Rogue Diplomacy

Log Info

• Title: Rogue Diplomacy
• Emitter: Solace
• Characters: Setiawan (Rog2) Raethon (Wiz5) Gar'utu (Bard1/Sor1) Sigrid (Pal2) Kailin (Bbn1/Bard1) Taidan (Ftr1/Wiz4)
• Place: Alexandria - Between two provinces
• Time: December 31stish
• Summary: Two border lords have asked for representatives from the Guild of Explorers to provide security during the signing of a treaty to end their latest skirmish, while a diplomat from the capital also requires escort to the event. Shine your armor and practice your court manners!

The Explorers have been tapped to provide security for a summit between Lord Darian Georg and Lady Trina Silverwind, who are negotiating an end to the border skirmishes between their two provinces. The summit is being held at Caer Isglass, an abandoned fortress on the border between the provinces. Alexandria is also providing a neutral arbiter - the Ambassador Isaiah Kern of Alexandros - to mediate the dispute and witness the treaty that (hopefully) will come from the event. The guild has been hired to ensure the ambassador's safety, as well as the lords', and to do anything within their power to ensure that the summit comes to a peaceful and satisfactory conclusion.

At the moment, the party has been assembled at the gates of Alexandria to wait for the ambassador's arrival. It will be a three day journey on foot and horseback to Caer Isglass - the provinces involved are remote enough that no conventional airship route is involved.

While not the most diplomatic person around, Rae decided to go along. Can't spend all of your time in a lab, after all. But he did make sure to bring a couple of spellbooks. The first one being his regular spellbook. The other.....has weird symbols upon it. It's not even in elven.

People have been snooping around much lately, and Setiawan is worried. Looking to cool things down, and perhaps curry soem favours in high places, Setiawan has decided to head out, on the road, to Caer Isglass. Maybe a good plan, maybe not. When he sees Raethon, he starts thinking it might not have been such a good plan.

Even small histories are histories, and the call of history to be witnessed is a tempting thing for a Drum Reaver storyteller. Thus, despite the lingering cold of the season, Gar'utu has thrown on a cloak and stepped up to answer the Guild's request. Despite his huking build and menacing tattoos, the Oruch seems pleased to join the group of adventurers... though finding a horse capable of *carrying* him might be a different set of problems altogether.

From afar, Taidan would like to get some data on the three individuals (Darian, Trina and Isaiah) via knowledge/local.

GAME: Taidan rolls knowledge/local: (1)+10: 11 (EPIC FAIL) to Solace

You paged Taidan with 'Never heard of them!'

Kailin has managed to get onto this job by way of a few fortunate showings of late, but it doesn't take away at all from his excitement to be on the adventure. He carries with him everything he owns, which is next to nothing and is more than ready for an extended trip. He waits at the gates patiently, his large form posted against one of the nearby buildings with his large maul next to him, standing firmly on its head. He watches others as they gather, waiting for the time of departure while humming a tune to himself.

As the adventurers gather themselves, one or the other may hear the sound of bells approaching, followed by a cheerful, "Hale, Explorers! My apologies for the wait, but there is a procedure to this sort of thing." Ambassador Kern rides up, his three pack horses trailing behind on a lead. The ambassador is in his early twenties, half-sil, slender and handsome-featured, with long, auburn hair with silver and gold ornaments woven into it. His clothing is a billow of silks in bright colors, and he's astride a magnificent, parade-quality white stallion. The bells heard were from the tiny silver bells copiously attached to the horse's silver barding. The pack horses are a little less flashy, and a lot more weighted down with what appears to be roughly half a year's worth of fancy clothes, and what appears to be at least one small cask of fine Myrrish wine. In short, the appearance of the ambassador is certain to cause any bandits to risk drowning in their own drool.

(OOC: You may make Knowledge/Nobility, Knowledge/Local, or Knowledge/Nature rolls for extra information, should you like!)

GAME: Raethon rolls knowledge/nature: (16)+13: 29

You paged Raethon with 'You notice that the ambassador's stallion is, indeed, quite beautiful. Unfortunately, it appears to have been bred for appearance and not for, say, stamina or temperament, and you don't see any indication that it's combat trained. Unless the ambassador is a /really/ good rider, he's probably going to have a panicking mount the first time anything menacing or dangerous happens on the ride.'

GAME: Setiawan rolls Knowledge/Local: (8)+7: 15

You paged Setiawan with 'Isaiah Kern is the only child of a very wealthy Alexandrian noble, and high society gossip suggests that he is, to put it politely, a bit of a nitwit. Rumor has it that his father is desperately searching for something, anything that his son is accomplished at other than shopping and tumbling into bed with anyone who waggles a hip in a minimally enticing fashion at him. After disastrous turns in the Arcanist Hall and with private weapons tutors, and a stint in the Library that ended with several irreplaceable first editions getting soaked with wine, Isaiah's father managed to pull strings to get him installed as a diplomat. This is his first "real" assignment.'

Raethon sees Setiawan and makes a bit of a face, but goes back to his books. he takes a look at the ambassador's horse and shakes his head. "Ambassador? How well do you ride?" Sigrid bows low to the ambassador. "Greetings, your excellency," she says. "It looks like you have packed well for a vacation." She says this without rancor - just an observation. "Are we simply a formality? I may have misunderstood my briefing."

Setiawan, the exotic-looking Jade Islander, sidles up to Ambassador Kern, smiling broadly. Seeing Raethon and Sigrid get there before him, he hangs back from approaching immediately, and settles for observing their behaviour. After Sigrid's bow, he does the same, calling --- "Good day, your excellency!"

The Ambassador and his train bring a deep, rumbling chuckle to the oversized Orc. "If any of us feared the ride would be a dull one," he says, taking up a position by the pack horses, "now we can be sure, there will be nothing at all to fear." Yellow-white teeth flash in the sunlight as he shoots a grin to the paladin. "We're to see to the ambassador's safety, yes? No formality there."

Taidan is in Caer Isglass on business reasons. He has been contracted by the Explorers' guild to provide security details on the Alexandrian mediator, Isaiah Kern. Having had prior experiences on the matter before his arrival in Alexandria, he seems more relax and confident in the role that has been assigned to him.

Isiah beams a smile at Raethon. "Why, hello, there. And thank you for asking - I was actually taught by the famous horse archer Johill Thunderbow. Perhaps you've heard of him?" He waves a hand. "I was third in his class." He, perhaps notably, does not say how MANY people were in that class. He bows quite neatly to Sigrid...and nearly tumbles onto his head from the saddle when the horse sidles. "Oh, never you worry, fairest of the fair. As an ambassador, I of course must be prepared for all manner of social occasions. I simply have the minimum of supplies required - several outfits for dinners of various formality, gifts for the summit, riding habits in case there are meetings at the hunt, and so forth." He gives Setiawan a gracious nod of his head. "And hello to you. My, I am clearly well protected indeed!"

GAME: Taidan rolls Knowledge/nature: (5)+11: 16 to solace

You paged Taidan with 'You notice that the ambassador's stallion is, indeed, quite beautiful. Unfortunately, it appears to have been bred for appearance and not for, say, stamina or temperament, and you don't see any indication that it's combat trained. Unless the ambassador is a /really/ good rider, he's probably going to have a panicking mount the first time anything menacing or dangerous happens on the ride'

"As long as you are able to handle yourself in a saddle. That horse is not combat trained at all. It's going to panic when combat starts, not that I blame her." Raethon says very bluntly. "Now that you know, I'd like you to head in the opposite direction of anything flying at you....so not caught in a cross fire." Blunt, isn't he?

Sigrid considers the man's words, then nods. "I see," she says. Herself, she has just what's on her back. "Very well," she says after a moment, then nods. With nothing more to add, she falls silent, mounting up to be on our way.

Kailin watches quietly as the ambassador approaches and his eyebrows raise at the sight of him. He looks at all the finery and extravagance wondering, if perhaps he is at the wrong location or perhaps their assignment as been changed. He looks around to the others, who seem to have little issue with it and so he says nothing of the matter. He gives a simple nod of acknowledgement, but considers grimly what this might mean for their chances on the road.

Isaiah does not shrink or frown under Raethon's blunt words. He laughs, lightly. "But of course. Although I have had several well-regarded tutors in the arts of war, I understand that I am to be an emissary of peace and civility to the provincial lords, not a warrior! I will allow you all to deal with any incidents of violence along the way." He waves grandly, as if this is a great concession on his part. "Shall we be off, then? I understand our destination is a few days away." He sighs. "Oh, I do hope that there are decent inns along the way. I cannot imagine I'll present the proper ambassadorial appearance if I am forced to sleep on a /poor/ bed." The idea of sleeping on the ground doesn't even seem to exist in his mind.

Taidan refrains from saying much as his job requires him to be vigilant against any threat that my be directed against the ambassador. He busies himself by observing the person he has been tasked of protecting, and frowns slightly at what he sees. Whatever is the cause of his frown, he does not make an attempt of telling anyone. He returns to scanning his surrounding and appear grim and brooding.

Sigrid simply reminds herself that this fellow has been tasked with helping to end a war. And his qualifications at fighting, or really anything else, are irrelevant. She'll smile widely and get started then, riding vanguard as we get underway.

The Ambassador's worries actually startle a short bark of laughter from the Orc, followed by a shake of the head that sets his long black hair swinging. "We ride," is all he says, keeping to the side of the pack train as they set off on the road.

"You've been warned, Ambassador." Raethon says as he slides onto the wagon with the Ambassador's luggage, cuz this man seems to have brought a wagon for his luggage. "Lets. Ending a war should be top priority."

"Honourable Georg, at your service, Sir," the Jade Islander tells the Ambassador. "Your excellent reputation and taste precedes you, Kern." Georg smiles again, then mounts his own horse---a light, grey thing, named Fry apparently, on loan from someone or other. He looks again at the ambassador. "Let's have a little /chat/ later. I might have something that interests you."

Kailin set out with the others, his young, eager eyes tingling with excitiment despite the worry that creases his brow. He expected to have to perform above his station if this were to be a trip without tragedy. He knew little of his fellow adventurers, but hope they were versed in fighting off bandits as they would surely attract all manner of interested parties. He hefts his maul over his shoulder and takes in a deep breath, hoping his size will add to the dangerous look of their party to counter the ambassador's lure of loot.

"Ah, truly? Why, I look forward to it," Isaiah says, cheerfully. "And what a lovely horse, of course, although I always prefer the brighter colors. They go so well with my hair. It's very important to present the proper appearance in matters of state," he adds, in the air of one confiding a great and powerful secret.

Two days have passed on the road, punctuated by Isaiah's attempts to sing, to compose poetry on the beautiful scenery (recited, of course, at the top of his lungs), and to try to convince the party to stop for at least an hour three or four times every day so that he can freshen up by changing clothes and perfuming any horse (or party member) who doesn't move away fast enough. Especially the oruch.

The party is approaching Bleeding Pass, an inauspiciously named canyon that cuts through a series of hills on the borders of the territory they're heading towards. Thankfully, the name comes not from any dire history of the area, but for the fact that the walls are a rich, red clay, and when the weather is damp (as it is today), the walls seem to bleed as water trickles down the sides to run in thick, red streams to either side of the road. The day is overcast and chill, and the twisted trees growing out of the sides of the canyon have collected copious amounts of dew, occasionally discharging them in freezing cold dollops of wet that splash on heads and run down unprotected necks. The road through the canyon is wide enough for you to ride two abreast or walk three abreast without difficulty, except for a place up ahead where granite outcroppings narrow the path for a brief stretch.

Taidan calls for the group to halt. "Everyone, stay with the ambassador. I'll go and check on the choke point and see if it is safe to pass."

OOC: Solace says, "All characters may make Perception or Knowledge/Military Theory checks!"

GAME: Georg rolls Perception: (19)+7: 26

GAME: Kailin rolls perception: (4)+6: 10

GAME: Sigrid rolls perception: (18)+3: 21

GAME: Kailin rolls knowledge: (14)+knowledge: 14

GAME: Gar'utu rolls perception: (2)+2: 4

GAME: Raethon rolls perception: (19)+9: 28

GAME: Taidan rolls knowledge/Military Theory: (7)+8: 15

The perfuming attempts are -- successfully or unsuccessfully -- responded to with wide, toothy grins, punctuated by a flexing of the jaw that causes the sunlight to flash off the coppered bands encircling Gar'utu's tusks. "Our task is not to smell pretty," he rumbles, blowing a hot, soot-flecked breath between his tusks. "Our task is to ensure you *do not die.* Allow us our duty, Ambassador, and you will live to see that we allow you yours.

As they come up on Bleeding Pass, the oruch nods at Taidan's call, fingers flexing around the reins of his huge, slow horse.

You paged (Georg, Sigrid, Raethon) with 'Up ahead, you see the signs of some disguised work on the cliffs. It looks like the lip of the canyon has been tampered with, and could be triggered to create a mudslide on demand.'

You paged Taidan with 'This place is Ambush Central, and you're pretty sure you see places along the rim of the canyon where archers could easily perch and rain arrows down on unsuspecting folk below. In the wrong hands, it's a killbox. Up ahead, there's a slightly narrower part of the canyon that would be the best place for triggering an ambush…however, if someone did do that, you know that they'd want a quick path down to be able to quickly loot afterwards. You can identify what that path might look like, and use it to quickly /ascend/ the canyon, as well.'

You paged Kailin with 'Up ahead, you see the signs of some disguised work on the cliffs. It looks like the lip of the canyon has been tampered with, and could be triggered to create a mudslide on demand.

Georg wanders up to the Ambassador on horseback, pointing up to the canyon lip. "I'd stay away from that, Sir---it looks loose." He calls out to the others. "Something's awry, up there!"

"I see it." Raethon says before looking towards the others. "Is there a way around this?" He says as he taps his staff on the ground.

Sigrid puts a hand up to signal a halt. She nods at the warnings about the cliffside being loose. "Indeed. But we have to pass it somehow," she points out.

Isaiah hmphs at Gar'utu. "Life is one thing, but the glory of Alexandria relies on our looking like civilized scions of society, not ruffians!" As the unease ripples through the party, he frowns towards where he's directed. "...is it bandits? Oh my!"

"And that is *your* task," Gar'utu says, unperturbed. "Just as it is now also your task to not move, Ambassador. We cannot ensure your life if we cannot reach you."

Taidan dismounts and proceeds to removes his scimitar and shield. He makes his way towards the choke point/killbox and stops. He tilts his head to the side and up, looking at the rim of the canyon and eyeing it critically. After a while, he raises a hand to signal to the group to 'stay in position'. He moves off further and appears to be searching for something.

Nitwit he might be, but Isaiah is not suicidal. Looking a bit green around his very handsome gills, he gulps and nods, backing his horse back into the pack animals.

From afar, Taidan will ascend the canyon and make sure that the canyon's rim is secure.

You paged Taidan with 'By yourself? Keep in mind, that if there ARE people on there, you'll be climbing a slippery wall while they rain down whatever they have on you. If you would like to do that, you may, but without covering fire or support, it could be...awkward.'

Kailin looks up towards the cliffs and then down towards the road. His deep voice speaks out clearly, "It looks like we may either want to find another route around or head up there and trigger that trap ourselves. Whoever lies in wait will surely show themselves." He hefts his Earthbreaker off of his shoulder, holding it firmly in both hands.

You paged Taidan with 'If you would like to do it, though, give me a Climb check!'

"The trap," Gar'utu rumbles. "How is it triggered?"

Sigrid dismounts also, and moves close to the choke point, to render aid if needed, though she'll halt when Taidan suggests staying in place. She places a hand on her greatsword, but does not draw it.

Taidan pages: I think that check has been changed into athletics.

You paged Taidan with 'Athletics, then!'

GAME: Taidan rolls Athletics: (19)+7: 26 to solace

OOC: Solace says, "If you want to try and identify the trigger from afar, Engineering or Disable Device would work!"

GAME: Kailin rolls knowledge+1: (3)+knowledge+1: 4

From a distance, the party member can see Taidan starting to climb the canyon wall - he seems to have found a concealed trail, and is making good time up the slippery, clayey cliff. Heads pop up over the top of the cliff. A voice can be faintly heard. "One of 'em's coming up and he's alone! Archers!" Bows appear!

GAME: Gar'utu rolls initiative: 8 + 2 = 10

GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 13 + 1 = 14

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit Leader: Roll: 6 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 10

GAME: Georg rolls Disable Device: Trained Use Only: 0

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit 1: Roll: 9 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 11

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit 2: Roll: 19 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 21

GAME: Taidan rolls initiative: 2 + 3 = 5

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit 3: Roll: 4 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 6

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit 4: Roll: 16 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 18

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit 5: Roll: 2 + Bonus: +2 = Total: 4

GAME: You roll initiative for Bandit Sorcerer: Roll: 14 + Bonus: +0 = Total: 14

Taidan pages: Can I alert the group before the battle begins?

GAME: Georg rolls initiative: 17 + 1 = 18

You paged Taidan with 'Everyone is alerted! They saw the folk appear at the top of the canyon.'

From afar, Taidan would like to tell them to find another route up the canyon.

You paged Taidan with 'Then do so on your turn, by all means.'

OOC: Kailin says, "I'm getting the hang of this thing."

OOC: Georg says, "How far away am I?"

OOC: Solace says, "Most of the party is about 25 feet from where Taidan started up the canyon wall. The canyon itself is about 20 feet high, and the bandits on either side Up There, so about 35-40 feet from the bandits, diagonally."

OOC: Raethon says, "the rest of us seem fine."

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 2, then, is up and attacking Taidan!"

OOC: Solace says, "Bow shot!"

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (6)+4: 10

OOC: Solace says, "Swing and a miss!"

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 4 is also going to take a shot at Taidan."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (4)+4: 8

Arrows begin flying downward at the climbing Taidan. With thick, meaty sounds they thud into the wet clay around him, but none come close to touching him, yet.

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Georg ended.

OOC: Solace says, "Georg! You are up, sir. Whatcha gonna do?"

Georg the Jade Islander nods to the Ambassador to stay put, then simultaneously puts his leather sap back into a deep pocket, from which he retrieves a little hand crossbow. From another pocket, he fishes an arrow.

Raethon actually has one of the arrows bounce off of the bracers he has. "Well...that sucks." he says as he stamps his staff on the ground......and everyone, but him starts moving a lot faster than before.

GAME: Solace rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4

GAME: You damaged Taidan for 4 points. 27 remaining.

Peering over the wall is a wizened older man with claws and black eyes. He hisses something in an infernal language, and a black streak of energy shoots through the air to slam into Taidan's arm, where it hisses evilly before disappating.

Sigrid was looking for some cover to shoot back at the archers, but with the onset of haste, she'll move forward to melee instead, getting as far up as she can while opening her senses, looking to see who may be in need of some extra justice. She starts up the slippery slope towards the enemy, but can't keep her footing and slides back down. Undaunted, she starts up again, magical haste aiding her steps.

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 1 is going to fire his bow at Sigrid, for she looks large and dangerous should she get up the slope." GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (20)+4: 24 GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19 OOC: Sigrid ;.; OOC: Georg says, "Headshot!" OOC: Solace says, "Confirm! x3 on a crit...everyone cross your fingers." OOC: Gar'utu crosses tusks. GAME: Solace rolls 3d8+3: (19)+3: 22 GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 22 points. 3 remaining.

Kailin isn't as surprised as he might be when the bandits pop out to attack. "We should have climbed up there..." But regrets were useless at this point. It was time to act. He eyes the rock face to the ledge and has the instinct to take it all at once, but realizes that once he's up there he'll be the focus of the enemy attacks and that wouldn't help anyone to die within the first few moments of the engagement. Instead, he follows Sigrid, securing his maul as he goes and biding his time. It was a better strategy. Not just for him, but the group in general.

Unfortunately, that armor is /really/ shiny, and it seems to have caught the eye of the bandit troop's sharpshooter. She raises a black bow, sights down it coolly, and fires. The arrow flashes across the distance, and slams into a weak point in the paladin's armor. The bandits cheer!

OOC: Solace says, "The Bandit Leader is going to fire a shot at Taidan."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22

GAME: Solace rolls 1d8+1: (4)+1: 5

GAME: You damaged Taidan for 5 points. 22 remaining.

The bandit leader claps the bowwoman on the shoulder. "Good shooting!" he says, and then turns to try and improve on it. His arrow flies true, although not to quite such devestating effect. "Surrender your gold and treasures and we'll let you live!"

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12

Another bandit lifts his bow, aiming for Kailin as he follows in Sigrid's wake. The arrow hisses through the air...only to slam into a twisted tree branch near Kailin's face. It twangs there.

GAME: Note Flat-footed on Taidan ended. OOC: Solace says, "Taidan!"

Taidan pages: Okay, warn the group and strategize a way to get up the canyon through another mean. As for Taidan, I'd like to see if the foes are bunched up or anything. By the poses, they seem close together. The Oruch thuds heavily to the ground as he slips off his horse, the iron plates of his kilt clanking with every step he takes toward the cliff. Stopping a short distance away, he lunges forward, looking the loud, chest-shaking roar his people are known and feared for. "BANDITS! SURRENDER YOUR WEAPONS NOW, AND WE SHALL LET *YOU* LIVE!" With another loud roar, Gar'utu begins... dancing? After a fashion, at least, a dance involving a great deal of posturing, chest-slapping, and primitive chanting. But there's a magic in the oruch's fury, that goads his fellows on to fight yet harder.

OOC: Solace says, "You reach the top of the canyon this turn without an additional check."

You paged Taidan with 'Pose what you would like to say, and yes, the bandits are fairly bunched up!'

Taidan pages: Can I get them all within a grease spell?

You paged Taidan with 'Hmm. Sure!'

GAME: Taidan casts Grease. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

Taidan pages: DC is 16.

Taidan pages: Modified by my int boost.

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (10)+2: 12

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (7)+2: 9

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (20)+2: 22

Taidan pages: reflex check, or fall prone.

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (19)+2: 21

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (8)+2: 10

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+0: (10)+0: 10

OOC: Solace says, "Bandits slip and slide! Two and the Bandit Leader remain on their feet."

Taidan pages: Can I continue to ascend the path and find cover?

You paged Taidan with 'You already ascended to the top, as I noted at the beginning. It did take your move action, though. There's not much cover at the top, sadly. Pose your action, please!'

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 5, seeing his friends go down like a set of bowling pins is gonna take a pot shot at Taidan, that pesky magery type!"

OOC: Solace says, "Wait, no. He's actually going to drop his bow and pull his rapier. That's it for his action!"

Bandits go a-tumbling! Except for two, one of which at least has the presence of mind to drop his bow now that people are cresting the canyon, and readying for an attack. He does not, however, move. Because that would be silly.

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 2 will...attempt to stand up."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (12)+4: 16

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 4, likewise!" GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (16)+4: 20

Cursing up a blue streak, two bandits climb slowly, carefully to their feet, covered in red clay and grease. "Gonna eat your EYES!" declares one of them. Who, specifically, he's threatening goes unknown.

Taidan stoicly makes his approach on the narrow pathway that leads up to the canyon's rim. As he begins his ascent, he hears voices from above him, provoking him to raise buckler higher. Sure enough, the command to fire on him is made and arrows go flying through the air. The first two bounces off his buckler, which he keeps raised as he determinedly continues his climb up the path. All of a sudden, an energy missile hurtles from above the canyon's rim and hits him square in the chest. He staggers back slightly, causing him to lower his buckler a bit. A mistake that he pays dearly. An arrow finds a chink in his armour and gets buried there. He winces some more. "Contact!" The warning is made, a little too late. "Find an alternate route to the ambushers. Don't clump up." He suddenly feels magic course through him as an ally cast a spell. He is moving faster than before, which also makes time seem to move slower. He checks on the enemies' position and decides to cast a spell there and then. Drawing a vial from one of his pouches, he unstoppers it with a thumb and lets the liquid fall on the floor. While encanting words of power, he moves his hand into the direction of where his enemies are standing. The liquid suddenly increased in volume and is moving quickly through the ground to where the caster is indicating. At the feet of his foes, the magic properties that lay in the liquid cases two of the four ambushers to fall to the ground.

OOC: Solace says, "Georg!"

OOC: Georg says, "5-foot step to be within range. Move action: draw crossbow. Standard: Fire at nearest mug."

OOC: Gar'utu says, "Step on up next to the crazy orc. :D"

OOC: Solace says, "Do it! You've got five standing targets to choose from - all are undamaged, but one is a Leader. Leader, or one of the other bandits?"

OOC: Georg goes for weaker targets...

OOC: Solace says, "Fire!"

GAME: Georg rolls 1d20+1+1+1+1: (15)+1+1+1+1: 19

OOC: Solace says, "That is a hit!"

OOC: Gar'utu says, "IC helps damage too, mind. ;3"

GAME: Georg rolls 1d4+1: (1)+1: 2

OOC: Georg says, "Sad."

OOC: Solace patpats.

OOC: Raethon says, "it's two more than there was before."

OOC: Solace says, "Pose it!"

OOC: Solace says, "Raethon!"

OOC: Raethon says, "now that everyone's hasted.....zap the sorcerer if I can."

OOC: Solace says, "Whatcha gonna zap him with? He is prone at the moment!"

OOC: Raethon says, "if he's prone? magic missile."

GAME: Raethon casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16

OOC: Raethon says, "so that does....3d4+3, right?"

GAME: Raethon rolls 3d4+3: (9)+3: 12

OOC: Solace says, "I believe so!"

Georg steps forward, drawing the arrow into the crossbow. He pulls the trigger, pointing the thing at the nearest, weaker looking bandit. He pulls the trigger, and his arrow strikes.home. Doesn't look like it'll hurt much, mind. OOC: Solace says, "Bandit Sorcerer, having just received a faceful of magical pain, is going to try and rise." GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+0: (14)+0: 14 OOC: Solace says, "And fail." OOC: Gar'utu X

Once Raethon finds everyone is making progress towards the Bandits, he finds one of the bandits in robes. He shakes his head, as he does what any adventurer would go.....take out the caster. He aims his staff at the robed man, and three green balls fly out towards him....all nailing him in the gut.

"AUGH! They're hurtin' me, Thom! Kill them. KILL THEM ALL!" The sorcerer screams from the ground, trying to rise as his robes smoke and smoulder from the magical energy. Instead, he slips and goes face down into the red mud. GLUG. GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 14. It is now Sigrid's turn! Kailin is next!

OOC: Solace says, "Sigrid! You are hurting but at the top of the canyon. What do?"

OOC: Sigrid says, "Lay on hands on me as a swift, and move-n-attack. Am I within 5'?" OOC: Solace says, "You're that close to the one that Georg pincushioned!"

OOC: Sigrid will whack him twice, then.

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d6: (1): 1 OOC: Sigrid says, "So much for healing."

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (19)+9: 28

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (19)+9: 28

OOC: Sigrid says, "And the haste attacj"

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+9: (13)+9: 22

OOC: Solace says, "Do unto others as you have done to..."

GAME: Sigrid rolls 4d6+12: (13)+12: 25

GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+6: (9)+6: 15

OOC: Solace says, "You have killed Bandit 1. Pose it as you like!"

Sigrid grunts as she takes an arrow in the gap in the shoulder joint in her armor. Luckily it's not in her heart, but it's pretty close, and blood smears over her armor. Yanking it out with her free hand, she closes her eyes and concentrates for a moment before continuing on. "The Sun Lord's justice will not be stayed so easily as that!" she calls back in challenge, though in truth, she's shaky on her feet as she advances up the slope. What she is not is small, though, and when she closes with the closest bandit, it's like a guillotine, blade up, blade down, and THWOK, two pieces of bandit, roughly equal in size, both spurting blood messily.

OOC: Solace says, "You're up, Kailin!"

OOC: Kailin says, "I'm up with Sigrid, so I'll just copy her and full attack, preferably bandits on the ground."

OOC: Solace says, "You could get to the fallen Bandit Sorcerer. He is definitely on the ground!"

GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2+4: (7)+6+2+4: 19

GAME: Kailin rolls 2d6+8: (8)+8: 16

OOC: Solace says, "Dead! Pose it as you like."

You paged Sigrid with 'Also! Bandit Leader is evil. Bandit Sorcerer WAS evil, but now he's dead.'

Sigrid pages: Roger. Bandit leader is my next tatget, I expect.

GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2+4-2: (12)+6+2+4+-2: 22

GAME: Kailin rolls 2d6+8: (7)+8: 15

OOC: Solace says, "And that is a kill on Bandit 3. Poor guy! Pose it as you like!"

GAME: Bandit 3 removed from initiative list.

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit Leader is going to scream about Kailin killing his uncle and try to put an arrow in his face."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+6: (7)+6: 13

OOC: Solace says, "Sadly, his rage ruins his accuracy."

"Uncle Lowe! You bastard! I'm gonna peel off your skin and use it to wipe m'arse!" The Bandit Leader howls with rage and turns to face Kailin, undeterred by the close range. His hand, though, is shaking in grief and anger, and the arrow flies wild, whizzing past Kailin and Sigrid.

GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 10. It is now Gar'utu's turn! Taidan is next!

OOC: Gar'utu says, "Maintain the song, 5' step up, and Elemental Ray on the bandit leader."

OOC: Solace says, "Ooh, ranged touch. Go for it!"

Kailin follows Sigrid's lead and steps into the mess that has been made on the ledge, inspired by the strong dance down below. He gives a quick cheer and forgets his own plan to add to the tactics. So easily distracted... He feeds off the momentum of it and begins to get to work, his maul, swinging around in an arc as he steps forward. The handle of the maul slides out slightly as the weight of the metalic head tears through the air and it falls squarely into the back of the sorcerer that has just fallen. With magical speed, he repeats the motion with just a shift to the left, circling the hammer again, remembering his work driving posts for the border towns. The second one falls with a sickening thud as well into the chest of this one... just as an arrow flies by his head. He stands up straight again and gives a roar, his deep and powerful voice exceedingly loud.

GAME: Gar'utu rolls ranged: (9)+2: 11 OOC: Gar'utu says, "Screw you, dice." OOC: Solace says, "Sadly, a miss." OOC: Solace says, "Pose it!"

The roars, stomps, leg- and chest-slapping works Gar'utu ever closer to the cliffside, and the moment the leader inches into range, the war-dance incorporates an out-thrust fist. The tattoos over the Oruch's chest and arm burst into flame, gathering at his wrist to lance out in a deadly beam of searing heat... that flashes just past the leader's head, missing entirely.

OOC: Taidan says, "Casting and then rolling damage dice"

OOC: Solace says, "Roll it!"

GAME: Taidan casts Burning Hands. Caster Level: 4 DC: 15

GAME: Taidan rolls 4d4: (9): 9

OOC: Taidan says, "DC16 reflex."

OOC: Taidan says, "To half the damage."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (10)+2: 12

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19

GAME: Kailin rolls reflex+1: (14)+4+1: 19

OOC: Solace says, "Leader takes half, 4 takes full. They're ON FIIIREEE." GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round Two - Init 4. It is now Bandit 5's turn! Bandit 2 is next!

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 2...is gonna attempt to withdraw, although he has to make a check for the grease, because he is suddenly having second thoughts about his life choices."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (4)+2: 6

One of the bandits throws his hands up. "Hey, hey, I don't want any trouble," he claims, while trying to move away from the horrible adventurers and their fire and their ouchies. Sadly, grease. He screams like a small child as he slips, and lands flat on his back.

OOC: Solace says, "...Bandit 5, who I apparently skipped, is /also/ going to try to retreat!" GAME: NEW ROUND!

Solace advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 21.

It is now Bandit 2's turn! Bandit 4 is next!

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (16)+2: 18

"Yeah...yeah. No harm no foul, right?" Another bandit drops his bow and starts moving back away from the group. Unlike his peer, he's a bit more sure footed, and as soon as he gets away from the grease, he turns tail, intending to fleeeeee.

GAME: Solace advances the initiative order.

Round Three - Init 18.

It is now Bandit 4's turn! Georg is next!

Taidan sees that most of his allies have managed to climb up the narrow pathway to the canyon's ridge and are subduing their foes with impunity. As more and more of the bandits succumb to their battle injuries, the Rune soldier is left with lesser targets to focus on. Deciding on a spell, he moves in closer to the leader of the bandit and starts fanning one of his hands at him. Fire bursts out of his finger tips and go rolling over to where the bandit leader and one of his accomplices is located. The leader manages to duck in time, but the other guys was not so lucky. They both burn in the magical fire.

OOC: Solace says, "Bandit 4, on the other hand, has been set on fire, and he wishes to share his pain with the world. Or at least with Taidan."

OOC: Solace says, "He has to make a check to not fall down, and then he's gonna try to stab Taidan."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+2: (4)+2: 6

OOC: Solace says, "But he falls down instead!"

"FIRE! Oh, gods, I'm on fire! I'm gonna kill you!" The bandit brandishes his blade, and tries to close the distance with Taidan...and then he slips and falls with a wet squelch into the mud.

GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round Three - Init 18. It is now Georg's turn! Raethon is next!

OOC: Georg says, "My plan is 5 ft step, load, fire with sneak attack on Bandito 4. The on-fire one."

GAME: Georg rolls 1d20+4: (7)+4: 11

Georg steps forward a bit further, taking aim at the prone, burning bandit. Who needs honour. He shoots carefully at the squishy bits, but misses in the, ahem, heat of thw moment. OOC: Raethon says, "and...I think Magic missile who tried to stab Taidan."

GAME: Raethon casts Magic Missile. Caster Level: 5 DC: 16

GAME: Raethon rolls 3d4+3: (5)+3: 8

GAME: Solace advances the initiative order.

Raethon watches as a couple of them surrender, but one tries to hit Taidan.....then slips down. "Welp.....for trying to hit my ally." Raethon says as he points his staff at the fallen foe. Three more green missiles lance out and hit him on the butt, killing him. "Well now. I didn't think a butt seeking missile would kill anyone. GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+12: (15)+12: 27

GAME: Sigrid rolls 2d6+8: (5)+8: 13

Sigrid turns to find a new enemy. She'd never strike an enemy that's surrendered, and the rest have run off, but the leader is still fighting on, and she gleans some extra insight into his heart. So when she swings her mighty sword, it leave a trail of fire, or sparkles possibly, as it slices him, though he backs away to keep from getting cut in half, and the blade merely cuts him down the chest.

GAME: Kailin rolls melee+2+2+2: (15)+6+2+2+2: 27

OOC: Solace says, "Yeah, that's a hit!"

GAME: Kailin rolls 2d6+7+2+1: (11)+7+2+1: 21

OOC: Solace says, "Annnnd he's down. Pose it as you like. :D"

OOC: Sigrid has 3 more LOH today, can I use them now?

OOC: Solace says, "yes!"

OOC: Taidan will use his potion of cure light wounds now.

OOC: Kailin will offer a cure light wounds.

GAME: Taidan used a Potion.

GAME: Sigrid rolls 3d6: (6): 6

GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 10 + 1 = 11

GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -6 points. 9 remaining.

OOC: Georg says, "Nun for me, fanks."

OOC: Sigrid is at 9/25.

OOC: Solace says, "Man, that was a terrible lucky hit. Sorry, Sigrid!"

GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8+1: (5)+1: 6

OOC: Georg nodnods, bad luck old bean.

OOC: Kailin heals for 6!

Raethon hmphs a bit as he watches the leader go down. "Is everyone okay?" he says as he starts to walk forward....his focus mainly on Sigrid.

OOC: Solace says, "Healing Sigrid, Kailin? Or Taidan?"

GAME: Taidan rolls 1d8+1: (1)+1: 2

OOC: Taidan chuckles. Oh well, that is 2 HP better than before.

Georg steps back towards the Ambassador. "Are you alright, Your Excellency? None too shaken, I hope. These bandits... They do infest these parts." He puts away the crossbow. "Lucky you have such expert defenders, Sir!" The Xian smiles.

OOC: Solace says, "Kailin, who was your target for that heal?"

OOC: Kailin says, "Sigrid. She protected me from getting shot. With her face."

Kailin's roar gets his blood running, something he should have done earlier had he not been distracted. And though Sigrid has the bandit leader dead to rights, he can't help but take out his anger on the cornered man as well. He hefts his maul again and swings it around wide, leaning back in order to counterbalance the force of the head as it flies through the air. It slams into the side of the bandit leader with a crunch of bones and launches the burning and smoking man into the air with a sudden jolt. He tumbles end over end in a heap, smoke trailing as he careens over the edge of the cliffside. Kailin throws his head back and roars again, holding the note like the most vicious operatic singer of all times.

GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 6 points. 3 remaining.

GAME: You damaged Sigrid for -12 points. 15 remaining.

Taidan pages: Can I get 2 HP, please?

Sigrid sees the leader fall, and slumps back. She places a hand on her wounded shoulder, but after a few minutes, she still looks pretty rough, and she gratefully accepts the healing. "Thank you," she murmurs, then straightens up and cleans off her blade with a soft cloth, then resheaths it. "Let's get moving before they regroup," she suggests.

Two bandits remain, assuming the adventurers take the effort to round up the fleeing one. Their hands are up and they are trying not to make any sudden movements. "Weren't our idea," claims one. "Yeah! Don't kill us! We got kids! A dozen! Very cute!"

GAME: You damaged Taidan for -2 points. 24 remaining.

Kailin's roar atop the canyon, is echoed down below as the Oruch's tattoos burst into flame once more. The roar trails off into rough, gravelly laughter, and the bard turns to face the Ambassador, eyes gleaming a wavery yellow. "And *that,*" he proclaims, a wide grin on his face, "is *our* duty, Ambassador! Hah! This will indeed be a tale to tell!"

Isaiah...applauds. Like a man who has attended a grand performance, he shouts, "Bravo, ladies and gentlemen! Bravo! Clearly, I have been awarded the cream of the Explorers crop for my very important mission. I am so pleased to have you with me."

Georg smiles, slyly. "Very good, sir. Your leadership must have inspired us indeed, as much as the oruch's impressive displays. You have a fine talent, Sir."

"I've done this before Ambassador. It's not a big deal." Raethon says before looking to Sigrid. "yeah. Let's get moving. I'm pretty sure they'll be regouping before long." he says heading for his horse.

When searched, the bandits seem only to have a smattering of small coin, and the tools of their trade, including a couple of crude lockpicks, some whetstones, and - on the sorcerer - a few belt pouches filled with foul sorcerous materials and a small symbol to Illotha, battered and old. Ew.

Taidan surveys the battle field impassively and then proceeds to rip out the arrow that is lodged on his shoulder. He grits his teeth when he finally manages to dislodge the foreign object from his body and breathes out a sigh of relief. He tosses the piece to the ground and draws out a healing potion from one of his bags. He quaffs the content but feels little better from his injuries. Probably and expired potion. He shakes his head and makes a mental note to only buy quality potions now. From someone he knows and trusts. He proceeds to cast prestidigitation on himself, causing all the blood and dirt to magically disappear. Sheathing his scimitar, he proceeds in following the rest of the group in escorting their 'package' towards his destination.

Isaiah smiles back at Georg, practically preening. "Why, I do believe you're right. Clearly, my presence was quite galvanizing. Not to downplay your achievements, of course, but the right leadership in this circumstance is vital to success! Good job, everyone." By which, he means, "good job, me!".

Kailin comes down from his battle high enough to make it back down off the cliff. He definitely goes over the bodies for clues and odds and ends, packing them away. He specifically looks through the bandit leader's crumpled form, handling it like a rag doll as he goes through the pockets. "Just want to make sure this was a random occurence, common robbery and whatnot. Don't mind me." He holds the body aloft by one leg, broken in many places, spnning it to and from to get at each pocket and crevice...

As soon as the symbol is brought out, Raethon grabs it....and hisses at it. "Sigrid...." he says holding up the symbol. "Destroy this.....thing.....would you?"

Sigrid looks around, realizes not all the ones that surrendered have fled. She considers their destination, and winces. "It seems," she says to the bandits, "that we won't be able to bring you in. However," she says, and draws her sword. She takes the holy symbol from Raethon and smashes it to very small pieces, eying the bandits, "however you must swear an oath never to participate in banditry again. If you break that oath ...." she looks over toward the first fellow she attacked. The one laying in two pieces with a surprised expression.

"If you break that oath," the Oruch rumbles, stepping up beside Sigrid, "you will find that the *next* band who comes to deal with you are neither as tender or pitying as we."

Kailin breaks off the bandit's middle finger, ripping, twisting and pulling it off before discarding the body on the side of the canyon. "Seems clear. At least as far as we know. Just bandits. With bad luck." He nods to the others and stuffs the finger into a belt pouch before packing away the odds and ends on the pack horse and preparing for the rest of the journey, which has actually gone much better than he thought. "Less than a day to go, yes?" But a lot could happen in a day. He runs a hand back through his hair and adjusts his white locks before starting forward again, contented.

GAME: Georg rolls Intimidate: (13)+11: 24

Taidan moves over to Isaiah and tells hims to get back on his horse. "We will be moving shortly." Once that has been said, he makes his way to his own mount and rides it. He turns his head to where the other members of his team have congregated and then looks back on the road. He proceeds to move forward, making sure that they make up time for their tardiness.

"Thank you." Rae says to Sigrid. "Let's get moving before we're happened upon by another bandit group." Rae says getting back into the saddle and starting off.

Georg shrugs at the bandits. "Listen guys, do what you want. We're merciful. Really, the paladin is all that's stopping us ripping you limb from limb and chucking you down the canyon side. And the Oruch? He'd eat your kids, too. Between us, we'd make sure you never existed. Still, your call." He smiles, winningly.

The bandits go a horrible greenish-grey tone. It's hard to say what exactly causes it - the paladin's Object Lesson, the oruch promise, the tearing of fingers...let's face it, there's /plenty/ to choose from. At Georg's words, though, that seems to be the breaking point. They both nod so fast that their heads threaten to come off. "Yes, my lords and ladies! We'll never steal again!"

"I'll donate everything to blessed and MERCIFUL Althea!" claims one.

"I'll get my son to take vows!" proclaims the other. They babble thanks for being allowed to live, and as soon as they are released, they run as fast as they can away from the adventurers, all pretense of dignity gone.

Isaiah watches them go. "My. That was marvelously effective. Perhaps I should hire you all to chase away those irritating creditors!" And peace returns to the land!

"Hnh. Children playing at warriors," Gar mutters, spitting on the ground. Ambling back to his horse, he swings up... less than gracefully, let's face it... and nods to the canyon ahead. "They speak true, we should continue, swiftly. Sigrid swings into the saddle with a grunt, and heels her horse forward. It begins walking into the gap, peering warily at the trap. She gives the horse another nudge to hurry it along through.

Raethon is right behind Sigrid. He needs time to prepare, after all.

Georg remounts Fry, and urges the Ambassador to ride again, and likewise the ever-suffering packhorses.

Kailin, for his part, is confident that the trap will be fine undisturbed - as far as they are concerned. SOme other unfortunate soul may have to deal with it at a later date, but he passes through quickly, urging on the pack horses and continuing the journey. "I will have to find myself a suitable mount one of these days. I feel sorry for any creature which has to bear my weight..."

Another day of travel brings the group to Caer Isglass - the abandoned fortress in the disputed territory between Lord Georg and Lady Silverwind. Isaiah has /insisted/ that the party camp for another night so that he can arrive all shiny and pretty in the morning, rather than sweaty and stained at the end of the day. A small group is there to greet them: Lord Georg stands to the left, a stern and darkly tanned human in his late forties. Beside him is a lovely young woman in her early twenties, in a warm green dress of fine wool. On the right is Lady Silverwind, an older woman with fiery red hair and deep green eyes, dressed in practical hunting leathers. At HER side is a man of similar age, dressed in dark brocades, with spectacles on his eyes. Both Lady Silverwind and Lord Georg step forward.

Isaiah kicks his horse into speed to take the lead as they approach, and dismounts. "Lord Georg and Lady Silverwind. Let me say how pleased I am to be invited to this historic occasion!" There are a few other guards away, but they seem to be peasant conscripts rather than highly trained warriors, nervous and eyeing each other with deep suspicion, based on who's wearing whose livery.

Sigrid will dismount and bow to the collected lords and ladies. "Good morning to you all. Blessings of the Rising Sun upon everyone."

Raethon dismounts himself, but stays well back....watching for anything strange.

Gar'utu drops off his horse with a heavy thud, but simply moves to stand next to Raethon. The sound of bones popping and crakling can be heard as the Oruch rolls his head to one side, but beyond that he seems to prefer to listen, not speak.

Taidan doesn't dismount, prefering to remain on top just a little bit longer so as to observe the surrounding as well as the people who are about. Eventually, he dismounts and leads his horse away to the stables, letting the rest of the team take care of babysitting the ambassador.

So far on the trip, Honourable Georg has come across as a bit of a sycophant. Attending to Isaiah's every whim, fetching, carrying, supplying... you name it. Now he's here, in his element. When Isaiah kicks down, Georg does likewise, and stands next to the Ambassador, bowing to the assembled gentry. "Good day, Your Honours!"

Noble greetings are had between the lords and the ambassador, and then the two nobles turn their attention to the Explorers. Lord Georg steps forward first (earning him a dirty look from Lady Silverwind, for those watching for such things), to return Sigrid's bow and nod pleasantly to the Honourable One. "And you must be the Explorers. Thank you for coming all the way out here to aid us with this event."

"One of my better ideas," Lady Silverwind is quick to put in, stepping forward to her greetings as well. "I have had servants prepare rooms for you all. I'm sure you must be exhausted. We were thinking of a luncheon, and then beginning the negotiations."

"That sounds delightful," Isaiah puts in, but his attention has wandered. "Perhaps further introductions are in order?" By which, of course, he means the young lady.

Lord Georg says, "Ah, yes, of course. Please allow me to introduce my daughter, Kitara Georg."

"And my husband, Reginald," is Lady Silverwind's swift response.

Sigrid bows again at the introductions. "Thank you," she says at the offer of room for cleaning up. "That would be greatly appreciated."

The lord and lady personally escort people to their rooms - it seems like Lady Silverwind is just that sort of person, as she seems plainspoken and down to earth, while Lord Georg clearly doesn't intend her to have a /moment/ alone with the ambassador. As you walk, the lord and lady explain the Explorers' duties - mostly, security. Be present inside and outside the room while negotiations take place, supplement the local soldiers, and basically be people with swords who don't have a horse in this particular race, to keep old grudges from flaring up while "we put this ridiculous mess to bed," as Lord Georg puts it.

The lord and lady are more than happy to leave you to the suite of rooms prepared, while they take the ambassador to his (much nicer) accommodation. For his part, Isaiah actually seems to be rather good at chit chat with people of his social standing, and hasn't yet put a foot anywhere near his mouth.

Kailin says little, not being much for the ways of diplomacy between nobles. The pretty words of people were nowhere near as definitive as the finality of war. And truth be told, most diplomacy revolved around war. How to avoid it, how to end it. He smugly finds his way to his room when he is shown, but chooses to escort Lord Geord to his.

Rae yawns a bit.....keeps mostly to himself, but does make sure he's close by if people need him.

The Jade Islander looks over the assembled adventurers. "Listen, you lot---" he eyes Raethon suspiciously. "---Isaiah's a bugger when it comes to womanizing. What do we do about the gorgeous Kitara?"

Sigrid can only shrug to Georg. Our Georg. "If he forces himself on her, I will dispense justice. If she is willing, then what right do we have to stand in the way? If he places that above his duties to mediate this peace negotiation, that, too, will be known in Alexandria. If you think that won't stop him, then it is up to us to help the negotiation. But from what I understand, his role was merely as an observer. And perhaps looking pretty. That doens't sound too taxing."

"If he cannot perform his duty," the Oruch rumbles from beside the lamp at the table, "then the talks will or will not fail as they would have done anyhow. All that will be lost is the Ambassador's reputation. But, such a thing may be valuable enough in his eyes that he can be made to see that it is not the talks that are under threat, but his own skill."

"I suggest you watch who you're barking orders to, Kiss-Ass." Raethon hols nothing back from Georg. "yes, he's a snake. But we have our deterrent." he gestures towards Sigrid. "He's not stupid, just arrogant."

Kailin follows Isaiah to his room and gives it a once over before complying to the ambassadors wishes, unpacking his belongings and putting them away. As far as services go, he has done much more difficult, much more painful tasks in his life and this amounts to pampered privelege for Kailin. His primary task, however is to keep an eye on the ambassador and works with that as his first priority and unpacking the belongings as his second. He even offers to sign a bardic tune for Isaiah, offering a performance while the work is done. He invites Isaiah to join along, no matter his tonal failure to showcase his considerable talent, as he's already attempted.

Isaiah is quite happy to join along in song. Although he does seem to spend some time extemporizing and wondering if anything rhymes with 'Georg'.

Taidan ignores the arguement that is rising between his team mates and leaves the suite to conduct some security checks on the meeting area. As enters the venue, he takes particular interest at the northerly window and approaches it. He pokes his head outside and looks up, looking at the edge of the roof of the building.

The building is fairly worn, although some effort has been made to put it in noble order for the summit. Lots of handholds along the wall! The shutters look sturdy enough, however, and if closed, should provide a reasonable barrier to intrusion.

Kailin plays along with Isaiah, offering advice for him to compose his poems, then praising Isaiah on his good ideas. He continues packing things away as he offers his knowledge of words that rhyme with 'Georg', then expands his lists to include rhymes with 'Georgy', the top of which is 'orgy'. All in all, he helps to compose absolutley horrid compositions for Isaiah, one which would never woo anyone, all the while keeping Isaiah monitored by sound if not by sight.

Taidan seems content with what he sees and draws his head back into the room. He checks the windows' shutter and closes them before proceeding towards the door to the south. Testing the latch on the door, he opens it and investigates what he could find behind it.

Outside the door is a hallway, leading to the stairs on one end, and off to the (mostly empty) library and storage rooms on the other. A few benches provide rough places to sit and wait. Everyone is invited to dinner, of course, in a drafty great hall that has been hastily patched up for company. The food is acceptable, although somewhat cold by the time it reaches the tables, and the dialogue is...well. Lord Georg's party sits on one side. Lady Silverwind's party sits on the other, and Isaiah is placed at the head of the table, to be properly neutral. He gamely tries to continue cheerful conversation, aided by his general self-centeredness and obliviousness. At the very least, he seems to get along reasonably well with Reginald and with, /sigh/, Kitara, who blushes quite prettily to his elaborate flattery, despite the glowers it draws from her papa. The Explorers are offered a second table, along with soldiers and other residents. Who, at least, are better conversationalists than many of the stilted silences at the other table.

After dinner, the negotiators retreat to the room. The lord and lady sit across from each other, with Kitara and Reginald at their sides, apparently acting as secretaries and note-takers. Isaiah clears his throat and calls the negotiations to order. The main conflict seems to be over the ownership of the land that Caer Isglass sits on, as well as some surrounding quarries and mines. The litany of requests is long, and takes much of the evening to be read out...especially as several provoke arguments that Isaiah scrambles to try and cool.

During the dinner, the Oruch's table manners may not be the best... but he certainly doesn't let the conversation ebb terribly far, starting it up again with stories that he utterly *refuses* to make clear whether they're true or heavily embroidered. But the soldiers' table remains vaguely convivial at least, a clear contrast to the nobles'

The moment the nobles retire to their talks, however, Gar'utu puts down the last of his meal, rises, and slips into a corner of the negotiating room without a word. Why? Because this will be history, and history *must* be chronicled.

GAME: Raethon rolls knowledge/history: (8)+13: 21 GAME: Raethon rolls perception: (7)+9: 16 OOC: Solace says, "If you would like to roll History and/or Perception, feel free!" GAME: Gar'utu rolls knowledge/history: (11)+6: 17 GAME: Gar'utu rolls perception: (5)+2: 7

Sigrid will attend dinner, though she has no formalwear. As a guard and a paladin, her armor will have to serve. It doesn't take any great insight to spot Isaiah hitting on Kitara. She will take a little extra interest in the girl. Perhaps as a role model. Not that she has a lot to talk to a girl about, but she can try. When the negotiations star and the girl has a task, things are easier. She can just stand and look fierce.

You paged (Gar'utu, Raethon) with 'History: This piece of land, you know, has a great deal of disputed ownership. It's been fought over by these two families for ages. However, you both also happen to know that one of the areas where Lord Georg is resting his family's claim on it was actually a fraud. Not by him, but through various means, you both know that the Treaty of Two Oaks (which he is claiming gives him a right to the land) was discovered to be a forgery about seventy five years ago, although no one really cared at the time. It's not Georg's ONLY claim to the land, but it's one of his stronger ones. Isaiah doesn't seem to know it.'

Taidan is here on business and prefers to keep his focus on the task he is assigned to do, which is to look out for the safety of the three most important people in the room. He doesn't join in the table where the soldiers are sitting, preferring to be standing in attention somewhere, and keeping an eye out for trouble,

You paged (Raethon, Taidan) with 'Perception: This is clearly a table that has seen a lot of conflict. Georg and Silverwind can't /stand/ each other, although they're both trying to be calm about it. Reginald seems to be feeding his wife information at times, but his main concern appears to be on her. Kitara is the only one who seems calm and happy...but that might be because she keeps exchanging glances with Isaiah. Who is, to be fair, doing his best, but clearly sweating under the pressure.'

Raethon seems to be watching everyone fairly closely but does remember a piece of info that makes him shakes his head. "Oh great." he says before smiling to Kitara, whom is the only one calm. too calm.

Gar'utu pages: Okay! If Raethon doesn't bring it forward, Gar will wait for a break in the negotiations to quietly let Isaiah know about the forgery. If Rae *does* mention it, Gar will happily confirm, stating the importance of learning the history of the place you live in.

OOC: Raethon is actually going to show a bit of tact and not do anything. XD

Kailin has disconnected.

Taidan pages: Using knowledge/military theory, can I get an escape route prepared for Isaiah just in case the negotiations go south and a fight ensues?

You paged Gar'utu with 'It looks like Raethon will choose not to share the info!'

Kailin has connected.

You paged Taidan with 'Surely!'

GAME: Taidan rolls knowledge/military theory: (7)+8: 15 to Solace

You paged Taidan with 'If a fight breaks out, you're pretty sure you can get Isaiah out of there quickly and safely!'

From afar, Taidan nods, "Thanks."

You paged Gar'utu with 'You can pose intervening - it's not hard to find a moment when someone asks for a cup of water or the like.'

As the negotiations wind ever onward, a thought seems to occur to the Oruch watching as well. Once the inevitable break in negotiations occurs, for those involved to refresh themselves, Gar'utu wastes no opportunity in taking hold of a passing Isaiah's elbow. "I mention," he rumbles quietly, "as you look to have missed the remembering. But the claim that the man makes, of Two Oaks? It is a forgery, this known for the better half of a century. Do with this what you will, Ambassador, but its knowing may be of import."

Taidan checks on dignitaries in this meeting and observes them impassively. He shifts his eyes on conscripted soldiers who are eating on a table not too far away. He assess them carefully before shifting his gaze to another part of the room, and then back to the dignitaries.

Isaiah looks politely horrified when the oruch takes his arm, but the look of horror quickly turns to...goodness, is that a glimmer of INTELLIGENCE there? He beams at Gar'utu. "Good man! I owe you a drink for that. Although, if the Lady Silverwind doesn't know...hmm." He returns energized to the table, and brings out the info at a suitable moment. "...now, not that this discredits the whole of Lord Georg's claim, of course. But it's worth considering. Perhaps his lordship would like some time to consider the list of concessions that the lady has offered? The other claims made will require some time to verify, if full verification is required..." He pulls a solemn face, clearly prepared to take that time and strand them all out in the drafty castle.

Lord Georg rubs his hand over his face. "Argh. No. I'll...consider the offer on the table. May I have the night? We'll reconvene in the morning, with your permission?" A look to the Lady, who is catlike in her smugly regal nod.

"Of course. I'm sure a good night's rest will help you put the offer in its proper perspective." The meeting is adjourned, with both parties rising, and Isaiah offering Kitara his arm.

"Shall we have a few drinks tonight, to wind down from these fearsome negotiations?" The offer, at least, is extended to all, but meant mostly for one.

"Watching as the meetings convene for the night, Raethon takes the arm of Sigrid. "Sigrid....might I have a word...in private?"

Kailin stays on guard outside, patiently taking his post and hoping the proceedings inside go as planned. At the very least, discussions should suceed or fail with words alone and their job will have been completed. When the negotiations break, he makes hisway inside and is dismayed to see that they will last again to the next day. He sighs imperceptibly and looks around the room, judging the state of the participants. All seemed as well as before and the offer of drink is met with skepticism, but he stays silent and continues his vigil, moving in near Isaiah.

Sigrid will accept the offer of drinks, and act as a chaperone, if there is no one officially charged with that job. Her conversation is mostly curiosity about the people and events around the city, since she doesn't get out much, though she can relate a couple of adventures she's been on.

Sigrid ers, is pulled away by Raethon. "Yes?"

Taidan turns his attention to Isaiah, a bit surprised at his offer for a late night drink. He frowns at this but doesn't say anything to dissuade it from happening. He breathes deeply and looks around the room, once again assessing each person who is present.

"I just remembered something about the treaty, Sigrid. The original claim was a forgery. It makes no difference on the claim for now, but if I'm remembering this just now.....it's entirely possible that those bandits were meant to keep Isaiah from getting to the meeting at all. So...if I may ask.....could you stay by Silverwind's room....just in case?" Raethon seems to have an idea on something.

The offer of drinks is met with a low chuckle, and Gar'utu shakes his head. "The supplies could not survive my agreement, Ambassador. But I would pass a word of wisdom," he says, lowering his voice again. "Every day these talks continue, is another day you have to make enemies. Every day they fail, is another wound to your reputation. Choose well your enemies, and how you survive this duty."

Sigrid nods to Raethon. "I can do that, yes," she agrees. Sadly, that'd take priority over babysitting, but Katara's old enough to make her own decisions, and nations are greater than people.

Taidan pages: On a whim, detect magic in the room, please. You paged Taidan with 'Cast it!'

Isaiah blinks a couple of times at Gar'utu. "Ah. I see. Well, thank you for the advice, my good oruch." He claps him companionably on the shoulder. "Not to worry. I suspect we'll have this all wrapped up on the morrow, and we'll all part great friends, I'm sure." Cheerful, he goes to lead whoever wishes to go to the great hall, where a servant has been sent to fetch his cask of Myrrish wine.

Of the attendees, Lord Silverwind begs off the drinking, claiming a touch of arthritis requires some time by the fire and an early bed. Kitara is enthusiastic - her father is less so, but goes along to chaperone. Lady Silverwind, of course, comes along.

GAME: Taidan casts Detect Magic. Caster Level: 4 DC: 14

Kailin motions to one of the other adventurers to take over a close watch as he volunteers to go get the wine. "I'll go my lord. I would hate to see some weakling page stumble with your wine and waste it all over the floor." He gives a nod, waits for watch to be taken, then heads off to carry back the wine in safe, Giantborn hands.

You paged Taidan with 'There are magical auras in the area. After watching for a little longer, you can see /faint/ auras around all of the nobility, including Isaiah. Abjuration around most of them.'

"Sorry, but I don't drink while on a job." Raethon says as he looks about, thumping his staff on the ground as he walks.

You paged Kailin with 'The cask is of a /very/ good year. Thankfully, no one seems to have tampered with it, or done the drink the great disservice of poisoning it.'

During the drinking, Isaiah regales the group with the tale of their bandit encounter, and how he bravely fended off ten bandits, including one demon summoner, with the help of the Explorers (as he graciously adds).

Raethon interrupts before the tale gets too out of control. he actually tells what all happened, but not to bloody detail. He DOES tell everyone that, while Isaiah was standing back so the adventurers could deal with the problem, Isaiah did warn them of attacks to their backs and encouraged them when they needed. Raethon THEN notes that it was what Isaiah was meant to do....not fight. OOC: Gar'utu says, "Enh, if there's anything going amiss at the drinking circle? I'll use it there."

Kailin brings out the cask, carrying it in and setting it down gently, and pouring the first glass with an offer to Isaiah. He gives a nod and moves back towards the rear, watching on carefully with a look to the other adventurers to make sure that all is still well. He clasps his hands together in front of him and thinks on the night, trying to ensure that the party goes as well as can. He even uses a bit of magic to add background music to Isaiah's tall tale.

You paged Gar'utu with 'You notice several exchanged whispers between Isaiah and Kitara, when her father isn't looking!'

The ambassador, encouraged by music, does seem fair to create an entire bandit army to have fought off. But then? WOE. Isaiah's face is a perfect picture of woe at the helpful corrections made by Raethon, although he clears his throat and allows about how it could have happened like that, certainly, "but had any of the brigands managed to get through my stalwart protectors, I assure you I would have given them whatfor! I was trained by the best in swordsmanship, you know. But it's not right for a man of peace to carry a sword."

The drinking winds down fairly quickly - not even Isaiah, it seems, is interested in getting smashed during this trip. ESPECIALLY when someone is harshing his stories. He escorts the lady Georg to her room, and then continues to his own (although not without stealing a kiss on her hand). Lord Georg and Lady Silverwind go to their rooms - Lady Silverwind's is next to her husband's but not the same. Darkness descends on the keep as the lights go out, and people drop off to sleep to the sound of the watch calls from the battlements. The Explorers are left to sleep, or keep watch, as they decide, for the night.

Taidan doesn't give much attention to the talk made by Isaiah, or anyone else for that matter. The meeting had taken long and time had little by little lulled him away from a state of readiness. He does not like that they have to extend their guard duty a bit more, but to partake in spirits is likely going to affect someone's judgement of things. Fearing a magical attack of some sort, whether physical or through coercion, he casts a cantrip that allows him to see the glow of magic within the vicinity. After getting enough information out of that spell, he decides to have change of scenery and switches with one of his commrades who is posted outside the room. Eventually, the dignitaries retire to their rooms and Taidan is finally able to relax a bit.

GAME: Kailin rolls charisma: (2)+2: 4 OOC: Solace says, "Kailin, give me a Perception check."

GAME: Kailin rolls perception: (4)+6: 10

Midwatch, heading towards the last watch - enough that Taidan is awakened and beginning to prowl. All seems clear in the darkness outside - although the shadows are /very/ deep, and filled with false positives. There's a suspicious movement! ...no, just a bat. What about right there? A branch waves against the wall. It's hard to keep track of, especially as the night wears on.

As Taidan reaches the second floor, where Sigrid is pacing along by the Silverwind rooms, both adventurers hear a peculiar thump, and a strangled sound, coming from Lord Silverwind's room. Taidan quirks up one of his brow, but doesn't look particularly concerned. He shifts his eye to Sigrid and tilts his head towards the room where the commotion is coming from. "Better check it out. He might have fallen off his bed." He then shifts his attention to the other end of the hallway, towards where Isaiah's is presently roomed in.

Sigrid nods to Taidan, she heard the thump, too, and with a long stride, she raps on the door just for a moment before pushing it open and letting herself in, if it's unlocked.

Kailin keeps watch on the outside, though his effectiveness is questionable. He was often distracted and his lack of focus had a tendancy to strike at the most inconvenient of times. He composes a new song to dance to in his head and considers the windows above him secondarily. If something obvious moved, he'd spot it, no doubt. But for now, he just considers his time and how best to use it. Musically.

GAME: Sigrid rolls perception: (16)+3: 19

The door is not locked - the abandoned keep, sadly, doesn't have a whole lot of locks that still work. The bang goes unanswered, and the doorway swings open. The room is dark, but Sigrid's sharp eyes can make out two figures struggling by the open window. One is down on the ground, another stands over it, bringing down a dagger with a grunt of effort. OOC: Sigrid says, "Is there any way to intervene?"

OOC: Solace says, "Yes! I'll let you make an Athletics check, DC: 15, to run across the room and knock the blade away before it impacts."

GAME: Sigrid rolls athletics: (7)+0: 7

Sigrid dashes across the room as soon as she realizes what's going on. "Stop!" she calls out, diving into the pair to try and interfere with the assassination. Unfortunately, she's not fast enough to do so before the blade comes down.

Sigrid's interference drives the assailant back. It's hard to tell if the victim is dead or not, although moonlight gleams off the blade the attacker wields. There's a 'clink' of something metallic hitting the stone floor, and the assassin lets out a muffled curse. Rather than press the attack, they leap for the window. For a moment, they're sillouhetted there - humanoid, not very tall, slender, of uncertain gender - and then they're climbing out onto the outside wall. This, along with the faint shout from the paladin echoing through the night, can be seen by Kailin from his perch outside.

GAME: Sigrid rolls athletics: (18)+0: 18

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+6: (8)+6: 14

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+4: (18)+4: 22

GAME: Solace rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6 Sigrid reaches out, and snatches the villain by the base of their black hood. They turn around, and slash at the paladin with the bloody dagger, drawing more blood, but Sigrid has the fiend in her grip, for the moment! GAME: Sigrid rolls initiative: 9 + 1 = 10

GAME: You roll initiative for Masked Figure: Roll: 14 + Bonus: +4 = Total: 18

GAME: Gar'utu rolls initiative: 16 + 2 = 18

Kailin starts suddenly when he sees motion at the second window and he starts forward with a leap, hands grasping and hurling himself up the wall with an ease born of straight strength. Hand over hand, he scales the wall, his fingers hooking on any edge it can find and gripping it downwards as he lifts himself upwards towards the figure. The closer they get in sight, the more he can see that this is definitely a serious situation.

GAME: You damaged Sigrid for 6 points. 19 remaining. GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 18. It is now Masked Figure's turn! Gar'utu is next!

OOC: Solace says, "The masked figure will attempt to break that darned grapple!"

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16

OOC: Solace says, "The Figure fails!" GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 18. It is now Gar'utu's turn! Sigrid is next! GAME: Note Flat-footed on Gar'utu ended.

In her grip, the figure struggles and writhes, trying to fling itself out of the window, oblivious to the approaching Kailin. However, it's not actually /easy/ to get out of a Giantborn's grapple, so all it can do is struggle and flail.

GAME: Kailin rolls initiative: 9 + 2 = 11 "Hwuh?" The red-skinned oruch jerks awake with a snort, blinking sleepily, jaw working as his consciousness reasserts itself. An effort which is aided by a crashing sound beneath him, which sends him to his feet. "UP YOU LAZY SLEEPERS!" he roars... right above Raethon's ear, coincidentally... "TROUBLE IS COME TO THE CASTLE!" With that, he sets off in a lumbering dash towards the stairs, and the brawl below.

GAME: Solace advances the initiative order. Round One - Init 11. It is now Kailin's turn! Sigrid is next! GAME: Note Flat-footed on Kailin ended.

Kelvin crests the window and stands on to his feet, feeling the burning in his arms as he reaches for the maul on his back. He steps into the room between the window and the struggling figures as he resettles his grip on his weapon, seeing Sigrid wrestling with the figure. "Guards!" He calls out, trying to keep the man from escaping via the window and hopes that he hasn't been drawn to a trap.

GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d20+12: (16)+12: 28 OOC: Solace says, "That is a definite success! What's your unarmed damage?" GAME: Sigrid rolls 1d3+4: (1)+4: 5 OOC: Sigrid says, "Nonlethal, so he'll have a bit of padding when the party stabs him."

Sigrid thought she heard him drop his weapon, so she reaches out the window to try and grab the fellow before he escapes. It turns out, he didn't drop his weapon, though, as Sigrid finds out to her surprise. "Aiyeee!" she shouts, but she's got a handful of cloth and isn't letting go. Over her shoulder to Taidan, she says, "Can you help Lord Silverwind? If not, take this fellow and I'll help him." She keeps her grip on the figure no matter how he struggles, and she'll attempt to put him in a submission hold so he'll stop struggling. "Give!" She shouts at him. "Submit, you're not going anyplace!"

OOC: Solace attempts to break the grapple again, because the odds are looking worse each moment!

After about 5 minutes of yelling from Gar'utu......Rae finally wakes up....by rolling out of bed and smacking his face on the ground. "ow."

GAME: Solace rolls 1d20+5: (12)+5: 17

Solace is submission held! They try, once more, to break free, but it's just as fruitless this time. Seeing the window blocked, and hearing the alarm raised, the figure goes limp. Apparently surrendered. Apparently.

GAME: Gar'utu rolls athletics: (5)+7: 12

GAME: Raethon rolls initiative: 14 + 7 = 21

Whether or not the sounds of struggle are abating, Gar'utu continues to pound through the stone hallways, black hair swinging and tattoos glimmering with eldritch fire.

You paged Kailin with 'As you get closer, Kailin can see that the victim is Lord Silverwind.'

GAME: Kailin rolls 1d8+1: (7)+1: 8

Kailin sees that Sigrid has the man fully engaged and when he goes slack, the giantborn man's focus is drawn to the figure on the ground. There's blood somewhere. Kailin wasn't a cleric, but any amount of healing should be helpful to keep him from dying if he wasn't already dead. He dashes over to the man and speaks the poem of healing under his breath, channeling life back into Lord Silverwind. Kailin holds his breath briefly at the recognition of the victim and calls out again, "Alarm!"

The keep awakens. Lady Silverwind appears at the door the same time as Gar'utu (having far less distance to cover), and screams at her husband's blood covered body. Luckily, thanks to Kailin's healing, not his /dead/ body. The Lord Silverwind is groaning, and unhappy, but alive. Also unhappy is the assailaint, pinned by the fists of Justice - or rather, Sigrid - and its identity is uncovered. Kitata Georg glares up at Sigrid. "You ham-handed IMBECILE," she snarls.

It takes Rae a little while, but he finally gets to the bedroom.....and grumbles. "What in the nine hells is going on?" he says before Kitata decides to insult Sigrid. "hey........shut up." Rae's witty remarks don't come around for another four hours dammit.

Sigrid has a bit of advantage at this point, so when the enemy gives in, she'll shift her grip, leaning into him and holding him on the ground with her considerable weight, yanking his arm behind his back and leaving her weight on top of him. "Is Lord Silverwind all right?" she calls back over her shoulder, then looks at her quarry. "Now what do we have here?" she wonders aloud, laughing at the taunt from Kitata. "The thing about ham hands," she replies smoothly, "Is that what they catch, they keep."

"Hrrrr," the sorcerous bard rumbles, teeth baring as the identity of the would-be killer is revealed. "The *softskin* would be *wise* to shut her fool head until knowledge is desired from it." Indeed, Gar'utu looks far less than pleased by this turn of events, as he steps back from the doorway to allow Lady Silverwind unfettered access to her wounded husband. "I will get the father."

Kelvin looks over to Kitara Georg and tilts his head in exasperation. He waves Lady Silverwind to her husband to attend to him while he moves to Kitara to bound her legs and hands with rope. Kailin shakes his head to Sigrid and says, "It didn't look good. But I'm not really a healer, per se." He secures the bindings as best he can and says, "We need to check on the others, quickly. Is Isaiah safe?"

"Oh my god," Lady Silverwind says. "Is that...is that Lady Kitara? Did she try to kill my husband?" She rushes to the Lord Silverwind, falling to her knees beside him. "Reginald, are you well?"

Lord Silverwind shakes his head, but says, "O-of course, my dear. I'm fine. It's...ow. I'm bleeding. But I'm alive. I didn't even see..." he turns to look in bewilderment at Kitara. "But why?"

Kitara presses her lips together, and sulks.

As Gar'utu steps out, he can see Lord Georg approaching the commotion, his hair disheveled, a robe pulled around him. Isaiah isn't that far behind, emerging from his own room with a yawn and a sleepy mumbled, "What's going on? Is there a fire?"

"Your *spawn* is the trouble," Gar'utu rumbles, peering down at Lord Georg's face. "She was captured while trying to murder the Silverwind male."

Lord Georg stops in his tracks, staring. "This is a poor time for a jest," he says, running his hands through his hair to put it into place.

"Do I," the orc says, loooooooooming forward to bring the points of his tusks level with Georg's eyes, "*look* like I jest this moment?"

Sigrid remains with her weight on Kitara. It's just as easy right now, and it keeps her from going anyplace. "Yes," she says, thinking aloud. "What -is- going on here?" she asks her quarry. To Lord Georg, she says in a tone of regret, "We caught her in the act. I hardly think there can be a mistake or misidentification. Unless this is some clever disguise?" She'll eye Kitara just in case. Well, it could be.

"Stay there, Ambassador." Rae says to Isaiah before watching all of then, then to Gar'utu. "When we're laughing, then you'll realize it's in jest." he then taps his staff to Gar'utu's shoulder. "Calm down....he was nearly killed.....he has a right to be a little serious right now." he then points his staff at Lord Silverwind. "And you need to take a deep breath......now."

"Diplomacy..." Kelvin says by way of explanation, trying to interrupt the exchange betewen the orc and Lord Georg. "I suspect there were other opinions on how the talks should have been handled. But I know little of your political situations." He nods to the Lord and says, "You'll be held responsible, most likely. I suspect you'd do yourself the biggest advantage by getting as much information from Kitara as possible, now."

Lord Georg swallows hard. Then he draws himself up to his full height, looking as dignified as it is possible to do in a robe. "No. But there must be some misunderstanding." He steps into the room, through the adventures, and looks at his daughter. "Kitara. What on earth is going on here?"

Kitara rolls her eyes. "Give up the innocent act, father dearest. The jig is up," she says, with contempt. "I failed."

Lorg Georg sputters. "What? Failed--but," he looks at Lord Silverwind, "I don't understand. I didn't order anything!"

OOC: Solace says, "If people wished to make Sense Motive checks, now would be a good time!"

GAME: Raethon rolls sense motive: (2)+4: 6

GAME: Sigrid rolls sense motive: (16)+6: 22

GAME: Gar'utu rolls sense motive: (16)+6: 22

You paged (Sigrid, Gar'utu) with 'You're pretty sure Lord Georg is sincere in his confusion, denial, and shock at the situation as it's playing out.'

GAME: Kailin rolls sense motive: (14)+-1: 13

Sigrid looks thoughtful at Lord Georg's denial, then says to the group, "I am inclined to believe him. In any event, there is no indication of wrongdoing by Lord Georg, so if everyone is willing, I think the negotiations can continue. We will see what else we can learn from this one, in the meantime."

"Leave that," the Oruch says, mouth curling into a wide, wide grin, displaying a whole lot of faintly yellow Orcish teeth, "to me. The truth will out before the sun has risen."

OOC: Gar'utu says, "Roll Intimidate?"

OOC: Gar'utu says, "(If I can make the girl talk before everyone leaves the room, so much the better) :D"

OOC: Solace says, "You can do that!"

GAME: Gar'utu rolls intimidate: (17)+10: 27

Kailin nods towards Lord Silverwind and says, "I think he's not quite in the condition to continue. Does everyone want to continue negotiations?" He looks to Sigrid and then to the Ambassador. "If not, we can all go about getting ourselves back to our respective homes. If so, let's make an effort to come to an agreement as soon as possible before more treachery befouls this gathering."

"Don't play innocent with us," Lady Silverwind snaps. "I know that this is your foul way of ensuring that you get both our territories. After Reginald, was your next target me? Or the ambassador?"

The ambassador in question looks shocked, one hand rising to his chest. "Kitara! I'm sure you couldn't ever do such a thing," Isaiah says.

Kitara scoffs. "Shut your mouth, old hag," she snaps to Lady Silverwind. But then that Oruch levels that stare on her, and the blood drains out of her features. "My Lady Illotha will not abandon me, no matter what you do to me," she claims, with the certainty of one who's never actually tried to depend on the dark gods in times of need. "I was going to kill you all, and when you were dead, I could rule both lands!"

OOC: Sigrid would like to Sense Motive to see if that's really her motivation.

OOC: Solace says, "Sure!"

GAME: Sigrid rolls sense motive: (11)+6: 17

"Well...that explains the holy symbol we found." Rae says as he looks to Kitara. "You have got to be one of the stupidest humans I've ever met. And I've run across some inbred farmers. You DO realize that she is the goddess of BETRAYAL, right? When your usefulness is used up...." *He snaps his fingers* "....there goes your support. I can't even call you short sighted. You are just DUMB!"

You paged Sigrid with 'She seems sincere about it, with an undertone of the fanatic edge of the True Believer.'

OOC: Solace says, "Hey! Don't mock someone just because Int was their dump stat. Wizard prejudice! :D"

"Indeed?" Gar'utu snorts, straightening back up to look between the ambassadors, the party, and the bound-up would-be assassin. "And how fares that plan, little softskin?" Cocking his head at Raethon's tirade, the Ourch snorts, chuckling as he turns away. "We shall want her secured, before the talking resumes, will we not?"

"Or executed? Is there a way to end out this threat here and now?" Kailin looks towards the Lords assembled. "Depending on which way you want to go, that is. Whatever best suits all parties involved, right?" He raises a sharp eyebrow, looking back and forth between the individuals involved to see how far they want to take this.

Lord Georg gasps. "You will /not/ kill my daughter without a trial," he thunders.

"Your wretched, dark-worshipping daughter nearly murdered my husband," Lady Silverwind responds, standing up to glare at him. "I say we hang her now."

Sigrid says thoughtfully, "The Arvek say a thousand throats can be cut in one night by a running man." She eyes the girl, "But I don't think you were nearly fast enough. But I think that puts Lord Georg in the clear." She lowers her gaze. "I'm sorry it's come to this," she adds, since he's basically losing a daughter. Hopefully he's got some other children stashed away. The gentry usually do. "Someone bring some rope, or irons, and we'll drag her back to Alexandria." She frowns at the mention of execution, since no one was actually killed. But it -was- a pretty serious plot. "I think," she says raising her voice, "That we do have enough judges," she eyes the assembled nobility, "for a trial."

"Have either of you been hit with a green ball of force? I will hit both of you with one, if you don't pipe down." Raethon's being rather mean to them, but under the circumstances, this could get worse fast. "Gar'utu? Can you handle guard duty while the rest of us sleep? I still ned to sleep the rest of the night and prepare my spells in the morning."

"With pleasure," the Oruch says, reaching out to grasp hold of the back of Kitara's neck. "You have my word," he rumbles in Georg's direction, "that the only harm that shall come to her, is what she brings upon herself should she try to escape."

Both noble leaders glare at Raethon. "How dare you," says Lord Georg. Lady Silverwind follows up with an icy, "I believe we have had /quite/ enough of threats on our personages for one night." She bends down to help her husband, still dazed and in pain, back to his bed. "This nonsense can be resolved in the morning, if we won't kill the viper now."

Isaiah clears his throat. "Under the circumstances, I suspect we might struggle to find, ah, /uninvolved/ judges."

Kailin gives a nod to Lord Georg agreeably. "Certainly. Trial it is." He looks to Lady Silverwind and asks, "But what of the negotiations? Are we to continue those? Or consider them ended for now, until this matter is dealt with?" He is curious to see what the final word on the diplomacy was. "Obviously, both sides would need to agree to continue."

Sigrid says thoughtfully, "I think everyone is a bit too tense to negotiate so soon, but it's important to get it done, and this would certainly be a distraction. I propose to take her back to Alexandria and try her before the Sunguards to see what should become of her." Lord Georg looks at his daughter, who turns her face away from him. His expression pinches in pain, and he takes a deep breath. "I...think that might be best. If my daughter has done this thing, of her own free will..." he trails off, looking sad and lost.

Lady Silverwind's lips thin. "Although I'd prefer to see the girl hang, I cannot deny the wisdom of this," she allows. Grudgingly.

Gar'utu's grin widens. "Then, I shall take this one," he says, slapping the forearm of the hand curled around Kitara's neck. His flesh twists and hardens, growing black and lumpy, like living basalt. "And see that she rests a time in darkness, while sleep is had. Come the sun, the talks continue?"

Kitara comes along quietly, mostly, to be locked away under Gar'utu's supervision until the morning. In the morning, the (much subdued) talks continue. With Kitara under arrest, and Lord Silverwing recovering from the attack, Lord Georg and Lady Silverwind make for chill negotations. Isaiah, looking and sounding rather bewildered, continues to officiate. On the 'bright' side, all the fire has gone out of Georg, and he no longer fights for several concessions. By the time the talks are pronounced over that afternoon, he has ceded nearly all ground to his opponent, including the ground on which Caer Isglass stands.

One could almost feel sorry for the would-be assassin. Gar'utu has decided, since being bored is a likely thing with him spending the talks sitting against a door and not observing history come to pass, that he may as well begin to compose the history of the moment anyway, and fill in the rest on the ride home. Thus, from down the hall can occasionally be heard a storyteller's cadence rising and falling, interrupted with a "terrible, terrible" before starting again.

Sigrid has a bit of sympathy for Georg, thhough not enough to butt into the negotiations. It's got to be tough to find out your daughter has sold out like that and was planning to kill you. She'll do her turn at guarding the assassin, though she'll spend what time she can with the negotiations as well.

Taking a bit of time, Raehton keeps to the side of the conversation and the meeting to make sure he doesn't screw anything else up. Especially because of Kitara.

The negotiations conclude, with Lord Georg looking at least a decade older than when they started. Isaiah produces a draft of the concessions on both sides, and both nobles sign it, with Isaiah signing last as witness. No one seems entirely pleased: Lady Silverwind looks grimly satisfied, Isaiah still looks bewildered, and Georg just sad. But the ambassador rises quickly after the papers are signed and distributed, and says, "Very well. As we are all in agreement, I think the best thing would be for us to see to the lady Kitara's delivery to justice. Lord Georg, if you wish to return home..."

"I will go with you, of course," he says, heavily. Then looks towards the Explorers in the room. "If there are no objections."

As Sigrid has spotted him for a time, Gar'utu has resumed his place int he corner of the room, watching all that transpires with an unreadable expression on his crimson face. Slowly uncoiling, he rises to his feet. "It will be a long journey," he rumbles. "Three days and more. I have no objection, but the road may be a hard one."

"To say the least." Rae says as he looks to the Silverwinds. he has no desire to speak to them now. One of them was nearly killed, and the other was playing the snooty old woman victim. Wasn't worth it.

"She is my daughter," Lord Georg says, simply. He makes an effort at a smile. "I don't expect I'll be good company on the trip, however, and for that, I apologize." He turns and offers Lady Silverwind a bow, which is stiffly returned. "Let us be about it, then, shall we?"

Raethon says, "That fact doesn't make it any easier, Lord Georg."

Sigrid is on guard duty at this time, so can't really comment, though she'd assumed that both sets would come to Alexandria, if only to observe the events. Just for closure. But having discussed that with the group, she's not sure how it'll play out. But she's good however it works out.

The conclave breaks up, with both parties swiftly packing - no one wants to stay in this drafty old place longer than necessary. Soon, everyone is gathered at the courtyard - the Silverwinds have no interest, it seems, in going to the capital and seeing the results of the trial with their own eyes. That may be because of Lord Silverwind's continued recovery - he sits on a small wagon, bundled and pale. Lady Silverwind stands beside her horse. She turns to the Explorers, "Thank you for your help in this, for all that it didn't turn out how any of us might have wished. I wish you the best of luck in seeking justice."

Lord Georg is on his horse, beside wherever they've arranged Kitara, trying to talk to his daughter. She ignores him, haughtily. The rest of his party is making its way back to his province seat, it seems.

Gar'utu rides on the other side of Kitara, alternating between frowning at the girl, and watching the Lord's reactions. Finally, some way down the road, the Oruch sighs gustily. "I am sorry," he rumbles, looking to Georg over his daughter's head. "It is a terrible thing, to see a child so ungrateful as to seek to steal their father's life for their own. It is not a fate I would wish upon any, and my stories will be kind to you."

Sigrid will keep an eye on Lord Georg and Kitara. Not right up there in their faces, but enough to make sure there's no .... escape attempts or smuggling of stuff between them.

Lord Georg offers a small smile to Gar'utu. "Thank you for the kind words." Then he goes back to trying to cajole her into talking to him. For the whole trip, from morning to night, he rides as close to his child as he can - not trying to help her escape or anything of the sort, but just being there. Kitara seems unmoved, and alternatively mocks him and sulks until they reach the gated walls of Alexandria.