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<blockquote data-quote="Greyhawk" data-source="post: 3691393" data-attributes="member: 40355"><p><strong>The start of the Adventure?</strong></p><p></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Cheers new friends, here's to a successful partnership" calls Talwin raising his glass, and as he eats he attempts to get any useful rumours from the barman to little effect. "We can indeed stroll down to the lake," agrees Reinhardt "However I suggest we all keep our blades well to hand - we will all look rich compared to some of the poor wretches that live in those shacks." and he takes a large swallow from the drink Mercy has offered. "This seems as likely a bunch as ever I joined with - and since I'm still standing I'm willing to try the hazard with you all. I hate to stay in one place for too long!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">" Love 'em and leave 'em Reinhardt?" asks the cleric "Is that it? Well it's a pleasure to meet you old boy. I am, as the Beautiful lady has already mentioned, am Giacomo Giralemo Novacastria. Acolyte and Advocate to the Wonderous Olidammara, the Laughing one. It is my joy to drink his message of wonder to the world". Giacomo, who already appears half cut hold up his wine glass to a passing barmaid. " Beauteous Bar wench I need more wine. For I feel the urge to Worship some more." and moonwalks back over to the bar gets another pint..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy tries to glean information from the bar staff but she too fails.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal collects his drink "Thanks Liam.." then he spins to face the group nearly spilling his drink "I second your toast Talwin " then spins round to question the barman again, and he turns his head around what would appear to be a little too far..."Liam, any idea where we can get some work tomorrow?.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy watches Sorendal with interest. He seems to move in a strange way...and what is that creature at his heel? She gets up and wanders over to the bar. "Greetings Sorendal, I am Mercy the swordswoman. I notice that you are very light on your toes. Have you had training as an acrobat?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Heh, err.. hello Mercy!" Sorendal turns again "No I just like to dance ... keeps me in trim.. This is my familiar his name is Eddy...". He picks Eddy up in his hands to show to his new friend.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"How do you do Eddy?" says Mercy. "What breed is he, Sorendal? And does he dance too?" she then turns her attention on the bartender "Mr Barkeeper, can I but you a drink to thank you for your hospitality? Could you tell me a little about this town? Or Perhaps direct me to a place where a group of adventurers could find gainful employment?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"He bobs his head about if he is feeling playful" says Sorendal, ignoring Mercy's question to the bartender, "But he is a bit shy"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Can I hold him?" asks Mercy "Or will his tail fall off if he gets...scared?..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Sure you can... he is friendly..." answers Sorendal puzzled "And his tail wont come off.." and holds Eddy out and puts him on Mercy's hand - "Say hello to the Lady Eddy.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy gently holds Eddie, and strokes his back carefully with her finger. "So how does he help you? Can he see in the dark?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal nods "He is my spare eyes and he helps me climb too. As well as being my companion"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Mmmm. I could do with some help climbing, but I guess that's the downside of wearing armour." laughs Mercy "Still, I'm quite good at using rope, which helps a bit. Do you think Eddie is safe when that weasel is around?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Oh yes. Eddy can look after himself if he needs to ... and a weasel can't run on the ceiling. What brings you to the cauldron then? Did I not see you come in today with the priest?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I don't really know him that well" smiles Mercy "We met on a wet and windy night a little while ago, when we found ourselves sheltering in a mysterious cavern. The night was rather more exciting than it should have been." her face flushes "I mean because of some monster inhabitants of the cavern, rather than because of Giacomo's attempts to be ahem ....friendly and charming. It's a relief to see that he's now aiming his charms at the waitress. Anyway, we decided to travel here together to see what adventures we could find"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal smiles.."Full of life, isn't he" and it is unclear if he is speaking of the cleric or his familiar.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"What about you? Are you local?" she asks the wizard.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Yes, I live here..." he replies "I work part time for my father... he has a book shop here"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Just then one of the barwenches moves over to Giacomo. She smiles at him and puts a tankard on the table "My, My..you are a handsome fellow.. I've not seen you around before Darlin" she smiles at the cleric..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Oh no" whispers Mercy "Giacomo's head will get even bigger now. But perhaps he can get some ueful information from her?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I am a wizard, and a bowmaker too! ..... Heh, info yes, useful? Maybe, but to who?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I can make and repair bows but I excelled in magic instead"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"How interesting." Mercy tells him "Perhaps you can show me around tomorrow?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"A bookshop!" exclaims Col "That is a lot more interesting than any metalworking business - I would be so grateful to see it. Knowledge is man's greatest gift, I'm not sure that any good ever came from violence or weapons...". Finishing his sermon, Col turns to Sorendal "I don't suppose your father's shop sells news-sheets that would tell us interesting facts about this place or opportunities for work?" he asks.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Silas moves over to the man seated at the other table. "Good day sir, I apologize for my intrusion. As you may have overheard my companions and I are new to this area. Would your good self be able to shed some light and maybe even a bit of history upon this place and surrounding area?" The guy seems a bit tipsy. He mentions someone called Keygan Ghelve is one of the finest locksmiths in the world! Only a skilled rogue or spell-caster could bypass one of his locks without the proper key...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Silas leans closer to the gentleman "Your mug appears to be a little empty would you care for a refill good sir? Pray tell, why would one wish to bypass one of Keygan's locks?" he asks looking the man in the eye.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The man talking to Silas looks bleary eyed at the monk..he slurs "Whaat?.. Ahh. don't mind me. I'm a little tipsy… I talk <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> when I'm tipsy"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Not a problem sir," says Silas pleasantly "Sorry to have troubled you" Silas gives a bow of his head and moves to the bar</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col eats his food with gusto, all the while keeping an ear open to the conversation about locksmiths. If the locks are as good as he says, then theft will be scarce, at least amongst the rich who can afford such locks. Assuming all the time that the drunk man is correct... He finishes his plate of food and sits back in his chair with an expression of utter content.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Sir Gnome," Reinhardt addresses Talwin "I do not know if you were trying to be polite, but I think this garbage we have been served up is on overpriced mess. I doubt I could stomach it if I were not so hungry. I remember this one time I was travellin' with this priest - well the food that came with his orizons was something special."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Reinhardt looks appraisingly over the barwench "At least the view is something better than the grub."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col moves round the table at this outburst, keep to be away from any affray between gnome and fighter "Manners" he mutters "Our hosts can here what you are saying brave fighter"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Pass it over Reinhardt if you cant eat yours" Talwin mutters pleased for the extra helping.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Giacomo, who for the last 10 minutes or so has been concentrating all of his attentions upon the saucy bar wench, finally gets round to trying to ask her something useful. However the information he does gather seems to be centring around the comely strumpets bra size. After telling the barmaid the suggestive and ill advised story about the female bard, the high priest and the regenerating trolls nose Giacomo receives a slap to his cheek, he half-smiles and turns back to the others around the table rubbing his red cheek. "Was it something I said?" he grins "Of course you fellows know we all would form a delightful adventuring group. Just like my ol' pappy used to be in. Lets find some down at heal villager who's home is beset by a horde of Bandits and save them with a mixture of or own individual skills, a willingness on their part to train up to help themselves and a small cash donation. There are after all seven of us. And we're magnificent. Well. I am. We could call ourselves the. Er. Marvellous Seven! How does that sound? I'm sure Olidammara wouldn't mind me healing you chaps."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col sits back smoking his pipe and memorising the story (halflings have a rich verbal storytelling tradition) about the female bard, high priest and regenerating trolls. He's sure it will go down well with his mates when he gets home!</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"This town is great if you are in funds, but bad news otherwise." bemoans Reinhardt "If there's nothin' doing around here, we could do worse than have a word with the watch. They'll know if they need some 'forgettables' for a nasty job that needs doin'. And I'm guessin' were just the ones for such a job."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Well that has filled up the corners well" says Coll contentedly "But the night is yet young - Let's be off for a stroll around the town before turning in for the night. What say you?" and he looks round at the others.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I am ready for a look around" Talwin says standing up</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Reinhardt buckles on his swordbelt, "I have no pressing engagements for the evening - lets see what the nights holds for a roistering group of saucy rascals, like ourselves. C'mon, then."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I am ready to see the sights" says Mercy, gathering her belongings together. "Sorendal, will you and Eddy give us a tour of the local hotspots?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Most certainly will!" agrees Sorendal "I'll try and point out a few useful placess.. " he motions his shoulder and Eddy zooms up his arm and parks himself on it. Sorendal then soft shoe shuffles over to the door "G'roove.." he whispers.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The party exit the Dog and Ferret Public house...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Where would you like to go? asks the wizard "Theress the pavilion on the lakesside, that'll take us past the bath housse... or theress more pubs or innss, I could show you a few vendors or point out the churchess.. Have you all sorted out your accommodation yet? " he asks</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I would like to visit the Church of St Cuthbert's" Mercy tells him "If we go northwards then we can pass by a few shops on the way. And maybe drop in at the Town Hall to see if there is a notice board with job vacancies on it? I haven't booked a room for the night yet. I would like to find somewhere that's clean and reasonably priced. Where would you recommend?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Rain drizzles down on the party as they stand outside the Dog and Ferret..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Well I guess the most popular place in the city is the Drunken Morkoth Inn, I will take you past it on the way to the church.". Eddy doesn't like the rain... he crawls under Sorendal's collar peering out from under it..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"All those places sound interesting" pipes up Col "But I'd like to glimpse the lake too, if it's not too much trouble..."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The party leave the tavern, outside a wretched drizzle falls from the ash-gray sky. The crowded, rain slicked buildings seem especially bleak and frightful this evening, hunched together beneath gloomy skies. As the make their way through the near deserted streets s few lights burn in their windows, but mostly their shutters have been closed for the night. The scent of chimney smoke fills the air, and the din of water trundles from the rooftops, splashing into dark alleys and turning street gutters into rivulets. A sudden, plaintive cry for help from a nearby alley splits the evening air.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Both Rienhardt and Mercy scan the area for the location of the sound... There! an alley left of them. Within, two figures assault another, who lies face down on the wet cobblestones. One of the attackers lifts the victim by the hood of his cloak whilst the other says "Stay away from the orphanage, you got that?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The figure at the end of the ally spots Mercy "Bugger Off!" he yells, all three attackers have painted their faces half white and half black...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"We have to help that poor person" asserts Talwin</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"We have to help, yes, but let us be careful not to endanger ourselves in doing so" advises Col from his position near the back.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo whispers "remember, we don't want to be had up for murder... eye for an eye, just beat 'em senseless.. Then we can question them and the man on the floor.. and maybe get a reward"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Our first priority must be to save the victim from more harm. I don't think, at the moment we should be that concerned that we might hurt the thugs" says Col to his fellow magic-user "But you are a native here, perhaps you know these fellows, and they carry some clout in the city, so we shouldn't offend their masters?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I have no idea who they are Col... There's over four thoussand citizenss in thiss town. I guess i might know about five percent of 'em.." he replies to the halfling in hushed tones "They definitely don't read at the book club, thatss for ssure"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy trips over a barrel of rubbish that clatters to the ground, but quickly rights herself and reaches for her sword......."Stop what you are doing! Stand back and surrender!" she shouts to the three thugs</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"They are only three on one scum," says Rienhardt "And so do not deserve the bite of my blade - but who knows, it may be their lucky day! he shouts "It's Rienhardt, Alright? So stay where you are and surrender and no one gets hurt."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Gentlemen, if your lives mean anything to you, then let down your weapons and talk." Silas tells the thugs "It would appear my friends seem a bit frisky. I for one do not subscribe for needless bloodshed, so please heed my warning"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"By the oscillating underpants of the Laughing Rogue! This man must be protected." Says Giacomo heroically "Er, unless they have a good reason to give him a kicking. They said 'stay away from the orphanage', perhaps he's a kiddy fiddler and deserves it?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"These are just bullies attacking a lone traveller, let's stop pussyfooting about and give them the beating they deserve or" Col sighs "Give them a thorough ticking off, if that's what you so-called fighters at the front want. The urgent thing is to stop taking about it and rescue their victim!!! Oh and confiscate their weapons, armour etc." I forgot that bit he adds</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I'm not arguing about the whole giving them a kicking and thieving their gear thing. I'm just saying these guys could have good reason for chinning him." replies the cleric</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Talwin takes out his crossbow and loads it</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy draws her sword. "Come on Reinhardt. Let's help persuade them to back off"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">As she does so she notices another man rushing down the street toward the party. It looks like he also heard the commotion. Grral, for it is he, slows as he approaches and takes in the scene.... his brow furrows as he contemplates his next action... the furrows deepen.. then disoerse as he reaches a decision "STOP!" Grral bellows at the thugs. His gaze flicks from one person to the next waiting to see what their response will be... "And disperse!".</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">" I say chaps. If it wouldn't be too much trouble I think we should not kill these ruffians." Giaconmo says in his refined voice "They are themselves only beating that chap with their fists and kicks and are not using weapons. If we attack them and kill them then it seems it would be us who would be committing the heinous crime. Let us either drive them off or subdue them. Then at least we could question them. What do you fellows think?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I agree Giacomo..." says Sorendal "Or to put it another way... with eight of uss now..... we would look well gay if we pull out our weaponss to ssort thiss, naa't i mean guy !!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I agree with the Wizard dude." says the cleric "Let's give these fellas a break. Just subdue 'em."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy runs towards the nearest ruffian with sword drawn. "I said, stop what you are doing and surrender!". She strikes out at him with the flat of her blade fetching him and enormous wallop with the flat of her blade to the side of the ruffian's head.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"A good solid thump!" cries Col in admiration "You are setting an example to all of us!!!" and he pointedly looks around at the others</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Do none of you spell casters have a sleep spell to use on them and save any bloodshed" asks Talwin</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Silas moves swiftly and grabs one of the street thugs, the monk wrestles him.. He has a firm hold… For the moment..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col steps to the front and casts a sleep spell at the two thugs at the rear who are beating the clericand one of the thugs falls to the floor - sleeping..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo dances forward, shimmying around his friends... Eddy follows him, he too casts a sleep spell and both the man being attacked and the remaining attacker fall asleep. He grins broadly... "Will that do ya.. Talwin ??"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Giacomo walks forward with a confident stride and draws upon the power of his wonderous God. Looking at the remaining ruffian with an air of power he gives a command. "SURRENDER!". The thug shrugs off the command "Bugger OFF!!" he retorts.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Grral slowly approaches the group... he eyes Col and Sorendal suspiciously... and watches the grappling thug and Silas with curiosity.. "Why you fighting the clown men? Grral thinks clown man should stop fighting now... Clowns not hurt people.. make em laugh" he grunts and getting no response he draws his sword and glowers at the thug "You stop now clown man!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The thug looks visibly shaken by the barbarians intimidating manner.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Just then, coming into view from around the opposite corner is another of the thugs. He to has his face painted.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Talwin looks around from his position at the rear ready to fire should a target present itself.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col claps his hands together "Brilliant" he exclaims reviewing the battle "We'll soon have the poor man rescued" he says with glee</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col tries to see what's going on in the tumble of bodies ahead, he attempts to glimpse the action through the legs of new-found friends and the clown-faced attackers "When you are vertically challenged, it can all get quite confusing" he grumbles.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Rienhardt looks in deep thought as he watches Silas grapple with the street thug..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy will push past the monk and the thug as they grapple and run towards the thug furthest from the group, she runs down the alleyway, dodging the sleeping men. "Stay where you are!" she calls out to the thug in front of her.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The thug manages to stop Silas holding him immobile "Grrrr...get orf me ya scumbag" he spits into Silas's face. As the thug spits he grits his teeth as he wrestles with Silas, His face looking like a morbid clown. He glances up at Grral and winces.. He is clearly scared..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col thinks about his next move. Finally he decides to provide some more light in the dark alleyway - perhaps that will discourage further resistance. He takes a step forward and fires off a light spell, then checks the area for any more thugs in the side alleyways or rooftops. As he looks around he notices something on one of the roofs. A figure, behind one of the chimneys.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Seeing that she has been spotted the figure yells down "Well done! But the cleric lives because we wish it so, not because of your misplaced bravado" She points a baleful finger at the man lying asleep on the floor. "When he wakes, tell him to take these words back to the temple. The children are lost and no longer St Cuthbert's concern" She then ducks behind the chimney and disappears from view…</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Flee now, back to your masters - or it will be the worse for you!!" yells Col, "Err, what children was he talking about" Col asks the others...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy looks up to see where the voice is coming from "I saw her!" calls Mercy "There was a clown-faced woman up on the roof! What did she mean about St Cuthbert? Is the victim of these thugs a holy man of Cuthbert? If so I will not rest until we have an answer!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo dashes forward looking about as he goes...he silently asks Eddy to have a sneaky peek on the roof to see if the woman is retreating or not - "Right behind ya Mercy..." he smiles.... well, if this doesn't turn out to be the start of an adventure with his new friends I'll be most surprised, he thinks. </span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The wizard stands over the sleeping forms "..a cleric of Sst.Cuthbert being beaten up by clown faced thugss, who warn him away from the orphanage... a messsage from the roof telling the church the children are losst..... ello, ello, ello...what 'ave we gort 'ere then !". His head switches this way and that as he looks down at the sleepers, then across to the angry looking thug that's just appeared in the alley. How many more are of them are there ?..he glances back at the others and gains some confidence. Snapping his head round he sees Mercy bravely moving forward toward the stupidly painted thug...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Giacomo looks to the Thug in front of him, then to the recently vanished 'Master' up on the roof, then back again. He takes a deeply tired sigh. "This is just fecking typical." He mutters to himself. "Why does life have to get complicated?" He breaths in and yells at Thug in front of him, trying to strike fear and panic into his heart "FLEE FROM THE MIGHT AND RETRIBUTION OF OLIDAMMARA!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The mans looks surprised and shaken, he glances between Grral and Giacomo as he continues to fight with Salas.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Grral lumbers forward... he leers at the struggling thug as he passes "You be good clown man, Grral come back and see you soon", then thunders down the alley towards the latest arrival "Hey... clown man.. you make Grral laugh yes?" </span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Grral leans back as the thug lunges at him, he looks momentarily taken aback. Then grins... "Heh Grral right clown man make him laugh"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The thug wrestling with Silas grits his teeth and tries to break free from the monks grip but fails to wriggle free..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">As Silas struggles to keep his grip on his foe , "Oh no friend, you're staying right here with me" he says managing a dry smile. "Now hold still i tell thee" he continues and lands such a punch as to knock the thug out..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Talwin nervously moves North along the street, ignoring the fight in the alleyway for the moment.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy moves carefully away from the sleeping thugs and then runs towards the end of the alleyway, raising her sword above her head. She slaps the thug hard across the forehead with the flat of her blade. She looks anxiously across at the hairy man beside her, and starts to laugh nervously. "Only a clown would be this easy to hit- why don't you have a go?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"These thugss wont sstay asleep much longer" says wizard Nailo from beside the sleeping thugs "Can ssomeone help me bind them?" he asks looking up nervously at the rooftops, one well aimed tile and these two thugs could be awake... That would spoil the plan a bit..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col moves forward ready to tie up next time (if needed). He draws his quarterstaff, just to be on the safe side.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo carefully binds the thugs wrists behind his back, trying to make sure not to hurt him in the process...."Don't want him waking up yet" he smiles. But as the wizard attempts to bind one of the sleeping thugs, and before the wizard has tied a single knot, the thug wakes.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Get he heck off me" says the awoken Thug as he sits up looking at Sorendal attempting to bind him.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Giacomo draws his mace tentatively and walks down the alley towards the Thugs. "Chaps I had better mention that these chaps appear to be dressed in a fashion that would indicate that they Worship my benevolent deity Olidammara, The Laughing Rogue. I know not whether they do or not. However I suspect that this may be some plot to garner poor relations between the church of Olidammara and The Church of Cuthbert. As tedious as the Cudgel is I can see of no real reason for there to be tension between our churches. Er.. Except the obvious ones of course."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I'm glad that you don't think that they are acting in your god's name" Col tells Giacomo "I'm sure that Olidammara would never condone three thugs setting on a lone man of god?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Well. Three thugs setting on a lone man? Is that like eight Heroes setting on 3 thugs? The odds seem similar don't they?" retorts Giacomo with a snort "I only hope it is a misunderstanding. Cuthbert is an irascible god, being the god of Revenge against law breakers and general all round fascist draconian mindless lawfulness. He's a horrible bastard when he gets riled. So I understand folk wanting to kick the <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /> out of one of his priests. I just hate for me to get involved in it. As for Olidammara minding them mugging this bloke. Well, he likes a laugh does Olidammara. He might be up for it. You never know. I'm hoping this has got nowt to do with religion and these numpties are just a bunch of Thieves who're drunk and on their way from the Thieves Guild Fancy Dress Party or something."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I prefer to think of it as seven heroes rescuing one cleric from five thugs" Col corrects Giacomo "There are four thugs plus another unaccounted for on the rooftops. We do not know yet if she has fled or is planning some sort of revenge! But on the subject of religious doctrine I cannot say," Col says after thinking for a while "I don't have your training or, if you will pardon me, interest, as the gods of men are sometimes strange and foreign to my folk. We are a simple people and providing help for the victims of violence seems any easy decision to take."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Oh don't get me wrong Col. I'm all for helping the little guy. Hey I'd not leave a Cleric of any god to get a good kicking. Well maybe Gruumsh. But on the whole I'm all for giving help where it's needed. I'm just saying I hope this doesn't get us involved in deeper <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" />. Cuthbert is big enough and Ugly enough to look after his own and I'm hoping this doesn't drag us into a turf war between the Cudgel's Jackbooted Stormtroopers and a few down at heel petty criminals. But I'm sure you can tell my leanings from my point of view."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col does not reply but nods agreeing with Giacomo's words.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">At the other end of the street the barbarian and fighter face the new clown-faced thug. "Grral think you stop playing now and have a rest before you make Grral angry clown man" Grral rumbles as he brings his greatsword round in a sweeping arc with the flat of his blade. The flat of Grral's blade hits the thug square in the face. The thug falls to the floor unconscious..</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Get the heck off me... geez.." Sorendal sighs, as if disappointed " I'm gonna get my face ssmashed in by ssome clown faced thug who can't even be bothered to intimidate me properly.. " he looks at the prone thug," that really hurts. Err can ssomeone err..help? Um Mercy, could you ssave my face from a bruissin' ... pleasse" he giggles nervously. "OK, mental note: people with no armour don't fair well in melee.." he mumbles to himself, as if momentarily oblivious to his situation</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Silas looks at the unconscious body in his arms then at Sorendal "Speak for yourself friend!" he says with a smile.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The warrior Rienhardt seems in a world of his own, he scratches his chin and walks off, not saying a word to the others...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col nods at Father Giacomo's words "That seems a very fair assessment of the situation, happen I was a little hasty in my judgement. Let's hope we haven't put a foot wrong with those in authority!"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Come on Talwin" calls Col in a heavy whisper "Don't skulk round the corner. This is your chance to guard us from attack from on high" he looks up but still doesn't see the jester girl. The halfling turns to Sorendal and asks "Have you never heard of felons in the city that paint their faces in such a curious way? Or even read about them in your father's bookshop...?" he ends hopefully.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Talwin moves up behind the party and scans the rooftops trying to spot any hidden enemies but sees no hostile creatures.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p> <span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo replies to Silas whilst staring intently at the thug .. " Silass, I wass indeed my friend... My fingerss weave magic and you have fistss like a sshield of ssteel. Right now, I envy you !"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Sorendal Nailo suddenly bursts out laughing then stops .."Heh, I'm begging for Mercy right now..." he points at the thug " ..I bet you're really confussed now.. Look..you're on ya own... Two of ya matess are ssparko on the floor, all the exitss are blocked.. do yasself a favour.. give up"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col watches with interest as Soendal makes his offer to the thug. It seems like a good deal for the thug will surely get a sound beating if he refuses to surrender...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Didn't you guys hear me? The face painting is a sign that they are worshipper of Olidammara. This is a religious conflict that we've run across. I suggest we be careful. Things like this can get out of hand. Especially when The Cudgel Suckers get involved."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"I just don't buy that Giacomo" says Col "This just doesn't smack of one of your human religious rituals. Perhaps they are only dressed up as Olidammara's priests and are attempting to ferment a religious war between your two sets of followers?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"These are human gods... aren't they always in conflict ?" laughs Sorendal "Anyway, these thugs are not gods... jusst people" he states flatly "As a local, I think the painted facess indicate the thugss are from the Last Laugh... Cauldron's most notorious thievess guild.... " he adds, informatively</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The thug looks around. His companions are either unconscious or sleeping, and he is surrounded. He holds up his hands... "Ok..ya got me.."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy turns away from the unconscious thug at the end of the alleyway, exasperation showing on her face. "Giacomo! Can you stop talking about Cuthbert in that manner! He is a just and fair God who likes a clear set of rules and a place for everything with everything in its place. Which is just how I like it too. You, on the other hand, appear to like things completely up in the air, off the wall, and out of control". She takes a deep breath and drops her shoulders. "Maybe there is some religion-induced tension in this alleyway. Or maybe there is just some underlying menace using religion as a masque. Let's see what these clowns can tell us" She bends to grab the shoulders of the unconscious thug and drags him towards the rest of the party.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">"Giacomo, Col- can you restrain the last sleeping thug? And Sorendal- can you check on the victim. Is he OK?" she suggests to the others close by.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy looks back towards Grral nervously...</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Talwin looks around nervously, keeping a close eye on the rooftops unsure if the female Last Laugh member is still around.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Mercy squares up to the thug who surrendered to Sorendal. "So, er, would you ind telling me where you come from, and what you were trying to do to this poor man on the floor? --- If you don't mind, that is..." her voice trails off.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">The thug is still groggy but responds "Erm.. I come from ere… I was just following orders.. like..." <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">She shrugs, maybe it would work better if Grral and Sorendal did the questioning, and I'll check on the man of St Cuthbert...."</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Silas drags his unconscious opponent over to the party and lays him on the floor "would someone like to tie this fellow up Please, I have nothing to bind him with myself"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col seems more interested in gaining some party loot. "I'm not that familiar with protocol in cases such as this but should we not confiscate their martial items, err, arms and armour so to speak " says Col uncertainly "Just to make sure they're not tempted to do such things again. As they were not robbing or killing, I think that we should leave any actual fines to the city watch... What do you think?"</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Grral wanders over to the others around the now disabled thugs... his eyes flick from one to the other of the party members narrowing slightly as they alight upon Col and Sorendal.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Grral looks down at the thugs "Grral help stop clown men hurting sleeping man" he says proudly, he seems about to add further comment but unexpectedly falls asleep whilst still standing up, producing a buzzsaw snore. Grral awakes with a start after a brief period, his hand immediately flies to a small pouch at his neck and his looks round suspiciously at all present before he seems to remember where he is at and his expression softens somewhat. "Who you clown fighting people?" Grral asks looking round at the party. His brow furrows momentarily in recollection, "I am Grral, Kord make Grral strong and fast" he says, apparently by way of introduction</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">Col moves forward and stands astride the sleeping thug (#2). He kneels and shakes in sleeping victim in the approved manner. "Good evening sir" he says politely when the man awakens "My name is Col and you have just been rescued by my brave friends from, what appeared to be, a bad beating. Perhaps you could tell us more about what is going on and why these men would want to hurt you, and also perhaps why they were painted in such a strange manner? I should have said that the Lady Mercy and the brave Grral, favoured of Kord were the main rescuers rather than me, I am just a humble novice wizard" he finishes.</span></p><p><span style="color: Orange"></span></p><p><span style="color: Orange">He glances anxiously at the huge barbarian and checks that he hasn't said anything untoward that might have offended the hulking figure.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="color: DarkOrange"><strong>The party wonder if this is the start of some greater adventure</strong></span></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Greyhawk, post: 3691393, member: 40355"] [b]The start of the Adventure?[/b] [COLOR=Orange]"Cheers new friends, here's to a successful partnership" calls Talwin raising his glass, and as he eats he attempts to get any useful rumours from the barman to little effect. "We can indeed stroll down to the lake," agrees Reinhardt "However I suggest we all keep our blades well to hand - we will all look rich compared to some of the poor wretches that live in those shacks." and he takes a large swallow from the drink Mercy has offered. "This seems as likely a bunch as ever I joined with - and since I'm still standing I'm willing to try the hazard with you all. I hate to stay in one place for too long!" " Love 'em and leave 'em Reinhardt?" asks the cleric "Is that it? Well it's a pleasure to meet you old boy. I am, as the Beautiful lady has already mentioned, am Giacomo Giralemo Novacastria. Acolyte and Advocate to the Wonderous Olidammara, the Laughing one. It is my joy to drink his message of wonder to the world". Giacomo, who already appears half cut hold up his wine glass to a passing barmaid. " Beauteous Bar wench I need more wine. For I feel the urge to Worship some more." and moonwalks back over to the bar gets another pint.. Mercy tries to glean information from the bar staff but she too fails. Sorendal collects his drink "Thanks Liam.." then he spins to face the group nearly spilling his drink "I second your toast Talwin " then spins round to question the barman again, and he turns his head around what would appear to be a little too far..."Liam, any idea where we can get some work tomorrow?.." Mercy watches Sorendal with interest. He seems to move in a strange way...and what is that creature at his heel? She gets up and wanders over to the bar. "Greetings Sorendal, I am Mercy the swordswoman. I notice that you are very light on your toes. Have you had training as an acrobat?" "Heh, err.. hello Mercy!" Sorendal turns again "No I just like to dance ... keeps me in trim.. This is my familiar his name is Eddy...". He picks Eddy up in his hands to show to his new friend. "How do you do Eddy?" says Mercy. "What breed is he, Sorendal? And does he dance too?" she then turns her attention on the bartender "Mr Barkeeper, can I but you a drink to thank you for your hospitality? Could you tell me a little about this town? Or Perhaps direct me to a place where a group of adventurers could find gainful employment?" "He bobs his head about if he is feeling playful" says Sorendal, ignoring Mercy's question to the bartender, "But he is a bit shy" "Can I hold him?" asks Mercy "Or will his tail fall off if he gets...scared?..." "Sure you can... he is friendly..." answers Sorendal puzzled "And his tail wont come off.." and holds Eddy out and puts him on Mercy's hand - "Say hello to the Lady Eddy.." Mercy gently holds Eddie, and strokes his back carefully with her finger. "So how does he help you? Can he see in the dark?" Sorendal nods "He is my spare eyes and he helps me climb too. As well as being my companion" "Mmmm. I could do with some help climbing, but I guess that's the downside of wearing armour." laughs Mercy "Still, I'm quite good at using rope, which helps a bit. Do you think Eddie is safe when that weasel is around?" "Oh yes. Eddy can look after himself if he needs to ... and a weasel can't run on the ceiling. What brings you to the cauldron then? Did I not see you come in today with the priest?" "I don't really know him that well" smiles Mercy "We met on a wet and windy night a little while ago, when we found ourselves sheltering in a mysterious cavern. The night was rather more exciting than it should have been." her face flushes "I mean because of some monster inhabitants of the cavern, rather than because of Giacomo's attempts to be ahem ....friendly and charming. It's a relief to see that he's now aiming his charms at the waitress. Anyway, we decided to travel here together to see what adventures we could find" Sorendal smiles.."Full of life, isn't he" and it is unclear if he is speaking of the cleric or his familiar. "What about you? Are you local?" she asks the wizard. "Yes, I live here..." he replies "I work part time for my father... he has a book shop here" Just then one of the barwenches moves over to Giacomo. She smiles at him and puts a tankard on the table "My, My..you are a handsome fellow.. I've not seen you around before Darlin" she smiles at the cleric.. "Oh no" whispers Mercy "Giacomo's head will get even bigger now. But perhaps he can get some ueful information from her?" "I am a wizard, and a bowmaker too! ..... Heh, info yes, useful? Maybe, but to who?" "I can make and repair bows but I excelled in magic instead" "How interesting." Mercy tells him "Perhaps you can show me around tomorrow?" "A bookshop!" exclaims Col "That is a lot more interesting than any metalworking business - I would be so grateful to see it. Knowledge is man's greatest gift, I'm not sure that any good ever came from violence or weapons...". Finishing his sermon, Col turns to Sorendal "I don't suppose your father's shop sells news-sheets that would tell us interesting facts about this place or opportunities for work?" he asks. Silas moves over to the man seated at the other table. "Good day sir, I apologize for my intrusion. As you may have overheard my companions and I are new to this area. Would your good self be able to shed some light and maybe even a bit of history upon this place and surrounding area?" The guy seems a bit tipsy. He mentions someone called Keygan Ghelve is one of the finest locksmiths in the world! Only a skilled rogue or spell-caster could bypass one of his locks without the proper key... Silas leans closer to the gentleman "Your mug appears to be a little empty would you care for a refill good sir? Pray tell, why would one wish to bypass one of Keygan's locks?" he asks looking the man in the eye. The man talking to Silas looks bleary eyed at the monk..he slurs "Whaat?.. Ahh. don't mind me. I'm a little tipsy… I talk :):):):):) when I'm tipsy" "Not a problem sir," says Silas pleasantly "Sorry to have troubled you" Silas gives a bow of his head and moves to the bar Col eats his food with gusto, all the while keeping an ear open to the conversation about locksmiths. If the locks are as good as he says, then theft will be scarce, at least amongst the rich who can afford such locks. Assuming all the time that the drunk man is correct... He finishes his plate of food and sits back in his chair with an expression of utter content. "Sir Gnome," Reinhardt addresses Talwin "I do not know if you were trying to be polite, but I think this garbage we have been served up is on overpriced mess. I doubt I could stomach it if I were not so hungry. I remember this one time I was travellin' with this priest - well the food that came with his orizons was something special." Reinhardt looks appraisingly over the barwench "At least the view is something better than the grub." Col moves round the table at this outburst, keep to be away from any affray between gnome and fighter "Manners" he mutters "Our hosts can here what you are saying brave fighter" "Pass it over Reinhardt if you cant eat yours" Talwin mutters pleased for the extra helping. Giacomo, who for the last 10 minutes or so has been concentrating all of his attentions upon the saucy bar wench, finally gets round to trying to ask her something useful. However the information he does gather seems to be centring around the comely strumpets bra size. After telling the barmaid the suggestive and ill advised story about the female bard, the high priest and the regenerating trolls nose Giacomo receives a slap to his cheek, he half-smiles and turns back to the others around the table rubbing his red cheek. "Was it something I said?" he grins "Of course you fellows know we all would form a delightful adventuring group. Just like my ol' pappy used to be in. Lets find some down at heal villager who's home is beset by a horde of Bandits and save them with a mixture of or own individual skills, a willingness on their part to train up to help themselves and a small cash donation. There are after all seven of us. And we're magnificent. Well. I am. We could call ourselves the. Er. Marvellous Seven! How does that sound? I'm sure Olidammara wouldn't mind me healing you chaps." Col sits back smoking his pipe and memorising the story (halflings have a rich verbal storytelling tradition) about the female bard, high priest and regenerating trolls. He's sure it will go down well with his mates when he gets home! "This town is great if you are in funds, but bad news otherwise." bemoans Reinhardt "If there's nothin' doing around here, we could do worse than have a word with the watch. They'll know if they need some 'forgettables' for a nasty job that needs doin'. And I'm guessin' were just the ones for such a job." "Well that has filled up the corners well" says Coll contentedly "But the night is yet young - Let's be off for a stroll around the town before turning in for the night. What say you?" and he looks round at the others. "I am ready for a look around" Talwin says standing up Reinhardt buckles on his swordbelt, "I have no pressing engagements for the evening - lets see what the nights holds for a roistering group of saucy rascals, like ourselves. C'mon, then." "I am ready to see the sights" says Mercy, gathering her belongings together. "Sorendal, will you and Eddy give us a tour of the local hotspots?" "Most certainly will!" agrees Sorendal "I'll try and point out a few useful placess.. " he motions his shoulder and Eddy zooms up his arm and parks himself on it. Sorendal then soft shoe shuffles over to the door "G'roove.." he whispers. The party exit the Dog and Ferret Public house... "Where would you like to go? asks the wizard "Theress the pavilion on the lakesside, that'll take us past the bath housse... or theress more pubs or innss, I could show you a few vendors or point out the churchess.. Have you all sorted out your accommodation yet? " he asks "I would like to visit the Church of St Cuthbert's" Mercy tells him "If we go northwards then we can pass by a few shops on the way. And maybe drop in at the Town Hall to see if there is a notice board with job vacancies on it? I haven't booked a room for the night yet. I would like to find somewhere that's clean and reasonably priced. Where would you recommend?" Rain drizzles down on the party as they stand outside the Dog and Ferret.. "Well I guess the most popular place in the city is the Drunken Morkoth Inn, I will take you past it on the way to the church.". Eddy doesn't like the rain... he crawls under Sorendal's collar peering out from under it.. "All those places sound interesting" pipes up Col "But I'd like to glimpse the lake too, if it's not too much trouble..." The party leave the tavern, outside a wretched drizzle falls from the ash-gray sky. The crowded, rain slicked buildings seem especially bleak and frightful this evening, hunched together beneath gloomy skies. As the make their way through the near deserted streets s few lights burn in their windows, but mostly their shutters have been closed for the night. The scent of chimney smoke fills the air, and the din of water trundles from the rooftops, splashing into dark alleys and turning street gutters into rivulets. A sudden, plaintive cry for help from a nearby alley splits the evening air. Both Rienhardt and Mercy scan the area for the location of the sound... There! an alley left of them. Within, two figures assault another, who lies face down on the wet cobblestones. One of the attackers lifts the victim by the hood of his cloak whilst the other says "Stay away from the orphanage, you got that?" The figure at the end of the ally spots Mercy "Bugger Off!" he yells, all three attackers have painted their faces half white and half black... "We have to help that poor person" asserts Talwin "We have to help, yes, but let us be careful not to endanger ourselves in doing so" advises Col from his position near the back. Sorendal Nailo whispers "remember, we don't want to be had up for murder... eye for an eye, just beat 'em senseless.. Then we can question them and the man on the floor.. and maybe get a reward" "Our first priority must be to save the victim from more harm. I don't think, at the moment we should be that concerned that we might hurt the thugs" says Col to his fellow magic-user "But you are a native here, perhaps you know these fellows, and they carry some clout in the city, so we shouldn't offend their masters?" "I have no idea who they are Col... There's over four thoussand citizenss in thiss town. I guess i might know about five percent of 'em.." he replies to the halfling in hushed tones "They definitely don't read at the book club, thatss for ssure" Mercy trips over a barrel of rubbish that clatters to the ground, but quickly rights herself and reaches for her sword......."Stop what you are doing! Stand back and surrender!" she shouts to the three thugs "They are only three on one scum," says Rienhardt "And so do not deserve the bite of my blade - but who knows, it may be their lucky day! he shouts "It's Rienhardt, Alright? So stay where you are and surrender and no one gets hurt." "Gentlemen, if your lives mean anything to you, then let down your weapons and talk." Silas tells the thugs "It would appear my friends seem a bit frisky. I for one do not subscribe for needless bloodshed, so please heed my warning" "By the oscillating underpants of the Laughing Rogue! This man must be protected." Says Giacomo heroically "Er, unless they have a good reason to give him a kicking. They said 'stay away from the orphanage', perhaps he's a kiddy fiddler and deserves it?" "These are just bullies attacking a lone traveller, let's stop pussyfooting about and give them the beating they deserve or" Col sighs "Give them a thorough ticking off, if that's what you so-called fighters at the front want. The urgent thing is to stop taking about it and rescue their victim!!! Oh and confiscate their weapons, armour etc." I forgot that bit he adds "I'm not arguing about the whole giving them a kicking and thieving their gear thing. I'm just saying these guys could have good reason for chinning him." replies the cleric Talwin takes out his crossbow and loads it Mercy draws her sword. "Come on Reinhardt. Let's help persuade them to back off" As she does so she notices another man rushing down the street toward the party. It looks like he also heard the commotion. Grral, for it is he, slows as he approaches and takes in the scene.... his brow furrows as he contemplates his next action... the furrows deepen.. then disoerse as he reaches a decision "STOP!" Grral bellows at the thugs. His gaze flicks from one person to the next waiting to see what their response will be... "And disperse!". " I say chaps. If it wouldn't be too much trouble I think we should not kill these ruffians." Giaconmo says in his refined voice "They are themselves only beating that chap with their fists and kicks and are not using weapons. If we attack them and kill them then it seems it would be us who would be committing the heinous crime. Let us either drive them off or subdue them. Then at least we could question them. What do you fellows think?" "I agree Giacomo..." says Sorendal "Or to put it another way... with eight of uss now..... we would look well gay if we pull out our weaponss to ssort thiss, naa't i mean guy !!" "I agree with the Wizard dude." says the cleric "Let's give these fellas a break. Just subdue 'em." Mercy runs towards the nearest ruffian with sword drawn. "I said, stop what you are doing and surrender!". She strikes out at him with the flat of her blade fetching him and enormous wallop with the flat of her blade to the side of the ruffian's head. "A good solid thump!" cries Col in admiration "You are setting an example to all of us!!!" and he pointedly looks around at the others "Do none of you spell casters have a sleep spell to use on them and save any bloodshed" asks Talwin Silas moves swiftly and grabs one of the street thugs, the monk wrestles him.. He has a firm hold… For the moment.. Col steps to the front and casts a sleep spell at the two thugs at the rear who are beating the clericand one of the thugs falls to the floor - sleeping.. Sorendal Nailo dances forward, shimmying around his friends... Eddy follows him, he too casts a sleep spell and both the man being attacked and the remaining attacker fall asleep. He grins broadly... "Will that do ya.. Talwin ??" Giacomo walks forward with a confident stride and draws upon the power of his wonderous God. Looking at the remaining ruffian with an air of power he gives a command. "SURRENDER!". The thug shrugs off the command "Bugger OFF!!" he retorts. Grral slowly approaches the group... he eyes Col and Sorendal suspiciously... and watches the grappling thug and Silas with curiosity.. "Why you fighting the clown men? Grral thinks clown man should stop fighting now... Clowns not hurt people.. make em laugh" he grunts and getting no response he draws his sword and glowers at the thug "You stop now clown man!" The thug looks visibly shaken by the barbarians intimidating manner. Just then, coming into view from around the opposite corner is another of the thugs. He to has his face painted. Talwin looks around from his position at the rear ready to fire should a target present itself. Col claps his hands together "Brilliant" he exclaims reviewing the battle "We'll soon have the poor man rescued" he says with glee Col tries to see what's going on in the tumble of bodies ahead, he attempts to glimpse the action through the legs of new-found friends and the clown-faced attackers "When you are vertically challenged, it can all get quite confusing" he grumbles. Rienhardt looks in deep thought as he watches Silas grapple with the street thug.. Mercy will push past the monk and the thug as they grapple and run towards the thug furthest from the group, she runs down the alleyway, dodging the sleeping men. "Stay where you are!" she calls out to the thug in front of her. The thug manages to stop Silas holding him immobile "Grrrr...get orf me ya scumbag" he spits into Silas's face. As the thug spits he grits his teeth as he wrestles with Silas, His face looking like a morbid clown. He glances up at Grral and winces.. He is clearly scared.. Col thinks about his next move. Finally he decides to provide some more light in the dark alleyway - perhaps that will discourage further resistance. He takes a step forward and fires off a light spell, then checks the area for any more thugs in the side alleyways or rooftops. As he looks around he notices something on one of the roofs. A figure, behind one of the chimneys. Seeing that she has been spotted the figure yells down "Well done! But the cleric lives because we wish it so, not because of your misplaced bravado" She points a baleful finger at the man lying asleep on the floor. "When he wakes, tell him to take these words back to the temple. The children are lost and no longer St Cuthbert's concern" She then ducks behind the chimney and disappears from view… "Flee now, back to your masters - or it will be the worse for you!!" yells Col, "Err, what children was he talking about" Col asks the others... Mercy looks up to see where the voice is coming from "I saw her!" calls Mercy "There was a clown-faced woman up on the roof! What did she mean about St Cuthbert? Is the victim of these thugs a holy man of Cuthbert? If so I will not rest until we have an answer!" Sorendal Nailo dashes forward looking about as he goes...he silently asks Eddy to have a sneaky peek on the roof to see if the woman is retreating or not - "Right behind ya Mercy..." he smiles.... well, if this doesn't turn out to be the start of an adventure with his new friends I'll be most surprised, he thinks. The wizard stands over the sleeping forms "..a cleric of Sst.Cuthbert being beaten up by clown faced thugss, who warn him away from the orphanage... a messsage from the roof telling the church the children are losst..... ello, ello, ello...what 'ave we gort 'ere then !". His head switches this way and that as he looks down at the sleepers, then across to the angry looking thug that's just appeared in the alley. How many more are of them are there ?..he glances back at the others and gains some confidence. Snapping his head round he sees Mercy bravely moving forward toward the stupidly painted thug... Giacomo looks to the Thug in front of him, then to the recently vanished 'Master' up on the roof, then back again. He takes a deeply tired sigh. "This is just fecking typical." He mutters to himself. "Why does life have to get complicated?" He breaths in and yells at Thug in front of him, trying to strike fear and panic into his heart "FLEE FROM THE MIGHT AND RETRIBUTION OF OLIDAMMARA!" The mans looks surprised and shaken, he glances between Grral and Giacomo as he continues to fight with Salas. Grral lumbers forward... he leers at the struggling thug as he passes "You be good clown man, Grral come back and see you soon", then thunders down the alley towards the latest arrival "Hey... clown man.. you make Grral laugh yes?" Grral leans back as the thug lunges at him, he looks momentarily taken aback. Then grins... "Heh Grral right clown man make him laugh" The thug wrestling with Silas grits his teeth and tries to break free from the monks grip but fails to wriggle free.. As Silas struggles to keep his grip on his foe , "Oh no friend, you're staying right here with me" he says managing a dry smile. "Now hold still i tell thee" he continues and lands such a punch as to knock the thug out.. Talwin nervously moves North along the street, ignoring the fight in the alleyway for the moment. Mercy moves carefully away from the sleeping thugs and then runs towards the end of the alleyway, raising her sword above her head. She slaps the thug hard across the forehead with the flat of her blade. She looks anxiously across at the hairy man beside her, and starts to laugh nervously. "Only a clown would be this easy to hit- why don't you have a go?" "These thugss wont sstay asleep much longer" says wizard Nailo from beside the sleeping thugs "Can ssomeone help me bind them?" he asks looking up nervously at the rooftops, one well aimed tile and these two thugs could be awake... That would spoil the plan a bit.. Col moves forward ready to tie up next time (if needed). He draws his quarterstaff, just to be on the safe side. Sorendal Nailo carefully binds the thugs wrists behind his back, trying to make sure not to hurt him in the process...."Don't want him waking up yet" he smiles. But as the wizard attempts to bind one of the sleeping thugs, and before the wizard has tied a single knot, the thug wakes. "Get he heck off me" says the awoken Thug as he sits up looking at Sorendal attempting to bind him. Giacomo draws his mace tentatively and walks down the alley towards the Thugs. "Chaps I had better mention that these chaps appear to be dressed in a fashion that would indicate that they Worship my benevolent deity Olidammara, The Laughing Rogue. I know not whether they do or not. However I suspect that this may be some plot to garner poor relations between the church of Olidammara and The Church of Cuthbert. As tedious as the Cudgel is I can see of no real reason for there to be tension between our churches. Er.. Except the obvious ones of course." "I'm glad that you don't think that they are acting in your god's name" Col tells Giacomo "I'm sure that Olidammara would never condone three thugs setting on a lone man of god?" "Well. Three thugs setting on a lone man? Is that like eight Heroes setting on 3 thugs? The odds seem similar don't they?" retorts Giacomo with a snort "I only hope it is a misunderstanding. Cuthbert is an irascible god, being the god of Revenge against law breakers and general all round fascist draconian mindless lawfulness. He's a horrible bastard when he gets riled. So I understand folk wanting to kick the :):):):) out of one of his priests. I just hate for me to get involved in it. As for Olidammara minding them mugging this bloke. Well, he likes a laugh does Olidammara. He might be up for it. You never know. I'm hoping this has got nowt to do with religion and these numpties are just a bunch of Thieves who're drunk and on their way from the Thieves Guild Fancy Dress Party or something." "I prefer to think of it as seven heroes rescuing one cleric from five thugs" Col corrects Giacomo "There are four thugs plus another unaccounted for on the rooftops. We do not know yet if she has fled or is planning some sort of revenge! But on the subject of religious doctrine I cannot say," Col says after thinking for a while "I don't have your training or, if you will pardon me, interest, as the gods of men are sometimes strange and foreign to my folk. We are a simple people and providing help for the victims of violence seems any easy decision to take." "Oh don't get me wrong Col. I'm all for helping the little guy. Hey I'd not leave a Cleric of any god to get a good kicking. Well maybe Gruumsh. But on the whole I'm all for giving help where it's needed. I'm just saying I hope this doesn't get us involved in deeper :):):):). Cuthbert is big enough and Ugly enough to look after his own and I'm hoping this doesn't drag us into a turf war between the Cudgel's Jackbooted Stormtroopers and a few down at heel petty criminals. But I'm sure you can tell my leanings from my point of view." Col does not reply but nods agreeing with Giacomo's words. At the other end of the street the barbarian and fighter face the new clown-faced thug. "Grral think you stop playing now and have a rest before you make Grral angry clown man" Grral rumbles as he brings his greatsword round in a sweeping arc with the flat of his blade. The flat of Grral's blade hits the thug square in the face. The thug falls to the floor unconscious.. "Get the heck off me... geez.." Sorendal sighs, as if disappointed " I'm gonna get my face ssmashed in by ssome clown faced thug who can't even be bothered to intimidate me properly.. " he looks at the prone thug," that really hurts. Err can ssomeone err..help? Um Mercy, could you ssave my face from a bruissin' ... pleasse" he giggles nervously. "OK, mental note: people with no armour don't fair well in melee.." he mumbles to himself, as if momentarily oblivious to his situation Silas looks at the unconscious body in his arms then at Sorendal "Speak for yourself friend!" he says with a smile. The warrior Rienhardt seems in a world of his own, he scratches his chin and walks off, not saying a word to the others... Col nods at Father Giacomo's words "That seems a very fair assessment of the situation, happen I was a little hasty in my judgement. Let's hope we haven't put a foot wrong with those in authority!" "Come on Talwin" calls Col in a heavy whisper "Don't skulk round the corner. This is your chance to guard us from attack from on high" he looks up but still doesn't see the jester girl. The halfling turns to Sorendal and asks "Have you never heard of felons in the city that paint their faces in such a curious way? Or even read about them in your father's bookshop...?" he ends hopefully. Talwin moves up behind the party and scans the rooftops trying to spot any hidden enemies but sees no hostile creatures. Sorendal Nailo replies to Silas whilst staring intently at the thug .. " Silass, I wass indeed my friend... My fingerss weave magic and you have fistss like a sshield of ssteel. Right now, I envy you !" Sorendal Nailo suddenly bursts out laughing then stops .."Heh, I'm begging for Mercy right now..." he points at the thug " ..I bet you're really confussed now.. Look..you're on ya own... Two of ya matess are ssparko on the floor, all the exitss are blocked.. do yasself a favour.. give up" Col watches with interest as Soendal makes his offer to the thug. It seems like a good deal for the thug will surely get a sound beating if he refuses to surrender... "Didn't you guys hear me? The face painting is a sign that they are worshipper of Olidammara. This is a religious conflict that we've run across. I suggest we be careful. Things like this can get out of hand. Especially when The Cudgel Suckers get involved." "I just don't buy that Giacomo" says Col "This just doesn't smack of one of your human religious rituals. Perhaps they are only dressed up as Olidammara's priests and are attempting to ferment a religious war between your two sets of followers?" "These are human gods... aren't they always in conflict ?" laughs Sorendal "Anyway, these thugs are not gods... jusst people" he states flatly "As a local, I think the painted facess indicate the thugss are from the Last Laugh... Cauldron's most notorious thievess guild.... " he adds, informatively The thug looks around. His companions are either unconscious or sleeping, and he is surrounded. He holds up his hands... "Ok..ya got me.." Mercy turns away from the unconscious thug at the end of the alleyway, exasperation showing on her face. "Giacomo! Can you stop talking about Cuthbert in that manner! He is a just and fair God who likes a clear set of rules and a place for everything with everything in its place. Which is just how I like it too. You, on the other hand, appear to like things completely up in the air, off the wall, and out of control". She takes a deep breath and drops her shoulders. "Maybe there is some religion-induced tension in this alleyway. Or maybe there is just some underlying menace using religion as a masque. Let's see what these clowns can tell us" She bends to grab the shoulders of the unconscious thug and drags him towards the rest of the party. "Giacomo, Col- can you restrain the last sleeping thug? And Sorendal- can you check on the victim. Is he OK?" she suggests to the others close by. Mercy looks back towards Grral nervously... Talwin looks around nervously, keeping a close eye on the rooftops unsure if the female Last Laugh member is still around. Mercy squares up to the thug who surrendered to Sorendal. "So, er, would you ind telling me where you come from, and what you were trying to do to this poor man on the floor? --- If you don't mind, that is..." her voice trails off. The thug is still groggy but responds "Erm.. I come from ere… I was just following orders.. like..." :) She shrugs, maybe it would work better if Grral and Sorendal did the questioning, and I'll check on the man of St Cuthbert...." Silas drags his unconscious opponent over to the party and lays him on the floor "would someone like to tie this fellow up Please, I have nothing to bind him with myself" Col seems more interested in gaining some party loot. "I'm not that familiar with protocol in cases such as this but should we not confiscate their martial items, err, arms and armour so to speak " says Col uncertainly "Just to make sure they're not tempted to do such things again. As they were not robbing or killing, I think that we should leave any actual fines to the city watch... What do you think?" Grral wanders over to the others around the now disabled thugs... his eyes flick from one to the other of the party members narrowing slightly as they alight upon Col and Sorendal. Grral looks down at the thugs "Grral help stop clown men hurting sleeping man" he says proudly, he seems about to add further comment but unexpectedly falls asleep whilst still standing up, producing a buzzsaw snore. Grral awakes with a start after a brief period, his hand immediately flies to a small pouch at his neck and his looks round suspiciously at all present before he seems to remember where he is at and his expression softens somewhat. "Who you clown fighting people?" Grral asks looking round at the party. His brow furrows momentarily in recollection, "I am Grral, Kord make Grral strong and fast" he says, apparently by way of introduction Col moves forward and stands astride the sleeping thug (#2). He kneels and shakes in sleeping victim in the approved manner. "Good evening sir" he says politely when the man awakens "My name is Col and you have just been rescued by my brave friends from, what appeared to be, a bad beating. Perhaps you could tell us more about what is going on and why these men would want to hurt you, and also perhaps why they were painted in such a strange manner? I should have said that the Lady Mercy and the brave Grral, favoured of Kord were the main rescuers rather than me, I am just a humble novice wizard" he finishes. He glances anxiously at the huge barbarian and checks that he hasn't said anything untoward that might have offended the hulking figure.[/COLOR] [COLOR=DarkOrange][B]The party wonder if this is the start of some greater adventure[/B][/COLOR] [/QUOTE]
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