RttToFC/Session1

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Return to the Tomb of Five Corners - Session 1[edit]

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Kuros: You all have returned to Northeast Spoke after your successful eradication of the Barrow King. The represenative of the merchant alliance has just presented you with your reward money at a party in your honor. The party is taking place in the home of an extremely wealthy merchant, who acts as a leader of the alliance, one Lord Jakan.

Kuros: The party is full of merchants, good food and drink, and servants bustling about.

Kuros: Jakan himself is a tall, rope thin man, with jet black hair that looks to have been receding for nearly a decade. He is dressed in an expensive red and gold silk robe.

Kuros: As the parties turn back to their own conversations after the presentation Jakan smiles at all of you.

Kuros: "Again, thank you for your intervention. Trade was on the verge of collapse in this area."

Caran: (Caran is a young man. He is very lean of build, but deceptively strong. His circle mates know that he's fomerly Mnemon Caran, and had too run for life when he exalted. He holds a high opinion of himself and a very low one of the Realm, and is for the most part a pleaseant enough fellow when not in the midst of battle)

Alyssa: (Alyssa is a tall young woman, pretty in the northern fashion: blonde and busty. Since it's a fairly formal occasion she's wearing tasteful blue dress and a shawl. She doesn't talk much about her past but the Circle know that she's well off financially.)

Gavane: (Gavane appears as a young man of south-eastern origin with black hair and green eyes. He is clad in green and blue clothes of simple cut and appearance but good material. All of this is as you well know by now a disguise. In truth he originally comes from the south and without Charms masking his appearance his skin is dark and his eyes brown. In truth as well as in the persona assumed for the sake of the merchants he is one of the quiet and serious kind. Not that he doesn't appreciate a good joke, but a smile is all he usually permits himself. From bits and pieces he has mentioned you've gathered that he used to be some sort of spy or assassin down in the South and left behind a life in ruins when he came to the Riverlands to make a fresh start. Whatever happened, it seems to have left him with a strong negative opinion of about 99% of all people calling themselves kings, princes, empresses, emissaries or otherwise being in charge and ruling over others. He has a daughter of about five years who now lives in Northeast Spoke with a foster family and he is more than a little overprotective of her, going so far as to keep her location a secret.)

SonoftheMetalFlame: (Son of the Metal Flame is a youthful, if not extremely young, man. He spends his days at the forge and his build shows for it - and there's no way to miss it, as he looks for every opportunity to show off his strength and remove any shirt. His companions know well his pride of both his skills as a craftsman, warrior, and academic.)

Alyssa: (to Jakan) "We're pleased to have been of assistance to you."

Kuros: "You must give me some of the details. How did the five of you break the back of the most notorious bandit army this area has seen in a decade?"

Caran: Caran chuckles, "For a notorious bandit he was a lousy tactician."

Gavane: Gavane nods once at Jakan's thanks, but is happy to let someone else take the lead here.

Alyssa: Alyssa nods agreement. "And his followers, while skilled perhaps at ambushes, were ill-prepared to be ambushed themselves."

Caran: Caran nods. "Turning his own tactics against him was almost too easy."

Gavane: Gavane's contribution to the compaign was mostly in scouting and spying on the bandits, but he doesn't speak of that.

Gavane: Nor does he mention the disruption of the bandit army's lines of communication through the mysterious vanishing of messengers.

Kuros: "Well, however you did it, we are grateful. I've arranged for rooms for you over at The Lion. Please take advantage of them. Tell me, do you plan to remain in this area for long?

SonoftheMetalFlame: Son of the Metal Flame grins. "I don't think he expected someone to be well-versed in the ways of sorcery, either."

Caran: "I don't believe we've decided what we'll be doing after."

Caran: 'But the offer of lodging is appreciated."

Kuros: Jakan turns to Son. "You are a sorcerer?"

SonoftheMetalFlame: Son smiles and stands a bit taller. "I know enough for it to make a difference against one such as the Barrow King."

Kuros: Jakan smiles again. "Well well."

Kuros: He moves in a little closer, lowering his voice. "Once you have rested, you must come see me, all of you. There are many profitable tasks I could find for people of your skills in my organization."

Alyssa: Alyssa smiles appreciatively at the thought, and privately considers what she knows of Jakan and his organisation... and what tasks he might have in mind

Caran: Caran thinks to himself 'Do a task for these people and they think they can buy you, how typical.'

Kuros: He bows again. "WEll, I see someone I must speak too! Please enjoy the party as long as you like!"

Kuros: Turning, he heads over to an extremely large man who's devouring food at a prodigious rate.

SonoftheMetalFlame: bows in return before he parts.

Gavane: Gavane gives a courteous bow in return.

Caran: As soon as Jakan leaves caran mutters "Something about that man annoys me."

SonoftheMetalFlame: smiles at Caran. "Not a fan of schmoozing merchant types?"

Alyssa: Alyssa waits until he is out of obvious earshot. "He's a large fish in this pool. That seems to be a common thread in all who annoy you Caran."

Caran: "Am I that predictible?" Caran jokes to his circlemates

Gavane: Gavane gives a small grin. "It's not a bad reason to be annoyed by someone."

Alyssa: "There would be no harm in enjoying his hospitality a night or two and hearing him out. We can always refuse if what he proposes is not to our liking."

Gavane: "It would be polite. We should be careful however not to bind us too tightly to any one person or organization."

Caran: Caran nods, "Yes, you're right of course. still, I dislike being treated like a potential servent."

Gavane: "Think positively. If he thinks of you as a potential servant, he is underestimating you. A tactical advantage in any situation."

Alyssa: Alyssa shakes her head cynically. "Those with power tend to think most of how to exercise it. A lesson for us there, perhaps?"

Caran: Caran nods. "I agree." And then he smiles, "And if there is one lesson my accursed family taught me it is when to keep my troublesome mouth shut and me eyes open."

Gavane: "More than one, for all who would open their eyes to them."

SonoftheMetalFlame: nods, his attention drifting to the party. His eyes can be seen darting between women and the available food.

Gavane: accepts a glass from a passing waiter and takes a small sip

SonoftheMetalFlame: "Well, whatever Jakan is planning, we won't know until the morning. Shall we part ways for now and reconvene in the morning?"

Caran: "Sounds good to me. I could use a good nights sleep."

Kuros: Several young females are eyeing Son as he eats, whispering and giggling to themselves.

Gavane: "I think I will stay a while longer."

Alyssa: "Enjoy yourselves, gentlemen. I know that I plan to." Alyssa will stay a while, drinking in moderation and flirting casually with a few of the more handsome men. Nothing will come of it, but it's entertainment enough for her.

SonoftheMetalFlame: pretends not to see the young women and casually pulls his sleeve up to scratch an itch - and just so happens to be slightly flexing.

Gavane: "And enjoyment to you as well," Gavane answers in the tone of a ritual reply before drifting off in the direction of the food.

Caran: (caran will eat his full, chuckle at Alyssa and Sons antics with the mortals, and then depart)

Kuros: One of the women staring at Son blushes, and glances away quickly.

SonoftheMetalFlame: "Alright. Good night, everyone. See you tomorrow." And with that, Son grabs a glass of wine and goes to make conversation with the young women.

Kuros: Alyssa easily finds young, handsome men to entertain her. They are the sons of local merchants, and all compete to appear the richest and suavest.

Kuros: It is quite late, and outside the house the streets are dark, with only occasional torches to illuminate the area.

Gavane: (Gavane will try out the most popular food, but keep to drinks without alcohol. He will drift through the room seemingly aimlessly, make the expected amount of small talk and listen to what the other guests are talking to.)

Gavane: (someone well versed in the craft of reading faces might notice that he is not really at ease in this setting but puts up a good show)

Kuros: As Caran begins to walk down the streets, a small man hanging about outside the house begins to call to him. "Hey! Hey!"

Caran: Caran will turn to the man, "Yes?"

Kuros: "Are you Caran?"

Kuros: He is dressed in rather torn clothing, and smells strongly of horse and dust. He is unshaven and scrawny, barely coming up to Caran's chest in height.

Caran: Caran's eyes narrow, "And who's asking?"

Kuros: He puffs out his cheeks in annoyance. "My name is Little Shoe! If you are Caran, I have a message for you."

Caran: Caran growls. "The give it to me and be gone."

Kuros: Little Shoe reaches inside his vest, withdrawing a formerly white folded piece of paper. You see a golden wax seal on it.

Kuros: "Luckily, your friend paid me quite a bit to deliver it. I've been looking for you for six months."

Kuros: He offers it to Caran.

Caran: Caran takes it. "Friend? What friend?"

Kuros: "A woman in a white robe. She said she knew you."

Kuros: He sniffs. "You could be a little more grateful."

Caran: Caran nods. "Perhaps" He then turns and walks towards the Lion, opening the message as he walks.

SonoftheMetalFlame: finally tires of the party and decides to retire for the night... hopefully with a little company.

Alyssa: Alyssa will remain at the party as long as it continues.

Caran: After reading the note, Caran freezes. He looks at the messenger and barks "Come with me!" Not giving the man a chance to argue he drags him back towards the party.

Kuros: Little Shoe squeals and struggles

Kuros: "Hey! Let me go!"

Kuros: As Son leaves he encounters Caran returning to the house, dragging a struggling man behind him

SonoftheMetalFlame: stops in his tracks. "Hey Caran, is everything alright?"

Caran: Caran looks at Son "The others, get them." He holds up the note. "This is for all of us, and it is of vital importance."

Gavane: stays for a good while but not too long. Once people visibly start to leave he will also leave.

Kuros: Little Shoe aims a vicious kick at Caran's shins

Caran: Caran ignores the man struggles, focused on the message and his thoughts

SonoftheMetalFlame: nods and turns to the young woman by his side. "I'm afraid that we'll have to get better acquainted another night. It was lovely meeting you," he says softly, kissing her hand. He doesn't wait for a response before quickly moving back to the party to collect his companions.

Kuros: She looks quite crushed, and wanders back to the party

Caran: Caran turns to the messenger. "Where did this come from?"

Kuros: "I'm not telling you anything until you let me go."

Kuros: He looks rather sullen.

Gavane: Son finds Gavane is standing together with a few other men who are discussing ... something. His contribution mainly consists of nods and sometimes a few words of agreement at the right times.

Kuros: (Price of grain in Nexus!)

Gavane: (Gavane even has something to say about that, although his information is a bit dated)

SonoftheMetalFlame: re-enters the building and moves to Gavane hastily. "Caran says there's something of great importance to us and that we need to meet with him outside. I'm going to go grab Alyssa quickly."

Caran: Caran releases the man, and with growing fury in his voice says "Speak quickly!"

Kuros: "Keep your hands off me and I will! I already told you. A woman in a white robe gave it to me in Nexus."

Kuros: "I was to find you, deliver it, and then take you to her."

SonoftheMetalFlame: moves to Alyssa. "Caran wants us to meet him outside. He says there's something extremely important for us. I've already told Gavane, and I think we should move quickly."

Caran: "Take us where?"

Kuros: "There is a town, some 200 miles to the north."

Kuros: He pulls out a map from his vest, and unfolds it.

SonoftheMetalFlame: proceeds to exit quickly and make his way back to where he encountered Caran.

Kuros: In the dim light, it is hard to see, but he points to a spot on it. "Just north of *it*, in the valley forest, she will meet you."

Gavane: Gavane's eyes snap into sharp focus at Son's words and he gives a terse nod. "I'll be with you shortly," he says quietly. Turning back to the discussion of grain he waits a moment longer, makes an apologetic face and then leaves.

Alyssa: Alyssa raises an eyebrow. "I fear I must take my leave of you fine fellows," she says to her admirers. "A hard thing, 'tis duty..." And she follows Son out of the party.

Kuros: They all look crushed, but soon turn thier attentions to the other women at the party

Alyssa: Collecting her staff from near the door and wrapping her shawl tighter around her shoulders.

Kuros: And Gavane's conversation partners bow gracefully as he leaves.

Alyssa: "And they say young women are flightly."

Caran: Caran will take the map from the man, then motion towards the Lion. "Go. Tell them you are my guest, have them get you a room and a meal. we'll be leaving first thing in the morning."

Gavane: Gavane, seeing Alyssa and Son leaving, delays his steps a little to see if anyone is following them or is inordinately interested in their comings and goings. Then, with a little distance he follows. Outside the building he catches up quickly.

SonoftheMetalFlame: slows to a quick walk as he approaches Caran. "Alright, sorry it took me so long. What is going on here?"

Kuros: Little Shoe angrily turns and heads off towards The Lion (which is the nicest inn in town, and in the same area as Jakan's house which is in the nicest area of town)

Gavane: Silent steps bring him alongside his three circlemates. "So. What is this about?"

Caran: Caran hands Son the note. "All of you need to read this."

SonoftheMetalFlame: nods, reading carefully its contents.

Kuros: My Circlemates,

Kuros: Though we have never met, I feel I know all of you. When the stories of your deeds

Kuros: reached me, I was newly Exalted, alone and confused, but somehow, the tales triggered

Kuros: memories of a life before this one, where we stood side-by-side and fought as one. I’m sure

Kuros: you all know the feeling of which I write, just as I’m sure you all know the emptiness your

Kuros: absence brings me.

Kuros: When I began my search for the companions my memories promised me, I followed my

Kuros: visions to an ancient ruin, believing perhaps the landmark I sensed would be a meeting point. I

Kuros: thought we’d be drawn together to a common goal, but the place I found was empty.

Kuros: This note is a compromise. I wish I could see you in person, but I dare not leave my

Kuros: fi nd. The ruins to which I was led by the memories of my past life contain relics of the

Kuros: First Age, treasures beyond value that belong rightfully to all of us. I can’t fully unlock

Kuros: this ruin alone, and I fear that if I leave to fi nd you myself, we will return to nothing but

Kuros: a plundered shell. Please, follow the messenger with whom I’ve entrusted this note, and

Kuros: together, we will claim our inheritance.

Alyssa: Alyssa shamelessly leans on Son's arm to read it at the same time

Alyssa: "Whoever this is, she knows how to pique my interest."

Gavane: Gavane accepts the note from Son as he finishes reading and gives it a quick look himself. "That is ... interesting indeed."

Caran: " This must be genuine, as I can't see anyone knowing enough to set a trap such as this."

Gavane: "The alternative would be a thorough corruption of our, well 'cover', so to speak."

Alyssa: Alyssa frowns. "The Hunt... might. It would not be their style, as I understand it. But the note is charmingly inspecific as to details."

Gavane: "Perhaps we shouldn't discuss matters such as these under the open sky?"

SonoftheMetalFlame: nods. "Precisely what I was thinking, Gavane."

Caran: Caran nods. "Yes. We should retire to somewhere more private."

Gavane: "The Lion would be the obvious choice. Which is of course an advantage and disadvantage at the same time."

Caran: "True, but i don't see as we have much of an alternative."

SonoftheMetalFlame: "To the Lion, then."

Alyssa: Alyssa frowns. "If this is really a trap, I suggest not. Another inn - at least while we talk about this."

Caran: "Then I have another idea."

Caran: "My men are camped just outside of town. It's the safest place I can think of."

Gavane: "I could go ahead to check, if anything is out of the ordinary. But your camp would be fine too."

Alyssa: "That sounds secure enough."

SonoftheMetalFlame: "Sounds good to me. I just think that we should get moving because, you know, we're standing here discussing how we don't want to be heard."

Caran: {Caran leads a smallish group of mercenaries know as the Tiger's Claw. What they lack in numbers they make up for in loyalty and discipline)

Caran: Caran nods. "Very well." And he heads towards the encampment.

Alyssa: Alyssa follows Caran

SonoftheMetalFlame: also follows.

Kuros: The encampment is in a deserted field almost a half a mile outside the city walls. It is a small collection of neatly ordered tents and small cooking fires flicking in the darkness.

Gavane: Gavane nods and as the others make their way to Caran's camp he stays behind to vanish into the cover of darkness, waiting to see if anyone follows at first, then moving ahead of them unseen. You've all seen this before, whenever the Circle was moving through territory they deemed 'hostile'.

Gavane: He is the type to take paranoia seriously, even if it isn't his own.

Kuros: As you approach the camp, a woman approaches (Caran can describe). You recognize her as Caran's second in command, a woman named Joy.

Kuros: "Sir! We didn't expect you back until at least tommorow! Is something wrong?"

Gavane: (by this time Gavane has rejoined the others, having found nothing out of order)

Caran: "Not yet. We simply need privacy so we can confer on a matter, and I trust the camp more than the inn."

Caran: (Joy is an obvious soldier, with long black hair tied back and a manner which infers she can take care of herself.)

Caran: (Whats more the men, and Caran, trust her completely.)


Gavane: Gavane is now back to his usual appearance - a man of wiry build with the tanned skin and dark eyes of the south. Short black hair and a finely trimmed beard frame the agelessly youthful face of an Exalt. In his clothes he prefers silk and fine leathers in tones of gray, cut so as to allow the maximum range of movement. Thin leather gloves, moccasins and a cloak of rough, gray cloth complete his appearance.

Alyssa: "So, Caran. Where did you get the love-note."

Kuros: Joy salutes, and leads the way to a medium sized pavilion, though with a cloth roof instead of metal.

Caran: "A scrawny and impolite man gave it to me, said he was to lead us to the metting place. He's currently at the Lion."

Kuros: Underneath the covering are several chairs and a large makeshift table.

Caran: Caran returns the salute and enters

Kuros: Joy stands at attention at the edge of the pavilion.

Alyssa: Alyssa reads the note again. "So whoever this is claims to have been one of us in the First Age. What I recall of those days isn't that coherent... does anyone remember anything that would support this claim?"

SonoftheMetalFlame: shakes his head. "No specifics. This letter could be written by any number of people that I have barely any memory of."

Caran: Caran shakes his head. "Vague memories I also have. However, I know the feeling she speaks of very well, which is why I am inclined to believe the note."

Alyssa: "Yes," Alyssa agrees reluctantly. "If there's any chance that she is one of us then we can't ignore this."

Gavane: Gavane gives the slightest of shrugs. "Maybe. I do think there was someone, another person in this ... group."

SonoftheMetalFlame: nods. "It seems like we have more to gain than to lose from this. We should investigate."

Gavane: "I wouldn't know how to verify this writer's claim however - except by actually going to see her."

Caran: Caran will pull out the map, open it, and point out the location the messenger pointed too.

Caran: "This is where he said he is too take us."

Kuros: The mark on the map is some 200 miles north.

Kuros: It will take 7-10 days to reach it.

Kuros: More if you travel with Caran's band, somewhat less if you travel alone and with horse.

Gavane: "Considering the possible gain in knowledge and other things, it might be worth the risk. Especially since that risk is vague and unspecific."

Alyssa: "So we're agreed on travelling north to meet this person?" Alyssa asks, looking at each man in turn.

Caran: "Agreed."

SonoftheMetalFlame: "Sounds good to me."

Alyssa: "Gavane?"

Gavane: Gavane thinks for a moment, then slowly nods. "Yes."

Caran: Caran looks away, deep in thought.

Caran: Looking back, Caran says, "And my judgement tells me we should travel alone."

Alyssa: Alyssa taps her fingers on her staff for a moment. "So - tomorrow we prepare to travel. It would be polite to let Jakan know that we won't be able to take up his offer. Then we leave the day after tomorrow?"

Gavane: "We should hear his offer in any case."

Alyssa: "Calan, by alone do you mean without your men or without this guide?"

Caran: Caran sighs. "I desire to e away as soon as possible, ut you are right. Besides, I must see that my Claws will be provided for in my absense"

Caran: Calan looks at Alyssa. "yes"

Caran: "If this is a trap, then whoever set it knows enough about us to know about them. So if we go alone we'd would move much faster, fast enough to catch them off guard."

Alyssa: She pouts. "What do you propose to do about the guide then?"

Caran: "He will have to come."

Gavane: "So, the day after tomorrow then?"

Caran: "Yes, that will have to do."

Alyssa: "It sounds like as much of a plan as we can make for now."

Alyssa: "I'm going to the Lion. It could be the last couple of nights in a real bed and I plan to enjoy them."

Caran: Caran grins. "we could always carry a bed with us?"

Gavane: "Is there no spell for that?" Gavane with a grin towards Son.

SonoftheMetalFlame: laughs. "If there is, I'd love to know it."

  • Fast forward two days*

Kuros: Jakan is disappointed you won't be staying, but expressed a desire to speak with you upon your return. Little Shoe is not at all unhappy about staying in The Lion, and even takes advantage of its bathing facilities.

Kuros: Do you all go on foot, or take horses?

SonoftheMetalFlame: (I'd prefer horse.)

Alyssa: Alyssa isn't exactly a horsewoman, although she can probably stay in the saddle if that's the consensus

Gavane: (Gavane will go and listen to Jakan's offer, then politely decline citing previous engagements. He'll visit his daughter after that, and explains that he won't be able to visit for a while.)

Kuros: Anyway. You make good time on foot, the trip only taking you 8 days.

Kuros: However, within the last 3, you begin to hear strange rumors at the inns you stop at. Namely that the Barrow King army is beginning to pressure towns again, and traders are being robbed on nearby roads.

Alyssa: "That's... worrying."

Caran: "That makes little sense."

Gavane: With Little Shoe in tow Gavane has taken on the face that the merchants know him by again. If he's annoyed at the necessity of pretense - dictated only by his own paranoia - he doesn't show it.

SonoftheMetalFlame: "It's probably someone trying to ride on the Barrow King's prestige to be a famous bandit king."

Alyssa: "Or some fragement that we missed. Still makes us look bad though."

Gavane: "That seems likely. After all we know for a fact that he is dead."

Kuros: On the afternoon of the 8th day, you enter the small town. It has, perhaps, 300 people in it, and consists of a few large, dirt roads and wooden buildings in minor disrepair.

Caran: "Hmm. When this business is over we can find out for sure."

Kuros: It lies in a low valley, next to a small river.

Gavane: "We'd better. I wouldn't much like having disposed of one threat only for another to appear in its place."

Kuros: As you enter the valley, the flashes of memory you each have had become stronger, and the whole seems familiar. You quite suddenly feel you know exactly where the ruins the note spoke of are.

Kuros: There is a small forest a few miles north of the town, and you are certain that is where the ruins lie.

Caran: "... I don't believe it is a trap."

Alyssa: "I've..." Alyssa shook her head. "Well, this place is familiar anyway."

Gavane: Gavane frowns as memories bubble up. "Whether or not it is a trap, we've definitely come to the right place."

Kuros: Little Shoe points into the forest. "There. But this is as far as I go. I'm not going into the forest."

Caran: 'Why not?"

Gavane: "Why not?"

Alyssa: "Is there an echo?"

Kuros: Little Shoe eyes it a bit nervously. "Isn't safe. Locals won't even go into it after dark, or alone during the day."

Kuros: "Several people every year just disappear in it."

Gavane: Gavane's eyes narrow. "Disappear?"

Kuros: "yes, disappear. Go in and vanish. You know what the word means, yes?"

Kuros: Little Shoe glances back at the town. "I was paid a lot for this job, but I've been on it for six months now."

Gavane: "Certainly I do. What do the people think happens to those who disappear?"

Alyssa: "Home to something hungry, perhaps," Alyssa muses, looking at the forest.

Caran: "Then you are free to go." Caran says to the man. "We can manage on our own from here on out."

Kuros: Little Shoe shrugs. "They say spirits take them, or bandits. It varies on who's telling the story."

Kuros: Little Shoe doffs his cap. "Best of luck." He turns and heads back towards the town.

Caran: "Hmm. Bandits are no concern. Spirits on the other hand..."

Alyssa: "Spirits, I can handle," Alyssa promises.

Gavane: As Little Shoe leaves the sight of the Circle Gavane's face and clothes ripple and transmute, settling into his usual appearance again. He sighs. "Sometimes I wonder why I bother with this charade, especially for an unappreciative audience of one." He tugs at his gloves checking that they fit snugly. "But then old habits die hard."

SonoftheMetalFlame: tightens the straps on his cesti before slowly making his way toward the forest.

Kuros: You head into the forest area, and are soon walking up and down gently sloping hills. Perhaps half an hour after you enter, you crest one of the hills, and ahead you see a barrow mound. A pile of excavated soil sits beside a hole leading deep into the earth, and nearby, a wagon stands, its wheels sunk into the ground as if it has been there a long time.

Kuros: Upon the side of the wagon is pained a black hill with an inset eye, the symbol of the Army of the Barrow King

Kuros: You know with certainity that this is where the ruins are.

Caran: Caran growls "We have been beaten here."

Alyssa: "And by old business." Alyssa readies her staff.

Gavane: Gavane looks over the wagon briefly and curses under his breath.

SonoftheMetalFlame: laughs. "These people obviously think it's fun to be defeated, or else they'd know to stay away from us."

Caran: "Well, let's get this over with."

Gavane: Gavane kneels down beside the tracks around the wagon, giving them a closer look.

Kuros: As you approach, the stench of rot and decay emerges from the wagon, soon followed by two figures.

Caran: Caran grunts in disgust

Kuros: They are rotting corpses, with flies buzzing around them. Their faces are bloated and swollen, as are their abdomens. On their legs and arms, the gray and rotting flesh is falling off, and you can see bone.

SonoftheMetalFlame: quickly draws his hook swords and stands at the ready.

Caran: caran drops into a tense, ready stance

Alyssa: "I see we did kill them... I really hate necromancy."

Gavane: stands up and take two steps backwards and to the right. Two knives are suddenly in his hands.

  • everyone rolls Join Battle*

Kuros: Gavane goes on tick 0, Caran on tick 2, Alyssa and the Zombies go on tick 6, and Son goes on tick 7

Gavane: "This is somewhat troubling," Gavane states lightly. "it seems we missed one of their assets."

Gavane: He flicks the knife he's holding in his right upwards into the air, then catches it by the tip and throws it at the walking corpse to the right, a pensive look on his face.

Kuros: The knife slams into the zombies chest, sinking up to the hilt.

Kuros: The zombie slumps to the ground, collapsing face first into the grass.

Caran: With a gutteral growl Caran drops into a low crouch, then with impossible speed lunges at the creatures, the fingers on his hands glowing gold with burning essense.

Kuros: Your fist slams into the zombie's chest, which explodes in a shower of gore as your fist goes straight through. It collapses lifelessly, and slides onto the ground.

Caran: Caran shakes the gore off his hand, not very happy about the mess

Kuros: And the passage into the hill is clear.

Alyssa: "You boys are handy to have around. Don't lower your guard though - from the footprints they weren't alone."

Gavane nods, impressed. "A great number of these might pose a problem, but alone ..."

Caran: "Eh, I hope there aren't a great number of these things."

Gavane: "Always hope for the best, but prepare for the worst."

Alyssa: Alyssa prods them both with her staff to make sure they're not going to get up again.

Kuros: They do not move.

Kuros: But you can burn them with your anima, if you wish.

Alyssa: (Spend 2 motes to cremate the remains)

SonoftheMetalFlame lowers his swords, his face a little sullen. "Well, that was definitely a disappointment."

Gavane recovers his knife and stabs it into the earth a few times to clean it. He then lets it disappear into the folds of his silk shirt again.

Kuros: The zombie's corpses vanish in a flash of golden fire, with only a dusting of grey ashes remaining.

Caran: Nodding towards the hole, Caran says "We had best step lightly, perhaps we can catch any others unaware."

Gavane: "Shall I go first?"

Caran: "If you wish. I can follow."

Kuros: You can see the passageway is perhaps 50 yards long, and quite narrow. You will have to proceed single file. It appears to have been carved of stone, and the hill built around it.

Gavane: "If we meet resistance I will gladly let you take point again."

SonoftheMetalFlame: smiles at Gavane. "You've got a deal."

Gavane: Gavane moves ahead and into the passageway, his moccasins making no sound at all as he proceeds.

Caran: Caran follows, quiet as a cat.

SonoftheMetalFlame: follows third in line, quietly as he can.

Alyssa: Alyssa follows them, periodically checking behind her

Kuros: As you proceed down the passage, you see the walls are carved with ruined images of sword-bearing warriors, which have been cleaned and polished as if by someone with much time and nowhere to go.

Gavane: Gavane briefly looks over the reliefs but concentrates on keeping his eyes and ears open for any signs of danger. There will be time for puzzling later.

Caran: Caran's eyes and ears are focused on whats ahead.

Kuros: Ahead, you see a passage way leading down.

SonoftheMetalFlame: speaks quietly, but so that everyone can hear. "These cracks looks suspicious. They look new... and they look like they were made by deathknights."

Kuros: The stairs open into a large room at the bottom. You can hear people talking and laughing, and see the flickering lights of fires.

Kuros: The stairs descend about a hundred feet, and they can't see you from the bottom.

Kuros: From the voices and noise, you guess about a dozen people are at the bottom

Gavane: Gavane lifts one hand to sign the others to stop.

Caran: Caran stops, crouched low, hands on the floor

Gavane: "Contact ahead, likely hostile."

SonoftheMetalFlame tightens his grip on the swords he carries, ready for a potential fight.

Caran: "How many?" caran whispers.

Gavane: His voice is low and controlled. "I count twelve, but I can't see the whole room from here."

Caran: Carans muscles tense up, and his body seems to swell. "Then lets strike quickly, take them before they can defend themselves."

Alyssa: "We didn't come this far to turn around now."

Gavane: "Let me go ahead and I'll strike from behind while you attack from the front."

Caran: Caran nods

Gavane slips down the stairs soundlessly, his back kept to the wall and his eyes closed to slits to avoid reflections off them. Despite the changing angles of light his shadow doesn't move to betray him and even after a few steps he is hardly visible, gray on gray in the bad light.

Kuros: Gavane easily fades into the shadows and disappears down the stairs.

Caran: Caran follows slowly, slinking along on all fours till he reaches the edge of the light.

Kuros: Caran easily follows Gavane, hiding behind the large stone supports at the bottom.

Gavane: Gavane meanwhile has moved into position to catch the bandits from behind once an attack comes from the stairs.

Kuros: The bandits do not notice either of you. What are Alyssa and Son doing?

Alyssa: Alyssa is still behind the big guy

Gavane: Behind his back to keep the blades from reflecting the light of the fire he readies a dagger in each hand.

SonoftheMetalFlame: is preparing to attack from the front when the time is right.

Kuros: For Caran and Gavane:

Kuros: The room itself is huge, perhaps 50 yeards in diameter. It is a circular room, and set at regular intervals around the wall are passage ways. Above each passageway is carved a Solar caste symbol.

Kuros: (There are a dozen people there, 2 or 3 close to the entrance that you could strike immediately. The rest are scattered back into the room in small groups, laughing at chatting.

Caran: With the roar of a jungle beast Caran appears from the darkness. He leaps towards the closest man, clawed hands tearing at his back.

Kuros: Your attack slams into bandit, and you feel his spine shatter beneath the impact. He flies forward like a doll, crashing into the ground and not moving again.

Kuros: Several of the nearest bandits draw swords and advance towards you (3) while the rest (8) grab bows and nock arrows.

Alyssa: Alyssa jumps down the last few steps, thrusting her staff like a lance towards the face of the nearest moving bandit.

Kuros: The bandit lunges forward, swinging his sword at your head at the same time!

Alyssa: Alyssa flicks her staff sideways, knocking the sword off target while deflecting the staff back onto it's original target

Kuros: The staff cracks into bandit's head, sending him reeling.

Kuros: The two other near bandits rush towards Caran, slashing at him with thier swords.

Kuros: You easily deflect both attacks, slapping away the swords with quick blows.

Kuros: OK. The remaining bandits are scattered across the room. 4 of them train their bows at Caran, releasing a flurry of arrows at him.

Kuros: The arrows impact on the wall, shattering, none of them even coming close.

Kuros: The other 4 release a similar flurry of arrows at Alyssa.

Kuros: The arrows come closer, but as with Caran, they miss.

Alyssa: Alyssa spins her staff, batting them out of the air

SonoftheMetalFlame: runs down the stairs, leaping over the last few steps - he uses the downward momentum to prep for a flip. Hook swords extended, he lands spinning to catch one of the bandits with the blade.

Kuros: The bandit darts his sword up, deflecting your attack with a screech of metal on metal.

Gavane: Gavane remains hidden, waiting until everyone is focused on his Circlemates' dramatic arrival, tracking the bandits movement with sharp eyes. Finally he leaves the cover of darkness behind and sends the knife in his right hand into one bandit's back with an underhand throw.

Gavane: A split second later he catches another bandit from behind, covers his mouth with one gloved hand and with the other slips a knife between his ribs angling up towards the heart.

Kuros: The first band collapses to the ground, a pool of blood spreading underneath him.

Kuros: The second bandit gasps as blood begins to pour from the wound, staggering backwards from you.

Kuros: There are two dead bandits near you, with only 1 remaining, and he is badly wounded. The other 8 are still far back in the chamber.

Kuros: The bandit Gavane attacked (though they act on the same tick, so this is before he was wounded...), lunges forward towards Alyssa

Kuros: The blow impacts your skin, but slides off, leaving it unmarked.

Kuros: A look of fear spreads across his face.

Kuros: And Alyssa's cast mark begins to glitter

Caran: Caran's forehead glows gold as he dashes towards them. He leaps in the air, plants his feet in the center of one of the mens chests, then twists in the air as he rebounds and catches another man with the back of his fist

Kuros: The first bandit's chest collapses under your attack, and the second one's head snaps around, his neck breaking with an ugly crack.

Alyssa: Alyssa lays into the same bandit, snapping the staff back and forth to strike him left, right and then left again with bone-snapping force.

Kuros: 3 of the bandits fire at Alyssa, while the other 3 face Caran, and draw their swords

Kuros: The bandit slams into the wall, his head a misshapen mess leaking blood.

SonoftheMetalFlame: quickly moves toward an enemy, swords at the ready.

Gavane: Seeing golden light from Alyssa's and Caran's Castemark Gavane's expression turns hard. Every witness could mean death for all of them. From a leather sheath under his cloak he draws a strange contraption looking like a piece of rope with razor blades set into it and a nasty looking spike at the end. In one fluid motion he is standing between two of the bandits and whips the bladed rope left and right, ruining one bandit's face and wrapping the cruel weapon around the previously wounded man's neck.

Kuros: Both bandits go down, their throats and faces in tatters, blood pouring from the rooms.

SonoftheMetalFlame charges toward a bandit, leaping at the last moment and bringing his swords down full force.

Gavane: Gavane fixes the remaining men with a steely look. "We will want to question one of them," he calls out just as Son attacks one of them.

Alyssa: "I don't think mine is dead..." Alyssa said dubiously.

Kuros: Your sword slams into the bandit's skull, splitting it open like a melon. The body collapses to the ground.

Kuros: The remaining bandit with a sword swings it toward Caran's neck.

Kuros: The bandit's sword slams into the ground, sending chips of rock spraying everywhere.

Caran: Laughing, Caran lunges towards the remaining men. He strikes 2 as he passes like a wandering thunderbolt, then clutches the last by the throat and he slams him against the wall

Caran: Carans hands strike the mens skulls, glowing with essense and they break them like eggshells

Kuros: You easily pin the last remaining bandit. He yells and struggles, but cannot escape.

Caran: "Silence! You may yet live past this day."

Kuros: "Please! Don't kill me!"

Caran: "Who are you, why have you distured this place?"

Kuros: The bandit is near tears, and you smell fresh urine. A darkening stain spreads across the front of his pants.

Alyssa: Alyssa checks the state of the one she dropped. Not that there's much chance of him talking one way or another.

Gavane: Gavane methodically walks across the room, making sure that all of the fallen bandits are fully dead. If they aren't he helps them along.

Kuros: "THe Barrow King has returned! He ordered us here, to guard it!"

Caran: Caran leans close to the man. "Returned? Explain."

SonoftheMetalFlame: puts away his weapons and walks to stand near Caran, folding his arms over his chest.

Kuros: The man wipes a tear. "He came back to us, after...after you killed him. THere was this woman with him. He called her the Mistress of Pacts Sealed in Blood, and he said she would help make us strong again.."

Caran: Caran's face grows grave.

Alyssa: "Does this require you to die first like the Barrow King?" Alyssa asked

Kuros: "She said that soon we would have enough followers to rise up and conquer Nexus and the rest of the Scavenger Lands!"

Kuros: The bandit looks at Alyssa, "What...?"

Kuros: "No, we didn't have to die."

Caran: "Where is your King and this new Mistress?"

Kuros: "They disappeared down here days ago..I don't know where they are.."

Gavane joins his Circlemates

Alyssa: I'll look around the room for any indications of them.

Kuros: In the center of the room is a raised stone dais, perhaps a foot tall

SonoftheMetalFlame: moves to inspect the dias as well.

Kuros: The dais appears to be perfectly smooth grey stone, several feet across and one foot high.

Kuros: There are no obvious markings on it.

Caran: Caran will stare the last bandit in the eye. "Do you wish to leave this place alive?"

Kuros: The bandit whimpers, and nods at Caran

Gavane: Gavane walks around the circumference of the room once, examining the walls and the room in general.

Kuros: As you touch the dias, the air above it shimmers, and small rows of golden, glowing text appear

Caran: "Then listen to my words very carefully. You will leave here today. You will never trouble anyone. You will never speak of this day to anyone. And if you disobey any of those commands I bring a vengeance down upon you that will live for an eternity."

Kuros: The man nods rapidly. "Of course master, I understand."

Gavane finishes his round and approaches Caran again

Caran: Caran releases him. "Go. Never enter my sight again."

Gavane: "Caran. A word?"

Caran: "Yes?"

SonoftheMetalFlame: looks around to everyone and speaks loud enough to be heard. "Hey, there's an inscription that I think might be important to all of us. Caran, get rid of that guy real quick."

Kuros: The man staggers to his feet, and begins to stagger up the steps

Gavane: "Do you think it is wise to leave a witness to the powers we have shown here?"

Gavane: "I don't think we can afford that."

Caran: Caran sighs. "The prudent thing to do would be to kill him. But I find outright murder distastefull."

Kuros: The bandit is going to be gone soon...

Caran: 'I believe he understands the price of speaking."

Gavane: "But if another were to take that burden upon him ..."

Alyssa: "In fairness, the chances of the Wild Hunt turning up here are very low."

Gavane tracks the man progress as he talks

Caran: Caran looks at Gavane. "I will not murder him, but I'll not stop you either."

Kuros: He is halfway up the steps.

Gavane: "Even a low chance is a chance that all of us and all those we know in this area will die."

Alyssa: Alyssa shrugs and runs her fingers over the dias

Kuros: The same text keeps hovering, but other than that, nothing changes about the dias.

SonoftheMetalFlame: "Gavane, kill him. We have pressing matters to attend to and I don't think the life of a bandit is worth so much debate."

Gavane nods.

Caran: Caran looks at Gavane and Son, the turns to the dias. "Do what yo will."

SonoftheMetalFlame: places his hand on the dias. "From what the inscription says, I believe that if we all touch it, the doors here should open."

Caran: Caran reaches his hands out towards the dias

Kuros: (The doors are outlines of golden metal filled with a silvery metal set against the wall)

Kuros: (There is one for each caste, set at regular intervals around the chamber)

Gavane: Gavane almost lazily moves towards the stairs and begins to follow the bandit, taking 40 steps at once in giant leaps.

Kuros: You easily catch up the bandit, who is near thet op.

Gavane: The bandit feels the air moving behind him, sees a shadow race up the stairs behind him and suddenly all that remains is feeling of great cold as someone gently catches him as he falls and lays him on the floor.

Gavane: Gavane sighs and makes his way back down again.

Gavane: He doesn't meet the others' eyes as he too approaches the dais.

Kuros: (This is a good stopping point if you guys need to get to bed.)

Kuros: XP...

Kuros: 9 each!