Session 34:
Big Boss

[JadedDM]: Chrysote 21st, Flameday; 10 bells.  The next morning comes.  The weather is still and calm, but rather hot.  The desert sun beats down on Nikola relentlessly, so most of the residents stay inside today.  Nabal is in the common room, behind the bar, looking haggard and pale.  Only one of his barmaids is on duty today.  There are no customers, save for Videl, sitting at the bar.  He has been staring at the same shot glass for ten minutes now, still not taking a drink yet.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin steps into the common room. She stretches her arms out as if she just woke up, and sits down at a table with a small yawn.

[Siara]: Siara enters the bar, and upon seeing Jasmin, makes her way immediately to the bar.  "Good morning, Nabal.  I know it's early, but I wouldn't mind a drink."  Her eyes refocus on him, after a moment.  "Why, you look sick Nabal.  Are you feeling unwell?"

[JadedDM]: Nabal pours her a drink and shrugs with a weak smile.  "Long night.  Didn't sleep well," he says.

[Aidan]: Aidan follows Siara into the common room.  He takes a moment to scan the room and nods at Jasmin, though he too heads to the bar.  He waits politely for Nabal and Siara to finish their banter, and then orders himself more of the soup for some brunch.

[Siara]: She shakes her head, smiling softly back.  "You really shouldn't sleep alone."  She takes the drink, glances over her shoulder, and nervously takes a sip.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin smiles faintly upon seeing Siara. "Where have you been?" she asks curiously. "I don't remember seeing you before I went to sleep."

[JadedDM]: Nabal nods.  "Yeah, maybe not."  He stifles a yawn as he wipes his hands off on his apron.

[Siara]: Siara manages a smile back.  "I went on a very long walk."  She sighed....and then took another drink.  "Did you sleep well, Jasmin?"

[JadedDM]: Nabal brings Aidan his soup.

[Jasmin]: "Not exactly," she says with a shrug. "I kind of wish I didn't run into Gaheris and Daufer while you were gone."

[Aidan]: Aidan nods his thanks to Nabal and pays his silver.  He turns to listen to Jasmin and Siara's conversation.

[Siara]: "Oh."  Siara's voice cracked ever so slightly.  She warmly chuckles it off.  "I'm sure that was awkward for you.  I'm sorry I wasn't there with you."  Another glance.  "Where are they now?"

[Jasmin]: "It led to a...nice conversation." Jasmin leans back in her chair with a sigh. "I guess they are still asleep. I don't know."

[JadedDM]: Liam enters the common room from his own room.  He appears a little anxious for some reason and looks around the common room when he enters.

[Aidan]: "Looking for someone, Liam?" Aidan calls.

[Siara]: Siara's eyes flicker to Aidan and then back to Jasmin.  She coughs to clear her throat.  "Jasmin.....I really need to talk to you."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin turns her eyes to Liam as she speaks to Siara. "About what?"

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Uh..," he pauses at being addressed by Aidan, as if unsure whether he should answer him or not.  "I don't suppose...you have seen the others anywhere this morning?"

[Aidan]: "Not at all," Aidan answers almost pleasantly.

[Siara]: Siara hesitates.  "About the conversation we had last night."  She looks concerned and glances to Liam.  "What do you mean?  Where did the others go?"

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "They never returned last night.  Their beds are still made."  He puts his hands on his hips.  "And I know Cardel didn't make his own bed."

[Aidan]: Aidan looks as if he is about to say something, but takes another look around the room and remains silent.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin raises an eyebrow. "Didn't you say that Cardel was with one of the barmaids last night?"

[Siara]: Siara turns from the conversation for a moment, finishing her drink.  She appears severely anxious about something.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Yes, but...well, he's not one to stick around once the deed is done."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris at this point enters the common room from his own room.  "Daufer?  Oh, it's you all," he says.

[Siara]: To her glass.  "Good morning, Gaheris."

[Jasmin]: "I guess that is a little odd, but it doesn't seem to me like it is anything to worry about. Kricket and Cardel can take care of themselves. Besides, maybe Kricket went to take care of some business."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris freezes at the sound of her voice and gives her a withering stare.  "So, you came out of hiding."

[Siara]: Siara smiles softly to herself and glances up.  "I've never been hiding, loveling.  Just one step ahead of you."  Her eyes, too, narrowed.  "Surprise you didn't notice sooner that I hadn't left with you back in Voxis."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Were you planning on betraying us from the beginning?  Or did that idea come to you later on?" he asks, gritting his teeth.

[JadedDM]: Nabal seems to snap out of his stupor and listens intently to all the conversations.

[Aidan]: Aidan finishes his soup as he watches the scene before him, then quickly stands and moves toward Gaheris.  "It sounded like you were looking for Daufer?" he asks him quietly, putting a hand on his arm and pulling him away.  "I think we might have a more pressing situation."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin rolls her eyes at Gaheris as she stands from her chair. "Siara, what did you want to talk about?" she asks as she moves to the woman's side.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris tears his gaze away from Siara long enough to look at Aidan.  "Yeah, he was missing when I woke up this morning.  He was supposed to...you know..," he says, referring to the dispelling.

[Siara]: Siara's glare lingers a moment on Gaheris before moving to meet Jasmin's gaze.  "Yes.  There is something I've been keeping from you."

[Aidan]: "Eskar was missing when I awoke, also, and Liam said that Kricket and Cardel are missing as well."

[Jasmin]: "Keeping from me?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior suddenly hurries in from his own room, looking around the room with a worried expression.  "Loreleii?"

[Aidan]: "And yet another interesting choice," Aidan mutters to himself, nodding his head at Meschior.  "I was thinking perhaps that Eskar might have been releasing some of his over zealous anger towards the Tainted Hands, but it seems less likely that that is the case...."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Loreleii is gone, too?  I kind of expect the dwarf to up and vanish on us, but that's not like Daufer or Loreleii."

[Siara]: Siara takes Jasmin's hands in her own, her eyes much more intense than before, as if she is determined to say something.  "I need you to promise something to me, love.  Promise me, on your honor, that no matter what it is that I have to tell you that you won't kill me."  Her expression was pleading.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris snaps his attention to the two women, as does Meschior.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks rather surprised at Siara's words. "Siara, I would never kill you," she says with shake of her head as if that was just a silly thing to say.

[Siara]: "Okay.  Then I'm really sorry about this."  At that, Siara leans in, softly kissing Jasmin on the lips, silently willing the spell to end.

[Aidan]: Aidan turns towards the two women somewhat reluctantly, as though he might have preferred to keep Gaheris' attention while their conversation was going on.

[Siara]: Siara breaks the kiss, and steps back.  And then another step, peering back at the other woman.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin sits in momentary shock as she simply stares at Siara as she backs away. She places her hands to her lips before her eyes narrow. "You!" she almost growls at Siara while stalking towards her.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Jasmin?"

[Siara]: Siara's voice shakes, despite her attempts to calm it.  "Jasmin, love, you promised."  A swallow.  A glance to Gaheris.  To Aidan.  "You have to at least let me explain."  A plead.  Her hands open in a gesture of mercy.

[JadedDM]: Videl, a young man in his mid-twenties with unkempt brown hair, dull brown eyes, and a rough beard growing in--and perhaps most distinguishing, missing his left arm--finally turns from his drink to watch what is happening.

[Jasmin]: "I only keep my promises to people I like," Jasmin says as she pulls her swords from their spot on her back. "I have every right to kill you where you stand for what you did to me you bitch!"

[JadedDM]: Nabal:  "Whoa, whoa...no fighting in the tavern!" he says, his barmaid hurrying into the kitchen.

[Aidan]: Aidan moves forward quickly.  "I don't think that's really necessary, Jasmin!"

[Jasmin]: "Stay out of it!" she screams to Nabal and Aidan.

[Siara]: "Jasmin."  She looks around and sees Videl.  "You don't really want to do this."  In her fear, Siara's hand moves to her saber.  Her grip is weaker than usual.

[JadedDM]: Nabal drops down behind the bar, peeking out over the counter to watch.

[Siara]: "Gaheris?"

[Jasmin]: "Oh, but I really do," she says, pointing Radiant Star towards Siara. "I want to see your blood flow."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I say...Jasmin is entitled to whatever justice she feels is needed," he says, crossing his arms.

[Aidan]: Aidan begins chanting a spell under his breath and reaches into his component pouches, pulling out a leaf of some sort of plant.

[Siara]: The courtesan eyes the blade, releasing her own blade.  "I only did it out of self-defense.  You remember that you attacked me back with the Nightmaster."  Desperation laced in her voice.

[Jasmin]: "I don't care why you did it. You still did it," she says, though her attention is drawn towards the chanting behind her. "I swear to Renos if another person casts another spell on me, their life is forfeit too!"

[Siara]: Siara is looking more and more cornered, her voice getting slightly heated.  "I didn't have a choice.  You were trying to kill me!"

[Jasmin]: [1d20-3] => [5,-3] = (2)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes on a look of confusion before she drops her swords to scratch at her arms. "What did you do to me?!" she turns on Aidan at this point, anger burning in her eyes.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Aidan, what are you doing?" he asks in surprise.

[Siara]: Siara's hand had slipped into her pocket, gripping something there, but now she released it, peering at Aidan and Jasmin.  Her gold eyes are simmering with a mixture of emotions.

[Aidan]: Aidan looks almost apologetic at Jasmin, then turns to look at everyone else around the room.  "All of you had better keep to yourselves.  We are not going to have a fight in this tavern and no one will be killing one another."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "So Siara charmed Jasmin?  That's how she convinced her to join us?"  He shakes his head.  "If we had wanted to charm her, we could have done that ourselves."

[Siara]: Siara's breath is released reluctantly.  She eyes the others, her hand remaining in her pocket.  "Thank you, Aidan.  I don't think anyone needs to die."

[Aidan]: Aidan tries to watch everyone in the room, making sure no one attempts anything while Jasmin scratches herself on the floor.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stops scratching now that she doesn't itch anymore, and she picks up her swords. She then points her sword at Aidan, then to Siara, and finally Liam. It is almost as if she isn't sure who to hurt. "Someone needs to die," she says, her voice shaking. Honestly, she looks about ready to cry.

[JadedDM]: Videl stands up.  "What the hell did you do to her?"

[Aidan]: Aidan ignores the man he's never seen before.  "Jasmin, you need to be reasonable here.  Obviously Siara has done something she really shouldn't have, but that is no reason for you to go on a rampage.  Keep yourself under control."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "What, are you sympathizing with that backstabber?" he asks Aidan.

[Siara]: Her eyes moved to Videl.  "I've wronged your sister.  But I have not intention of harming her.  Please.  Don't involve yourself.  Unless you wish to console her."  She looks to Jasmin.  "I know I've upset her."

[Aidan]: "I'm saying everyone needs to get a handle of themselves and stop trying to get at one another's throats," Aidan says, glaring at Gaheris.

[Jasmin]: "Reasonable?! That...thing took away my freedom! I have every right to kill her."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks to Siara.  "You did more than wrong her.  You used her to betray us all.  You broke up our group!"

[Siara]: Her eyes shot to Gaheris.  "I was only a part of the Shadow Bats in the first place because of YOU."  Her eyes are hard.  "And who's to say that she wasn't already contemplating leaving before I gave her the strength to?"

[Jasmin]: "Gave me the strength? Is that what you call it? I opened myself up to someone I hated, and you used that information simply to convince me to do something I wouldn't have done! You used me!"

[Siara]: Her eyes move to Jasmin now.  "I never took away your freedom.  I did influence you to stop hating me.  I couldn't have made you do anything that you didn't already want to…  I only forced you to trust me.  To give me a chance as an ally."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "And some ally you turned out to be."

[Siara]: "And Jasmin too?  Pick a side, drunkard."

[Aidan]: "At least Siara isn't threatening to kill someone.  What about Arael, Jasmin?  You didn't go rushing to kill her after she used all of us."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Jasmin didn't like you, but I did.  I trusted you, I gave you a chance.  And this is how you repay me?"

[Jasmin]: "That is different, Aidan," Jasmin says, lowering her swords a bit. "Arael was truly my friend. Siara only forced me to believe she was my friend."

[Aidan]: "Arael was truly your friend and used you and your entire group?  How is that not worse?"

[Siara]: To Gaheris.  "What did I ever owe you, Gaheris?  It was mutual.  Our trust.  It worked as long as the benefits lasted for me.  Your group didn't appreciate you bringing me in.  I just didn't want to overstay my welcome."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Then you could have left.  Not take Jasmin away from me!" he nearly snarls, his hand going to his sword hilt.

[Jasmin]: "I personally think what Arael and what this bitch here did are the same. Arael used me to learn our weaknesses, and Siara just took me away."

[Siara]: "I did no such thing, Gaheris."  She does not move to engage Gaheris.  "I never intended to take her away from you.  You had already done that damage yourself.  I couldn't have made her leave you, if she had already decided to stay."

[Aidan]: Aidan pulls an iron rod from his component pouches, glaring at Gaheris.  "You had best leave your sword where it is, Gaheris."  Aidan turns back towards Jasmin.  "Arael betrayed your trust completely, tricking you for a very long period of time, Jasmin, then led us out to the middle of nowhere and tried to kill us.  Siara cast one spell and neglected to undo it."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Or what?  You going to take over my mind, Aidan?"  Although Gaheris has not drawn steel, his hand remains on his hilt.

[Jasmin]: "It is the same thing to me!" Jasmin cries out in rage. Finally, Jasmin just charges at Siara.

[Aidan]: Aidan begins chanting his spell, gesturing at Jasmin, rather than Gaheris with the iron rod. 

[Aidan]: [1d10] => [4] = (4)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin, obviously, is going to attack Siara.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [5] = (5)

[Siara]: "Please don't do this."  Siara begins to cast a spell.

[Siara]: [1d10] => [10] = (10)

[JadedDM]: Aidan's turn.

[Aidan]: Aidan completes his incantation, a final gesture turning the iron rod in his hand to dust as he waves his hand at Jasmin and Siara.

[JadedDM]: (I need saving throws from Anna and Heather.  Heather's has a -2 penalty, Anna has a -1 penalty).

[Jasmin]: [1d20-2] => [10,-2] = (8)

[Siara]: [1d20-1] => [13,-1] = (12)

[JadedDM]: Both Siara and Jasmin are completely immobilized.

[Siara]: Siara's lips freeze, just slightly open, prepared for a song.  Her eyes have darkened in color, her gaze frozen and locked on Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: Videl draws his long sword.  "What did you do to her?!" he demands.

[Aidan]: Aidan wipes his hands on his breeches and sighs.  "I didn't want to do that to either of you, ladies, but as I said, it's completely unnecessary to start killing each other."  Aidan looks towards Videl.  "Who the hell are you?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin freezes in place, her eyes locked with Siara in a passionate hate. Though, she listens to those around her as really that is all she can do.

[JadedDM]: Videl:  "I'm her #@$%ing brother!"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "You're Videl?" he asks, surprised, momentarily distracted from what just happened.

[Daufer]: "CALM YOURSELVES!" A deep voice rings throughout the tavern room, the words resonating in everyone's ears.

[Aidan]: "I see where she gets her temper," Aidan mutters.  He gestures casually at the women.  "I've temporarily held them in place."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Daufer?!"

[Aidan]: Aidan looks around the room.  "I had things perfectly under control...."

[Daufer]: The hobgoblin steps into the common room, followed by the dark haired librarian. "That man is pointing a sword at you, you know."

[Aidan]: "Yes, we were in the middle of conversing over that situation."

[JadedDM]: Videl glances at Daufer and starts suddenly.  He lowers his blade.  "A cleric!"

[Daufer]: Daufer acknowledges the comment. "Yes. Put that sword away, unless you plan to use it."

[JadedDM]: Red-faced, Videl sheathes his sword awkwardly.

[Daufer]: Daufer looks curiously at the man, but turns his attention to the wizard after a moment. "I guess your theory last night was correct."

[Aidan]: "Siara removed the spell herself."

[Daufer]: "And Jasmin, predictably, decided to take matters into her hands. So, you cast a spell to keep them immobilized."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "How many of those spells do you have memorized?  I imagine you'll run out of them sooner or later."

[Aidan]: "Clearly," Aidan says simply.  He ignores Liam's question.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Yeah, I don't know what she expected to happen," he says, crossing his arms.

[Daufer]: "Well, let the courtesan go. If she let Labree go of her own free will, then, she doesn't harbor any murderous thoughts."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin's eyes flicker to Daufer, giving him one of those murderous looks.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Let her go?  I don't think it's going to be that easy, Daufer.  Jasmin is out for blood, and frankly, I don't blame her."

[Aidan]: Aidan glances at Siara and Jasmin once more, considering the situation for himself, then mutters a word under his breath, freeing Siara.

[Daufer]: Loreleii moves over next to Meschior.

[Siara]: Siara takes a step forward, realizing she can move again.  She looks to Aidan first, then the others.  There is something like disbelief in her gaze.  She then walks past Jasmin and makes her way to the door.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Now release Jasmin."

[Aidan]: "I'll release Jasmin when I believe she has decided to listen to reason, rather than her emotions."

[Siara]: Siara reaches the door and opens it, pausing to glance back but decides against it.  She leaves, making her way toward Big Boss' mansion.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "If we were listening to reason at this point, we would punish the one who wronged us all.  Not let her walk away freely."

[JadedDM]: Meschior smiles to Loreleii weakly.  "I was worried.  Where did you go?"

[Aidan]: "The one who wronged Jasmin has apologized to her and fixed her part of the situation.  Jasmin, on the other hand, was threatening murder.  In a tavern."

[Daufer]: "I went to buy supplies with Daufer," Loreleii says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Not exactly using your head, though, are you, Aidan?  She wants to kill Siara for using a spell on her.  Which you have now also done.  You really think she's going to just let this go?"

[Daufer]: "This is no coliseum, Gaheris."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Thank Renos.  I thought something had happened to you."

[Aidan]: "If she wishes to kill me, too, then she is welcome to.  If you'd like for her to kill the rest of your Shadow Bats then I suppose I have no place among you."

[JadedDM]:  Stepping out into the hot afternoon sun, Siara makes her way through the empty streets toward the mansion on the far end of town.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Why would she hurt the rest of us?  Only you and Siara have enspelled her."

[Siara]: She shakes her head, walking a little faster.  Anyone looking in her direction would see a very troubled individual.  She seems lost in thought and still flushed from previous emotions.  She makes her way toward her new superior and her promised protection.  "Apparently, hate runs too purely in that group."

[Aidan]: Aidan looks to Jasmin and raises his arms, hands open to her, then mutters another word, freeing her.  "Well, Jasmin?  Go ahead and kill me."

[Daufer]: "No, Aidan!" Loreleii cries out.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stumbles forward once she is released from the spell. She turns to face Aidan, and then shakes her head. "You are harmless compared to her," she says before she turns to run out the door.

[Aidan]: Aidan immediately runs after her.

[Daufer]: Daufer shakes his head and addresses Nabal: "I'm sorry for the disturbance, barkeep."

[JadedDM]:  Siara reaches the mansion, once again guarded by the same hobgoblin.  He looks bored and overheated in the sun.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Jasmin!"  He runs after her, as well.

[Siara]: Her voice is soft and unmoving.  "Let me in.  I need to speak to the Big Boss."

[Daufer]: "Shouldn't we go after them as well?" Loreleii asks the two priests.

[JadedDM]:  Guard:  "Big Boss ain't seein' anyone right now.  Come back tonight," he says bluntly.

[JadedDM]: Videl:  "@#$%," he mutters, heading after them at a slower pace.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Err, should we?"

[Siara]: "Fine.  But let me pass.  I live here now.  Surely Big Boss informed you of my hire."

[Daufer]: "You're just going to stand by and let her kill someone?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I'm not sure if it's really our affair, though..."

[JadedDM]: Jasmin runs outside into the hot afternoon sun, into the empty, dusty streets of Nikola.  Aidan and Gaheris, followed by Videl, come behind her.

[JadedDM]:  The guard grunts in a way to suggest he is accustomed to being bossed around, and simply moves aside to let her pass.

[Daufer]: Frustrated, the librarian drags the fire priest closer to the tavern door.

[JadedDM]: Nabal suddenly bolts into the kitchen.  Liam looks to Daufer and shrugs.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin doesn't even pause to look down the streets, she simply runs for the Big Boss' home.

[Siara]: Siara nods her acknowledgement, too disappointed with others to care for his disregard.  The courtesan steps inside the mansion, pausing to glance back out into the smoldering heat.  "Not quite what I had hoped for.  My father would be disappointed."

[Aidan]: Aidan follows after Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: As Loreleii drags Meschior outside, Gaheris and Videl run after Jasmin toward the mansion at the other end of town.

[Daufer]: Daufer squints his eyes at Liam's face. "Aren't you...?"

[Daufer]: Loreleii pushes at Meschior to follow the rest of them.

[JadedDM]:  The mansion is much cooler.  There are now windows anywhere, thus no sunlight getting in to heat the place up.  Candles illuminate the interior.  Looking outside, in the far distance, Siara notices a small cloud of dust being kicked up as someone rushes toward her at full speed.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I don't suppose you saw either of my companions while you were out?" he asks.

[JadedDM]: Reluctantly, Meschior pursues the others in the hot sun.

[Siara]: Siara laughs bitterly as she makes her way deeper into the house, moving up the stairs toward her room.  "May Renos remember her passion.  That's about all she's got going for her now."

[Daufer]: "Can't say I have."

[Loreleii]: Loreleii keeps pushing at Meschior's back.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I may as well go watch, then.  I'm sure father will want to know the details of this little duel."

[JadedDM]: Jasmin, running at full sprint, reaches the mansion.  A hobgoblin guard stands lazily outside the main entrance.  He stands straight suddenly, at seeing the wild woman running right toward him.

[Daufer]: Daufer follows the Tainted Hands member. "I'm surprised that I haven't though. Small town like this. Can't be too many places to hide about."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "That does worry me a bit.  They've been missing since last night," he says as they run.

[Jasmin]: "Unless you want to die along with that bitch, then get out of the way," she says hatefully towards the guard as she slows down a bit.

[JadedDM]: The hobgoblin guard readies his spear.  "No entry, woman.  Turn back!"

[JadedDM]:  As Siara sits in her room, there is a sudden knock at her door.

[Jasmin]: "Then send the woman, who is probably hiding here, out," Jasmin says, looking about ready to attack.

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "Get lost!  Nobody may enter without the Big Boss' permission, and she's currently occupied."

[JadedDM]: At this point, Aidan and Gaheris catch up with Jasmin.

[Siara]: Siara sits unmoving for a second longer, and then goes to open the door.

[JadedDM]:  Surprisingly, it's Nabal.  He looks in a near panic, and is sweating profusely and winded.  "She's...she's coming!"

[Aidan]: Aidan skids to a stop, winded, as he reaches into his component pouches and palms something as he watches the situation between Jasmin and the guard before him.

[Siara]: Siara looks concerned for Nabal.  "You poor darling.  You look terrified.  Have a seat."  She gestures to a small couch.  "Big Boss has promised me protection.  I'm not afraid of that woman.  She's merely gone mad.  With hopes they will lock her up."

[Jasmin]: "So be it," she growls towards the hobgoblin guard before she charges at him, her swords dangerously dancing in her hands.

[JadedDM]: (State actions and roll initiative.)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin attacks the guard before her.

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

[Daufer]: ((Poor guard.))

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [15] = (15)

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

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [1,3] = (4)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin swings Radiant Star at the guard's mid section as he tries to prepare himself. The sword cuts into him deeply before he is finally able to use his spear to knock Scalebiter out of her hand.

[JadedDM]:  Nabal takes a moment to catch his breath before continuing.  "I...I've all ready alerted Big Boss.  She wants me to take you to her.  She is setting a trap for them when they arrive."

[JadedDM]: Guard's turn.

[JadedDM]: The guard presses the advantage, ignoring his wound.  He strikes at Jasmin with his spear with enough force to kill an ordinary man, but the nimble dancer easily evades.

[Aidan]: Aidan begins to gesture with another plant leaf in his hand, beginning his incantation.

[Siara]: Siara's smile grows from nowhere.  "Take me to her."  She thinks for a moment.  "I want nothing to happen to the mage named Aidan.  He was only trying to protect me."  She stands and moves to the door.  "Let's go."

[Aidan]: [1d10] => [6] = (6)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [13] = (13)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [3,3] = (6)

[JadedDM]:  Nabal pauses and cocks his head, as if thinking.  He then nods and turns his attention back to Siara.  "All right.  She'll try and spare the mage, if he agrees to stand down."  He turns and walks down the hall.  "This way."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin dances around the guard before she stabs Radiant Star into the hobgoblin's throat. The guard gurgles up some blood as she pulls the sword from his throat, and he drops to the ground choking before the air finally leaves him.

[JadedDM]: At this point, Videl shows up.  Meschior and Loreleii soon follow.

[Siara]: Siara follows closely behind Nabal.

[Daufer]: Loreleii gasps in shock at seeing a man felled by the warrior woman's sword.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin doesn't even give the guard a second look as she runs to pick up Scalebiter. Once both swords are comfortably in her hands, she continues her pursuit of Siara.

[JadedDM]:  Nabal approaches a candle on the wall in the hall.  He takes hold of it, pulls it down, and a door in the wall slides aside, revealing a dank stone staircase, descending into the darkness.

[JadedDM]: Finally, Daufer and Liam arrive on the scene.  Gaheris and Videl run into the mansion after Jasmin.

[Aidan]: Aidan runs after her, still holding the leaf in his hand.

[Loreleii]: "Come on, Meschior!"

[Siara]: Siara's face blanks as she peers at Nabal curiously.  "You seem very familiar with the Big Boss' home, my dear Nabal."  She says nothing further and follows Nabal into the passage way.

[JadedDM]: Meschior grunts and enters after Aidan with Loreleii.

[Daufer]: Daufer pauses at the body of the felled hobgoblin, sighing heavily.  The priest bends down and checks to see if the guard is breathing.

[JadedDM]:  Nabal doesn't answer.  "We'll be safe down here, in her secret chambers."  Although it is very dark, he seems to know the way instinctively.

[JadedDM]: Daufer discovers the guard is dead.

[Jasmin]: "Siara!" Jasmin screams as she enters the mansion.

[JadedDM]: Liam runs in after the rest of them.

[Daufer]: The priest closes his fellow hobgoblin's eyes, saying a quick prayer for the fallen, and steps into the house after the rest.

[JadedDM]: Once everyone is inside of the mansion’s walls, the front door immediately and loudly swing shut on their own.

[JadedDM]:  At the end of the staircase, they reach a large stone chamber, illuminated by torchlight.  There are several chests scattered about the room, all closed.  To Siara's surprise, a number of people are unconscious and chained to the walls.  These include Kricket, Cardel, Eskar and the Nightmaster.  At the very end of the room is an altar on which an elaborate coffin sits.  Two burning braziers stand on either end of it.

[JadedDM]: Videl:  "What the #$%@?"

[Daufer]: Daufer's head swivels back to the shut door. Immediately, he pulls out his maul, wary of danger.

[Aidan]: "Wonderful, murder and invading private property.  Nice to see you have control of yourself, Jasmin."  Aidan looks warily about himself, prepared to cast a spell against anything that should attack him.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin pays no attention to the door, and instead screams out again. "Siara!"

[Siara]: Siara's step slows as they enter the chamber.  "What is this place?"  Her eyes widen as she sees the two members of the Tainted Hands, Eskar, and the Nightmaster.  "Nabal."  Her voice is quiet.  "What is going on?"

[JadedDM]:  Nabal:  "They will arrive soon.  Hurry, over here.  It's safer."  He walks over by the coffin, apparently unfazed by what he sees.

[JadedDM]: Without warning, all of the shadows in the room, including the party's, all merge together in the center of the room, creating a large, black portal.  This gate quickly spreads to all four corners of the room, swallowing everyone present.

[Siara]: Siara hesitates, becoming uneasy, but seeing no other option other than to trust Nabal, follows.

[Aidan]: Aidan yells.

[JadedDM]:  Carefully, Nabal opens the coffin with great reverence and respect.  Slowly, none other than Big Boss sits up from inside.  She looks sleepy, but otherwise normal.  She rubs at her eyes and yawns a little.

[Daufer]: Daufer cries out in surprise and anguish.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin screams out in surprise.

[Loreleii]: The librarian lets out a scream, grasping this way and that.

[Siara]: Siara blinks once.  Twice.  Closes her mouth.  Looks to Nabal, then back to Elle.  "My Lady...good evening."

[JadedDM]: The portal spits them out in a dank, stone room.  It's rather spacious and cool.  A number of chests lie scattered about, all closed.  A number of people are chained to the walls, unconscious.  These include Eskar, Kricket, Cardel, and the Nightmaster.  At the far end of the room is an altar on which sits an elaborate coffin.  Two burning braziers flank the coffin.  Siara and Nabal are both standing in front of it.  The coffin is open, and an attractive woman with platinum blonde hair sits inside, looking as if she just awoke.  Seeing the party fall into the room, she quickly leaps out of the coffin.

[Loreleii]: "Wh-what's going on?" the librarian says in a trembling voice.

[JadedDM]: Pushing Gaheris off of him, Videl manages to get to his feet.  "#@$%ing $@#$%," he says.

[JadedDM]: Meschior helps Gaheris to his feet, and the two look around in surprise.  "Eskar!" Meschior proclaims, spotting the unconscious dwarf.

[JadedDM]: Liam also stands up, dusting himself off.  "Father!  Cardel!  What is this?!"

[Aidan]: Aidan curses.  "Should've just let her kill us..." he mutters as he gets to his feet, searching his component pouches.

[Siara]: Siara sees the others and looks like she wants to stab herself.

[Daufer]: Daufer picks himself up off the floor and surveys the strange scene before him.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin groans a bit as she hits the floor. Slowly, she looks around the room catching sight of Siara first before her eyes fall on the woman. "What is this?" she asks hatefully.

[JadedDM]: Elle:  "Nice of you to drop in.  I was going to take care of you a few at a time, but I guess this works just as well."  Her eyes turn to Aidan.  "I am told you tried to save my employee, Siara.  Agree to stand down, and I will let you live.  By yourself, you aren't as a big of a threat, so I can get away with that."

[Aidan]: Aidan stops searching through his pouches, though he looks around at the others.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Take care of us?  Who the hell are you?"

[Jasmin]: "You should have let me kill her when I had the chance," she says to Aidan as she pushes herself up.

[JadedDM]: Elle:  "You never suspected?"  She smiles.  "The goblin here figured it out.  That's why he was here.  But I got him before he could do anything about it."

[Daufer]: Seeing the chained bodies, Daufer raises his brows, surprised. "The Tainted Hands. And the Nightmaster..."

[Aidan]: "Excuse me for having a moral compass, Jasmin."  Aidan steps back, glaring at Jasmin.

[JadedDM]: Elle:  "You really made this easy for us.  Not only did the Nightmaster leave the city, but so did the Tainted Hands AND the Shadow Bats.  Voxis is completely vulnerable.  All three pillars have been removed successfully."

[Jasmin]: "You are number four of the Bloody Maw aren't you?" Jasmin says, as if it was just dawning on her. "And Siara works for her. Well, I have even more reason now to kill her."

[Siara]: Siara rolls her eyes, seeing no point in arguing with her.  "Believe whatever sits best with you, Jasmin."

[JadedDM]: Elle:  "Oh, so you aren't quite as dumb as I thought," she says, crossing her arms.  "Well, I am not as generous as that idiot, Lilah.  I will not offer you a chance of joining us.  But you, wizard...sit this out, and you'll be allowed to walk.  Make a move against me in any way, and you'll be the first I feed upon.  Understand?"

[Daufer]: The priest looks awestruck. "The pillars. The faithless. Oh no."

[Jasmin]: "Feed upon?"

[Aidan]: "I...understand," Aidan says.

[JadedDM]: Elle:  "That's right, hobgoblin.  Voxis is going to fall sooner than you think.  And I alone will crush the remaining resistance here myself."  She smiles, but then her beautiful face suddenly contorts into a gruesome, bat-like visage.  Her eyes become yellow and feline-like, and two white fangs extend from her mouth.

[JadedDM]: (State actions and roll initiative!)

[Aidan]: Aidan stands against a wall, unmoving, with his mouth agape.

[Siara]: Siara makes no move at the moment, merely standing back, watching what is happening before her.

[Daufer]: Daufer grits his teeth and braces for the oncoming attack.

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [9] = (9)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin's mouth drops open as she stares up at Elle. She looks to Gaheris for a few seconds before she slowly starts to move in to attack.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [4] = (4)

[Loreleii]: Loreleii takes out a few hairs from a pouch and chants arcane words.

[Loreleii]: [1d10] -> [7] = (7)

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [13] = (13)

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

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [6,3] = (9)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+3] => [5,3] = (8)

[Siara]: ((nice roll))

[Jasmin]: Jasmin steps into battle with the woman, her swords twirling in her hands. Radiant Star comes in low, stabbing into Elle's leg while Jasmin brings Scalebiter in to stab into the woman's stomach. The woman shrieks as the swords pierce through her skin, but she still stands.

[Daufer]: ((We are so screwed.))

[Jasmin]: (Oh yeah)

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Quickly taking aim, he fires an arrow at Elle.  With amazing speed, she easily dodges it and it lodges itself into her coffin instead.

[JadedDM]: Elle's turn.

[JadedDM]: Amazingly, her wounds start to slowly heal themselves as she fights.  The woman leaps at Jasmin with the power of a panther, going for her neck.  However, Jasmin is able to drop and roll out of the way with seconds to spare.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris takes aim and fires his own arrow.  This one should have hit her square on, but instead it bounces off of her as if she were made of steel.  "What?!" he asks in surprise.

[JadedDM]: Videl's turn.

[JadedDM]: Leaping to his sister's aid, he slashes right at Elle's head.  But the blade again bounces right off of her, knocking the one-armed warrior backward.

[Siara]: Siara watches the others, something in her eyes like concern.  She looks as if she is tempted to help, but she gazes long and hard at Jasmin and Gaheris and thinks better of it.

[JadedDM]: Loreleii's turn.

[Jasmin]: "Videl!" Jasmin cries as she watches her brother fall backwards.

[Loreleii]: The librarian moves her hands in strange patterns and speaks strange words. She then touches the back of her fiancé, Meschior, imbuing the priest with strength.

[Loreleii]: [1d6] -> [3] = (3)

[JadedDM]: Meschior's muscles bulge out slight more in response.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Meschior charges forward, swinging his sword at the vampire.  However, she easily evades.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: [1d20] -> [2] = (2)

[Daufer]: Daufer moves to attack the strange woman, but with whip-like speed, she evades and moves just out of reach from Daufer's maul.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [6] = (6)

[Jasmin]: [1d20] => [12] = (12)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin steps in front of her brother to defend him. She swings her swords at the woman, but she easily evades her attacks.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Liam fires another arrow, but this one is also dodged.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris, this time taking one of his black-tipped arrows, fires again.  However, she evades this arrow, also.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 2?)

[Daufer]: ((The Black Arrow, with which Bard slew a great many enemies. Alas, it failed him in the end. Thus, did Smaug burn down Lake-town.))

[Daufer]: Daufer sets his maul in front of him and concentrates, drawing forth energies from Baator.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin continues to defend her brother. "Videl, try to free the others," she says to her brother as she begins her attack again.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [10] = (10)

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [6] = (6)

[Daufer]: Loreleii goes to help Videl.

[Aidan]: Aidan places the plant leaf back in a component pouch, and then softly begins to chant, gesticulating as he does.

[Aidan]: [1d10] => [5] = (5)

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris fires another black-tipped arrow, again missing.

[JadedDM]: Daufer's turn.

[Daufer]: A dark, ephemeral shadow materializes in front of the priest, with glowing red eyes. Suddenly, it speeds off and into Jasmin's body.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin takes a deep breath as the shadow takes over. Her eyes turn a dark red and her muscles bulge.

[JadedDM]: Aidan's turn.

[Aidan]: Aidan completes his spell, a dark aura 'glowing' around his hands.  Suddenly, two wolves leap from the shadows behind a chest and attack the vampire.

[JadedDM]: The wolves, much like Videl's sword, merely bounce off of the vampire as if she were steel.

[Daufer]: ((Tough luck, chum.))

[Aidan]: The wolves whimper, but continue bouncing at her.

[JadedDM]: Elle's turn.

[JadedDM]: Furious, the woman grabs Aidan by the collar and hurls him backwards into the coffin, as if he were nothing more than a rag doll.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [11,2] = (13)

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [11,2] = (13)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+5] => [3,5] = (8)

[Jasmin]: [1d6+5] => [5,5] = (10)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin comes up on the vampires sides and stabs both of her swords into the woman's skin at the same time. The vampire cries out in pain, but soon begins healing.

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[Siara]: Siara watches Aidan fly past her, her eyes narrowing and slowly turning towards Jasmin, as if she blamed the woman for what was happening to Aidan.

[JadedDM]: Liam fires again, but this time the arrow does make contact with her…only to bounce off of her helplessly.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii moves to where the prisoners are chained and looks for a way to help free them.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Taking a few pebbles from his pouch, he calls upon Renos' power.  The stones glow with a soft red light and he then hurls all three at her.

[JadedDM]: One stone misses, but the other two strike her in the shoulder and leg.  They seem to burn her badly.

[JadedDM]: Videl's turn.

[JadedDM]: Getting to his feet, Videl leaps into the air and slices his sword right through Elle's neck!  Or rather, he would have, but the weapon instead bounces off her harmlessly.

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [2,2] = (4)

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [8,2] = (10)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin tries to stab her swords into the vampire's legs, but the vampire is able to jump out of the way to evade Jasmin's attacks.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris' turn.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris fires again, and again misses entirely, wasting yet another magical arrow.

[Daufer]: ((The Black Arrow will not avail you...))

[JadedDM]: Liam's turn.

[JadedDM]: Liam also misses.

[JadedDM]: Videl's turn.

[JadedDM]: Videl, not to be outdone by his two-armed companions, also misses.

[JadedDM]: (Actions for Round 3?)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin continues to attack.

[Jasmin]: [1d10] => [7] = (7)

[Aidan]: Aidan stands in the coffin and, wiping the blood from his eyes, begins to cast another spell.

[Aidan]: [1d10] => [8] = (8)

[Daufer]: Daufer moves over to the Nightmaster.

[Daufer]: ((maybe if we can free him, he can turn undead or something.))

[Daufer]: [1d10] -> [9] = (9)

[JadedDM]: Elle's turn.

[JadedDM]: Baring her fangs, Elle leaps at Jasmin again in a fury, grabbing hold of her to bite her neck.  But the berserk dancer manages to push her off before she can break the skin.

[JadedDM]: Meschior's turn.

[JadedDM]: Calling again on the power of Renos, Meschior conjures up a flaming warhammer of pure energy.  Controlling it with his mind, he sends it flying at Elle.  However, she is able to roll aside before it can strike her.  Instead, it pounds into the ground with a loud 'wham.'

[JadedDM]: Jasmin's turn.

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [20,2] = (22)

[Jasmin]: [1d20+2] => [9,2] = (11)

[Daufer]: ((Ooh!))

[Jasmin]: [2d6+5] => [6,1,5] = (12)

[Jasmin]: Jasmin charges at the vampire in a rage and she brings Radiant Star down to smash into the vampire's neck. She brings Scalebiter around the other side of the vampire's neck to try and finish the job, but it merely bounces off her skin like many of the other of her attacks.

[JadedDM]: Elle's face shifts back into its more lovely form, and she frowns, disappointed.  Her entire body then evaporates into a thick, black mist.  It flies around the room once, leaving a very chill draft, before collecting itself back into her coffin.  The coffin then immediately slams shut, sealing it inside.

[Daufer]: Daufer stops and quirks an eyebrow. "Is it... over?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin drops to her knees as she allows the spirit within her to leave her body. She looks a bit weak after that, but she looks up towards the coffin. "She could heal herself," she says softly.

[JadedDM]: Videl lowers his weapon.  "@#$%, sis...you should have been the one to join the army, not me."

[Siara]: Siara goes to check on Aidan.  "You okay?"

[JadedDM]: Liam goes to free his father and brother.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks over to her brother with a smile. "The army is no where near as exciting as this stuff," she says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris hurries over to Jasmin and grabs her by the shoulders.  "Are you...are you okay?"

[Aidan]: Aidan wipes more blood from his face.  "I suppose.  Thank you for the concern."

[Siara]: Siara shakes her head.  "It was foolish for Jasmin to lead you here.  I'm sorry."

[Aidan]: "No kidding.  Are you...were you helping that thing, then?"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Gaheris in surprise. "...I'm fine. Everytime that happens, it leaves me a little tired," she explains as she pulls her eyes away from Gaheris to Aidan and Siara.

[Siara]: "I had no idea, Aidan.  She hired me to sing."

[Aidan]: "And she works with the Bloody Maw..."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nods and smiles slightly.  "You did good, kitten."

[Aidan]: Aidan shakes his head.

[JadedDM]: Meschior dispells his spiritual hammer and assists Daufer and Loreleii in freeing the prisoners.

[Jasmin]: A smile tugs at Jasmin's lips upon hearing Gaheris' words. "Thanks," she says, a little unsure on what else to say. "What about her though?" Jasmin nods her head towards Siara.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris frowns and shakes his head.  "It doesn't matter anymore.  I'm just glad to have you back."

[JadedDM]: Slowly, the prisoners start to wake up, confused and weak.  The ones who have been freed rub at their wrists, where the manacles had been.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin leans in and kisses Gaheris' cheek before she pushes herself up. "We need to get back to Voxis." With a purpose, she walks towards the Nightmaster.

[JadedDM]: Awakening groggily, the Nightmaster manages to get himself to his feet.  "What...what has happened?"

[Aidan]: Aidan pushes himself to his feet, looking for Nabal.

[Jasmin]: "You were taken by...well I guess we know her as number four of the Bloody Maw, and I guess we just saved you."

[JadedDM]: Nabal lies on the ground, having apparently passed out at some point during the battle.

[JadedDM]: Nightmaster:  "I see.  Yes, I remember now.  She came for me in the night.  She knew I was on to her."

[Jasmin]: "We were wrong to do what we did to you," Jasmin says. "Voxis is very much in need of help now."

[Aidan]: Aidan turns his attention to the nearest chest, attempting to open it and ignoring the others.

[Siara]: Siara watches Aidan with interest.

[JadedDM]: The old goblin dusts himself off.  "The time for grudges is not now.  If Voxis has not fallen under their attack yet, it will soon."

[JadedDM]: Popping open the chest, Aidan finds it filled to the brim with gold pieces.

[Daufer]: ((watch out for traps))

[Aidan]: Aidan moves to check the other chests.

[Jasmin]: "Exactly. Which is why I plan to return, but that means I will not be able to retrieve that cloak for you, and we need all the help we can get," she says, motioning over to Videl. "Will you help him so he can in turn help us?"

[JadedDM]: There are four chests total.  The second one is much like the first, but filled with large, white coins instead.  Platinum.

[JadedDM]: The third chest contains five potions, a scroll, and a wand.  The last chest holds five candles, a suit of scale mail, and a long sword.

[Daufer]: "How can we even make it in time?"

[JadedDM]: Nightmaster:  "I can do nothing for your brother without the cloak," he says.

[Aidan]: Aidan wipes some more blood from his eyes, and then looks at the coffin once more.  "Are we sure she's dead?" he asks of no one in particular.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin sighs softly, looking over to her brother.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I guess leave first thing in the morning and hope for the best."

[Daufer]: "Maybe we should check."

[Aidan]: Aidan nods to Loreleii, stepping nearer to the coffin, though he hesitates before grabbing the lid of it.

[JadedDM]: Pushing open the lid, Aidan finds himself staring into Elle's beautiful, but peaceful face.  She lies there, whole again, her wounds quickly healing as she sleeps.

[Siara]: "I don't think she's dead."

[Aidan]: "It doesn't look like she's dead.  Or more dead than she already is."

[Daufer]: "Yes," Daufer says, coming from behind. "She looks like she may rise soon enough."

[JadedDM]: A familiar female voice speaks from within the shadows.  "I would say, she's mostly dead."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin gives a small nod to the Nightmaster, and turns upon hearing the female voice. "Who is there?"

[JadedDM]: Stepping into the light, she reveals herself--a very skinny woman with dark green skin, three fingers on each hand, and black fingernails and black eyes (no whites).  A black horn protrudes from her forehead and she is garbed in loose black robes.

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "Hello again, Jasmin."

[Aidan]: Aidan turns at Jasmin's question.  "What a wonderful little reunion we seem to be having here."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Oh, shit!  It's her again!"

[Jasmin]: Jasmin seems to pale upon seeing Lilah. "The day for betrayers," she says softly. There is a mixture of guilt and hurt in her eyes.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii gasps at the stranger's bizarre appearance.

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "Please, I am not here to fight."

[Jasmin]: "Then what are you doing here?"

[JadedDM]: Lilah looks away, ashamed, at Loreleii's reaction.  "I am here to help you," she answers.

[JadedDM]: "@#$%," Videl says eloquently.

[Siara]: Siara sits herself beside the coffin, watching, her gaze bitter, but otherwise uninterested.

[Jasmin]: "Why should I believe you are here to help?"

[JadedDM]: Lilah fiddles with something in her hand.  "Take this," she says, and she gently tosses it to Jasmin.  It is a small piece of wood, one end shaved down to a fine point.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin catches the stake in her hands. She looks it over curiously before looking to Lilah in question.

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "The heart.  That is her weak point.  Drive the stake through it, and she will be vanquished.  I...tried to get here earlier.  I'm sorry."  She lowers her head.

[Aidan]: Aidan steps away from the open coffin, making sure to remain between Jasmin and Siara, just in case.

[Siara]: Siara moves away from the coffin and instead takes a seat on the chest full of gold.

[Jasmin]: "I doubt you tried to get here earlier," Jasmin says none too kindly, but she walks up to the coffin to look in on the woman inside.

[JadedDM]: Elle's wounds are almost completely healed now.  She rests peacefully.

[Daufer]: Daufer also watches the exchange in silence.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances over her shoulder to the others. "She better be right," she says softly to herself. After taking a deep breath, she brings the stake down on the vampire's heart with all of her might.

[JadedDM]: Elle begins thrashing wildly within her coffin, now wide awake.  She emits an inhuman scream before her entire body turns into dust, leaving behind nothing but the stake and a single red coin.

[Siara]: Siara applauds softly from her seat.  "Nicely done.  Very dramatic.  I guess this makes you the hero, Jasmin."  Her voice is dry and un-amused.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii covers her ears against the eerie sound.

[JadedDM]: Nabal suddenly leaps awake and screams, clutching his head.  He then looks around, wild-eyed and frightened.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin picks up the red coin from the pile of dust before turning to Siara. "I should do the same to you," she says hatefully. "After all, it seems you are working with the Bloody Maw."

[Aidan]: "So is your friend, Lilah, Jasmin."

[Siara]: "You've figured me out, Jasmin.  I guess you were right all along about me."

[Daufer]: "It's hard to know. She didn't raise a finger to help her master."

[Jasmin]: "She isn't my friend anymore, Aidan. Besides, Lilah can't be killed."

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "I was," she corrects.  "I have left them.  And in doing so, have forfeited my...now very mortal life."

[Aidan]: "And how was it that you managed to leave them?" Aidan asks, turning to the green-skinned woman.

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "I managed to escape.  Number One tortured me endlessly, but now his mind is on more important matters.  He is completely focused on the upcoming ceremony, and with our dwindling numbers, there was no one to spare to keep an eye on me."

[Jasmin]: "If you aren't a member of the Bloody Maw anymore, then who is in the Bloody Maw?"

[JadedDM]: Lilah:  "I know you have questions, and I will answer them.  Assuming you choose to spare me."  She walks over to the wall opposite of the one near the coffin.  She touches a panel on the wall, and a door slides open, revealing an exit.  A number of the awakened villagers, including Nabal, run out in a hurry.  "He was charmed by her, and not in full control of his actions.  Most of this town was."  She shakes her head.  "In any case, I will await you upstairs.  You can kill me, or you can let me help you.  If you choose to kill me, I won't stop you.  Number One has shown me there are far worse things than death."  And with that, she heads upstairs.

[Siara]: "So Jasmin.  Are you going to kill her?"

[JadedDM]: Nightmaster:  "Can you really trust her?  This could be a trap."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin closes her hand over the red coin. "...I want to believe her. I don't have a doubt in my mind that she was tortured."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I say we at least hear her out.  If she's yanking our chain, we can kill her later."

[Siara]: Siara stands and makes her way up the stairs after Nabal and the other villagers.

[Jasmin]: "Siara! Stop!"

[Siara]: She stills.  "Or what?"

[Jasmin]: "Just stop," she says, not willing to play that little game. "You are coming with us," she says absently. "I want to keep an eye on you for the time being while we deal with more important problems."

[Siara]: Siara pivots with a look of disgust.  "What makes you think I'd travel with you back to Voxis?  I've seen first hand what it's like to belong to this group.  I think I'd rather take my chances in Nicola."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "What, you going to act all high-and-mighty now?  You betrayed us, and now act like somehow we're the bad guys here."

[Siara]: To Gaheris, her gaze is like venom.  "I would never have killed you."

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs and begins filling his pockets with gold.

[Jasmin]: "Who says I'm giving you the choice? You are coming with us, and that is final," she says before she makes her way to the exit.

[Daufer]: Daufer does as Aidan does, but instead, the platinum.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris grabs the chest with the potions.  He motions for Meschior to grab the one with the gear.  "Might come in handy, if we're going up against the Maw."

[Siara]: Siara turns her back on Jasmin and goes to take some gold as well.

[Daufer]: "Sardonx can carry some of this burden," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Carrying the chests, Gaheris and Meschior follow Jasmin upstairs.  Liam, Cardel, Videl, Kricket, and the Nightmaster all follow.

[JadedDM]: (Okay, we'll end things here then, I guess.)

Back to Renosia III