, but we couldn't do anything, the Mayor listened to none of my advice and we couldn't just start a guild war for nothing! This however, is where you come in. I need a favour from you..."
Trant stood up, he was a tall man, a bit slight of body but his eyes held a strange, charismatic quality. He walked over to one of the chests in his room and lifted the lid open. He stood gazing at the contents.
Connavar silently mouthed a Detect Evil spell and he found nothing Evil in the room, nothing that would cause alarm for him.
"I need you to stop this incursion gentlemen. They could cause me a few... problems. I will of course make it worth your while. All you need to do is rout their temporary guild quarters and stop them from re-establishing their guild. It will be easy if you come in with a plan. I can help with this. My boys will play a little game of distraction. They will draw away most of the defenders and you can go in, kill those men left and stop them from recovering anything."
"I would like to, trust me, but what am I supposed to do? I can't kill random people!" Matti nodded his head in agreement.
"Oh trust me, these aren't random people. This guild is evil, it is filled with assassins and the thieves steal from anyone. My guild, however, has honour. We assassinate no one, we steal from only those who have more than they need. You will find no one evil from our guild. We just need them stopped. Not only is is bad for business, but it is also bad for the town. They come in and kill anyone who stand in their way. I don't want a war to start here, it will destroy everyone..."
"I agree to that. I want no one innocent to be killed. I will do this for you, if my friends agree."
Connavar turned to the group behind him.
"So, what do you say? You want to go stop these Ash Handers?"
"I'll give her worms alright, she can be buried with them!" Conn muttered as he helped drag the Elf to the supposed rendezvous with their 'allies'.
They came to the end of the alley, shrouded in shadows they could see out, and hopefully no one could see in.
Connavar helped push Bel up against a wall and he stood, hopefully not falling over.
Saien looked out of the alley and noticed the inn that they had tried to investigate before. He came back to Connavar and whispered in his ear.
"We are back to where we were before. This 'Cloaked Traveller' inn looks pretty seedy to me. We'd best be careful."
"Now then you bunch of fools! How 'bout's we go meet my boss, eh? I know he wants to meet you and you'd best not be late or he'll gave your guts for garters, you mark my words!" She grinned again and motioned for them to follow her.
Connavar hefted Bel as she scurried off to the door of the inn. Motioning for them to hurry up. They moved quickly to the shade of the door and she grinned at the sentries at the door.
"Come on then! We'd best be moving lively now!" They stumbled through the door and she walked up to the bar, with them in tow.
"Hey barkeep, I think we'll have five Clintran Brandies. How bout you's hurry up and show us what you got?" She winked at him and he merely turned on his heels. Gertrude got up and followed the man. The rest simply followed her through to the back.
"'Ere we are then, Clintran Brandy, direct from the store. He turned one of the taps of the barrels and an awful groaning emerged from the far side of the room.
A small set of stairs led downwards to a massive underground room with many doors and a hive of activity. Dozens of people moved quickly around talking to each other, drinking and shouting and then leaving through one of the doors.
"Welcome to the den of the Cloaked One's big'uns. Ye be lucky to be here so don't overstep the grounds or you'll be having a meeting with old Jimbo over there." A huge bear of a man grinned a toothless smile. He laughed and slammed his hand down on the table and put a hole through it.
"Ye don't want to be doing that methinks..." Gertrude grinned again and led them through to an ornate, metal clad door.
"This is Trant's room. He's the boss and he be the one who asked you to come. Call 'im sir or one of his guards'll do you one in the back, if you know what I mean..." She nudged Connavar and motioned to leave.
"Uhmm.... Thanks for your help Gertrude, it was ummm... appreciated...." Connavar smiled.
"So you do have manners then?" She grinned and scurried off, probably looking for another likely target...
Connavar banged on the door and it creaked open slowly. It revealed a massive dome of a room filled with ornate furniture, bookcases, chests, beds and a beautiful bath tub...
"Ah, Connavar, Saien, Matti and Bel, welcome to my humble abode. I trust Gertrude was polite?"
"Yes sir, she brought us here, is there something you wanted to speak to us about?"
"She gave you that nonsense about sir, didn't she?" Trant sighed. "Call me Trant, please, I do so tire of all that formal nonsense."
"Yes si... Trant. Without meaning to be rude, could we actually see you? I don't like to speak to someone without looking at them."
Trant was sat at a desk with his chair facing the opposite wall. He turned around slowly on his chair, his eyes locking with that of the group.
One eye was black and the other a strange shade of blue, it was... unnatural...
"So this is the four that caused all those problems for The Ash Hand, how good to meet you!"
Saien and Matti's eyes narrowed at Trant, how did he know who had come into Cloaked One territory?
"Oh don't look so sceptical! We've known they've been here for a little why, but we couldn't do anything, the Mayor listened to none of my advice and we couldn't just start a guild war for nothing! This however, is where you come in. I need a favour from you..."
Trant stood up, he was a tall man, a bit slight of body but his eyes held a strange, charismatic quality. He walked over to one of the chests in his room and lifted the lid open. He stood gazing at the contents.
Connavar silently mouthed a Detect Evil spell and he found nothing Evil in the room, nothing that would cause alarm for him.
"I need you to stop this incursion gentlemen. They could cause me a few... problems. I will of course make it worth your while. All you need to do is rout their temporary guild quarters and stop them from re-establishing their guild. It will be easy if you come in with a plan. I can help with this. My boys will play a little game of distraction. They will draw away most of the defenders and you can go in, kill those men left and stop them from recovering anything."
"I would like to, trust me, but what am I supposed to do? I can't kill random people!" Matti nodded his head in agreement.
"Oh trust me, these aren't random people. This guild is evil, it is filled with assassins and the thieves steal from anyone. My guild, however, has honour. We assassinate no one, we steal from only those who have more than they need. You will find no one evil from our guild. We just need them stopped. Not only is is bad for business, but it is also bad for the town. They come in and kill anyone who stand in their way. I don't want a war to start here, it will destroy everyone..."
"I agree to that. I want no one innocent to be killed. I will do this for you, if my friends agree."
Connavar turned to the group behind him.
"So, what do you say? You want to go stop these Ash Handers?"
Perverteer Paladin
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average joe
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Saien's brows furrowed in disapproval. Oh, it was certainly easy for Trant to portray the innocence of his guild while standing in this finely decorated room, but take one step out into that filth they had just come from, and Trant's smooth assurances might not hold so much ground. Connavar didn't seem to have too many objections, however. Saien was quite surprised by the man's apparent willingness to work with a thieve's guild. Saien had experience with such things, and he knew he and his friends might get used up in plots amongst rivals if they were not careful.
"You know I'm more than willing to fight the Hand, Conn. But this might be more than we bargained for." Saien looked to Trant and enquired, "How exactly will you make this worth our while? What's in that chest? And for what reason do you believe us to be the men for this job?"
"You know I'm more than willing to fight the Hand, Conn. But this might be more than we bargained for." Saien looked to Trant and enquired, "How exactly will you make this worth our while? What's in that chest? And for what reason do you believe us to be the men for this job?"
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
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wolven86
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"I'm all for it those damn barstards stabbed me, twice now, they deserve everything we can throw at them in this life and the next. I can only say I will be happy when they're out of it. Lets take em Conn, right now."
"Bel you can barely stand at the moment you couldn't take out a ten year old let alone a trained thief, we will go against them when we are ready." Connavar replied.
"Alright but lets not hang about to long they might guess our plan. Trant, do you know where their head quaters are??? Because i believe I do. When chasing an assassin form the Blue Lotus he enterred a secret door in an alley not far from there, which led down under the city finally ending in a round room with a door. Where we caught up with him hammering on the door yelling for help, strangely no one opened the door to help him out, wouldn't you say that was just a little odd."
"Bel you can barely stand at the moment you couldn't take out a ten year old let alone a trained thief, we will go against them when we are ready." Connavar replied.
"Alright but lets not hang about to long they might guess our plan. Trant, do you know where their head quaters are??? Because i believe I do. When chasing an assassin form the Blue Lotus he enterred a secret door in an alley not far from there, which led down under the city finally ending in a round room with a door. Where we caught up with him hammering on the door yelling for help, strangely no one opened the door to help him out, wouldn't you say that was just a little odd."
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
The rush of adrenaline had died down, leaving a brooding Matti, somewhat guilt-ridden at his own excitement and pleasure in the violence. His mood darkened at the offer of the thieves and the acceptance of his friends. "Even odder, Bel," he said in a voice near a whisper, "was the fact that there were several evil persons beyond the door. Perhaps in retrospect they wish they'd emerged and tried to finish us off."
Trant smiled approvingly, but Matti cut off his mirth with a shout. "That was the biggest load of orc dung I've ever heard!" Matti glared at the surprised Master of Thieves as he took a step toward the man. A dangerous step, considering the surroundings. "You talk of honor as if you have no concept of what the word means! You claim to steal from only those who have more than they need, yet you are the one who determines who needs and who doesn't. What gives you the right?!?"
Trant narrowed his eyes dangerously, a look that didn't escape anyone in the room, save seemingly Matti. "Even we have a semblance of honor, young paladin." His voice was as a cold winter wind.
Matti's voice lowered, but hardly enough for the others. "Regardless of whether we can detect anything on you, the rest betray your words. 'You will find no one evil, here'", Matti said mockingly with a frown and lowered his finally to something tolerable. "There were at least four of evil intent in the entry and one is still within feeling." Matti pointed in the direction from which they entered, and Trand raised a single eyebrow in surprise. As for your own motives, that will remain in question with me!"
Saien laid a cautioning hand on Matti's shoulder and he seemed to calm down a bit further. Trant looked from Matti to Conn, as if weighing thoughts in his mind, but he allowed the young paladin to continue.
Matti raised a hand toward Saien to say he was alright and he shook his head as if in frustration at himself. "You don't know us at all, Trant, if you think this will motivate us." Matti motioned to the open chest. "You want us to dance for you and you offer us things you stole from others?!?" Matti wheeled on a Conn who had listened to all this patiently. "If we are to do this, it wil be because it is the right thing to do. This guild war would kill very few who are innocent." Matti lowered his eyes a bit and his voice fell quiet. "But it will kill a few. If we can avoid that, I agree to this charade." He turned to look at the Master of Thieves again. "We will take what you offer as a reward and maybe more. This is more than good for your business. This ensures your survival! You and I both know what could happen if the Hand got a foothold here in Soberdan!"
Trant smiled knowingly but shrugged as if he could have cared little which direction this group decided to turn. Undoubtedly, he had many cards to play. If this strategy failed, he would toss these cards and try another. Fortunately for the thief, this hand was not yet over.
Trant smiled approvingly, but Matti cut off his mirth with a shout. "That was the biggest load of orc dung I've ever heard!" Matti glared at the surprised Master of Thieves as he took a step toward the man. A dangerous step, considering the surroundings. "You talk of honor as if you have no concept of what the word means! You claim to steal from only those who have more than they need, yet you are the one who determines who needs and who doesn't. What gives you the right?!?"
Trant narrowed his eyes dangerously, a look that didn't escape anyone in the room, save seemingly Matti. "Even we have a semblance of honor, young paladin." His voice was as a cold winter wind.
Matti's voice lowered, but hardly enough for the others. "Regardless of whether we can detect anything on you, the rest betray your words. 'You will find no one evil, here'", Matti said mockingly with a frown and lowered his finally to something tolerable. "There were at least four of evil intent in the entry and one is still within feeling." Matti pointed in the direction from which they entered, and Trand raised a single eyebrow in surprise. As for your own motives, that will remain in question with me!"
Saien laid a cautioning hand on Matti's shoulder and he seemed to calm down a bit further. Trant looked from Matti to Conn, as if weighing thoughts in his mind, but he allowed the young paladin to continue.
Matti raised a hand toward Saien to say he was alright and he shook his head as if in frustration at himself. "You don't know us at all, Trant, if you think this will motivate us." Matti motioned to the open chest. "You want us to dance for you and you offer us things you stole from others?!?" Matti wheeled on a Conn who had listened to all this patiently. "If we are to do this, it wil be because it is the right thing to do. This guild war would kill very few who are innocent." Matti lowered his eyes a bit and his voice fell quiet. "But it will kill a few. If we can avoid that, I agree to this charade." He turned to look at the Master of Thieves again. "We will take what you offer as a reward and maybe more. This is more than good for your business. This ensures your survival! You and I both know what could happen if the Hand got a foothold here in Soberdan!"
Trant smiled knowingly but shrugged as if he could have cared little which direction this group decided to turn. Undoubtedly, he had many cards to play. If this strategy failed, he would toss these cards and try another. Fortunately for the thief, this hand was not yet over.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
Connavar put his hand on his friends shoulder.
"I think we've got our roles reversed Matti! Aren't I supposed to be the aggressive one?" Connavar grinned and then gave a soft smile to his friend.
"While I may seem very willing to go on this for you Trant, my allegiances ally with Torm. It is his blessing that grants me favour and any misuse will not be in your best interest, Matti is not the best person to annoy either, so don't."
Trant arched his eyesbrows,"Is that a threat? Do I look like I'm someone easy to 'remove'?"
"Do you want to find out?" Connavar's eyes gleamed in the soft light, a force erupted behind them and his voice became deeper and a menacing tone took hold of him. "We aren't not people who forget grudges. Do you really want a God for an enemy? They are not the most forgiving people..."
"As I have said before, you are doing this..."
"I know what you said before! But does that mean anything to you? Is there really honour among thieves? Will you swear, upon my Holy Symbol, in the presence of three God's servants upon your honour?"
Trant's eyes became slightly hollower. He did not expect such an attack on his own turf. His adams apple bobbed up as he swallowed some of his fear.
"I will so swear, I have nothing to lose, I lose you, or I lose an enemy." Trant gripped the proffered Holy Symbol and uttered a few words signifying his bond to the agreement.
"It is done, Trant, we all agree to these conditions. Show us what it is in that box, if it helps us, we will make use of it."
"They are not material objects my friends. What I have in this box will not only get you squirming in your plate, will also give you cause to kiss my feet."
He picked up a small documents tube and a bag of gold. He dropped the gold on the table and it almost made the desk heave under the weight.
"There is enough gold in here to last all of you 10 years in comfort, it is yours on completion of the job, seeing as you 'trust' me, and I trust you, I will give you some now, enough to buy some potions and so on. My guild offers generous rates..." Trant smiled and winked at the group.
"This I think, will interest you more. What I have in here is, well, why don't you find out..."
He tossed the tube in the air and Connavar grabbed the tube and pulled off the covering cap. He pulled out two parchments and read through, disbelief growing in his eyes...
"How did you find out about this? How did you know we were looking?"
"A thief must always have his contacts..." Trant smiled like a cat, a playful gaze flashing over the group.
Connavar returned to the documents and carried on reading.
"What is it Conn?" Saien almost shouted in Conn's ear, he wanted to find out exactly what he was talking about...
"It's about the Blades..."
OOC: Ohhh... Who would've thunk it?
Within the doucment is information on locations and more detailed history of the Blades...
"I think we've got our roles reversed Matti! Aren't I supposed to be the aggressive one?" Connavar grinned and then gave a soft smile to his friend.
"While I may seem very willing to go on this for you Trant, my allegiances ally with Torm. It is his blessing that grants me favour and any misuse will not be in your best interest, Matti is not the best person to annoy either, so don't."
Trant arched his eyesbrows,"Is that a threat? Do I look like I'm someone easy to 'remove'?"
"Do you want to find out?" Connavar's eyes gleamed in the soft light, a force erupted behind them and his voice became deeper and a menacing tone took hold of him. "We aren't not people who forget grudges. Do you really want a God for an enemy? They are not the most forgiving people..."
"As I have said before, you are doing this..."
"I know what you said before! But does that mean anything to you? Is there really honour among thieves? Will you swear, upon my Holy Symbol, in the presence of three God's servants upon your honour?"
Trant's eyes became slightly hollower. He did not expect such an attack on his own turf. His adams apple bobbed up as he swallowed some of his fear.
"I will so swear, I have nothing to lose, I lose you, or I lose an enemy." Trant gripped the proffered Holy Symbol and uttered a few words signifying his bond to the agreement.
"It is done, Trant, we all agree to these conditions. Show us what it is in that box, if it helps us, we will make use of it."
"They are not material objects my friends. What I have in this box will not only get you squirming in your plate, will also give you cause to kiss my feet."
He picked up a small documents tube and a bag of gold. He dropped the gold on the table and it almost made the desk heave under the weight.
"There is enough gold in here to last all of you 10 years in comfort, it is yours on completion of the job, seeing as you 'trust' me, and I trust you, I will give you some now, enough to buy some potions and so on. My guild offers generous rates..." Trant smiled and winked at the group.
"This I think, will interest you more. What I have in here is, well, why don't you find out..."
He tossed the tube in the air and Connavar grabbed the tube and pulled off the covering cap. He pulled out two parchments and read through, disbelief growing in his eyes...
"How did you find out about this? How did you know we were looking?"
"A thief must always have his contacts..." Trant smiled like a cat, a playful gaze flashing over the group.
Connavar returned to the documents and carried on reading.
"What is it Conn?" Saien almost shouted in Conn's ear, he wanted to find out exactly what he was talking about...
"It's about the Blades..."
OOC: Ohhh... Who would've thunk it?
Within the doucment is information on locations and more detailed history of the Blades... Perverteer Paladin
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"Bloody Ashes!" Saien cursed. One of the thieves looked to him, surprised to hear such a phrase coming from the priest. Looking back, Saien replied with a wink, "The sweet gracefulness of Gertrude must have rubbed off on me." The thief let out a throaty laugh at Saien's joke.
By Fharlanghn, where had Trant gotten his information. Saien looked to Bel, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, attention given to some far off place. Not for the first time did Saien quietly question the elf's sanity, but this time it was with an air of caution as to Bel's loyalty. Perhaps he was a contact for the Cloaked Ones, unlikely as it seemed. Or perhaps Tamerlane, that rapscallion. Speaking of rapscallion, Saien was troubled by the reminder of the bard's absence, and hoped this disappearing act would soon come to an end.
Perhaps Trant's knowledge was as simple as someone overhearing their conversation in the common room of the Blue Lotus yesterday. Regardless, it seemed Trant knew a great deal more than Saien would have expected or hoped, but he had done the group a favor nevertheless. Saien would have a look at those documents soon enough. Looking to Trant, he spoke aloud, "It seems you have done us a favor, and seeing as we share a common goal for the time being, I will help to cleanse the Hand from Arberdan. Your information is much appreciated. The gold not so much, though I am certain it will have its uses. I do not wear plate, nor will I kiss your boot or your feet, however clean they might be. But I will keep my word."
Trant nodded to the companions. "Then I shall show you to your temporary quarters, as you will need rest before tonight, when we will strike. You might be dismayed by what you have seen of our base here, but I will provide you with some of my finest quarters and make sure you are undisturbed." One of thieves moved to the door and opened it for Saien and the rest. Before they left the room, Trant said in closing, "I will see you gentlemen tonight."
By Fharlanghn, where had Trant gotten his information. Saien looked to Bel, who seemed lost in his own thoughts, attention given to some far off place. Not for the first time did Saien quietly question the elf's sanity, but this time it was with an air of caution as to Bel's loyalty. Perhaps he was a contact for the Cloaked Ones, unlikely as it seemed. Or perhaps Tamerlane, that rapscallion. Speaking of rapscallion, Saien was troubled by the reminder of the bard's absence, and hoped this disappearing act would soon come to an end.
Perhaps Trant's knowledge was as simple as someone overhearing their conversation in the common room of the Blue Lotus yesterday. Regardless, it seemed Trant knew a great deal more than Saien would have expected or hoped, but he had done the group a favor nevertheless. Saien would have a look at those documents soon enough. Looking to Trant, he spoke aloud, "It seems you have done us a favor, and seeing as we share a common goal for the time being, I will help to cleanse the Hand from Arberdan. Your information is much appreciated. The gold not so much, though I am certain it will have its uses. I do not wear plate, nor will I kiss your boot or your feet, however clean they might be. But I will keep my word."
Trant nodded to the companions. "Then I shall show you to your temporary quarters, as you will need rest before tonight, when we will strike. You might be dismayed by what you have seen of our base here, but I will provide you with some of my finest quarters and make sure you are undisturbed." One of thieves moved to the door and opened it for Saien and the rest. Before they left the room, Trant said in closing, "I will see you gentlemen tonight."
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"Any Chance of some food as well tonight... I'm gonna need some" Bel asked of Trant,
"Of course I'll have some sent to your quarters" Trant replied
Still being half-dragged by Connavar Bel limped towards their quaters following the thief, Bel simply collapsed into the nearest bed and waited for the food to arrive.
"Thanks Conn, you're support has been gratifying to me, I think I'll just lie hear until someone brings something to eat and drink, if were going to do this tomorrow i'm gonna need all the rest I can to be ready."
"Rest easy my friend your time will come, you could use this time to try and reconcile with your god when at rest it is easiest to become calm and still to be able to communicate with ones god." replied Connavar
"Of course I'll have some sent to your quarters" Trant replied
Still being half-dragged by Connavar Bel limped towards their quaters following the thief, Bel simply collapsed into the nearest bed and waited for the food to arrive.
"Thanks Conn, you're support has been gratifying to me, I think I'll just lie hear until someone brings something to eat and drink, if were going to do this tomorrow i'm gonna need all the rest I can to be ready."
"Rest easy my friend your time will come, you could use this time to try and reconcile with your god when at rest it is easiest to become calm and still to be able to communicate with ones god." replied Connavar
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
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The four were led down a number of corridors, with each step carrying them deeper into the Cloaked Ones base of operations. The guard that had been in Trant's room now served as their guide. Saien was quite intrigued by the thief's armor, as it was not only leather, which Saien preferred, but it held an assortment of knives, which were actually sheathed in the armor. No doubt there were many more concealed from sight. He only gave it half-notice, however, as other things were on his mind, such as the contents of the documents Connavar had received.
As they trudged down the halls, Connavar muttered to the group, "I feel as if we're being led to our prison cell."
"No doubt we are," Matti replied with a grin. "Just a well-furnished cell."
Saien agreed, "Matti's got the right of it. Like any Paladin, a thieves' guild expects a bargain to be kept." Matti snorted in disgust. After a pause, Saien proceeded, "Only it's rarely honor that holds their partners to it, so the guild will do whatever's necessary to receive what's owed them. Until the deed is finished, we'll be kept under close watch."
A weakened Bel, still leaning on the support of Connavar, spoke with defiance, "I will not be held and made to dance like a puppet. I'll cut any strings they try to tie to me."
"You'll do nothing but get some rest," Connavar replied. "I've no desire to carry you all day, and if you get us into trouble, you might have to crawl out of it."
Saien commiserated. "Aye, Bel. For once try to have some patience. As long as we watch our backs and keep our end of the bargain, we've got nothing to worry about."
"But how far will they try to push the bargain?" Matti enquired, looking pensive.
Bel passed right over Matti's question, muttering to himself, "And I don't appreciate being ignored." The weakened elf looked to their guide and remarked, with a touch of aggravation, "You there. Earlier I asked your master a question, and he dismissed anything I had to say. Does he have a hearing problem?" Matti and Saien both rolled their eyes, while Bel continued, "We might know the location of the Hand, and he isn't even interested?"
The guide chuckled to himself, never missing a step as he turned down another passage, continuing to lead the group. "The name's Dall, for your information. And let's just say Trant knows your temperment, Bel. His hearing is fine. He just knows good business, and alienating potential allies by getting involved in an argument with one of them is not good business. All your questions will be answered in due time. For now, just worry about getting some rest. You'll need your legs tonight if you're to be of any use."
A dejected Bel muttered to himself, "I don't have a temperment." The elf then took that far away look of hostility again, keeping whatever thoughts he had to himself.
Another thing troubled Saien. "We have an acquaintance who seems to have gone missing. He goes by the name of Tamerlane Khan."
Dall answered, "Yes, we're quite aware of your relations with that troublesome young bard. Don't worry. Our agents are out on the streets looking for him. If he hasn't fled from Arberdan, we'll find him."
"And you'll let him know our location?" Saien enquired with a bit of apprehension. He hoped no harm would come to the young acrobat.
"Don't worry. Everything will be taken care of." That was the Dall's answer. Saien frowned at his back, not exactly reassured.
The guard opened a door, yet kept his place beside it. "You can get some rest here. Food will be brought shortly. I'd ask that you not wander from here, so that you might be found when the time comes."
The four entered the room, and the guard shut the door behind them, leaving them alone. Trant had not over-spoken. Their quarters were quite well-furnished. Almost as well as the guildmaster's. Soft red carpet took the stress off their feet, and elegant paintings hung on the walls, depicting various sights in Arberdan. Oak dressers lined the walls, and two huge oak beds were placed on opposites sides of the room. Several well-crafted chairs were placed around low tables, and a fireplace warmed the entire room. Over in the corner was a deep sink with steaming water.
While Connavar carried Bel to one of the beds, Matti looked to Saien, who still stood impressed by the luxuries of this room compared to the dank atmosphere of the halls they had come from. "It'll do," the paladin remarked.
Saien looked at the paladin for a moment, then smiled. "Aye, it'll do." Saien walked towards the sink, beginning to unstrap his leather coverings. "Connavar, tell us what those papers said. I'm going to wash up and get this ridiculous disguise off my face."
"Be careful with the beard," Matti said. "We might need it again."
"You might need it," Saien remarked, "but I hope to never have that on my face again. I'll be lucky if I don't get a rash."
As they trudged down the halls, Connavar muttered to the group, "I feel as if we're being led to our prison cell."
"No doubt we are," Matti replied with a grin. "Just a well-furnished cell."
Saien agreed, "Matti's got the right of it. Like any Paladin, a thieves' guild expects a bargain to be kept." Matti snorted in disgust. After a pause, Saien proceeded, "Only it's rarely honor that holds their partners to it, so the guild will do whatever's necessary to receive what's owed them. Until the deed is finished, we'll be kept under close watch."
A weakened Bel, still leaning on the support of Connavar, spoke with defiance, "I will not be held and made to dance like a puppet. I'll cut any strings they try to tie to me."
"You'll do nothing but get some rest," Connavar replied. "I've no desire to carry you all day, and if you get us into trouble, you might have to crawl out of it."
Saien commiserated. "Aye, Bel. For once try to have some patience. As long as we watch our backs and keep our end of the bargain, we've got nothing to worry about."
"But how far will they try to push the bargain?" Matti enquired, looking pensive.
Bel passed right over Matti's question, muttering to himself, "And I don't appreciate being ignored." The weakened elf looked to their guide and remarked, with a touch of aggravation, "You there. Earlier I asked your master a question, and he dismissed anything I had to say. Does he have a hearing problem?" Matti and Saien both rolled their eyes, while Bel continued, "We might know the location of the Hand, and he isn't even interested?"
The guide chuckled to himself, never missing a step as he turned down another passage, continuing to lead the group. "The name's Dall, for your information. And let's just say Trant knows your temperment, Bel. His hearing is fine. He just knows good business, and alienating potential allies by getting involved in an argument with one of them is not good business. All your questions will be answered in due time. For now, just worry about getting some rest. You'll need your legs tonight if you're to be of any use."
A dejected Bel muttered to himself, "I don't have a temperment." The elf then took that far away look of hostility again, keeping whatever thoughts he had to himself.
Another thing troubled Saien. "We have an acquaintance who seems to have gone missing. He goes by the name of Tamerlane Khan."
Dall answered, "Yes, we're quite aware of your relations with that troublesome young bard. Don't worry. Our agents are out on the streets looking for him. If he hasn't fled from Arberdan, we'll find him."
"And you'll let him know our location?" Saien enquired with a bit of apprehension. He hoped no harm would come to the young acrobat.
"Don't worry. Everything will be taken care of." That was the Dall's answer. Saien frowned at his back, not exactly reassured.
The guard opened a door, yet kept his place beside it. "You can get some rest here. Food will be brought shortly. I'd ask that you not wander from here, so that you might be found when the time comes."
The four entered the room, and the guard shut the door behind them, leaving them alone. Trant had not over-spoken. Their quarters were quite well-furnished. Almost as well as the guildmaster's. Soft red carpet took the stress off their feet, and elegant paintings hung on the walls, depicting various sights in Arberdan. Oak dressers lined the walls, and two huge oak beds were placed on opposites sides of the room. Several well-crafted chairs were placed around low tables, and a fireplace warmed the entire room. Over in the corner was a deep sink with steaming water.
While Connavar carried Bel to one of the beds, Matti looked to Saien, who still stood impressed by the luxuries of this room compared to the dank atmosphere of the halls they had come from. "It'll do," the paladin remarked.
Saien looked at the paladin for a moment, then smiled. "Aye, it'll do." Saien walked towards the sink, beginning to unstrap his leather coverings. "Connavar, tell us what those papers said. I'm going to wash up and get this ridiculous disguise off my face."
"Be careful with the beard," Matti said. "We might need it again."
"You might need it," Saien remarked, "but I hope to never have that on my face again. I'll be lucky if I don't get a rash."
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"What did the papers say? What do you want to know about the Blades is the right question!"
Connavar hefted Bel onto a bed and Bel began removing his armour, hearing the soft clunk as it hit the floor.
"This is some of the best source material I've read in a long time, as far as I can tell from the writing style and dates on the documents, this was written shortly after the fall of the Blades. We've got writing on the actual fall of the Blades and it's origins. The group were originally an elite guard for a King of Zamollia, when the army was defeated by monstrous enemy, the guild set up an academy, training some of the best warriors in the land. Then came the reckoning, demons came and destroyed the academy and there were few survivors. The entire landscape was destroyed, the only surviving relic a tablet of stone with every bloodline inscribed on the surface. According to the tale in the scroll, the demons are cursed to search for the bloodlines of the Blades. They aim to eradicate the entire guild..."
Connavar stopped to pour a glass of water and rid himself of his armour. His task completed, he removed the documents again and began reading through them.
"We've got approximate details upon the old location of the guild, but it's a very rough map, there is little detail and the actual location names are quite faded. There is also a lot of details on the Blades acheivements, they had a few dragon-slayers among them, not to mention demon hunters. Although the guild had for all intents and purposes split up when the academy was destroyed, some kept in close contact and others faded from view. I think some further investigation is in order. As far as I can tell, we have two options." Connavar rubbed his face, a frown punctuating the dark underneath his eyes.
"Once we've... taken care of the problems here, we can go search the location drawn on the map, or we can go to the Elven settlements, they might not trust us there, but we can hope they have a few sages able to help us with the location. So what do you think we should do?"
Connavar handed the documents Saien and reclined back on his chair, his hands behind his head.
Connavar hefted Bel onto a bed and Bel began removing his armour, hearing the soft clunk as it hit the floor.
"This is some of the best source material I've read in a long time, as far as I can tell from the writing style and dates on the documents, this was written shortly after the fall of the Blades. We've got writing on the actual fall of the Blades and it's origins. The group were originally an elite guard for a King of Zamollia, when the army was defeated by monstrous enemy, the guild set up an academy, training some of the best warriors in the land. Then came the reckoning, demons came and destroyed the academy and there were few survivors. The entire landscape was destroyed, the only surviving relic a tablet of stone with every bloodline inscribed on the surface. According to the tale in the scroll, the demons are cursed to search for the bloodlines of the Blades. They aim to eradicate the entire guild..."
Connavar stopped to pour a glass of water and rid himself of his armour. His task completed, he removed the documents again and began reading through them.
"We've got approximate details upon the old location of the guild, but it's a very rough map, there is little detail and the actual location names are quite faded. There is also a lot of details on the Blades acheivements, they had a few dragon-slayers among them, not to mention demon hunters. Although the guild had for all intents and purposes split up when the academy was destroyed, some kept in close contact and others faded from view. I think some further investigation is in order. As far as I can tell, we have two options." Connavar rubbed his face, a frown punctuating the dark underneath his eyes.
"Once we've... taken care of the problems here, we can go search the location drawn on the map, or we can go to the Elven settlements, they might not trust us there, but we can hope they have a few sages able to help us with the location. So what do you think we should do?"
Connavar handed the documents Saien and reclined back on his chair, his hands behind his head.
Perverteer Paladin
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The three men lounged about the room. After Saien had finished washing himself, he replaced his shirt and took a seat in one of the chairs near the fire, propping his hairy bare feet up on the table. Perusing through the papers, he agreed with Connavar. There was too much information to take in at one sitting.
"Here they are, if you'd like to look at them, Matti." Saien said this as he set the papers on the table. "From what I can see, we could be wandering around the country-side for weeks before we even came close to where this map shows. The locations are so vague, I can't make much sense of it. Of course, it would take just as long to reach Niire, if not longer. And after tonight, I don't think we'll want to head south, as we'll be heading deeper into Hand territory. Truthfully, I've no desire to go near Soberdan again anytime soon."
At this point, Matti replied, "Well, it seems our options are slim. We can't go South to Niire, and we've only a dim idea of where these maps might take us."
Saien answered, "You're right. We can't go south to Niire, or at least it would be foolish to do so. But perhaps Bel could take us somewhere closer. If anyone can guide us through the Elven forests, it would be an elf. What do you think Bel? Or have you already fallen asleep?"
"Here they are, if you'd like to look at them, Matti." Saien said this as he set the papers on the table. "From what I can see, we could be wandering around the country-side for weeks before we even came close to where this map shows. The locations are so vague, I can't make much sense of it. Of course, it would take just as long to reach Niire, if not longer. And after tonight, I don't think we'll want to head south, as we'll be heading deeper into Hand territory. Truthfully, I've no desire to go near Soberdan again anytime soon."
At this point, Matti replied, "Well, it seems our options are slim. We can't go South to Niire, and we've only a dim idea of where these maps might take us."
Saien answered, "You're right. We can't go south to Niire, or at least it would be foolish to do so. But perhaps Bel could take us somewhere closer. If anyone can guide us through the Elven forests, it would be an elf. What do you think Bel? Or have you already fallen asleep?"
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"What I'll be awake for many hours yet, yes i know the way to those elven settlements through the forests, though it has been many years since I travelled to those settlements, certainly not as I am now, it must be nigh on 20 years since i was last there. I am known ot them there for I was a diplomat with the lord of my tribe for many years, and travelled to many of the elven settlements on this forsaken land." replied Bel. "That explains much of what has befallen me in past years, the misterious deaths of my parents can only have been from these demons of which you speak, form what the elders of my tribe he was a mighty warrior skilled in the art of death, and consumate skill with his weapons of choice, only a being of terrible powers could have bested him. I will lead you through the forests but bear this in mind the pain of going back wil be immense for me, and i cannot speak for my actions when we are there."
"From what i have seen of you so far Bel you can't speak for them now anyway, " replied saien "I mean what happened to you earlier, all i saw was you laying into the attackers and then stop and look up, it were as if you saw something?"
"Yours is not to reason why, what I do is for my reasons and I don't trust any of you to tel you why at least not yet, trusting to much to early is for the foolish and soon to be dead." retorted Bel
"From what i have seen of you so far Bel you can't speak for them now anyway, " replied saien "I mean what happened to you earlier, all i saw was you laying into the attackers and then stop and look up, it were as if you saw something?"
"Yours is not to reason why, what I do is for my reasons and I don't trust any of you to tel you why at least not yet, trusting to much to early is for the foolish and soon to be dead." retorted Bel
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
Whilst the discussion carried on, in walked Tamerlane. A little bit worse for wear, scrappy and generally covered in mud. Escorted by two men who happened to be equally dirty. Showing him in to the others one quickly added "You can clean yourself up in the room down the hall. New clothing have also been arranged for you. Damn these kids" And with that last comment, the two agents disappeared outside.
Feeling in need of a bath, but not entirely forgetting his manners. He acknowledged the safety of his friends, "I see we meet again" followed by a brief smile and quickly left to remove the dirt and grime.
Feeling in need of a bath, but not entirely forgetting his manners. He acknowledged the safety of his friends, "I see we meet again" followed by a brief smile and quickly left to remove the dirt and grime.
!
Matti nodded a greeting to the returned Tamerlane as the bard left to go clean up. He was pretty sure the thieves must have taken as good care of his as they did with the rest of the group. Try as he might, Matti could not concentrate on the Bard's arrival or the impending battle with the Ash Hand, but only on their path beyond Arberdan. He let out a sigh and rolled his eyes when the others weren't looking. Well, he thought, the last thing we need is a whole forest full of crazy elves in our path, even if they did know something about the Blades. He kept his thoughts to himself, though, and waited for the others to respond. In many ways, he felt like they had a greater say than he did, and it didn't seem to bother him much. They, after all, were direct decendants of the original Blades, for whatever that was worth. Still, though..., even the greatest of paladins can have untrustworthy children. Their lineage only meant that their parents were honorable and worthy people.
Matti got up and paced a bit as Saien settled down into a plush chair to peruse the documents Trant had given them. The young paladin was curious as well, but could wait to find out their contents. He was still a bit unsettled by their predicament. Regardless of how plush the room was, he could not get past the fact that it felt more like a cell than a room at the inn. He wanted more than anything to get out and see the local order and let them know of the situation. He desired no validation from them, but they could possibly lend a hand and confirm that this was indeed the right thing to do. Matti felt like they were being played the fools, and he just needed some reassurance that they were not. Unfortunately, the local Order might not know much about the Cloaked Ones. Sometimes Matti felt like he was the only Paladin on the face of Argyle who knew the value of gathering intelligence.
Growing restless, Matti tried the door. It was unlocked. Raising an eyebrow, Matti glanced back at Conn who gave him a glance of warning as if to say, "Be careful". Matti shrugged and smiled, causing Conn to roll his eyes.
Quietly, Matti opened the door and slipped into the hallway. If nothing else, perhaps Matti could gather some information of his own. And..., at least it got him out of his cell, even if he could only roam the dungeon halls.
An hour later, as Saien finished reading the papers and Conn began to get worried at Matti's absence, the large paladin opened the door to go looking after his friend. Down the hall, surrounded by four Cloaked Ones in varying styles of dress, stood Matti, casually leaning against the wall with his arms folded, laughing with the group and telling jokes.
The wirey paladin caught sight of his friend and nodded a greeting with a wink. Conn sighed to himself. He knew Matti was probably learning far more from the thieves than they intended, but that was hardly the point. Conn didn't approve of a paladin socializing in this way with known thieves. It wasn't right! He would have to talk to Matti about it later.
Matti got up and paced a bit as Saien settled down into a plush chair to peruse the documents Trant had given them. The young paladin was curious as well, but could wait to find out their contents. He was still a bit unsettled by their predicament. Regardless of how plush the room was, he could not get past the fact that it felt more like a cell than a room at the inn. He wanted more than anything to get out and see the local order and let them know of the situation. He desired no validation from them, but they could possibly lend a hand and confirm that this was indeed the right thing to do. Matti felt like they were being played the fools, and he just needed some reassurance that they were not. Unfortunately, the local Order might not know much about the Cloaked Ones. Sometimes Matti felt like he was the only Paladin on the face of Argyle who knew the value of gathering intelligence.
Growing restless, Matti tried the door. It was unlocked. Raising an eyebrow, Matti glanced back at Conn who gave him a glance of warning as if to say, "Be careful". Matti shrugged and smiled, causing Conn to roll his eyes.
Quietly, Matti opened the door and slipped into the hallway. If nothing else, perhaps Matti could gather some information of his own. And..., at least it got him out of his cell, even if he could only roam the dungeon halls.
An hour later, as Saien finished reading the papers and Conn began to get worried at Matti's absence, the large paladin opened the door to go looking after his friend. Down the hall, surrounded by four Cloaked Ones in varying styles of dress, stood Matti, casually leaning against the wall with his arms folded, laughing with the group and telling jokes.
The wirey paladin caught sight of his friend and nodded a greeting with a wink. Conn sighed to himself. He knew Matti was probably learning far more from the thieves than they intended, but that was hardly the point. Conn didn't approve of a paladin socializing in this way with known thieves. It wasn't right! He would have to talk to Matti about it later.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
Feeling refreshed and also impressed with his new array of clothes. Tamerlane felt ready to rejoin his friends. Opening the door he saw four or more strangers amongst the hallway, if he payed more attention he would of seen Matti amongst the thieves. However he just content to meet his companions and avoided the group. Entering the room where the others had been, he quickly noticed the old documents lying upon the table. From what he read which was very little indeed, he managed to make out the recordings of what appeared to be final years of the old Zamollian empire. He gathered a bundle of the papers found a quiet corner and began to study them in a more in-depth manner. For he was particularly passionate about all things historical.
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Saien could only shake his head and smile as Tamerlane left the room. The acrobat looked quite worse for the wear, as if he'd been drug through the street, yet he had flashed a goofy grin from ear to ear just as if things were perfectly normal.
With Tamerlane's exit, a deep quiet settled on the room. Bel obviously wasn't going to say anything about what was going on in his head until he was good and ready. Saien looked expectantly to Connavar, lounging in a nearby seat. The paladin hadn't said much during the conversation, and Saien was sure he must have an opinion, but the fellow seemed to be deep in thought. Matti didn't seem too up for conversation either. The troublesome paladin got up and exited the room, pausing to flash a brief smile. Saien sighed restlessly. He didn't even want to consider what Matti might get himself into.
Picking up the documents, Saien tried to focus on the information they contained, but his mind wandered, and he had a rough time with the information in front of him. He was an intelligent enough man to understand the writing, but his thoughts continually turned to what the night held for them. Why had the Cloaked Ones allied with these five young men in the battle against the Ash Hand? Saien had no fancy that he was an experienced warrior, and even Matti, Connavar, and Bel, who had proven themselves quite formidable in battle, couldn't be enough to take on the entire Hand. Saien suspected the numbers they had faced earlier were but a fraction. What did Trant believe they could accomplish? Or were they just puppets, as Bel had alluded to earlier, pawns for Trant's own purposes? Surely there was an answer before him, but Saien could not sort it out. He hoped Fharlanghn would see him through this test. His eyes slowly closing, Saien lost himself in prayer to his god.
He awoke from his meditation to find Tamerlane sorting through some of the documents on the table at Saien's feet. Saien still held a portion of them in his hands. The bard, papers in his possession, walked to a corner and set down. Bel still lay in the bed, and Connavar stood by the doorway, also looking at Tamerlane. The paladin spoke out calmly, "Tamerlane."
Looking up from the documents, the bard replied, "Why hello big fella. Didn't see you standing there when I came in. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Where have you been all day?" Saien cried out. He was amazed at the bard's calm manner, as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
"Well," Tamerlane replied, "that is a story in itself. You see, here is how it happened...."
He was interrupted by a knock at the door, which Connavar opened. And there stood the young lass who had served them the day before at the Blue Lotus. She had a soft smile and a twinkle in her eye, not to mention two trays laden with food. Saien quickly masked over the shock he felt.
"Hello gentlemen," she proceeded. "I assumed you'd be comfortable with these arrangements. Just don't get too comfortable, as I don't plan on serving you your entire stay in Arberdan." She winked at Saien, and it all fell into place. So she was how Trant had gotten his information. The lass must have good ears on her, to have heard their conversation in the Blue Lotus common room.
As she stepped into the room, Matti also arrived, apparently drawn by the pleasant aromas that the food gave off. Connavar chuckled, taking Matti from behind and putting him in a head-lock. "I should've known you couldn't keep away from food and pleasant company."
Matti broke out of the lock, taking Connavar's arm and twisting it around. "Now Conn, don't make me embarass you in front of this young...." He trailed off, apparently realizing their server's identity. Dropping Connavar's arm, he quickly made an elegant bow, more regal than Saien could manage. Never taking his eyes from the woman before him, he said, "Your pardon, my dear. I did not realize we had such lovely company. I apoligize for my friend's rudeness."
"The name is Claire, not 'dear.' And I would never have let him get the drop on me in the first place." She smiled proudly, quite confident in her boast. "But you 'boys' should save your strength for the Hand. Eat up now, and I'll be back later tonight with Gertrude."
Connavar rolled his eyes at the mention of the halfling. "Thanks for the warning," he said smiling. Claire tilted her head to study him for a moment, then smiled and left the room without a word. Matti stared after her and shook his head smiling. He grinned at Connavar, then punched him in the chest. "Let's eat you oversized ox."
With Tamerlane's exit, a deep quiet settled on the room. Bel obviously wasn't going to say anything about what was going on in his head until he was good and ready. Saien looked expectantly to Connavar, lounging in a nearby seat. The paladin hadn't said much during the conversation, and Saien was sure he must have an opinion, but the fellow seemed to be deep in thought. Matti didn't seem too up for conversation either. The troublesome paladin got up and exited the room, pausing to flash a brief smile. Saien sighed restlessly. He didn't even want to consider what Matti might get himself into.
Picking up the documents, Saien tried to focus on the information they contained, but his mind wandered, and he had a rough time with the information in front of him. He was an intelligent enough man to understand the writing, but his thoughts continually turned to what the night held for them. Why had the Cloaked Ones allied with these five young men in the battle against the Ash Hand? Saien had no fancy that he was an experienced warrior, and even Matti, Connavar, and Bel, who had proven themselves quite formidable in battle, couldn't be enough to take on the entire Hand. Saien suspected the numbers they had faced earlier were but a fraction. What did Trant believe they could accomplish? Or were they just puppets, as Bel had alluded to earlier, pawns for Trant's own purposes? Surely there was an answer before him, but Saien could not sort it out. He hoped Fharlanghn would see him through this test. His eyes slowly closing, Saien lost himself in prayer to his god.
He awoke from his meditation to find Tamerlane sorting through some of the documents on the table at Saien's feet. Saien still held a portion of them in his hands. The bard, papers in his possession, walked to a corner and set down. Bel still lay in the bed, and Connavar stood by the doorway, also looking at Tamerlane. The paladin spoke out calmly, "Tamerlane."
Looking up from the documents, the bard replied, "Why hello big fella. Didn't see you standing there when I came in. Is there something I can do for you?"
"Where have you been all day?" Saien cried out. He was amazed at the bard's calm manner, as if nothing were out of the ordinary.
"Well," Tamerlane replied, "that is a story in itself. You see, here is how it happened...."
He was interrupted by a knock at the door, which Connavar opened. And there stood the young lass who had served them the day before at the Blue Lotus. She had a soft smile and a twinkle in her eye, not to mention two trays laden with food. Saien quickly masked over the shock he felt.
"Hello gentlemen," she proceeded. "I assumed you'd be comfortable with these arrangements. Just don't get too comfortable, as I don't plan on serving you your entire stay in Arberdan." She winked at Saien, and it all fell into place. So she was how Trant had gotten his information. The lass must have good ears on her, to have heard their conversation in the Blue Lotus common room.
As she stepped into the room, Matti also arrived, apparently drawn by the pleasant aromas that the food gave off. Connavar chuckled, taking Matti from behind and putting him in a head-lock. "I should've known you couldn't keep away from food and pleasant company."
Matti broke out of the lock, taking Connavar's arm and twisting it around. "Now Conn, don't make me embarass you in front of this young...." He trailed off, apparently realizing their server's identity. Dropping Connavar's arm, he quickly made an elegant bow, more regal than Saien could manage. Never taking his eyes from the woman before him, he said, "Your pardon, my dear. I did not realize we had such lovely company. I apoligize for my friend's rudeness."
"The name is Claire, not 'dear.' And I would never have let him get the drop on me in the first place." She smiled proudly, quite confident in her boast. "But you 'boys' should save your strength for the Hand. Eat up now, and I'll be back later tonight with Gertrude."
Connavar rolled his eyes at the mention of the halfling. "Thanks for the warning," he said smiling. Claire tilted her head to study him for a moment, then smiled and left the room without a word. Matti stared after her and shook his head smiling. He grinned at Connavar, then punched him in the chest. "Let's eat you oversized ox."
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
"Oh, ox is it? At least I'm not the one acting like a ***** on heat!" Connavar laughed deeply and grinned, running quickly to gather a plate of food laden with a great variety of food. He sat down in a chair and began to eat, savouring the delicious bread and succulent beef.
"I think we need to consider how we are going to organise ourselves for this. I think, though I am loathe to admit, we need to use Matti in his old role. Woud you mind doing some searching ahead of us? I would like to know if we are being ambushed..."
Matti silently nodded his head, and finished his mouthful.
"I considered doing that anyway..."
Connavar continued. "If I take point, I can clear the way, Saien if you come into the middle with Tamerlane, you can be a support role, clearing whatever comes past Matti and I. Bel you have an important role if you accept it, you need to guard our rear. I don't want to have a thief pop up and stab us..."
Bel nodded and carried on eating.
Connavar finished his plate quickly and drained a glass of water.
Connavar winked at Matti and got up, moving for the door.
"Matti's got something to show me, we'll be back soon."
Connavar opened the door and moved quickly to the water closets and Matti followed.
"What do you have to tell me then Matti? It's time to get the game faces on, no more joking now ok? We need to keep ourselves ready..."
"I think we need to consider how we are going to organise ourselves for this. I think, though I am loathe to admit, we need to use Matti in his old role. Woud you mind doing some searching ahead of us? I would like to know if we are being ambushed..."
Matti silently nodded his head, and finished his mouthful.
"I considered doing that anyway..."
Connavar continued. "If I take point, I can clear the way, Saien if you come into the middle with Tamerlane, you can be a support role, clearing whatever comes past Matti and I. Bel you have an important role if you accept it, you need to guard our rear. I don't want to have a thief pop up and stab us..."
Bel nodded and carried on eating.
Connavar finished his plate quickly and drained a glass of water.
Connavar winked at Matti and got up, moving for the door.
"Matti's got something to show me, we'll be back soon."
Connavar opened the door and moved quickly to the water closets and Matti followed.
"What do you have to tell me then Matti? It's time to get the game faces on, no more joking now ok? We need to keep ourselves ready..."
Perverteer Paladin
"Joking?!?" Matti looked around innocently, and finding no one else around he gasped and clapped a hand to his chest as if in shock. "Me?!?"
Conn rolled his eyes, but patiently waited for the troublesome paladin to continue. He knew Matti wasn't just joking and frivolous, despite the appearance, though he still frowned at the thought of a paladin socializing with thieves. It was the appearance of things. The public shouldn't see a paladin in such positions. Fortunately, it wasn't a public place, and Conn knew talking about it with Matti was fruitless.
Matti smiled and fingered the new dagger at his belt. He wondered how long it would take Conn to notice he had filched his dagger while he was headlocked. It usually took only a few minutes, but Conn seemed pretty preoccupied this time. Matti guessed about ten or fifteen.
"Well," Matti began, "I did learn a few things. First is that it would appear this Trant is somewhat right about their guild. Most of the thieves do have some semblance of honor, and there were no evil persons within range, though I doubt Trant would allow any of them near us, knowing our abilities."
Conn nodded with a frown and rubbed his chin in thought. It had been a couple of days since he last shaved and he noticed the rough growth. Perhaps the thieves here had some water and a razor they could bring. He brought his thoughts back to the events at hand. "And what of or friend Trant?"
Matti smiled. "We were right. The way the other thieves talk about him, he doesn't seem to be the real leader of the guild. Though, it's no big surprise. You can't expect the true Master of this guild to keep his position for long if he shows himself to whomever he wishes."
Smiling to himself, Conn shrugged. Well, sometimes it paid off to have Matti around with his background among such people. He knew how to handle himself around these organizations and members, and he always seemed to have a few surprises up his sleeve.
Matti frowned though as his thoughts turned to the Hand. "I'd guess we're in for a tough fight." Matti always had the gift of understatement. "They'f guess there's about fifty or sixty of the hand. Not a big guild, per se, but they sent some fairly powerful members up this way to start them off on the right foot. Or hand. Or whatever."
With a low whistle, Conn began to form some strategies in his mind how they would handle such a group. Assuming the Hand was spread out among the operation, maybe there would be twenty-five or thirty in the guildhall at one time. Still too much for them to take on in any fight. "We'll definitely need to get some information of our own on this."
"I'll see if I can borrow a few pieces of a disguise from our friends here." Matti turned to leave, but paused for a moment as other thoughts entered his mind. "What of our path next, Conn? Where do you intend to go in search of the Blades?"
"I don't know yet. Some of it will depend on what Bel feels up to, and how far we want to follow him." Matti frowned at the mention of the elf, but Conn reassured him with a smile. "That young elf will be fine. He needs to sort out a few things in his head, but once he does, he'll be alright."
Matti shrugged doubtfully, but trusted Lathander. If anyone needed a rebirth, it was Bel.
"It'll also depend on what we can find out about Trant and where he got those papers. Maybe there's more than just this! Maybe if..., when we finish this guild war business, Trant'll hand over some more. We'll just have to wait patiently and see."
Matti nodded. "I'll see you back in the room in a few minutes." He wheeled and left to talk to some of their gracious hosts. Undoubtedly, they'd have more than enough supplies to aid him in some of the work ahead. He whistled to himself a tune he'd heard when he first met that young barmaid in the Blue Lotus and walked off into the darkness of the guild.
Conn watched him go. He worried sometimes if hanging around these people was such a good thing for Matti. Too much exposure to old habits, bad habits, can't be a good thing. But that was a long time ago for Matti, and Conn knew him to have a good heart. The wirey paladin wouldn't slip in his duties, even though his superiors had many doubts. The past few years had formed a bond of trust and understanding between the two. Where they had their differences, the one thing that tied them together was tolerance. That, and the quest for the blades. He returned to their room to talk with Tamerlane. Something was missing, there.
Conn rolled his eyes, but patiently waited for the troublesome paladin to continue. He knew Matti wasn't just joking and frivolous, despite the appearance, though he still frowned at the thought of a paladin socializing with thieves. It was the appearance of things. The public shouldn't see a paladin in such positions. Fortunately, it wasn't a public place, and Conn knew talking about it with Matti was fruitless.
Matti smiled and fingered the new dagger at his belt. He wondered how long it would take Conn to notice he had filched his dagger while he was headlocked. It usually took only a few minutes, but Conn seemed pretty preoccupied this time. Matti guessed about ten or fifteen.
"Well," Matti began, "I did learn a few things. First is that it would appear this Trant is somewhat right about their guild. Most of the thieves do have some semblance of honor, and there were no evil persons within range, though I doubt Trant would allow any of them near us, knowing our abilities."
Conn nodded with a frown and rubbed his chin in thought. It had been a couple of days since he last shaved and he noticed the rough growth. Perhaps the thieves here had some water and a razor they could bring. He brought his thoughts back to the events at hand. "And what of or friend Trant?"
Matti smiled. "We were right. The way the other thieves talk about him, he doesn't seem to be the real leader of the guild. Though, it's no big surprise. You can't expect the true Master of this guild to keep his position for long if he shows himself to whomever he wishes."
Smiling to himself, Conn shrugged. Well, sometimes it paid off to have Matti around with his background among such people. He knew how to handle himself around these organizations and members, and he always seemed to have a few surprises up his sleeve.
Matti frowned though as his thoughts turned to the Hand. "I'd guess we're in for a tough fight." Matti always had the gift of understatement. "They'f guess there's about fifty or sixty of the hand. Not a big guild, per se, but they sent some fairly powerful members up this way to start them off on the right foot. Or hand. Or whatever."
With a low whistle, Conn began to form some strategies in his mind how they would handle such a group. Assuming the Hand was spread out among the operation, maybe there would be twenty-five or thirty in the guildhall at one time. Still too much for them to take on in any fight. "We'll definitely need to get some information of our own on this."
"I'll see if I can borrow a few pieces of a disguise from our friends here." Matti turned to leave, but paused for a moment as other thoughts entered his mind. "What of our path next, Conn? Where do you intend to go in search of the Blades?"
"I don't know yet. Some of it will depend on what Bel feels up to, and how far we want to follow him." Matti frowned at the mention of the elf, but Conn reassured him with a smile. "That young elf will be fine. He needs to sort out a few things in his head, but once he does, he'll be alright."
Matti shrugged doubtfully, but trusted Lathander. If anyone needed a rebirth, it was Bel.
"It'll also depend on what we can find out about Trant and where he got those papers. Maybe there's more than just this! Maybe if..., when we finish this guild war business, Trant'll hand over some more. We'll just have to wait patiently and see."
Matti nodded. "I'll see you back in the room in a few minutes." He wheeled and left to talk to some of their gracious hosts. Undoubtedly, they'd have more than enough supplies to aid him in some of the work ahead. He whistled to himself a tune he'd heard when he first met that young barmaid in the Blue Lotus and walked off into the darkness of the guild.
Conn watched him go. He worried sometimes if hanging around these people was such a good thing for Matti. Too much exposure to old habits, bad habits, can't be a good thing. But that was a long time ago for Matti, and Conn knew him to have a good heart. The wirey paladin wouldn't slip in his duties, even though his superiors had many doubts. The past few years had formed a bond of trust and understanding between the two. Where they had their differences, the one thing that tied them together was tolerance. That, and the quest for the blades. He returned to their room to talk with Tamerlane. Something was missing, there.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]