Session 27:
Indecision

[JadedDM]: Chrysote 1st, Frostday; 23 bells.  Jasmin and Siara sit in the Viscount's dining room, alone, as Liam ran off when Jasmin implied that the Rat King would attempt to 'finish the job' and assassinate the Viscount on his own.  Daufer and Aidan, who had used Amaris to scry on the infiltration party, decided to head to the mansion themselves.  Meanwhile, Eskar was captured along with Gaheris and Sonak by the Viscount's men, and was taken to what appears to be a guest room of sorts, stripped of his gear, and interrogated by Dejo.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin starts to pace, much like a caged tiger, as she waits for Liam or anyone to return. "This isn't turning out like it is supposed to."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "You shouldn't have said that, about the Rat King.  I almost had him convinced the threat had passed," she said, sitting down with her legs crossed casually.

[Eskar]: Eskar looks on, stony-faced at Dejo. He takes stock of the room around him and his bonds.

[Jasmin]: "He didn't look like he was very convinced to me."

[JadedDM]:  Eskar sits in a rectangular bedroom with a double bed, dresser, desk and chair.  A closest door is opposite the desk. On the wall, over the desk, is a painting of a black dragon attacking a peaceful village with a mist-like breath weapon.  Gaheris is tied up and lying on the bed, unconscious.  Sonak is bruised, but awake and sitting in the corner, also tied up.  A female hobgoblin wearing plate mail enters the room, along with two lesser guards.

[JadedDM]:  Together with Daufer, Aidan approaches the mansion.  The black gates become visible up ahead in the moonlight.

[Eskar]: (Is Eskar tied to a chair?)

[JadedDM]:  Siara:  "Now he's all paranoid and jumpy."

[JadedDM]:  (Not too the chair, no.  He's just sitting in it.)

[Eskar]: The duergar makes no comment, but looks at the hobgoblin, testing the bonds he's in.

[JadedDM]:  The woman introduces herself.  "I am Dejo, the guard captain here.  Answer my questions truthfully, and you may be spared harm.  Lie or refuse to speak, and you will know true pain."

[Aidan]: Aidan walks quickly towards the gates to the mansion's grounds, pulling his black silk jacket tighter about him.  Amaris flies after him, flapping excitedly.  Aidan turns back towards Daufer before getting too close to the gates and says, "Any ideas on what to say?  They likely won't want to let us in."

[Jasmin]: "He probably would have believed the Rat King was going to finish the job on his own anyway though. Liam isn't really an idiot."

[JadedDM]:  Daufer:  "I am uncertain.  A frontal assault would probably be unwise, with security heightened as it is."

[JadedDM]:  Siara:  "The thing is, I don't think the Rat King will.  Isn't he a lot more likely to return to the Nightmaster and tell him what happened?"

[Eskar]: Eskar nods, wishing he could reach his charcoal. "I am seeing." He glances furtively at Sonak.

[Aidan]: "And we certainly don't have the power to crash right inside."  Aidan looks towards the gates, tapping the ground lightly with his quarterstaff as he thinks.

[JadedDM]:  The goblin says nothing, rather than growl slightly under his breath.  Dejo seems not to notice.  "Who do you work for?" she asks.

[Jasmin]: "Maybe, but the Nightmaster probably all ready knew what was going to happen." Jasmin shrugs a bit as she continues pacing.

[JadedDM]:  Siara:  "Then you think he'd have come up with a better counter-plan.  We got away, and Sonak was captured."

[Aidan]: Aidan catches Amaris' eye, then nods towards the gates.  The bat flies upwards and ahead of them to scout out the grounds as Aidan closes his eyes to concentrate.

[Jasmin]: "The Rat King wasn't captured though," Jasmin points out. "Now that he is within the mansion, it wouldn't be hard for him to finish the job though. He has a lot of things on his side."

[JadedDM]:  A quick aerial view shows him that the courtyard is full of guards--at least 20, mostly around the perimeter.  There are also at least six hounds with them, as well.  Each hound is held with a leash by one of the guards.

[Eskar]: Eskar does not immediately answer, it is obvious that he is deep in thought before he speaks. "Shadow Bats."

[JadedDM]:  Siara:  "It wouldn't be hard for him to find and kill the Viscount, alone?  You really must think highly of him.  If he was capable of that, he wouldn't have even needed us."

[JadedDM]:  Sonak:  "Shadow Bats," the goblin repeats.

[Aidan]: "Hmm." Aidan opens his eyes as he considers, and then walks towards the gates, leaving Amaris to fly above the grounds, and assuming Daufer will follow along after him.

[Jasmin]: "He might have needed us to get in the mansion. Use us to get passed the defenses." Jasmin shrugs slightly again. "Either way, we are now stuck here for awhile I think."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "So you both work for the Shadow Bats then?  In that case, why are you here?"

[JadedDM]:  Aidan and Daufer approach the front gate.  Two guards are on the other side, preventing entry.  They both tense at seeing the two approach.

[JadedDM]:  Siara:  "So now what?"

[Jasmin]: "Well, we can wait for someone to get back, or we can try to break out of here."

[Eskar]: Eskar licks his lips. "We are being here because Viscount is threatening town.

[Aidan]: Aidan casually waves his free hand back and forth as he nods to the two guards.  "Evening, gentlemen.  I am Aidan Rysid, and this is priest Daufer.  We spoke earlier today with the Captain of the Guard, and we were hoping to speak with her again.  It's relatively urgent."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo turns her attention to the dwarf.  "What are you talking about?  The Viscount owns this town."

[JadedDM]:  Guard:  "The captain is busy right now.  She is unavailable.  Try again tomorrow."

[Aidan]: Aidan makes a face and sighs. "I was afraid of that."  He mutters a few words under his breath, waving his free hand back and forth more fervently.

[Eskar]: "The Viscount is tool for the Dark One." Eskar tries his muscles against the bonds.

[Aidan]: "As I said, it is an urgent matter.  Maybe the two of you could escort us to her, so we could speak with her just briefly?"

[Aidan]: [1d6] => [4] = (4)

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "You have proof of this?"

[Eskar]: The duergar nods. "Magic."

[JadedDM]:  The eyes of the two guards seem to glaze over as they become open to suggestion.  The lead guard nods dully.  "Very well.  We will take you to her."  He begins to open the gate.

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "You are a dwarf.  Everyone knows magic is beyond your skills."

[Eskar]: Eskar shakes his head. "Not mine."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "There was a fourth person with you.  Where did he go?"

[Aidan]: Aidan nods his thanks to the two.

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs. "We are not to be friends."

[JadedDM]:  Daufer seems unsettled, but says nothing.  The two guards beckon for replacements, and then proceed to escort Daufer and Aidan through the courtyard and into the front door.  There, they find themselves in a massive room with a large stairwell.  They are taken to a door to the west, which is guarded by two men.  "What are you doing?" asks one of these guards.  "Why have you abandoned your posts?  We can't let you in, we have prisoners in here."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "Answer the question.  Where did he go?"

[Eskar]: "He is probably running away. Impossible to catch him." The duergar shrugs again.

[JadedDM]:  Siara sits there, waiting.

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "Will he return?"

[Eskar]: "He is thinking of himself first, you see. So if it is no danger."

[Jasmin]: "I guess you went with the waiting part," she says, smirking a bit. Jasmin walks over to the door and knocks on the door to get the guard's attention outside the door.

[Aidan]: "Priest Daufer and I spoke with the Captain earlier," Aidan says, "informing her of the prisoners you are likely holding in there now.  These two agreed to escort us because we urgently need to speak with the Captain again to keep the Viscount from further danger."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "Who was it that sent you to do this?"

[JadedDM]:  Guard:  "The captain is busy interrogating prisoners."  He grunts and glances at the hypnotized guards with some annoyance.  "Very well, you can wait in here with the others, until she finishes."

[JadedDM]:  There is no answer.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin raises an eyebrow as she tries to open the door.

[Aidan]: "Wait with prisoners?"  Aidan raises an eyebrow.  "As long as they are restrained, I suppose."

[JadedDM]:  The door is locked.

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs. "I am only listening to orders. They tell me job, I do job, I get paid. It is very simple."

[JadedDM]:  However, suddenly, the eastern door swings open.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin jumps a bit, turning to face the eastern door.

[JadedDM]:  The guard opens the door and steps aside to let them enter.  It is a massive dining area with a very long oaken table in its center.  Chairs circle around it and a pure white tablecloth covers it.  Up above is a balcony that circles the room and a glass chandelier hangs over the table itself.  On the far west side is a fireplace.  A golden shield rests on the mantle.  Jasmin is pacing near the fireplace, and Siara is sitting in one of the chairs, casually.

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "And who issued you these orders?"

[Eskar]: "The man who is on the bed."

[Aidan]: Aidan takes a look inside before entering, then turns to his escorts.  "Thank you for your assistance, gentlemen.  I'm sure these two will be able to assist us now, and you can return to your posts."  He turns back to the two guarding the door.  "Please inform the Captain of our need to speak with her as soon as possible."  Aidan nods to Daufer and then steps into the room.

[JadedDM]:  Aidan and Daufer enter the room.

[JadedDM]:  Dejo glances to Gaheris.  "He is the ring leader here?  The one who ordered you to kill the Viscount?"

[JadedDM]: The guards close and lock the door behind Aidan and Daufer, leaving the four of them alone.

[Eskar]: Eskar glances at Sonak.

[JadedDM]:  Sonak nods.  "Yes, yes.  It is the human who is responsible.  We didn't even know what we were getting into, but he threatened us."

[Aidan]: Aidan steps away from the door and further into the room.  "They're keeping you two prisoner?"

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "If you could call it that."

[Jasmin]: "It seems that way, and now that you two are here you two are stuck in here with us."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "So you two were only following his orders then?"

[Eskar]: Eskar nods. "I am only being here because I am told to."

[JadedDM]:  Dejo:  "I see."  She seems to contemplate this, and then turns to the guards.  "Watch all three of them.  I'll be back shortly."  She then departs.

[Aidan]: "Supposedly, the guards outside will inform Dejo that an audience expects her."  Aidan looks around the room, almost worriedly.  "Where are Gaheris and Eskar?  Are they hurt?"

[Eskar]: Eskar looks at the guards, sizing them up.

[Jasmin]: "They didn't tell us if they were hurt or not, but they are being questioned by Dejo along with Sonak. The Rat King managed to escape."

[JadedDM]:  The two guards, both human males, are wearing chain mail and carrying short swords and light crossbows.  The swords are sheathed and the crossbows rest in their hands.

[Eskar]: Eskar tries to covertly worm his way out of the ropes, or failing that, just plain break them.

[Aidan]: "What?  They're being questioned, too?"  Aidan curses and turns to Daufer.  "We shouldn't have trusted her..."  Aidan takes a breath and says to Siara and Jasmin, "They had the flesh golem waiting for them in the kitchens.  It didn't look like they could put up too much resistance to it."

[JadedDM]: The north door opens and a hobgoblin female in plate mail, Dejo, enters.  She looks mildly surprised to see Aidan and Daufer present.  "You're all here then," she says, as the door closes behind her.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin turns to face Dejo once she enters though she remains quiet.

[Eskar]: [1d20] => [1] = (1)

[JadedDM]:  Defying all odds, Eskar manages to loosen the knot in his bindings.

[Aidan]: Aidan turns as the door opens.  "Yes, and we're all quite peaceable, too, as Daufer and I said we would be.  Have you hurt our friends?"  As an afterthought, Aidan adds, "The human and the dwarf, that is."

[Eskar]: The duergar shoots a questioning look at Sonak.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "The human?  The dwarf just confessed to everything.  He said the human was behind the entire thing, not the Nightmaster as you claimed."

[Jasmin]: "What?"

[Aidan]: "Pardon?"

[JadedDM]:  Sonak looks to Eskar, fidgets a few moments, and then very subtlety nods.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "The goblin backed up this story."

[Eskar]: Eskar addresses one of the human guards. "My friend, my nose is itching a lot. Could you be scratching it for me?"

[JadedDM]:  One of the guards looks at him.  "Shut up.  No talking."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Aidan in confusion before turning back to Dejo. "But...he's lying! Gaheris had nothing to do with this."

[Aidan]: "They are both lying to you, then.  The dwarf...owes the Nightmaster his life, so perhaps that is why he would lie.  It was certainly not Gaheris' idea."

[Eskar]: Eskar shakes his head. "I am sorry, but it is being... much too BRIGHT in here." The word bright accompanied by a very obvious glance at Sonak.

[JadedDM]:  Guard:  "What the--?!" he cries as the room is suddenly pitched into total blackness.

[Eskar]: Eskar makes a dash for the door.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Currently, the Viscount has been moved to a safer location and is under heavy guard.  I am not sure how trustworthy any of you are at this point."

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs his bonds, and makes a dash for the door.

[Jasmin]: "And just what do you plan on doing with us?"

[Aidan]: "How could you possibly believe a dwarf and a member of the Vermin Plague over the words of the four of us and Gaheris?"

[JadedDM]:  Eskar crashes into one of the guards who was standing in front of the door.  The man cries out and he hears the sound of steel scraping against a scabbard.  He also hears the other guard yell out in pain.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "But both the goblin and the dwarf claim they are Shadow Bats--affiliated with your group."

[Jasmin]: "The goblin has nothing to do with the Shadow Bats. You could ask the Tainted Hands on that one."

[Aidan]: "The goblin is no friend of ours, and has, in fact, tried to kill us before."

[Eskar]: Eskar switches his attention to the guard he just ran into, trying to grapple the man to the ground.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "You see?  Your strange relationships with your enemies are what make it difficult to trust you.  You claim you are no friend to this goblin, yet you work together with him."

[Eskar]: [1d20] => [14] = (14)

[Aidan]: "We weren't working with him if we came to you to tell you that he and his friend the Rat King were sent to kill the Viscount!"

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Yet you claim the human is innocent in all of this?  He was down there with them."

[Eskar]: Eskar crashes to the ground with the man, pinning him. The duergar hisses out. "Sonak, is yours being dead?"

[Jasmin]: "Gaheris agreed with them too?

[JadedDM]:  Before the goblin can answer, Eskar hears a body thump to the floor followed by the sound of the door swinging open.  Another man's voice says, "What the hell is happening in here?"

[JadedDM]: Dejo shakes her head.  "He is currently unconscious, so I only spoke to the goblin and the dwarf."

[Eskar]: The duergar waits with the man pinned, for Sonak to do something about him, or the one standing.

[Aidan]: "We couldn't leave Sonak and the Rat King by themselves, so Gaheris and Eskar were supposed to keep them in line.  If they were on their own, then we would not have been sure where they might strike from."

[JadedDM]:  There is a crash, and Eskar feels a whoosh of air blow by him, as if someone ran by.  A second voice calls out, "He's escaping!  After him!"  There is the sound of heavy footsteps fading away.  Suddenly, the darkness fades, as well, leaving only Eskar, his pinned guard and a broken vase, as well as the unconscious Gaheris.  The door hangs open, unguarded.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "So of the three, you are saying the human and the dwarf are trustworthy?  But the dwarf just confessed to the whole thing."

[Eskar]: Eskar head-butts the guard.

[Aidan]: "The human is trustworthy.  We don't know what is wrong with the dwarf, though like I said, he owes the Nightmaster his life.  Which is also why this whole wreck of a plan was constructed."

[Eskar]: [1d20] => [17] = (17)

[JadedDM]: Dejo sighs and shakes her head.  "This is what happens when you associate with such shady types."

[JadedDM]:  The guard falls unconscious from the attack.

[Eskar]: Eskar, nods grimly at his own success, climbing to his feet. The duergar grabs the guard's short sword and peeks out of the door to check his way out.

[Aidan]: "It's not exactly like we could help it!  We were forced into working with them because of the Nightmaster."

[JadedDM]:  Eskar emerges into a hallway stretching north to south.  There is a door to the south, another directly across from him, and another (hanging open) to the north.  The hallway seems to branch eastward a bit near the north side.  The area is lit with a few candles hanging from the walls and is decorated with landscape paintings.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I am not even certain what to tell the Viscount," she admits.

[Jasmin]: "Do you believe us?"

[Eskar]: Eskar moves to the door directly opposite him, and takes a quick listen at it.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "It is difficult to believe anyone could be so foolish to get caught up in this.  But then, from what the Tainted Hands have told me, perhaps not.  I suppose I believe you, at least partially."

[JadedDM]:  He can hear nothing on the other side.

[Eskar]: Eskar tries to move through that door.

[Jasmin]: "Partially?"

[JadedDM]:  He finds the door locked.

[JadedDM]: Dejo shrugs.  "What would you have me tell the Viscount?"

[Eskar]: Eskar moves to the southern door instead, this time not listening before trying to move in.

[JadedDM]:  Eskar opens the door and steps through into another hallway, this one stretching west to east.  He is in the center.  On the far east side, he spots two doors--one north and one east.  The eastern one is a double door.  To the far west is a door to the south.  Two guards are standing in front of it, looking bored.

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs.  "It wasn't foolish, at the time," Aidan mutters, "considering we had no one else to turn to when Eskar was dead."  Aidan stares at a wall as he thinks.  "Whether you believe us or not, you should probably tell the Viscount what we've said.  Perhaps he'd like to know that it has been said that the Nightmaster is plotting against him."

[Eskar]: Eskar closes the door behind him and enlarges.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Even if the Nightmaster is behind this, we have no proof.  I am uncertain the Viscount would be eager to point figures at such a powerful and influential church without adequate cause."

[JadedDM]:  Now standing at 9'2", Eskar is easily seen by the two guards.  "What the hell?" one asks in surprise, drawing his sword.  The other fumbles with a key to open the door he was guarding.

[Jasmin]: "I would think that the Vermin Plague working with him is proof enough considering that they are against the nobles."

[Aidan]: "He would at least be safer knowing, even if he does not wish to point any fingers."

[Eskar]: Eskar runs towards the two guards, short sword in hand.

[JadedDM]:  (Initiative)

[Eskar]: [1d10] => [9] = (9)

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I shall tell him, but I'm afraid I'll have to contain you here for the time being."

[Jasmin]: "May I see the ones that you have captured?”

[JadedDM]:  The first guard thrusts his blade at the oversized dwarf as he approaches, but is blocked by his armor.  The second guard manages to unlock the door and throw it open just as Eskar comes into melee range.

[JadedDM]:  Eskar's turn.

[Aidan]: "How long would that be?"  To Jasmin's question, Aidan adds, "Just Gaheris, and maybe the dwarf.  The goblin might as well be executed."

[Eskar]: [1d20] => [9-2] = (7)

[Eskar]: Eskar's stab is easily deflected by the more-proficient guard. The duergar tries to edge his way so that he can view what he attacked the guards for.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I can't be certain--" she is interrupted by a loud noise and shouting just outside the north door.  The door unlocks and swings open.  Two guards fall in with a tumble and a nine foot Duergar stands on the other side of the seven foot doorframe, carrying a rather large short sword.

[JadedDM]:  Eskar sees a rather elaborate dining hall, as well as Dejo, Jasmin, Siara, Daufer, and Aidan.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin's eyes widen upon seeing Eskar. "Eskar!"

[Aidan]: Aidan quickly steps backward, away from the door.

[Eskar]: Eskar grins a little, as he battles the guards. "Hello my friends. A help please."

[JadedDM]: Dejo quickly draws her broad sword and shield and steps back.  "He escaped!"  The two guards back away from the door, loading their crossbows hastily.

[Jasmin]: "Stop fighting them!"

[Eskar]: The duergar pauses, dipping the tip of his sword to the ground.

[Jasmin]: "What exactly do you think you are doing?" Jasmin crosses her arms. "This isn't the way to get these people to trust us."

[JadedDM]: The guards fire their crossbows through the doors.  One bolt bounces off Eskar's armor, but the other one sinks into his thigh partially.

[Aidan]: "Hey!  You don't have to shoot him if he's stopped fighting!"

[Eskar]: Eskar winces, and glares at the man who hit him, but looks sidelong at Jasmin. "I was trying to be completing the mission."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Hold your fire!" she calls to the guards.  "What is the meaning of this?"

[JadedDM]: The guards reload their crossbows and aim, but do not fire.

[Aidan]: "Eskar, we agreed we weren't going through with what the Nightmaster wanted.  There is no mission."

[Eskar]: Eskar scowls heavily, but drops his sword and nods. "If that is being what you want."

[Jasmin]: "You were there when we discussed this Eskar!" Jasmin lets out a frustrated sigh.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Shrink yourself back to your normal height," she commands, "or I'll have my men open fire."

[Eskar]: Eskar looks at the rest of the group, shaking his head. "I was not truly thinking you serious." He obediently shrinks himself down.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Keep him under guard.  All of them.  I am going to check on the other prisoners."  She hurries out of the room.

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs.  "We would not go against the Viscount, Eskar.  The Nightmaster's command was insane."

[Jasmin]: "Why wouldn't we be serious?"

[Eskar]: "And what position are we now? Held at mercy." Eskar scratches at his beard furiously. "We could be free in a moment."

[JadedDM]: Dejo returns shortly.  "The human is still unconscious, but the goblin is missing."  She points her blade at Eskar.  "Where did he go, dwarf?"

[Aidan]: Aidan curses.  "He's probably run off to the Nightmaster.  The Rat King's likely there, too."

[Eskar]: Eskar merely shrugs and then nods his agreement with Aidan. "He is escaping, so I did too."

[Aidan]: Aidan stares at a wall as he concentrates, thinking of seeing through Amaris' eyes from above the mansion.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Damn it!"  She turns to the guards.  "You two stay here, and guard them.  If they so much as blink funny, shoot to kill.  I'll deal with the goblin."  She hurries out of the room, closing the door behind her.

[JadedDM]: The pair of guards stands at attention near the door, their crossbows armed and at the ready.

[JadedDM]:  Aidan can now see overhead of the mansion.  The courtyard looks normal enough, and he can't see through the ceilings, so it's uncertain what's happening inside.

[JadedDM]: Siara stands up, looking worried.

[Jasmin]: "Well, this is going just great."

[Eskar]: Eskar looks at the others. "What is it you are wanting?"

[Aidan]: Aidan urges Amaris to fly towards the Temple of Shadowbite , scanning the ground as she goes.

[Jasmin]: "We are wanting their trust, Eskar so we can take down the Nightmaster. With the way things are going right now, we are going to be on our own."

[JadedDM]:  Before she can clear the courtyard, she spots something small and black burst through the window on the second floor, yet land gracefully in the courtyard below.  Before the guards and even the hounds can react, he is off like a rabbit, running for the fence.

[Aidan]: Aidan commands Amaris to keep an eye on the dark creature.

[JadedDM]: Daufer says nothing, but is clearly annoyed by the recent events.

[Eskar]: "You see, it is that I am not agreeing with." With a hefty sigh and frustrated look the duergar takes a seat on the floor. "This is mess."

[Aidan]: "He's outside," Aidan says suddenly.  "In the grounds."

[Jasmin]: "Who is?"

[JadedDM]:  Like a monkey, Sonak scales the fence and lands on the other side before the guards and hounds can even catch up to him.  He then darts off into the shadows, taking whatever alleys he can.  He is heading toward the temple.

[Aidan]: "Sonak."  Aidan continues to stare at the wall before him.  "And he's out.  Definitely heading for the temple.  I have Amaris watching him for now, but I'm not sure what help it'll do now that he's free."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "What are we to do now?  The Nightmaster now knows for sure we betrayed him."

[Eskar]: Eskar twitches suddenly, and grasps at his chest. He settles down soon, though.

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs and turns back towards them.  "Which is probably bad news for us.  Especially if he has both the Rat King and Sonak back with him."  Aidan raises an eyebrow and looks at Eskar.  "Is your chest hurting you?"

[Eskar]: The duergar nods briefly, and considers the crossbow bolt in his thigh.

[Jasmin]: "His chest has been hurting since we said we were going to betray the Nightmaster."

[Aidan]: Aidan nods to Jasmin.  "His chest, where he was stabbed."

[Eskar]: Eskar returns to scowling. "It is feeling like he will take it back."

[Aidan]: "He can do that?  Could you help him, Daufer?"

[JadedDM]: Daufer frowns.  "You should have realized, going to Shadowbite...there is always a price to pay.  Nothing is free from the God of Lies.  Perhaps this is his price."

[JadedDM]: Dejo finally returns, looking tired.  She has the two guards step outside and wait for her.  "The goblin has escaped."

[Jasmin]: "He went to the temple."

[Aidan]: "The Nightmaster asked us a price for a service he requested of Shadowbite, Daufer, and we had few options while Eskar was dead, considering you were no where to be found and Meschior wasn't exactly experienced enough in his service to Renos."  Aidan turns towards Dejo as she returns.

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "I cannot raise the dead anyway."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I have also sent word to the Viscount."

[Eskar]: Eskar keeps right on scowling.

[Jasmin]: "So now what? Do we wait for the Viscount to send word back, or are you going to let us go?"

[Aidan]: "Or are you going to check on the truth of our words and pay a visit to the Temple of Shadowbite ?"

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "As I said, the Viscount is not willing to face the Nightmaster without certain proof.  Even if there was proof, it would take all of our resources at hand to challenge the Nightmaster...leaving the Viscount vulnerable.  However, there may be another option."

[Jasmin]: "What might that be?"

[Aidan]: "Well, the escaped goblin did run off to the Temple ," Aidan murmurs, "but of course that's not good enough proof...."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "If you are able to take down the Nightmaster for us...this would be of tremendous help.  The Viscount would be deeply grateful and would not hold back on making it up to you."

[Jasmin]: "It beats just standing here," Jasmin says.

[Aidan]: Aidan leans against his staff and kneads at his temples with the thumb and middle finger of his free hand.  "If it would take all of your resources to challenge the Nightmaster, how could we possibly approach him?"

[Eskar]: Eskar rubs at his chest, the scowl now taking up permanent residence on his countenance. "We trade evils for the other."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "You were able to infiltrate this mansion...and get through the front guards with your weapons.  If nothing else, you seem resourceful.  Why not put that to better use?"

[Jasmin]: "Some of us are weak at the moment."

[Aidan]: "Ah, yes, because we were able to infiltrate the mansion after telling you we were hoping to do so to catch the Vermin Plague."  Aidan considers Eskar.  "I'm not quite sure it would be possible for us to directly confront the Nightmaster.  Our friend here owes him his life, and it may be possible for that to be taken away again with just a prayer."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "It is your choice, of course.  You can choose to do nothing.  However, if the Nightmaster is behind this, I suspect he will retaliate against you sooner or later."

[Aidan]: "Our friend's pains are obvious of that.  Considering we're risking him and our own lives for you, perhaps we could consider your request if you would be willing to give us at least some aid in the matter."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "What aid, specifically, do you request?"

[Eskar]: Eskar watches Aidan bargaining, all the while scowling.

[Aidan]: "Something that would either be helpful to us in assaulting the Temple , or something that would be able to assist Eskar.  I've no idea what resources you might have available."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "As I said, we cannot spare any manpower.  And I know nothing about hexes or curses, or whatever the Nightmaster has done to your friend."

[Jasmin]: "You cannot spare at least one of the defenses the Viscount has?" Jasmin asks curiously.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "The Nightmaster is clever.  I would not put it past him to wait for us to attack...so he can launch a strike on us while we are undefended."

[Eskar]: "With what? Two thieves?" Eskar continues to scowl, looking at Dejo.

[JadedDM]: Dejo looks to the dwarf with distaste.  "If you believe that is all the Nightmaster has at his disposal...then you should have no problem taking him down."

[Aidan]: "The Nightmaster could very well lay some hex or curse upon the Viscount, as he has done to Eskar.  If you give us something to physically combat him, then perhaps we can strike fast enough that that would not be a problem."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Eskar curiously. "Even I know that the Nightmaster is probably going to have more than the Rat King and Sonak helping him."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "The guards, the golem, the Tainted Hands, myself...the Viscount needs all of these things for maximum protection.  This is my main, my only priority."

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs. "That is not helpful, Jasmin.

[Aidan]: "Then perhaps you'd like to lend us weapons or armor, or something, so that we might actually have a chance to survive?"

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "We can spare a few blades or crossbows, if you are in such dire need."

[Jasmin]: "Aidan, we don't need weapons to take out the Nightmaster. We have weapons. We could use the Tainted Hands, but it doesn't seem like they are going to offer any type of help."

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "We'll need more than that.  We'll also need a plan," he points out.

[Eskar]: "And Gaheris to be well again, if he would help."

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs.  "Do you at least know any priests, then?  You've left our friend unconscious."

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "I will tend to Gaheris."

[Aidan]: "I'd rather they spend their own resources, considering it was their own fault, but if you'd like to, Daufer."

[JadedDM]: Daufer nods to Aidan, then looks to Dejo.  "With your permission?"

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I will escort you then."  She unlocks the door and the two of them depart.

[Aidan]: Aidan looks to Eskar, Jasmin, and Siara.  "This is insane.  Again."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "We could always go into hiding," she offers.

[Jasmin]: "I don't hide. Besides, wasn't this the original plan in the first place...except the Rat King and Sonak were supposed to be out of the picture?"

[Aidan]: "It was, yes.  But we hoped for some help.  And we might definitely need some with the Rat King and Sonak still around."

[Eskar]: Eskar nods. "Again, so terrible."

[JadedDM]:  Eskar feels a sudden coldness over his heart, as if someone was pressing a piece of ice on his chest.

[Jasmin]: "She is just looking out for the Viscount, as that is her job. If we really wanted help we could...hire the Tainted Hands to help us. In a way they would be protecting the Viscount. Otherwise, we have to do this on our own."

[Aidan]: "I would very much hate that, but it could prove helpful.  They might not be willing to leave the Viscount's side either, though.  Not now."

[Eskar]: Eskar places his hand against his chest, a look of fear in his eyes.

[Jasmin]: "Well, if you are wanting help that badly, then it is really your only option." Jasmin glances to Eskar. "What?"

[Eskar]: The duergar shakes his head. "This path will kill me. I am knowing it."

[JadedDM]: Siara approaches the dwarf.  "Is it your scar?"

[Eskar]: Eskar nods.

[JadedDM]: Dejo, Daufer, and Gaheris return at this point.  Daufer is supporting Gaheris, who looks a bit weak and roughed up, but otherwise in one piece.  The hobgoblin helps him to a chair.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin turns her attention from Eskar to Gaheris. She takes a step forward to go check on him, but she stops herself.

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "His injuries were mostly superficial.  He'll be fine," he tells them.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin clears her throat. "All right, so what are we going to do? We have options out there, so really it is a matter of deciding."

[JadedDM]: Daufer turns to the dwarf.  "Let me see your scar," he says.

[Eskar]: Eskar sighs, going about the long process of removing his armor, and then his shirt.

[Aidan]: "I suppose we will have to go against the Nightmaster.  He will likely come after us first, otherwise.  But I'd prefer to find some way to at least keep Eskar safe."

[Jasmin]: "Maybe he shouldn't be apart of it at all."

[JadedDM]: Daufer bends down to peer at the scar but immediately steps back.  "D'lokka," he swears.  The once bone white scar was starting to become black.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances over to Daufer and Eskar. "What's wrong?"

[Eskar]: Eskar looks down. "That... isn't being charcoal."

[Aidan]: Aidan approaches the two.  "Can you do anything for that, Daufer?"

[Jasmin]: "What exactly does that mean?"

[JadedDM]: Daufer shakes his head.  "I have never seen anything like this before."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "Some kind of curse?"

[Jasmin]: "It is possible, but why?"

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "A contingency, perhaps?  A way to ensure that Eskar fulfilled his side of the bargain.  He may have cursed the body before raising it.  If Eskar completed his goal, he would remove the curse.  If not..."

[Aidan]: "Is there any way we could go about removing the curse?"

[Jasmin]: "That means that the Nightmaster would have had this planned for awhile."

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "I can attempt to do so tomorrow, however the Nightmaster is more powerful than I am.  So it is a long shot."

[Aidan]: "What about Meschior?  Maybe he could help you?  Or maybe another priest of D'lokka?"

[Jasmin]: "I don't think there are any other priests of D'lokka's here."

[JadedDM]: Daufer:  "Meschior?  No...healing is not really Renos' domain.  And I am the only cleric of D'lokka in the city, at least that I am aware of."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Well...I have things to do.  We must clean up after the goblin's escape and tighten security even further.  I will instruct the guards to let you leave when you are done," she says, heading to the eastern door.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin watches Dejo go before turning back to the others. "What about the librarian?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "First...someone want to fill me in here?  Daufer said the Rat King betrayed us and something about Sonak escaping, but that was it."

[Aidan]: "Loreleii?  She might know something about curses..."

[Jasmin]: "Siara and I were escorted into this room while you, the Rat King, Eskar, and Sonak were sent to fight a golem. Dejo didn't fully trust us, so she was trying to capture all of us. I'm not exactly sure how Sonak escaped."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris rubs at the bridge of his nose.  "That's right...I remember now.  The Rat King swiped my potion.  I couldn't escape."

[Aidan]: "Sonak jumped through a window on the second floor and got over the fence before the guards could do anything about it, then ran to the Nightmaster, who now definitely knows we're not exactly helping him."

[Jasmin]: "So now we have the option of hiding from the Nightmaster, or going after the Nightmaster. Dejo has asked if we would take care of him since the Viscount won't move on him without proof."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris manages to stand, leaning heavily on the table.  "We need to do something then.  Before he does something to us."

[Aidan]: "Right. But Eskar's wound has been hurting, and Daufer says he's likely been cursed to make sure we went along with things. It might be helpful to see if we could take care of that before dealing with the Nightmaster."

[Jasmin]: "We might not have time to deal with it."

[Aidan]: "That's a problem, too."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "We also don't know what the curse will do.  It might kill him, or something else."

[Jasmin]: "That is why I proposed that he stay out of this one."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Stay out of what?  Are we really going to take on the Nightmaster?  If so, we will need all the help we can get."

[Aidan]: "Jasmin proposed getting assistance from the Tainted Hands."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris grunts, but whether from pain or from hearing that name, is uncertain.

[JadedDM]: Eskar sits down in a comfortable chair and listens for a bit before dozing off.  A common symptom of old age.

[Jasmin]: "It is help, but we would probably have to pay them to do it."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I doubt the Viscount would give up his personal bodyguards anyway."

[Jasmin]: "The Viscount isn't going to give up any of his defenses. We all ready know that."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Then why did you bring it up in the first place?"

[Jasmin]: "It was the only help I could think of." Jasmin crosses her arms.

[Aidan]: "But I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask them."  Aidan makes a face, then turns to watch Eskar.  "Did he fall asleep?  Since when has he been out of so much energy?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "He's useless.  He's always getting into trouble, and this whole thing is his fault, too.  If you had just listened to me and let him stay dead, none of us would be in this position right now."

[Aidan]: "He did kill the Rat King.  That was pretty useful at the time."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "For all the good that did us.  He just came back."

[Aidan]: "Well, we should've left the body in smaller pieces.  That doesn't make him useless."

[Daufer]: Daufer taps his fingers against the metallic plates of his armor. "Peace, Gaheris. We need to figure out our current situation. I think we can all agree that taking on the Nightmaster currently by ourselves is foolhardy."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nods his agreement and sits back down, drained.

[JadedDM]: Siara takes a seat next to him and rubs his back in an effort to comfort him.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin's lips tighten into a frown as she watches Siara and Gaheris. "Who would be willing to help?"

[Daufer]: "So, either we get the proof we need, or we leave town."

[Aidan]: "And willing to help in a hurry."

[Jasmin]: "How could we get the proof we need?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "There is also an issue of time.  We don't have a lot of time to banter about this.  As far as we know, the Nightmaster is planning to kill us in our sleep tonight."

[Daufer]: "Our only proof was allowed to escape. So, I'd say our options are limited."

[Aidan]: "And even that wasn't enough proof for Dejo.  I think we'll just have to confront the Nightmaster."

[Jasmin]: "Let me at least ask the Tainted Hands for help. I might have something that will at least tempt them to help."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "And what is that?"

[Jasmin]: "Me," she says simply.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris rolls his eyes.  "Aren't the Tainted Hands guarding the Viscount right now?  We have no way of even getting to them."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Besides, didn't you just say the Viscount wouldn't give up his bodyguards?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We're just going in circles here..."

[Jasmin]: "It doesn't hurt to try. I'm all for just storming the place, but everyone else wants help. I'm giving options."

[Aidan]: "I say if you can talk to them quickly, then do so.  Then I think it would probably be in our best interests to take care of the Nightmaster as soon as possible.  If we have help, then great, but otherwise, we shouldn't wait around."

[Daufer]: "If you want to go, then go."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "So what's the plan of action?  We need to get inside the temple and then make our way through it to reach the Nightmaster.  I doubt he'll be standing by the front door, waiting for us."

[Aidan]: "He'll probably have his acolytes waiting.  We'll need to take care of them quickly."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris stands again.  "All right.  Let's move out then."

[Jasmin]: "....That's it?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks around.  "Nobody else seems to have anything further to add."

[Aidan]: "Well, it'll probably be relatively straightforward.  We can't exactly sneak into the Temple , can we?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Right.  So are we in agreement about this or not?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves for the door. "Let's go."

[Daufer]: "Hold it," Daufer says. "You haven't considered the possibility that we've simply lost. Nothing has gone our way this night. If we go in there alone, the Nightmaster will more than likely kill us all."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "So what do you propose?"

[Daufer]: "We've lost every single advantage we might have gained from our original plan," Daufer says. "We've lost. We don't even know the entire picture. We have to admit defeat."

[Jasmin]: "Admit defeat? So you are saying we should run from this and hide?"

[Daufer]: "As opposed to needlessly throwing our lives away?" Daufer says. "I would gladly sacrifice my life, as I've done for you in the past, but I must see some chance of victory. There is none if we blindly rush in to the Temple . He will not be surprised. He will have every advantage."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "So what do we do?  Go home and hope he doesn't come after us?"

[Daufer]: "How well do you enjoy your home comforts?" Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I like them pretty well.  I mean, it beats the slums, that's for sure."

[Jasmin]: "You know that Gaheris really enjoys his lifestyle."

[Aidan]: "I really hope you're not suggesting that we run away.  How is that supposed to keep a priest of Shadowbite away from us?"

[Daufer]: "His reach cannot be that far, if he must rely on Slayers to do his dirty work."

[Jasmin]: Being the impatient type, Jasmin opens the door and peeks her head out to see if there are any guards out there.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Where would we go?"

[Aidan]: "How would we find work?"

[JadedDM]: There are a few guards in the next room, but they seem to pay Jasmin no mind, even the ones that spot her.  They are mostly centered around the main entrance.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin motions for one of the guards to come closer. "Excuse me?"

[JadedDM]: One of the guards, a young woman, approaches Jasmin.  "What do you need?"

[Jasmin]: "Could you have a member of the Tainted Hands come here?"

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "The Tainted Hands are guarding the Viscount now, in a secret location.  I couldn't tell you where they are, even if I wanted to."

[Jasmin]: "I don't want to know where they are. I just wish to speak with one of them. Dejo would know, I'm sure. "

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "I'll see if I can find her then."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a nod to the guard before stepping back into the room.

[Daufer]: "Fine. Leaving is not an option. But all we need to do is get close to the Nightmaster in order to have a fighting chance.  The dwarf sleeps. I would wager that the Nightmaster would have an easier time reading one of his own thralls. We'll trick the dwarf into thinking that we've decided to give him up to the Nightmaster in order to save our own skins. That might get us within a few feet of the Nightmaster.  Since the dwarf's terror will be genuine, the Nightmaster might be tricked into thinking that we actually want to bargain terms."

[Jasmin]: "It could work."

[Daufer]: "The only flaw is that they might take our weapons beforehand."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "If that is the case, then close to him or not, we'll be sitting ducks."

[Daufer]: "Doesn't matter. We're dead anyway."

[JadedDM]: Dejo returns through the eastern door, looking annoyed.  "You are still here?  What do you wish of me?"

[Aidan]: "I'm not sure giving them Eskar would make him any more likely to speak with us, anyway."

[Daufer]: "He might be amused at our 'vain efforts' to save our own skin. I think it's our best hope."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves over to the eastern door once Dejo returns. "I need to speak with a member of the Tainted Hands," she says to the hobgoblin. 'You know where they are, so could you send the message?"

[JadedDM]: Dejo frowns.  "Is this of vital importance?"

[Jasmin]: "Yes," she says simply.

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "Very well.  What is your message?"

[Jasmin]: "Just say that Jasmin has an offer for them if they are willing to listen. It only needs to be given to one of them."

[Aidan]: "I'm not sure.  I'm thinking it won't be so easy to trick him, and it would probably be better to just start attacking, in this case.  Or if we want to try and speak with him, then we could probably just walk in and say as much.  Our weapons would likely be taken in that case, as well, though."

[JadedDM]: Dejo:  "I shall deliver it to them."  She then turns to leave.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin moves back over to the group. "Siara might be able to do what she did with the guards here so we can take our weapons with us."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "If they don't attack on sight, that is.  Remember...the Nightmaster knows we betrayed him, and would probably guess we told the Viscount everything.  In other words, he's going to be expecting some kind of retaliation from the Viscount."

[Jasmin]: "There are a lot of ifs to take into consideration, but it is better than running or storming in there."

[JadedDM]: Siara:  "Either way...we're kind of at a disadvantage."

[Jasmin]: "We were at a disadvantage from the very beginning of this."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Thanks to the dwarf."

[Daufer]: "Let's take the gamble. If it fails, then we can charge the temple anyway."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "So we are all in agreement with this?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a little shrug. "I guess."

[Daufer]: Daufer looks down at the dwarf, and then looks to the thief. "Shall you kick him, or shall I?"

[Aidan]: "Very well, then.  Should we see about some assistance?"

[Daufer]: "Let's bind him first, so he doesn't think to run away."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Anyone have any rope?"

[Aidan]: "Not I."

[Jasmin]: "I don't."

[Daufer]: "I have a cloak," Daufer says.

[Jasmin]: "That is better than nothing."

[Daufer]: Daufer takes off his cloak and hands it to Gaheris.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris uses the cloak to bind Eskar's hands.  "Although if he was able to slip out of those ropes, I don't know if this will hold."

[Daufer]: "If he tries to escape, knock him out."

[JadedDM]: (I'm just...going to end things here.  It's about 10PM anyway...)

Back to Renosia III