( when in trader's rest)

Miranda trails along at the rear of the group. Pausing inside the entry she greats and thanks the Guardsmen for their due diligence.

   In the town, it is  , but three  rings of the candle , before Mid-of-night. up the street a bit, they  stop at  a two way intersection., Tom their left is a building called, 'The Inn' It seems  quiet to their  left a   place lit up    with song  and lights... they can  barely see a sign that shows   4  cards.. a Black Heart with a  skull... a  Red  square  with a sword...a Green card with an Arrow..and  a Blue card  with Crown.  Up  the road a Bit  are a couple buildings  on the left. and the dome of a temple to the right other building on the   right are barely seen.

 Kree says to the group.we needs  , find a  rooms for the night..once  we do that,  we may explore the town... That building with the   cards is for  gambling, food and drink,,there may be ....ladies, and a man who two, who earn coin in others was as well....

 Kron's   has  a branch up the road here, to sell   our weapons we aqures,.. 0otherwise  i am unsure of the other Busineses here..

 Ivy  nudges  him...Zoe's

 The Captain looks a bit embarrassed,..aye, Zoes ...Zoe  Sprucethisle..a Druid, Thief  of sorts..she  runs a house of pleasure, and does have room, but they come at a cost and a companion...

 There are  odd  screeches  and roars  now and  again,, Kree  points to the   North west corner...That is the Skyrider mounts. most likely getting  fed...There is a good chance, troopers from the town might have been doing a   road  patrol and   brough in the bodies  we found on the road.. Come?  we Go to the' Ax and Flail' ..set rooms for the night if there be  any, and sell  our   goods  after...then the rest of the night, we  can
 spread out and Look around..

 as they  went   up the main  Road they saw kron's was  still opened a pair of people  stocking  items and cleaning  gear they may have bought from others...The Ax and Flail was well lit, the smell of   meat, perhaps   bear or boar  greeted them, thumps of  Mugs and such as  the  10 people in the  Inn  ate  can drank... a Young half  elf woman sat by the fire, stumming  a lute, her soft  voice  told  a tail of  a woodsman's  trek to find his Lady in the  Mountains..

  Kree lead the  folks in, going straight to the   Bar..an older Human woman looked at them and called to the  back... a tall well, well muscled   , bald  with a  grey beard. he was   wipign his hands  on a bar towel...I am  Fresk Watcherman..This is  me   bar..me home.. you cause problems,  we get extra coin  for the  Skyrider Mounts

 Ivy Grinned , looking at Kree.. Kree  smiled a condescending smile,Understood, Good   Watcherman,  we need rooms, perhaps two days? We have  coin...

 everyone has  coin..but do you have a name?

 Ivy Looked at Kree   a slight shake of his head, but as kree  spoke, he just hung his head, with another shake.

 I am Kree...Quickshadow. These are my unit for Crimson Arrows... we   are , on our way to   fill a contract...     he  taps the  arrow  pin with  the ruby arrow head..  Fresk looks at the others...

 There  are 9 of you... i have  I have  6 roms left, you  will need to double up? there are two cots  per  room, we also  have  extra paeelts if there wish to be three?.. Rooms are  dry and warm..pump handle  water .. a small room to relieve yourselves.. I got that Idea from Tou when i passed through

 Ivy grins...Tou does know  an awful lot abut  offal...!

 Fresk looked at Ivy..me Mother  was from Tou...

 everyone   got  quiet.. Ivy seemed  to be  off  kilter, until Fresk Smiled,I Jest!..Tou can go to the 9 hell's  and i would enjoy watching it burn!,  Go have a  seat,  the ladies   will make up the rooms.. who is   sleeping with whom?

Krwyn listens to the discussion and answers the question from the barman first. As he thinks Kree and Ivy will double with the two ladies, he answers: "I don't have a problem when there is someone who will double the room with me."

From the corner of the taproom, a gray figure stops nursing his drink and notices a new group of newcomers enter through the doors. For a moment, Moltke did not pay heed to this merry band but a glint of silver caught his eye. Leaning closer and squinting ever so slightly, Moltke could make out the arrow pin which donned the members of this group and he knew that these were the people he was looking for. Finishing his drink, Moltke stands up, strides across the room, and approaches what he thinks is the leader of this unit.

Are you the Arrows of Ironmound, the footmen of Reedrick the Dwarf? he asks.

Miranda eyed the enquirer then glanced in Ivy's and Kree's direction. Cousin Kree; were you going to let us know that we're now Reedrick's footmen. she teased.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:48, Fri 27 May 2022.

  Ivy  Casts  a Glance  at the  New fellow.. Kree  waves  to his  comrades..Pick out the room assignments  as you wish

  Giving Miranda   a sidelong Glance...Reedrcik sent us  here.. we came on  foot..?

  Then Back to Moltke, we are.... The Ironmound head quarters   is our   main office, Reedrick  stepped  away to  handle the recruiting and  such..

 as they talk a  greasy looking fellow  got  up from the table he was in, and slipped out the door.

  After  our rooms  are set  we will be  walking to Kron's to sell some goods , and   explore the town.. If y9ou have  no other Business.  you may wish to come with us, and
 give  me a reason  for another agent being here...

Lysander whispers to Kree, "Do you want me to follow that guy?  Obviously a spy of sorts."

Moltke was initially confused at Miranda's teasings but was soon elated by Kree's positive answer. Though he kept his reserve, his eyes seems to glean with fervor. He sits down on a nearby stool.

I have no other business, I shall explain myself once you are ready to leave for your transaction.

 Kree Nods  slightly to Lysander,aye, but use your head, there are  , most likely, more of his people here, then ours..

 Elandra walked in with the others, she smiled at Watcherman and replied," May Peace be with you always."   Elandra noticed the man who walked over and spoke to them. Elandra smiled and replied," I am Elandra Jalvian Priestess of Amot, pleasure to meet you and May Peace be with you always."

In reply to Kree Quickshadow (msg # 7):

Miranda bristles Dear cousin You may concede you Reedrick's Footman, I do not. Rather I consider all Crimsons as Comerads. The only servant I am is of the Sisters
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Fri 27 May 2022.

Lysander tells Kree to choose a room situation for him and slips out the door, following the furtive figure at a distance close enough to keep the trail, but far enough back to not be noticed in the darkened night.

Moltke gives a respectful nod to the Priestess of Amot.

I am Moltke the Elder, it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.

 Elandra smiles at Moltke and replied," Are you joining the arrows or are you already a member like myself." Elandra showed her arrow hair pin. Elandra did notice the man leave after they where announced Arrows. Elandra said a quiet prayer of guidance to Amot.

I may join the Arrows, for its aim is yet unclear to me. For now, I bring news from Ironmound.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:05, Fri 27 May 2022.

   Looking around , Kree  says,Lets see what coin  our  departed  foes equipment will  get us...

 when they  reached the porch, Kree said to Moltke.//our  direction is simple,  My unit specializes  in contracts  for the  crown..... and, any  slavers, Badits  or Hargenites  we meet on the way, we  tend to eliminate...that's more for sport then duty.

I see... Moltke ponders briefly
I have yet to see your actions, so though I will accompany you for now, I shall make a final decision on a later occasion. But onto more pressing matters -

Moltke stops and takes a furtive glance around him, straining his eyes and ears for any unwanted eavesdroppers. Satisfied with his quick surveillance, Moltke leans ever so slightly and whispers to Kree,
I bring intelligence from Reedrick. The Hargenites are attempting to cross the High Peak Mountains. They seek to bring discord amongst Ironmound's allies and to rally its foes. Already, they have secured a minor footholds in Yad and here, in Trader's Rest. This may be the prelude to an invasion.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:08, Fri 27 May 2022.

  Kree   frowned  as they  began to walk down the street to Kron's...we have  found traitors  and  hargenites walking about the   mountainside  as if they were  free and clear to do so.., I sent a Runner   a few hours ago to  The Timber..it will be a few days  Until she reaches  there,, They'll send some   rangers  and Wardens to help the High Peak dwarfs
 hunt  down  these  infiltrators..but?.. that means we have to Kill more no9w...

Moltke declared, Then, in accordance to Reedrick's will and for the stability of the Furman's Chain, I shall assist you and your unit until the threat is no more.

  Kree stopped under a lamp, he  pulled out a punch from his  tunic,  opening it, there  were  dozens of  'arrow' pins, of many  styles, Pins, earings  ect ect..they all had a  red arrow , or the arrow  head  was ready, Normally  with a  ruby.

 Pick one.... I will add your name to the charter tonight before i sleep.. The  arrow  must be able to be seen..

....................

 Lysander   went  through the   darken streets, the fellow  looked nervous as he moves, always trying to stay in the light, which ,hurt his vision as he tried to peer nto the  darkness.. they reached the intersetion, the fellow seemed to be heading to Ace's

Moltke gazed at the array of arrows arranged in diverse appearances, eyes moving from one broach to pin to another until- That one - He pointed, The simplest lapel pin. I look forward to our partnership.

Lysander waits for the man to move on, and follows.  As he arrives at his destination, Lysander tries to get a glimpse through the windows and will walk the perimeter of the building, looking for any exits, listening for any sounds.  He will stay to the shadows and avoid contact with anyone.

  The  group enters Krons, a Younger  Man eyes them...I guess  yer here to sell? right?

 Ivy  steps forward,That we are, Kind  Sir. We had  some luck hunting, but not the prey we sopught. Still , coin is coin...

The woman  who was   shining  Blades said, Ye don't look like  no hunters to me...

 Kree  smiles at her,we Hunt? and  we do well at it, regardless of the prey we come across.

..............

 The fellow  Lysander followed  looked about, then entered Aces.... a few  folks would come out, some happy , some sad.

 Elandra smiled as Moltke joined the Arrows for at least this part of the mission, she was happy and wanted to know more about this wizard.

 Then they went to sell goods, Elandra didnt pick up anything to sell so she watched and felt with her Peaceful feelings, as she again says a prayer to Amot for a Peaceful sale.

((Can I get a description of the building?))

Lysander will look around the building, quickly and quietly, then will try to get a look inside, entering the door if it seems prudent.  He wants to get an idea of how many people seem to be meeting with the man he followed, and if they appear as a threat.

As Moltke looked around at the inventory of Krons, he couldn't help but notice that all of the members of the party was rather well armed and armored. While Moltke had confidence in his wooden stave, he gazed down at his own simple gray cloak and deemed it inadequate for the journey to come. Moltke approaches the counter and asks the Young Man,
Shopkeep, do you have any armor light enough to be worn under this cloak, yet sturdy and pliable against the cracks of clubs and the aim of arrows?

Miranda watched on as the newbie enquiries about an Armour upgrade.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:39, Sun 29 May 2022.

  The Only windows, Aces  has, are in the  front..a heavy door is opened for the moment, to allow  smoke to drift out , from food  and Pipe weed... a  couple people  are on the wooden porch   smoking long pipes   or  short stubby one. a woman  talking to them, Giggling at words they say.

 He  can  see  round  card  tables...  and, what looks  like  Dice  chutes  at  either in, a Long bar  against to  far wall with stairs  going up, on either  end. there doesn't appear to be any winows  up stairs.

  The woman lays  down a Blade   and walks out to Moltke,so? ye  fancy yerself a  fighting  mage  eh?..you with your  Robes an' all....,, ya might  want to get  a decent  set of  leathers    to wear unde that roabe or a chest piece to wear over..eh?


  The  young mand   and  Ivy haggle over the prices for the weapons, he looks at Kree, hey now?  That elf, isn't he yrer leader, why isn't he  doing the business..

Kree just  gives  him a bit of a smile  as he studies the Daggers on the wall.

 Ivy    looks at Kree and turns his back to him as he says  quietly,well? you see?  He isn't used to dealing  with folks like this, if he  feels taken advantage of... he  tends  to walk with his blade...Then? we do not have  to gaggle!

 Ivy finished  the Deal,  Kree does   buy a coil of  silk rope... Ivy  counts out the Coin..

Krwyn looks around. When he hears Moltke the Elder asking after armor, he seems interested too. "What's the price of leather armor that fits under my travelers outfit? Or perhaps a chainmail?" he asks.

 The fellow   looks at Krwyn.we have  new  leather armor  for   8 gold 5 silver...... or , used   lathers   we buy and restore   for 6  gold  5 silvers.

Moltke feels the weight of his purse and ponders his choices.
I will take a new set of leather armor. Is it possible to include a small dagger as gratuity?

 The   fellow    rubs  his  chin.....Done..  pick a   bot knife  from the wall.... and  let us   get the leather    fitted..

  kree was  packing away his  silk rope. as he  waited to see if anyone needed  extra coin.

Moltke picks up a dagger from the wall, pays the seller 8 gold and 5 silver and follows him to break in the new armor. There is a slight discernible skip in Moltke's step as if he is bubbling with anticipation and excitement.

"I'll take a new armor as well. Do you mind if I pay with all silver? I've got too many of those," grins Krwyn, "and I would like to buy 20 real good arrows too".

Lysander decides he needs a closer look.  He goes inside and orders an ale.  He will take a seat with a wall behind him, if possible, and, without staring, try to take in the entire room and its occupants.  He will be careful to not dwell on anyone, or bring notice to himself.

Getting the lay of the room, and trying to see the man he followed, he will drink his ale and then return to the others to let Kree know what he found.

 there  were folks    at almost all the tables, and a few  at  the extra long  Bar... women and some  well dressed men  worked the   women and  men gambling...egging them on here or there,  or asking for drinks..

 Lysander  saw a the man he folowed go up the stairs to the  right of the bar, after talking to a gun who was seated  a  chair  with a   pair of  hand  axes  stuck into the  wall.

  ......................


 The   merchants,  Nod  to    Krwyn    and waves  him over to  get the armor  fitted... he says,two silvers  for the  fletching in Blue... they are made  by some local folks,  seem to stand  up to the rigors of hunting...no matter what it is yiu hunt.

Seeing little option, Lysander takes a seat at the bar and gets an ale.

"Thank you, here are the silvers for the armor and the arrows. I'll try them on my next hunt."
Now he shows the man the cat blade he carries. "Can you tell me more about this weapon? I'm not interested in selling, but am interested in its use."
He gives the man two silver for his time.

  The fellow  looked  at the Blade,Cat folk   like  the slight  curved Blades, it make  them  feel like a metal Claw...,  they are  also used to skin their   prey , because of the   slop of the blade, and sharpness of the steel...  This is  Sand Folk  steel..catfolk deal with them alot  with slaves  and such.. they   acquire  alot of their steel.

Lysander doesn't think much of the ale, but it wasn't his purpose today.  Having gathered what information he could, he pays up and heads back.

Moltke stepped out from the back of the store, donned in his new equipment. The leather was stiff and somewhat uncomfortable, but he had been assured by the merchant that the armor would soon relax to fit the user whilst retaining its protective properties. Moltke wore his simple gray cloak over the leather armor, hiding the brown sheen from sight, and then he slid the small dagger underneath his sleeve. He was ready. Moltke then browsed the store's wares, waiting for others to finish their transactions.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Mon 30 May 2022.

Miranda takes a room with one of the women. She enquires about a Church and areas to reprovision.

Riven had been fairly quiet during their trek, making it a point to keep an eye out and feeling more paranoid if anything. At the Inn, she asked Kree if she could share his bed before Moltke had made his presence known. Those icy orbs looked him up and down, assessing to see if he posed no threat to the Captain before relaxing somewhat, letting them attend to their business. At Krons, Riven more ‘stood guard,’ letting the others take care of their business.

When the issue with rooms came up, Tyri chuckled, knowing that she would be sharing a bed with Ivy. She gave Moltke a soft smile when he approached and spoke of Reedrick and eventually accepted a pin. “Well met…I am Tyri,” she greeted. As they walked to the Krons, Tyri intertwined her fingers with Ivy’s, glad at the thought of being in a bed as opposed to bedrolls and such.

 Elandra smiled and said," I will share my room with you Miranda, Peace will be with us." Elandra then looks towards Kree and says," Captain Kree what is next on our to do list?"

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 48):

Thank you Sister. what of the room I was going to stay in?

 As they stood  outside of Krons. Kree   listens to what Lysander has to say.

 The Upper floor is used  for  biger   games with much more coin then we have to  play with...there are also room up there for   Aces's  Ladies to earn thier own coin.. we might have to read carefully, until we see who is  where in that place..

 Pair Up.. move through the town. see what you  can ;learn, about who is  here.... anyone asks, we are on the  way to Yad  seeking merencary Buisness.. it is not a lie, and will not show up  as a Lie should some Holly folk try to   see what you are about.

Lysander asks the rest, "Okay, who wants to go wandering about town with me?"  He tries to be jovial about it, but it probably seems contrived.

Miranda affords the others the opportunity to accept Lysander's offer. If none do so she will.

Seeing Farora return, Lysander almost smiles.  "Say, you want to join me for a walk?" He asks her.  "Maybe we can check out the west part of town, especially Aces, where I followed a spy."

Krwyn waits if someone wants to go to the part of town where the temple is. He'll join, or stays at the inn. He is tired and wishes for good night of sleep before new actions will take their toll.

In reply to Lysander (msg # 53):

Huh? Oh sure. That'd be good, Farora pulled her head out of the clouds and nodded with a pleased grin on her face. She pulled back her hood and dug around in one of her pockets, pulling out some...jerky? That's what it looks like anyway, want some? She extended a handful to Lysander, standing patiently in wait to leave.

Lysander takes a small piece of jerky and tries to eat it, then takes off towards Aces.

Kree Moltke asks where would I be most useful?

 Kree looks  at Ivy and Tyri   moving off   to  the  north ..

Lysander  and Farora  heading towards  Aces..

  Krwyn and Miranda   Moving   for  , trailign   Lysander and farora, with intend on going    further

 Riven and I will take  up a spot outside  Ata's  Rooms..  Moltke and  Elandra  ..see what they  have  in the  way of information.

Moltke nods Understood and goes to find Elandra. The duo then start making their way towards Ata's Rooms.
(Can I get a description of the building?)

Lysander is glad to have Farora along, as she is both intimidating to others, and someone he might be able to better talk to than others he has tried to in the past.  "I would recommend not drinking too fast, we want to see who takes note of us as well as the general traffic in the place.  We are interested in who goes up and down the stairs, but we shouldn't linger our gaze on them."

Understood, not like I drink much anyhow. More slavers ya? Farora continued the conversation but was busy checking out the sights and sounds at the same time, her earrings clinking every time her ears twitched.

 Lysander  and Farora  move closer  Aces. The lights  are broight near the entrances, but  the shadows  dark around the side  and rear.

  there are groans and sheers  coming from the   building as  well as some   Lute  muisc

.........................

 Moltke and  Elandra,  are approaching Ata's  Rooms.. it  seems a quiet enough place.. kree and Riven are  across the street, a ridiculous easy bow shot for them, should something, untoward happen.  two people   nod to  the pair  as  they sit  on chairs on the portch,  there is some  fulks in a  dining  room..a hallway to theb  back with a  stairs  next to it, that leads  up to the next two floors.

 the counter is to the left  as they wal  in.. the  litched  is   there as well as a door opens  and a rather  dumpy woman who  seems not to have smiled for days  comes out  with a  pot of   stew and a tray of bread.

..............

Ivy and Tyri   move off   towards the Noth  to to circle around   looking for  the next place to  stop.

.............

 Krwyn and  Miranda  move  to the south, In  Lyander and Farora's wake, to circle around that town that way,

Moltke and Elandra make their way inside Ata's Rooms and sits at one of the empty tables in the dining room. He orders two ales and some bread before turning towards Elandra,
Priestess, you have accompanied the Arrows through their journey. Can you tell me of their deeds so far? What are they like?
As he begins to inquire, Moltke simultaneously and silently casts Lesser Magic to tune in on the many, mixing conversations of the dining room, hoping to eavesdrop on any interesting or noteworthy conversations.

Whispering to Farora before they enter Aces, Lysander says, "Not sure if they are slavers, probably, but they definitely took an interest in the Arrows, so we are going to be quiet, but not hide.  They will probably notice us, but we will let them make any moves first.  Whatever they start, we are more than capable of finishing."

He continues to the door and opens it for her, like he is some type of gentleman.  "Pick a table, m'lady."

Sounds easy enough, Farora pauses and blinks in confusion for a moment when Lys open the door then remembers her manners and quickly ducks inside. Sorry, grew up with sailors so I'm not used to that, she smiled, nodding back towards the door. She scans the room briefly and carefully makes her way to a table in the back corner so they don't have to keep an eye out behind them.

  Elandra  smiles,the arrows  do not  follow Amot, per se, The Captain and his cousins  seem to  rely on The Sisters... but they do Amot's bidding   as they bring  peace to those who need it...and send people to their peace, that deserve it..I have been with them, not  but a 10 day  , maybe a little more ago, where they took a warship on the Storm river... they free
 slaves... she leans closer ,,and  summon, what looked to  be Vampires, to  take the slaver  crew away, and kick many of the  enemy troops who were on the ship..the rest were sent to Ironmound as a prize,

 we have waylayed  some  enemies who sought  to  relieve us of our peace...we never pass  up the chance to lay enemies low, despite , what mission we may be on.

 Moltke  gets  some chater  about  HArgenites  'up north'..and the comings  and goings of  some . they are a bit unease with any strangers  at the moment.,

..................

 Lysander and Farora  and the  pair  make it to the table. some of the  people eye  them,  a woman, older, approaches the..ye need to buy something to eat or drink,,,or play  some games, this  isn't a shelter.

I see. So their deeds are for peace, an admirable goal. Moltke replied. Then, it is fitting for me to be here.
Meanwhile, the whispers, chatters, shouts and clamor of the room were being filtered by his magic, and within the concoction of noise, Moltke could make out a few intriguing words.
Movement.....Hargenite.....Who knows how many.....North..... but the rest of the dining rooms was filled with the cheers and grumbles of an ordinary life.
Content with these findings, Moltke motions at Elandra that their investigation here was done. He finishes the rest of his ale.

Lysander smiles at Farora, then turns to the server and orders a couple of ales.  "So, what do you have in the way of food?"

There was a demure smile on Elandra's face,..you may take to the Captain, if  Reedrick  did not tell you.... but  The Captain brings  peace, but ending the   violence....and he ends it was violently as  those who wielded it  dished out themselves, He speaks of it as 'being the fire, that fights the fire'

 Elandra did not  drink more the half her  ale, she was more  tuned to the wine. But she was not here for  a party,

..................

 The woman looked at the two...well?  we have deer stew.... we have  some  fish to fry, fresh from  down Thur?.. and bread with  home churned butter.

Farora snorted in amusement, remembering Kree tricking the innkeeper into thinking she ate bones. I'll have some stew 'n' bread thanks, she nodded and smiled, without her teeth, at the woman. Did I miss out on much while I was gone? The Firbolg leaned toward Lysander to hear properly while watching the room carefully so as not to draw attention. Seeing if any characters stood out.

Lysander orders the stew and bread also.

Responding to Farora after the waitress leaves, he says, "We encountered some Orcs along our path.  They were not friendly, not that they usually are, so we took their lives and what little coin they had and moved on.  I try to stay out of the politics of things, that isn't my job, but when it comes to Orcs, I have an axe to grind, and relish the opportunity to remove them from existance."

I hear ya. Got a thing 'bout slavers myself. This job is turning out to be a perfect fit. May I ask why your not fond 'a orcs? Farora asked cautiously, she wasn't one to pry.

"I grew up in a mining community, far from here.  I didn't like mining, but my family did.  The local Orcs didn't like mining, but they liked to take the gems we found.  I lost a lot of friends and family to them and I feel that, every time I kill one, I am repaying a debt. We had a bunch of Elves near us, and while they were supposed to be friends, they turned their backs when we needed their help.  If it weren't for the way I was accepted in the Arrows, I would have naught to do with them either, but Kree has a way of making you feel like you are family."

To fight fire with fire eh? Moltke trails off into silence, contemplating Elandra's last sentence and of the captain's beliefs. How does one fight fire?
In either case their work here was done. The duo gets up from the dining room table, pays their tab, and walks across the street to inform Kree of what little they have learned at Ata's Rooms.

Ah, dwarf. Shoulda known, Farora taps her head with a long finger, I'm sad for the ones ya lost but I'm glad ya found your place for the time being. She was quiet for several minutes as she ate, see anybody in need of adjusting yet?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:53, Sun 05 June 2022.

Krwyn and Miranda takes a route to the temple, looking around for all that seems odd or dangerous. "Let's ask in the temple. If there is a priest of one of the good faiths, he probably can tell us what bothers him in respect to the Hargenites. Ans it is always good to pay some tribute to the gods that give us our directions."

"I have a feeling that the ones we are most interested are upstairs, but we might need a good excuse to go up there, no?"

Hmm, Farora thought for a minute, we could say we are going to meet a friend ya? But then they'd ask who. So I doubt that will work, she finished the last of her tankard, those don't last long for a firbolg, even when she drinks slowly. Best thing I can think of is saying we need a room, leave whatever we're doing in it up to their little imaginations, Farora nodded her chin in the general direction of the keepers of Ace's. Ya got any better ones?

"That was my thought also, but I was too shy to mention that option." His face goes red.

Farora chuckled, ya surprise me Lysander. You didn't strike me as a shy one, she grasped his shoulder good-naturedly before letting go. So once we finish here should we go up then ya? she held up her bread as a gesture of where she was referring to.

 The  woman comes  back to get the dishes and such..ye want more to  drink or nay?.. gaming  tables   always have room for more.

.............

 Kree    stood in the  shadows. his bow was one his   lap, he seemed unconcerned  that he  mau not have the time   to bring it to bear.

 Riven was near

Moltke crosses the street and enters the shadows where Kree is waiting. Riven was nowhere to be seen, but he could detect her faint presence.
Arrowhead, he says to Kree, there is not much that Ata's can offer. The Hargenites seem to be moving up north, but their exact numbers and their intent is not known. Moltke frowns before postulating, I fear that this continued ignorance may lead to disaster.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:03, Mon 06 June 2022.

In reply to Krwyn (msg # 76):

That would be the rational course of action. Miranda agreed. Looking about for a building that appears to be a Temple.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:36, Mon 06 June 2022.

As the lady clears the table, Lysander, face all red, asks if they can get a room upstairs. His voice stammers.

 Ghe  Lady looks  at the dwarf , then to Farora..she   sputters  a laugh , then says...Look , Lover  boy, if that's what yer  after, you go some rooms unstairs with ladies  wain' on you and yer  Coin.. yer  friend?  might  find a brave lad who likes  coin enough to have a go..eh?..but most of them rooms up there are for Big games..for more  coin  then you and I will ever see in 3 lifetimes.

...........................



  Kree listens  to Meltke, he nods  as he looks off  down the street..The Furman's chain is on the Edge.... Zorin taking the note to The Black Timber  will aid them, ...well..if the Elders  aren't too  afraid  to send some  wardens  and   rangers....but until, we just kill as  many as were are able, on our  way to Yad...Lets try another  Builidn Then Call it  a night,  we have  enough of  our  unit scattered around, I hate  being split up , for so long..

Moltke nods, Understood. We will check out the garrison and the southeastern tower before returning to the inn, he replied. He and Elandra make their way south whilst debating the nature of peace and violence.
(Can I get a description of the garrison and the tower?)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Tue 07 June 2022.

Lysander smiles as he takes this in.  "Well, that is interesting, but I do like a game, and you have no idea how much I might be able to bring to the table.  Can I ask how much would be needed?"

She listened quietly to Moltke from her position, lingering in the shadows. With Kree's words, she gave an unseen nod and stepped out from her position. "Are we following along or somewhere else?" she asked the Captain, watching the priestess and the new guy walking off.

 With a Nod  to Meltke, Kree said,Riven and I will look at   'The Hard Wood' its  right up the street.... when we're  done, we'll return to out  Inn, If  we  find  people to deal with.. we will do so.. otherwise , we will prepare for leaving the  town.

 Kree reaches into   a pouch on his weapon's belt..take this and use it if you  run into trouble.. each of us  has  one, there isn't another whistle  with that  sound.


  Elandra smiled and tapped the  whistle that  hung with her beads  and
such  around her neck.

 Kree and  Riven the walked up the   street, Kree  made no pretesne of  hidng   as  he walked up the middle of the  soft dirt road.

................

 The  woman looked them over again.. Its  all high rollers  and tall stackers... you ned 100 golod to buy in, no matter the game you play.\
.............

 Tyri and IVy   where   rounding the  north part of the town, turning west.

..............

 Miranda and Krwyn  , were entering the    Temple grounds.

I think 'tween the two of us we could have a good game, ya? Farora looked at Lysander for confirmation and slowly rose, handing their empty dishes to the woman and smiling. Hoping to hurry her away so she didn't overthink their presence.

Lysander thanks the woman for the information.  "Well, I don't have that much on me at the moment, but maybe soon, no?"

Turning to Farora, he says, "Shall we, my dear?" And he leads her towards the door.

As they exist the door, and they get out of earshot, he says, "Well, we have gained a lot of information which can be very useful later on. Very useful indeed.  Thanks for accompanying me, m'lady."

Farora waves in thanks at the woman and nods at Lysander, following him through. No problem, she bowed slightly, it was my pleasure to accompany a friend, if I may call ya that?

"You may always consider me a friend."

As you may consider me, Farora smiled with all her teeth and offered her large hand for a shake. So what next? She asked, returning to her nonchalant business mode.

Reaching the temple Miranda assesses its condition and Diety. If Krwyn entered she followed him inside.

Indeed Krwyn eters the temple proper. he looks around for any cleric, especially from one of the 'good' deities, or even the neutral ones.

Trailing Krwyn into the temple Miranda takes in its interrior. Moving towards the  pulpit; greeting any clergy in attendance.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Wed 08 June 2022.

Lysander leads off to the northeast from the door of Aces, wanting to see what was along the main road there.

Farora follows closely behind, absently humming a shanty as she eyes all the passersby and buildings.

Lysander and  Farora made thier  way up the road.. There  saw a Building that , bought and sold  furs.. and a  Bit up from it , a wagon  shops, there  were  4  different  kind  of wagons  out  front..  to the North behind these  Buildings  were     palisades that  hid  the   Sky Riders  base.

.........................

 a  Priest from  vert, The Goddess of chance, met them at the  door...do you seek answers  from your   god?  or  will you roll the dice  and see which god  will answer

..........................

   The Garrison is manned  by trader rest regulars, and Iron Mount  troopers..there is always some  in fighting  , among  Imperial troops and  Town  guards.

 The  Tower   stood  tall with two archers and a spotter.

As the duo approached the defensive works of Trader's Rest, Moltke did not think it was wise to directly approach the garrison with outright questions about the Hargenites; it could raise a few unwanted eyebrows. He thought over his options as the two entered the garrison.
(Description please?)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:01, Mon 13 June 2022.

Well met Devout on Vert. How fares your flock? Miranda replies

Lysander turns to Farora, "Wanna see what the palisades hold?"  Without waiting for an answer, he absentmindedly takes her very large hand and starts walking towards them.

At the temple, The vert Priestess said,we do not  have  flocks, but followers.. Flocks  are for the foolish and  short sighted... There at status  standing above  locl boxes for  any tribute  to , whichever god  you need at the time.I am just  the oldest of the  few  priests around.

..................

The Dwarf  and   Firbog  went through the tress to the palisades containing  the  beasts within..there were some  wired   opened  for  people to look in, to see   Hippogriffs and  Griffens and One smaller wyvern.

..............

  Ivy and Tyri closed in on 'Zoes'..the  music  and lights  were  brighter then.

.................

 Kree and  Riven entered  'The Hardwood'.. people stopped  as they walked  in, Kree chuckled to himself  as he  kept his  hood up , slowly turning to  to make sure the folks  knew he was  looking at them.

 One fellow  with a  broad brim hat and a slim sword on his  him said,You a stranger  in town?

 Kree  allowed  the full elven accent to come out as he said,..you ever see me around before?

 No? I have not....

 then? we are  both strangers in town, are  we not...

 some  people laughed as the  fellow's face got   red, , he pulled his  booted feet off the  card table and  started to reach for  his rapier.

 DO NOT..... draw that weapon. I came here for a drink and to  relax  with my comrade... if you want me to kill you, , I will be pleased to do so out  in the street , when i am ready to leave.

More laughter. there  were at least 3  other  fellows  who seemed to think it less funny the others.

 ...you're an elf.....

  Kree  started walking to the  bar,you are , incredible  bright...your  mother  must be, so very proud..

The fellow stood, kicking out  his chair... Kree  kept  walking.and Asked the   Tender for  two elven gold, or  any other harvest wine, that didn't come from Ironwood.

In reply to traders rest (msg # 104):

Interesting thought. May one enquire what were you before you completed your holy orders and was ordained a Priestess of Vert.

Lysander asks, Farora, "Have you ever seen such magnificent creatures?"

As Mranda questions the priestess of Vert, Krwyn looks around and donates 10 silver in the box. He turns to the priestess: "Have you seen some new faces in this town that you didn't like, or heard about things that would trouble every good aligned god and his clergy?"

   The priestess of Vert says  to Miranda,I was  nce a Member of the Red Blades  Thieves  guild. I was  caught  breaking into a rich Lords Home in Tou..they were going to remove  my hands, and  send me out into the Karth swamp.. I prayed for aid, The Sisters, did not appear to hear my pleas..

 I heard a Voice, as we crossed the ferry near the tip of  The Black Timber . It  said "...to have a chance, you must take a chance'..I did not know what was meant,  Until   the ferry started  across the  Tou River... then i understood.. I pushed the  guard that  held me into the water..  with both  fell in... it  took a  few Minutes  for the   Serpents to hit us.. the  Gaurd was killed, and in the dim light of the  day.. I escaped with the loss of only a few toes....  Since then  i follow  Vert and  have   gain some, small  spell craft from her.

In reply to Lysander (msg # 106):

I saw a Wyrven once but this is amazing! Farora seemed excited, I've always loved animals. She looked closely at one of the Hippogriffs and spoke to him gently before turning her head to Lysander, thank ya for showing me this, they're beautiful.

In reply to temple (msg # 108):

Waiting for the Priestes to reply to  Krwyn before responding to her statement.You have come some distance from Tou. Have you found your transition enjoyable?

Lysander turned to Farora, "I didn't know what was over here, but I am pleased that you like it."

  It is what i needed. I could have been dead, even the  serpents could have taken me, but i was spared.

...........

 Lysander  ahveing seen the beasties  look around.

 the others  are in the areas they had  mentioned.

Let's see what da others found, Farora nodded and dropped a piece of jerky into the Hippogriff's cage before ambling over.

Lysander moved towards the others.

True. the Sisters have plans for many Miranda mused to herself. Asking for permission to chat with the other devotees

Tyri’s eyes lit up as she heard the music, her icy gaze shifting to Ivy. Her excitement wasn’t hidden by any means, a bounce in her step as they neared.

She looked around immediately upon entry, her gaze stopping upon the man with the hat, eyes slightly narrowing. She made no move to lower her hood or her mask, merely pausing in her step to regard the man before following after her companion. “Making friends already,” she teased, making it a point to be ready should the man be a little impatient.

  Ivy and  Tyri entered the  Building..there  were tables  with folks  drinking and  eating, there  were ,  a  dozens of  Ladies  Plyng men  with drink  and  whispers    as they Gamed  or  ate... there were a few couples going   up the stairs  on  either side of the  hardwood bary,, a Dragons wing  was   mounted   above the  bar. and served  as a Back drop.

 Ivy  and Tyri entered, people gave  themn a look,, the Ladies  eyeed the  slim  Elf, the men checked outn Tyri.

 Bards were playign  danc  songs and sing alongs.
......................

 Kree  slide  the coin to the BArkeep from the pouch.. he  drank deep0 from the wine...It is not  'timger made'..but it  will do,


he looked  back at the   fellow who stood, awkwardly by his  table.. The other  Three  men  spread out  as if  keeping Riven and Kree from Running.....look, Friend? You and  your fellows go outside... wait for me.. two or three glasses of  wine, , we will be out  to slay you then? or..it will give you a reason to try to run and Reach  Yad  before i catch you?..tis your choice...

 what if  we  want to fight here, and now...

 Kree looked at R8iven, then back to the  leader fellow,we can, of course, do that..but  after i take what coin from your bodies that you have? I will have to give  some to the  Tender here, to make up for, what damage has been done.

 we might do  the same to you?

 Have you ever  fought a crimson Arrow  before... Most Arrows can fight   4 or  5  alone, and win..the Officers, can do better..

 he jerks his head towards  Riven...She is  an Arrow....

 one of the others spoke up...who are you, then?

 Me?... I am her  Captain...

 The fellows   looked around..the leader  was gritting his  he teeth... we will see you outside, then...

 good  choice , the  servers will like, they have no blood  to clean this  night..

  the  4  went out the door to the street.

The tender  said...well done?.. you may use  my back  exit if you wish?

 Kree shook his head  as he finished the  last   glass and Pointed for a refill....I promised to kill them> I cannot lie to them...now? if they choose  to run, well..that is not  my problem.

.............

 Meltke  and  Elandra   saw a few Guards  sitting  ,drinking some  water  from barrels , scattered around the   compound.. they took note of the two.

..............

 Miranda  sees  only  one  woman  who dropped a pair of coppers in to the box  by Mina's statue

............

 Lysander  and  Farora  may make thier way back to  thier  inn.

Moltke uses Lesser Magic to direct his voice directly into Elandra's ear, so that no guards can hear what he says.
Elandra, Moltke asked, would it be possible to pose as pilgrims of Amot? This might be the best way to justify why an elf and a priestess are traveling together and our welcoming front could be more conducive for questioning.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:30, Tue 14 June 2022.

 Elandra  looked to Moltke,of course?.. pilgrims travel from  many places... this  would not be any different. And   Our Captain wishes to restore  Peace in the NAme of the Emperor?

Moltke nods as Elandra approves of his deception and puts on a small, welcoming smile as he approaches the guards.
Peace be with you protectors of Trader's Rest, he addressed them gently, we are pilgrims of Amot, looking to spread the word of Peace from Mok to Lea. Pray-tell, how are the roads from here to Yad?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Tue 14 June 2022.

  The two men, one a trooper, one a SGT. The SGT speaks up..Its been  bad  of  late..orcs  running wild, there are ..now and then we  fun us  some Hargenites..they don't lat too long... Damn Ironwood Elves   seem to ge helping them though

Moltke takes note of the soldier's warnings and frowns as if this news was especially displeasing.
This is most unfortunate. Do you know of any safe passages that would lead North?

 The SGT shakes his head,..This is  The Furman's Chain..there's  know  'real' safe passage here..its  just been harder  these past few weeks.

Elandra ask,what of merchants?

 smart ones  hire mercs.... You can check by the gates..merchants  heading either way  will have a post up for  the need of  armed guards.

Amot protect us. Moltke said as he shook his head. Though he was not a follower of Amot, he felt that he needed any kind of protection that he could get. Thank you for your time sergeant. We will disturb your watch no longer. Peace be with you.

The two exit the garrison and make their way towards the Axe and Flail with their new discoveries. Moltke braces himself for the difficult journey ahead, one that is sure to be rife with dangers he had only read before in his studies. He walks silently, lost in forethought.
The two enter the inn, looking for and waiting for the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Tue 14 June 2022.

To allow Krwyn to follow up his enquiries Miranda glided across the chapel and greeted the woman. Politely introducing herself and enquiring how she was.

She couldn’t help but dance to the music that was playing but made it a point to stay with Ivy…not after the last time they had come to a similar place. There was an involuntary shudder at the memory but the music helped push those thoughts aside. With a smile, she leaned over and kissed Ivy on the cheek, letting her fingers intertwine with his.

“Quite frankly, I don’t care where I kill you,” she responded to the man, a dark glint in her eyes as him and his lackeys walked away. Once the last of them stepped out the door, Riven finally motioned to the barkeep to bring her a glass as well, lowering the mask to drink once it was obtained. She stopped at one though and replaced the covering. When Kree was ready, Riven took a step towards the front door. “Are you ready?” The smirk that was on her lips could easily be heard in the tone of her muffled voice.

   Ivy  smiles a bit as they walked through the massive  common area. A fellow was  'holding court' with a few ladies  and some men, the Men were  dressed in  nice   clothing with Papiers..

 The Fellow    flung a  Grape  ay  Ivy, the elf's  eyes   shifted to them...Ho there! Long Ear!..your  don't need  that  longsword and Bow   in here..its a very safe place, except  for your purse!  people laughed at  Ivy.. but Ivy  just  pointed to  each man..

 That makes perfect sense  why you all are here? Those rabbit skewers  on your belt, My village uses to teach young one  how  . not  to fight...

 The women laughed  at the men...some of the people outside the  collections laughed  as well...I meant only a jest...

 Ivy's  smile didn't fade, but it darkened...you sought to embarrass me, by my look and garb....Think next time your  mouth opens... these lands  are more mine then yours..one would think you have the brain of a Hargenite.

 all of those in his party bristled at this. while other  merely laughed..

 Ivy moved to a table, and  suggested to the fellow  who sat there, that he should try sitting with the lone  women he has been staring at...

 when they sat down, Ivy ordered two  wine and two bowls of stew... and said to Tyri... You want to dance?..  go ahead..but do not stray to far from out  table.

  Kree   gave a deep chuckle   as  the went out the  doors.. The   hat-fellow  and his three friends were across the street..

 ..Tell your friends  on either  side of this Building, that they  should  join  you  on that side of the street... or  run away...

  The two   stepped  out..one  walked across the street,, the   other   ran towards the northern gate.

 one of the  first three said...how did you know they were there.....

 Maybe, its because i have  some bowman marking you as i speak?....or? maybe its  just the stench of  Humans?  The  Hat of your LT?...its  hargenite make...no Realms person would were a hat ;lke thaty./... though i have seen a few on a jackass...

 The HAt man said..you are full of suprises..... I hope  we  can give your companion some sursies  as well...

  The woman looked to Miranda.good  eve, Miss. I am asking for  our   garden to grow, so we might have  food for the winter..the rains have been nice. but  we need more.

 Lysander, Elandra, MelTke  and Farora  all arived  about the same time.. the tender tells them , them the other   4 have not returned.

In reply to mir-Kry (msg # 131):

Good eve to you as well Mistress; I am Miranda. May one enquire as to how many in your family.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Wed 15 June 2022.

As all four arrive at the Axe and Flail, Moltke takes the opportunity to properly present himself to the others. He sits down at the dining room and motions at the others to get comfortable as well.

I am Moltke the Elder. He spoke calmly, A pleasure to finally make your acquaintances. Did you find anything interesting in your search?

  A little  fellow comes into  'axe and flail" ..he is  dirty and scruffy, he looks  around..He  sees  Lysander, Farora,Meltke and Elander  and Goes over  to thier table.

 The owner yells...Get out  of here  ya  scraper...

 he Points to the Table.....I..I need to talk  with them..'bout their friends...
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:41, Tue 21 June 2022.

  The temple  woman says,There's is   just  nme and me husband  and two  chicldren..we had an older  daughter,  soem 13 summers old? they took her  away they did... them..them hargenites  grabbed her  as she was outside the  walls gettin' berries.. troops killed a few, but they made of  with her , an'  some others..

  Kree  went to  walk down the steps, he noticed the  men take one  step back,, Kree  stopped, he turned to Riven...Musty be more on the roof of the porch...

he said  quietly...

Tyri smiled and leaned in, kissing him deeply before moving to a spot fairly near the table. Her movements started off slow as she listened to the music and how it ‘spoke’ to her before she fully submerged herself to the melody. She moved with skill and full control but always keeping an eye on Ivy and her distance to him.

Riven slightly cocked her head to the side as Kree and the other man traded barbs, her eyes scanning the area around them. There was no fear there, merely just contemplation. She studied each man, reading any of those subtle movements that suggest someone might try to shoot. Should any attempt, she had a dagger hidden in her hand, ready to throw at the offender.

    The women brought the stew and drinks, Ivy  paid, she started to sort through coins in her leather apron... Ivy said   loud enough for  the  whole room to hear..

 Do not seek the difference in your  apron, Good  Woman... keep what is left  for yoiurself.....I had the great fortune to  run into  Hargenites ..They are dead.. Their
 coin is now mine..thier  weapons  brought me more coin... I have enough to give a hard working  women a few coins extra..

 A Burly fellow stood...if that be true? Come to me  smithty in the morning... we have things to discuss..

The fellow who tried to make sport of Ivy said,That's  not  true.... He isn't even Marked...

 Ivy  laughs  hard  enough that he  must take a drink of  wine  before he chokes on  his  stew...I said I fought  hargenites...not  kobold, or  even  an ill tempered  rabbit...either would have been  more sport then Hargenites..but still?  In The Timber, we are taught to eliminate Vermin when we see it in the   wilds..

 The  word 'Timber  set off  alot of whispers.. the fellows  who had issue  with Ivy  seemed to grow  angry.

"Good woman, the loss of your daughter to the hagenites will not be left unpunished. We killed some already on our way to the city and many more will follow, even here in the city, probably as we speak. Our captain has a tendency to run into those foul critters from Hargen wherever he goes, and none had the chance to tell about the encounter. Do you know where the hargenites have their friends in this city? Perhaps we could eradicate root and branch."
Krwyn waits a moment for her answer and donates another gold to the temple and one to the woman herself.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Tue 21 June 2022.

Moltke looked at the mangy man that just entered the inn. The man looked as pleasant as he smelled. Moltke furrowed his eyes and observed the scraper silently, waiting for the other senior members of the Arrows to first evaluate the man.

Lysander looked at the server and the man.  Knowing he would offend some, he said, "Sit.  Tell us what is needful.  Make it good, and make it fast."

He ordered an ale for the man.

  The Man sat, and the owner   poured the  ale, and brought  it over  for the  man.

  The scraper  nodded his thanks.....well.. There   that   Elf..looks  like death himself walkign in the dark?..him and a Lady, elf? by her  Build,,I thgink i saw them with You?... well.. they are In the HArdwood, Up the street.. he got into some kinda... disagreement   with some   merchants from over the Moutnain... I guess he called them out, cause they's  waitin' fer him.. they have   like  4   guys on the roof, and others in the street... he's gonna need some help..

Lysander will thank him for the information and drop a silver in front of him.  "Let's go, folk, the boss needs our help."

He heads out the door in the indicated direction.

Moltke follows closely behind Lysander, but he is still does not completely trust the man.

  The  4  walked  down the street,,, the  scraper   downed his drink and followed after them.. he  whispered  from the shadows,

  see>   4  men on the porch rof.. there  are  now   4  across the street.. I ssaw some others   cutting through the  yards to go to Zoes.. you have people there too?

Lysander turns to the scraper for a moment and says, "If you stay out here, you will most likely not live through the day."  Then heads towards the shadows moving up the street towards those on the ground.

In reply to Krwyn (msg # 141):

Miranda cast a side glance at Krwyn as he interjected himself in her conversation, impending her plan to render aid and financial assistance  to the woman and her family. Mistress would you care to show us where this abduction took place. We may find suitable trail to track.

 The woman shook her   head  quickly,h no..not  this night. I never go outside the walls  at  night//but it was to the north and east, there is a Big Berry patch their. where children will go to pick them to bring home for treats  and  baking.

 she looked  embarrassed as she  added, with a bit of hesitancy They....they say elves  took my daughter..and maybe some of the others....others think a troll or  bears..orthers think...her voice lowers,Hargenites...

 she took the  gold coin, her eyes  grew very big...

............................

 Kree  told   Rive  to use her  Bow. He spun his   blade around in the air to make it Hum, the 4 men across the street  already had their Blades out.

 there was the  Briefest of Looks  as kree's vision saw  Lysander sneaking in the Shadows.. the form of Farora, Meltke , and Elandra, trailed   Lysander.

 well...ELF... you coming out  or nay? the others laughed...

 just a moment, I have to decide  whom i shall kill first, I do not wish  to  take a Kill away from my Comrade...


..................

  at Zoe's, one of the men with   those  who harrassed  Ivy, walked towards Tyri,  eager to dance with her,,perhaps a bit more.
  The fellow  laughs  , Pointing at Riven with his blade,she   will only get  one  shaft off, before  we are on her,,,,

 she is elven, she will get at least  two shots off.. the question is?  which two of you will die?...Then>  I'll need to take  care of the fools you have on the roof... damn poor place to die, ....


 the men seemed startled , that he knew of the others on the roof.

Standing in the shadows with the others, Moltke readies a Magic Missile as he waits for a signal from the other members of the Arrows to let loose his spell. He aims at the men holding the blades.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:37, Sat 25 June 2022.

Lysander moved his battle axe to his left hand and readied a hand axe as he stealthily moved towards the impending fray.

In reply to traders rest (msg # 150):

That is quite helpful, thank you kind Lady. Miranda replied giving the woman a warm empathic smile. Would you care to let me know who are the ones that thought Elves may have taken your child?
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:37, Mon 27 June 2022.

Farora sits carefully on the floor beside Lysander, pleased to meet ya, she smiles and nods at Moltke, happy to have another in the group. She got up and moved out with the others, taking a stride to catch up with the dwarf, leaning down and asking in a low voice, ya sure it's not an ambush? Not like we can't handle it but...ya know, she shrugs. As the party engages, Farora slinks into the shadows and draws her daggers, crouching low but comfortably.

  Kree   stepped up past Riven, she  nocked  an arrow  and Nodded...This is  how it  ends  then.... I was hoping   one to two of you might life, so you would be able to  tell   your  King, that  his  side of the Mountain has its  own scum, we do not  end to import  further  trash...

 One of the men across the street  asked, You  would let some of  us  leave...?

 Kree laughed out loud,..do not be a fool!..I have never keft  a Hargenite Live...at least, as  far as I know... there might be one or two staked to a tree some where, that still live, as  animals  feast of  bits of flesh...

 Before  any answer.. Kree  charges   Out His Loud  sword   swinging Like  it was a fiddlers bow...

  Riven Fired at  One of the fellows near  the leader...The roof  people  were surprised. and didn't get a Bow shot off  yet.

Lysander moves towards the fray beginning in earnest, throwing a hand axe on the middle one on the roof.

Farora headlocks one of the grounders and drives a dagger into his ribcage.

13:21, Today: Farora Shadowsmile rolled 7 using 1d10 ((7)).

As Kree and the others lunges at men on the street, Moltke switches targets and lets loose his Magic Missile at the three men on the rooftops.

15:46, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 4 using 1d4+1 (Man 5)

15:47, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 4 using 1d4+1 (Man 6)

15:47, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 5 using 1d4+1 (Man 7)

     Meltke's    Misslies     sail  and  Hit  each of the three  men on the Roof... Lysanders   ax Hits the Middle  man, Just   have the Impact, and the  Fellow fell head  First Into the street.

Farora stabs  #1  the force of the  blow    Makes the Man  struggle  in her  grip...he is still  alive... But  dropped his Blade.

Elanda  Fires   Guiding Bolts  at the #5.. the missles  slam into   him  he falls Back against the Building, smoke  comign from his chest  from two sets of missles... he  is alive. but seemingoing  ..out

Riven sends   Two Haftyra  at #4.. One barely miises, the other  sings   deep into the fellows  Side..he falls  two his  Knees..beggign for  mercy..throwign his blade out  in front.

 Kree, if he heard the body fall behind  him, doesn't seem to care.. He clashes   with the leader, the Hawk'shead , longsword  slicing off.  a carvign off heat from the   Man's  left shoulder,  as he screams in pain and terror, his rapier  lashed  Out, Catching  Kree in    his left  thigh.

#2   charges  Kree, His  blade   tried to drive in., Kree's  heavier blade, battled it aside like a twig.

#1 is  struggling   in Farora's arms.

#4 , seeing kree with two atackers..is reaching  for the dagger on his  belt as he gets brave

#7 Is  shocked  and Looks  for  a  target, that sent  missles  at him.

Moltke conjures up Magic Missiles once again and shifts his attention to new and old targets. He fires once more.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
17:59, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 71 using 1d100

18:00, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 5 using 1d4+1 (Man 4)

18:00, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 2 using 1d4+1 (Man 6)

18:00, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 2 using 1d4+1 (Man 7)

---

This message was last edited by the player at 03:21, Wed 29 June 2022.

Lysander continues towards the 3rd guy, swinging his battle axe with both hands but missing.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Tue 28 June 2022.

Farora pulls out the bloody dagger and tries to stab her victim again but he's a wriggly little rat and she misses, thankfully not losing her hold on him though.

17:13, Today: Farora Shadowsmile rolled 6 using 1d10 ((6)).
This message was last edited by the player at 00:29, Wed 29 June 2022.

In reply to Hardwood (msg # 155):

The woman's marked silence was sufficient for Miranda to conclude she wouldn't provide any names. Bidding the townswoman a good evening, Miranda headed towards the Inn they were saying.

  Moltke's  bolts  flash   The  man on the roof  , the furthest  up street (#7).. His  hit again..  His  is  wounded , and   struggles to   nock his next arrow.

 (#6) the Middle  man on the roof Lies dead, between.  Moltke's bolts  and Lysander's  hand axe.

(#5) Lies dead from the previous attacks  bty Elandra  and Moltke


 (#4) Falls,  from the recent  bolts.. though  he seems  , not quite dead.


( #3 leader)..  Looks  wildly at the savage  visage of Kree.. The Calm elf, he spoke to in the  Hardwood, Is  not swinging the Longsword.. , the  Blade slashes   across the waist of  Leader  , who falls to his knees.. He holds up a Hand   for truce...

 #2) was  quite untouched,  Until Riven's  two shafts  slammed into  his chest.., one seemed   , the  perfect shot... The Man dropped his  blade, and they both hit the ground.

 (#1). Farora  finished off the struggling  mad..

 All that was  left was the struggling man on the  roof , trying to nock an arrow.. the  slightly stirring body   of #4..and the begging   Leader.

 Krwyn and Miranda,  return  to   the  Axe  and Flail..they can see  some flashes of  bolts and   figures in the street   70 or so yards up the  street.

 There is a  scraper , he holds his hat  as he looks up the street watching from the end of  the  A&F's  porch

....................

 Tyri  entertains  while  Ivy watches the customers of the whore house.

Farora pounces on the one who fell from the roof, holding him down with her knee even though there wasn't much fight from him and stabs his throat.

Moltke readies another Magic Missile and looks for stragglers.
Lower your bow, he sternly warns the struggling man on the roof as three more balls of magic dance around his person.

Lysander moves back into the shadows, looking for any hidden miscreants.

Miranda glances at the scraper What do you think of the action? she asks the youth.

 The  scraper ....Those    peopel you are with  are Fighting up a head... an' some other  of them fancy sword  guy  ci=ut across the yads  here, to go tom Zoe's..

.................

  The  May On the Roof   leds his  bow  slide  down and  fall into the streets...

 Kree,   pointes to the fellow,get  down here... I have a Task for  1 of you.... the other Dies...

She listened quietly to the banter as she danced, looking to the man who was speaking to Ivy and then back to Ivy. With the mention of the Timber, it seemed to ruffle quite a few feathers so to speak which was a bit concerning. Though she continued to dance, she made it a point to move slightly closer to Ivy, ready to grab her bow at any given notice.

<quote street>
 The  scraper....Those    peopel you are with  are Fighting up a head... an' some other  of them fancy sword  guy  cut across the yads here, to go tom Zoe's..
</quote street>

Miranda thanks the scraper adking if they would let her companions she would see what this group was upto. ooc Handing him a SP

Miranda headed after the troublemakers as they made their way towards Tom Zoe's

  As Miranda  left with Krwyn, they could see in the darkness..a group of  people   moving to the  dark  doors of Zoe's  Building.. small windowns  were on the  second floor, meant only for  air..several of them had lights on

Miranda thanks the scraper; asking if he would let her companions know they (Krwyn and herself) would check out what this group is upto. ooc Handing him a SP

Motioning for Krwyn to follow, Miranda started towards the troublemakers as they made their way towards Tom Zoe's.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:07, Fri 01 July 2022.

Moving as quickly as possible; Miranda was able to spot the group up ahead. Closing the distance she motioned for Krwyn to keep to the shadows. This way she hoped that if their quarry realised they were being followed her ruse may pay off.

Krwyn follows Miranda, tailing the potential troublemakers to Tom Zoe's. He keeps to the shadows and has his bow out, an arrow knocked.

In the street in front of 'The Hardwood'. Kree waited for the wounded  archer to be  brought  over,  with the  leader, who had the  whole side of an arm carved off,,  he was wobbling on his knees.

  Now, since you went  so far as to ruin a good  night on the town , for me and mine ... he chuckled,  the meaning  meant the 'ruin' might not be the whole truth.

 Now? if you both refuse... you will both die. But i will understand why you would choose to do so.... If you both accept.. I may  left  you both  leave..But? I normally do not spare vermin lives?.. If only one of you accept..you make  my choice  much easier....


 one, or both of you  will take a  Bag  with the heads of your  fellow's ,back to that cesspool that is Hargen.. You will say , The Crimson Arrows  Killed your men..and we will continue to kill, any Hargenite  we run across..This side of the Mountain is not meant for  such  creatures..

The Leader sneerd...Big talk  from someone who needed hlp to take us down...

 My comrade and I  could have killed  you all in the  tavern..but..this way you helped  smoke some  more out for us... we were indeed smiled on by the sisters, with the rest of my  team showing up...  The scraper  ran  up the street and Pointed  to the  yards   on the  'insdie' of the street.

 Mr Elf!... two more of your people are heading  to Zoe's. there's  'nother group of  people heading there'cause  two of your people are inside.

 Kree turned to the scraper.Get me a large  Sack from the  Ax-and Flail......Lets remove  the ehads of this  scum...


The  scraper  ran back to the Inn.

 well , Sir-of-the-ugly-hat  what will it be? carry the heads home..or  die and we add your heads to the bag.

 If  we do not agree, you will have no one to carry   the heads...

 Aye, this  is true, such as it is...but i do not care  a great deal.... if you take the heads home..i will have given your people a warning. Mine is not the only Unit of Crimson Arrows... we can  lay low,  hundreds, maybe thousands  of Hargenites... Right now? we do it for sport..after tonight.. it is a mission, of sorts...the heads do not go back.. we will hang the Bag in a tree somewhere, while  your  bodies  go to feed the  skyrider mounts,,i am merely , being kind  enough to allow you  to  aid you people..save some undeserving lives ..and keep the stench  of hargenite  filth from our side of the Mountain.

 The   archer looked at the leader...we are both sorely wounded...

 we have a follower of  Amot here..she will heal you enough to start your journey.. You will be permitted    his bow and 2 arrows, you you may take  your dagger.....

 The  both agreed...Elandra  gave them each one  dose of a healing  spell.. they were not bleeding any longer.and the man's carved arm was, somewhat healed over

 The Scraper  came back.., Kree, motioned for the others  to start taking heads...Gather Coin and weapons....,. he took  the purse from the nearest body and tossed it to the scraper.

 Come, Let us move to Zoe's and see how many more heads  are  added to the  bag...Good scraper?, Please   go to the  Skyriders, and tell them there is  food for them in the streets, outs  side  The Hardwwod..then meet us  at Zoe's..

 taking off with his  new purse that had coin in, the scraper an through the yards  towards  the   Skyrider base.

  as they moved through the yards  to the  bright area that was Zoe's..he told the  Leader and his archer..as soon as we  add the head  of the fools you sent up that way? you and your  lackey will leave to start your journey..I want you to keep in mind..should you  ignore your duties.. we will, indeed find you, and it will take you many...many days , to die.

 at Zoe's. a young human woman, with   gossamer for clothing  sat on Ivy's   Lap, she   smiled and Giggled   and Nibbled his  neck as she whispered.. , then  stood  to move to the  Bar.

 Ivy's smile was  wide, but his eyes  were  grim  as he looked to Tyri  to get her attention.

 3 men and one woman  shod from  tables around the room, they  walked  towards the   main entrance   while keeping their eyes  on  Ivy...

.....................

 Outside, the back  door..a  Guard   was felled by two arrows... and  4 figures  quickly moved to the back door

 100 or so yards behind them, followed Miranda and Krwyn

As Moltke began to sift through the belongings of the now-dead men lying in the streets, he thought about Elandra's exception to the captain's violent methods. What did it mean to fight fire with fire? He continued to gather the coins and weapons of the dead, but he did not take their heads.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:25, Sat 02 July 2022.

While it was somewhat distasteful, Lysander helped beheading the Hargenites.

Miranda glanced towards the Guard that had been felled, her only reaction being her glance. Continuing to trail the four figures heading towards the building.

  Kree on the other hand, almost gleefully removed the heads, looking at the leader and his archer.

   Each head  was put in the bag other gathered coin  and weapons.Tie thier hands, and let us head up to Zoes.


 ...........................

 Miranda  gets nothing  as of yet,, the  people begin to slip into the Back of  Zoe's

..............

 t Ivy    finished  his drink, as he took note ofr the other people, he was  getting ready to stand up..when of the fellows    between he  and the door says,Don't  think ye  wanna leave  yet..do ya?

Quickly signalling for Krwyn to close in Miranda rushed to the rear entrance. Catching the door before the brigands were out of sight. Opening the back door, Miranda glanced about, locating the four brigands, quickly following them.

ooc sword and shield ready to use
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Mon 04 July 2022.

Krwyn changes for his longsword and shortsword and follows Miranda in.

Miranda moved with shadowlike grace as she trailed the brigands through the building.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Wed 06 July 2022.

.. Ivy Draws his Balde. knowing he'd  only get  two..maybe three shots off before they closed..., he put himself between  Tyri and the enemy and motioned to her weapons.

   That's when Tyri  saw,   4 more   people  some from the back away, causing  many of the  workers and patrons to run for the Door

 The last  two in were archers...

......................

  Miranda was only  2  or three yards  behind the last archer..she could hear the  squeals of ladies, and shouts of  Men, and  some movement  away from  the door  she  was headed to.

 Krwyn was  right behind her. the   whore house   guard was  dead from the arrows that hgit him.

................

 with the  sack of head,Kree  Motioned for the others to make haste through the yards. to aid  thier comrades.

With the indication to move out, Lysander went as fast as his shorter legs would carry him.

In reply to traders rest (msg # 186):

Slowing her pursuit Miranda thought it would be worth learning more about why this lot were here; who sent them; how and where they were operating from and such. Focusing she quickly cast Sleep on the group.

Moltke follows closely behind the group, towards Zoe's.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:00, Thu 07 July 2022.

    As the moved through the yards,  Kree  Told  Riven and Elandra   to sweep around to the front..if they see  anyone in the street that looks  like they might  be  Hargenites,  they were to cut them  down, others  wise, they were  to   enter  and  attack   from there..
 Miranda's   sleep   Dropped the   Two Archers  as  they entered the   Party Room.. their  two companions   looked  at  Ivy,, Ivy grinned darkly.

 Tyri   picked up her Bow

  Farora   followed Lysander  into the   Building just behind  Meltke...

.........

 Out front, Elandra and  Riven saw two men with   the thin blades., they stood  by the door  , while  men and woman stood in the Middle of the street, in various states of  drunkenness, and undress.

 In the  Hall  there were many  2 dozen people   all  standing on the   left side of the rom.. The Bartender  was defending his bar, that  was long the StreetSide wall.

  Ivy and Tyri  had there  backs   against the  far right, streetside  wall,, Ivy   a few feet in front of Tyri with his  Blade  ready.. Tyri had her bow drawn.

 The  4  hargenites  in the front of the room  had a halfcircle, facing  Ivy and  Tryi, cutting off  any escape to the main doors.

  There was a  Hargenite   on either side of the   back door,  while   the two archers  lay on the ground...

 The rest of the party was in the storage room hall wall.. Miranda, and Lrwyn, Lysander  and farora,, and  Kree  who   had  slammed the two prisoners    to lay face down on the floor.

Offering a quick prayer to the Sisters; Miranda moved forward to engage what she gathered was the closest Hargenite. Supporting Ivy's and Tyri's action, not that they would need any, with the number of brigands who formed a half circle around them.

Miranda continues to pray to the Sisters as she pressed her attacks; against the Hargenites until they were all dispatched.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Mon 11 July 2022.

Following the sounds, Lysander moves towards the fight.  He will attack any Harganites he sees.

As Miranda attacks the one Hargenite, Krwyn attacks the other, dealing death swiftly with his surprise attack from behind.

Moltke lets loose a Magic Missile in every direction, with each bolt of magic heading straight towards the Hargenites. He needed to clear a path from the door.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
20:59, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 4 using 1d4+1 (Man #1)

20:59, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 4 using 1d4+1 (Man #5)

20:59, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 3 using 1d4+1 (Man #6)

---

This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Sun 10 July 2022.

Tyri leveled her bow, her icy gaze darting between their enemies. The first one to try and move against them, would be met with her arrow, a dark look on her fair features.

Seeing the two men with the blades standing outside gave her a moment's pause but it was only briefly. With a dark glint in her eyes, Riven approached the door as she drew her shortsword in a flash and thrust it towards the guy on the right, not bothering to ask any questions.

  The fights begins...

   Miranda  runs to the   Hargenite to the  right of the Door  missiles  sizzle past her Into the MAn's Body. he is  wounded  as she  brings her Blade to bear..it  cut s deep int to the   fellow, he falls  to the floor, this eliminates  the  foes on that side of the Building. giving Tyri and Ivy  a link

 Krwyn  Turns his blades on the  fellow to the   left of the door... Missiles   sizzle  past   the elf , slamming into the  enemy, Krywn's  two blades  finish the   job.

 Krey follows Farora into the  room and says  quietly...Kill the  two sleepers  before the wake, I care not how you do it.

 Lysander charged  at the next  fellow on the left,..No Missles  go  by, But the Dwarf;s axe  slams Home, causing  a few of the whores  to squeal as blood  flies.

  Kree  Lets   two  arrows   fly..they  Both hit  #3 ..he looks  surprised  as the shafts slam into his chest before  falign against the  bar,

 Tyri  lets   her  shaft  fly, into  #5, the closest to  Ivy and herself.. The  arrows    Stick deep, and   missiles  slam into him, He  falls  two his Knees  , dropping his slim blade  and Reach  for Ivy, for mercy...

 Ivy.of course, just laughs... Hargenites and mercy are not compatible.., Ivy shoves  the   blade through   the  man's  neck,  and lets him fal forward choking.

 #4..has not been Attacked, be is closest to the Door  and turns to run.

........................

  Outside.. Riven drives  her Balde   deep into the HArgenite  in waiting, people scream  as , the  man screams.. and the  Move away...

 Elandra  sends her Bolts ,, slamming into the other   man, he    falls and  is On One knee  trying to reclaim his blade.

Miranda hears Kree's directive to kill the slept brigands and grimaces at the waste of her spell. Stepping past the collection of slain adversaries she engages the closest enemy.

Moltke observes the stragglers and the routing Hargenites. He conjures up Magic Missiles again and aims at those who are running away.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
18:04, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 2 using 1d4+1 (Man #4)

18:04, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 3 using 1d4+1 (Man #4)

18:04, Today: Moltke the Elder rolled 5 using 1d4+1 (Anybody else running away/stragglers)

---

This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Fri 15 July 2022.

 Elandra said a prayer to Amot, under her breath as she summoned another guiding bolt from her hand aiming it at the scum bag going after his weapon. These monsters stole others Peace, and she will give retribution for their theft." Your Peace will be taken when you take others Peace." The bolt then went off to hopefully hit it's target.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Sun 17 July 2022.

With a deadly grace, Riven followed her initial swing with the slightly longer, slender dagger aimed for the man's throat, trusting that Elandra would take out her own opponent.

As Ivy took care of the man she downed, Tyri had already nocked another arrow, taking aim at the man trying to run (if she is able) and lets her arrow fly, hoping that it finds it's mark.

Lysander looked for anyone who was still alive, but shouldn't be.

 The Hapless hargenite   tried to   Run, Missile  of  magic, an arrow and some missile from out side  shattered the Mans   Body as he fell to the   woodened  porch , rolling  onto the Muddy street.  Elandra  and Riven  had finished their two, the other falling to the street as he ran out the door.

Inside...

 Kree called to the  people in the tavern... Drag the Bodies  out to  street... I must send thier ehads  back  home... You..Pot Boy...


 a lad who had to empty and clean chamber pots  looked at him, a bit frightened.. This silver is for you... run to the skyriders.. tell them there are Bodies  outside Zoes  , to feed to thier mounts..

    Drawing his Bade,,, he went out side to add heads to the Bag... He had Farora    'urge,' the two prisoners    to follow.

   Ivy  quickly down his  drink, and followed  Kree...good Timing...

 Lucky Timing..we  found a  Group at ;'The HArdwood'..a scraper  told  Mitand  and then us  about another Group headed to Zoes...

 Elandra said prayers for the evil ones that had fallen, their price had been paid, she would not behead them, but she did pray over their lost souls. Elandra will search any close to her for anything of value. " May Peace be with you son."

Krwyn cleans his blades on one of the fallen Hargenites. "If the number of Hargenites we kill is an indication about their influence in this town, it's bodes not well for Trades's Rest", he mentions to Kree.

   Kree starts  with the One Elandra   Killed  an Lops off the Head..

Kree gives  His old friend a grin,You are lookig at it  wrongly? Look how Many less there are!

Again, Moltke helps secure the dead's weapons and belongings but he does not remove their heads.
Krywn has a point, Arrowhead. The number of Hargenites in this area is alarming. We have been told that the Hargenites are trickling past the High Peak mountains but they seem to be flooding through it. I fear that they may converge upon Trader's Rest with great numbers to silence our investigations.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Sun 17 July 2022.

"I think they might be somewhat reticent to come here, at least from the individual aspect, in the future.  I mean, no one wants to think that theirs might be the next head coming back without the body."

That is true, our actions are sure to drive fear into the hearts of our enemies. But what else will they feel when they see the heads of their comrades? Hatred. Towards us. So, while the Hargenites may be more reluctant to engage with us in the future, they will surely fight against us even more ferociously than ever before, now that they know the consequences of their transgression.

"But, unless the come with an army, we should be able to pick them off, and the more they send, the more chance they bring about an all out war."

But they are bringing about a total war. That is why they are here, no? The war hasn't started yet, for I assume the Hargenite army is not quite ready. Besides, one does not need an army to get rid of a dozen men. They are many and we are but few.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Mon 18 July 2022.

Ivy Points  with his Bloodied  sword to the   Mountains...Right there is  the High peak Mountains... The Empire controls  this  slope. the  HArgenite Kingdom, their  slope.. inside the Mountain, High peak dwarfs  fight    Dark Dwarves... some goblin tribes who have  allied  with the Black  Timber  aid them...The Dark dwarves have their own  allies.... so? seeing Hargenites there, are not much different  then seeing  Imperials over there.

 Kree  takes a  mighty swing at the Next body, some folks watch and  shout, or gasp.. Good  Meltke?  You took the  badge of a Crimson Arrow..there  are many   folks who hate us.. next, that we are reach the Black Timber, or Ironmound, you will see the patches that we take  from other Mercenary Companies, or  fools  such as this...

 I found the badge of a Hargenite Captain , on the fool who tried as at The hardwood.. i will add  that to one of the boards.  He lifts the head  and  tosses  it to one of the prisoners to put in the sack.

 But you have a point, Meltke..there are too many Haregnites...and part of  our  task, is to make less, hargenites.  As for the war? there has always been a war.  Hargen will not declare it, because our  allies  on the coast would have  to  seize their vessels that would sneak past Yad. They would have to sail around  Laynak.. to the North, the North men would make them take a wider path... The Red Elves  would aid them, but  the trade would be one sided..to reach pours  on the North and east, would be  to Dodge the  Laynak Navy on the sea.

I see. A war that everybody knows but one that no-one will admit. This complicates the situation...
Moltke thinks for a while. He was still getting familiar with the crisis in Ironmound and its many balancing acts.
Then what is our next move Arrowhead? he asks.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Mon 18 July 2022.

 well..... as  soon as   we load these sacks  with heads.. our  two Hargenite friends  will take the back over the Mounted... I Carved   the crimson arrow  sigil  into  the foreheads of the first batch..once they are on their way... we go have a  drink, and gets some rest... its a long way to yad...and we have bodies to stack.

 even as he  spoke. Dumbfounded  men from the skyriders  appeared with a  cart.. the  boy held out his hand  and  received  5 coopers .

 I told  Ya.. see... Arrow  guys!

 as Kree took another head...Shall not be long.. only a few more to make a head shorter..did you get the  bodies   near the HArd wood...

 the LT  nodded...A Scraper   came to us.. another cart is  there  picking up bodies... are Mounts  will eat for a  week off these..

 ..Good  Good...

 The  LT looked around a bit nervously,These  men?  they..um..were considered merchants?

 kicking  a head  to the prisoners. and  turning to the last one, even as  Ivy   tossed  another head to them.Is that a fact?. well..they bought themselves  trouble... if they  brough in goods, spread them around your shops to sell..or hand  some out, to those who need it..

 The LT shrugged.. and the troopers began to stack bodies into the cart

Miranda assessed the quality of the Bandits equipment.

Lysander took note of anyone who was watching, looking to see if anyone didn't seem appalled or horrified.  Anyone who was looking more at them than the bodies.

   Down the road walked a woman. She slinked along the road paying no attention to the passerby's stares of awe. Being one of the rarest races of Fae to ever exist, a few gawking eyes were expected each time she went in public. And on the other hand, her tremendous beauty did not aide the stares of lust either.
   Jun Xi had entered the town 2 days before with the desire of finding an old friend of hers, but fortune had not been smiling down on her in recent times. She had gotten word that she was staying with the owners of a courtier house in the Eastern part of town, but when she approached, the once bustling building, it had been desecrated and a body of people were standing over the corpses of multiple men.
   Feeling defeated rather than appaled by the grotesque scene, she glided up to the group, who seemed to be scanning the situation.
"I don't suppose any of you had seen a fellow Siren around these parts?" She said sweetly, her demeanor greatly contrasting her sorroundings.

 Elandra saw the beautiful woman approach, she smiled and replied," I am Priestess Elandra Jalvian follower of Amot, may Peace be with you, and you say you are a Siren?" 

"I have heard tell of the Siren.  Heard of their beauty, but also of their song.  Never met one though."

   Jun smiled at the friendly looking man and woman, then began to eye his Amethyst pendant. Beautiful things always ended up being her greatest weakness for they distracted her immensely.
   Shaking herself off, she returned her focus to the girl. "Oh thank you," Jun said demurely " Yes I am, but I have to ask, what brings a charming holy woman like yourself down to an establishment like this?"  She challenged, snapping out her embroidered silk fan, casually waving it at the side of her frame.

 Elandra got excited and said," I am on a glorious Mission to restore Peace in this land from the emperor himself. We are called Arrows."

   "Really?" Jun murmured. Jun had been training at the temple for so long she had lost contact with the outside world. "And what are are you trying to restore order from?" She pondered, already tired of the outside world. She was not annoyed for long though. The golden haired woman had an energy about her, you just could not stay negative.

Miranda assesses the brigands equipment adding 6 Rapiers, 6 daggers, 2 Bows and quivers with a total of  23 arrows  between them.

Miranda judged that the bodies looked more like a Hargen Merc group, then regulars. Rising Miranda informed any who was interested of her assessment; noting some of them were conversing with a what appeared to be a Siren.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:30, Wed 20 July 2022.

 Elandra smiled and replied," Slavers mostly so far, they steal others Peace and they will be punished. " Elandra then said," Come in and speak with our Captain Kree he will fill you in on the arrows lovely Siren, umm what is your name?"

    Lt? if you would be so kind to  escort these two 'head bearers ' on thier  way?

The Fellow  who  had  fought with kree at The Hardwood  said..what if we refuse to take them!

 Ivy snickered  as he  wiped his   Blade on the  cloak of one of the dead,..Then we  will  add your heads to the BAck..and one of the Good Lt's  riders   will drop  the bags off on their side of the Mountain...

 The LT  shrugged,least i could do for the food you have provide  for our mounts...

 The leader and his lacky shoulder the backs  , that  Kree  Tied  shut  with  the  wire he had  used to bind the two, shortly before....

 let us be off to out  Inn , Then..a drink and bed  wil do us all good.

"Well, Drink might do some good." the dwarf laughs.

Moltke heads off to the inn for some much needed rest and reflection. The day had been more hectic than he had anticipated.

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 226):

    Jun heart stopped at the mention of slavers. The same type of slavers who murdered her family, and sold her to an abusive household. Jun went blank, the mere thought of those terrible people caused her to feel sick to her stomache. She pulled out a pipe and began smoking to ease her sudden anxiety. "May I join you on your journey to rid the world of those pests?" She inquired, smoke escaping her ruby red lips. "That is what my mission has been since the beginning but I have not made much of a difference on my own." She said eyeing the girl. "It would be my pleasure to meet your Captain, if you would."
This message was undeleted by the player at 23:32, Tue 19 July 2022.

In reply to Jun Xi (msg # 230):

If you're going to join the Arrows you may find some of this equipment useful. Miranda prompts indicating the collection of weapons and Armor that had been removed from the brigands.

In reply to Miranda of the Glen (msg # 231):

  Jun turns to the woman, making notice of her kind facial features. "You won't have to worry about me, darling." She said lazily, flipping her fan over, revealing the daggers that decorated the sides. Still, she could not battle the urge to peer over at the collection of the few marvelous weapons that were scattered along the side of the room.
  Seeing something of interest, she glides towards the daggers strewn in the corner. Setting her pipe down, she picked up the blades and their sheathes and attached them to her thigh.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:27, Wed 20 July 2022.

Lysander will go back and pick up his throwing axe.

"A drink and bed sound like a grand idea," Tyri murmured softly, adjusting her bow upon her shoulder. "Just wanted to dance and have a little...fun," she sighed, snaking an arm around Ivy's waist.

 In reply to Miranda of the Glen (msg # 231):

   Jun turned back to the woman, "So what does our band of misfits plan on doing next?" she said taking another puff. "It is getting late and I was planning on going to the inn for a night's rest. Is the entirety of the group staying there?"

  Teh group heads to the   Ax and Flail.. Kree   is  ahead   as they take the street   and turn down an alley. to reach the Ax  and Flail.

 The scraper   was  sitting in the  Inn, kree looked at the   Keeper ,Its good you let him stay...

 The keeper  nods,yeah..well.. he earned his keep, i'm  thinkin'..how many did you get?   

 Killed  5 at the hardwood... one ran before the fight.. 2 others  are taking the heads back to Hargen..Killed  8 more  at Zoes...those heads are going back too...The bodies
 are feeding the  Skyrider  mounts..

 ..get everyone  a drink.. make sure the scraper gets  some hot food... Then, we'll be  geting some rest... He sat at a  table   with  a bowl of wlanuts    that were bked with   Maple syrup.

Miranda assisted distributing the equipment to the various shop that accepted them. Once done she joined the Arrows in the Inn.

 Elandra smiled at Jun Xi and replied," Actually I am not sure lets go meet Captain Kree at the Inn and you can meet the rest of the band." Elandra would then offer for Jun Xi to join her and the others at the Axe and Flail," Yes we have mostly hunted slavers and anyone who haes slavers is a friend of mine, May Peace always be with you."

When Lysander gets to the inn, he goes to the bar and takes a corner table away from the door and orders an ale.

Riven remained in the shadows as she followed after Kree, keeping an eye out to ensure the group's safety. Once at the Inn, she took a spot near the Captain, lowering her mask so she could pop a few walnuts into her mouth. "Well that was...fun..." she said dryly, her face neutral.

Moltke grabs a seat with the others and orders a small meal. The day had been long.

 as the drinks and  some hot bread  and fresh butter is brought out, Kree  will address the Unit.

 well...we have  sent off our messenger boys... That should Give  hargenite Mercenaries  a pause to think about  how much coin they will earn, and if it is  enough to be shortened by a head.

 You really think they  can make it over the Mountain?..  orcs will kill them, even if they  have a treaty>,,,Goblins, all manner of  beasties.. I mean? they Have  two large  sacks with Bloody heads !

 Kree shrugs,there is that>,,byt whomever  Kills them  will see the marks on the  heads,  and? Unless the heads get eaten, someone will find them..maybe even a stray band of Ironwood elves.

 we are weakening  the   enemy that has spilled over the mountain, and..it  aids us, should  someone call for  help, we have less to worry about from behind  us...

 aye....'Leave no live enemy  behind you"..

 Just so.... Tomorrow  we  gather  some  food stuffs, and begin out  trek to Yad.

   The woman glides into the inn, spotting a man arrayed in dark forest greens. Approaching the man she stuck out her hand. "The name is Jun Xi." She said charmingly. "I hear you hunt slave traders. Now that is a business I want to be a apart of."  She spoke, taking another puff. "I have come to ask you if I could join you and your band of travelers." Jun smiled. "It would be an honor to serve with you."

 Elandra followed Jun Xi into the inn and went at sat with the others as she talked with Kree.

Lysander sees the Siren he saw out on the street.  She is lovely, but he just keeps quiet and drinks his ale.  Lessons have been learned.

Moltke also sees the Siren walk into the inn. Though he was curious, he felt that it was not his business to interfere with the captain's guests. He continues to eat his meal in silence.

  Kree stood   Took the Offered hand  and Motioned for her to sit.

 He  tells her to order a drink and something to  eat. Then he  explains  while he  east some Buttered bread and  sips the Wine.

 we are , the  Crimson Arrows...rather..we  are one of the Units.. there  were at one time time.. I think there  are 5..maybe Six, all  lead By a CAptain and  all take  Missions  that aif folks, and do not go against , Goodly ways of  life...

 Ivy   chuckles...Except....

 A big so a dark smile appears as Kree  says..Except when it comes to treating   dark folks..... we treat dark folks worse then they treat good folks...as you saw in the street, there is  no 'locking people up' when possible , we will, indeed turn them over to
 Ironmound for sport and spectacle... but  most  swim with the serpents or  other ways to die, depending on what we caught them doing...

 The Arrows, Over all, try to Help the  Empire, it is not an easy task, as  we  must face mer companies , who  do not like  us, or are  Hired   to  try and kill us..But..we  follow through with our Missions....but we will take a side step or two, to cut down Pirates, slavers  and Darker Bandits...

  when this  mission is over, those of us  who survive, will return to Ironmound..but we will not be idle..we  will hunt ourn enemies  as we travel..it is a good way to keep  Your skills Honed... We Have   But   two rules...

 Ivy speaksup like  some Sage's student..Leave no live  Enemies behind you......and.... Be the fire, that fights the fire..

 There is no wrong way to treat a slaver, Hargenite, or pirate

Miranda enters the Ax and Flail. Pausing in the entry to allow her eyes to adjust to the change in light and to scan the room and patrons

Farora just finished separating the last head from it's respective neck when she sees the beautiful stranger approach her companions. The firbolg seems unusually wary in this scenario, her demeanour is suspicious and subdued as she lurks a scant meter behind Lysander, giving a half-hearted grin and nod in greeting to the woman. She'd heard one too many tales of gorgeous women luring sailors to their death, having even witnessed one such event herself. Farora did not make the distinction between this fae woman and the sea creatures of seabound past, as she had the same air as the murderesses about her.

Once inside the inn Farora orders the biggest bowl of stew the innkeepers have, quietly approaching the dwarf in the corner. Mind if I sit over here? I don't quite trust the new one, ya? She confides, nodding her chin towards Jun, wanna keep an eye on her.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Mon 25 July 2022.

Lysander nods assent, "Aye, but it won't be too hard to keep a eye on her, if'n you know what I mean."

No, she's pretty visible, Farora chuckles while settling down onto the floor with her food, more or less inhaling the meal.

Locating her companions Miranda strolled across to the table, pausing to ask the waitress for loaf of bread, wheel of cheese, jug honey, bowl of fruit and nuts
This message was last edited by the player at 21:49, Mon 25 July 2022.

     Jun leans back in her chair, taking in the words of the man. "Crimson Arrows you say?" She says studying him. "I must say, you and your band are extremely worthy of my respect. I can only hope you find me worthy enough to join you on your expeditions." Taking another puff from her pipe. "That is what I want of course. I also have a deep rooted vendetta against those who wish harm against the innocent. I was kidnapped as a child by slave traders and sold to a family of nobles like my life was nothing but a currency for those who wished it." Jun reveals as if contemplating the weather. "To be able to join a group of people who share my beliefs would truly be pleasing."
      Running a hand through her knee-length hair she sets her elbows on the table and leans foward, dangling her pipe from her fingers. "So I must ask," she says appealingly. " May I join the Crimson Arrows."

  Kree sips   his wine  as she answers, i will say this first....  We..I... do not waste mercy  on our enemies. We will receive none  if we  are captured.... noiw, should you  object to some of the  'justice' we deal out..i just ask you to  walk away while we do it...NEVER..interfere

   reachign into his pouch , he  places a purse , with  scores  of pins  , rings , earings , broaches and clips and such.

  eat  has some form of Arrow, and the  arrow  head  or feathers   are of rudy...

 Pick you Pin.. you mut wear it will it  will be seen.. once you place it, you become an enemy of anyone who hunt Arrows..and  Slavers  will not like you...even some goodly folks will be standoffish, because of  our 'rather  permanent way' we deal with our foes.

 Ivy  Says...there are   people and creatures, whom some folks loathe , and others  fear, but they are allies.... the balance is..there are folk who are thought  as  great, who are worth  less then the  dirt from our boots.

     Jun laughed , flicking out a fan to hide her smile. "You need not worry of my interference with whatever brutal approach you take towards the scum of the Earth." She says resting her head on her hand. "And here I was worried you might think my methods were harsh." Waving her hand over the selection on the table hesitatntly, she picks up the ring that matched her dress most suitably. "Do you think this ring matches my hair?" She says in a teasing manner.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:35, Tue 26 July 2022.

  Kree   smiles a short smile , gathering in the purse to put in the pouch.I will add your name to the Charter..that is imprtant, if  we travel to Ironmound, if there are some  messy incidents, it will keep you out of the Arena

 now we best get  sleep.. perhaps you  will room  with Elandar.. we eat at first light, then begin our travels..

 Elandra watched and listened. Jun seemed very eager to exact punishment on slavers, and Elandra had no problem with that. Once Jun officially became a member Elandra finished her meal and said, holding out her hand," Welcome to the Arrows Jun, My Peace be with you always and of course you may room with me, I just have to do my evening prayers before I retire though."

 Elandra cleaned up her area, got all her things together and then waited to see if Jun was joining her in her room.

     Jun pushed in her chair and smiled at the golden-haired woman. "So Elandra," She said smirking. "Do you have any peculiar sleeping habits I should be aware of?"

 Elandra took a second and responded," Not that I know of, like I said I will do evening and morning prayers but I think I sleep normally, I don't know if I snore though." Elandra giggled and then headed up to their room.

     Jun walked into the room that was decored with dim lighting and two beds on opposite sides of the room. She smiled in relief, for the past few years she had been lucky enough to even have a roof over her head. After Elandra was done with her evening rituals she lay on her bed, putting her head on her hand. "So Elandra, what led you to the Crimson Arrows?" She inquired, studying her newly possessed ring.

Lysander decided to try the stew, but he had more than a couple of ales to go with it.

Trying ta pass out again? Farora smirked before drinking the last of her stew out of the bowl, setting it down gently and ordering an ale for herself.

Miranda sat at the table enjoying her meal.

With a belch, Lysander says, "I have things I want to forget.  What better way is there than passing out?"

In reply to Lysander (msg # 264):

I doubt you could manage that in less than three minutes. Miranda teased.

Lysander, already started on a bad path, says, "Well, pretty lady, that sounds like a challenge!" and he downs a full glass of ale.

 Elandra went up to their room, she removed her vestments and then her armor, and then put on what she called a sleeping vestment. She kneeled and performed her evening prayers and when she was done she got up and went to her bed.

 When Elandra was settled in bed Jun asked her a question, Elandra smiled and answered," I was being chased by Brigands and Catfolk, they attacked my Caravan. I ran into Captain Kree and a much different group back then. They helped me and then I talked with them and found that Captain Kree was restoring the Peace of others maybe in not so nice way but he has a good heart. I don't agree with everything he does but I do not get in the way. Amot has asked me to watch over him and this group of Arrows. I have been with them ever since, that was a while ago now."

 Elandra went on her elbows too and asked," You were a slave how did you escape and get here Jun?"

In reply to Lysander (msg # 266):

Miranda beamed at the melancholic dwarves reaction.

Lysander ordered a couple more ales.

   Jun sat up, her face glooming up as she prepared to tell her story. "When I was 11 there was a raid on my shrine. I looked most similar to a human so the slave traders sold me to a noble family that was unable to have children. The family was cruel and power hungry and I was raised to be their successor. When I was 17 my 'father'  found out that I had fallen in love with the stable boy and killed him in front of me. That was what broke me. I waited until nightfall and murdered all of them in their sleep. I returned to my shrine hoping to find survivors and luckily there were. For the next three years, they taught me everything I know.' Jun said taking out her pipe and lighting it, hoping it would relax her nerves. "I grew hungry for more, more freedom I suppose. So I left to see what the world had to offer, waiting to exact my revenge on the traders that ruined my life. Around this time last year, I found out the traders who kidnapped me were stationed somewhere in the South. I managed to track them down and kill every last one of them." Looking down, she turned to Elandra and smiled charmingly. "But now I am here, and I can make sure it never happens to anyone ever again.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:10, Tue 26 July 2022.

 Elandra listened and when Jun was done, she replied," They stole your Peace, so you took it back by force. I don't agree with excessive violence at times but Captain Kree gets the job done. I hope we can help you restore your Peace and slavers and the ones who deal with them do not deserve any mercy I have seen them do horrible thigs and they deserve what they get from Captain Kree and the rest of the arrows. I will say prayers for you Jun, and welcome to our group and you will protect others from the fate that befell you and so many others."

    Jun's eyes began tearing up at Elandra's kind words, for she was not used to such compassionate words. She was not a crier so she quickly wiped her eyes and returned to her usual composed self. "Thank you, now let's get some rest shall we."

 Elandra smiled and replied," Yes let us sleep I have a feeling we have a big day ahead of us, and may Peace be with you Jun." Elandra then said a soft prayer to Amot for Jun and the rest of the arrows, she then laid down closed her eyes and went to sleep.

That's a reasonable start; provided you ensure their contents don't get spilled. Miranda suggests.

Looking at the table, Lysander said, "Nary a drop has reached the wood."  He proceeds to down the next glass.

Moltke finishes his meal and wipes his mouth. He can feel drowsiness overcome him as the day finally takes its toll. He approaches Kree's table.
Arrowhead, if there is nothing else you require of me, I shall retire for the night. I shall see you in the morning.
With a nod, he head towards the room and the comforts of a bed.

In reply to Lysander (msg # 275):

Miranda smiled at Lysanders comment. I have no doubt that Nay a drop has reached the wood. I suspect any would be caught up in Thy Voluminous Beard.

"Aye, it helps to savor the flavor a bit."  He laughs as though it was actually funny.  You can tell he isn't quite in charge of his own balance.

In reply to Lysander (msg # 278):

If you get yourself drunk enough to pass out; you may find yourself in quite a predicament.

With a mischievous grin, Lysander said, "Is a predicament like a type of home?  You know apartment, predicament?"  He laughed. "Maybe you two ladies can take me up to my room?"  And his head hit the table.

  Kree  went up the stairs, Nodding to the BArkeep, he flipped him  two silvers...One for you? the other  for whatever the scrapper  wants...even if its a place by the fire tonight..

 he moved  down to the nfar end of the  hal checking the  door  and the  back steps that led to the back..,, Ivy  came up and he pointed to Ivy to take one of teh front  rooms, then he entered   the back room he picked.

In reply to Lysander (msg # 280):

As the dawf's head hit the table Miranda rolled her eyes. Kree and Ivy headed upstairs. We'll secure his valuables and let him sleep where he decidedto settle. Miranda suggested to the others.

The silence from the others prompted a shrug from Miranda. Leaving them to decide what to do with the drunken sailor she headed upstairs. Entering one of the assigned rooms she conducted her devotions changed and climbed into bed.

Krwyn answers Miranda: "I'll stay with him, not drinking, but to keep an eye on him and to stand guard over the entrance."
He makes himself comfortable near the fire.

 rain started coming down from the mountain. That meant colder water and harsher winds., Kree   shut  the   shutters on the  window, and pulled the thick glass down.  The fire was already burring to heat the room, taking off his  jerkin and shirt, he inspected them..., the  Jerkin needed  some stitches... as did the shirt. the wound in his  side  was slight  and would  heal, for the most part, over  night.

Tyri had followed Ivy upstairs stretching as she ascended the stairs behind. Once in the comforts of their shared room, she came up behind Ivy and wrapped her arms around his waist, kissing his neck. "What a day," she murmured softly, wanting that connection.

She polished off her drink before trailing after Kree up the stairs, her steps barely making a sound as she moved into their shared room. Quietly, she began to remove her gear along with her boots before she paused, listening to the rain. Despite the cold and winds that it would surely bring with it, she found the sound comforting. It gave her that moment of stillness, that sigh of relief...

Her gaze shifted over to Kree as he shut the window. Her gaze followed him as he moved through the room as he removed his jerkin and shirt...she noted the wound, her head slightly tilting to the side as she regarded it.

  For those in the  rooms  a Knock came at  each door, the   Owner  brought a sling of   wood  and dumped the  wood outside the door..

 Cold 'n Damp to night..  bring the wood into yer   room keep you and the  pump warm... Breaking Fast is   one  ring  before  sunup...

 he  reached  Kree's room, The elf  Open the door, My  friends n the  Common room?

 They'll be   fine  Cap'm  Got the scrapper tendin' fire. told him i give  him some coppers and a good   full belly in the mornin'. Don't think anyone's comin' in here
 tonight  un;ess  its  soem one the  Gate Guards  let in late?...

  Thank you for the  Wood... see you in the morning..

 Kree  brought in the  dozen    wood and stacked them by the fire..there were still 5 left from before, he threw another chunk on  as he figured out  how the fire would burn. once more he set the throwing Dagger    into the door, Hilt   hanging  inwards, to drop if the door was Moved.

  walking over to the Bed,  he sat, removed his  boots, making sure they stood   so  the throwing daggers there  were in easy reach.

 going to be our last Night in an Inn..best enjoy it  while we may.

................

 Ivy  finished  the Hug and  got up as the  keeper   called out about the Wood.. He  Nodded and looked down into the  Common room, seeing some comrades there, and the  Scrapper tending Fire will setting up to sleep on two chairs.. his 'new  sword' with him as he took his 'guarding. , very seriously.

 he  shut the  door  and  set an 'alarm, much  the same  as  Kree...hope the damn wind stops   before  we leave...I hate rain!

The whistling of wind past the windows prompted Miranda to glance outside. The thick cloud cover coupled with the howling wind indicates that it's going to be a cold night. Prompted by the weather combined with the Innkeepers delivery of additional firewood prompted Miranda to head to the chopping block for some extra pieces. Picking up the axe she placed a log on the chopping block and set to work segmenting it into eight pieces.  Repeating the process twice more. Gathering the segments she returned to her room with an armsfull piled up with firewood.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Tue 02 Aug 2022.

    The Keeper  knocked on  the doors..two rings until dawn... food's getting cooked...

  Finally reaching  Kree's  dor,  The Elf  call out  his thanks, he pumps wather into the basins, placing them near the fire to warm. As he   packs his   back pack  and sorts things out. he takes a look at the over Cast moring  , through a  shutter that he opened.
.

 Down in the  Common room, the  tables  we're beginning set.

Lysander awakes to a commotion.  His only thought is to the working of his bladder, a need he goes to take care of, with no small amount of wobble.  He is glad for the constitution of a dwarf, as he knows he will be ready for a fight in a couple hours.

His next order of business is getting some of that hot food.  Nothing like a warm meal to make you feel better.

 Elandra was already up finishing her morning prayers as the Sun shined for the first time of a wonderful and PEACEFUL day. Elandra prayed for everyone in their troupe to find their inner Peace and hold onto to that feeling. Elandra finished just as the Innkeeper knocked on the doors, Elandra was already washed up with her armor and vestments on her weapons at the ready and Peace in her heart.

 Elandra is not a fan of how cruel Captain Kree can be but she doesn't have to like everything about the man just that he is true to finding and returning others Peace and /or avenging for those Peace they have taken. Elandra saw herself as helper in the Arrows journey to help the Empire and rid the world of slavers, bandits and just plain evil folk. Amot needed someone to watch over this man and help him find his inner peace. Elandra believes sometimes to protect the Peace you must be a Champion and a weapon to restore the Peace.

 Elandra turned to Jun and said," Good morning how are you feeling this morning and prepare for a long journey." Elandra stood with her quarter staff as her hand held x-bow hung from a lanyard hooked to her belt but hidden by her vestments. She walked towards the door to give Jun the room to get ready.

Krwyn was ready early as he had stayed in the common room to keep an eye on Lysander and he did not need a lot of sleep yet. He stretched his limbs and enjoyed a good breakfast afterwards, looking at the dwarf with a smile.

Her morning devotions and routine completed Miranda headed to the common room. Greeting her Comerads in the Sisters Name.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:53, Fri 05 Aug 2022.

Moltke awakened in the morning with newfound calm. He had gone to sleep whilst reflecting upon the events of the previous day.
He washed himself and made his way downstairs. He greeted the others that were already prepared and ordered a small meal from the innkeeper.

In reply to Elandra Jalvian (msg # 292):

   Jun awoke to the whispers of Elandra's morning prayers and the yellow sunshine pouring through the windows. After greeting Elandra she took a moment for herself, to get into the headset needed for whatever adventures lay ahead of her in the coming day. After meditating for a bit, she walked to the common room to greet the rest of the party she would be travelling with.

 Elandra nodded to Jun as she got ready, Elandra headed downstairs to where the Innkeeper was serving the food. Elandra made her way down and greeted her fellow arrows with," Good morning may Peace be with you always."

 Elandra will then get a good breakfast and eat hearty; it was going to be a long journey ahead. Elandra would sit with the others and await Jun to join them.

Kree  reached the top of the stairs, Noted who was there  and  knocked on Ivy's door...lets go... he  have to  feed  and  hike...

 arriving at the table, he   scooped out  some   oatmeal-Ish  food and  some bread...Please have  some fresh bread loaves, wrapped in  clean bar  towels before  we leave?...Thank you..

 it will take a  a few days to reach Yad... we will travel   above the  main road to stay  abovce   any Ironwood  patrols..Trust no one  as we travel

Miranda worked her way through the heaped bowl of porridge. Greeting the latecomers as each arrived. Once Kree had provided the brief for the days travel Miranda served another bowl of porridge for herself.

Lysander made sure to fill up on whatever was available, but also took some bread and fruit for the long journey.  Rations were one thing, fresh bread, another.

Krwyn eats his fill and buys some bread and other food stuff for on the road. He asks Lysander: "After another night of drinking, are you up for fighting again. Perhaps you should have a talk with Elandra? Maybe she can give your mind some peace as well."

"I am not so sure she can.  I think I just need to reset my mind to where it was before I joined the Arrows.  Not gonna leave, just need to quit thinking."

In reply to Krwyn (msg # 301):

Really!... declared Miranda Cousin Krwyn You are such a tedious humdrum. Or have you been swayed by the human cleric Elandra to take up her faith?

She heard the knock on the door and groaned a bit, pouting as she rolled over and curled up to Ivy. The body heat beneath the blanket was way too appealing and one that she wasn't ready to give up just yet. "I don't want to get up," she mumbled, nuzzling his neck.

Riven rolled onto her back and stretched when Kree nudged her awake, followed by rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Morning just seemed to come all too early. With a soft grunt, Riven climbed out of bed and began to dress. Once everything was securely in place, she made her way down the stairs, raking her fingers through her shaggy wheat colored hair as Kree spoke of the plan for the day…or days. She gave a nod of acknowledgement as she dished out her own portion of breakfast before taking a seat to eat.

  Kree  was half  way through the   bowl he had   as he looked at the  Unit.Finish  your  morn-fest..gather what good you need... Ivy and I always  bring a fresh loaf of bread wrapped in a clean bar  towl.. it wil give  us some extra rations on the road, and the towels  can be used   as  bangaed  and other things...unless  we  find some folks camping, this will be  our last , goodly  cooked food.

Krwyn follows Kree's advice and orders a loaf of bread at the bar. He sharpens his weapons and counts his arrows before moving out, making sure the pin with the red arrow is clear to see. He talks with Lysander and Elandra, but nothing serious.

Lysander talks in subdued tones, mostly looking at the table, but he is already ready for the trip.

Moltke, now resting by the table with a full stomach, checks his belongings. Satisfied with his state of affairs, he nods.
He is ready.

   once the  eatign was  Done, Kree    gathered  his  bread  lof  ,  wraped it  secure  and tucked it in his back  pack.

  Fill you  water  skins or  canteens. Let us  see how much  ground we can cover today..

 he laid    4  silvers  on the counter..one for each  waitress and this scrapper.  Then he  gave the  Keeper a Gold.. we come  back this way..we will be  sure to  stop in here once more..      shouldering his  pack  over  his Claock, the  Elf  pulls up his   hood  and Nods  for everyone to move out.

Lysander considers filling his water skin with something other than water, but in the end, he opts for sobriety.  He will bring up the rear, being watchful for anyone following them.

Walking down the stairs, Jun yawned as the tavern was a flurry of activity. After getting ready and setting up the materials needed for the day ahead, she changed into another beautiful red hanfu. Her bright red lips wrapped around a pipe, she sat down at the bar pulling her hair up into a sloppy bun with a gold hairpin.

 Elandra smiled at Jun she she came down, Elandra finished her meal, and took some wrapped bread as well. Elandra cleaned up her area and was ready to go.

 Then it was time to go, Elandra filled her water bottles and then followed Kree out.

Moltke follows close behind the group. Since this is his first venture out of town with the Arrows, he walks at the ready while trying to hide his nerves.

Wrapping a fresh baked loaf of bread in cloth Miranda stowed it along with a a wedge of cheese; a couple of handful of nuts and three pieces of fruit in her backpack. Giving a prayer of thanks to the Sisters for this bounty she adjusted her equipment filled her waterskin thanked the innkeeper and servers for their kindness handing each two silver coins. Slipping outside she scanned the area for signs of movement.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:14, Thu 11 Aug 2022.

There didn't appear to be any immediate threat so Miranda strolled across the Street to wait for the group to emerge from.the Inn. Using the time to read scripture.

When she had finished up her breakfast, Riven pulled her mask up, concealing the lower half of her face before pulling up the hood of her cloak. Standing, she took a couple of loaves, wrapped them up and placed them securely in her pack before heading out. Shortly outside the door, Riven stopped and looked back, waiting for Kree so she could take her appropriate position on his left side.

After several moments, Tyri finally got up and dressed, pausing to admire Ivy as he did much the same. There was a wistful sigh as they headed out, wishing for just a little more time. Once downstairs, she ate somewhat quickly and packed up a loaf of bread before getting ready to leave. She didn’t like having to rush like that but that was the price for dawdling too much.

  The Group left The Axe and Flail.  Kree  lead them down the street, rather then taking one of the   boarded walks. His eyes  , under his hood, searched    for  sign of the   Fellow who ran away... The  man either was in hiding, ran for his life..or went to get aid....

They reached the Gate. A Beggar there  stopped them. he  gave   Kree an apple from a basket he was selling, and awaited   a copper or two.. Kree gave him a silver  and the  Man acted    as if he were addled.as he backed a way.

 The SGT of the GAte guard    nodded for the  crew to open the door that allowed   people to enter  single file...A silver  for an Apple , M'lord?

 I am no one's  Lord..... but, the  fellow could use the coin?  where i am goign, i may not come back from....what use is that coin then?..beter to  pay over the price, to such as he, ther pay  over the price  to those who are well off?

 ..I cannot  fault your thoughts, Captain..good hunting..may the Sisters  watch over you and yours

Reaching the beggar Miranda asked for an apple. If provided she wished the fellow a pleasant day in the Sisters name, took the apple, slipping a silver into the fellows hand.

When Krwyn reaches the beggar, he asks:  "I don't need an apple, but did you see some Hargenites leaving in all haste earlier today?" He slips the man a silver too if he gets an usefull answer.

Lysander will also get an apple and pay a silver.

  The Beggar is over whelmed. He thanks each person in turn....there  was one last eve,  ran with his back  pack out the   gate, northward... fool that he is...  you have to be a rare person to  dare the darkness...

 kree  sets a   strong pace, but  not  too rushed  as they , as well, head  northward up the road. staling to  the Mountain side, of   the  track.

Miranda wished the guardsmen a safe day guided by the Sisters. Once outside the walls she took her usual left flanking position, matching the pace set by Kree.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:37, Sat 13 Aug 2022.

Lysander took the rear position, keeping watch on the backtrail.

Krwyn thanks the beggar, slips him the promised silver and walks on with the group. As soon as they are on their way, he takes his normal position, higher up the mountain, flanking the companionship and always on the lookout for trouble.

Moltke nods as he passes by the beggar and tosses him 5 coppers. He stays within the middle of the group for he had little experience with hand-to-hand combat. He continues to walk with a vigilant eye.

  a Mile or so up the  Road, Kree  stopped off the   road. Getting the aoole he 'bought'..the elf  pulled the  core out  by the  step , taking a  folded  parchment out.

 He studied  the words a bit and said.It is from the  Blacksmith...he  operates  as  eyes  and ears for  The Arrows..and  the Beggars  Guild here aids him as well.... We could have  used  a tunnel he had, much the  same way as the Tunnel in Boll?.... On the slop, there  were two trees that have   grown together, like  an  arch, with a Boulder under them..should we need to retreat or Him, the Opening is near that Boulder.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Sun 14 Aug 2022.

In reply to Khorvar Bloodstone (msg # 328):

Miranda stored those details for use if needed. It was pleasing to learn that there's friendly contact in the area.

 Elandra smiled at the man, she took 2 apples and left a gold and she said," May Peace be with you always."

 Elandra went out and stayed in the middle where she could react to any danger and be ready. Elandra pays close attention and to where the entrance is. Elandra will continue on keeping up fairly well.

Lysander notes the tunnel markers and scans the woods around them.

 the group moved  up the  way, traders rest  was a Good   5 miles  away at this point, as they moved up the   path...a  wagon past them  , Kree stopped  and asked the how the road was a head,

 ain't  to good, sell sword? there's  Ironwood  elves  askij'  for tax  Money..we saw  some  bandit  types  but they tries to hide from the Elves..but? If Me and My Mrs  can see them, the Elves  sure can...

 How Much did they  take, Goodman?

 10 silvers... we are brining  down Salted Fish and  candied  Nuts..we should sell out in Trader's rest..but that 10 silver's  hurt

Kree  digs around in his pouch, he hands the   merchant 10 silvers... take theses...

 I Canna  Not!... takin' yer  coin ye earned!
\
 He winks  at the merchants  wife,Oh... we shall get it  back goodman...as sure  as the sky gets dark..

 thankee!  We'll remember you to the gods!  and the   moved off..

 Kree turned and Looked at his people...Time to hunt...

Myranda grinned at Krees comment. Good of the Sisters to provide an interesting diversion. asking the merchant and his wife if they noticed anything unique the brigands wore that could identify them ( if so she stated forward scanning the area for the item.)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Wed 17 Aug 2022.

Lysander's demeanor brightened a bit. "Hunting bandits and Ironwood Elves, now, that is something I can appreciate. My axe has a great love for that kind of flesh."

   Kree  shook his head   as he unlimbered his bow,There is a good bet, the 'bandits' are working with the  Ironwood Elves.  If  peole  do not  pay the elves, the bandits attack..they split  the  coin gathered  from the  merchants....

 he Motions to the    east , Ivy Nods  and  slips off into the side of the Road.. with  Krywn on the western, slope...Get some of  Our Peopl off the road... but we have to have  enough on the road  for them to try and rob..... There is a darker  side to this.... Those Bandits  may be Hargenites  working with them, to think out the supply line here, and  give the Hardenites'  , better  Access to Iron wood, and the Plains  beyond.

 For Now..it is simple..all bandits  die  at any rate?  The Ironwood  fools, we  may wish to speak with... remember", Top Knots on their  head, mean they should soon be Dead.."

"Do you want me to lead down the road, or trail?"

I'll walk on the road, Moltke volunteered. He had no confidence in springing an ambush but he was sure he could play the part of an naive wandering elf.

  Kree steps out  into the Middle of the road.. I need  any , not using the tress to walk with me here... we need people on either side of the  road. This....is not  a training thing.... you see  someone, attack them, shout a warning.. let the 9 hells break lose  and   allow the Sisters to make sure we are standign at the end.

Moltke nods at Kree's orders. He remains 10 paces behind the captain and begins to prepare himself for any hostile encounters.

Lysander will take an unusual position, walking next to Kree.  "A dwarf in the middle makes us look real weak." He laughs.

 Elandra followed along with the others and stayed on her path in the middle with her x-bow and a guiding bolt at the ready.

Surprised that Lysander chose to take the lead Miranda trailed along with the counter ambusher team.

  The Group Moves   Off..Ivy   on the  easter  side of the  road.. Krwyn to the Upsllope side..

 Kree, Molke ,Lysander, Elnadera  in the Middle...


 Farora  is  behind  on the Upslope

 Miranda trails  Ivy on the down slop  side.

Riven and Tyri   will move   where they wish as  we continue.

Riven followed after Krwyn, keeping an eye out as her fingers lightly brushed against the hidden dagger within her bracer.

Moltke continues to follow 10 paces behind Kree.

 Elandra stays in the middle her spell ready and her x-bow ready, she will pray to Amot for guidance.

In reply to moving (msg # 343):

Positioning herself on Ivy's left, Miranda moved, as quietly as she could, in unison with her Cousin. Scanning the surrounding and regularly pausing to Listen.

   with a fast pace, that looked like they wanted to  move steady, but not like they were  afraid. The group Moved up the road..

 Kree  already knew, that  Ironwood  elves would see them sooner , rather then later, but he hoped  for them to releal them selves, rather then die in the trees

Weaving her way too-and-fro on the downward slope Miranda also leapfrogged with Ivy as they flanked the path Elandera Kree, Lysander & Molke followed. Content with the knowledge that sooner or later the Sisters would reward their devotion, faithfullness & endeavours.

Krwyn followed on the upper slope. At the moment he was alert, but saw nothing that disturbed him.

 Elandra walked keeping her senses open, she then caught a glimpse of someone moving from the upper slope down right before the bend coming up. Elandra says loud enough for everyone around her to hear," Captain, figure moving from upper slope down to lower just ahead before the bend."

Moltke continues to walk in pace with the group, when, all of a sudden, he spots two figures run across the road towards the downslope part of the path. He frowns slightly at this newfound sight and begins to steel his nerves.

Lysander matches the volume of Elandra's speech, "I see at least three.  Might be more."  He knows his abilities with his weapons, so he refrains from grasping them, for now.

Kree  whistled to warn Krwyn and Ivy, and  the others in the trees...

 He seems to have Noticed  movement  as well...Stay tight.. acted  panicked.. they have to know we saw them, but we want their  eyes on us...

 Ivy, Miranda  and Tyri were   slowing to a near stop  as Ivy readied his bow  and waited,,eyes darting about

 Krwyn , Farora and  Rine did the  same..

Acknowledging Krays signal Miranda was ready to bring bow into action at the first opportunity. Pausing she scanned the area for signs of movement.

Hearing the signal, Tyri drew her bow, looking about for movement.