Break Point of Issue 1

The following are places that are run by friends or business associates that can be trusted, and that know the situation. You can get what you need (within reason) from them. If you need something that is not available from one of them, have the Innkeeper at the Splaid Goat, contact me, and I will make the necessary arrangements, and get back to you.

Pandora's Box: Clothing (all types)

North West Mercantile : General equipment (rope, sacks, foodstuff, oil, etc.)

Bendalo's Cutlery: Weapons (swords, daggers, axes, etc.)

The Silver Arrow: Weapons (bows, arrows, crossbows, etc.)

Gilaren's Leather Shop: (armor, belts, etc.)

Shumacher Feet Coverings: (shoes, boots, sandals, etc.)

Haldord Imports: (specialty items)

Stinson's Armory: (metal armor, shields, hammers, maces, spears, etc.)

I was not hired by him to retrieve his daughter, therefore these coins should have been yours. I helped out with the sole intention of gaining your audience concerning the job that has been laid in front of me. You have heard my offer and you anted no part of it, so I depart your presence, hopefully on good terms. May your enemies meet their due ends at your hands, and may we meet again some day under happier terms: the world rid of this cult and the fair city of Martelain rid of the Northern Empire's heavy harness.

Tartuffe snorts in contempt after the letter is read. Mumbling something to the effect of "With friends like this..."

Kane looks up and waves at Tedt, "Take care of that, will you?", waving towards the leather sack and the note. He then turns towards Mantor and says, "What were saying about the Isle of Stars?"

In response to Glastenfeld�s words, Tedt hides his hand to his mouth as if to suppress a yawn- or a laugh. "I prefer to kill what is alive- I have this thing about liking to see blood spurt when I slash someone, bleedless wounds phase me off- but by all means, if you know how to handle undead I'll be glad to learn. As for fornicating, I am yet to hear complaints, but I will certainly take up your kind offer if I feel the need."

He then continues after reading the note that the servant brought in with the coin pouch, "Nice lady!" says Tedt. "Nice curves, too. I say we go out in the street, have a nice boozeup to remind us of how good it is to be alive, get up late, eat our asses off, laze all day and tell tall tales, a nice hearty sleep and then we use this dosh to kit up proper and go out after da dudes."

Then Mantor says to Kane, "I think it's a little strange to found a scroll of the Monk Art; they are quite rare and this implies that or the isle of stars is in this or they are in dire dangers."

Kane responds, "Hmmm.... It is also possible that one of their order stumbled upon this plot, and was removed before he could inform others. I do think that scroll should be returned to the Isle. They may consider the possessor of as an enemy, if it is not returned. I need to travel to the Isle myself, in an attempt to find answers to some questions, so I will return it to them when I go visit them later today. Anybody willing to accompanying me?

Glastenfeld smiles as he says, "Aye, I could go for some I & I. Intercourse and intoxication. Maybe find some real fun on the way to it too."

Then there is a knock at the door and it opens to reveal Ben (without the iron collar about his neck). He walks in, the thought of how he managed to reach the door handle from his height of a little over foot, crosses most of your minds. He walks in and says, "So what's goin on guys? We gonna deal with the scum that have placed a shadow over my homelands?"

Kane says, "Yes, we are, and everybody in this room has agreed to aid us. I have a general idea now of the location of your valley now. It is north of a valley where I spent most of my youth."

Glastenfeld says, "Hmmm� Choice 1) go see a bunch of ass beaters with no life or.. 2) Kill ugly things?" Weights hands as if to find balance, then one hand drops> He looks at Ben, and with a nod of his head says, "Killin's good."

Kane then continues, "Before we head out for it though, we have to stop the local branch of this evil sect from completing their plans to summon the evil one to this realm of existence. We have but a few weeks before they are to perform some foul ritual to accomplish this. From what we have learned, this ritual is supposed to be performed in several locations at the same time. On All Hallow's Eve, the fourteenth day of the cooling moon, just over a month from now. Between then and now, we shall need to find the local temple of this foul spawn, and destroy it, if we haven't already done so. Then we need to make haste for Ben's valley to stop the main chapter of foul brood from making more plans."

Tedt says with a smile, "Far as I'm concerned, �tis kickass time. When I go out with Kane to that wheedle isle of his I'm taking a good look after some supplies. You, lads?"

Ben says, "As long as something is done relatively soon. At least spoiling their plans here is a step in the right direction."

Tedt then looks like he is deep in thought for a moment, then continues, "Lets not go blind on this. Perhaps we don't need to hit their main temple. Perhaps disrupting one of the rituals will suffice- and we could do that a lot more easy, and have the advantage of getting them to go to all the trouble for nothing. Besides, I remember failed rituals can be plenty hard on the people casting them... save us the trouble of killing them. What do you think, Mantor?"

Kane says, "Yes, my friends, failed rituals can be very dangerous. I am living proof of that. Also, I am not going to Isle to 'kick ass', I am going to try and find information about my mentor. Just one of the reasons I originally came here to these cities."

Then Mantor says, "We should be sure of what they are trying to do, some rituals come out bad if you just stop a little of it, but it could be too bad for all of us, say instead of their Tolmand come out something worse...."

Glastenfeld mumbles to himself, "Hmmm. kill a few of the lesser ones in a systematic order. The quick defeat and go right for the bowel�s. Hey I kinda Like that."

Ben looks up at the ceiling and shakes his head with a chuckle.

Mantor continues, "What I would like to do is get at the tower of the magi here on the coast and take care of some business of mine while trying to get more info on the possible workings of this ritual, the only risk is if they are into this so I must get there pretending only to look for some spell knowledge, this should take a few days, first must ask who and on what terms they take visitors."

Kane says, "And while you are doing that, I will do the same down at the Isle of Stars, but first we need to leave this manor and find ourselves someplace to stay while we are here in the city."

Then Tedt speaks up, "That would be handy... me, Kane and Glastenfeld could start a systematic search and destroy campaign- find some members, torture info out of them, make them vanish and go along the trail. Even let them know someone's after them and set a trap for when they come after us."

Kane then continues, "We also told Stinaza that we would look her up once we had finished this business. May I suggest that we take rooms down in that area of town? Then we could at least have a central meeting place to discuss the various things that we discover and learn during the days to come. The hillside Hostel would have been the perfect place to stay, just enough rooms for each of us, too bad it burned down. <Smirk>"

Mantor says, "'Yes we need a place to stay, such as the Screaming Raven [[F2-2]] or maybe Selma's Silver Swan Apartments [[F2-22]], so we can move with much care. Or maybe even the North Sea Mist Inn & Tavern [[G2-18]], it is an out of the way place, and is not usually too busy, and is somewhat near the former Hillside Hostel."

Kane responds, "The place near the Hillside Hostel may be the place, as it could allow us to keep an eye upon it without too much trouble, and doubt that we have finished with that building or its inhabitant yet."

At the same time, Glastenfeld says, "Which ever" with a shrug of his shoulders. He then says, "I hope the bakery in that part of town didn't burn, they had the best damn cinnamon rolls I ever did taste. There's only one thing I like better than cinnamon rolls...." and a sly grin crosses his scarred and hideous face.

Glastenfeld then says, "That is to eat anyway... how else is Um. Hungry?" Not waiting walks to door.

Ben says, "So we are off to the North Sea Mist Inn & Tavern, eyh?"

Kane says, "Sounds like a plan. Everbody go gather your belongings and meet back here as soon as possible. We will check out this place before making a final decision, but we need to leave here as soon as we are able. Tedt, you currently have most of the party's funds, so why don't you and Mantor, get your things from your rooms down stairs, then set out to check out this Inn. We will be along shortly. Mantor, be back up for him. Remember, out of sight, out of mind.

The rest of us should wait half an hour before following you two, once you have checked it out and decided if it is okay, then rent us all rooms, and meet us on the street two blocks in this direction. It is too close to the Hillside Hostel, and some of them may now be staying here.

Glast and I are highly recognizable, so we need to make sure the coast is clear before we walk in. Any other comments or suggestions?"

Tartuffe stands and says with a smirk, "I'll accompany you, Glastenfeld. How about by way of the Gray Gremlin Bathhouse, I hear they have women with a gentle touch, that will do anything for the right coins."

Glastenfeld says, "Gray Gremlin do be nice..." as he smiles disgustingly and danced a jig out of the room.

Mantor says, "Yes, it's better to act as carefully as possible." He then goes out of the study, and goes down the stairs to his room to get ready.

Tartuffe and Glastenfeld have already gone down. Tedt, Ben and Kane follow, and go to their own rooms.

Mantor is the first to get back out to the hallway, dressed in the most plain looking clothing he has.

Of course, Ben is the next into next into the hallway (having nothing to gather, since he just escaped the clutches of the evil cult). Bensfil Willowroot then say to Mantor, "I am willing to go with you to this 'high tower', as I would like to find out more about their library, being a wielder of the magical arts myself. Two of us would be safer than one in such a place, and between us we may be able to cover more ground and are more likely to be able to track down useful information on the cult, and on our own needs."

Mantor says in response to Ben, "Indeed should be so," thinking deeply, "but I am not sure on their politics about non humans, we must check this. Anyway which are your interest in the Art?"

Ben answers, "I am a user of the Essence, and of Mentalism. My abilities are more specialized in the area of alterations of both objects, and senses of others. But I am not able to manipulate the very elements the way one such as yourself can. My abilities in the arts are of a less powerful nature."

Mantor says, as everyone is going down the stairs to their rooms to gather their stuff, or is waiting in the hallway for those who are in their rooms, "The Art is not about power, but about control and knowledge, I would say your art is as important as mine."

Ben smiles, and says, "That is my belief as well, but there are many who would argue with us about that. But then, those are the type that I like to have fun with when the chance arises."

Sauntering over to Kane, Tedt nudges him. "While those fellas discuss their magic, why don't we go and do something useful? Let's finish that thing of yours at that island and do some shopping. I want new weapons, booze, broads and killing, preferably in this order but whatever comes along will do nicely."

Kane says, as the last of the group comes out into the hallway and is ready to go, "Fine idea, Tedt, but first we need to settle our belongings into our new apartments. Let's take care of a place to sleep first, then we can go on down to the island. Though once we get there, I would suggest that you keep your weapon sheathed, and your tongue still. From what I have heard, they are not the friendliest of folk, nor are they helpless. If my guesses are correct, they would in all likelihood be more powerful than myself in many things."

Kane then looks at the group and continues, "Everybody ready? Then lets get going. Tedt, you and Mantor first. Ben, come on over here and you can ride uponmy shoulders. The rest of us will take our time and work things so that we approach the inn about 30 minutes after you two have gone in and either secured rooms for us or decided that the place is too hot for comfort. Any other ideas or suggestions?

Tedt says in response to Kane, "Come-come, my friend, think you that I am blade-happy? Nay, such a slander as this curls my very soul. I offer no offence to him as offers me none, and I do not pick fights- though I do pick girls oftimes, and physical violence so often follows the attempt to gain physical love. I make one exception, though, and that regards our black-god-worshipping buddies. Let us settle down, then, and greet a new day."

Tartuffe mumbles absentmindedly to himself as he hefts his backpack of stuff onto his shoulder, ".... Maybe a red head first.... Then a blond... "

Tedt then continues after Kane offers to give Ben a ride on his shoulder, "Ben, you may be comfortable within my backpack- we can fashion a nest to your liking where you'll be quite unseen. I'll do my best not to get you rattled, mind you if some drunk slot brushes us hold it in; I'll mark his face and you'll get to piss on his drink later in the night, he?"

Ben tells Tedt on the way out, "I do like the idea of hiding out in your backpack, but it might be better if I stick where I can see what is going on, as I have an eye for certain types of situation, and may be able to spot trouble early for you guys. Thanks for the offer though, I do appreciate it."

Everyone heads out the door of the manor and then out the gate [G2-2]. Several of you thank the merchant�s servants for their service and assistance with the previous nights accommodations and tending of wounds. Once you leave you all head directly north to the edge of the road that runs along the outside edge of the hill. Mantor points out the roof of the North Sea Mist Inn &amp; Tavern [G2-18], as Tartuffe points out the Grey Gremlin Bathhouse [G2-41] to Glastenfeld, from above on the hill (about 100 feet above [roughly 30.5 meters]). These two buildings are on a street that runs down the middle of the same block, and are thus only a hundred feet apart [roughly 30.5 meters].

Tartuffe then points to a ship to the north off the coast of the island of Argentum that is heading in a direction to travel around the western side of the island saying, "There be the life..." as he breaths in a deep breath of the light wind with the smell of dung and sewage to it. He then says, "Damn, wrong side of the island, the wind is still out of the south this time of year, " and he makes a disgusting face.

Tedt and Mantor walk over to the east to the road that goes down the side of the hill. The rest of you wait for a few minutes. Tartuffe and Glastenfeld going next (almost immediately behind). Kane and Ben then walk to the west, choosing a different route down the hillside and so they can see the remains of the Hillside Hostel [G2-1] from above.

"Hmmm let's discuss this a little more, Ben," says Tedt right before he heads down the hill. "Perhaps it wouldn't be a bad idea to get a different, more rigid backpack, and "fix" it as a sort of house for you, with a couple of disguised openings for you to look through. Perhaps a mirror or two to help? Or maybe a large hat or helmet with some glass decorations which would be lenses for you to look out from

I really am not comfortable with the idea of people being able to see you. Might be a warning for those creeps if they recognize your origin, not to mention that you'd be a really nice hidden card in just about any situation- including getting caught by the guards. What they don't see they don't prepare against, ya know.

Ben replies, "You have a good point there. Maybe we can set something like that up once we are in a safe place."

Tedt and Mantor walk down the hill together, with Tartuffe and Glastenfeld not far behind. Once at the bottom of the hill you turn to the right and walk past Drewnalds Woodcarvings and Furniture and towards the warehouses along the docks, then turn to the left at the next street in that direction. After about a hundred feet (30.5 meters) the street turns to the right, but the door to the North Sea Mist Inn & Tavern is to the right at this corner, so Tedt walks in with Mantor a little ways behind.

This is a fairly nice place. Most of the patrons appear to be merchants or ships officers, thus the crowd is of a more upstanding sort than the Splaid Goat was. It is somewhat dark, and a bard is playing a quiet and soft tune about the Lady Gelandinar and her adventures in the Goblin Woods while trying to locate her lost prince, in the corner near the hearth. Most of the tables are empty right now. The innkeeper is a large matronly woman sweeping the floors and giving orders to some of the staff about the proper way to turn down the blankets for the guests. The smell of fresh baked bread and beef stew hangs in the air.

Tedt walks in and sets down at the bar and after a couple of minutes and a quick drink, pulls out the glass juggling balls and starts working his magic in pace with the music of the bard, who just started a more up-beat song. The bard looks at him and nods in approval.

Mantor walks up to the woman and asks, "Hmm, I love this smells. Dear lady do you have a few rooms for weary travelers, and while we speak of it you could serve us a little of bread and stew...."

She says, " Of course I does." She whistles loudly and a young girl sticks her head out of the kitchen door. The large woman then yells to her, "Get a bowl of stew and some bread for this fine gentleman. She then turns back to Mantor and says, How many rooms you gonna be needin? We got's lots of them here."

Mantor answers the woman with a heavy sea merchants accent, "Four of them should do, but let me first eat of then take a look at the room."

She says, "If'n that be what you want, Gredda will bring yer food out in a moment or two. Have a seat somewhere and enjoy yer meal. Would ya like big rooms or small ones, also would you preffer ones that be in the back of the place for privacy, or would ya preffer ones closer to the common room here?"

Mantor responds to the woman�s question, "I'll think about it over my meal, two of them." Then he walks over to where Tedt is setting and sits down next to him.

The bard begins to pick up the pace of his instrument with a toothy grin in Tedt's direction, slowly increasing, faster and faster. Tedt manages not only to keep up, but pulls a couple of fancy maneuvers while doing so, much to the entertainment of the few patrons that are here. Some of them even cheer him on, while a couple of others cheer for the bard to play even faster.

Tedt keeps juggling and bows to the bard then, always juggling, says "Oh I'm getting thirsty!" and fakes a couple of drunk steps, pretending to drop some of the balls- which never manage to reach the ground and are interwoven into the pattern.

After a couple of minutes of this the serving maid brings out the meal and takes it to the table that Mantor is setting at, and that Tedt is performing his feats of entertainment next to. The bard ends the music as Tedt takes a bow during applause and cheers from the other patrons of the place.

As Tedt sets down to eat the meal with Mantor, a few of the patrons reward him (as well as the bard) with a little bit of coinage tossed onto the table.

After eating and drinking the well cooked meal (quite tasty, even though some of it is a little over cooked), Mantor returns to the matronly woman (who is the innkeeper) to discuss the rooms further.

About this time, Kane and Bensfil (the 14.5 inch Pysk walk in).

While out on the streets:

Kane and Ben walk (actually Ben is setting on Kane's shoulder, but you get the idea) to the west from the street that goes down the hill. At the corner of the hill the street turns to the south and goes down the hill. You can both see a little smoke coming from a block of buildings further to the south (at the bottom of the next road down the hill to the south). It appears that about 10 or so buildings had been caught in the blaze. The hardest hit being the large inn that had set on the corner [[G2-1]].

As you travel down the hill, you see the number of people on the streets increases. You slowly wander around (not getting too close to the burned area), then start to head north again to go around the base of the hill towards the North Sea Mist Inn & Tavern.

Kane and Ben then walk around the base of the hill to the North Sea Mist Inn &amp; Tavern. Once you get to the door you walk in and see Tedt setting at the bar juggling his glass balls in tune with the music of a bard setting near the barely burning hearth. Mantor is talking with a very large and matronly looking woman on the other side of the room.

Meanwhile, back at the Grey Gremlin Bathhouse:

Tartuffe and Glastenfeld follow Tedt and Mantor down the hill and around the corner to the right and then to the left, but when Tedt and Mantor enter the North Sea Mist Inn & Tavern you both continue to the right and walk to the end of the dead end street.

Aaaahhhh.... The Grey Gremlin Bathhouse.

You both walk in and are greeted by a middle aged woman in a shear white dress, "Hello there laddy's. Would you care for a fine hot bath? Our prices are a Silver coin for a hot bath, and an additional silver coin for each attendant that you wish to have bath you. All the baths are private, and the attendants are more than willing to please, if you catch my meaning." She says with a raised eyebrow and a seductive smile. She then continues, "We have the most beautiful and voluptuous bath attendants in the entire city."

You see two young and very good looking women walk by wearing only thin silk robes.

Glastenfeld says, "GROOOVENN! I, ain't picky, I'll take any two attendants you got."

Just then a skimpily clad man walks by carrying various grooming items.

Glastenfeld then continues, "Any of the female persuasion to be more specific."

Tartuffe stands there smiling (and drooling on himself) as the woman snaps her fingers loudly and over a dozen young women walk out of a door behind her, all dressed in very thin silk robes. They range in height and build, as well as hair color and appearance. Every last one of them has a very enticing and seductive smile.

Tartuffe takes out two silver coins and absently hands them to the madam as he stares at the women with a glazed look on his face. He then walks over to the women and looks them over. He picks out two very voluptuous women, a redhead and a blond. Both smile and put their arms around Tartuffe.

Then the madam says, "Oh, but you forgot the silver for the bath. It is three for both of them and the bath, " she says with a sweet smile.

Tartuffe stops, turns to the madam, and with a wide-eyed look of shock pats his pockets down as if he had no money. Then with a big grin pulls a silver piece out and tosses it to the madam with a wink. He then turns back to the bath and with an arm around each lass walks towards the bath with a spring in his step. They lead him up some stairs, to a hallway, then down the hall (with numerous doors every so often on both sides), and around a corner to the back of the building.

The redhead opens the door as the blond says sweetly, "I'll be right back." The redhead leads you into the 10' x15' room with tile floors and walls, and a large tub like basin set in the floor. She walks over to a large round handle and turns it. Water starts rushing into the tub to fill it from somewhere within the tub. Then when it is nearly full, she turns it back and the water stops. [You are amazed by the idea of water that fills the tub with the turn of a handle, just like opening a door] She then walks over and helps you to disrobe. The blond then returns with various soaps and other stuff.

I will let your imagination take it from there, they are very cooperative and pleasing though.

Meanwhile, back down stairs, Glastenfeld digs out three silver coins and grabs the two nearest girls by the wrists, and they giggle, then lead him upstairs, along the same route (except to a different room), then the same basic things occur (so to speak anyway), Let your imagination do what it will.

Mantor follows the innkeeper as she walks up the stairs, while Tedt juggles the balls while walking around the common room of the inn [tavern]. He first approaches the bard and thanks him on his playing, the bard gives an approving nod as he breaks into another merry up-beat song, that works well with Tedt�s juggling. Tedt then walks around the room thanking each of the patrons that parted with coins, and gives them a little extra show in front of their tables (all except for the man near the door who is now sobbing very loudly, and the stern looking man at the big table with the apparent bodyguards.

Tedt does walk over in the direction of this large table (but not too close) as he does some more comical moves with the balls. the people at the large table just continue drinking from their mugs as they talk in very hushed voices. He then walks back over towards the bard and asks, "What be your name fine sir?"

The bard responds, "I am Garnum Stanforn, master storyteller and performer, presently in the service of the good miss Faulowden, owner of this fine establishment. I perform here most afternoons and evenings in exchange for food, a warm bed, and the coins that I receive from the kind and generous patrons. I would like to hear the name of the talented entertainer who has given my performance even more depth than is normal, who be you, and where do you hail from? If you where from these parts I would probably know of one with your talents."

Kane and Ben just sit at their table. After a short time (while Tedt is talking with the bard), the serving maid comes over to the table and asks, "What can I get you?" Then she jumps when she sees Ben, as if she had not seen him until that very moment. She then continues, looking at him with a strange look of disbelief on her face, "And for you as well, sir?"

Kane says to the serving maid, "A glass of Ale, please, and whatever you have to eat."

Ben says, "I'll have the same there young miss."

After she walks away, Ben smiles and nods towards the serious looking guys at the big table in the corner, and mumbles something while making a few subtle movements with his hands.

One of the guys at the table is taking a drink from his mug when all of a sudden the mug jerks up a little, dumping part of his ale down the front of himself. The guys jumps up, cussing various obscenities, as the others at the table chuckle, except for the tall thin man.

Tedt replies in response to the bards remarks, "Come -come, my friend, you need no extra depth to your show! Allow me to compliment you on your playing; it was a pleasure to warm up my bones at the sound of good music. I am Tedt, once known as the Flying Madman when I showed my art on the big top. I have been retired from the arts for a little while, so it would be surprising had you heard of me. Being of a more physical persuasion as regards the entertaining arts, I am woefully unaware of the names and deeds of the fine bards of the land, so I hope you will forgive me for my ignorance. Though, alas, I am not a greenhorn as regards the rules of performers", he finishes by slipping the bard half the coins he gathered. "Tell me, friend, is this a good place for a hearty meal? Yonder fellow is sniffling so much it makes me wonder."

The bard says, "Aye, the food here is good, for sure. The lady o'the inn tends to like things a little too well cooked, but it is tasty enough. The guy over in the corner sobbing has some personal matters that he is having some trouble with. I think it has something to do with a moneylender or someone that he owes money to. He told me once that he has land that he could sell to pay off the 'sharks', if he could get rid of the squatters that have taken over the building from him, but he can't seem to get rid of them."

Kane rolls his eyes and whispers to Ben so that no one else can hear, "Please mind your manners, at least until we have gotten rooms. And if this causes a fight, do me a favor and make sure that I don't get a knife stuck in me, okay? It might even be better if all weapons kinda got stuck in their sheaths, if that is possible for you to do."

Ben chuckles with a smile.

"Between money lenders and sharks, the difference is that the ones with fins will only take your flesh. Thank you for the music, friend. I'll go and join the lads for a glass or three- and you're welcome to join us. Give us something calm and light, will ya?" Nodding, Tedt goes to join his friends, saying "That sobbing fellow yonder is an object lesson not to get involved with money-lenders. He can't even sell his property as it is infested by squatters. I'll say there's more than a faint chance he'll end up with some broken bones shortly."

Tedt then notices that Kane watches one of the mercenary types setting at the big round table in the corner (table 25) out of the corner of his eye a little bit now and then, but the guy doesn't seem to be doing anything other than a little cussing under his breath as he tries to wipe up the mug of ale that mysteriously spilled down the front of him only moments before Tedt approached the table.

After a little eating and drinking (in moderation for some), the door opens and in walks a mercenary type that sets down with the guy (that is sobbing) at the table by the door. You overhear parts of the conversation:

Mercenary: "If'n ya want's me ta deal with them nasties an get yar buildin cleaned out, yas gonna have ta pay me 20 gold up front, before I's does anythin."

Man: "But I do not have any gold. What if you took care of the money lender instead, then I'll give you the building, yours to own and do what you want with?"

Mercenary: "I'dun wan' no stinkin buidin in Martelain. Tha' city is fallin-part at da seams. You better just find some otha poor sap ta help ya, ol'man, I ain' got da time to be squablin o'er petty stuff."

Then the mercenary walks to the bar and sets down to order some food and drink.

A few minutes later, Tartuffe and Glastenfeld walk in, both with grins stretching from cheek to cheek. They both walk over to the table and set down.

The serving maid returns to the table to see if anyone else needs anything.

Glastenfeld says to the serving maid, "drinks, and food... got any fowl?"

She says, "Why-yes'um. We got's phesant, an' turkey, an' chickenses. We also got da best beef stew in this hear part o'da city. Fresh bread and fruits, an all kinds'o other stuff. Da phesant is great today, better dan yesterday's turned out anyway. I'll bring ya some." And she walks away.

After the bar maid is out of hearing Kane speaks with his voice kept low so it does not pass beyond the confines of those setting at the table, "I think that perhaps somebody should perhaps talk to our disturbed bar-mate over there <indicating the crying man with a slight nod of his head>. We know that we are looking for more of our friends, like those who were in the manor attic, and his squatters could be them. Any volunteers for gathering information?"

"Ya know what, Kane?" whsipers Tedt. "Might be a nice manner of earning ourselves some pretty cash, wacking off a moneylender, and getting a building to boot. Not a nice endeavour, it wouldn't be, but I bet if we took a look at all the IOUs the fella's got we'd find known names, and getting those IOUs to their owners would make a lot of people happy and get the heat off our backs... and your suggestion about the squatters might not be too far from the truth."

Ben says, "I can see you guys could be an interesting bunch to hang around with. Plotting and scheming, planning and always watchful. I say jump on it, but then again, I still have not proved myself yet, so my opinion may not mean much yet. Especially since I can see by the way Glastenfeld looks at me, that he doesn't think to highly of my people, he must have run into Pysks previously." <the last is said with a bit of a sly smirk>

Kane nods in agreement, then continues, "Mantor is upstairs getting rooms for us, and will likely be down soon. Anything else we need to discuss? And I don't mean how well you two enjoyed yourselves." <indicating Glast and Tartuffe>

Kane says, "He probably tried to eat one of your folk, thinking it was a pastry, and got a case of indigestion for his trouble. Seriously, Ben, Glast, you both need to get along, as we are all on the same side here. Glast, you once told me that your religion is often misunderstood, and not very popular, yet none of us has ever made the slightest remark about it, nor shall we. I would like to think that you would give Ben the same confidence that we have given you, especially since we are all in this together. [[Turning back to Tedt]]

Very good idea, and one I had not considered. Like I have said before, the money does not concern me, but helping those in need does. Even if the squatters on this man's land are not who we seek, relieving folks from the clutches of the moneylender would earn us the gratitude of his clientele, and that could bring information in return for relieving them of their debts. The more I think of this, the better I like the idea, but unfortunately I am not much for stealth. To battle the shadow, one must first know where it is being cast. [[With that last line, Kane gets up and walks over to the sobbing man...]]

As Kane is walking over to the other side of the Tavern (to table #1).

The tall serious looking man (at table 24) looks at Glastenfeld and rolls his eyes as he says something to the mercenary type setting next to him. The mercenary type shakes his head and says something back, none of which can be heard from your table. Then one of the other mercenary types setting at that table makes a circular motion around his ear with his finger as he chuckles quietly.

Ben mumbles something under his breath and makes some gestures with his hands behind the table top, with a devilish grin on his face.

Kane walks up to the man sobbing with his head in his hands and says, "I am Kane, and I shall help you. Please, come join us at our table, have some dinner, and tell us your tale."

The man looks up at Kane and says, "Thank you, but are you sure you want to help me?"

While above:

As Mantor follows the woman up the stairs, she asks, "Would you and yer companions prefer rooms on da secon'er third floors? An' would ya like them toward da back fer privacy, or near the front fer easy access?"

Mantor says (with a heavy Argentum accent used to pass himself off as a merchant), "Yes ma'am we would like to sleep a little more, so third floor, in the back should do fine."

She responds, "Quiet an privacy you's'll have then, sir."

She then leads him to the second flight of stairs and on up to the top floor and shows him the small but well furnished and clean rooms. The rooms are dark due to not having any windows, but there is a lantern and several candles in each room for when light is needed. Each one has a small bed and a large wardrobe with several drawers within standing against one wall. She then says, "We can bring more beds into the room if'n you have very many companions that'll be stayin' here."

Mantor says, with a slightly distressed look at the windowless rooms, "ma'am I cannot sleep without a window, an old habit of mine, something with windows?"

She replies, "I does have two rooms with windows, but they is overlookin' the roof of the next buildings and they's not very secure. I's had problems wit' robbers comin' through and stealin' stuff from people tha' stay in them, but if'n ya wan'um, ya can hav'em."

Mantor says, "Yeah, that'should'do'fine and maybe you can give me one of this fine and cozy room for security, but alas I travel light so thief would escape with nothing."

She says, "So be it, ye shall have da two rooms with winders, an one wit'out. That'd be 10 copper coins a night, or if'n ya wana throw in another two copper coins, to make it an even one silver piece a day, your group will have three square meals a day included. O'cource drinks will be extra, but it still be a pretty good deal few yer group. Does tha' sound agreeable?"

Mantor replies, "Ma'am you are a joy, let's add a cup of tea and we are in agreement."

She smiles and says, "We can do that, sir." She then goes back down stairs as she pulls three keys from a pocket and hands them to Mantor saying, "This one is for the room without a window, this one is for that room <pointing to the first room with the window>, and this one is for this room." <pointing to the second room with a window (which is on the second floor as she reaches the second floor>.

Back in the Tavern (common room of the Inn):

Kane replies, "Yes, my friends and I are sure, now come sit with us and have some food, and lighten your soul by sharing your trouble with us."

About this time Mantor and the Innkeeper return to the common room (tavern) from up stairs, he walks over to the table where everyone else is sitting, and notices that all the seats are presently occupied, except for Kane`s, but he is presently returning to the table with the troubled man from the table near the door.

Kane grabs a couple of chairs from an empty table as he closes on the table. Placing one between Tedt and Tartuffe, and the other between Tartuffe and Glastenfeld. And says, "My new friend, please sit here." indicating the chair between Tedt and Tartuffe as he places it> "And here is a chair for you Mantor." <as he places the other one> Kane then sits down himself.

All of a sudden one of the mercenary types sitting at the table in the corner jumps up and spits out his ale all over the table and his companions, then they start yelling and cursing as they all complain about the "Damn burning hot ale!"

Ben chuckles to himself with a sly smile.

The barmaid runs over with a towel and says, "It was cold a little while ago, wasn't it? I'll get ya some more sir."

Mantor sits down and says, "Thanks Kane." He then says, "I got three rooms, and I feel a little tired so I'll get some rest."

Kane just reaches over and nudges Ben a little bit and whispers to him, "Enough please, before they realize it is you. Your race has a nasty rep, and it is only a matter of time before they realize, and we get in a fight. I would rather NOT tear up our new home before I even got a chance to sleep in it."

Ben replies, "Whaaattt? I didn't do anything." All the while trying to suppress a laugh.

As Mantor starts to stand as if heading up to rest, Kane hastily stops Mantor, and asks, "Please wait until you have met our new friend and heard his tale. The rest of us believe that it may hold a clue for the other mission that we have undertaken. If nothing else, we will be able to aid some poor folk from some local tyranny."

Mantor then sits back down, ready to listen.

Kane then asks the man to proceed with his tale, "Now, sir, if you please, we have had a rough few days and are in much need of a good nights rest, at least some of us are. The more you can tell us tonight, the quicker we will be able to decide upon a course of action that will aid you, and cause the least amount of damage to your property as well."

Tedt whispers to Ben "Yeah, and I didn't get in jail cause I got my tool in the wrong woman. Now be quiet, dude, cause it'd be expensive to pay for the damages on the house."

Ben says with a wide smile, "Alright, I'll try to behave." <with an obvious stress on the "try">

Tedt then continues, "Hey Ben lad, seems the stealth part'll be up our end of the street, innit? Tell me, how good do you climb and fight? I was thinking that a couple gold coins dropped in some good smith's hands could get us a couple of blades your size and some hooks and stuff which, what with your size and all, would let you walk on walls if it came to that, and I sure wouldn't like to have a little devil-rat of your size drop into my face with a couple sharp daggers in his hands." He thinks for a couple more seconds then adds "Mmm a couple of wall hooks with fine silk rope could come in even better, and some four-point stars... ya could go ahead and lay it down outside a guard door and we'd have them tripping on the rope to fall on the daggers..."

Ben quietly replies, "I have a couple of good blades already, and blow darts too. As to climbin' I ain't half bad at it. With the equipment you are talkin about I could be an ace up the sleeve."

"Good," whispers back Tedt in response to Ben`s explanation. "If so be it you manage to keep yerself from being mobbed by an angry crowd tonight fer your doings, we'll fix you up with that, and have a little surprise in store for whomever needs it."

Ben says with a chuckle, "Okay, I�ll behave myself then."

The man takes a drink from the mug he brought with him from the other table, then starts to speak, "My name is Gerard Fandolson. I was the son of a wealthy merchant in Martelain, that had lost much when the Northerners came and took control. My parents where killed in one of the fires that resulted from the riots when I was still young. The only thing I have left to my name is a few buildings. I had borrowed a large sum of money several years ago to fund an expedition to a distant land that my father used to carry on trade with, it had been a secret of his as to the location, but I found a reference to it in some old books of his. Well to make a long story short, the ship was wrecked in a bad storm on the way there. I and two others where the only survivors. I had worked my way back here to the city, to find that most of my families remaining buildings had been burned down in another riot. Only two remained, a building that had been damaged in a small fire (but the damage was limited to the stable area of the building), and our home. When I tried to sell the other building I found out that a small group of slave traders had moved in. Our old family home has not been kept maintained, so it is not worth very much. I have not been able to get rid of them, or to even get them to pay any rent for using it. So that is my situation, the moneylender is now telling me that I have only a few days left to come up with the money or his men would deal with me. I am willing to give the building to anyone who could get the moneylender off my back, or get the slavers out of the building, and be willing to wait until I am able to sell it to pay for the services, if I even can sell it with all the empty buildings in Martelain now. It is a large three story building with a central courtyard and a stable, as well as 4 large shop spaces on the first floor and 6 large apartments on the second and third floors. All ten of the individual parts have their own hearths, and one is equipped for use as a tiny blacksmithy."

Kane then says, " Hmmm..... Tell us more about both the slavers and about the moneylender. Is the moneylender a legal businessman? Or are his connections of the illicit type?"

Gerard responds, "I do not know much of these slave traders, only that they will not allow me into my own building, they have threatened me. I would go to the authorities about it, but with the sad state of affairs in the Martelain Government, they would just assume lob my head off as much as the slavers, which would do no one any good, except the government, because then they would seize my remaining lands. The Northerners that rule care little of the common people of Martelain any more!

The moneylender is also in Martelain. He is a legitimate business, but his interest rates are outrageous if you miss a payment, they climb to ridiculous amounts quickly, and his means of collecting are by no means ethical in the least."

Kane responds, "And the slavers? Do they wear any distinctive clothing or have any distinctive symbols that they wear?"

Gerard replies, "No distinctive clothing, only rough looking stuff, they seem to be fairly well armed and most wear leather armor of varying types. Nothing else of note, except for the fact that the leader is a half breed, human and�" <he nervously looks at Glastenfeld suddenly and continues> "no offense sir, but he is part orcish. He is a cruel and nasty sort."

Kane continues, "You seem to have two separate problems here, and we need more information in order to decide upon the proper course of action. How much do you owe this money lender?"

Gerard replies, after taking another drink and looking around the room nervously, "Let's just say, an awful lot. More than all the buildings are worth, that is why I would rather deal with the Money lender, because the sale of the buildings would only allow me to pay you off, then allow me to get back out of town, and away from him, where if you could take care of him, I could give you the building for your own, and I could sell the manor, and be able to live comfortably for a short while, until I came up with something else. The building is set up to rent out portions of it, and with the secure court yard, it is a very safe place, thus it would be a prized place to rent for most, as it would be removed from the street when the riots start. It is of stone construction, thus the fire that had started in the stable did not get very far and did not do very much damage. It has it's own drain into the sewers in the courtyard, and has two sets of double doors, with a security feature that allows you to deal with anyone who tires to break in through the front." He then takes another drink of his ale.

After hearing the description of the building, Tedt says "B�damn, boys, but I think we could well use a place such as this, he? A well-ordered bill of sale to be drawn up in all our names and kept safe at the notary, so if bad luck ever catches with us we'll have a last resource to our name- sounds good to me. We could ... deal... with the moneylender- never liked the curs- and I would not think it amiss to even give a small purse of the captured loot over in exchange for the building, so the gent wouldn't lack for some piece of coin to ease the making of his new life, and we'd all be fine and well- we with coin and property, he with no burden on his shoulders and a little over to make his way in the world again."

Kane says, "I do believe that you should draw us a map of that building, or at least describe in vivid detail so that we know exactly what is where and then we can figure out the best way to get inside."

Gerard replies, "I can do that. Do any of you have some parchment and an instrument for writing with? An` I would sure appreciate any financial help you gents could give me. And the building in question will be yours for your services" Ben pulls a small piece of parchment from his pouch as Mantor does the same with a bottle of ink and a quill pen. Gerard then begins drawing the layout of the place.

Tedt speaks up again, "As I said, I care little for the current government in the land, nor can I see them as legitimate when I remember the old Kings. Moreover, we know full well how they squeeze the common people, and I bid you remember what favors and good will we'd be owed if we gave his victims their deeds back, and I'm sure this gent would help in that distribution with him getting his first. As for the slavers- later on we can either kick their asses off our legal property, for it will be such when we're through, or- and I dare say the odds are not long- there'll be some guardsmen or officers in the lender's debt who would be glad to act against them in exchange for a private deliverance of their deeds of debt. They'll be acting according to the law then, which none can censor them from, and with a great incentive to to see it through. What say you?"

Ben replies, "Count me in! I will enjoy picking on these slave traders and driving them from our future residence. Moneylenders on the other hand, I have never dealt with, and care little one way or`tother what happens to him."

Gerard starts drawing out the layout of the building, as he says, "It has been about 5 years since I was in the building last, so I do not know if any changes have been made since then. I doubt that anything major has been done, as the slave traders that have taken it over do not seem to be the type to do any type of maintenance or upgrading."

Glastenfeld belches loudly in between guzzling his ale and shoving chunks of pheasant into his mouth after ripping them from the bones.

Ben looks at Glast and says with a shake of his head, "I have seen wild animals with better table manners than you, my boy!"

Glastenfeld just looks at Ben with a toothy grin full of half chewed food (enough to make anyone with a weak stomach feel rather woozy).

[[References in these double square brackets are referring to locations on the maps that can be found elsewhere on this web site]]

Gerard then proceeds to give directions to the building and to the money lender, "The building is a three story job that is in the Black Swan district of Martelain [[J3 #10]], directly across the street from the secondary entrance to the Golinzair Warehouse [[J3 #2 ]]. The moneylender is located on the south side of the Martelain Merchants Square. [[K4 #4]] He has a sign out in front that says, ummm, Merchants Money Shop, I think? Anyway, it is also a three story building."

Gerard replies, "All I know of his building is that when you walk in the door, you are in a tiny triangular room with two armed guards. There are two doors there, one leads to his office, which is a small square room, with a desk and book shelves above cupboards. I have never seen anyone go in or out of the other door, but I suspect that it probably leads to the upper floors of the building." He then pushes the maps to the center of the table. [[See the web page for them: Map J3 #10, then click.]]

Everyone continues eating and drinking as you all look at the drawings of the building plans that Gerard has made. He patiently waits for any further questions.

Tedt Lowers his voice in a conspiratorial manner, Tedt says "So, who else wants to go frag the moneylender? Come on, people, you know they're lower than dirt!!!"

Kane adds, "We should also walk past the other building on the way, so we can get our bearings on the situation."

Ben says, "A wee bit`o watchin is in order. We can stake these places out and keep an eye on them for a day or so before we move so we have an idea of what we are gettin into before we charge in head first."

Kane says, "Ahh, but chargin in head first is how you got rescued, Ben. We also need to remember that we do have a timetable to meet, concerning a certain ritual to be performed in Ben's homeland, so whatever we do, we need to do it quickly and decisively, and then we need to find the local brothers of friends in Ben's home."

"Ok, ya got a point there, my friend," Tedt says in reply to Kane, he then continues, "but remember we were less than well-treated, and anyways we caught them from behind. This is the sort of effect I like, and am willing to try again. Moreover we have our little friend here with us, and I can see him being a pile of trouble on them buggers. My suggestion is, me and Ben and Mantor go check the slavers, Kane you take the others to check the lender. Tomorrow we switch. Deal?"

Ben says, "I'm agreeable to that. Gets both places covered and gives everyone a view of both. Thus we get more ideas from differing points of view on the best way to handle both situations."

Tedt then says, "When we hit, we do it nasty too- I saw myself on the slave end of the whip not long ago and I tells ya, I didn�t like it."

Mantor says, while nodding, "Yes, a dead slaver is just a good start."

Then Kane says, "Agreed, but I think that Glastenfeld should go with you in Ben's place. Ben's, ... umm... talents are along the same lines as those of Mantor, and I really would not want to put all our eggs in one basket, as it were.

By this arrangement, each group will have one each of warrior, scout, and a person skilled in <shudders> Arcane matters. How does that sound?"

Ben says, "Glastenfeld�s talents, as you put it, are probably even more extensive than mine are when it comes to the use of arcane powers, but then again, I am not sure what help I will be other than an extra set of eyes, until we move in anyway. I admit I can be a real pain for our enemies, but not much more than that I'm afraid. But if that is how the group wants to split up, that is fine, I will do what I can, where I can."

Glastenfeld looks up from his plate at the mention of his name and grumbles something with a mouth full of food, then takes a swig of mead from his mug that the barmaid just refilled.

Kane responds, "Well, look at it from my point of view. I want both teams to be pretty much self sufficient in case of trouble. Tedt and Mantor work well together, they have already proven that, but Mantor is not the best in hand-to-hand combat if it comes down to it. The same goes for you as well. Glast on the other hand, would rather bash a foe over the head, and has the skills to do so, providing them with good physical backup.

Tartuffe and I also make a good team, but we will have trouble if we run across anybody with magic, though I think that in most cases we can try to bluff our way, like the first time me and Tartuffe went to the Hillside Hostel, we bluffed our way in, but ended up leaving through a second floor window, with a very angry group of men after us. Your talents could cause our foes to have a bit of bad luck in a crucial moment, allowing us the chance we need, even though Tartuffe does have a tendency to get stuck with blades quite often."

"This way each group has a good fighter, myself and Glast. Each has a good scout, Tedt and Tartuffe, and each has a person skilled in more esoteric matters, Mantor and yourself."

With a fastidious look, Tedt delicately covers his mouth and from behind that impromptu screen emerges a loud, long, roaring burp. "Well, I admit I was trying to keep the magically inclined people along with me in order to- ahem- keep them away from you. But it is very nice to see you're fighting your inclinations, and am more than happy to do as you suggest. Well, gents? Is it a go?"

Ben says, " You have a good point there, my friend. So be it."

Tartuffe absently sips his mug of ale, obviously in deep concentration. His eyes are glazed over with the only sign of life is the occasional blink of his eyes.

All of a sudden, as if snapped out of a trance, Tartuffe jumps and spills a little of his ale on the table. "Breasts!?!?, what about Breasts? Did someone say something about Breasts?"

"What are we doing? What did you say Mantor?" He blinks a few times and tries to shake off some unseen force...

Glastenfeld lets out a loud roaring laugh at Tartuffe�s sudden awakening from his former daydream state.

Ben lets out a chuckle and shakes his head.

Tedt turns around, "Seems we're set, then. Let's do it, people!" Then he gets up, stretching his athletic frame and smiles engagingly. "My, but it is still early. I could well go and have a look at it under the moon. If any here are favorable, I say we go check one of the place, otherwise it's the bed for me. What's gonna be?" Without waiting for a response he takes a coin, says "Heads the slavers, tails the lender..." He flips the silver coin that he pulls from his pocket and catches it in his right hand and slaps it down onto the back of his left hand. It the face of Geberdein Grondlefeld the previous Mayor of Argentum. He says, "Well, it looks like the three of us will take a look at the slavers den and you three can take a look at the Money lenders place. What do you lads say? Bed or a little walk to settle the stomach?"

While all of this is going on, Mantor gives a very concentrated look around intently as his ability to Perceive Power suddenly becomes very aware of the feeling of an incredibly powerful spell caster coming near. He then says in a very hushed voice, "Someone with POWER in the art, is about to enter. Behave yourself."

Then in stagger three drunken sailors relying on each other to keep on their feet. They stagger to the bar and try to sit down (one falls on the floor, while one is just able to catch himself on the edge of the bar, and the third actually manages to find the seat of the stool).

Then, in walks a small gnomish fellow with reddish hair that practically stand on end (giving the appearance of his head being on fire???) and a long red beard, puffing in a relaxing manner on a long pipe. He is wearing a red hooded cape (with the hood hanging at his back). He looks around the room, and his eyes come to rest directly on Mantor.

<Long dramatic pause! Okay, so pretend that it is a long dramatic pause then!!!>

He then smiles and walks towards your table stroking his beard with his left hand as he fingers his pipe with his right hand.

About half way to the table, he stops and looks at the man at the corner table who is surrounded by the body guards, all of whom jump up to attention with swords drawn and gleams of hatred in their eyes, as if ready to cut the little jovial fellow down in an instant.

The gnome begins to laugh quietly as if amused by their attempt to look intimidating. He says in a voice that seems to carry an unusually commanding tone as the entire room goes silent, "Call your little boys off there, Diemos. I am hear to see someone, it is not your time yet. <<with a very strong emphasis on the "yet" part>> The High Council has not decided what to do with you yet."

He then take s a couple of steps closer and says, "Boo!" and his voice carries like thunder through a mountain valley, while two of the mercenaries fall into their seats like scared little animals. The gnome begins to laugh quietly again, then continues, "If I had come for you, they would not even have the chance to stand, you and I both know that. So call them off, or I will set them down myself in a most unpleasant manner."

The man at the table in the corner nods for the remainder of the mercenaries to sit, but he never takes his eyes off of the gnome, as if expecting the little guy to rain fire from the skies down upon him.

The gnome walks over to the table and holds his hand out to Mantor in a gesture to shake hands and say, "You must be Mantor, as I can sense your ability to control the Essence. I," and he bows very deeply, never letting his hand fall, "am Finst DaTolerous, the Warden of the High Council of Magic. And you, my dear boy, have sent a message to us asking an opportunity to speak with one of us on some matters of research? And possibly joining our organization, I hope."

Mantor is absolutely awed by such a display of power and control, he gets up and offers his hand to shake and then his chair to sit (all this while nodding confused). "Yes, absolutely." while regaining control he adds, "Please sit down." At the same time he waves to the waitress to come over to the table, to which she puts up a finger indicating that she will be there in a moment.

The entire time Kane stares at the gnome with a smoldering look on his face, never taking his eyes from the fellow, who is of a comparable height and apparent age????

The gnome says, "No, I can not stay, I have many things yet to accomplish today. But part of my job is to interview anyone wishing to enter the High Tower, whom is not already a member, that is." He then looks at Kane, and a little bit of a smile shows as he says, "I can sense your hatred for me, although I do not know what is behind these feelings, I must warn you, I intend no one here, well, almost no one <<he looks over to the man sitting at the table in the corner with the bodyguards>>, any harm. I am here on a peaceful matter. What I need to know from you <<as he turns back towards Mantor shaking his hand and nodding>>, is where are you from, and where or from who did you learn your skills with the Essence. I can tell you have a lot of potential and I would like to see you join our organization, as it would be beneficial to both yourself as well as us."

Lowering his voice, Mantor says, "I studied under the tutoring of the mage of the north but here there are prying ears so if we could speak in a little more private place I would be very happy to give you all the info you need."

Glastenfeld stands (while trying to swallow the large amount of food that he just shoved into his mouth) and offers the gnome his hand and says, I am Glastenfeld, and I would also like to hear some more. I represent a small group and would like to know more of your organization."

The gnome says, "I think I have heard of your type before, Glastenfeld, was it? I think you are both trustworthy, let me know when the two of you could come and visit the Tower, and we can meet and show you around the place and even discuss the possibility of joining our organization."

Mantor replies with a very happy tone to his voice, "As soon as is possible for you. Is it good for you Glastenfeld?"

Glastenfeld nods his head with approval as he chews on some more pheasant.

The gnome says, "Well stop by the tower whenever the two of you get around to it then. I am around most of the time, and my assistants will be aware of the situation if I am not there. I have a quick business meeting near the south end of the island, then I will be heading back across the channel. See you two later then."

Glastenfeld replies, "Works for me!"

The red-haired gnome says, "Good." He then stands and walks towards the door. He turns right before walking out and looks at the man setting at the table in the corner surrounded by mercenary types and says, "You, I will deal with later." Then he walks out.

Ben says (right after the gnome walks out the door), "So who is going with whom, where? And when do we leave?" Then he continues in a much quieter tone, "Damn, 'tis a good thing I stopped messin with them guys over there when I did, if the one in the corner is a wielder of the arts, he might have been able to catch me, especially when the gnome walked in and the tension got thick as pea soup. Next time I start in like that, and endanger the group, someone smack me up side the head, eh?"

"My pleasure," chuckles Kane as he reaches over to lightly smack Ben upside the head.

"Mantor, Glast, and Tedt, you guys take the moneylender's place, and the rest of us will check out the building. Our soon to be new home. We will meet back here later this evening to compare notes, and tomorrow we will swap locations to check out. Once we have each had a chance to look at both buildings, we will formulate our plan of action."

In response to Kane`s words, Mantor nods his head in agreement thoughtfully.

Glastenfeld continues shoving meat and bread into his mouth between drinks from his mug while nodding.

Ben says, "Well, should we get going then? Or shall we wait for the ugly guy to finish off what�s left in the kitchen?" As he looks over at Glastenfeld.

Glastenfeld stops eating to stare at Ben. "Mup. What ever little man."

Ben smiles at Glast and says, "Just cause your left foot weighs more than me, don�t be getting an attitude now." He then looks around the table, and says, "So, shall we go?"

Kane stands up and picks up Ben, placing him on his shoulders, and then looks at Tartuffe and says, "Stop stuffing your face, and let's go."

Tartuffe looks up, then drops a piece of meat and a roll as he takes a quick swig of his ale as he stands. Mantor and Tedt both stand as well. Glastenfeld looks at everyone as he grabs the loaf of bread and tears a big piece off and then grabs the remaining cheese. Everyone then heads for the door of the Inn/Tavern, as the guy still setting at the table says, "Good luck."

As everyone walks out, Tartuffe explains that there is only one ferry over to the city of Martelain, and that it is at the southeast corner of the island. So everyone heads in that direction.

Once you all get to the ferry and ride across the channel to the old and run down city of Martelain, you split up.

North-west Martelain:

Tartuffe, Kane, and Ben start heading north towards the part of the city with the old building in it (that has been taken over by the slave traders). After walking through the narrow, but somewhat deserted (as compared to the other channel cities anyway) streets you reach the "Black Swan" district of the city. It is immediately apparent from the run down and dilapidated condition of the buildings that this city has not seen any renovations in several decades. You are able to find the building [[ Map J3&nbsp;&nbsp; Building #10 ]], with the front gate (in the center of the wall facing the Golinzair Warehouse) closed with no signs of any people around it.

You all look up at the building in front of you and at the warehouse across the street (both are three story cut gray stone buildings mortared together that seem to be of fairly good quality construction), and at the other buildings that nearly surround the building in question (most are brick, a few are stone and a few more are wood construction, with all being two stories tall, with their roofs running up to the top of the wall of the inner building which you are checking out). Nearly all the buildings in the area have barrel tile roofs, but there are a few of the smaller wooden buildings that have straw thatched roofs. It appears that roof of the building in question probably slopes towards the middle of the building. As previously stated, there are no signs of anyone in or around the gate to the apartment building in question. About half the shops that line the outside of this large building are empty, but a few still have businesses operating out of them, with a few people going in and out of them.

Kane wanders around the building, checking out all the shops as well. Kane also wanders about for several blocks in all directions, watching the streets closely all the while.

Most of the shops (about 80% within Martelain) have the residence of the owner on the upper floors of the building. About 40% also have tenements on the upper floors of the buildings (often times leased to the workers at the shop in question, although in the city most of these are empty due to the depressed economy and population).

In his wanderings, Kane sees a couple of street drains that appear to lead down into the city sewer system. One of these is located in the middle of the intersection that is just to the northwest of the block in which the building sets (next to building #18). There is also one at the corner of buildings 23, 28, 79, and 80. Another is also at the corner of buildings 17, 26, 55, and 63. All of these are made from heavy (and poor quality) cast iron. They are circular in shape and are about 2 feet in diameter. While walking around looking for them, the first one to catch his eye, does so because one of the drunken street bums (of which there are several around this part of town) is relieving himself into one of them (and nearly gets hit by a carriage in the process while standing in the middle of the street, and ends up soaking his (and a couple of other peoples) pants in the process).

Ben seems to find this hilarious.

When Kane mentions flying, Ben says, "The only way you are gonna get me up in the air like a bird is with a catapult, and it would be with OUT my consent and cooperation!"

"Well then, how about the other direction? Through the sewers? After all, it was how we got in to rescue you in the first place." Kane chuckles lightly, and looks over to Tartuffe, "Or we could always do what we did back at the Hillside Hostel. Tartuffe and I bluffed our way in and ended up having to fight our way out. 10 to 1 was not good odds, so we made our own exit from an upstairs window while the folks trying to kill us though we were about to make a charge down the steps, following the ball of "poison dust" (Kane emphasizes this remark with fingers making little quotation marks) that I had Tartuffe throw. I never saw so many folks upset over a little bit of colored flour and pepper. Hehehe"

Ben smiles and says, "The bluffing our way in sounds like it`s more my style, but I am but the newest member of your group, so I do not know your usual way of doing things yet. Personally the sewers sound a bit unpleasant to me, but then again if it worked int he past, maybe it will work again. Although..." and he looks at Tartuffe with his bow, "the flying idea doesn't sound so bad after hearing the sewer alternative..." Then continues with a look of uncertainty, " No, maybe not, I don�t need to end up as a bloody spot on a wall somewhere."

As the three of you walk around the block one more time (okay, two of you walk, one sits), Kane says, "Hmmm..... in that case how good are you at landings? Say, as if somebody threw you up to the roof of one of these outbuildings, think you might be able to climb over the wall, and maybe let the rest of us in? Or at least recon from above so we have a better idea of what is going on in there?

I would hate to go in unprepared, or at least without some knowledge of the resistance we will meet. I think that we will need to get you those tools that Tedt was talking about real soon. Somebody your size could be passed un-noticed almost, would be a great asset. My size helps as well, for the very same reason, most foes underestimate me, at least the first time.

Unfortunately, there are several foes of ours here in town that do know me and are most likely keeping an eye out for me."

Kane notices someone wearing a man of Balmast blood, about 6 feet tall with short brown hair wearing loose fitting grey wool pants and shirt watching you. At first you didn't think too much of it (especially since you tend to get some strange looks from people regularly due to your rather odd appearance) of it, but once you started to re-circle the block and he follows, you begin to become more suspicious of him.

About this time, Tartuffe glances back and sees a man (same description as above [[ okay, same guy as above ]] ) that he has seen a couple of other times while walking the streets in this part of the city in the past few minutes.

Ben says, "I could probably do that, if you can toss me up to a roof that is thatched with straw and not onto a slippery tile roof. After all, I ain`t no wall climbin- roof walkin thief, but I can keep my footing if I am careful. I can at least see what the situation is inside."

Kane quickly tries to remember if he had seen an empty building just around a corner near here. After a couple of seconds of though, he does. He remembers that there was one near the smaller of the warehouses in this part of the city. So the three of you continue walking down to the end of the street (where it turns to the right).

But before you get there, you hear someone call out behind you, "Hey, Horal. Can you make a delivery for me?"

You turn to look and see a man standing at the corner that your "tail" has just passed [[building #20]]. Your follower turns and says, "Yeah, I'll be back in a little bit, have some business to take care of first."

The guy at the corner says, "Okay, anytime before dark is fine." Then the man goes back into his shop [[building #20]]. Then your follower starts to walk your way again as you round the corner. Your follower is now a little further behind, about 160 feet. You all walk slowly to the next corner that turns to the left. As you all walk slowly around the corner (to be sure your follower sees you), Ben jumps from Kane�s shoulder over to Tartuffe�s. You then hurry to the next corner and go around it quickly. After looking around to be sure there are no prying eyes, Tartuffe continues walking with Ben on his shoulder as Kane ducks into the doorway of a small and vacant shop.

Tartuffe walks considerably slower so as not to get too far away before the man walks around the corner.

The man walks around the corner and immediately sees that someone is missing, but not in time to feel Kane taking his legs out from under him. But to Kane�s amazement the guy does a bit of a roll and comes right back up onto his feet again as Tartuffe turns and runs back to the scene with his Cutlass drawn, ready for action. Ben is now on the ground himself.

The man comes up into a posture that Kane recognizes as a somewhat common (and very effective against attacks coming from low levels) defensive posture. Kane realizes that this guy is at least somewhat familiar with the fine art of hand to hand combat. The guy says, "Ho there... That was a pretty slick move there old ma... whatever you be? I mean you no harm." He then chuckles and continues, "You managed to catch me off my guard, that doesn�t happen very often."

Kane replies with, "Why thank you, Horal. My opponents don't often compliment me during a fight. Mind telling me why you were following us? By any chance do you work for or have any connection to the Isle of Stars? It is obvious that you have had some training." While he bounces slightly on the balls of his feet.

Horal says with a stunned look, "As to your first question, you where wandering the streets in my part of town scopeing out the sewer entrances. When I see someone in my part of town who I do not know I watch them to see what they are doing here, and with your interest in the sewers, I figured your interest was of a shady nature. And as top your second question, if you have to ask, that means you are not affiliated with them either, there are not many of us around with that kind of training who are not part of the Isle. Now if you will permit me to ask two questions, What are you doing in the Black Swan district of Martelain looking at the sewer drains and how did you know my name?"

All the while he stands there in a defensive posture, blocking all of Kane�s attacks, all of which are not of the usual concentration or speed, as it appears Kane is testing him more than trying to harm him.

Neither one seems to take any notice of Tartuffe�s words. They continue to circle each other, Kane occasionally throwing a simple and cautious attack at Horal, who easily defends himself, but not making any further attacks. They spend more time circling each other testing and gauging each other�s abilities.

Finally Horal says, "Maybe we should do as your friend there suggests. We can call a truce and talk over an ail, my treat. Then maybe one of you will be willing to answer my questions, since I answered yours."

"Your treat, huh? Okay, but let's cross back over to the island first. Then we can find a nice quiet tavern were we can answer each others questions," Kane says as he gives the traditional bow of respect, while still keeping his guard up.

Horal says, "I will agree to that, except that if it is Argentum that you are referring to when you say, return to the island, I am afraid I can not set foot on that island. It is a long story, but I am forbidden to enter the city of Argentum. Would you be willing to settle for the Red Hooded Traveler? It is only a few blocks away."

Ben says, "Oh sure, but it will have to be more than an ail to quench my thirst, after watching you two bob up and down circling each other like a pair of ducks crossing the road."

Kane replies, "Okay then, Let's go. Ben, hush please!"

Chuckling at Ben's comment Tartuffe says, "Ah, at last, someone with some sense. Maybe you two have been hit in the head too many times. Nothing like a cool glass of ale to regain your senses."

Horal leads the three of you up the street you were walking on to the corner and follows it to the right. Then you all walk four blocks straight (except for the third block, at which point the street has a diagonal jog to it), and end up in front of the Red Hooded Traveler Inn & Tavern [building #4]. As you all enter, you see that there is a shortage of tables, and that some of the barmaids are trying to mop up several large pools of blood on the floor spread about the room. you then realize where the missing tables and stools are, they are piled (in broken and jagged pieces) next to the large stone fireplace. There is also a stage here, but the curtains are drawn closed at the moment. The place is nearly empty.

Horal walks up to the bar and sets down, while the rest of you follow. He immediately asks the innkeeper with a stunned look on his face, "What in the name of Moa happened in here?"

The innkeeper replies, "Twas a riot, a small one, but bad enough. Seventeen of our countrymen dead, only seven of those bloody Northern bastards though. Twas started when a minstrel came in and started playing music that got the patrons riled up, then some low life scum that probably would have sold out his own mother told the Northern soldiers about the outlawed songs that was being played in here. They came in and the place was so riled that an instant riot broke out. They say that Basil was shot in the back out in the street trying to help some foreigner out through the kitchens here, but no one has seen what happened to his body, so maybe he survived and crawled away to safety where he could work his arts on himself."

Horal shakes his head and says, "Damn Northerners, may they all rot from the plague. I�ll have a mug of your best ale, and the same for my three new friends here. By Moa, did anyone see what happened to the minstrel? Was it the same that started the riot two weeks down near the river?" Horal then digs two copper coins from his pockets and sets them on the bar.

The innkeeper nods his head, "I think it was, but no one knows for sure, as she always looks different each time that it happens. She obviously means well, trying to get the rebellion moving again, but I am wondering if there is really anything that can be done, and the death is getting nearly as think as the days right after the invasion." Then the innkeeper sets the mugs that he was filling on the bar in front of each of you.

Tartuffe immediately takes a swig from his mug and says, "I'll buy the next round."

Kane quickly pipes in, "And I'll buy the round after that. "

Tartuffe smirks ruefully and says, "I've heard sea stories about strange women that could bugger a sailors mind with their sweet music and force the poor victims to crash upon jagged reefs. Barkeep, does this lady that you speak of have seaweed for hair and fins for legs and play her music upon a conche shell? If so, maybe those stories were true and she has found business too slow on the open sea and has taken up tavern inns!"

The barkeeper chuckles and says, "No, but I think I've seen the woman you are talking about when I was a boy. I was out fishin with my brother, and we caught our selves a whale. Of course the two of us combined where no match for it and we was swallowed alive. But a sea-maid who had been swallowed an hour earlier helped us to build a fire and smoke the whale

into a fit of coughing like you�ve never seen before, and we escaped. Never saw her again though, and of course, our catch got away, as the always do when it is worth braggin about."

Ben laughs and says, "Ay, I was in a similar situation once, but that is a very long story, maybe for another time."

While Tartuffe speaks to the barkeep, Kane says to Horal, "Now, our new friend, an answer to a question please. Would you please tell us just why you were following us?"

Horal responds with, "As I said, you are strangers in my part of town, and you where acting strangely, so I followed to see what you where up to. Now for my question, if yo don't mind? What was the purpose behind your watching he sewer drains in this part of town?"

Kane answers, "Nothing sinister to you, I hope. It is only that another friend we have recently met has discovered that a building owned by him has been inhabited by other who refuse to leave. My friends and I have agreed to help him evict the trespassers. We were just trying to look over the area and possibly find a more discreet entrance than the front door, which I believe to be quite well guarded."

Horal replies, "Yes, it is well guarded. There is a room above the entryway between the inner and outer gate that they watch from. I have seen them kill two people about a week ago who where trying the same thing that you are going to attempt. As I said, this is my part of town, so I see what goes on here."

Kane continues, "My turn for a question now. How do feel about slavers? Having been one myself for a short time, I found it distasteful, and would not wish it on other, nor permit it if I could help it. And before you ask, I am not a run-away, I was granted my freedom in return for performing a dangerous mission for the man who purchased me."

Horal then says, "I have no opinion of it. I have never been on either end of it."

Then Ben says, "Now my turn. Have you ever been within the walls of that building?"

"No, I have never been inside, replies Horal.

Kane thinks to himself for a moment, <Was Horal's fighting stance a common one, or something that would have been learned in the course of MA training? [His stance is somewhat common, but is not that of an average bar brawler, but rather of someone with some (but limited) MA training. He showed skill, but not quite as advanced as Kane`s.] Also, on the building, the little buildings on the outside, were the roofs inclined or flat, and if inclined, how steep? Also how high were the roofs of them on average? [As far as the buildings, most are two stories with the front edge of the roofs at about 16 to 20 feet up from the surface of the road. They all slope towards the road (thus the high point in each of their roofs is up against the wall of the central building. The wall of the central building rises about another 12 feet up from the tops of these buildings roofs, and it's roof slopes in towards the center of the building. The inner building has a tile roof, as do most of the outer buildings, but a few have thatched roofs. All the outer buildings have about a 6/12 pitch (45* angle) to the roof. I its impossible to tell for sure of the slope of the inner buildings roof from the road.]>

With a serious look on his face, Tartuffe turns to Horal and says, "Now its my turn to ask a question... are you done with your ale yet, because mug is dry as a bone and I'm about ready to start farting dust." Tartuffe follows up with a toothy grin.

Horal chuckles, and swigs the last of his and says, "Why yes, it is looking a bit empty now." Followed by a loud whistle, which seems to be an understood queue that more drinks re needed, as a barmaid fills four new mugs behind the bar from one of the large wooden casks as the innkeeper goes back into what you would assume to be the kitchens. She sets the mugs on the bar in front of each of you, and taking away any of the mugs that are truly empty. Tartuffe hands her two copper coins, and she smiles at him shyly and walks away, looking back as she walks out from behind the bar and goes to wait on a couple of customers that are sitting at one of the few remaining tables. She keeps looking back at him with a smile all the while.

Horal says, "That is probably one of the biggest tips she has got this afternoon. She will be watching you now."

"Hmmm... I have another question for you, Horal. Where did you learn those moves. I can tell that you have had some training, but not how much."

Horal replies, "I learned that style of combat from an old friend that is no longer among the living, when I was still young. I do not know where he learned it, he would never talk about it."

Kane then asks, "Can you tell me his name? My mentor was from someplace in this area, and I am trying to find out where he originally came from, or where he trained, so I am always on the lookout for anybody who might have known him."

Horal shakes his head, "He was an old man who took us in, me and my two brothers, when our parents where executed by the Northerners. He owned a blacksmith shop, which my older brother now operates. He was from a very distant land and had come to the Channel Cities after some sort of trouble in his homeland, which he would not speak of. He passed away about 12 year�s back, after being severely injured by a Northern soldier during a riot, and he was not even taking part, he just got caught in the middle of it. We knew him as 'pops', he never even told us his real name." Horal with a nervous look guzzles down the second mug of ale and says, "Another one!"

The barmaid fills four more mugs and brings them over, taking away Horal and Tartuffe�s empties.

Ben says, "My god, woman, I can not even drink one of these things, don't bother to bring me any more, one of these guys will drink these, I am sure, but I am still working on my first, and only."

Kane takes a sip of his first mug, not having finished it yet. While the other two set in front of him, not being touched.

Kane takes out two coppers and gives them to the serving girl as she hands out the drinks, and then he takes the two full mugs from in front of him and place on in front of Horal and one in front of Tartuffe. He then does the same with the extra drinks in front Ben.

Horal says, "Well thanks a bunch, This is gettin interestin now." <<He gets a goofy looking grin as it is apparent that the strong ale is starting to affect him slightly>>

[[Tartuffe (being somewhat of a connoisseur of ale and other such strong beverages, especially around sea ports) notices that unlike many of the other taverns around the channel cities, that here the ale is quite potent and stiff (not watered down like at a lot of places or then again, maybe this guy is just really good friends with the owner).]]

Horal and Tartuffe start to tell jokes and get a bit rowdy as the drinks start to get the better of them, as they drink the remaining mugs that Kane and Ben are not able to consume. Ben also starts to get a bit giggly (being that with his tiny size, it does not take much).

The other few patrons of the place do not seem to take any notice of them, as many of them have already drank more than they should have.

About this time, Kane sees a man walk in, well not exactly a man, more like a half-man and half-orc. He is about 5'7", and 170 pounds, with short and lank black hair. He is of middle age, and seems to have a dead serious look on his face, like he has no emotion. He wears a long and heavy leather coat and carries a large Broadsword worn on his back in an oiled leather ring that catches the hilt guard. The exposed blade is made of some black metal. He also has a very strange looking light crossbow hanging from his right side at his belt. It has two separate bows on it, as well as two triggers. The slide that hold the quarrels is also nearly enclosed and appears to be loaded. All of you have seen people who have foolishly tried to carry a loaded crossbow at their side and been accidentally shot in the foot, or worse. But his guy�s crossbow is different.

He quickly surveys the tavern, then walks to the bar and sets down nodding at the bar maid that had waited on your table after the innkeeper went in the other room. She quickly draws him a mug of ale.

Horal says in a quiet voice, leaning over the table, "He be the one whoss lives'in's that' buildin, hehehe! But don tell no one I told you, hehehe." The drinks are obviously getting to him as his voice starts to slur a little. "He is a nasty one, hehehahahe, he is."

Kane draws back slightly in his chair, pulling the hood of his cloak up over his head and whispers to Ben, "Got any tricks that would sober this pair up real fast? And then maybe bollix up that fancy crossbow at his side?"

Ben smiles and says, "Nothing to sober them up, but I can muck up any shots he tries to make with that thing, if it goes well, that is."

Kane then gets up and walks over to the Half-Orc and sits next to him, "Excuse me sir, but I was wondering if you might be able to help me. I am looking for a Half-Orc by the name of Borgath. Last I had heard, he was down in this area, but nobody I have talked to has seen nor heard of him. Have you?"

The half orc turns and says in a very gruff and angry voice, "I ain�t him, so leave me be."

At that same moment Kane says with a happy voice, "Borgath, is it you?!?! It is!" He reaches as if to embrace or grab the man in his joy, and just as his hands touch the half-orc, a singing noise can be heard throughout the room as everyone turns to stare. Kane pulls his arms from around the guy quickly as his hood flies off from the hot air rushing away from the heat, so as not to get burned as the half orcs leather pants burst into flames and his (very sparse) hair stands on end for a second or so until he falls to the floor with much of his face blackened and slightly charred.....................

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

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

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

Silence fills the room (along with the smell of charred flesh, hair, and leather as the pants which are quickly burning out).

Silence... as everyone looks at the very short, old looking creature that nearly caused the bad-ass half-orc to spontaneously combust.

"Hmmm..... I guess he wasn't Bogarth", Kane says with a puzzled frown. He leans down to check and see if the guy is alive or dead. He then rushes over to his friends saying(to Tartuffe)," Morgo give me your cloak and help get this man to a healer, I think he may still be alive!" He then says to the room at large, "Did anybody see what happened? It must have been some sort of mage out gunning for Borgath, and I am afraid that I led him right to the poor man"

Kane then takes the cloak and starts trying to make sure all the flames are out. Once the flames are out [and Kane is sure he is dead], he wraps the man in the cloak, handing the weapons to the guy that was drinking with us, and then hollers for Tartuffe, "Mongo, please hurry, we have to get him to the healer quickly, and before that assassin returns, once he realizes that he missed with his cursed spells"

All the while Ben is trying very hard to keep a straight face.

Drunkenly Tartuffe stands up and gawks at the remains of the orc. After a moment as everything settles in, Tartuffe follows Kane's orders and hands his cloak to Kane. "You don't see that everyday...", and as an after thought, "...ummm...mage-assassininisis killin someoa in sush a public place...uhh...yah."

He then helps Kane drape his cloak over the half-orc, then each of them hoist an arm over their shoulders. Kane then grabs Ben and place him on his shoulders, and direct the others out the door. Once outside Kane speaks quietly to them. The three of them stagger towards the door (nearly as much from the strong drink as from the weight of the half orc laden with armor and weapons).

"Now is going to be the best chance we get, so just follow me, and follow my lead. Ben, your are now my loyal familiar. Play it up with lots of 'yes, master's and such once we get to where we are going. You two, just try to look like your afraid of me. When I grab the body, just let go, and try to look even more scared. Now follow me, and Ben be prepared to use your tricks on our foes instantly."

Horal says, "Whoa thare guy, I ain getin in ta notin that'll get me inta trouble, information's my specialty, I ain gonna get kicked outa this city like I've beened band from Argeth, Argeg, Artgentunt, you know wha I`s trin ta say!" He then staggers a little bit as he tries to hoist all the weight of the body over onto Tartuffe and turns away.

Tartuffe staggers under the added weight (now supporting all of the half orcs weight on his own alcohol/rubbery sea legs). Tartuffe says, "He ain`t so heavy!" Tartuffe then falls to the ground with the half orc laying over the top of him with a laugh, "Muhaa haha hehehe."

As it is starting to get darker out, and the sun is getting low and storm clouds seem to be moving in Tartuffe says, "ooofff....get this lug off of me." Tartuffe stops and sniffs the air, "Burnt orc smells just like chicken!" Tartuffe then breaks down into another fit of drunken laughing, "Huah hahaha hehehe hahah!"

Sighing heavily, Kane reaches over and grabs the corpse by its collar, and lifts it up off of Tartuffe, who then stands and helps to support the guys weight, still laughing.

Ben is laughing at Tartuffe and Horals drunken state as Horal walks away stumbling and Tartuffe is laying on the ground laughing. He then goes silent and after a second turns to Tartuffe and says, "Shush you drunken fool. Do you hear that?"

Both listen and hear nothing other than the usual evening commotion on the lightly traveled streets of this part of town.

Ben then says, "Combat. Someone is fighting to the east. I could have sworn I heard Glastenfeld grunting. Or at least someone that sure sounds like him."

Kane quickly responds with, "Tartuffe, why don't you and Horal go check it out. I will continue with my plan. Bring the others as soon as possible, since neither of you are in any shape to play drunken but recently and unwillingly acquired servants. The idea was for the folks I am about to talk to thinking that I had grabbed you off the street to lug this corpse. Now, I am going on with my plan, as that commotion over there is bound to draw the attention of whatever guards these men have, making this the perfect time to do this."

Horal (a little ways away), "I ain gonna break up no fight wit some fool I ain nevr met befer." And keeps on walking.

Tartuffe says, "Haha, hehe, but Mongo don't hear nothin. Hahaheheheheh."

Ben just shakes his head with a chuckle.

As Tartuffe starts to stagger towards the sound of the clashing metal and grunting, you all hear Mantor yell in a commanding voice, "Fulminus Pilum" Then you see a bolt of lightning arc down from the low clouds that have been moving in from the north-west and strike nearly directly south of you on the other side of the large stone masons building [[map J3, building #17]]

You immediately hear a man letting out a blood-curdling scream, "Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Which is nearly drowned out by the immediate, incredibly loud, and nearly deafening crash of thunder, followed by Glastenfeld yelling, "Fry, you bastard!"

Kane says, "Tartuffe, you go try and help them, while I take care of this." Kane then grabs the dead half-orc by the collar and drags him over to the door of the slaver's building.

Tartuffe stops quickly and sways back and forth for a moment trying to catch his balance, mouth agape. Time passes for the rest of the world as Tartuffe's muddled brain tries in vain to comprehend what is going on.

As if his feet never received the command to move Tartuffe's body falls forward. At the last moment his foot lurches forward to catch himself and in a drunken stagger he continues towards the commotion.

Tedt, Mantor and Glastenfeld start walking to the north-east toward the "Martelain Merchants Square" [[ map K4 ]]. As the three of you enter the market square, the first thing you notice is that the "square is not square at all, but is an octagon shape, and that it is somewhat crowded with small vendors peddling various items or services from small carts or tents (thus the map shows a big open area that is in reality quite crowded and maze like). After a bit of walking around the merchants and peddlers, you all find yourselves in front of the moneylender that he spoke of [[building #4]]. There is an iron bound wooden door and one window facing the market square.

Tedt will thoroughly go round the place, but in a "wide" way. He'll go down a street, round far from there, show up from a different direction after exchanging a shirt or something like that somewhere private.

Tedt inspects the building and surrounding quickly, noting that there are no signs of any guards (or anyone else of notice) outside the moneylenders place watching the outside of the building, or watching for strange happenings in the market square that it sets next to. This building, along with most of the others in this part of the city are constructed of either cut stone or clay brick mortared together (thus it would be difficult for someone with little or no experience to climb, but for an experienced climber, they would not present too much trouble). The Moneylenders building is three floors (including the ground floor that has the only entrance from the street). There are two windows (one on either side of the door) on the ground floor. On the second floor there are three windows facing the market square and two facing the street that runs behind the building. The Third floor has the same window configuration as the second floor. The roof is fairly steep (6:12 pitch (45�)). Most of the other buildings along the market square are also two to three stories tall, thus the roofs are close to the same height all around the market square. Most roofs are not as steep as the moneylender's roof, but are still steep enough that they would be somewhat difficult for an inexperienced person to be able to keep a firm footing on them. The sign on the front of the building hangs flat to the wall directly above the door.

Also of note to Tedt is a large inn and tavern [[ #5 ]] that sets part way across the market square from the moneylenders place of business. This inn has numerous windows on all three floors (with those on the first floor being into the tavern common room. This tavern is also eye catching to some extent due to the fact that it is one of the few businesses in the entire city that could be considered "busy", unlike most of the rest of the city which is suffering from the harsh rule of the Northern Empire's puppet governor.

The market square is partially filled (about 40% of the area) with cart and tent merchants that come and go with the daylight. And there are a fair number of people wandering around (this is probably the busiest and most crowded part of the entire city of Martelain).

Tedt then tells everyone, "Look lads, let us all start coming and going. Down this street and back by the next, cause otherwise we will attract attention. Take your time, check out the case. Any good place to watch it from inside, check to see if it can be rented- and if you see a good one don't try to rent it but tell someone else so a different face appears."

Tedt walks to the Grey Tortoise Inn & Tavern and enters. [[ Map K4, Building #5 , this is one of the few buildings that I have had the opportunity to put floor plans on the web page for (at least the main floor, the upper levels have not been done yet) ]]

The place is fairly crouded for the city of Martelain (the rest of the city is in shambles as half the buildings are empty and in dis-repair, and many of the former residents have left the city over the past 40 or so years). There are a wide variety of people within the place (merchants, mercenaries, shadowy figures, common working folk, sailors, etc.).

He walks up to the bar to speak with the innkeeper, and is greated with a very rude, "What`ca want? From the stout man with a beard.

After the barkeeps rude question, Tedt explains that he is looking for a room overlooking the market, preferably up as high as possible, as it will inspire his artistic abilities to new heights.

The barkeep says, "Thart'll be 3 Copper Coins thar` sony!"

Tedt tosses the man the coins, then the man tosses Tedt the key to the room and gives him directions to it. So Tedt heads up the stairs, since he does not see anyone in the tavern that closely matches the clothing that he had seen the man inside the moneylenders office wearing.

Upon reaching the third floor, he quickly finds his room and goes in. He draws the curtains most of the way closed, only leaving enough room for him to watch from the chair in the room. Much to his surprise the first thing he sees is Glastenfeld walking directly up to the building and entering. He also sees Mantor with a bit of a startled look on is face, watching Glastenfeld going in while leaning against a fruit cart. He makes a few motions with his hands and seems to drift into a deep concentration. After about 5 minutes, he shakes his head as if unsure of something, then starts to walk to the street that runs behind the moneylenders building.

After about another ten minutes, Glastenfeld walks out of the building. Tedt then sees Mantor appear from the carts that are in the market and walk in the same direction that Glastenfeld is heading (towards the Inn).

Tedt then sees another man come out of the building next door to the money lenders who is wearing the same color and type of clothing as the man he had seen inside the moneylenders when passing by earlier, except the man is just putting in a hooded cloak of a dark brown color and putting on a wide brimmed hat that covers his head and part of his face. He quickly looks around and sees Glastenfeld walking towards the Inn and immediately begins to head in the same direction and keeping his eye on Glast. Glastenfeld enters the Inn, Mantor is only about 20 paces behind, and the cloaked man hurries to about 10 paces behind Mantor then slows as he nears the door.

Meanwhile Mantor is wandering around the market purchasing little trinkets and items, as well as a pork pie that is warm and very tasty from one of the cart merchants. During his wanderings, he also keeps a watch on the Moneylenders building [[Map K4, Building #4]] from a distance, and without being noticed. Mantor takes his time so as not to attract attention, but is nearly stunned when he watches as Glastenfeld walks up to the Moneylenders building and enters.

Mantor finds a quiet place standing next to a fruit merchants cart, not to far from the building and utilize your skills to wield the magical energies necessary to cast the spell (luckily the door to the Moneylenders Shop is open). After a few seconds you are able to hear what is being said inside:

Guard: "He is busy at the moment, what is it you want to see him about anyway?"

Glastenfeld: "I want to discuss the borrowing of a small amount of coinage to do some repairs on a building near the north-west corner of the city that I may be purchasing within the next couple of days. I have the money to buy the property, but it needs some work before I can use it."

Guard: "What do you, a half breed, plan to do with this building?"

Glastenfeld: "That is none of your damn business there buddy. I will discuss that with your boss. Let�s just say that it will see him a profit. And as far as your comment, I have killed for less of an insult than that, so you best keep your mouth shut, for I am the notorious Bounty Hunter, Klasten Gordus."

Guard: "Okay, okay. Sorry, I didn�t know."

Glastenfeld: "Sorry? Your right there, you look sorry, as a matter of fact you are the sorriest looking low life I have seen in some time. And I know very well what the scum like you that try to dig their way out of the sewers by working for honest businessmen like your boss here do to try to get ahead."

Guard: "Just calm down there, I meant no insult and no harm. As soon as he is done with his current customer I will see that you get right in to see him."

Glastenfeld: "You better, if you know what�s good for you."

Mantor hears Glastenfeld humming for a while, and hears footsteps. Then he sees the guard that he had seen standing just inside the door during an earlier walk past, walk outside of the building and look around the market for a moment, then he goes back in and it is quiet except for Glastenfeld�s humming of some tune.

After a while (about 5 minutes from the start of the spell) Mantor is no longer able to hear Glastenfelds humming.

After about another five minutes a typical working class man walks out and across the market in your direction. As he passes a short distance away, you see a slight smile on his face as he handles a small leather sack with a drawstring that is also tied around his wrist tight enough so as not to slip over his hand.

Then you see two young kids come running up to him. One grabs the back fo his coat and as he turns the other grabs the bag, but is suddenly stopped when the bag reaches the end of the string, the guy then yanks it from the kids hand and swings it up over his head to hit the kid in his shoulder. Then the two kids run away into the crowd as the man shakes his head in annoyance, and continues.

As he walks down the street that runs behind the building (away from the market and to the east) you happen to look up, and see a teenage girl climbing out a window on the third floor and grabbing the eaves of the roof of the next building over (right next to the window) and swinging herself up onto it's roof. She then disappears over the roof of this other building.

Mantor keeps walking, and try's to fix in him mind, both the girl and the window from which she came out. Then continues walking makes his way around the building to get back were Glastenfeld went in. As he reaches this point (it has been over 15 minutes since Glastenfeld entered the building, and almost ten minutes since the Long Ear I spell ran out), he sees Glastenfeld walking out the door of the building and towards the Grey Tortoise Inn & Tavern.

Mantor tries to concentrate to detect any active magical forces at work on or around Glastenfeld, but detects nothing out of the ordinary (only a couple of usual items that Glastenfeld carries and has had since the two of you have met. No active spells of any kind are detected at all.

As you walk towards the inn, watching for anyone following Glastenfeld or yourself, you notice nothing out of the ordinary.

Glastenfeld walks into the inn.

Mantor slowly walks to the inn & tavern, then walks in and looks around. There is no sign of Tedt anywhere inside, Glastenfeld is setting at a small square table near the corner close to the door [table 2, stool A].

Mantor walks over to the bar and gets ale, then walks over towards the table that Glastenfeld is setting at, also sipping a mug of ale and eating some bread and cheese that the bar maid just brought over to him.

As Mantor walks over towards Glastenfeld setting at a table near the corner [[table 2, stool A]] he sees Tedt walk in from outside through the door. He tries to think back, realizing that Tedt had gone inside this same building, and never left again (at least not that Mantor can remember). Tedt immediately looks around and sees Mantor looking his way and shakes his head and tries to duck out of the way (trying to indicate not to look at Tedt). Tedt then looks around the room seeing Glastenfeld and continues looking, then heads off in the direction of the bar, keeping his eyes on a man that came in and sat at a table near the bar [[Table 8, the guy with the leather armor and cloak that matches the moneylenders guard is setting on stool A, there are also guys setting on stools B, D, E that appear to be typical working class people]].

Mantor tries to look where Tedt is looking and sees the man setting at the table obviously watching Glastenfeld and talking with some other people setting at the table. Glast is being watched, by some of the moneylenders men (he is wearing the same leather armor and cloak as the guy that had come outside from the moneylenders building and then reentered a few minutes earlier). Mantor is not sure what to do and stops for a second, he has not gotten close enough to Glastenfeld for the men at the table by the bar to realize that he is with him, but on the other hand, they obviously do not know that Tedt is right behind them and knows (at least to some extent) what is going on.

Mantor keeps walking past Glast and sits at a table sort of behind Glast, and near the door. [[table #13 stool B]] All this while trying to look as he is interested only in drinking his beer. From here he can see everyone in question. Tedt is also watching the guy that followed Glast into the tavern, and realizes what Mantor is doing. Of course Glastenfeld is so busy stuffing his mouth, that he does not even Mantor walk past him about 15 feet away.

Tedt quietly watches the guys at table 8, while Mantor watches the rest of the room, and occasionally looking at Tedt (since Mantor can not get a very clear view to the guys at table 8 from the fat side of the room. He also watches Glastenfeld closely, in case he gets into any danger. They guys at the table all just sit there for a while talking and occasionally watching Glast, as the guy in the leather armor watches him intently.

Glastenfeld is just quietly eating and drinking his meal, and occasionally looking around the room. After several minutes of nothing of note going on, Glastenfeld notices the men at the table watching himself. He looks at them for a minute as the guys all look away quickly, trying to hide the fact that they are watching him. he immediately stands and looks around the room.

The guys at the table are now acting a little nervous. Glastenfeld looks around and spots Tedt, who quickly nods towards the guys at table 8 and gives Glastenfeld a sly and devilish smile. Glastenfeld catches on and immediately turns towards the door while taking one last drink from his mug and sets it on the table. He slowly walks to the door never looking back. As he heads for the door, he sees Mantor watching him from the corner of his eye. Glastenfeld walks past him at a short distance and smiles such that the guys who have now stood up from table 8 can not see him. Tedt is already on his feet and headed to the door by another rout, careful to stay behind and out of site of the guys following Glast.

Mantor waits until the guys are at the door and Glast is outside before he stands. Within seconds of the four men walking out the door, Tedt and Mantor meet at the door.

As Mantor and Tedt both reach the door to follow the guys following Glastenfeld, Mantor says, "I think we should follow them."

Tedt replies, "Yes, I'm backup. If anything happens, do something to attract their attention and I'll go in from the back, hard."

Glastenfeld walks to the north across the market "square" (octagon) and continues heading north once he reaches the other side. The guys follow him, not doing a very good job of staying out of sight. Tedt and Mantor stay back a little ways, but keep the guys in sight, as well as staying away from each other, in case one or the other is spotted. But these guys do not even seem to be watching behind them.

After several minutes of walking, it starts to become darker (the sun is now dropping below the tops of the buildings to the west as clouds seem to move into the area from the north-west).

Mantor and Tedt then come around a corner and see Glastenfeld standing facing the four guys in the middle of the street, between a small warehouse being used by a stone mason and a meat market. [[Map Section:J3 buildings: 17 & 70]]

As the two of you round the corner he says to his followers, "You are being very obvious in following me. Maybe we should stop playing games here." He then hefts his massive war mattock up to his right shoulder to rest and continues, "You see, I could easily sell your carcasses to the butcher inside there, because by the time I am done with you, no one will know what you had been, and I can probably get enough money that I won't have to borrow it from your boss anymore." {Glastenfeld smiles with a sick toothy grin.}

The guys wearing the leather armor of the money lender draws his sword, two others draw daggers, and the third pulls out something small from a pouch, but neither of you are able to see what it is, as it fits right into the palm of his hand.

The guy with the sword takes a step forward and performs a flourish with his broadsword, then takes a swing at Glast, who tries to dodge and takes a swing with his huge hammer at the same time.

The guards sword makes contact with Glastenfelds forearm as he grunts in pain as the blade penetrates his arm greave, but and shakes his head as if disoriented for a moment, but then continues to get set up to swing his massive hammer towards his attacker.

An intense beam of light is shot from Mantor�s hand and hits the guard as he is still recovering from his swing. He spins and his eyes bulge for a moment as he staggers as if not shore where he is or what is going on, and making strange gurgling noises.

One of the other ruffians armed with a dagger turns and sees Mantor and heads that way.

By this time the ruffian who had pulled something from his pouch throws a small metal throwing star (or "Shuriken") at Glast, which strikes him in the thigh, penetrating his leg greaves which quickly become covered with blood pouring from the wound.

Tedt, who is drawing a dagger with his left hand as he throws one already in his right hand, lets out a grunt as it sails through the air at the guard who now appears to be stunned. The blade buries itself into his arm, which twists in an unnatural way half way between the wrist and the elbow as he drops his broadsword and staggers again letting out a half hearted scream.

Then Glastenfeld�s hammer makes contact with the staggering guards hip with a crushing sound as the poor fool falls to the ground as a pool of blood starts to form around him from the nasty arm wound and the crushed side wound.

Tedt lets the next dagger fly, at the guy preparing to throw another shuriken at Glast. The dagger makes a very deep slice in the guy�s arm as the blade and the shuriken both fall to the ground. Blood spurts all over as the guy tries to stop the massive amount of bleeding from the severed artery, then passes out a few seconds later.

Just before the man reaches Mantor, he says, "Fulminus Pilum" and a bolt of lighting streaks down from the low clouds and strikes the guy in the left side as he lets out a blood-curdling scream, "Aaahhhhhhhhhhhhh!" Which is nearly drowned out by the incredibly loud and nearly deafening crash of thunder right next to all of you. He spins around as his clothing begins to smolder and the hair on his left arm singes. His dagger drops to the ground as he falls and a belt pouch he is wearing bursts into flames.

Glastenfeld yells, "Fry, you bastard!" The other guy runs as fast as his shaking legs will carry him to the north, around the corner of the stone masons warehouse [[map J3, building #17]].

As the last man nears the corner in his escape, Tedt lets another dagger fly. This one burying itself deep in the man's lower left back. He immediately stumbles as he turns the corner and runs into Tartuffe, as he also staggers around the corner.

"HEY!! You'z try'n to stab me?!?!?!" yells Tartuffe as he tries to untangle himself from the stranger.

As Tartuffe tries to get himself untangled, he realizes that this guy is breathing his last breath as his body goes limp, with a dagger protruding from his lower left back, with massive amounts of blood spilling from the wound.

Tedt quickly steps to Glastenfeld who says, "I'm fine, just a flesh wound." As blood is spilling from his forearm and thigh. He quickly yanks off his cloak and tears a couple of large pieces off of it and begins wrapping his injuries (and pulls the shuriken out of his leg with a grunt), then begins to chant in some strange language.

Tedt then grabs his first two daggers and tells everyone, "Shit this is ugly! Let's get the flock out or the guards will make our lives miserable. If they show up try to cover me so I can hide from them, if pressed say I'm called Shaitan and am a rascally thin human with a scar on my left nostril. I'll then try to get y'all from prison- call the merchant and shit like that".

Everybody heeds Tedt�s warning and gathers their wits about them and starts heading toward the guy who was on his way around the corner, who's feet are now sticking out from around the corner. Then Tartuffe steps out from around the corner and brushes dust off of himself, and then staggers nearly falling over (as if on a ship being tossed around in a brutal storm). He says, "Ay, Guyth... Gu... Guys." And staggers again with a smirk on his face as he grabs for the wall to keep from falling over (or passing out from drunkenness).

Mantor gives a quick look around to see if Tartuffe is wounded, and is nearly overcome by the smell of the very strong ale that Tartuffe had consumed a large quantity as short time ago.

Tartuffe staggers a little and looks at his companions who have suddenly appeared only moments earlier.

Mantor says, "I'll follow you invisible to mortal eyes, so if there is a problem I can give more help." He then whispers, "Lumen et Auram togatum."

By this time, Tedt has gathered his daggers and cleaned off those that needed cleaning. He then rushes everyone around the building to the north, away from the gruesome sight, as Mantor fades into nothingness before everyone�s eyes.

Mantor�s voice can be heard saying, "Lets get moving."

And everyone follows Tedts lead moving as quickly as possible.

Tartuffe, once he regains his feet, looks around in drunken confusion. His eyes slowly focus on Tedt and a glimmer of recognition lights up Tartuffe's face. "TEDT! Where did you come from!" Tartuffe attempts to catch up to Tedt, staggering all the way.

Tedt and Glastenfeld head to the building down the street that they have been contracted to evict the slavers from. Tartuffe staggers along behind, trying very hard to stay on his feet. Mantor is no where to be seen, but the rest of the group knows that he is lurking nearby, ready for any trouble that may appear.

Mantor gives a quick look around to see if Tartuffe is wounded.

Tartuffe staggers a little and looks at his companions who have suddenly appeared only moments earlier.

Mantor says, "I'll follow you invisible to mortal eyes, so if there is a problem I can give more help." He then whispers, "Lumen et Auram togatum."

By this time, Tedt has gathered his daggers and cleaned off those that needed cleaning. He then rushes everyone around the building to the north, away from the gruesome sight, as Mantor fades into nothingness before everyone�s eyes.

Mantor�s voice can be heard saying, "Lets get moving."

And everyone follows Tedt�s lead moving as quickly as possible.

Tartuffe, once he regains his feet, looks around in drunken confusion. His eyes slowly focus on Tedt and a glimmer of recognition lights up Tartuffe's face. "TEDT! Where did you come from!" Tartuffe attempts to catch up to Tedt, staggering all the way.

Tedt and Glastenfeld head to the building down the street that they have been contracted to evict the slavers from. Tartuffe staggers along behind, trying very hard to stay on his feet. Mantor is no where to be seen, but the rest of the group knows that he is lurking nearby, ready for any trouble that may appear.

Tedt smirks. "Carrying a drunken friend- that'll be the deal, to include singing and jokes about the beating his wife will give him if we find someone. lessgo". Then he goes to Tartuffe, puts the mage's arm over his neck and helps carry him along, telling jokes and pushing him to sing along.

As all of you approach the building you suddenly hear a loud crashing/splintering/ smashing sound as if someone has just been thrown out of a room (right through the wall) from within the building. Then you all hear yelling inside:

"Where the hell did that come from?"

"It came flying over the roof! You said that guy was some puny little old thing, a giant wouldn't be able to throw a body that far."

"Look-out!"

"Aaahhhggg!"

"Get the hell out'a my way!"

"Be ready with those oil pots."

Mantor says (speaking at a voice barely audible), "I think they have met our magical friend of the inn.... if I am wrong I'll prepare some little."

Tartuffe just looks around, as if trying to comprehend what is going on, still in a drunken haze, but seeming to become a little more alert than previously.

Silence from within the building...

As the mist slowly clears from Tartuffe's eyes as the severity of the situation hits him. Still a little wobbly Tartuffe hurries to catch up with his companions and asks, "Wha's oar nexth course of action goin'ta be?"

"You look filthy drunk and that's the part you gonna play. Come on, lets have a little singalong. We get in, we check, we stumble towards it and if and when we want to we strike. Ya hit to the left, I hit to the right. The rest of you spread out from behind and roll up the flanks. Come on, buddy."

Saying this, Tedt takes hold of Tartuffe again and pulls him along, the pair of them swaying but still managing a very decent pace. Getting close to the building, Tedt whispers "right! pretend you're sick and about to throw up."

Glastenfeld follows right behind as Tedt and Tartuffe stagger towards the door to the courtyard of the apartment building acting like they are trying to hold each other up (but in Tartuffes case, it isn't too much of an act). Mantor is still invisible, but follows cautiously behind ready to utilize the Essence to suppor the needs of the group.

Tedt and Tartuffe stagger towards the outer gate of the building which you have agreed to remove the slavers, that presently occupy it, from.

Tedt and Tartuffe push the double doors open with only the resistance of the rusty hinges to slow it down. Glastenfeld follows them into the wide and tall hallway that leads to the inner set of double doors that allow entrance into the courtayrd at the buildings center. Mantor is

somewhere nearby, but still out of sight.

As all of you walk through the hallway, you hear a voice yell loudly above your heads, "There are three drunks entering the building. But there isn't any gnomish-wizard-fellow with them?"

You all suddenly realize why the voice was so apparent, when you look up and see the evenly spaced holes about a foot in diameter above your heads runing down the center of the hallway, nearly it's full length.

You then hear a voice off in the distance, somewhere else in the building yell back, "Just dump the oil on them then, and get yer ass up here quick as you can, the lunatick came over the roof somehow."

Hearing the word "oil", Tedt makes a run for the far end of the hallway, while Tartuffe tries to follow as quickly as his wobbly legs will carry him. Glastenfeld flattens himself up against the nearest sidewall. As Mantor can be heard chanting something in some strange language. Within seconds, the smoking hot oil comes pouring through the holes in the

ceiling.

Tartuffe gets splashed with some of the falling oil, but the injuries are only minor burns due to his cloak, which help to wake him up a little (not to mention making him pissed-off). Everyone else is able to get clear, just in time.

As the room fills with smoke from the hot oil, flashing dim lights can be seen coming from the holes above as crackling and sizzling sounds can be heard above. Screams and yells of pain from what sounds to be three men in the room above also can be heard.

As the smoke starts to thin out a little, Mantor can be seen (due to his attack having countered his invisibility), smiling and standing against a wall. "I think they where 'shocked' by my response," he says with a chuckle.

Tedt immediately tries to open the second set of double doors, only to find that they must be barred or locked from the other side. Glastenfeld and Mantor carefully walk through the hot sticky oil that now covers the floor of the hallway.

Tartuffe draws his cutlass and looks at the door as if thinking.

Tedt looks towards Mantor as the noise of the people in the room above your heads dies down and asks, "I can probably fit through those holes up there, then unlatch the door. That is if your magic up there is not going to do me in like it seems to have done with the guys that dumped the hot oil on us?"

Once Kane reaches the door, he starts banging on it with his fists!!

A voice from inside yells through the door, "Who's there?" Then a small panel about 6 inches square slides open at about head level (for regular sized people anyway) in the left door and a stubble faced man can be seen looking out.

Kane, holding the body of the half-orc by his collar, holds it up to where the person who opens the door can see who it used to be, and then says loudly, deeply, and in his most menacing voice, "You know who this filth used to be, go bring me his second in command!"

"What the hell?" And the sliding panel closes very quickly and you hear a muffled voice yelling and some other strange sounds from behind the door. Then nothing... for a couple of seconds.

Ben says, "Hmmmm...." and scratches his chin as if puzzled by the noises.

Kane sees no one when he looks up (just a stone wall and the roof above, not even any windows). Then sikes himself up and in a burst of unnatural strength kicks the door, and is surprised to find that it does not give much at all, most doors would have at least given way somewhat, many would have broke open if not held with any substantial brace or bar.

Ben says, "Must be one big hunk'o wood they have barring it from within. Unfortunately my skills do not allow me to move anything very heavy, without, or with for that matter, touching it."

After a couple more seconds the panel slides back again (only half way this time), and a different face can be seen looking out. He says, "Wha happen'ta Seleuchus? Wha ya wan?" Then you hear whispering, and the guy nods his head to someone behind the double doors.

Looking at Ben, and speaking softly, Kane says, "Keep your eyes open, famulus." He then turns back to the man at the door, and says very slowly and clearly, "Want I want, youngster, is MY building. I just purchased it from the legal owner of record, and come to inspect it only to find out that this piece of filth (holding up the corpse), and the rest of you men have illegally seized MY property. Now, I can see one of two futures in store for you. The first is that you clear out of MY building in the next two minutes, alive and unharmed, or I see me bringing this place down around your ears for the impudence of offending a member of the High Tower."

A beam of energy then shoots from his palm and in through the sliding panel, causing the guy behind to jump back and yell, "Ahhrgh!"

"This is your only warning!!"

The guys says, "We could not get out that fast if we wanted to, give me a moment to discuss it with my comrades." Then the sliding panel slides shut and you hear some muffled yelling inside and a few thumping and scraping noises.

Ben says, "They are preparing a trap of some sort, what I don't know, but I caught a few words. I don't think they are going for it, at least not the guy shouting the orders."

Then a loud but muffled bang from within.

Kane says, "Time to turn the table on them then. You up for a bit of mischief? If so, then hop on and lets go"

Ben jumps up and grabs Kane's cloak and pulls himself up onto his shoulder.

Kane then starts to walk around the block, to locate the lowest roof that leads up to the inner buildings roof. He is now standing in front of a small empty stone building with a tile roof that is in dire need of repair. He gives Ben a light toss, who is able to reach it without incident. Ben then stomps on the roof a few times testing it's strength (as best as a 1 and a half pound Pixy can). He then pulls a piece of thick string (Pixy rope) from his shoulder satchel and ties it to the chimney a short ways from the edge of the roof, ties the other end to himself around the waist. He then prepares to do what he can to keep the dead body from sliding back off the roof in a few moments.

Kane concentrates to psyche himself up to gain the superhuman strength that he can sometimes harness, but it seems to be eluding him at the moment. He waits a few seconds more then tries again, this time with success. He uses this temporary burst of strength to heave the body of the half orc up onto this roof, where Ben tries to grab hold of it to keep it from sliding back off. Ben also succeeds.

Kane then psyches himself up again, this time for jumping. Again the power seems to elude him, he thinks to himself that he never was as good at focusing it for leaping as he was for increasing his strength or speed. He decides to climb up, instead. Which he does with a little trouble, but with a little care, he manages it. They then drag the body up to the inner buildings wall, where Kane helpos Ben up to the roof about 12 feet above here. Then tosses the body up again, and climbs up himself while Ben keeps the body from sliding down the roof into the courtyard of the building that takes up most of the block.

This roof is also tiled and is also in disrepair, but seems safe to walk on. It is not sloped as steeply as the roofs of the buildings around the outside of the block. The back of the building (away from the gate) has a large hole in the roof and is stained with soot, which shows the obvious location of the fire that had swept through that portion of the building a few years earlier.

Ben sneaks down to the edge of the roof to look into the courtyard. He quickly returns to tell Kane that they have closed the inner double doors, and that there are 4 guys armed and ready for combat standing at it, with the bar (a very large and very heavy squared timber) across the heavy iron brackets that hold it closed.

This building is set up such that the peak of the roof is the outside edge of the roof. The entire building roof drains toward the center courtyard. Due to this he will have to risk being visible to those inside if he gets near enough to the edge to look into the courtyard for a good view.

"Ben, can you do something to make them think that we are busting down that outer door?"

"About the only thing I can do would be to climb over to that part of the roof and hurl small stones from the street at it, using my spells. But not enough to give the illusion of trying to break it down," Ben replies as he starts to make his way in that direction.

Meanwhile, Kane maneuvers over to the edge of the hole carefully, to peer in an making sure that the roof does not collapse beneath him. He is trying to see what condition the floor is in.

He sees that there is a hole in the floor of the apartment below that is even larger than the one in the roof. There does not appear to be much of a floor left in this apartment. What little bit is left does not look particularly safe. If the floor is missed or collapses, the fall would be another 22 feet further into the charred remains of the old stables.

The floor of the stables is not really clear, there is a fair amount of scattered debris charred wooden beams and floor boards from both the apartment on the third floor and the hay loft that comprises the second floor, as well as the remains of the roof that once sat where the gaping hole is now). It would be extremely hard to land without landing on some sort of debris. Most of the debris is not thick, or very sharp, but some is (this would depend on the results of the maneuver roll). The total distance would be about 35 feet down from the lower portion of the roof at the hole (12 feet for the ground floor, 10 feet for the second floor, 10 feet for the third floor, and another three feet for the slope of the roof).

Ben carefully moves over to the edge of the roof to get a clear view of the courtyard, while Kane carefully sneaks around to the portion of the roof above the entrance with the body of the dead orc.

Once in place, Kane lays on his back, placing the dead body on his feet with his legs scrunched up above him and psyches himself up with adrenaline to try to get an extra burst of strength. He then straightens his legs as quickly and with as much force as he can muster to heave the body up into the air and out into the middle of the courtyard.

The body flies through the air, even further than Kane intends. It smashes into the railings of the second floor balcony with a very loud crash, then falls onto the stairs leading down to the courtyard and rolls down, with all the equipment clanking and rattling very noisily on the way down.

By this time, Ben drops back from the edge of the roof, to stay out of sight.

Kane then quickly slips over the edge of the roof, catching a wooden gutter that runs along the edge, but his fingers slip and he falls to the west third floor balcony over the gate, but manages to roll out of it without getting hurt. At the same time, several people come out of the building, the one from behind the gate on the ground floor and two more on the second floor. All are stunned by the appearance of the body of their leader laying crumpled an a disfigured heap at the bottom of the stairs and the railing above him on the second floor crushed.

One guy says, "Where the hell did that come from?"

The guy on the ground replies, "It came flying over the roof! You said that guy was some puny thing, a giant wouldn't be able to through a body that far."

Kane quickly sneaks through the door in the corner of the balcony and into the room beyond. As he looks around the room, across the stairs leading down to the second floor, he sees a woman chained to the floor in the middle of the room to four large iron rings spiked to the floor. Her arms and legs are spread, with the bruises and scars of very intense interrogation or torture very prominent on her bare skin. Even in her present state she has a stern and proud look on her face. Obviously not the type to give in to such torture.

Besides a table and two chairs along the wall, near the stairs, there is also a pile of equipment lying on the floor in the corner of the room ahead of Kane. A Chain shirt, metal arm and leg greaves, wool shirt and trousers, fine but worn leather boots, a heavy leather belt with two daggers in scabbards attached. There is also what looks like a quiver, but yet, there are three glass (??) rods (about the length of an arrow) about an inch in diameter sticking out of it, with two of them attached with a cord.

There is also a whip and several other instrument�s of torture laying on the table, such as pliers like tools, gouges, pokers, a small brazier with coals in it. Several pitchers of water, scraps of cloth, and a few other items.

"Now, this is no way to treat a lady", smirks Kane as he grabs the stoutest looking of the pokers, "Let's see what I can do about freeing you."

Kane psyches himself up to concentrate on attempting to pick locks, since he knows his skills in this are rather poor. He then attempts to pick the locks. Even with his poor skill, and inadequate tools (the torture pokers and tools), he manages to release the first lock without too much difficulty. the other three give him considerable trouble though. He tries to make a quick second attempt, but breaks off two of the pieces of equipment that he is trying to use, and with little success.

He talks to the lady in a quiet voice, trying to keep her calm, "You do not realize the day I have had. All I wanted to do was to get an estimate of these morons strength, but can I do that? No! I had the misfortune to run across the leader of this scum, so I just could allow him to live, know that he is a slaver. Then once I fried him like bacon, I couldn't just stop there and give these scum a chance to pick a new leader. So up to the front gate I walk dragging the corpse, and try to bluff my way in, and get them to vacate this building peaceably, but do they go for it? Stupid idiots! If somebody of my stature came banging on my door, dragging the boss, and I was one of these cretins, I would be scared shitless, but these idiots slam the door in my face. Not a way to get on my good side. So I just climbed up on the roof, and lobbed their boss's body out into the courtyard. Meant to put it right in the middle, but I overshot a tiny bit and he smacked against the balcony on the far side, made quite a racket too. Figure I'll just slip in while they are occupied with the body, and silently work my way through the building, slaying as many as I can, before they realize I am here. Nice and easy, huh? Thought it would be, but what do I find? You, that's what. Now I can't just leave you trussed up, now can I? I mean that would make me almost as bad as these slime. By the way, do they have any mages in here? If they do, I'll want to kill him first. Oh! By the way, my name is Kane, and I WILL help you."

Kane looks at her for a moment and realizes that she is looking at him with a confused look, as if not being able to understand anything he is saying.

At this time, Ben comes into the room, and seeing the situation, comes over to help. He starts to look through his clothing then suddenly stops and cusses, "Damn, don't have my tools any more. And my knowledge of the Essence is somewhat limited in that area of use. Fraid there isn't likely to be anything I can do to help out."

Kane then immediately tries to break the locks with the equipment present on the table, but there is not anything long or strong enough to sue as a pry bar on the table.

"Ben, see if you can find some keys someplace in this room " Kane says.

Ben runs to the table and jumps onto one of the chairs and pulls himself to the table top and starts searching.

Kane then tries to concentrate, and focuses trying to pull the locks open, by pulling on the base and bar. But to no avail. The locks do not seem to want to give at all. All the while, Kane also tries the various other languages he knows, in an attempt to communicate with her, asking her name in each of them.

When he uses Argentum, she looks at him and says, "Aileira Leihann. Try prying the rings up from the floor with the dagger in my pack on the floor, over by the table. Then I will avenge my people with their blood." With a very cold, nasty, and brutal tone of voice.

Kane quickly digs through the equipment lying on the floor and finds a dagger. He then tries to use it to pry the spikes holding the iron rings from the wooden floorboards. But with little luck, only able to release a single one.

"Aileira? I think that I will just call you Ali for short. My name is Kane and after I help you, I will gladly take the aid of any warrior in dispatching these vermin. Ben leave off and watch the door for me while I get her free. The last thing we need is our friends downstairs to find us while she is still bound."

"Now that you can understand me, I would like to apologize if the ruckus I caused outside in any way alarmed you. I really didn't mean to throw him so far, but sometimes I have a little trouble controlling my own strength. I must admit though, it was quite fun watching that charbroiled half-orc bounce off the balcony across the way. hehe...

Fine way for me to start my morning. First my friend goes and gets drunk while we are checking out this building, then I run into the leader of these scum, but he never had a chance. Many folk underestimate me due to my size, especially if I am pretending to be drunk as well. Then those idiots downstairs actually have the nerve to call my bluff, and not leave when I tell them to get out, so I decided to sneak in, and using the corpse of their leader, having it fall out the sky seemed like the perfect distraction. That was where the noise, the crashing sounds came in from. I tossed him too far, but it worked quite well as a distraction.

Now if I can just get you free..."

Her right arm and her right leg ar now free, but she is still not able to get up. She rolls over to her side and tries to help pull the spikes out of the floor.

With a combination of Kane�s "focused" strength and the dagger as a pry bar (although short and not giving much of a help), and her strength. The last two rings finally come loose with a very loud screech and ripping noise.

Ben jumps at the noise, then watches the door and stairs.

She says, "Thanks" in Argentum and walks over to the pile of equipment laying on the floor.

All of a sudden, Ben jumps up and says, "Their coming. He pulls his tiny dagger and moves to the end of the stairs away from the treads and backs up as if waiting to jump onto the back of someone coming up.

"Ben, the first one is mine", Kane whispers.

Ben nods as three of the slavers come around the corner at the bottom of the stairs and quickly run up with weapons drawn. The first guy is armed with a broadsword and wearing a chain mail shirt.

Kane releases a bolt of energy into the guy from his hands, as the guy flinches from the static present in the air and staggers a moment, but then continues to close the distance, looking pretty pissed-off. As the man tries to swing his broadsword, Kane is able to catch him in a maneuver that allows him to grab his arm and dislocate the guys shoulder. Kane then attacks with a flurry of hand maneuvers that nets a solid strike to the guys chest causing him to stagger around a little more.

About this time, the second guy, carrying a flail and wearing leather Armor with covered with iron studs, nears the top of the stairs as Ben tries to jump onto his back and bury his dagger into the guys shoulder. Unfortunately Ben's tiny dagger does little beyond drawing a small amount of blood which causes the guy to spin around quickly. This throws Ben from the guys shoulders and he falls down the stairs with a loud grunt, and the guy heads back down after him as another one passes him coming up the stairs with a scimitar, and also wearing leather armor and greaves.

Kane's next strike actually results in his fingers puncturing the poor fools skin and severely damaging internal organs such as his stomach and spleen. The guy drops screaming in agony as he squirms around for a while before going unconscious. Kane then immediately releases another Bolt of energy into the guy now at the bottom of the stairs trying to finish off Ben. The guys hair stands on end as some static is visible dancing around the bare iron on his armor, but it does minimal damage as he lets out a strange sound and swings at Ben again with the flail.

The flail makes full contact with the small pixies body, making a bloody mess against the wall and bottom 2 stairs. Kane is temporarily stunned to see his companion crushed by the blow, but quickly shakes the shock of the situation off. Kane suddenly remembers that the other occupant of the room might be in trouble as well, and turns to see the third guy who had managed to get past him while he was busy with the first of the slavers take a swing at Ali (who is still totally unprotected by even clothing) with his scimitar. Which she gracefully dodges around.

Kane then realizes what the three glass like rods in the "quiver" where, as she brings the spinning three sectional staff around and contacts the third guys skull with a gut wrenching crunch and splattering of blood. The guy drops to the ground in a misshapen pile immediately, without even a last gasp of air.

Kane turns back to see the second slaver coming back up the stairs with a bloodthirsty grin. Kane plants a solid kick into his chest as he reaches the top, causing him to temporarily loose his balance. He quickly recovers though but as he starts to bring the flail around, Kane buries his heel into the guys left foot, causing him to stagger and throwing off the flail swing and stunning his foe, causing him to turn to his side and scream out in agony. Kane is then easily able to dodge the flailing flail. Kane then takes advantage of the situation and strikes him in the back, knocking the wind from him with a very solid blow. As the guy is now standing there not completely aware of what is going on around him, Kane throws a kick that knocks the flail from his hands, and breaks his arm. Kane pauses for a moment to see what the lone slaver will do next. When he just stands there Kane punches him in the chest, knocking him to the ground and unconscious.

As Kane turns back around he sees Ali putting on her stuff. At one point she turns and spits on the body of the first guy that came up the stairs. Then the sound of combat can be heard coming from somewhere below.

Tartuffe draws his cutlass and looks at the door as if thinking.

Tedt looks towards Mantor as the noise of the people in the room above your heads dies down and asks, "I can probably fit through those holes up there, then unlatch the door. That is if your magic up there is not going to do me in like it seems to have done with the guys that dumped the hot oil on us?"

Mantor replies, "Wait a few seconds longer, this lasts a minute or so. Then it will be safe."

Glastenfeld looks around and puts both hands to his massive hammer as he starts to walk towards the heavy iron bound wooden double doors.

Glastenfeld swings, making solid contact with a loud Thud!

Thump!

After a few more seconds, Tedt tries to jump up to grab the edge of one of the holes in the ceiling, but is unable to jump that high. Tartuffe walks over (without swaying very much), bends down and puts out his clasped hands to give Tedt a step. Tedt places one of his daggers between his teeth and steps up, Tartuffe pushes up, giving Tedt the extra boost to reach one of the holes.

Thud!

Tedt then pulls himself up, and squirms and twists to fit himself through the hole. Even though it is too tight of a fit for any normal person to fit through, Tedt manages to contort his body through the hole.

Thud!

Thump!

Everyone waits quietly and listens to hear any sounds from above. (Except for Glastenfeld). Thud!

Kane starts down the stairs with Ali following behind. Once he gets to the bottom of the stairs, he walks out onto the second floor balcony and yells loude enough that everyone within the building can clearly hear him, ""Show yourself!! Dogmeat!! You have angered the bringer of your death!! Come out and meet your doom!!!"

Thud!

Tedt pulls himself up through the hole and looks around to see 4 people laying on the floor, with hair standing up in the air, and the same smell that is present after a bolt of lightning hits hanging in the air. One of the guys squirms and moans a little as Tedt nears him. Tedt kneels down and with a quick stroke of his dagger, puts the poor fool out of his misery.

Thud!

Thump! Creeaakk!

The room is 20 feet wide and 30 feet long with a 10-foot ceiling. There are 5 of the narrow holes in the floor with large pots on swinging iron arms that allow them to be moved over small and shallow depressions in the floor with small fires burning in them to the east of each hole.

Thump!

The pots are now hanging over the holes through which the hot oil that had previously been in them was dumped. There is a door in the center of the north wall. Tedt quickly makes his way to it and opens it in time to see Kane jump right over the balcony landing in a roll, from which he quickly recovers and runs to the other side of the courtyard, where a man is hurrying down the stairs.

Thump!

Thud!

Tedt is immediately aware of someone standing next to the wall, as he ducks and spins around to avoid a dagger swing. He sees a woman wearing light leather armor with a dagger in one hand and the head of what appears to be one of the slavers in her other hand, the neck still dripping blood from where it had been attached to the rest of the body only a minute or two earlier.

Thud! Creeaakk!

Kane reaches the bottom of the stairs just as the man running down gets to the bottom, and stops with a look of surprise on his face. He is a very gruff and dirty looking fellow with a scimitar that he immediately puts to use. Kane ducks to one side and narrowly avoids the edge of the sword, then extends his hands and yells, "Die scum!", as a flash of light leaves his hand and hits the guy square in the chest causing him to go into convulsions for a moment.

Thud!

Everyone else, still in the hallway leading to the center courtyard is wondering what is going on as they hear Kane's yells and other noises. Galstenfeld lets loose with his hammer again, with a full force swing against the seam between the two doors.

Thump! Creeeak!

The door buckles a little under the stress of the blow, and Glastenfeld swings again.

Thump! Screeaaccchhkkk!

The large wooden bar on the other side of the door flexes and rippes one of the iron holders from the door as it creaks open a little ways. Tartuffe immediately throws himself against the door pushing it open.

While the guy is convulsing, Kane glances back at his female companion up on the balcony and hollers, "Ali, Come on down and you can have his head as well."

The sways a moment and then shakes his head before grasping his sword for another swing. The swing comes down towards Kane�s head, but Kane dodges to the side easily and knocks the blade away with the palm of his hand on the flat of the blade, as if gently swatting at flies as an arrow buries itself in the dirt 5 feet from Kane�s feet [[see below]].

During this time, Ali runs for the stairs around the right side of the balcony, as Tedt runs around the balcony the other way at a speed that is well beyond the human norm.

The rest of the group walks into the courtyard. Mantor looks up and sees two men on the third floor balcony, one with a crossbow and the other with a short bow.

Tedt covers the distance between himself and a man coming out of a door on that side of the balcony, near the back. The guy is taking aim at Kane with a short bow. Tedt throws his dagger before the guy even realizes he is within 20 feet of him. Dagger through heart sends foe reeling back, loosing the arrow, which buries itself in the ground 5 feet from Kane, dropping the bow and crashing through the railing after it. The man lands on the ground, face down with a thump and doesn't move. The dagger tip sticking out of his back, red with his blood (the fall

drove the dagger clear through his chest).

Kane looks quickly behind himself and sees the guy that shot at him hit the ground (hard! and not moving). Kane then looks around and sees two guys on a third floor balcony opposite the side that the other guy just fell from. Kane steps slightly towards the back wall of the courtyard, placing his combatant (whose back is to them) between himself and the two new archers. To him, Kane says, "I gave you your chance to leave without injury, now you have angered me. Your life is forfeit, as well as any who are in this building, which as I said, now belongs to me. Dog meat you are, and you shall pay for angering me"

He yells back, "Arrgg!" And swings again, Kane easily deflects the blow while in his defensive posture.

Mantor shouts, "Aquam Domus", as he waves both hands in a flowing manner. All of a sudden, a sheet of water appears and holds in a position along the edge of the balcony that these two archers are standing on. They both make a startled noise and jump back, dropping their weapons with one arrow going wild over the roof on the opposite side of the building.

Glastenfeld and Tartuffe both see Mantor's targets, and both look around to see that there are no more surprises on the balconies. The girl that seems to know Kane is nearing the stairs, to finish off the guy that Kane is "playing" with. The guy is starting to get angry at Kane�s lack of attack as he easily deflects or dodges each and every blow.

Tedt looks around for a way to get to the two men on the level above on the other side of the building as he pulls another dagger, judging the distance to far to make an accurate throw.

Kane�s voice drops several levels, into hoarse whisper saying, "First another warning to show you my might!" as a bolt of energy strikes the stairs next to the guys feet. "Know that I have decided the means of your death shall be the captive I freed. Also know that you will die an agonizing death for the death of my familiar!"

Then Kane says, "Kill him slowly, and make him suffer. I have kept him here and unharmed for you.!" Then he says something in a strange language, which the female, now coming down the stairs behind the guy responds with a short and quick word, and a smile.

Mantor keeps a close eye on the two men on the upper balcony, waiting and ready to wield the Essence to his will.

Tedt starts to run around the lower balcony, trying to find a way to get to the men on the upper balcony.

Tartuffe and Glastenfeld are standing in the courtyard watching at this point.

As soon as Ali gets behind the guy at the bottom of the stairs, Kane backs away from the guy, and lets her close in to work on him. She immediately starts the three sectional staff swinging in an arc that ends at the back of the guys skull, dropping him to the ground like a sack of grain.

Kane then says something to her in a strange language that is unknown to anyone else in the group. Kane then takes a good long look at the situation (once he is far enough away from the bad guy and the girl to do so safely.

Tartuffe now has his short bow out and an arrow knocked and ready for use. Waiting for the guys on the he balcony to make a move. Mantor is also standing in a stance as if ready to utilize his power to further interfere upon their actions. Glastenfeld has his heavy crossbow out and is drawing the string back.

By this time Tedt has reached the other side of the balcony, and entered the door beneath the two guys.

Kane then walks out to the middle of the courtyard and yells at the two guys on the balcony, "You have choice, surrender, and maybe live to see tomorrow, or stay up there and die for sure. As you must have seen, you are no longer in control here. The only choice you have left is to decide if you want to live or die, for if we have to come up after you, you are surely dead."

One of the guys steps to the edge of the balcony at a spot where the wall of water is not blocking his way, and says, "We surrender!"

Just then Tedt comes through the door out onto the balcony. The other guy seeing him, quickly drops to his knees with his hands in the air.

Tedt delays throwing a dagger as he sees the two men in front of him surrendering to him.

Kane hollers up to Tedt, "Bring them down, alive!"

Meanwhile, Mantor scans the other doorways on the balconies and to the courtyard for possible problems. After a quick look he begins to relax a little, as there are no signs of any more slavers.

By this time, the woman who Kane freed, slices the throat of the man she just knocked unconscious at the bottom of the stairs, making certain that he is dead.

Kane glances back at his new friend and upon seeing that she is finished, calls to her in some language she can understand.

Kane then starts walking over to the others, keeping his eyes open the whole time, watching for anybody else who may have hidden so far.

As he walks up to the others, he asks, "Does the commotion I heard earlier mean that you have taken care of our other problem? "

"Hey people, got me a pair of birds." The half-elf looks nastily at them and does a quick, simple but dexterous shuffle of daggers, showing his ability with them. "If you behave I may spare myself your blood on my clothes," he says and then his voice turns into a snake's hiss. "NOW DOWN ON YOUR BELLY! HANDS BEHIND YOUR HEADS!"

The two men drop down on the balcony floor and do as he says.

Quickly Tedt maneuvers into where he can cover them and any other approaches.

As Kane walks up to the others, he asks, "Does the commotion I heard earlier out in the street mean that you have taken care of our other problem?"

Glastenfeld replies, "No, did get a good look at part of the building though. Then the damn money lender had some of his henchmen follow me, but Tedt and Mantor noticed and followed then caught them off guard and dealt with them."

After hearing their reply Kane says, "Guys, this is Ali. Ben died while we were freeing her from the torture room they had her trussed up in. He tried to take on a full grown human by himself."

Kane then turns to her, and introduces everybody by name, reverting to her native language when necessary for explanation, pointing them out, "Ali, these are my friends and companions. Tartuffe, Glastenfeld, Mantor..."

Tedt does a quick search of their bodies and then uses their weapons belts to tie their hands behind their backs. He then helps them up with a rough yank, and marches them back into the building, down to the second level, then out onto the lower balcony and down the stairs to the

courtyard.

As Kane finishes, "... and Tedt."

Ali looks at the two men with a sneer and takes a couple of steps closer.

On feeling the young lady approach Tedt growls "These boys are my damn prisoners so hands off! Less they want to misbehave." He turns to the prisoners, "You wanna misbehave boys?" he demands.

They both shake their heads meekly.

Tedt smiles, "Kinda figured that."

Kane smiles and says, "If you guys had delayed much longer in getting here, I may have had this all nicely finished by myself, but I am glad you showed up. You made quite a nice diversion."

Tartuffe smiles and greets Ali as she is introduced. Then turns and heads towards the nearest room. "Goin' to give these rooms the once over. Make sure no little rats are hiding, they may be all too scared to come out."

Looking at the two prisoners, Kane walks over (patting Ali on the forearm as he passes, telling her something in her language. As he reaches the two prisoners, he looks them up and down, and holding up his hands in front of them, lets sparks crackle about his fingertips.

"This is what happened to your leader (Kane points across the yard to where the crispy orc landed). I killed three more when freeing her (nods at Ali), and then you saw how easily I played with your secondary boss, just to let my new friend have the honor of killing him. What I want to know now, is how many more 'guests' you have trussed up in here, and how many buddies you have in this building as well. If you do not tell me, Tedt will not have to worry about getting blood on his clothes, for I will turn you over to Ali to deal with."

One guy looks at Tedt nervously, then back to Kane and says, "There where 15 of us."

Then the other guy says, "And 6 prisoners. What are you going to do to us. We just took this job with these guys a few days ago. We had no idea what was going on here, otherwise we never would have joined."

"All right, let's hunt rats. You boys will be quiet here with Kane looking after you, right? Kane you're our reserve, anything goes wrong, you do what it takes to help us. We ain't gonna be tagged all bunched up together like suckers." He then takes a step towards Tartuffe.

Looking at Tedt, Kane quickly says, "Wait! How many did you folks kill on you way in? We have 9 folks unaccounted for? Tartuffe, take Glastenfeld with you also, in case there are others hiding in here."

On a sudden burst of inspiration, Kane turns back to the two prisoners, and using the same language he does in speaking to Ali, he asks them, Something that no one else can understand.

They look at Kane with a puzzled look, as if unable to understand anything he just said.

Kane�s rubs his chin thoughtfully, and then mutters something in the strange language that he has been using to talk with the girl.

"All right, Kane me lad, put that in proper people's lingo. We going hunting or what??"

Kane replies, "It was nothing. Trying to get some info out of them, but it seems that they can't understand."

Tedt then says, "There were 4 of them in the room above the entrance. Mantor took care of them for us after they tried to dump hot oil on us and missed. So that leaves 5 more still lurking around somewhere in here."

Tartuffe and Glastenfeld walk to the door to the east of the gate into the courtyard. Tedt follows not far behind.

Tartuffe opens the door slowly [[room #7]]. There is a low fire burning in the corner fireplace, with a small pot of some kind of stew cooking, hanging over it. There is a large rectangular table with 6 chairs in the center of the room. There is another table sitting against the long east wall of the room, piled with wooden plates and several mugs made of both wood and clay. There is also an assortment of utensils. Also a large bowl of water. There are also two dice laying on the table, as well as an assortment of coins. There are no occupants in the room.

Meanwhile, as the rooms are being searched by Tartuffe, Tedt, and Glastenfeld; Kane thinks for a moment, and then snaps his fingers decisively. He then tells the two prisoners to get down on their knees. As they do, he walks around behind them and does first one and then the other. Standing behind each one, Kane chants something (which Mantor realizes is just nonsense), and then grabs the back of each neck, one at a time. He then releases a tiny Chi Bolt into the back of the neck of each of them. Unfortunately, in his current edgy and stressed state, Kane releases a little too much of his personal Chi energy into his foe, and the guy shudders as a faint hint of smoke rises from his body, the smell of burnt hair lingering in the air. He doesn't move anymore, breath silent.

Kane is a little startled by his overkill, and is more careful with the second guy, giving him a minor jolt of Chi energy, just enough for him to feel it.

Once this is done, Kane then walks around to face the remaining guy again, and speaks to him, "I have just introduced you to a minor servant of Krackal, the god of Lightning that my people worship. Now all I have to do is to call aloud its name, and it will fry you to a crisp like your boss over there (points at the charred and crispy orc), and your friend here. He did not fare so well when I summoned the spirit. I am now going to have you collect all the corpses that have so recently accumulated, and to pile them all here in the courtyard. If you give one false move, I will have the elemental spirits I buried in your brain kill you most painfully."

"Now, we shall go gather the bodies, first those two over thee, and then the three from the room the girl was in, and then any that might have been in the room over the entrance. Now, stand up and move only when and how I tell you, or you will die. So the first thing you are to do is to strip down, so I can be sure you are not hiding any weapons.

The guy shudders and starts removing his clothing and what little bit of equipment he has left.

Kane then calls over to Ali (in her language), "Come and please make sure that he co-operates completely. He is to strip, and then to collect the bodes of the dead that we have so far left around this building. If they make one false move, you may kill them."

Kane says something to Ali (about two short sentences long) in her language and she smiles with a look of anticipated enjoyment <revenge> in response.

"SHIT" yells Tedt. "Kane you gotta watch those damn spirits proper! You keep killing my prisoners you gonna be getting charged for it, man. Doesn't look good on my rep! At least this time the spirit didn't take two hours to kill the poor sod and we didn't get all the screaming and bowels turned inside out or, by all that's holy, you'd be the one to clean off all the mess this time!" He shudders. "Scraping bits of intestine off the ceiling... urgh!" Then he turns to the man. "You watch good boy, you behave badly and it's going to get real hard on you. That daemon, he starts on you he'll make you wish you were cutting off your own dick with a blunt hacksaw. Now people, let's hunt. We check every place, a quick in and out, locate the stragglers, strangle them and then take some time to check out our new place, ok? lessgo!" And he walks over to the door that Tartuffe and Glastenfeld just walked through.

The guys eyes bulge as he hears Tedt's words. He appears about ready to panic, then starts collecting the bodies, as Kane told him to. And looking over his shoulder as if someone or something is going to swoop down on him at any moment. He also tries not to get too close to Ali in the process, as she glares at him like a cat watching a mouse and ready to pounce.

Again Kane snaps his fingers suddenly, and then modulating his voice so that it is as loud as he can make, "Attention! Your leaders are dead! If you wish for a chance to stay alive, you will come out now with your hands up! If we have to search for you, you will die! If you try to pretend to be a slave, you will die! You have ten seconds to comply!"

"One!"

Meanwhile Tartuffe and Glastenfeld do a quick search of the first room and don't see any signs of anyone in the room at all. They then go back out into the courtyard and move to the door near the middle of the east courtyard wall [[room #6]] as Tedt joins them. This room has a huge double hearth set in the east wall. A large bellows is attached to the ceiling so that it can easily be operated by hand or by what appears to have been a foot pedal that was attached to it, right in front of the hearth (but has since fallen apart). The leather skins of the bellows are old and worn and do not appear to have been used recently, due to the holes that have developed at the folds in the leather. There is a large anvil present in the center of the room as well as three large wooden barrels (all empty, and one is tipped over and smashed (some of the wood slats are missing). There are several wooden shelves along the north and south walls, all empty and bare. There does not appear to be anyplace for a person to hide other than possibly in one of the barrels or in the hearths themselves. After a quick look in each it is obvious that no one is here.

"Two!"

Kane suddenly becomes aware that Mantor is no longer in sight, he looks around quickly as he continues to count.

"Three!"

Kane hears a voice next to him (Mantor's) saying quietly, "Something doesn't seem right to me. I'll be here if needed, but out of sight."

"Four!"

Mantor�s voice in Kane�s ear again (quietly), "Are you sure we can trust her?"

"Five!"

Kane and Mantor see two guys run out onto one of the balconies on the top level at the north end of the courtyard [[room #23]]. They both step up onto the railing and grab hold of the edge of the roof and try to climb up onto the roof above. One is wearing a leather vest, while the other is in normal wool clothing. Each are armed with short swords, short bows, daggers, and a quiver of arrows. But neither of them seem to be interested in using them at the moment, only in escape.

Suddenly Mantor gets a strange feeling. He senses the active flow of Essence in the area. There is another spell caster around. ** He suddenly realizes that he is becoming visible again! ** <<Someone has used the Essence to Dispel his Invisibility!!!!>> **

Mantor starts yelling something with a magical sound to it and moves his hands in an intricate pattern, as if casting a spell quickly, as he becomes completely visible. Then shakes his head as he realizes he was not able to complete it quick enough to prevent his becoming visible.

He then yells a warning to the rest of the group; "Someone able in the Art of Magic is hiding around here... look out!"

Kane loose with a Chi Blast aimed generally at the two trying to climb onto the roof. The bolt hits where aimed but has little effect on the edge of the roof between the two guys, who continue to climb, without delay. He then holler, "Down here now!"

They continue to swing their legs over the edge of the roof and pull themselves up, not taking any notice.

As he notices Mantor turning visible, Kane mutters, "Another fucking mage, this is all I need".

Tartuffe, Tedt, and Glastenfeld hurry out into the courtyard having just completed a quick search of the room, and having heard the shouting.

The guys on the roof start making their way to the peak in a serious hurry, trying to escape over the back of the building.

Mantor can detect the flows of Essence being wielded by a spell caster, a spell he does not personally know. He tries to focus to determine where it is coming from. He senses it coming from one of the south balconies on the third floor of the building. [[Room #40]] But can not detect exactly where on the balcony.

As Tartuffe enters the courtyard with his bow, he is already preparing it. He lets the arrow fly just as the two get to the peak of the roof. Hitting the guy without armor, in the lower right side of his back.

The guy lets out a scream as he falls grabbing the wounded spot. He lies there screaming in absolute agony as his companion keeps right on going over the peak.

Tartuffe thinks to himself, `must have hit an organ! ye-ha!�

Kane speaks towards Mantor, "Any idea where this clown of a mage is hiding? Glast try to get the one going over the edge, from the outside."

Tartuffe draws another arrow as he drops to one knee to draw his bow. At the same time Glastenfeld is drawing a quarrel and pulling back his heavy crossbow with his foot on the iron ring at the front and both hands on the cable, not taking the time to use the crank, instead relying on his incredible strength.

Mantor replies, "Up there," as he points to the third floor balcony in the southeast corner of the building.

As Kane begins to psyche himself up for his amazing feats that he sometimes pulls off, Tedt starts running towards the south of the courtyard and jumps as he nears the wall, grabbing hold of some of the spindles that hold up the railing and swings himself up. By this time Kane is right behind him pulling something from his pockets. Kane also jumps and throws two small clay balls up onto the balcony, then grabs hold of the spindles and pulls himself up. Tedt is already climbing up on the railing to grab the balcony above (where the mage is hiding somewhere).

Mantor dives to one side as he yells, "look out!" as he can sense the building power that the hidden spellcaster is about to focus into the center of the courtyard. Mantor makes a superhuman dive to get as far from the point at which he was standing as a ball of fire erupts there only a fraction of a second after Mantor moved. The Mage on the balcony suddenly becomes visible (right above where Tedt and Kane are climbing up), surrounded by a thin cloud of blue powder that hangs in the air momentarily, to Tartuffe and Glastenfeld as the ball of fire erupts right next to them.

Mantor finds his left sleeve burning from the fireball that he barely escaped standing in the middle of, his arm is in extreme pain as he tries to roll over the top of it to put out the fire. Glastenfeld pulls his crossbow up to block the blast and drops the weapon as it catches fire and suffers minor burns himself. Tartuffe jumps back taking minor damage from the flames, and trips falling and dropping his bow and arrow.

Tedt starts to pull himself up to the balcony as he sees the mage (covered in the blue powder that had been in Kane�s little clay balls) smile and say, "Not today my friend, Azrem-kalandif!" And he jumps in a single bound up and across to the roof to his right about 10 feet and 10 feet up. He then runs up the roof.

Kane is running into the building through the door that is right there and immediately heads for the stairs.

Tartuffe frantically grabs his bow and arrow and begins to draw it again. Glastenfeld grabs his burning crossbow and yells a magical incantation as he throws the weapon with all his might at the guy on the edge of the roof and hits him in the shin causing the guy to slip a little. But he quickly regains his balance and laughs as he quickly walks up the roof.

Glastenfeld then heads for Mantor to check out his wounds and see what he can do to help as he curses the man on the roof in the foul orcish language that he grew up with.

Tedt is just pulling himself up over the edge of the roof as the mage reaches the peak and turns to take a last look saying, "I will return, and you had better be gone when I do!" Then Tartuffe lets his arrow fly, just missing Tedt by about 6 inches, and hitting the mage in his left shoulder causing him to jerk around and fall over the other side of the peak, as he screams, "Arrggh!"

Kane comes out the door onto the balcony and sees Tedt�s feet go up onto the roof. He then hears the yells of the mage on the roof and immediately jumps over the balcony back down to the ground (about 25' (8 meters)) and heads for the gate.

Tartuffe stands up quickly and yells "And stay out!" He then runs for the gate also, getting there about the same time as Kane. Tedt heads up the roof cautiously with two daggers drawn and ready for action as he approaches the peak.

Glastenfeld starts to chant as he lays his hands on the burns on Mantor�s left arm. Mantor tries not to grimace at the painful touch, and relaxes as the pain lessens. It takes a while (as healing is not the Paladins area of specialization), he first relieves the burns, then heals the internal damage as best as he can. Mantor is feeling much better but not completely back to normal as his arm is still very sore.

Tartuffe and Kane get outside to see Tedt coming over the peak of the roof with his daggers ready as the mage is backing down towards them away from Tedt (about 30' (9.5 meters) away from Tedt). He is bleeding heavily and is in considerable pain, and unaware of Tartuffe and Kane standing in the street beneath him.

Tedt advances towards the bleeding and staggering mage on the edge of the roof, trying to ease the jostling of the arrow stuck through his kidney. "You had better be away when I return" he growls, trying to keep the mage's attention on himself and relying on Kane's love of magicians. "I'm so fucking impressed, you know? I'm shitting my pants. Why don't you come here so's I can show you the brown?"

Tartuffe already has his bow drawn with an arrow in place as he and Kane quickly walk up behind the guys feet only about 12 feet above their head. Kane immediately loosens a Chi Bolt at the mage. Tartuffe lets the arrow fly at the same moment. Tedt immediately pitches one of his drawn daggers at the mage, just to be Sure that he goes down if either of the other two miss, and holds the second dagger ready just in case.

The bolt of focused personal energy hits the mage first, the shock turning the foes reflexes against his muscles. Tendons are torn during foe's violent convulsions. Then the arrow hits the mage in the lower back burying itself deep. Then the dagger punctures the man's heart, clear up to the hilt, sending him reeling back off the edge of the roof.

Tedt then jumps down off the roof, using a tumbling maneuver to keep from getting injured. Then Tartuffe grabs the guy by one arm and drags him towards the gate, letting the man's head bounce on the cobblestone street as he is pulled along. Kane looks around and sees about 20 people watching from their windows and doors or while walking down the street.

Kane turns to the people wandering around, takes a deep breath, and announces in the general direction of the largest group of people.

"Attention citizens! The rightful owner of this building has given it to us in return for evicting the slavers who have been using it without permission. We are in the process of doing this right now. Please pass the word that we will very soon be hiring people to make repairs on this building, and that anybody interested in the job should come by to see us tomorrow morning."

Some of the people start to talk in hushed voices to one another.

Kane then turns and walks quietly back into the building following Tartuffe, Tedt, and the limp body of the deceased mage.

Mantor (grimacing for the pain and speaking to Glastenfeld), "Thanks, thanks a lot for your help... <muttering> I am not yet ready, not yet..."

About this time the other three come walking back in, with Tartuffe draggin the limp and bloody body of the mage behind him. Tedt quickly recovers the dagger embedded in the chest of the guy in the pile at the center of the courtyard. He also pulls the one out of the mage. Kane quickly closes the outer gate and bars it, then closes the inner gate and looks around for a beam or something to bar that gate as well, but is unable to find anything since the one that had been used previously was broken by Glastenfeld as he smashed his way through the gate only a minute earlier.

The remaining slaver is dragging another body from the door to room #9 on the second floor and pushes it over the balcony into the courtyard.

Kane then sees the slaver bringing Bens body out, and yells, "Put that one down, and do not touch it again!" The guy places the body on the floor of the balcony and goes back into the building.

Kane then addresses the rest of the companions, "Alright everybody! We still have two more unaccounted for, and I do not know if they are inside or not, so we will do a quick sweep. Tartuffe, can you get into a position on one of the balconies above with your bow ready for any more surprises that we may encounter, I'd recommend that one, pointing to the southwest third floor balcony. I know that room is safe, as I came in that way. You can get there through the door directly below it on the second floor balcony. Tedt and Mantor, can you please take the rest of this level and the back wall of this building all the way to the roof. Glast, if you will help me, we will take the rest of the building. No searching every drawer please, not until we have swept this place to make sure it is clean of the intruders. Remember that there are still more prisoners here, though I don't know where. If you find anybody, we should just bring them down to the courtyard, and I have an idea for sorting out if they are a slaver or not at that point. Anybody have any other suggestions?"

Tedt answers after being sure that Mantor is feeling better, "Right, Mantor, follow me. I do point, you give cover."

Kane says, "Okay then let's get to it. And one more thing, if you cannot get the prisoners free in short order, just reassure them that you will be back as soon as you find the key. Our clean-up crewman may know where the keys are, so we will ask him after finishing the sweep. Let's move..."

When everyone reaches the courtyard, Kane goes to the door [#6] and finds the slaver who had piled and stripped the other bodies laying across the anvil backwards, his back apparently broken and blood running from his mouth, and the girl no where to be seen.

Kane immediately goes to check on the front gate, but it is still closed and bared from within. Kane the tells Mantor about the room that appears to have been the mages room, with the strange stuff in it [room #39], saying "you might want to check it out."

Kane does a quick search of the pile of stuff that had been striped from the recently deceased slavers, and finds three key rings with a variety of keys on them, then and asks Glast and Tedt to tend to the prisoners in the rooms where we found them [rooms #33, #32, #27], telling them to bring them down to the room that looked like a kitchen [room #14].

Once this is done, he goes up to the kitchen looking room [room #14], and sees if he can find something to feed the ex-slaves. There is a big pot of some stew type stuff cooking over the fire, appears to be some kind of meat and various vegetables in it. There is also a loaf of bread sitting in a pan inside a small spot part way in the fireplace (as if it was designed for specifically that purpose) even though it is a little dark and crusty (just beginning to get burnt from cooking too long).

Kane removes the bread from the oven, and then dishes out a few bowls of stew and sets them on the table, some trouble is encountered with matching up the keys to the locks and such, so the process is a very, very, slow, but process is slowly being made, then they slowly start to filter in. Tartuffe is now down helping with the rest trying to round up the newly released prisoners and rounding them up.

Tedt signals to Kane to come out on the balcony as the former slaves are eating, along with everyone else. Once the rest of the group is there, he looks at each of you and says, "Right, people, we are in command of a nice house. I LIKE it. It is not untenanted, though. What do we do with the slaves? I propose we at the least make certain that the poor bastards are well fed for a few days to build up some resistance, clothed and sent on their way with some silver on their pockets. Let�s check corpses and pool resources!"

Kane speaks to the others of the group, "I agree that we must help those we just rescued, but not with a handout. We will need help to run this place, while we have other things to do. I propose that we offer to hire them and let them build up their self respect until they decide to go their own way. We must also make sure that we get this place rebuilt, and up to perfect running order quickly. There are at least three slavers missing, and that can cause us trouble later.

For those who wish to leave, I suggest that we let them have what they want from the slaver's belongings, after we have had a chance to examine, and claim anything we would personally like. I figure that since we rescued them, we have first pick of their possessions, but I doubt that I might want anything, unless it was an unusual weapon of some sort."

Tedt replies to Kane, "Mischance may befall anyone, as we well know of that. Alas, few are as strong as we are. Give them the choice, a small handout- let us say 4-day's wages- and a good meal on their stomach, or they work for us. I will sleep comfortable anyway knowing that none is here that has not chosen to, and being constrained for lack of a few coins to start on the road is not what I call a choice".

As Kane walks back towards the room where the newly released people in it, he replies, "That sounds even better, but we will need the cash, so I propose that we do not tell them of our intention to give them a small amount should be enough to get them started."

Glastenfeld nods his head in agreement.

Kane then says before opening the door and entering, "But before we get too settled, this building isn't our just yet. To gain the ownership of it, we still need to finish with the loan shark, if you guys have not done that already. We will also need some more income, a steady one, so I think we need to find out if ownership of this building includes ownership of the shops along the

outside. If it does, then I suggest that we talk to some of the local shopkeepers and find out how much they have to pay, and then offer them a deal of about half price for one of the outside locations."

Tartuffe thinks back to to a time a couple of years ago when he had talked with a shop owner in this area in a tavern when in port, and he had told him of the fact that very few in the city even pay any rent for buildings due to the fact that so many buildings are empty and deserted. Often times the ownership of the empty buildings are unknown. Most shops that are presently located in buildings are either second generation or more that where able to stay in business after the Northerners took over the city (in which case they are the rightful owners of the building) or they are squatters, having taken possession of the empty building somewhat recently.

As all of you enter the room again where the former prisoners are sitting and eating the stew and partially burnt bread, you look around at the people in the room.

There are 5 men and 3 women sitting at the large table in two separate groups, whispering to each other as you walk in. They suddenly stop talking and all look nervous. Three of the men appear to be from the west, as do two of the women (all sitting at the end of the table nearest the hearth), the remainder appear to be of channel cities heritage.

One of the men from the west is very stocky and gruff looking 5'10", 240 pounds, medium brown hair and full beard. Another is tall and thin 6'4" 190 pounds with thin blond hair. Then there are two men that appear to be twins and from the channel cities region that are about average height and build. The last guy is 5'3" and weighs about 120 pounds, and has a very foreign look about him (from the distant west or some other little known part of the world).

The first woman is about 5'10", 140 pounds with light colored hair. The other two are about average height and average build at about 5'2" each and about 110 and 125 pounds respectively.

All the occupants of the room are dressed in shredded and worn out clothing that isn't even fit to be used as rags. Most seem scared except for the stocky man and one very thin and noble looking man and of course the strangest of the bunch, the elf, who is standing next to the hearth away from the rest. ["noble" as in dignified and not one to back down, not as in of noble birth]

Then there is the guy that was chained by himself in a room to the floor. He is a large elf, 6'8" 230 lbs. (very stocky for an elf), with a dark grey complexion (cross between a High Elf and a Drow Elf?), very long black hair, and grey piercing eyes almost like he would notices things that are beyond human capabilities. He is dishing up some more stew next to the fire then leans against the wall and arches his back as if stretching his muscles after having been bound to the floor by chains for so long.

Kane clears his throat to get the attention of the occupants (most of whom are already staring with intent and scared looks), then says in Argentum ("common" language of the channel cities), "The slavers are dead. My friends and I are now the owners of this building, and you are once again free to do what you like. I am offering you the following choices."

Kane pauses for a moment to gauge the response to try to determine if anyone can not understand him, a couple of the westerners do not, but others quickly translate for them.

"First off, you can go your own way, with no help from us, other than what you can carry from the possessions of the slaver, after my people have had first chance at anything. Or, we could hire you, as staff to help us maintain this building, and its grounds. We will pay modest salary, and provide rooms for you to sleep in. No bond deal or anything like that, just that we request a few days notice if you decide to leave, so that we may hire a replacement." He pauses again while the others translate as needed.

"You have no hurry to decide either way and may stay here, but until you do make a decision, you will also be expected to work for your keep. Helping us to repair, and clean this place up. Once you have finished eating, one of my men will show you to some dormitory rooms over on the far side of the building.

It is early evening by now, it is getting to be about dusk, thus the light is fading from the sky as the sun drops to the west behind the warehouses that line the shore of Martelain.

Kane also adds to his last statement, "One last item. While trying to decide what you want to, and while working around here to earn you keep, you will also be earning a small wage as well, not as good as if you decide to stay, but not too bad. Also, we must have a final decision on whether you want to stay or not within 5 days. We have to get this building repaired, and if you want to stay and help, then great, but otherwise we will have to hire others, and our funds are limited."

The stocky guy from the west says, "I got's expereience wit' stone an' tile work. I'd be happy ta' stay a while ta' help fix'er up a bit, as long as the coin is decent. Ma wife'll stay an' can cook an' clean also. We was travelin' ta' da cities, lookin' fer work, when we was attacked by these here madmen anyways."

Everyone else says they want to be on their way as soon as possible, except for the elf, he just smiles and says, "I don't have anyplace else to go."

Then there is a loud bang at the gate and a voice yelling, "Hey, open up. Let us in, Seleuchus. We have the wagon to haul them to the auction block like you wanted, and that crazed elf and bloodthirsty woman to sell to 'The Arena' in Argentum to throw to the animals."

Looking up at the Elf with no place to go Kane says, "I'll assume that you are the crazy elf they are talking about. We can have a nice quiet chat later, but for now we need to go let our "friend" <said with MUCH sarcasm> in."

Tedt smiles grimly. "You heard that. We're going to give them some pain, you people feel like taking some of your pains out on his skin?" He gets up, draws his short swords and starts heading towards the door. "We'll open the door and let him in, then you slam the door shut. I'll be hanging in there above the door and drop right behind him, then we all jump the bastard. You people in on it? Oh and let's make sure he sees nothing as he goes in which could arouse suspicion."

Kane turns to his companions and says, "Wait Tedt, we should keep him alive for questioning, or at least one if there are more than one of them. Let�s go let them in before our missing friend, Ali, tries her own brand of justice. I want this one alive long enough to at least question, if possible. I'll check the room with the murder holes before we open the gate, just in case she hasn't left yet."

The "crazy" elf smiles with a gleam in his eye.

Tedt and Kane immediately head out the door, with the "crazy" elf directly behind them. Once outside Tedt and Kane quickly make their way around the balcony to the room above the hallway between the inner and out gate. The elf jumps over the balcony railing as soon as he is outside, stumbling for a moment having not moved much in s along time, and grabs a broadsword off the pile that is setting in the middle of the courtyard and handles it for a moment, judging it's comfort and balance saying, "You will do, my friend." He then tries a couple of shields, selecting an old and worn leather one that "feels right". He then quickly makes his way over to the gate and stands to one side of it.

Tartuffe stands just inside of the door way to the room that the rest of the recently released prisoners are in with an arrow knocked and the bowstring drawn back, ready for action. Mantor quickly makes his way up to the balcony that the original mage was hiding at (with the intention of checking out the other rooms when this encounter is dealt with).

Kane looks down through the murder holes and sees two men sitting on the front of a wagon being drawn by two horses. Both are wearing leather armor and carrying broadswords. It is difficult to see much else though due to the darkness that is settling over the city as night falls.

Glastenfeld heads to the stairs and down and takes up a position on the other side of the gate from the elf with the broadsword, dressed only in a rag for a loincloth, and with an old leather shield as his only protection.

Kane comes back out and quietly says, "Let them in, slowly. And leave the wooden plank for barring the door where it is easily accessible from in the gateway." Then runs back inside the room over the entrance.

Tedt has his short swords ready and is ready to jump over the railing once the wagon enters.

Tartuffe takes aim at where he expects them to appear shortly, while trying to stay out of sight.

Glastenfeld sets his big hammer down for a moment as he pulls the heavy plank from the metal bands that hold the gate shut. Then grabs hold of the gate and starts to swing it open. The "crazy elf" (who's name is not known yet), steps back and readies himself behind his newly acquired shield and sword.

Mantor takes up a position on the third floor balcony out of sight, but ready to act if needed, as the wagon starts to enter the courtyard.

Glastenfeld sets the plank down right next to the door and quickly grabs his big hammer, trying to stay out of sight behind the eastern door, as the elf stays behind the western door.

The wagon enters as the guy driving says, "What the hell, Seluchus. Why did you kill all the prison..."

The other guy on the wagon says as he points to the pile of dead and naked bodies, "Those aren't the prisoners. That's Henry, and Gnedon, and.. Oh Shit! Lets get out of here!"

Kane drops from one of the murder holes in the ceiling and quickly grabs the plank and runs to the outer gate and closes it slapping the plank in place to cut off their retreat.

As the two guys on the wagon try to draw their swords, Tedt drops onto the back of the wagon behind them saying with a playful smile, "Surprise boys, you didn't get home in time for the excitement. But we'll let you in on the fun."

Immediately followed by Glastenfeld and the elf stepping out from either side of the gate doors, both with bloodthirsty grins on their battle hardened faces.

As the elf approaches, the driver swings at him from his advantageous height, but the elf uses the shield to deflect the blow and slams the guy in the chest with the edge of the shield with a "CRACK" of bones breaking as the guy drops his sword and looses his breath. Then the sword follows through and hits him in the upper arm, cutting half way through. The elf gets drenched in his victim�s blood as it spurts from his artery as his arm swings limp while he screams then

falls to the ground. Stunning moves from an obviously experienced warrior.

Glastenfeld swings with his hammer, but gets hit in the forearm with the sword taking a nasty cut, but follows through with his swing already in progress (but lacking some of the force that it would otherwise have had). The hammer hits him in the shoulder crushing it, the man drops screaming and holding his shoulder (needless to say the sword falls from his now useless arm).

Kane yells, "Don't kill them both!, We need information from them." He then realizes that the guy that is nearly missing his arm is on the verge of death due to blood loss. The other man is seriously wounded, but the wounds are not fatal (but are crippling).

Glastenfeld pulls back on his next blow when Kane yells, almost finishing the guy with the crushed shoulder off.

Tedt says, "Damn, you guys didn't even give me a chance to get in on the fun."

Tartuffe steps out realizing that the situation is well under control.

Mantor sees everything going well and walks back into the building to inspect the rooms up here (with the equipment that was probably of a magical nature, from Kane's description).

Kane says, "So we are only missing the one who went over the roof." By this time the horses have gotten nervous and have taken the now driver-less wagon into the barn and are getting themselves hung up in there from the sounds of wood crashing into more wood.

The one guy is now laying on the ground holding his shoulder screaming while the other guy lays limp in a large puddle of his own blood, with his arm barely attached. The elf looks down at him and lifts his loincloth to relieve himself on the poor and dying fool with a sigh.

Kane grabs the other guys crushed shoulder tightly and holds it while the guy lets out an even louder scream.

After letting the guy with the bad shoulder scream for a minute or two, says to him, "Now, you are going to come identify all these bodies and tell me who is missing, or would you like some more of our hospitality?"

Tedt comes over, winks at Kane when the prisoner is not looking, then bends a little to the side, puts a look of idiotic glee in his face, allows some spittle to dribble down the corners of his mouth and, speaking roughly and with some difficulty as if retarded, says: "Urh urh urh! Lookit a toy! Whooowhee a toy!! Can I play with him, can I, can I?" as he speaks he tosses his daggers in the air, showing his dexterity.

The man in pain gets an even more scared and nervous look on his face.

Meanwhile Tartuffe unstrings his bow and moves towards the other rooms. Once inside he pulls a dagger out and starts going over each room with a fine toothed comb.

Mantor goes back into the building on the third floor and inspects the rooms there carefully.

Tedt does a couple second's casual display of juggling skill with his daggers, then says "Ooh! Man no can speak! His tongue is twisted! Me thinks a little cut down the middle will help! Here boy, open mouth!" He then starts testing the edge muttering "<grumble mumble> needs sharpening <grumble mumble> a bit dirty <grumble> nicked <grumble>" then he smiles brightly, looks childishly cunning and says "They be good! It won't hurt a bit!"

"No, I... I'll ta... <grunts in pain>, I'll talk!"

Kane smiles evilly at the man, and whispers, "Good Choice. You may yet live to see the dawn."

Kane then grabs the man by his good arm, and leads him over to the pile of slaver bodies.

"I want to know the names of all of these men, and also I want to know who is missing, and his position in this operation. Then I wan you to tell me everything you know about how this operation works. Where do you get the slaves, who brings them to you, who you sell them to, everything of that nature. If you tell us the truth, and we like what we hear, then I'll get somebody to take a look at your arm, otherwise... <and Kane quickly reaches up and smacks the bad arm lightly, but enough o cause a good amount of pain>"

"Aahhhgg..."

As soon as the scream dies down, Kane says, "Now, start talking."

The man looks at the pile and says points out the people as he gives their names and positions:

"Higirew" Mage

"Seleuchus" Half-orc "leader"??

"Galid" second in command???

"Cord" one of the men that Mantor "did in" over the hallway

"Sean" one of the men that Mantor "did in" over the hallway

"Arnd" one of the men that Mantor "did in" over the hallway

"Meirlen" man Tedt got with dagger on the balcony

"Blandom" man Kane over did his scare tactics with (fried him)

"Horace" man that Ali killed before she disappeared

"Fred" man that killed Ben and was killed by Kane

"Horace" man killed by Ali after Kane freed her

"Stonagaer" man killed as he came up the stairs after Kane freed Ali

"Githar" man that had been on the wagon with him (crazy elf sliced and diced up)

"Remierez and Darval are missing. We get aarrgghh... the people from distant lands, they aarrgghh... are brought in by ship and we sell them to the highest bidder. I don't know who brings them ummff... to us, only that they are brought in occasionally. Some go to the Arena where they must fight for their lives against each other or against wild animals. Others are sold at the Auction Block in Argentum. Seleuchus, Higirew, and Galid handle aarrgghh... all the

dealings. The rest of us just got paid for k..ummff... keeping the prisoners in line and keeping others ummff... out of the building."

Tartuffe says, "There�s still the one on the roof that I had shot."

Turning to Tedt, "I will go up and get it down for him to identify. Keep him alive!"

Kane makes his way to the back of the courtyard, near the stable door and walks up the stairs then begins to climb up to the roof, from the second floor balcony.

The "Crazy Elf" looks down at the guy bleeding to death, with his nearly severed arm and smiles. Then, without a word, stomps down on his privates HARD! The guy's last dying breath is a scream of agonizing pain as he curls up nearly into a ball. The elf then looks at the other guy with a devilish grin, as he takes a step forward, broadsword in his right hand and shield in his left hand.

Tedt senses the other elf's intentions towards the prisoner and quickly considers his options.

Once on the rooftop, Kane heads for the peek, where the body is laying, and stands there for a moment, then picks up the body easily even though it is nearly twice his own size, he then turns and carries it to the edge and heaves it into the courtyard.

Tedt goes right next to the crazy elf and whispers "Leave it for later, man! We need him alive for now!"

The elf smiles and nods his head in agreement, as if obeying Tedt's request. Then before Tedt can react, he brings the sword up and lunges at the remaining guy, full force. As the guy drops to the ground, trying to avoid the blow and not having use of his crushed shoulder, the point of the broadsword drives right into his left eye and out the back side of his skull. The crazy elf yanks the sword from the man's skull as the body falls to the ground, dead before even hitting.

Meanwhile, Kane takes a moment to prepare, and then takes a slight leap off the roof to avoid the balcony below. He lands as if taking a jump off the back of a low wagon, rather than from the edge of a roof, 30 feet up. Landing as the now dead prisoner hits the ground.

Tedt slaps his forehead in despair. "That'll teach me!" he exclaims, then turns to face the crazy elf face on (he is fully attentive against an attack, ready to parry) "Ok, smiles, you just look into my eyes and tell me just what's going on that head of yours! You don't understand the spoken word, that the problem?"

The crazy elf just smiles with a sly grin.

Kane stands for a second as fury screams through him. He then releases a chi bolt at the crazy elf as he screams, "I wanted him alive!!"

At the scream from Kane, the "crazy elf" turns and brings his shield around, but it provides little protection, as a portion of the energy conducts through the shield into his body. He staggers back and falls to the ground unable to react to the unexpected attack and stunned by the shock of the attack.

Kane then races over to the prone elf sitting on the ground, stunned, and pummels him across the head. He then grabs the elf in a hold that is not easy to get out of, pinning him to the ground. Tedt moves closer, ready to help Kane at any offensive move from the "crazy elf".

Meanwhile Tartuffe and Mantor are doing a more thorough search of the building.

Tedt says, "Kane, I think this boy is stark crazy, or he can't pick up our lingo, or both. You heard him speak yet?" then he looks back at the crazy elf. "Ok chummer, talk to me right now."

The "crazy elf tries to wriggle himself around to get loose from Kane�s hold or at least change position a little, but is unable to, despite being nearly twice Kane�s height. The crazy elf notices that this little and very old looking guy on top of him feels like he weighs a lot more than someone his size should.

Kane is somewhat impressed with the "crazy elf's" knowledge of martial arts holds and how to get out of them, but not enough to be worried due to his knowledge being far less extensive than Kane's own abilities.

Kane tilts his head in thought for a second, and then says, "Tedt, I just had a thought. Check to see if this guy even has a tongue. The slavers could have cut it out, and maybe that is why he doesn't speak"

Tedt smiles and takes s step closer.

Kane then says to his captive in Elvish, "If you can speak, you had better do so now. If you cannot speak, then show us by opening your mouth to inspection."

About this time, Kane feels his leg that is against and part way under the "crazy elf" get warm and wet, as the crazy elf smiles at him, still trying to get loose from his hold. The smell of the "crazy elf" having "relieved himself" is prevalent in the air (as if he didn't already smell bad enough, now he stinks even worse, as does Kane now).

Kane tightens his grip, and maneuvers until he can shoot a small chi bolt directly in front of the Elf's face. A small puff of dust comes off the cobblestones from the bolt of energy. Once he has done this, he speaks in elvish, low and menacingly. "You have angered me, and few have ever been able to do that. I, alone, killed the leader of this band who held you captive. I killed another in the same manner, by misjudging how much punishment he could take. By Simdar, you will cease and desist these struggles or by the power Simdar, I shall fry you like I fried them."

About this time, Tartuffe drops a blanket with the corners tied in a knot to the ground from the balcony above. It lands with a clank of loose metal and other heavy items. He then goes into the next apartment to search the second and third floors of that section of the building.

Most of the remaining rooms in the building are empty except for the remains of garbage and some minor weapons and coinage as well as bedrolls and personal clothing and such of the slavers.

Tartuffe then goes back to the "smithy" room [room #6] since it is the only one containing anything else of note and searches it extensively. It contains the remains of a bellows operated by a foot pedal with the mechanism now in serious disrepair. There are an assortment of blacksmiths tools, including an anvil, hammers, tongs, pokers, shapers, etc. and two empty wooden barrels. The hearth is very large and constructed of cut stone. It appears to be very well constructed and has not deteriorated too bad yet. It has two separate fireplaces of large size, and while inspecting it, Tartuffe notices a piece of metal protruding from the stone next to the wall, almost unnoticeable. After inspecting it and determining that it looks safe, he pulls it down slightly and hears click behind the stone as a small section of the stone wall of the chimney

moves slightly, revealing a narrow and dark stairway leading down...

"Kane, this fella is a major hard-ass problem!" says Tedt. "If he's been rendered mad, it is not his fault and we must neutralize him in a way he is not hurt. If he's playing difficult he's got some dues to pays. Any suggestion how we check this out?"

Kane smiles to Tedt and says in elvish, "You have until I am finished counting, or you are dead. Twenty... Nineteen... Eighteen..."

Tartuffe walks to the courtyard and loudly says "I found a hidden passage, I would love some company exploring it."

Kane looks over to Tartuffe and continues counting as he sees Tartuffe looking around for something, "Seventeen... Sixteen..."

Tartuffe grabs a couple of scraps of clothing that had come from the now dead slavers and then walks back in and looks for something to use as a torch since the narrow stairway is dark.

"Fifteen... Fourteen... Thirteen..."

Tartuffe picks up a three-legged stool that is sitting in the corner of the smithy and smashes it on the floor, taking one leg and wrapping the cloth around it.

Glastenfeld picks up one of the other legs and follows Tartuffe, repeating each step, creating a second torch.

"Twelve... Eleven... Ten..."

Tartuffe then walks back out to the puddles of thick oil in the hallway between the outer and inner gates and completely covers the cloth with the oil.

Tartuffe smiles at Glastenfeld and says, "Glad someone found adventuring more interesting than 'spooning' another man." He then lights the torch, draws his cutlass, and starts down the stairs.

Glastenfeld lights his torch and follows with his hammer in one hand and the torch in the other.

"Nine... Eight... Seven..."

Tartuffe walks down the narrow steps, followed by Glastenfeld. The seventh step down crumbles under his feet. He slips and slides down the remaining 11 stairs, taking several minor bruises to his legs and back. Tartuffe is nearly overwhelmed by the wretched stench of sewer. Glastenfeld skips the crumbling step and walks more carefully down the 18 steps to the floor of a small room (15 ft. long and 10 ft. wide, with an 8 ft. ceiling with a small doorway leading towards the back of the building).

Meanwhile, Kane continues counting down, waiting for the 'crazy elf' to speak, "Six... Five... Four... Three... Two..."

Mantor walks out onto the second floor balcony to see what is going on while he was investigating the spell casters quarters.

"One!" Kane looks at Tedt, and says "Kill him." and then looses a Chi Bolt into the crazy elf as he throws him to the ground as Tedt takes a step closer. The bolt goes directly into the elf's weapon arm as the smell of burnt flesh permeates the air. The elf looks at his forearm and blows on the wound as if it was scratched. He then smiles and lets out a small laugh as he twists his body slightly to avoid the dagger that Tedt just threw.

The crazy elf speaks <<insert dramatic pause as the audience gasps!>> "I've been through hell and back, and you'll have to do better than that, if you truly intend to kill me."

Meanwhile...

Tartuffe brushes off the dust and straightens his clothing, regaining his composure, mumbling, "So much for stealth..."

Glastenfeld chuckles, "Shit happens, man."

He picks up the torch and cutlass and starts to examine the door for possible traps. After examining the door, and seeing no sign of any possible trap, he nods to Glastenfeld and opens the door.

Behind the door is a narrow hallway. The light from the torches barely lights to the other end about 20 feet away, and opens into another room, with a much stronger sewer smell coming from the hallway.

"Ok, it worked, Kane!" exclaims Tedt, keeping his guard up. "Speak up, sirrah. What the purpose of that jest?"

Kane speaks slowly and distinctly, "You have disobeyed my orders about keeping slavers alive for questioning, not once but twice. You have relieved yourself on me in an attempt to break free after I captured you for killing that injured slaver. I have done nothing but treat you with the respect you were due from the time we freed you until did this. You now say that you have been through hell and back...HAH! You have no idea what hell is. Do you think I was born this size? My mother was an Elf from the Red River area and my father was a human bandit. My

size is the result of a twisted ritual, disrupted by the gods performed by the village elders to slay those bandits after they killed the Elder's son. I spent over a week in unending agony as my body shrank and twisted to the way it is now.

I am as dedicated to destroying magic users who misuse their powers as you are most likely to be in wanting to kill slavers. Well, if you want to live and be able to kill MORE slavers, then I suggest that you give me a damn good reason to let you live, and I do mean right now."

Meanwhile Tedt is moving to stay in a position so that the elf is always between him and Kane, and keeping his daggers (one recently drawn to make up for the one that was just thrown moments ago and is laying on the ground behind Kane) ready for any surprises.

The Crazy elf smiles and says nothing. He stands in a defensive posture, not making any offensive moves, waiting to see if the other two elves make a move first.

Kane sighs and shakes his head slightly, "I have given you every opportunity I can to live, but you refuse to take them..."

The crazy elf puts his hands up with his palms facing out as if surrendering and says, "They stole me." Then after a short delay he adds with a disheartened look in his eyes, "And at least you are still you, even if you are the only one who knows it."

Mantor continues to speak in a quiet voice and make gestures with his hands up on the balcony as if preparing for something, while Tedt stands ready to strike.

Kane says, "Your problems are much deeper than I thought. I once felt like you do, and I didn't even have the release of revenge, as the village elders who did this to me were killed by the same bolt of lightening which disrupted the ritual.

If you will allow me to take you on as my pupil, I can increase your natural talents in the Martial Arts as well as teach you other things you will need to know in order to survive anyplace, including as a slave once again. For someday, if you go after slavers, you will eventually end up back in their possession. With my aid, not only will you be able to survive it, but also beat them by not allowing them the satisfaction of disturbing your peace of mind.

Unfortunately, if you refuse, you are very liable to end up dead very shortly, as you will most certainly leave here and anger the wrong person."

"You may take your time in choosing, but while here with us, you WILL follow my orders, as if I were already your teacher. Stress on Teacher, never on Master, as I am sure that you do not like that term. Failure to follow those orders will result in your immediate expulsion from our group, and in your death should you ever turn against us. Do I make myself clear?"

The 'crazy elf' speaks again, "You speak very highly of yourself, what other than wrestling do you offer me? You sound interested in going after some of these slavers and for that alone I am willing to join you. But know that for as long as I am still me, killing them is my goal. And I see no uniform or rank, so what are the basis for your orders?" While saying this, his tone and stance become vary casual and he seems to be looking around at the courtyard and his surroundings in general, for the first time since being released from the chains.

Kane replies, "I can teach you many things, though very little of them will be about using weapons. I have skill in many areas. If you prove worthy, and able, I may even be able to teach you this", and at this point, Kane holds his hand out to the side and releases a Chi Bolt into the ground near the elf. The elf sees a bolt of energy emanate from the short wrinkled and leathery looking guys hand and hits the ground producing a puff of dust and a strange chard smell.

"As to giving orders and such, we are a fellowship, bound by the tribulations we faced while winning our own way free of slavery, not so long ago. The commands I give to my friends are few, but they follow out of respect for my abilities and my experiences in the world. If you decide to accept my offer, you would not be joining us as an equal, at least not at first.

You would be my student, and once you have proved yourself capable, and stable of mind once again, then you will be treated as an equal."

"Slavers are evil, and yes we will be working to destroy them, but our first and foremost priority is to destroy an evil cult which is planning on bringing its evil god to this world, which will destroy all of us. Once this is done, then we plan on hitting the slavers more decisively, as well as a few others who do not deserve to live among decent folk."

"I ask you once again, will you become my student and join us, or are you going to leave, with the same deal that we offered the other prisoners we freed?"

About this time, Tartuffe and Glastenfeld walk out into the courtyard struggling to carry a very large wooden chest or box that is intricately carved. They are grunting and groaning from the weight of it and set it down as soon as they are out in the courtyard. [[it had just barely fit through the narrow stairway ]]

At the mention of the "Dark God" his eyes squint and his stance wavers and his hand reaches out to steady himself. "Yea, I'll join you. As far as my mental health is concerned I foresee no problems.... Dear Simdar, what in the pale is in that?!" pointing at the chest.

Tartuffe sits his end of the chest down and says, "We found it down in the sewers. Glastenfeld and I could no make heads nor tails out of it. Anybody got any ideas?"

While all this is occurring, and he is sure that the crazy elf is no longer an immediate danger, Mantor walks around the balcony to the stairs and comes down to the courtyard to join the rest of the group.

Kane gestures for the elf to follow him as he walks towards the chest that Tartuffe and Glastenfeld just set down, while asking, "What is your name, anyhow?"

The crazy elf gets a puzzled look on his face and kinda backs away from Kane. Looking around the courtyard as if searching for something. Then looks back at the chest and silently mouths Tartuffe's words, `can no make heads or tails out of it, anyone have any ideas?` as if completely lost as to what is going on around him, almost as if he were dazed and confused. He then stands up and follows Kane, several steps behind.

As they get over to Glastenfeld, and Tartuffe, Kane speaks to Tartuffe, "I have an idea of what it may be. Did your tunnel lead into the main sewers, or some sort of private sewer? Also, how well disguised is that door from the other side? If our late friends here knew of that door, and if this belonged to them, then there is a good chance that the one who got away might bring back friends some night while we are sleeping. I really would not like to find a knife at any of our throat's some morning, it has a way of just spoiling the day.

Tedt, our new will stick with me for a while, could you please go check on the door these guys found, and see how secure it might be from the other side?

Now, back to your find. Let�s have a closer look at it, I would hate to let you open it, only to have it throw something out at us. Our new friend here is joining our merry little band as my student for the time being, and if he does well, he gets promoted to full team membership. I think it might be a good idea to help us assess his abilities, by letting him examine it first, reporting what he finds, and then letting you, Tartuffe have a crack at it to see if he missed anything. Even though I worry little about traps, I would not like you guys to be hurt by one.

Once you have both gone over it, then we can see about opening it, Tedt should be back by then. By the way, was it very heavy?"

Glastenfeld answers, "Yer damned right it was heavy, but there ain't nothin' in it, we already looked. After Tartuffe looked it over real good to be sure it was safe, of course. It's the strangest thing!" He then turns the handle and opens it, pointing to the mechanism, "It has no locking mechanism on the latch, but yet has a handle on the inside to open the latch, as well as on the outside. And it's lined with a thick layer of light purple felt."

[[The chest is about 5 feet long (1.5 meters), 2 feet wide (0.6 meters), and 3 feet deep (0.9 meters). It is made from dark colored hardwood and is of excellent quality workmanship with carvings all over the outside of it. The hardware and handles are made of bronze, which is slightly tarnished but not in too bad of shape. ]]

[[[What time of day is it?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?]]]

[[Early evening, it is just getting dark, as a matter of fact with the discussion that is currently going on between the characters, it seems to be getting to the point where it is almost difficult to see (as a matter of fact, for Tartuffe and Mantor it is getting very difficult to see, the rest of the group can see some yet, due to having sensitive eyes). <Insert evil and ominous GM laugh here! >]]

The crazy elf says, "The slavers would ridicule me with the name Jon-do, for what ever reason. The chest looks more like a coffin for a smaller race, then a storage unit. Other than the handle on the inside. Maybe for someone who likes to sleep like the dead? Do these slavers have any connection with that dark god of any kind?"

Kane immediately collects a handful of dirt from the crevices of the cobblestone courtyard and toss it in the open casket, then leans over peering in intently. He then reaches in, and grabs the felt, ripping it out of the coffin. It comes out easily to reveal bare (and aged) wood.

"Tedt! Do NOT go down into the sewer. Matter of fact, go block off that door from this side!

Either this is currently unused, or its occupant has more than a single hidey-hole here in the five cities, or he has already gone walk-about for the evening."

"Glastenfeld, can you please check over our new friend here, to see if he has been tainted by an evil force, most likely a vampire. I remember tales about how those who have been bitten can act a little strange, and it fits with something he said earlier."

The crazy elf looks puzzled, "Hu?"

Glastenfeld replies, "I would have thought the same thing, but the carvings are not what one would expect from a vampire's sanctum. I have dealt with them before, and this is not of them. I could sense the faint presence of the Essence upon it, but it is not of an origin that would suggest such a use. If you look at the carvings, they are of things such as trees and wild creatures. I am at a complete loss."

Mantor looks at the chest "I have found nothing in the rest of the house, but I think it's safe... I'll give a look to this chest." Mantor walks over to the chest that everyone is discussing and looks it over, inspecting the carvings on each side of it slowly and carefully.

Meanwhile Tartuffe heads for the stairs and up then across to the west side of the balcony [[ going to room #11 ]]

Kane says, "An Elven Vampire? Hmmm.... I don't know either, but I do not want to take any chances where the undead are concerned. But before we dismiss this all together, you did mention that it was extremely heavy, even though it is empty...."

Glastenfeld replies, "yeah, it seemed heavier than it should have been for it's size, although it is pretty big, and being empty."

Mantor runs his hand along the wood and says, "It is a dense wood. It comes from the Southern Continent, I remember reading about it once long ago. It is sometimes used for things that need to have a high resistance to rotting, or anything that you want to last a really long time. I don't remember ever coming into contact with any information about a chest like this though."

Everyone watches intently as Mantor continues to look it over.

After a moment, Tartuffe returns with three torches, ducking into the "kitchen" [[room #14]], to light them in the fireplace. He then comes down and hands torches to anyone that wants one, and keeping one himself.

[[How much space is there between the bottom of the inside, and the bottom of the outside of this 'box'?]] [[The bottom only appears to be about 4 inches thick.]]

Mantor then focuses on the chest as if concentrating. [[Power Perception]]

He says, while still concentrating, "It is imbued with the power of Essence, as Glastenfeld has said." He then places his hands on it and closes his eyes. [[Attunement]] "It has a matching chest, somewhere... I think. They are linked in some way, but what I can not tell."

The crazy elf walks over closer and looks inside then says, "Looks like it was intended to sit in, for comfort anyway." He then climbs in and sits down. "Not bad. You paranoid people need to calm down."

The elf looks at everyone looking at him and grabs the handle and slams the lid with himself still inside of the chest. The latch clicks when the lid closes.

Kane just shakes his head, and then starts to flip the chest over, "Glast give me a hand with this will you, I want to see why this thing has a four inch thick bottom. From what Mantor said, this thing could be some sort of teleportational device, and if it is I think that dismantling it might be the best solution. We might even get a nice price for the wood by itself."

Glastenfeld replies, "I can't with a good conciseness help rip this thing apart. With the weight of it, the 4-inch thick bottom is probably just a thick bottom. Besides, it might prove useful if it can be used to transport people to other places as you suggest. Besides if you want to sell it, it would be a whole lot more valuable intact than torn apart. While I can understand your lack of interest in the elf, since he was a pain in the ass, I am curious as to if it did transport him somewhere."

Glastenfeld bangs on the side and says, "You in there?"

There is no answer�

Mantor looks at Kane as if he is crazy and says, "You can't destroy something of this nature. It could have serious repercussions that could destroy us all. Remember your story of what happened to you? Interfering with magical forces can be very dangerous, you of all people, should understand that. And Glastenfeld has a good point, it could be useful if we can learn how to use it properly, if that is in fact its purpose."

Kane says, "Just want to point out a few things, guys. Number 1, I would never use this damned thing, even if it could be useful. Secondly, it is made in the form of a coffin, so my guess is that it belongs to some vampire. Next, If it is some sort of telelportational device, then it is most likely tied to another coffin, again in the possession of a vampire."

Glastenfeld cuts Kane off and says, "I'm telling you, it's not a coffin. If it was and there was even a remote chance that it teleports people to a vampire, I would have gotten into it before Tartuffe and I ever brought it out of the sewers. You must remember, I have dedicated my life to hunting these creatures. I have seen coffins of every shape and burial chambers of every imaginable design, and I have never seen anything quite like this. If it was associated with any type of undead, I would have known right away. But it isn't. If you would like to destroy it for the sake of it being magical, since you do not approve of such things, I can respect that, even

though I don't agree with it. But I am at least curious where it leads to if it does magically move people from one place to another."

Kane then continues, "But there is also, the tales of that assassin, the Scorpion and no idea of how he gets into or out of the city. This fits right in with it, as well as the other tales about him.

As to selling it whole, and as is, that seems less possible than you might think, especially since I have already torn out the lining (and Kane points to the felt on the ground where he dropped it).

If you do not want to help me take it apart, then I suggest that we fill it with rocks, and then weight it down on the outside with more rocks and then sink it in the bay, after making sure it cannot be opened from the inside, by sealing it from the outside. Otherwise, I am going to take it apart, so that nothing can come through it and surprise us.

Magic or no magic, this thing is more dangerous, precisely because we do not know where the other end is, or if there is more than one exit, nor how to control it if there is.

Glastenfeld says, "You are right, we don't know where the other end is, but I want to know." He then opens it, to reveal the padded purple felt, untorn and undamaged, despite there being the piece of felt that Kane had ripped out of the interior only a couple of minutes earlier. He looks at it with puzzlement, then climbs in and starts to lay down in a position such that he can get up and be ready for combat quickly."

Kane says, "Another point to remember Glast, is that that stupid elf went through, which means that whoever is on the other end knows this one has been found, and he will most likely be able to make the elf talk. A friend of mine once long ago, told me that one of the surest ways to prevent an object from being scried upon is to make sure it no longer resembles the original form.

Well, any other comments or suggestions as to what to do with this thing?"

Glastenfeld says, "I don't think that elf would be able to tell whoever may be on the other end too much about us, I think he's missing half his mind anyway. Yeah, if I don't come back within a reasonable amount of time, say about a half hour, go ahead and throw it in the bay." And he starts to close the lid.

Kane replies, "Fine then, risk your life on some stupid, and dangerous piece of magic. I do sincerely hope that I'll see you again. Instead of just standing around here twiddling our thumbs, I am gonna go on over to visit that loan shark that we still have to take care of.

Anybody care to come with me?"

Glastenfeld closes the lid.

After a moment Tartuffe looks at everyone else to see if they are going to open the chest. When no one does, Tartuffe opens it. It's empty except for the remains of the ripped up purple felt from when Kane ripped most of it out.

Kane starts to walk towards the double doors that lead to the street.

Mantor says, "We cannot leave them alone, especially Glastenfeld who helped and cured me, and not only me, when I was in need." He then pulls a piece of parchment out of one of the pockets in his robe, as well as a small traveling bottle of ink and a quill pen and quickly writes something on it and sticks it in the chest then closes the lid.

Kane continues to walk towards the gate. When he gets there he lifts the large chunk of wood from the iron brackets that together bar the door from the inside. He then swings one of the doors open and starts to walk down the hallway to the outer gate.

Mantor waits a few moments then re-opens the chest, to find it empty and the felt lining in perfect shape again. No indication as to what is going on at the other end of where-ever the chest takes people.

The outer gate is already open and Kane walks out into the dark city streets.

After a prolonged yawn, Tartuffe shrugs and heads for the stairs at the back of the courtyard.

Mantor looks at Kane as he disappears around the corner looking sad he then says, just before Tartuffe reaches the stairs, "Tartuffe could you go after Kane and ask him to stay? Even if he doesn't want to use this blasted box he can stay here for a moment till we know what is going on with it."

Mantor wait a few seconds and close again the box, and waits.

With a longing glance towards the stairs, which lead to the beds, Tartuffe turns and heads for the door in search of Kane.

By the time Tartuffe gets out into the street, Kane is already out of sight around the next corner. Tartuffe walks quickly to try to catch him.

When Tartuffe finally catches up to him, he repeats Mantor�s plea to wait a little while to see if Glastenfeld is okay, before going after the moneylender.

Kane turns to Tartuffe and says, "If you all wish to pursue your death�s with that box, then I will not stop you, but neither will I aid you. I will go take care of the moneylender, fulfilling our agreement with the merchant. If you care to help, then come along, if not return to our new base, and I will be back once I have finished with my task."

Kane then turns, and continues to "limp" towards the moneylender's place.

Tedt then catches up as well, after having collected his weapons from the previous fight in the courtyard. He asks Kane, "So do you have a plan and is the limp a part of it?"

******************

Meanwhile, Mantor opens the chest and it is still empty, then it suddenly slams shut, yanking him over a little as it closes on it's own.

He jumps back, preparing for the worst.

The chest lid opens again, and Glastenfeld starts to climb out, saying, "I don't know exactly where it goes, but it's still daylight and raining very heavy. There is an exact copy of the chest sitting in an empty room in some large stone fortress of some type. It appears that something happened, like an uprising or a mass assassination. We found two bodies that had been brutally murdered while they slept.

The place appears to be deserted, or at least that portion of the structure is uninhabited. The elf is going to look around. But I figured I better get back here and help out with the more pressing issue at hand. I just wanted to check out the situation on the other end so we weren't surprised by anything unexpected coming through that thing."

Kane answers Tedt's question, "Yes, now just drop back and cover me from a short distance. If he sees me coming with a group, this will have less chance of working."

Tartuffe replies, "The only thing I wish to pursue is a soft bed. It is late and the moneylender can wait till morn' for your report. It has been a long and busy day. Let us return to our new home and retire for the evening. We also shouldn't leave our friends alone with that box. Who knows what type of critters may come poppin' out of the box."

Kane replies, "Because you ask so nicely, I will return with you, but I doubt that I will sleep much, so long as that damned box is present in our future home. For remember, that building is not ours until we take care of this loan shark. I shall take first watch on guarding us against that box and other intruders, after I have cleaned myself up. One of you others shall need to relieve me at some point in the night."

Kane then turns back and "looses" the limp. The three of you walk back to the newly acquired building.

Meanwhile...

Glastenfeld says to Mantor, "I doubt that the elf will be returning, so maybe we should block the chest open some how. If someone closes one of them the other will slam shut on it's own if not already shut. Both of the chests must have to be shut to allow the teleportation to take place. So if we block it open, so this one can't shut, then nothing should be able to sneak back though it from the other side."

Glastenfeld then goes up to the second floor and goes around to the west side of the balcony and enters one of the rooms [[ Room #11 <http://aernth.gamingoutpost.com/Apartbldg.shtml>]]. A few moments later he walks out carrying a couple pieces of wood that look like they where ripped from the sides of a large crate. He brings them down and props them up inside the chest in such a way as to block the lid from closing all the way. He tests it to be sure that it is going to block the lid. Then says, "As long as it doesn't slam so hard that it breaks the wood, we should be all set."

About this time, Tartuffe, Tedt, and Kane re-enter the gate into the courtyard.

By this time, the only light is what little starlight can be seen through the thin layer of clouds, and the two torches that Glast and Tartuffe had placed in two of the many sconces [[torch holders; not sure if that is the correct spelling]] that line the walls of the courtyard about every twenty feet (6 meters).

Kane closes the gate behind them and then bars it shut. He then walks over to the chest, and asks, "Why is this propped open?"

Glastenfeld responds, "When I went through the chest, the crazy elf said that it slammed shut on it's own right before I climbed out, so I suspect that when someone on the other end closes the chest, that the other chest also closes so that it can work it's power."

Upon getting an answer, he then asks, "Wouldn't it also work to just chain the damned thing shut? Maybe add a few nails as well?" Looking around at the others, he asks, "Have any of you spotted any chains that we might use to keep this thing shut? I think we have a better chance of doing that than in attempting to keep it open. Though, I think the bottom of the bay would do even better."

Glastenfeld says, "Yes, it would, but by doing it this way, we will be alerted if someone, like the crazy elf, tries to come back through. Then we can easily assemble and then if we choose to, kick the boards out of the way and allow it to open with us ready for whatever comes through, with weapons ready if need be."

Kane says, "In either case, I will take first watch on this thing. Somebody should come relieve me about half way through the night."

Kane then goes over to the wall to a point where he can sit in the shadows, and still see the chest, the door to the smithy, and the gate to the street, while still being able to see as much of the compound as possible. Once he has found his spot in the north west corner, he then starts to hum a strange sound as his body relaxes and his eyes seem to glaze over as if in a trance of some type, but with his head turning from side to side every few seconds, as if looking around occasionally while in a trance.

Glastenfeld says, "That's a good idea. I'll also help with the first watch, by leaving it open but barricaded, it might be better to keep two people up, and then I can come and wake up two of you later to relieve us. I'll be up on one of the balconies with my crossbow ready Kane, probably the opposite corner of the building. Who want's me to wake them for the second shift of the watch?"

Glastenfeld heads up the stairs to the balcony that runs around the courtyard on the second level, then walks around to the other side and goes through the door oposite the steps [into room #11]. After a minute or two he comes out onto the balcony on the third floor [#23] and sits down with his back against the wall and his crossbow ready.

Mantor heads back up to the opposite door from the one Glastenfeld entered [into room #15], then heads up to the third level to sleep [room #37].

Tartuffe and Tedt each use a hammock [room #11] to get some sleep.

Meanwhile Kane sits, in a trance, across from the chest that is blocked open.

The first half of the night passes uneventful, and after a while Glastenfeld goes and wakes Tedt and Tartuffe, since he knows that Mantor needs to rest due to his injuries the evening before.

Glastenfeld then tries to get some sleep in the remaining hammock in the same room that Tedt and Tartuffe where sleeping in. Kane finds a private room [???] and piles a couple of blankets on one another to get some rest on.

The second half of the night also goes uneventful. No disturbances at the gate nor from the mysterious chest.

That morning, as the sun is coming up, one of the former slaves has lit a fire in the "kitchen" [room #13], and is frying eggs and ham over the fire as a fresh loaf of bread is starting to cool off [there is a little bit of food in the cupboards of this room, but not much].

While everyone else enjoys their breakfast in the designated kitchen area [room #13], Kane jogs around the second level balcony after performing several stretching exercises.

After a while, as everyone else is finishing up, Kane then joins them for breakfast.

While Kane eats his breakfast everyone else goes about their business. The stone mason that had been a slave of the former occupiers of the building looks over the structure of the building as well as the damage to the roof over the apartment and the stables to see what will be needed to make the necessary repairs. His wife, who had prepared the breakfast organizes and cleans the "kitchen" area as well as taking a mental inventory of the various goods (food, linens, furniture, cooking utensils, etc.) that are in the building.

Tartuffe lounges around taking it easy and enjoying his new surroundings, thinking about which of the 4 lower and 6 upper apartments he would like to claim as his own quarters.

Meanwhile Glastenfeld borrows a piece of parchment from Mantor as well as a quill pen and his portable ink supply. He works on a diagram of the interior of the moneylenders building.

Mantor arranges the living quarters of the former slaver-mage to suit his personal taste.

Tedt is also going room to room looking over the contents and layout of the entire building as well. Also thinking about which apartment will suit his personal needs the best before moving his belongings from the previous inn.

When Kane is done he walks out on the balcony and calls for everyone's attention. When he has it he says, "We should meet and make plans for our next mission. Glastenfeld is preparing a drawing of the layout of the moneylenders building, or at least as much of it as he has seen."

Everyone meets in the kitchen area [[room #14 NOTE: I had stated in a previous message that the kitchen area was room #13, after looking over the older messages, it is room #14]].

Glastenfeld says, "I think it might be a good idea to let the people that we freed that are going to be staying here and helping out with the place have the rooms in this apartment [[room numbers 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, & 35]], and that we designate this as our common kitchen area [[#14]]. That leaves 5 other apartments in the building, one for each of us. I assume that Mantor should probably claim the previous mage's quarters [[room numbers 15, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40]] since he can make better use of the contents of those rooms. But that is up to you Mantor. Two of the remaining apartments have large single rooms on the upper floors, while the remaining

two are divided into several smaller rooms."

The recently freed stonemason says, "I can have the roof and the floors of the corner apartment that was damaged by fire repaired in a few days, if you are going to cover the costs of the materials."

Glastenfeld says, "I suppose we should probably worry about taking care of the moneylender first. Here is a diagram of the building, or at least as much of it as I could see when I went in." He spreads out the parchment that he sketched the floor plans on.

Kane says, "Hmmm.... I am thinking that the direct way might be best. What is in this shop of his?"

Glastenfeld replies, "There is a large desk in the moneylenders office and a smaller one out in the waiting room. A large bench is also there, as is a small chair in the corner with a guard sitting on it. I suspect from the sounds that there might be another guard behind the door in the corner, or at least there was someone behind it."

Kane continues, "Any way that the majority of our group could be inside for some reason when things go all to hell as I am sure they will?"

Glastenfeld smiles and says, "You know it will, but I'm not sure how to get all of us in there at one time."

Kane gives it a few seconds of thought, and then shudders. "One way would be for several of you to enter invisibly, from spells cast by Mantor. Of course, my own aversion to magic (Kane is visibly controlling himself at this point), prevents me from allowing it for myself, so I will enter in a straightforward manner, ask to see the loan shark. Does anybody know his name? And once he is where I can reach him, I will attack. The one important thing to remember while you are invisible is to NOT <and stress NOT> get between me and the loan-shark at any time.

As my back is most likely to be towards at least one of the guards, I'll need somebody to watch my back, so that I don't need to worry about him.

Some drab clothing, what I am wearing will do most likely," (as he looks at his battle stained, and dirty clothing), "a limp, and a quavery voice ought to put him off his guard slightly, especially since I do not look very menacing. The only weapon I will wear is a belt knife, as an old man, I should be too feeble to wield anything else."

"Comments? Suggestions? Oh, one last thing, I think that we should do something with that chest prior to us taking care of this, as I don't want to leave it here unguarded while we are gone."

Mantor clears his throat to signify he wishes to speak: "There is virtue in you words, my friend." He begins, bowing slightly his head towards Kane. "But we might need some more information on the place before striding head first into whatever knows... Please, listen to me in how my ...less than mundane skills might help us all in this venture".

He ticks his fingers while speaking: "First we might gather some more intelligence about the place: I might be able, if you think it useful, to have a best look at the upper story. Without notice from the casual observer, of course."

He ticks a second one: "We can also find another way to enter the place, even at night if needed. Some of us might enter the upper level without any trace...."

He looks then at his partners: "I can develop if you wish, just let me know what you think of the idea. Nevertheless, I agree that we must also have a look at the chest. It is just a choice of priorities..."

Glastenfeld responds, "The more we know about the layout of the building the better off we'll be. Unfortunately I was only able to see two rooms. Another thing to consider is that he has a couple less guards than he had, after we dealt with the ones that were following me. On the other hand, since they never returned, he is probably going to be suspicious for the next couple of days, especially if I am seen.

Kane stands thoughtful for a moment, and then says, "Okay, Mantor, you and Tedt get to have a look-see tonight, so make sure you get plenty of rest."

A wise suggestion, though some nice, relaxing "observations" might also be in order, Tedt thought, smiling.

Kane continues, "The same goes for everybody else as well. While we won't be going in, I would feel much better if we were nearby should trouble develop. This means that if you two are discovered, yell your bloody heads off so that the cavalry can come to the rescue."

Tedt replies, "That we can do. Let's hope it doesn't come to that. We should also come up with one or two less... noticeable... signals for less drastic but important events."

"Meanwhile, the rest of us will acquire some chain and some padlocks. We do not want anything to appear out of this chest while we are gone. Personally, I am still for chucking it into the bay, but you guys all want to play with it some more."

Tedt shuddered at his friend's unfortunate choice of words. Play? Hardly. Carefully investigate, maybe. Knowledge is power, and should not be carelessly discarded. Besides, we don't know what throwing it into the bay would do!

"It is also important to remember that we have a time limit on dealing with the loan shark, since the note on this building is shortly due, and our employer won't be able to hide forever."

"Tartuffe, will you get those items? Glast will stay here and guard the chest? Myself, I am going to have a look at this place for myself, just as a normal customer would be going into his shop. I think that I will clean up a bit first, so as to look the part of a customer better. Who knows, I may even get us a loan to help fix up this place", Kane says as he smirks.

Mantor nods at Kane's words and asks Tedt, "Shall we discuss about tonight's strategy in my room? If time permits it, I'd also like to browse the legacy of the previous owner..." He rises, giving a quick sharp salute to his friends, and heads towards his apartment.

Tedt replies, "Sounds good, I'll be up in a few minutes.

He stops just before going out, though, and turns to Kane, "Would you please, during your venture, note the width of the windows, as well as the depth of the walls of the shop? This might play an important part in our strategy."

Kane responds with, "Right, I'll get all the info I can about the place as I can today, while you guys get as much as you can this evening."

Mantor heads up to the apartment that he has claimed. He looks around the room that appears to be a mages lab, inspecting the wide assortment of equipment, papers, and other stuff that covers the tables.

Kane says before walking out the door behind Mantor, "Hmmm� Tedt, you still have the majority of our money, can you tell the man to order the material to get it fixed, and we will pay for it upon delivery, and that we will pay extra to have it delivered as well, since we do have other things to occupy us at the moment."

Tedt replies, "Sure thing. It would also be a wise ides for us to find a secure place to hide our loot that we have accumulated so far, as little as it may be. So that it is safe and that we can all access it as needed. Any ideas."

Tedt then, as an after thought says, "If no one cares, I have claimed the apartment in the south west corner of the building on the second and third floors. It has a very large open room for me to practice my juggling and acrobatic skills in."

Glastenfeld replies, "I grabbed the one next to it to the north, so that leaves the two next to the stables on the second floor empty as well as the one directly below Tedt. If the crazy elf ever returns, which I am beginning to doubt, he might want one of them as his for as long as he works with us. But again, I wouldn't bet on his return, despite being a gambler at heart."

Kane says, "I�ll take the one in the south-east corner on the ground floor." He then goes to his new apartment.

At this point Tartuffe walks out the front gate, without a word to anyone, as he often does, heading to do some shopping.

Message #353 Tartuffe only

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 9:00:00 am]]

Tartuffe heads out and walks around the neighborhood to find the items

on his shoping list. <http://www.geocities.com/aernth/J3.html>

Leather boots for 1sc at Swan City Shoe & Boot (building #54)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 9:10:00 am]]

Bath (with attendants (extra service)) for 2sp +1cc at Hilda's Bathouse

& Massage Parlor (#52)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 10:30:00 am]]

Wash Basin & Pitcher for 2sc at Swan City Pottery (#28)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 10:40:00am ]]

Oil Lamp, Pint of Oil, and a Candle for 14sp & 3cc at The Guilded Lamp

(#11)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 11:00:00am ]]

[[I am assuming that he is carrying what he can comfortably, but returns

to his appartment between some shops (the furniture maker will deliver

this stuff since it is a large order.]]

Shirt & Pants for 8sp at Zentail Tayloring (#59) (what color/style does

he want anyway?)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 11:20:00am ]]

Lunch at the Red Hooded Traveler (where he had gotten semi-drunk the day

before) for 1sp

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 12:10:00pm ]]

Bed (with a feather mattress), Chest, Desk, Chair, Nightstand, and a

Stool for 2gp at Arlo's Furniture (#18)

He rides back to help unload the furniture on the delivery wagon. Where

does he want the stuff placed in the apartment???

<http://www.geocities.com/aernth/Apartbldg.html> I had originally stuck

one of the hammocks in there, after forgetting about the shopping list

form several months back.

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 1:20:00pm ]]

Linens (feather pillow, sheets, and wool blanket to fit his new bed) for

8sp at Swan Corners Mercantile (#56)

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 1:45:00pm ]]

Meanwhile, in Kane�s Room:

Kane gathers the coins off the table and places them in his pouch. He then takes the stew pot and sets it and any dirty dishes outside his door.

Kane then arranges the room so that all but one table is stacked up against the wall. He then makes sure that the center of the room is clear so that he has someplace to exercise and practice his martial arts.

Nodding to himself as he finishes, he goes on back out to find one of the male ex-slaves who still remain. Upon finding him, he quietly asks him to see if he can find a cot or bed in one of the unused rooms and to move it into his quarters. He also asks him to inform the lady who did the cooking that there is a stew pot and some dishes outside his door that he found in the room.

He then goes to wait for the others for his trip to the tavern to gather their gear, and to case the moneylender's place. After a while, he hears a bang behind him, turning to see the lid of the mysterious chest slamming down on the chunk of wood that Glastenfeld had placed inside to keep it from closing. The lid is shuttering as if some magical force is trying to close it.

Meanwhile, in Mantor�s room:

Mantor retires to his new apartment and looks around a little then, starts to shape the Essence to his needs. First trying to detect the "Presence" of anyone in the area. This turns up nothing unusual. He then tries to Detect Essence within the "lab", followed by attempts to detect Channeling and Mentalism. This reveals that the contents of the 4 small dark-glass vials with wire wrapped and wax sealed corks on the South Table are of a magical nature (3 are Essence, while one is Channeling). Two of the small leather pouches on the north table also contain something of a magical nature (Essence). On the west table are two items as well, one of the large candles emanates of Channeling magic, as well as the scroll that is tied closed with a string.

The furniture is all in fairly good condition, worn but structurally sound.

As he uses his skills again on the door, he is not able to detect any magical based traps on or around it.

Tedt then heads for Mantor's room after making a quick walk through of the building, and looking over his new apartment. When he gets there he knocks on the door.

"Please come in, my friend. We've got work to do... But would you first lend me a hand to find some wood and another chair or stool somewhere in this building? We'll discuss then about how to best manage the events to come".

He starts towards the door and heads for the unoccupied apartments of the building. "While we're on our way, tell me how you'd do things, and what you mean to accomplish within the office. I'll find a way to enhance it with a bit of magic..."

Mantor and Tedt walk to the "kitchen" area and each grab a couple pieces of fire wood for the hearth in Mantor's apartment while discussing the plans for the night recognizance mission.

Tedt answers, "Well, let's see.... The main thing we need to know about that place is how many people will be in it, and where, when we do our... performance. I think I'll want to pace it out all the way 'round, both from the ground and from the roof, so we know all the ways in and out, doors and windows and things. From the roof I'll try to find out what's in the floors above the ground [if anything], and see what I can see through any openings. All that will probably take a couple of hours tonight."

Then they go and retrieve a chair from the pile of stuff that Kane is clearing out of his new residence directly below Mantor's.

When they are installed at last in front of his fireplace, Mantor breaks his silence after a few seconds, standing up and pacing the room while displaying his ideas :

"I can see several ways to help you here, Tedt." He smiles briefly, before going on : "Hopefully Kane is not here to hear me. First of all, I think I can find how many are in the place. I can make you invisible to help you investigating, I can 'port you in, and maybe even out, I also think I could open a portal through the wall to let you or us in if it is not too thick... I would then hide this from the outside with an illusion."

He stops, gathering his thoughts before turning again towards Tedt: "I can make you fly for a while, or even shrink you if it's help going though the windows... but this last might be unsettling for you. If we find people in and speaking, I can also hear them from afar...

This is how I'd play it : I'd go round the place at the beginning of the night trying to find how many are in. To ensure discretion, I'd need to be invisible, and so, avoid all bypassers in the streets. So the later the best, I think.

You could then come after me, invisible too if you wish, to check the first floor. Then I could have you flying for 5 to 15 minutes depending on your needs, so you could check the upper floor and why not the roof.

Then we must gather again and decide what to do next... Try to go in, if things seem quiet enough, or maybe spy on them from afar. Several options are open, but then I will rely on your assessment of the situation."

He then spreads his arms and shrugs: "As you can seen there is much more to magic than flaming bolts and flashy displays, but all this will of course take its toll on me, and I can manipulate only so much of it before I need to rest. But trust me, "he ends smiling, " I will help you as much as I can, because I think as you do that we need to learn as much as we can before our martial friends can do their own work."

He sits at last, as comfortably as he can, and looks intently at Tedt: "What do you think?"

About this time there is a knock on the door. From the heavy footsteps that could be heard approaching prior to the knocking, you both can guess that it is probably Glastenfeld.

His eyes still set on Tedt, Mantor answers the knock, "Come in, Glast!"

Glastenfeld opens the door and walks in, looking around a little. He then says, "I can shadow you while the two of you are going to take a look at the money lender's place, just in case you have any problems. There is also something that I want to check out about the place anyway. I will stay back far enough to not draw attention to your endeavor though."

Tedt's right hand was doing finger exercises with three small balls, apparently of its own volition. "Invisibility is always a good idea, and so is a portal, but I'd rather not chance 'porting' unless I really must. As far as timing, I'd say about nine would be fine." He then continues as Glastenfeld walks further into the room, "That all sounds reasonable, but I'd rather not fly if I don't have to, and it seems to me that having both of us invisible could lead to problems too. And is any of this power you're wanting to throw around detectable?"

Mantor looks at Glastenfeld and says, "Find yourself something to sit on, we were just beginning to work on tonight's venture. What would you want to check precisely? We could do all at the same time, saving time and energy..."

To which Tedt says, "I shouldn't have to worry about being able to see, unless they have a pitch-dark room, and I doubt anyone would be in one of those. Glastenfeld, you've said before that you can sometimes see things that we can't. Would that help here? Can your vision penetrate Mantor's invisibility screen?"

The Magician gives a slight smile at Tedt's words, "Invisibility for two can be handled with a little organization... which we must have anyway. As for teleporting, I agree that it might be tricky in this case, so better to leave this possibility aside". He stops for a split second as if pondering his next words and goes on, "And yes, magical power may be detected, but one must know where to look, a passive detection would remove all our chances here, so one spell more might not change anything in this light."

He rises from his stool, smiling at his friends, "Discuss things as you wish, I will fetch some ink and parchment to write our plans so everything is clear for everyone." He then walks to the stairs that lead to the upper level of his apartment and heads up to retrieve the needed supplies.

Glastenfeld answers, "At times, and with concentration I can see all things hidden, even invisible and others."

The conversation is then interrupted as everyone hears Kane holler at the top of his lungs, "Alert! Emergency! Get out here NOW!!" as he runs to the chest. Once there, Kane takes a closer look at the chest, to see if the lid is cutting into the log, yelling all the while.

Tedt and Glastenfeld jump up and run to the door of Mantor's apartment and out on the balcony, followed by Mantor running back down the stairs and out the door after them. Bertha Mason runs out of the kitchen area with a quiet and startled scream to look over the railing of the balcony at the chest that Kane is standing about 5 feet to the south of. Jorn VanGol runs out of the stable, with a rusty pitchfork that he found and was trying to clean up the stable with. Hergar Mason is out of the building checking on materials for repairs to the building. The other two people that had agreed to stay (the sisters from Archendurn, Marlaina and Dorina) run out of one of the empty rooms [[#11]] on the west side of the courtyard (they had been inventorying and cleaning the room that the slavers had used for storage). Meanwhile Tartuffe is out on the town doing some shopping.

The chest lid is shaking as if an invisible being is trying to close it. But since everyone had already seen the way that it closes on its own when the other chest in a distant land to the west (from what Glastenfeld had described, although he was not sure where) was closed to transport someone or something between the chests.

Mantor moves to the stairs and down into the courtyard slowly as if concentrating on something.

At the same time, Kane yells to Bertha, "Get me some more wood, or anything that I can use to keep this thing wedged open! I do not want whatever is trying to come through, to be able to do so. The rest of you get back and stay there until we give the all clear!"

As Mantor approaches the chest he says, "There is no new magic present, beyond the chests teleportation ability."

Tedt and Glastenfeld watch from the 2nd floor balcony, as Bertha runs into the kitchen area and comes back out with another large piece of firewood and throws it over the edge of the balcony. It hits the ground with a loud thump and bounces once, as Kane runs over to grab it and returns to the chest.

Mantor then says, "I have prepared an attack that I can hold for a while, if you want to let the lid close. We can then see who or what comes though. It could be the elf that disappeared through it last night. Glast did say that the elf was going to look around the fortress, or whatever it is on the other end of the chest�s teleportation magic. We will have the element of surprise, and the only thing we are missing is Tartuffe and his bow."

Looking up at the others on the balcony, Kane hollers, "Get down here!"

Turning to Mantor he says, "Let's wait for the others to get down her and get ready first. I want all of us who are here to be fully ready first."

Mantor nods in agreement as Glastenfeld runs down to the courtyard below with his massive hammer ready to help if the chest shuts and something comes out with Tedt following behind.

Everyone ready, the chest continues to shudder as if trying to close, but unable due to the heavy piece of wood that is propping it open.

Glastenfeld sets his hammer down with the head of it on the ground and the handle up, right at his side then grabs his crossbow and puts just the tip of the quarrel against the wood and shoots it over, making sure that the crossbow itself is not inside the lid of the box.

The piece of wood falls over and he immediately drops the crossbow and grabs his other weapon as the quarrel snaps from the lid slamming shut on it with considerable force.

After a few second, the lid starts to lift up slowly, and inside is a battered and beaten elf with a sword and shield. The "crazy elf" that was killing the last of the slavers that Kane wanted kept alive for questioning. The same elf that the slavers had chained to the floor in one of the smaller rooms. He Yawns, "Well it certainly is good to be back. Hey were are we any way?" he asks looking strait at Kane. He tries to climb out of the chest, but is barely able to lift himself high enough to roll out of it. As he does the chest tips over and shuts as the hinges are now the high point, then the chest opens again as the piece of wood with the broken quarrel rolls out where the elf had been only second earlier. The chest lid is propped part way open by the piece of wood laying on the ground half out of the chest.

The 6' 8" and very muscular elf wearing only a stained (and very smelly) loin cloth lays there looking at everyone from behind his long black hair that is hanging in his face. His legs are black and blue and covered with bruises as is one of his arms and his chest. He looks as if he has been in the middle of a battle for quite some time, only with no blood on him or his new weapon or shield.

Kane looks at him with an 'I told you so' look of disappointment.

Kane says, "Glast, will you please remove this vermin from our property?"

While Kane rights the chest, and places the log back into the opening to keep it open again the elf quickly says, "Hey Kane, I thought you would help me out. Give you a pet project to work with and mold. I'm willing to become your apprentice. Besides, you don't even know what did this to me, and trust me, it ain't nice."

Turning to the elf, Kane says, "Neither am I, nor do I really care what is on the other side. You were told to leave some of the slavers alive for questioning and you refused. You used the chest to travel to the other end, and promptly took off on your own. As far I am concerned, you do not now or never again belong here. Now you can either let Glast escort you out, or we can shove you back in the chest and then destroy, or disable this one so that you can never return."

"Yes, I did. I was angry. They'd beaten me and worse. I've no memories of coming here, or anything before that time. Besides, I could be of some use to you yet." He then cringes with pain. "I can tell you also have a lot of anger within you, only difference is you've learned to control it, and I haven't."

While half-listening to the elf Kane then turns back to finish his chore of making sure the chest cannot be used again in the immediate future, from the other end.

Ignoring the elf completely now, Kane again addresses Glast. "Glast, please get this insolent being out of my sight, before I do to him what I did to the brute who was in charge of the slavers here."

Glastenfeld says, "I hate to contradict you Kane, but I have found that it is never good to let your prejudice get in the way of information that might be needed. If the elf has information we need maybe we should listen to him. Moreover, if I had been held as a slave I don't know that if I was freed that I wouldn't have done the same as the elf and killed them to a man. What would have you have done in that situation?"

The elf then spits a little bit of blood from the corner of his mouth as he leans on his good but severely bruised arm.

Mantor speaks, "Our group here has been through a lot and learned to trust one another and he is unproven yet, but we have offered to help those who we freed from the slavers, admittedly to a limited extent. I know that he has caused some problems for us so far but maybe we should give him one last chance. Let him prove himself as a useful member of our group, and if he makes another mistake like that again, then we can kick him out.

At least by then he will have healed up enough to be able to fend for himself. His lack of memories also intrigues me. I wonder if it was from an injury at the hands of his former captives."

Glastenfeld looks over to Mantor and nods his head to what he says and then adds, "I would like to know how this chest works and what its limitations are. You never know when we might need it."

The elf then says, "I'm not sure what I can do to help you all. But by the looks of the building, any cheap help is good help? Let me heal up and I will honor your offer. As far as the chest is concerned. All of you had something to lose if you got in, and I didn't. Oh, and there is this really nasty ghost thingy over there. I beat it down with this," he tries to lift the sword that is in his hand, "but it was hard. Anyway {Stifles a yawn}... Where are we anyway?"

Kane responds, "Glast, I am not letting prejudice of any sort into my decision making. I offered him the chance to become my apprentice, and he accepted. But then he turned around an ignored instructions, not once but several different times. I gave you my trust, just as I gave it to Ben when we rescued him from that foul cult. This elf took that trust and broke it at the first opportunity. Several times."

Kane then continues, "Mantor, if you want to give him another chance, then fine, but do not expect me to like it, nor expect me to trust him anytime soon. He will be your responsibility."

To which Mantor replies turning to the elf, "I suggest you follow the orders you are given from this point on. You will not be given another chance."

Glastenfeld turns to Kane and says, "Now if that is ok with all lets get back to business at hand."

Mantor approaches the Elf, and points to his weapons : "I'd suggest that you surrender them to our friend here " - he nods towards Glast - "before looking for some suitable accomodations, including a bath and some clothes. Will you see to it, Bertha ?"

Bertha nods in agreement as she comes downt he stairs to help the injured elf up to one of the empty rooms.

The elf has a disgusted look on his face, but doesn't say anything, other than yawning as if ready to fall asleep.

Without waiting for an answer he goes on: "I've some work now but I'd be happy to discuss with you when it's over. See you in the kitchen, " he adds while turning and heading for his place, with a quick glance at Glast and Tedt.

"Glast? Can you detect undead, ghosts? Or other undead? Our "friend" <Kane�s voice, dripping with sarcasm> came back in awful hurry and you will remember that the damned box activated again, right after he returned. Notice, we now have our log back. This makes me think that we may have an unwanted guest."

Glastenfeld concentrates for a few moments as everyone else looks around with a concerned look. He then says, "I do not think anything came through the chest. If there is an undead over on the other side of the chest then I will have to go and take care of it when time is available."

Mantor starts to head back towards the stairs looking at Glastenfeld and Tedt as he walks past them to see if they are going to follow to finish their earlier discussion.

Bertha Mason helps the elf up and to the stairs where she supports him as he walks up the stairs. She then takes him around the balcony and into the door across the courtyard from the common kitchen area.

As Kane walks out the gate, Tedt says, "Would you please, during your venture, note the width of the windows, as well as the depth of the walls of the shop? This might play an important part in our strategy."

After a few seconds, the mage enter his, leaving a open door for those wishing to join him. He sits at the table, gathering the writing tools he fetched minutes ago and starts putting on a yellowish parchment the ideas Tedt and he exchanged about the night venture.

Tedt takes a moment to go to and relax a bit in his new. It will take some work to get fixed up well enough, but would be worth it after all was done. Knowing that Mantor is waiting two doors down on the balcony he, out of habit, checks the position of each of his weapons to be aware of what is there. He then makes a mental note that he needs to get the funds (since Tedt has sort of become the "treasurer" of the group) to cover what Hergar Mason is ordering for materials for repairing the building and making any changes to its structure when they are delivered. He then heads over to Mantor's apartment.

Glastenfeld goes up to Mantor's room. He also deposits the elf's sword and shield their, in a corner. Lastly he looks over his cross bow to make sure that it is operational after the recent beatings it took. The string is becoming a little frayed, but looks like it should be good for a few more shots, but will need to be replaced soon.

Mantor raises his head and has a quick glance in Glastenfeld's direction. "So.. We were discussing about how I could help Tedt in tonight's venture. You mentioned something to check before this disturbance, but had not time to tell us more. Could I help there as well?"

About this time Tedt walks in through the open door, followed by Bertha bringing in a loaf of bread and some cheese on a wooden plate, 3 wooden mugs, and a small bottle of wine that she dug out of some of the crates that were stashed away in other rooms. She says, "Thought you might like some food for your counsel," as she sets the plate, mugs, and bottle down on the floor (since the room still lacks a table).

Glastenfeld replies, "I mostly wanted to see what the nightly activity was like around there. What are you two thinking about?"

Bertha walks out and closes the door behind her.

Tedt will snatch a chunk of cheese from the platter. With a sly smile at the others, he will chop it into smaller pieces which he will juggle as he talks, and snatch one occasionally from the air. "The town is rather empty because of the Northerner's migration here. To get further information on the building, we could pose as people interested in borrowing some money to refurbish some empty buildings here. We should try to convince them we are somewhat shady and interested in setting up some operations on this side of the channel. If they think they will profit from our business, they will be more likely to assist us." After popping the last chunk of cheese into his mouth, he waits to hear other's opinions.

Mantor nods slowly, deeply in thought, and answers, "You're right, but this might arise unwanted suspicion if we don't hit squarely the mark. It rings true alright, because we need money, but will it be enough?"

Glastenfeld shakes his head as he pours a drink and hands it to Tedt. "That might help to get us in the front door again, my friend, but we still know nothing of the upper floor with several windows. One as light footed as yourself, Tedt, should have no trouble getting a look inside. I would hate to have the man we are after escape or call for help from up there."

Glastenfeld then fills another mug and places it in front of Mantor continuing, "I'd like to get this business over as quickly as possible. Other concerns of my order are going unfinished every moment." Clutching up a piece of cheese, "The minions of Tolmand must be dealt with soon. We should get what information we need tonight and be done with this by tomorrow night." Finally, stuffing the cheese between his jaws and munching rudely, "Mantor, I believe, before we were interrupted earlier, that we were beginning to talk of the area you are strongest in and how those skills might help in this, invisibility and such. I have similar skills that will also aid in obtaining our objectives; however, they help me more often than others." Sitting back now he takes a little drink from his mug , and begins munching on the next piece of food he snatches from the platter.

Mantor sips slowly from the handed mug before answering, "I agree that we must take care of this as soon as possible, especially with still two of them slavers at large after our taking over this building. So I think this should be solved as quickly as we can..." he ends while gazing directly at his two friends in turn.

Glastenfeld replies, "I agree. Then there is the matter of the cult of Tolmand which must be dealt with as soon as possible."

"We have several things on our hands, so let's move fast before they all pile on us at the same time. Nevertheless I doubt we should try again this deception, since we must have already alerted them after last time's brawl." Mantor sighs heavily, "I can gather information on the upper floor as soon as one of the windows is opened, or if one is unshuttered, but it will cost me some of my energy. On the other hand these will certainly be shuttered at night, so a reconnoiter of the area could be done right now, and action planned for this very night, after my taking some rest."

Glastenfeld continues, "We also need to keep in mind that they have seen me, so I need to stay out of sight. There is also the other door on the back side of the building as well. We don't know where that leads. Upstairs, or into the office from the back?"

Mantor passes a weary hand over his eyes, "What do we want to do exactly, my friends...? Kill the moneylender, something else? Disclose your mind to me, and we'll be able to organize all this to the best."

Tedt, smiles as he looks to see if anyone minds him snatching a bit more of the cheese, "Most of those that deal in lending money are crooks of the lowest sort." He stops as those that have grown to know him give him a questioning look. "Yes I am not above helping myself to some loot from a wealthy fool, but the money lenders rob the poor and take advantage of those with meager means," he finishes with a nod as if that were reason enough to attack them outright. "I am not sure if we need to end their lives, but if we burned the place down, the records of who owed them money might be lost. That is what we are here for. Unless you want me to look for that cute woman that helped us back at the manor? I think that she was coming here when she left us." His look seems to say that he wished she hadn't left so abruptly as there was a certain 'conversation' he might have wanted to have with her.

Looking at Glast, Tedt says, "I had nearly forgotten those &^%$% cultists, "the explicative adding vehemence to the words as he remembered what they planned to do to the girl they rescued. "Perhaps we should deal with the money lenders tonight, though," his hand goes up to his mouth as a yawn tries to escape, "maybe some rest would do us all some good." He looks around to see who is up for some action.

Mantor seems oblivious to Tedt's attempts to keep all the cheese for himself, and closes his eyes in concentration, "So we agree that all this must be done as quickly as possible. To be honest, I prefer not to kill them, and ruining their business would be enough in my view."

Then opening his eyes again, he focuses first on Glastenfeld, "They may know you, but I can alter your appearance so that you may look like a human, elf, half-elf... your choice. This way you could gather some more information, but it works for less than a couple of hours, and throwing lightning bolts around is not my definition of discretion".

Then turning to Tedt, "I can then later in the day try to find more by myself if needed, but I will surely need your help and back-up. A nice viewpoint from a near roof would help us find the most opportune moment for my investigation." He helps himself one remaining piece of cheese as he continues, "For tonight let's add some rest, and Kane's feedback." He sighs. " Kane is a far better strategist than I will ever be, but I'm afraid too much of my... talents would unsettle him if he finds them unneeded. So let's gather information first, and I will leave to you how to best use it."

Glastenfeld stands raising his mattock from the floor, "We should at least have a look tonight. Kane�s out there somewhere, and we just might have some luck tonight." With a look towards Tedt and Mantor, "He�s right unless we destroy the records of who owes this crooked organization money the only way to finish this is to pay them off, and I�m in no mood for that." He heaves his hammer onto his shoulder.

Glastenfeld says with a smile, "If you need some rest go ahead. I'll go make sure Kane is alright."

Mantor replies, "I can wait on the rest, but will probably need some before we get down to business. Depending on what needs to be done to gain the knowledge we need to pull this off. But either way we should get going, the more information we can gather as to the layout of the building and the number of occupants, the better prepared we will be when we do strike, preferably under the cover of darkness."

Mantor takes another drink and then turns to Tedt and asks, "Can you aid me in getting to a location on the rooftops where we will be out of sight and yet be able to see the area, or better yet, be on the roof of the target building. I could get there using my own abilities, but that would likely draw undue attention to us, as well as weakening me. So your expertise would be better used to get us there."

Tedt stands with a stretch of his arms, "Let us be on our way then my friend. I hope that our foes are ill prepared for us, but if not, then we will show them that they need to be better." He pauses as if to realize that what he said doesn't make much sense, then shakes his head with a smile as if not worried about it. Checking his weapons and other equipment, he heads for the door waiting for Mantor to join him.

Mantor replies as he stands up and heads towards the door, "Yes. If we can get close to an open window or onto the roof, then we may be able to determine the number and whereabouts of the buildings occupants. Or if you are willing to enter under the ruse of invisibility, we may even be able to determine the layout of the building as well."

He then asks Glastenfeld, "Do you want me to alter your appearance, and if so, how?"

After answering Mantor's question, Glastenfeld follows Mantor and Tedt down into the courtyard of their apartment building.

Once the three are outside, Tedt and Mantor walk slowly and chat about the weather and other useless nonsense, while Glastenfeld drops back about a dozen or or more paces. They take a round about way of getting to the moneylenders building.

As Tedt and Mantor enter the Martelain Merchant's Market Square, Glastenfeld drops further back, trying to blend in to the crowd of people looking at the wares of the minor merchants and artisans who sell from carts, tents, or rugs spread out on the ground here. He keeps as close an eye on the moneylenders building [[ #4 ]], as is possible without being obvious, as well as watching for Kane. Meanwhile Tedt and Mantor work their way over towards the building while planning their next move.

The sun is nearly overhead, although it is difficult to tell due to the heavy cloud cover that has moved in.

Tartuffe returns about this time with an armload of freshly purchased goods for his new apartment. Bertha Mason tells him that the others left earlier and she doesn't know when they will be returning, but that they were talking about some "mission" tonight. Tartuffe then heads back out to do some more shopping, assuming that the others have things under control.

Tedt speaks with Mantor before they leave. "Invisible is good for my methods. I would like to keep you around after all of this is done. I think that abilities like that would allow me to make our coffers much heavier than they would be otherwise. To be honest, it would be better to wait 'til the sky darkens for the best use of my abilities."

Mantor replies, "If need be, we can find an out of the way place away from prying eyes when we get there and I will wield the Essence to that effect when the time comes. The longer we hold off using my abilities, the more useful time we will have while unseen, and so Glastenfeld will be able to keep an eye on us in case of trouble."

After checking the area out, Tedt will look around the area keeping an eye out for suspicious people or anything that seems odd. Also keeping an eye out for how easy it would be to climb to the roof of buildings nearby. One thing he will look for is to see how likely the building would catch fire well. This would be a last ditch effort, but should be considered if nothing else works.

In his looking around Tedt, and the others, sees that the buildings in this part of the city are 25% brick, 25% stone block, 20% fieldstone, 30% wood. With the larger buildings tending to be stone. Most buildings are 2 to 3 floors tall, with gently sloping roofs (ranging from 3:12 (22.5�) to about 6:12 (45�), with 4:12 pitch (30�) being the most common). Roofs are about 40% thatched, 40% tile, 20% wood shakes/shingles. The merchants here are selling fruits, vegetables, baskets, cloth, rugs, trinkets, worthless jewelry, clothing, pottery, minor artwork, and a variety of other inexpensive wares.

As he walks, Tedt finds his hands itching to juggle something, but considering they don't want to attract attention, he clenches his hands and continues his information gathering.

Glastenfeld blends into the crowd and stays back from the moneylenders building so as not to raise any suspicion from the guard standing outside the door. But he tries to keep Tedt and Mantor in sight as well as watching for Kane (if he is not already in the building).

Yes, you are correct, the man by the moneylenders building is a guard, dressed in a Leather Breastplate and greaves. He is armed with a broadsword and a dagger. He is also wearing a cloak that matches the ones that the guys that you had a run in the day before that were trailing Glastenfeld after his visit to the moneylender.

The guy standing by the temple is wearing the same armor, cloak, and weapons and is just looking around the market square (but spending half his time looking in the direction of the moneylenders building, thus is probably a "lookout").

As you (Tedt and Mantor) walk around the block to check out the other buildings, you also see another man dressed in the same cloak, leather armor and broadsword-dagger combination leaning up against the corner of the scribes shop, and looking down the street.

You also notice that there are three Northern Empire soldiers standing near the door to the Grey Tortoise Inn & Tavern (behind where Glastenfeld has taken up his watch, now wearing a large brown cloak that covers his weapons and with a hood that helps to hide his face.

Another minor mistake, all of my angles for the slpe of the roofs are wrong (the 3:12 should equal 11�, the 6:12 should equal 22.5�, and the 4:12 should equal 15�)

This building, along with most of the others in this part of the city are constructed of either cut stone or clay brick mortared together (thus it would be difficult for someone with little or no experience to climb, but for an experienced climber, they would not present too much trouble). The Moneylenders building is three floors (including the ground floor that has the only entrance from the street). There are two windows (one on either side of the door) on the ground floor. On the second floor there are three windows facing the market square and two facing the street that runs behind the building. The Third floor has the same window configuration as the second floor. The roof is fairly steep (6:12 pitch (45�)). Most of the other buildings along the market square are also two to three stories tall, thus the roofs are close to the same height all around the market square. Most roofs are not as steep as the moneylender's roof, but are still steep enough that they would be somewhat difficult for an inexperienced person to be able to keep a firm footing on them. The sign on the front of the building hangs flat to the wall directly above the door.

The other buildings are as follows (numbers are being added to the map to indicate the appropriate buildings):

E: These buildings are empty (vacated, and in disrepair). The one next to the moneylender is two story with a 6:12 (45�) thatched roof of brick construction, some sort of unknown shop. The one on the other side of the block is 3 stories with a 4:12 (30�) tiled roof and a large chimney (possibly a small smithy or bakery or other such business that would require a large hearth had previously occupied the building and is of mortared stone block construction.

78: Three story building with a pottery shop on the ground floor (with the owner living in the back of the shop, an elderly heavyset woman woman). It appears that the upper two floors are a apartments, as there is an open doorway with steps leading up and a sign hanging on the wall next to it saying "Rooms for rent". This building is of wood construction with a thatched roof of 4:12 pitch (30�).

79: This is a two story building of brick construction and a tiled roof of 3:12 (22.5�) slope. It contains the shop of a scriber and map maker (from the sign hanging above the door), and appears to have his living quarters on the second floor.

80: This fieldstone building appears to be very old (older than most of the other buildings lining the market square) and is in disrepair. It is of two story fieldstone construction with a wood shingled roof of 6:12 (45�) slope. It contains a seamster/tailor shop. It appears that the entire family is at work within the building making various articles of clothing and that their living quarters are on the floor above the shop.

None of you notice anyone else that is watching the moneylenders building at all. The only other "suspicious" people that can be seen are a couple of shady looking characters in the market square who are watching the people and merchants with a very keen eye (probably thieves, but they are not near you nor do they look like they will create any problems for you. Every once in a while a wagon or cart will go through the market square, but they generally are traveling at slower speed as they wind their way through the semi crowded area.

The rest of the buildings are as follows (may need to hit the "reload" button on your browser to see the changes/updates to the web page:

E: Empty (as previously stated), with the following structures:

Corner south of #79, north of #21, two story, wood w/thatched roof (6:12 pitch/22.5�), abandoned shop (type unknown).

Corner south of #84, three story brick, roof (had been wood shakes) collapsed and top floor appears useless, former shop (type unknown)

East of 85, two story, wood w/thatched roof (6:12 pitch/22.5�), abandoned shop (type unknown).

East of #84, across street from above empty building, three story fieldstone, tile roof (4:12 pitch/15�), wall facing street on third level appears ready to collapse into street, Former farmers market, now abandoned.

2 Buildings south of #82, both are of brick construction, north one is two stories and has a wood shingled roof (3:12/11�) possibly a woodworkers shop, south one is two stories and has a thatched roof (4:12/15�) looks to have been a glass blowers shop at one time.

Across street (north of #19), three story cut stone w/mortar, tile roof of 6:12 slope/22.5�, unable ot tell what type of shop it had been, the windows are boarded up as is the door way.

Next to #81 and facing market square, former tavern/restaurant, two story brick with wood shingled roof (has several holes in roof), the second floor is partially collapsed, appears that a couple of street urchins have taken up residence in this building.

#21: Wainwright / Cartwright (builds carts/wagons/etc.), two story cut stone with tile roof (4:12/15�).

#81: Wood Carver (toys, small furniture, custom chests & boxes), 2 stories, wood with thatched roof (6:12/22.5�), shop on lower level, living quarters above.

#82: Mercantile (household goods, grains, etc.), three story cut stone with shop on first floor, 4:12/15� wood shingled roof.

#83: Butcher (pork, fowl, rabbit, rabbit, etc.) two story, brick with a wood shingled roof (3:12/11�).

#84: Weaver, two story wood with thatched roof (4:12/15�).

#85: Shingler (hand splits and installs wood shakes and shingles on roofs), 2 story wood construction with a 4:12/15� wood shake (of course!!!) roof.

#86: Leather Shop (stitches clothing, sacks, and packs from leather, does NOT cure the leather), three story field stone with wood shake roof (4:12/15�).

#87: Basket Weaver, 2 story wood post-&-beam framed with wattle and daub walls and a thatched roof (6:12/45�).

Tedt and Mantor wander around the area, from cart to cart looking at the merchant's wares (while watching the moneylenders building and check out the other nearby buildings). After a while they slowly walk around the block that the building in question is in. Mantor nods towards the roof of the Mercantile shop, signals to Tedt his preference for the roof of building (#82). "I'll be able to have perfect view on the southern windows of the target", he muses, "but I'm afraid we'll be unable to reach this place without some esoteric help. If you agree, my friend, I'll take place up there in a discreet way and will try to gather any relevant information for our night mission".

His hand rakes his hair absently as he continues, "Try to find Kane and speak with him of our plan. I'll be back in the afternoon, I think." Glancing at Tedt, he adds with a thin smile, "If you need me, just call for Jusmar while walking in the street. Ah, and make sure someone stays near- if I'm in trouble, you'll see or hear it for sure".

"Sure thing, I'll hang around a little longer out in front", replies Tedt.

All the while Glastenfeld stands in front of the Grey Tortoise nursing his bottle of ale (pretending to drink more than he really is), and after a while he starts staggering around to give the illusion of having drank too much. He starts to wander around the market square.

After a while Tedt comes back out into the market square after the detour down the side streets in the neighborhood of the building in question. Glastenfeld eventually works his way over to him without drawing too much attention to himself. When he gets near them he says, "I've seen all I need. I wish we had found Kane, though. I'm ready to regroup. How can I help you out."

Tedt replies, "Mantor is getting a bird's eye view, so we may need to hang out a little longer. He is up on a roof to the south but out of sight."

About this time Glastenfeld notices a young woman approaching. He holds out his hand and says, "Cummon, jush a copper." Tedt steps back and says, "Okay, but then go pester someone else you bum". In the process he backs into the woman (not knowing where the person is that caused the sudden 'cover').

"I'm truly sorry milady, please forgive these clumsy feet of mine," Tedt says as he drops a coin to Glastenfeld's outstretched hand (and misses it while enthralled by this woman's sudden appearance).

She replies back, "That is quite okay, sir," as she touches his shoulder gently.

Glastenfeld wanders a short distance away, so as not to raise any undue suspicion, and in the process sees Kane approaching from across the market square (several hundred feet away).

Kane is slowly making his way towards the moneylenders building, while Glastenfeld watches him to see what he will do.

Meanwhile, Mantor ducks around a corner out of sight and starts to weave the Essence to remove his visible presence from the world of the seeing. Once invisible, he walks back to the street between the back of the moneylenders building and the Mercantile shop and again starts to wield the flows of Essence, he starts to rise up off the ground slowly, after about 40 seconds he reaches the roof of the building and carefully steps onto it. He slowly (slips once, but luckily the roof is not very steep so he doesn't fall) makes his way back from the edge a short distance before sitting down so that he can see the second and third floor windows of the moneylenders building across the street.

The eastern window on the third floor is open but has a curtain drawn across it. The western window of the third floor in the south wall is closed and it is difficult to see into the room because it is darker inside than outside. Some movement can be seen through the second floor windows, but it is difficult to make anything definite out due to the lighting (or lack of). Both of the second floor windows are also open, probably since it is a fairly warm day, despite the 1/3 cloud cover in the sky.

About this same time, Tartuffe is enjoying his lunch in the Red Hooded Traveler before completing the last part of his shopping. They are serving Pork roast, bread, cheese, apples, smoked trout, some sort of cake like stuff (muffins??/cornbread??), boiled turnips, something off-white thick and creamy with butter on it (almost like very soft clay, but yet good) that the barkeep called "marsed prátas", and choice of hot spiced cider, ale, water, milk, or tea (although the tea and ale cost a little extra).

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 13:00:00 ]]

As Kane slowly walks across the eastern edge of the market square, Glastenfeld staggers over and up to him saying, "Help a bother in need," and winks as he pulls his hood back a little so that Kane his true identity, wearing a different cloak than previously (this one is brown and of a slightly different style than the usually black one).

Meanwhile...

At first Tedt thinks to do what he normally would to impress the lady, but he knows that he can't attract too much attention.

"My lady, your beauty has caught my manners by surprise. I would not wish to impose upon your day, but I would find myself favored if I could be your company for a time." The words seem to stumble out, and he hopes that they are clever enough to catch her interest. He gives her a smile and a cast of the eye to reflect his best side.

She smiles and replies, "Such a gentleman. Why, yes, I would be delighted. I am shopping for some fine silk cloth from the east for our household for my older sisters wedding. My father has accepted the offered dowry of a nobleman of a city far to the west for my sisters hand in wedlock. It will be a good move for our family, says my father, since the nobleman is from Golsren-Solandis in the northern reaches of Archendurn, near the Snowy Mountains. Father says that they have rich mines in the area around there, and that with our families primary business being in metal trades, that it will prove to be a good tie with the west."

[[Tedt gets the distinct feeling from the way she speaks very fast with barely time to take a breath between sentences that she likes to talk. But she does have a pleasant voice, and he vaguely remembers that the "Snowy Mountains" are of some importance.]]

During this time Mantor patiently sits and watches the windows of the building across the street. After a while a girl (in her mid teens he is guessing) sticks her head out the open left side window on the second floor. She looks up at the sky for a moment, then pulls her head back in.

Kane looks up at the beggar and says, "Sorry, but I have no coins right now." Then continues in a quieter voice, "Stay close, and I may have something for you when I exit the money-lender's in a little while. Remember, stay close by."

Glastenfeld fades back into the crowd. Not to far however. If Kane wishes to talk to him he will stay. Standing by a cart, and maintaining his drunken appearance, he will double check that his weapons are easily accessible. Then he will keep a good watch on Kane and the money lender's guards.

Kane walks to the door of the moneylender's building and walks in.

Tedt smiles as he reaches out to take her hand as he faces her, "Why I would think that the nobleman is daft to not pick the most beautiful of the sisters." He says as he brings her hand up to give a gentle kiss, all the while keeping his eyes looking into hers.

She blushes and giggles as she turns her head and looks at him from the side. Then says, "So what is your business here in the market square, fine sir?"

Meanwhile...

Up on the roof, Mantor still out of sight, wields the flows of Essence to move his sense of hearing to within the open windows of the building across the street.

As he moves it to the window where the girl had stuck her head out a few moments earlier, he can hear what seems to be the sound of her preparing food (chopping and cutting of vegetables? and the occasional banging of metal and clay dishes/utensils). From the window next to it on the second floor, the only sound is the same cutting and clanking but more muffled, as if in a neighboring room. From within the eastern third floor window Mantor can hear the sound of someone snoring quietly, as if in a sound sleep. He can not hear anything at the closed window on the third floor.

Glastenfeld staggers over to the tent in front of the moneylenders building and starts to look at the woodcarver�s wares. The man is sitting in front of the tent working on a small wooden soldier. He also has other children's toys (soldiers, horses, dogs, cats, birds, etc. all carved from wood), as well as small hand carved wooden boxes (jewelry boxes, coin boxes, herb boxes, etc.), wooden mugs, cloak clasps, and other wooden utensils. All of his goods are of fairly good workmanship, as the elderly and frail looking man is very adept at his work.

Keeping his back mostly towards the guard, Glastenfeld will stay at a comfortable distance from the woods smith while he works. Loosening his cloak and preparing for a fight, Glastenfeld smiles as his eyes wander over towards Tedt and the woman he is with.

Tedt and the young lady continue their discussion. She replies, "You are such a gentleman. You have not even met my sister and are already making claims about my beauty being greater than hers. My father always says that flattery can be both good and bad."

After she goes into great detail about the upcoming wedding, she then starts to talk about the trip that her sister and new brother-in-law will be taking to the distant lands, and that she is also going with them for a few months.

"But father doesn't seem to want to allow me to go. He says that there are things that a young lady like myself should not be exposed to in the wild lands to the west. I have been trying to talk him into letting me go if I can find some capable body guards to escort me there and back again, and he said he would think about it. I so want to see the mountains near Golsren-Solandis. I have even read stories, father has always felt that reading was important, he says that it is necessary for us to be well educated for us to be wed to the right kind of men, anyway, about the mysterious valleys in the mountains along the wilderness, places like the 'Griffin Vale' or the 'Valley of Shadow'...

About this time, Tedt suddenly remembers hearing the name "Valley of Shadows". He desperately tries to remember where he has heard it... Then it hits him like a ton of bricks, the "Valley of Shadows" was where the ritual is supposed to take place that will bring back Tolmand the Cruel from the nether world and into the world of the living. He recalls how the group was planning on traveling there once their debt is paid by dealing with the moneylender. It was the very ritual that is being planed by the cult that was involved in the inhumane vivisectionist experiments that where going on in the house of the merchant that they had been contracted to raid only a few days earlier.

..."But then he said that if I can find some bodyguards to escort me there and back again, that he doesn't need to pay during my stay, then he might agree to it. But that he would need to meet them first, as no one in that profession would sit and wait for a month or two while I visited my sister and not expect to get paid for their services. Do you think that it would be very difficult to find bodyguards who would do such a thing? I mean, would they be willing to travel that far and then find something else to do to keep themselves busy while I spent a couple of months visiting my sister at her new home? You appear to be a man of the world, I mean it looks like you are probably well traveled, what do you think? Do you know of any bodyguards who would do such a crazy thing?

Mantor patiently waits on the roof across the street, listening for any tell tale signs of what is going on within the upper floors of the building using his magically enhanced hearing. But hears nothing else before the essence of his casting fades.

Message #383: at the market square

Tartuffe, back at the groups building:

Tartuffe takes a leisurely stroll back to the building while thoroughly enjoying the day. He ponders on the last few days and decides that he deserves a day off. His pocket jingles merrily with an overabundance of coins. Street urchins keen hearing pick up on the enticing jingle, but they thing twice upon seeing Tartuffe eyeing them in return. One starts to make a move, but Tartuffe notices and raises a hand in warning, and the kid turns the other way and runs.

Once back at the building he takes a moment to see what everyone else is up to. Finding out that they are out and about trying to get into trouble he shakes his head and feels sorry for the poor saps who can't take a moment to appreciate a wonderful day. He then will recruit the services of Bertha to assist him in setting up his new furnishings. After his room is arranged he will take an hour nap or so to recover from the "exhausting" day of shopping and try out his new bed and sheets.

Meanwhile Tartuffe, with Bertha Mason's help, start moving his new furnishings around. While the twin younger women, Marlaina and Dorina, who have agreed to stay on and help out in exchange for room and board are cleaning Tartuffe's apartment. While Hergar Mason is out placing orders for the materials that will be needed to restore the building to its original condition.

[[ 2612 T.A. Raining Moon, Day 7, 13:25:00 ]]

Message #383: Tartuffe

Kane�s activities in the moneylenders

Kane walks the streets of the city of Martelain, wandering aimlessly, and taking in the lay of the land so to speak. He walks along the channel seeing the warehouses (many now boarded up or falling apart from lack of use or repair). Then he walks along the Silver River, and not only ganders at the run down buildings but also across the river at the newer and better kept buildings in South Shore. He walks north, in a random pattern following along the wall (within a few blocks), and up to the only set of city gates, across from the Martelain Palace, home of the Governor of the Northern Empire which now rules over the decrepit and desolate city of Martelain. He then walks towards the center of the city and has a close encounter with a wagon on a narrow street, but avoids harm by diving out of the way down an alley.

After walking around for about 3 and a half hours then wanders though the "Martelain Market Square" walking between the small temporary booths, wagons, tents, and other stands that cover about 35% of the large open area. He can imagine what it must have been like years ago, when most of the huge area was covered by the wares of petty merchants who could not afford buildings or were peddling their trinkets while "passing through".

He then prepares himself for his entrance into the moneylenders building, making sure he has the appearance that will best suit his needs for this foray into the den of the unsuspecting foe.

He then enters the moneylender's shop.

The waiting room is nearly triangular with a south wall of about 30', east wall of about 20' with a door near the middle, a north wall that is only 10' wide with a door near the corner, and an angled wall that is 30' with the exterior door and two windows. A stool is in the north west corner with a man in black leather armor, leather skull cap, broadsword, shield, 2 daggers, quarrels, and a crossbow sitting on it. A wooden bench, painted green, is setting along the south wall, as is a small desk with a stool. Another guard with similar armaments (except for the crossbow and quarrels) is standing next to the eastern door.

This second guard looks you over carefully as you walk into the room, but doesn't say anything right away. He has the look of an experienced mercenary, being in his mid 30's and having several well-defined scars on his grizzled and unshaven face. He watches your every move, as if expecting you to try something.

Kane walks over to the guard nearest the door and speaks in slightly fumbling, stuttering, nervous-like manner, "um..., ahh.... excuse me, good sir, but this fellow in one of the local taverns told me that if I ever needed a loan of some sort that I should come here and speak with man in charge. Would that happen to be you?"

The man standing next to the door in the east wall replies, "That'd be the Boss," as he looks down at Kane's small dagger with an amused smile.

Kane responds, "Could you please ask the boss if he would speak with me?"

The guy setting on the stool at the north end of the room by the other door shifts himself, but doesn't say anything, and doesn't look too concerned about Kane's presence, except for his turning up his nose with a disgusted look.

The other guy speaks again, "What is yer name, and yer business that is so urgent that you'd come here smellin' like this?"

Kane replies, "er... I was on my way to pay for a small building across town in which to open up my own shop when this nasty looking Half-orc jumped me and took all my money. He even had a couple of his friends hold me down while he went bathroom on me and there was nothing I could do with them being so much bigger than I am. Unfortunately, I have to meet the owner of this building very shortly or the deal is off. I was worried sick about it, as while I could replace the money it would take a few days to get it, and by then the deal would be off. Then I remembers what that merchant fellow told me about your boss, and I was hoping that he could help me with a loan, especially since it would only be for a few days.

oh... umm.. by the way, my name is Kakorot. I would have cleaned up first, but the inn where I am currently staying is too far away for me to make it back in time for my meeting."

"Jus' a minute, I'll see how busy he is. Have a seat there, shorty," says the guard by the door with a smile. He then turns and opens the door a little ways and slips into the room beyond, closing the door behind him. You can hear him saying something to someone behind the door, but can not make out the conversation. After about 2 minutes, the door opens and the guard walks back out saying, "He'll talk to ya in a couple o' minutes, he's busy right now."

Kane nods, and sits with a worried look on his face, slightly rocking back and forth in his seat.

After several minutes, the door in the east wall opens, and a tall thin man with long gray hair and a goatee walks out. He is dressed in nice but functional wool clothing of a drab bluish color and wears a small felt cap, flat on top, with a narrow brim. He gives Kane a nervous smile, as if trying to give the illusion of being positive, but not doing a very good job with the illusion. He walks straight to the door and leaves.

Then a gravely voice can be heard from within saying, "Bring him in."

The guard standing by the door looks at Kane and says, "You heard 'im." Then he looks inside and says, "I'll let Marla know that the seat will need to be cleaned after this one." He then pinches his nose to indicate the smell of urine that permeates the air around Kane from the earlier incident with the "crazy elf".