Session 33:
Regroup

[JadedDM]: Chrysote 20th, Sparkday; 23 bells.  Daufer, Gaheris, Meschior and Loreleii reach the cave that leads to Nikola just as the sun passes over the horizon and darkness begins to set in.  A terrible, foul smell of rot and decay wafts in from the cavern, assaulting their nostrils.

[Daufer]: Daufer, pulling a hand to his face to block out the offending smell, uses his other hand to drag Sardonx forward into the cavern.

[JadedDM]: Meanwhile, Aidan steps out of the inn for a moment, going who knows where.  Siara has all ready stormed out, and Eskar and Jasmin are in their rooms.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii pulls her hat over her face, unable to stand the smell of the place for too long.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Ugh, did something die in here?"  He steps into the cavern.  "It's too dark to see.  But I think this cave leads to Nikola."

[Daufer]: "Why is the entrance to this place in a cavern?" Daufer says with a strained voice.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "The cave leads to a valley, where the town was built.  It's well-protected from the sandstorms and the roaming beasts, or so I've heard."

[Eskar]: The duergar makes his out to the common room of the inn. He claps his hands together to rid them of any charcoal dust and moves forward towards the barkeep. "Night."

[JadedDM]: Nabal nods to the dwarf.  "Night."

[Daufer]: "'A wretched hive of scum and villainy', indeed," Daufer says, tiredly.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin sighs softly as she paces within her room. After a few moments of doing nothing but that, she steps out of her room and walks down to the common room with a shake of her head.

[JadedDM]: At this hour, the only people in the common room are Eskar, Nabal, and a couple of his bar wenches.

[JadedDM]: The party continues forward down the cavern until they find the source of the dreadful odor.  About a dozen of bodies litter the ground, with numerous bloodless wounds.  Some have even been decapitated.  The gory remains of a mule are nearby.

[Eskar]: The duergar gets himself onto a bar stool and places a piece of gold on the bar. "I am looking for my friends. A hobgoblin priest, a human priest, a human woman, and a man with a bow. Have you seen them come in?"

[Jasmin]: "A human woman?" Jasmin asks as she makes her way to the bar.

[Daufer]: Daufer crouches down at the bodies, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure this is the right place, Gaheris?"

[JadedDM]: Nabal:  "I'm afraid I haven't seen this group," he admits, accepting the gold coin.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii gasps at the discovery of the bodies. "Oh!"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris examines the bodies as well, keeping a hand over his nose.  "Looks like they were dead before they were cut up.  Undead, most likely."

[Eskar]: The duergar nods, turning his black eyes to Jasmin. "Yes, but we are competition no?"

[Jasmin]: "I was under the impression you weren't with the Shadow Bats anymore. If that is the case, then no we aren't."

[Daufer]: "Let's not stick around to find out if they'll rise again," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Meschior walks up to the mule's body.  "Did Aidan come through here?" he muses aloud.

[Loreleii]: The librarian looks up sharply at the mention of the mage's name.

[Daufer]: "That wizard? Why would you say so? I thought he would have left back for Voxis."

[Eskar]: Eskar motions at the Nabal. "Something strong." He returns his attention to Jasmin. "I am not sure of anything, except that you friends are being my enemies."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "That could be anyone's mule.  In any case, I doubt Aidan could have done all of this."

[JadedDM]: Nabal nods and fixes Eskar a shot of hellwine.

[JadedDM]: Meschior stands up.  "Perhaps.  In any case, I agree with Daufer.  Let's proceed."

[Jasmin]: "Why would they still be your enemies if you aren't with the Shadow Bats?"

[Loreleii]: Loreleii gives the dead mule a worried look before following after Meschior.

[Eskar]: Eskar considers her words, and then downs the shot. "I am thinking they are still allied with the Viscount."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin raises an eyebrow curiously. "Of course they are allied with the Viscount. They are sworn to protect him, but what does that have to do with anything?"

[JadedDM]: The party continues forward, eventually reaching a large reinforced gate inside the cavern.  A pair of guards, a female hobgoblin and a male human, stand outside of it armed with spears and chain mail.  "Halt," says the human.  "State your business."

[Eskar]: Eskar's throat rumbles in protest against the bite of the shot, but his scowl has nothing to do with liquor. "It was you who is always concerned about Viscount and the Bloody Maw."

[Daufer]: "Supplies and lodgings," the priest says. "We're to journey deeper into the desert for Abelard."

[Jasmin]: "I was never concerned with the Viscount himself. It was the Bloody Maw in general, and I simply thought that the nobles had something to do with the Bloody Maw. No one really seemed to take me seriously on the matter though."

[JadedDM]: The human guard looks the four over and raises a brow.  "More adventurers?  Is there some kind of guild meeting for them or something?" he wonders aloud.  Shrugging, he bangs on the gate.  "Open up!  We have more travelers!"

[Daufer]: "'More'?" Daufer says, raising a brow. "Have another group passed this way?"

[JadedDM]: "Two, in fact," the guard states.  A loud creaking sound is heard behind him as the gate slowly begins to open.  "One the other day, and another pair arrived just a short while ago."

[Daufer]: Daufer gives his friend a knowing look before turning back to the guard. "Could you describe them in more detail?"

[Eskar]: "Yes, well I am believing it." He motions to Nabal for another. "I am always thinking they are threat too."

[JadedDM]: Guard:  "The first group was the Tainted Hands.  Ever heard of them?  The more recent pair was a young man and a dwarf.  They claimed they had slain some ghouls and were seeking shelter."

[Jasmin]: "You didn't really seem to care much...but then again you are looking a little different too. The Nightmaster did say that he had something planned with you too."

[Daufer]: "Thank you," Daufer says after a moment to absorb this new information. He tugs at the reins of his mule and drags the beast forward through the gate.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris goes quite silent at this news and takes another swig from his flask, a long one, before following Daufer in.  Meschior quietly follows, as well.

[Loreleii]: "Could that young man with the dwarf have been Aidan, do you think?" Loreleii asks, dogging at the others' footsteps.

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs his shoulders. "Not speaking does not mean not caring."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "It's possible.  Perhaps Eskar has resurfaced and joined with him."

[Jasmin]: "The times I mentioned the threat of the Bloody Maw, you could have backed me up a little then," Jasmin points out.

[Daufer]: "Joined him in what? Going back to Voxis?" Daufer says with some derision.

[JadedDM]: The party arrives in the small town of Nikola .  Although night has now fallen, the town is partially illuminated with a number of street lamps.  The small town is nowhere near as big as Voxis' slum sector, and appears to be nestled in a valley, completely protected from attack.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Who can say?  The man is an enigma, at best."

[Daufer]: "Well, there aren't many other dwarves we know of, so it's likely that they're here. Somewhere."

[JadedDM]: The first building they come across is simply labeled " Inn ."  Candlelight is coming out from the windows, suggesting they must still be open.

[Eskar]: "This is being true. I was having different worries." Eskar motions for Nabal again. "I cannot say you being Tainted Hands is a surprise."

[JadedDM]: Understanding, Nabal refills the dwarf's drink.

[Daufer]: Daufer looks for a place to stable his beast of burden.

[Jasmin]: "I have been debating over joining them for awhile, Eskar. I've made enough threats to do so, and with a little convincing from Siara I finally did it."

[JadedDM]: The inn hasn't a stable to offer, rather just a few posts out front to tie mounts off.

[Daufer]: Daufer ties Sardonx to one of the posts and rejoins the others.

[Eskar]: Eskar takes the second shot, this time making a sour face. "I was asking you to be leader, but you switch to them anyway? Why be Shadow Bat at all?"

[Jasmin]: "I don't think I would make a very good leader," Jasmin says. "I was a Shadow Bat because...well mainly because of Gaheris."

[JadedDM]: The door to the inn swings open, and in steps Meschior looking tired and worried.  He brushes some sand off of his cloak and steps in fully, then stops abruptly in surprise at the sight of Jasmin and Eskar.

[Daufer]: Daufer follows in after the fire priest. "Hey, why'd you stop so suddenly--" Daufer finally sees what Meschior is looking at. "Ah, yes. In a town so small, there's bound to be only one inn."

[JadedDM]: Nabal:  "Ah, more travelers.  I haven't had this much business in ages," the young barkeeper says.

[Eskar]: Eskar turns to regard the Shadow Bats for a moment then turns back to Nabal and holds up three fingers.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin turns slightly to look towards the newcomers. "Oh, look has finally dragged themselves here," Jasmin says with a small smirk.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii looks on at the scene with apprehension.

[JadedDM]: As Nabal fulfills Eskar's order, Gaheris comes in next.  "What's the damned hold-up?" he asks before he, too, stops short suddenly.  Having removed his hood before entering, the candlelight of the inn illuminates his haggard, worn-out and unshaved face.  He looks almost a different person, with dark bags under his eyes and messy hair.

[Eskar]: Eskar downs the next three shots in succession, grimacing. He turns back to the others with watery black eyes. "Well you are alive, good."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin wrinkles her nose as she lays her eyes upon Gaheris. "Aidan was right."

[Daufer]: "No thanks to you, dwarf," Daufer says viciously. "Surprised to see us alive after ditching us in the middle of battle?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I was about the say the same about you, Eskar."

[Eskar]: Eskar shrugs. "I was watching out. It is not being my fault you all split up and I choose the mage." He scratches at his beard.

[Daufer]: "I expected a bit more from a dwarf than to run from a handful of goblins."

[Eskar]: Eskar gives another shrug. "Running is not true. But I help Aidan. Why split?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris pulls out his flask for another long swig, but is disappointed to find it is now empty.  Then, realizing suddenly he's in a tavern, he heads over to the bar and sits down.

[Daufer]: "You'll have to ask him," Daufer says, taking a seat next to the thief.

[Jasmin]: "Aidan said it was because Gaheris was too drunk to really lead, and that Daufer was...uncaring. It was something along those lines."

[Daufer]: Daufer barks out a laugh. "The wizard is simply afraid to die. A remarkably foolish notion, since he left all by himself to face the desert alone."

[Eskar]: Eskar rubs his gut and nods to himself, holding up another three fingers to Nabal. "We kill ten and one ghouls. Very hard. We are strong."

[Jasmin]: "Well, with the way all of you are looking, I'm surprised you didn't die."

[Daufer]: "Barkeep, a drink, please!" Daufer shouts.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I imagine we would have faired better, had we not been betrayed by one of our own," he points out matter-of-factly.

[JadedDM]: Nabal gets to work, pouring drinks for both Gaheris and Daufer.

[Daufer]: Daufer laughs heartily at the fire priest's statement. "Very true, Sir Chaleur, very true."

[Eskar]: Eskar swings his attention to Jasmin. "Yes, that is good words."

[Jasmin]: "Meschior, you haven't been a Shadow Bat for a very long time," Jasmin says. "I imagine the only reason why you are here is because of Loreleii. Why is she here anyway?"

[Loreleii]: Loreleii reddens at suddenly being at the center of attention.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "She...wishes to study the ruins of Abelard."

[Daufer]: "Besides, she was a bit impressive back there today. She helped take down a troll almost single-handedly."

[Jasmin]: "Did she now?" Jasmin asks, looking to Loreleii curiously.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii flinches at the warrior woman's gaze.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "When did the four of you arrive here, anyway?" he asks Jasmin.

[Jasmin]: "This is our second night here, I think. Siara wished to stay here to do something, so we all decided it was best we get as much rest as we could before we head out to the ruins."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Siara?!"

[Eskar]: The gray dwarf turns his attention to his drinks just long enough to consume them. "This Siara is very good friends of you so suddenly. That is what Aidan be saying."

[Daufer]: "That courtesan is here?" Daufer says incredulously.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin laughs almost merrily. "I can't believe she just joined the Tainted Hands without telling none of you, and none of you realized it."

[Daufer]: "You sure can pick them," Daufer says to Gaheris. The hobgoblin looks frustrated.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris finally looks up at this news.  "She...betrayed us, as well?"

[Eskar]: "You are not feeling bad about betray us?" Eskar's Renosian seems to be degenerating quickly.

[Jasmin]: "I left for my own well being," Jasmin says with a sigh." And Siara left after speaking with me about leaving. I guess she decided she wasn't happy with the leadership either," she says, glancing to Gaheris.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris seems stunned.  "She never said anything..."

[Daufer]: "Gaheris' led us through a great many successes," Daufer says, stepping in to defend his friend.

[Eskar]: Eskar grins darkly. "Not so happy with women now, Gaheris? Treat them bad they leave, yes."

[Jasmin]: "He isn't the best leader right now, is he? Look at him."

[JadedDM]: The thief stands up.  "I never treated anyone badly."

[Jasmin]: "Keep telling yourself that, Gaheris. Two of us wouldn't have left if that wasn't the case."

[Daufer]: "He's only this way, because you came in like a siren, planted your hooks and left him out to dry. If anything, he treated you better than you deserved."

[Eskar]: Eskar breaks out laughing, pointing his finger at Gaheris.

[Eskar]: (So this scene right here is worth having the session I think)

[Jasmin]: "Planted my hooks and left him out to dry?" Jasmin asks, almost laughing.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris grows angrily, clutching at his glass until his knuckle is nearly white.  "Oh, and just how is old Kricket treating you instead, eh?" he asks.

[Jasmin]: "That really isn't your concern is it, Gaheris?" Jasmin snaps, looking back to Gaheris.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris grins.  "Not what you were expecting, is it?  I know Kricket.  He may act like a charmer, but deep down, he's a belly-crawling snake.  If he hasn't shown you his true colors yet, it's only a matter of time."

[Daufer]: Daufer looks at his friend. "Gaheris, you haven't..."

[Jasmin]: "And you aren't?"

[Loreleii]: Loreleii leans against Meschior, looking wide-eyed at the confrontation.

[Eskar]: "I am seeing you both get what you need." The duergar chuckles to himself, looking from Jasmin to Gaheris. He turns his attention to Meschior though. "I am thinking I have something to be say to you." He beckons the man over with a finger.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "The simple truth is, Jasmin, is that you're a gods damned screw-up.  Handy in a fight, sure, but you have no brains or sense.  You were constantly rushing into danger, without any thought for your own safety or our own.  Without any thought as to how the rest of us might feel if you got yourself killed.  You were reckless, naive, and trusted anyone who acted nice to you.  But just because someone acts nice doesn't mean he is.  You're a pawn, a tool; something Kricket found out easily.  That's why he used you to get information from us, and then he tricked you into joining them.  You're just like Derell, and that kind of behavior is what got him killed!  And I'll be damned if I was to let that happen again!" he shouts.

[JadedDM]: Meschior, his arm around Loreleii, manages to tear his gaze from the argument long enough to look at Eskar questioningly.

[Daufer]: Daufer leans back into his chair sipping his drink, satisfied that his friend has finally said something worth merit.

[Eskar]: The duergar instantly forgets about Meschior, sobering up and turning his attention to Gaheris, then to Jasmin for her reaction.

[Loreleii]: Loreleii, thankful to divert attention away from the argument, follows Meschior's gaze.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin simply stares at Gaheris for a few moments, looking as if she isn't sure on what to say. "The rest of you wouldn't feel a thing if I got myself killed! That is one thing about the Shadow Bats. They don't care about anyone but themselves!"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Of course we care!  But I am not here to coddle you!  If you screw up, you're going to hear about it.  Because we're a group.  And a mistake can get us all killed, as well as you!  If I didn't care, I'd just let you die!"

[Eskar]: "Wrong." Eskar shakes his head and holds another three fingers up to Nabal. "He is being right one time. We are care."

[JadedDM]: Nabal, clearly distracted by the on-going drama in his tavern, manages to snap out of it long enough to fix Eskar three more drinks before returning his full attention to the show.

[Daufer]: "That certainly is a mouthful, coming from you," Daufer says.

[Eskar]: Eskar motions for Meschior to join him, holding out a shot.

[JadedDM]: Meschior pats Loreleii on the shoulder, and then moves over to join Eskar.  He accepts the glass and sniffs at it experimentally.

[Jasmin]: "You don't know if I actually care about anyone or not, Daufer. None of you actually know if I care about anything for that matter. Aidan didn't even know I had a brother until I mentioned that he was here," Jasmin points out. "And a sign that none of you really care is that you all thought you left Siara behind in Voxis. You didn't even bother to check on her did you? You just left. That doesn't say much for any of you!"

[Loreleii]: Loreleii looks at the three adventurers with great apprehension and scampers after Meschior.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Yeah, good thing we didn't go back for her.  Since apparently she wasn't there, and had abandoned us.  Not the other way around."

[Eskar]: "Drink." Eskar takes one himself. He watches Jasmin and Gaheris for a moment before turning his complete attention to the fire priest.

[JadedDM]: Meschior takes a small sip of the drink and coughs and sputters a bit.

[Jasmin]: "That isn't the point, Gaheris!" Jasmin shouts.

[Daufer]: Daufer laughs. "I've never hidden my flaws or denied anything. I just think it's funny to be lectured on selflessness from someone who betrayed the group for little more than self-validation."

[Loreleii]: "Why are you drinking that? And why did you leave me behind there?" Loreleii hisses.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It is the point!  You need to grow the hell up!  If all of the attention isn't always on you, you run off to someone else!  What are you going to do when Siara and Kricket start to pay less attention to you, eh?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "He said he had something he needed to discuss."

[Loreleii]: "So you left me there? I don't want to get in the middle of that!"

[Eskar]: "One motion my friend, like this." The duergar takes the other shot and downs it like a pro. The alcohol is very clearly affecting him. He turns to Loreleii. "I am liking you, but what are you doing to my friend here?"

[Jasmin]: "I don't care about the attention!"

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "You are free to join us, I am sure."

[Daufer]: Daufer recalls his first meeting with Jasmin. "That's not how I recall it."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Yes, you do!  Damn it, that's all you ever cared about!  You go on and on about how we don't care about you, but you never cared for any of us!  You just wanted to be center of attention!"

[Loreleii]: Loreleii looks at Eskar. "What do you mean?"

[Eskar]: Eskar shakes his head. "He is giving you ring, yes?"

[Loreleii]: "Ring?" Loreleii looks confused and flustered. "What? Oh! Yes, we're getting married."

[Jasmin]: "That isn't true," she says, her voice softening a bit.

[Eskar]: Eskar narrows his eyes. "You are saying yes?" The duergar looks back at Meschior.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Oh, yes it is," he says, picking up steam.  "And the moment we stopped giving you our full attention and devotion, what did you do?  Run off to join our rivals!"

[Loreleii]: "Um, yes, I am, I mean, yes, I did, " Loreleii says, reddening.

[Jasmin]: "That isn't why I joined them!"

[Daufer]: "Oh ho, this should be good," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Oh?  Why then?"

[Jasmin]: "I joined them because I thought it would help me get over you!" she screams.

[Eskar]: The duergar nods slowly. "Then everything is being fine." He nudges Meschior. "Drink to future. Let us watch." He turns to watch the developing drama.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "What the Nine Hells does that even mean?"

[Loreleii]: The librarian looks even more confused than when she started talking to the dwarf.

[Jasmin]: "It means that for the longest time I have loved you, and Siara convinced me you didn't deserve it so I left!"

[JadedDM]: Meschior shrugs and attempts to down the drink in one swig.  This leads him to cough even worse, and look rather pale as a result.

[Loreleii]: "Meschior!" Loreleii grabs at the priest's sleeve. "Don't you think you've had enough?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris stares at her for several moments, his expression unreadable.  "Siara...?"

[JadedDM]: Meschior wipes his mouth with his sleeve and wheezes a bit.  "Err, yes.  Perhaps so."

[Jasmin]: "Yes, Siara. You know, the one you can't believe betrayed you."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "You said Siara decided to leave because you did.  But now you say she was the one who convinced you to leave.  Which was it?"

[Jasmin]: "She and I had a nice long talk about it all. She was the one to convince me."

[Eskar]: Eskar chuckles at Meschior. "It is being good anyway, my friend." His attention returns to Gaheris and Jasmin. "It is like Aidan is saying. Siara problem."

[Daufer]: "I thought you marched to the beat of your own drum," Daufer says. "But, here it seems that a few sweet words were all it took for you to betray the Shadow Bats."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I also thought you hated Siara."

[Jasmin]: "I did hate Siara, but things changed."

[Loreleii]: "By the way, Sir Armbreaker, Meschior said that a few nights ago, you came back amid a black vortex. That could have only been the Shadow Plane! What was it like?"

[Daufer]: "You said it yourself, Gaheris. Act nice to this one, and she changes her mind ever so quickly."

[Eskar]: Eskar blinks, turning to Loreleii. "You know... I was floating in black. Very bad business. Was no good idea."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris looks to Daufer.  "So Siara convinced Jasmin to leave, and then she left, as well.  What the hell has she been planning?  Is she behind this whole damned thing?" he muses.

[Daufer]: Daufer shrugs. "You knew her best. What does it matter? This one left of her own will."

[Jasmin]: "What are you talking about?" Jasmin asks, looking at Gaheris as if he was insane. "Siara didn't plan anything!" she says in her defense.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris turns back to Jasmin.  "Don't you get it?  Kricket isn't the only one who's been using you.  Siara manipulated you, as well.  To what end, I don't know."

[Jasmin]: "No, she didn't!"

[Loreleii]: "But, what was it like? Did it feel cold? There was no light, but could you see?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "What has she been up to since you arrived here?" he pries.

[Jasmin]: "Well, I don't really know to be honest. She went off by herself today to meet some Big Boss or something. I don't know what happened."

[Eskar]: Eskar scratches at his beard, concentrating. "I am not seeing anything. Even my eyes, nothing. I was feeling the dark. I mean feeling it, like water. Very cold, nasty."

[Loreleii]: Loreleii nods excitedly. "Uh huh. Then? What else?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Jasmin, as long as you are so trusting and naive, people are going to continue to take advantage of you," he says, calming down.

[Daufer]: Daufer inwardly marvels at the change that has overcome his friend in such a short time.

[Eskar]: "Well, Shadowmaster is talking to me. He give me this power, feel like shadow moving into me, into armor. Feel dark but power, yes." The duergar closes his eyes. "You should not go."

[Jasmin]: "She hasn't taken advantage of me though. She has been nice to me from the start, and I treated her horribly and then I almost cut her down at the temple." Jasmin sighs, as if she feeling bad about the whole thing.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Honestly, Jasmin...has life really been so much better with the Tainted Hands?"

[Loreleii]: "Can you really say that darkness and shadow in and of themselves is Evil, though?" Loreleii asks.

[Jasmin]: "I'm with them now. I can't leave."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris snorts.  "You left us.  You can leave them."

[Eskar]: "That is for you smart kids." Eskar shakes his head. "I am no good head."

[Daufer]: "Hold friend," Daufer says. "What are you doing? She left us, you, so easily, and now you want her back?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I..," he pauses in response to Daufer's question, as if suddenly unsure of what he wants or what he is trying to do.

[Jasmin]: "It doesn't matter. I'm not leaving Siara behind with them even if I did want to leave."

[Loreleii]: "Oh, I'm no philosopher, either. It's just interesting."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris sits back down on his stool, slumping his shoulders, defeated.

[Loreleii]: "What do you think, love?" the librarian asks her fiancé.

[Eskar]: Eskar turns back to Jasmin. "Loyal to woman you just met?"

[Daufer]: The hobgoblin seems disappointed at his friend reverting back to his depression.

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Darkness and Light require each other to exist," he says simply.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin looks to Eskar. "She hasn't done anything to me. I don't know why Aidan, you, and now Gaheris keep thinking that she did."

[Loreleii]: "I've heard that people in other lands and realms worship the light as they do Shadowbite here."

[Daufer]: "Oh, I agree," Daufer says. "Anything that's happened, you've done to yourself."

[Eskar]: Eskar shakes his head. "That is not what I say. I wonder why? What is so good with Siara? You fight more with us, have to trust us more. We were good team."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "If you're that much happier now, then Daufer's right.  It's your choice.  I can't make it for you."  He reaches for his glass, and then, seeming to think better of it, pushes it aside.

[Jasmin]: "She's my friend...the only one since Arael," Jasmin says, looking between all of them.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Arael used you, too, Jasmin," he points out.  "Or should I say Lilah?  We're the only friends you've had who haven't betrayed you."

[Jasmin]: "Siara wouldn't do that to me!" Jasmin insists.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris stands up and pays his tab.  "We'll see about that.  Mark my words, that woman's up to something fishy."

[Eskar]: The duergar lets out a long sigh before likewise paying his tab and stumbling to his feet. "He is right."

[Jasmin]: "You're wrong. All of you are wrong," she says as she pushes herself off her stool.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris turns his attention to the others.  "Listen guys, I'm...sorry I haven't been myself lately."

[Daufer]: "It's alright, friend," Daufer says. "You just needed some time to get your head back above ground."

[JadedDM]: The thief nods and smiles slightly.  "So what should we do now about this damned contest?"

[Daufer]: Daufer raises a brow. "I thought you wanted to beat the Tainted Hands?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris chuckles.  "I guess I realized we are better than the Tainted Hands anyway.  Whether they realize that or not."

[Daufer]: The hobgoblin grins. "Couldn't have said it better."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We still need to find Aidan, though."  He looks to the dwarf.  "I assume he's still somewhere in town, right?"

[Daufer]: Daufer shrugs in a non-committing way. "I suppose so."

[Eskar]: Eskar nods. "He is stay here... He is in bad way. We both need heal."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin shakes her head at them all before she moves up to her room.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "We could all use some rest, so I guess we'll run into him tomorrow, most likely."

[Daufer]: "Oh, you need healing?" Daufer says, snorting. "Where were you when we were ambushed by the goblins? When we fought off an angry troll? How do we know you won't just disappear on us again?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "He has a point, dwarf.  You haven't been particularly reliable lately, and your loyalties are still in question.  What do you have to say for yourself?"

[Daufer]: "Tell me I'm wrong dwarf," Daufer says. "Tell me you won't disappear on us again, and I'll let the matter drop."

[Eskar]: Eskar blinks for a long time, and wavers on his feet then makes his attempt at a defense. "Like I am saying. I find Aidan first, we go together. I can help with no troll. And you can not take goblins on own? I saw sign of trap, had to go see."

[Daufer]: "That's not the way I remember it," Daufer says. "When the goblins ambushed us, you vanished into thin air and weren't seen again until we saw you here."

[Eskar]: "You not watch back. You see giant dust storm coming to us? No? I am thinking was more goblin. Had to see." The duergar belches, trying to stay on his feet.

[Daufer]: "I don't even see anything remotely resembling an apology in there." Daufer looks at the thief.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris shakes his head.  "He's drunk.  Better to wait for the morning before interrogating him.  Loudly, preferably."

[Eskar]: "You want apology? Fine. Won't do it again. Promise. Well, will say before doing."

[Daufer]: The hobgoblin rolls his eyes. "I'm going to bed."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Good idea.  We'll have four rooms," he tells Nabal.

[JadedDM]: Nabal:  "I'm afraid we only have two rooms left, sir."

[Eskar]: "Since when you leader anyway? You not even in group when I come. You just bossy. Where are Shadow Bats with no me, and no Jasmin, and no Aidan? Dead. Should be nicer."

[Daufer]: "You've just named the three who betrayed the group first, dwarf. Think on that."

[Eskar]: "Betray? You are first to betray. You leave first."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris acquires keys for the two rooms.  He hands one to Meschior.  "For you and the future missus," he says with a smirk.

[Daufer]: "A far cry from leaving for a rival group or fleeing in the midst of battle, I think."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Daufer is no traitor," he says.  "Like myself, he simply has other duties to attend to."

[Eskar]: The duergar shrugs. "Maybe no one I say is traitor. Maybe you two drive them go away. Aidan hate you." He points to Daufer. "And Jasmin hate you." He points to Gaheris. "Maybe problem not with them."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Don't piss me off, dwarf, or you'll find yourself unemployed," he growls, getting annoyed.  "Go to bed before you say something you regret."

[Eskar]: "I am thinking you lucky I still here." Eskar mumbles more under his breath and heads towards his room.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris grunts.  "I wasn't that bad when I was drunk, was I?"

[Daufer]: Daufer grimaces. "Let's not dwell on that anymore."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris sighs and shakes his head.  "Yeah, you're right.  For now, we should just focus on regrouping and then figuring out our next move."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin stops outside the rooms in which the Tainted Hands are staying in. With a sigh, she knocks upon the door.

[JadedDM]: Meschior rejoins Daufer and Gaheris at the bar.  "That seems the best course of action for now," he agrees.

[JadedDM]: The door Jasmin knocked on swings open and Liam steps out.  "Jasmin?  What are you still doing up?" he asks, rubbing at his eyes.

[Jasmin]: "Couldn't sleep," she says with a shrug. "I'm...pretty sure the Shadow Bats aren't going to the ruins."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "That's excellent news then," he says, waking up a little more.  "Then we don't need to, either."

[Aidan]: Aidan re-enters the inn, looking somewhat relieved as he looks around the familiar building, though as he turns and notices the Shadow Bats, he hesitates for a moment, turns back towards the door, hesitates again, then turns and heads towards the bar.

[Jasmin]: "Yeah, I suppose." She looks a bit down about the whole thing though.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I'll alert father when he returns, although I probably won't see him again until tomorrow morning."

[Jasmin]: "He left?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris turns his attention to the entrance when the door opens.  "Ah, there he is," he says.  "Glad to see you made it in one piece."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Yes, he's meeting someone.  Didn't say who."

[Jasmin]: "Who is there to meet in this small town?" Jasmin asks curiously.

[Daufer]: The hobgoblin turns to regard the mage.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "The Nightmaster, perhaps?  I have no idea.  He knows a few people here, since the last time we visited."

[Aidan]: Aidan orders some soup from Nabal before answering Gaheris.  "A wonder that all four of you survived your troll," he says coolly.

[Loreleii]:  Since there's nothing to do in the room, Loreleii inspects the scroll she received from the battle with the troll.

[Jasmin]: "You don't find that at all odd?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It was no problem," he lies.  "Went down in no time."

[Daufer]: "Heard you had some trouble yourself," Daufer says.

[JadedDM]:  The scroll seems encrypted in magic.  It would require a Detect Magic spell to properly translate it.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Not really.  Cardel is out, as well."

[Jasmin]: "Where did he go?"

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I saw him heading out with one of the barmaids."

[Aidan]: "'Went down'?  I believe the plan was to avoid it."  Aidan glances at Daufer before returning his gaze to Gaheris.  "Eskar and I ran into a number of undead.  We handled them just fine."

[Loreleii]:  Loreleii moves on to inspect the troll goo.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin shakes her head. "I can't believe I'm the only one, other than you, that isn't...out."

[Daufer]: "Heard you lost a mule, though. Bad luck."

[Aidan]: "But still preferable to losing my own life or Eskar's."

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "Siara is out, as well?" he asks.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "The Tainted Hands are here," he says.  "You probably all ready knew that, though," he guesses.

[Jasmin]: "She sort of disappeared after that conversation with Aidan earlier."

[JadedDM]:  The troll goo is a rather disgusting substance, reminiscent of a thick mucus, but with the occasional hair in it.  Strangely, it has no odor at all.

[Eskar]: Eskar opens his door a crack to peer at Jasmin and Liam. "Trouble with Tainted Hands?"

[JadedDM]: Liam starts, but then calms down.  "Oh, it's just the dwarf."

[Jasmin]: Jasmin glances over her shoulder to Eskar in annoyance. "There is no trouble," she says evenly.

[Eskar]:  Eskar shrugs. "I am not being Gaheris or that priest. I don't be care."

[Aidan]: "Yes, I..." The barkeep places some soup before Aidan's seat, so the mage moves to retrieve it and takes a tentative spoonful of the broth.  He takes a few steps closer to the group of Shadow Bats, thinking over his response.  "I had some words with Jasmin and Siara."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nods.  "As did we.  Well, with Jasmin.  Haven't seen Siara, yet."

[Aidan]: "And how was Jasmin while Siara wasn't present to guide her responses?"

[Jasmin]: "You are still with them though, Eskar. Besides, it is nothing important anyway."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris sighs.  "I suspect Siara is manipulating her in some way.  According to Jasmin, Siara was the one who convinced her to leave.  And now we learn Siara is also with the Tainted Hands.  I don't know what her game is, but it seems pretty suspicious to me."

[Eskar]: Eskar leaves his room, shutting the door behind him. "I am no place to going else. Need more drink." The duergar starts to the common room again.

[Jasmin]: "And I thought it was Gaheris that was the drunk," Jasmin says, smiling a bit before she turns back to Liam.

[Aidan]: Aidan has a few more spoonfuls of his soup.  "Mm," he agrees.  "What wonderful taste in women you have, Gaheris."

[Daufer]: "Anything they did, they did on their own."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris snorts, but then chuckles.  "Yeah, I would have been better off swearing off women altogether."

[Eskar]: Eskar stumbles a little as he enters the common room, heading straight for Aidan. He remains silent, but eyes Gaheris and Daufer cautiously.

[Aidan]: Aidan nods to Eskar as he enters.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris turns more serious.  "Listen, Aidan...I all ready said this to the others, but I owe you an apology, too.  I haven't been much of a leader lately."

[Aidan]: Aidan quietly eats his soup for a few more moments, and then says, "No, you haven't."

[Jasmin]: "Well," she starts, looking up to Liam. "I guess I'll let you go back to bed. I just wanted to let you know what the Shadow Bats were doing.

[JadedDM]: Liam:  "I'll see you on the morrow then.  Hopefully we can pack up and go home once father gets the news."

[Jasmin]: "I just have to tell my brother the bad news."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I'm sorry," he says.

[Eskar]: Eskar nods slowly, not really understanding.

[Aidan]: Aidan takes a few moments to stare at Gaheris, as if calculating whether or not to believe him, and then he shrugs and nods, returning to his soup.

[Jasmin]: Jasmin turns from the Tainted Hands room, and heads back to her room.

[JadedDM]: Liam nods and then closes the door, returning to sleep.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "In any case, Jasmin insists on sticking with Siara, but Eskar is back with us.  Tentatively," he adds.  "We need to decide what we're going to do now."

[Daufer]: "Beating the Tainted Hands isn't quite as important as before."

[Aidan]: Rather than offering a suggestion, Aidan wonders aloud, "And why should Jasmin insist on staying with Siara?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris shakes his head.  "I have no idea.  Women.  Who knows what goes through their head?"

[Eskar]: "Can we be beating the Hands? They are strong. Very." Eskar raises his eyebrows at Nabal and holds up a finger.

[JadedDM]: Nabal seems surprised at the dwarf, but obliges and pours him another drink.

[Daufer]: Daufer motions toward the barkeep for him to come over.

[JadedDM]: Nabal now approaches Daufer.  "Can I get you something, sir?"

[Daufer]: Daufer whispers something into the barkeep's ear.  "Start watering down the dwarf's drinks."

[Aidan]: "So it's not strange to you that just a few weeks ago Jasmin hated Siara?"  Aidan looks at the dwarf and hobgoblin, thinking over their statements.  "Should it be necessary for the Shadow Bats to beat the Tainted Hands?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It is strange.  She said things changed, though.  I don't know what she meant by that."

[JadedDM]: The barkeeper glances to the dwarf, and then nods to Daufer.  "Yes, sir."

[Eskar]: Eskar downs the shot, and pauses, looking for a moment as if he's made a terrible mistake. He sets the shot glass down though, and let's out a belch. He wipes his eyes and looks up at Aidan. "I am thinking yes. They are still helping Bloody Maw. We need money." Eskar remains completely unaware as to Daufer's machinations.

[Aidan]: Aidan raises an eyebrow and whispers, "The Bloody Maw?  How do you know they are helping them?"

[Eskar]: Eskar furrows his brows. He whispers quite loudly. "Sworn to Viscount."

[Daufer]: "The Viscount could just be their dupe. You don't know how deep he is into the conspiracy."

[Aidan]: Aidan sighs.  "How much do we honestly know of the Bloody Maw, anyway?  We haven't heard of any activity on their part in ages.  And who knows whether or not we can actually trust the Nightmaster's words?  For all we know, he was pushing his own agenda."

[Eskar]: The duergar nods. "True. But I am thinking he is big player. Leader of town should care more of Maw, but nothing. All sign say yes he is bad."  Eskar shrugs. "All maybes. No fact."

[Daufer]: "The thing is, we need something. We haven't had a big break in awhile. These ruins might be able to hold us over, luck willing."

[Aidan]: "The Viscount could just be a poor leader for the city.  He doesn't have to have a conspiracy backing him."  Aidan downs the rest of his soup.  "I don't see why you would want to go those ruins."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I suppose it beats doing nothing at all."

[Daufer]: "Why not? Ancient ruins of the Malice Dynasty. Who knows what's there?"

[Aidan]: Aidan shrugs.  "The Shadow Bats can do whatever they like."

[Eskar]: A grin slowly spreads on Eskar's face. "You know, I am having idea.  I am hearing Jasmin talk to little boy Hand. They think we not go to ruins. All of Tainted Hands gone out this night. How can we use this? I am knowing we use this good."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "You have some suggestions?" he asks Aidan.

[Daufer]: "Using a trick to win?" Daufer scoffs.

[Aidan]: "I wouldn't presume to tell a slayer group what to slay, Gaheris.  If the Shadow Bats would like to hunt pyrolisks then you may as well."

[Eskar]: "Is plan. If we have plan they fall for, we win."

[Daufer]: "Who said anything about the pyrolisks? Since we're not competing with the Tainted Hands, why not go for treasure?"

[Aidan]: "Because the pyrolisks are still a danger?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Danger is kind of a requirement for any slayer job.  The Qavay Temple was dangerous.  The Kallow Wadi was dangerous."

[Eskar]: Eskar turns to Nabal. "Ale." Then, back to the group.

[JadedDM]: Nabal fixes Eskar a mug of ale and sets it before him.

[Eskar]: The duergar grabs the mug with a nod and sips at it, contemplating. "I am saying we are to go."

[Aidan]: Aidan shrugs.  "Then have your danger.  As I said, it is not my place to be telling the Shadow Bats what or where to slay."

[Eskar]: "You are not coming?" He lowers his voice. "Bad ale here."

[Daufer]: "Seems fine to me," Daufer says as he takes another sip.

[Aidan]: "If I recall correctly, Daufer asked me to leave when I disagreed about the troll."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "You're not still on about that, are you?"

[Eskar]: "Daufer is not boss." Eskar looks over at the hobgoblin, glaring. He drinks the rest of his ale in one go.

[Daufer]: "You planned on leaving anyway," Daufer says, shrugging.

[Aidan]: "I was asked to leave.  Should I not be under the impression that I am no longer part of your slayer group?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Is that what you wish?"

[Aidan]: "It was a leader's opinion that I leave.  What's your opinion, Gaheris?"

[Daufer]: "I never said I was. But someone had to do something, the state Gaheris was in. Who else would have done it? You? Running at the first sign of a few goblins?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I think we could really use your help, myself."

[Eskar]: "I am think we need you." Eskar nods.

[Aidan]: "Well.  In that case, I might be inclined to assist you.  But I would rather not go to the ruins."

[Eskar]: "I am thinking you go to drive members away. Even Gaheris apologize, you just blame." Eskar shrugs. "You hurt Shadow Bats more than me."

[Aidan]: Aidan remains silent, considering.  "I think I would really prefer to avoid the ruins."  After a glance at Nabal, Aidan leans towards the others and whispers, "Besides, I think there's something very different going on between Jasmin and Siara."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Something different?" he prompts.

[Eskar]: Eskar leans in to hear all of this secrecy.

[Aidan]: "Wasn't it after the temple that Jasmin began treating Siara differently?  I never really thought about it, I suppose, but when I talked to them earlier Jasmin seemed almost...dependent on Siara.  That is a very strange shift from practically hating her."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "It is strange.  Jasmin is easily manipulated, but that's because she likes people and trusts them.  But she really hated Siara.  I have no idea what changed between them.  Blackmail of some sort, maybe?"

[Daufer]: "Did she seem that way to you earlier?"

[Aidan]: "I think she seemed genuinely supportive of Siara.  It wasn't as if she were blackmailed."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "Although I have only met her once, Siara does seem a charismatic woman.  Perhaps she was able to convince Jasmin to set aside their differences?"

[Aidan]: "That could be the case, but they seem much friendlier in too short a time.  Siara did say she cast a spell on Jasmin to break the charm one of those priests had set upon her, but she claimed it was just dispel magic.  I'm not quite sure I believe her."

[Eskar]: "Magic? What do you be think Aidan?" Eskar leans in more intently, alcohol heavy on his breath.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "I don't know much about magic, but Dispel Magic is pretty complicated, isn't it?  I thought Siara just dabbled."

[Daufer]: "She had a few interesting bag of tricks, sure, but she doesn't really seem capable of what you're suggesting."

[Aidan]: Aidan shrugs.  "She could have the skill, I don't know.  If I were present when she cast the spell, I might have been able to tell from her incantation, or her components, but I was with you, Gaheris."

[Daufer]: "If you're so sure, simply dispel the bewitchment and be done with it."

[Aidan]: "I don't know the spell.  And I would think it might be relatively impolite to walk up to someone and dispel whatever magic might be upon their person with nothing more than a suspicion."

[Eskar]: "Is there a way to be check it?"

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "You think she's still enspelled?"

[Aidan]: "Not that I'm aware of.  Unless one of you remembers how Siara cast whatever it was so many weeks ago."

[Eskar]: Eskar becomes pale. "No way."

[Aidan]: "It's possible.  I had only noticed her acting this way just an hour or two before when I met them here."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I have a prayer...it can detect such enchantments," he says.

[Aidan]: "Whatever Siara might've done, she could be casting it repeatedly to keep her enspelled."  Aidan looks at Meschior appraisingly.  "Really?  That's rather useful."

[Eskar]: Eskar looks over at Meschior. "It is simply to wait for her morning and cast then." The duergar nods.

[JadedDM]: Meschior nods.  "I can ask Renos for this prayer in the morning, during my prayers."

[JadedDM]: Gaheris:  "Bitch," he mutters.  "I knew she was up to something.  But if Jasmin is enchanted, is there any way we can break it?"

[Eskar]: "What if we tell to her she is under spell? She will come out of it?"

[Aidan]: "If we could do what Siara claimed to and dispel it, yes.  But as I said, I don't know the spell."  Aidan looks thoughtful for a moment.  "Was she up to something?  Bewitching Jasmin seems like something of a menial task.  I tried to suggest to her that she was different, but she would hear none of it."

[Daufer]: "I've been under a similar enchantment. The death of the caster dispelled the enchantment."

[Aidan]: "I don't quite think it's our place to be slaying courtesans.  Not without more questioning as to their reasons."

[Eskar]: "Kill her!?" Eskar shakes his head. "Well if she is Tainted Hand..."

[Daufer]: "We'll know, from Priest Chaleur's divinations."

[JadedDM]: Meschior:  "I may be able to determine the type of enchantment used, if indeed one was used.  It depends on how strong the enchantment is.  But I will certainly be able to discern if one exists or not."

[Aidan]: "So we'll know the nature of the enchantment, but not the reason it was cast.  I think we should question Siara once we learn what it is.  Perhaps we can force her to end it."

[Eskar]: Eskar suddenly looks quite woozy and stumbles backwards. "Bed, I think." He goes off to his bedroom.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris nods.  "Good.  Sounds like a plan."  He stands up.  "For now, there's nothing we can do but get some rest."

[Daufer]: Daufer stays seated, sipping his drink.

[Aidan]: Aidan pays for his soup.

[JadedDM]: Gaheris pays his tab and heads for his room, a spring back in his step now that he realizes that Jasmin may not have been under her own will when she betrayed him.

[JadedDM]: (Okay, we'll call it a night here.)

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