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Message: <blockquote data-quote="(contact)" data-source="post: 480419" data-attributes="member: 41">Readye'en 10, CY 5936:  "As sunlight gives rise to all Nature, so too do we thirst to be useful." - - Harin, Theocrat of Pelor The slaves are quickly found and released, and a thorough search of the Stonefister's lair reveals a pair of hidden warehouses containing bulk goods and enough equipment for outfitting a double-score of raiders.  The dust on the loot indicates that it was left there by the Lord who was the former occupant of the stronghold, and had gone unnoticed by the Men of the Fist.  The PCs exit the stronghold, and discover that the undead dire bears turned by Gnomer made their way into the surrounding city, destroying property and lives before meeting their end at the hands of the Lord's men.  One of the skeleton corpses is still slumped half inside a second floor window where it was rooting for flesh, in some dim memory of its foraging habits from life.A quick conversation with one of the Lord's henchmen at the site make it clear to the PCs that their business in Stoink should be concluded hastily, as they are now visiting on borrowed time.Elijah and Heydricus gather the troops, and march them to the Stonefister's manse.  Along the way, a personable rogue by the name of Curst joins in, and pleasantly introduces himself to Heydricus, asking innocuous questions about the troops, their pay, etc.  Heydricus fends him off, but wary of angering the Lord of Stoink further, leaves him be.  Curst strikes up a conversation with Urin, making comments about Heydricus' gift for leadership, and remarking what a magnificent sword he possesses.  Curst casually compares the sword's value with the entire troop's yearly pay, and points out how much better Urin might have it working for a Lord who knows what he is worth.  Urin proves steadfast and loyal, and rebuffs the rogue's advances.Heydricus' company spends the next day preparing their goods for transport and dodging the ever-curious Curst and his leading questions.  A confrontation with the rogue reveals that his role for the Lord is High Accountant, a position charged with assuring that the Lord receives his fair 'tax' of booty won in Stoink's endless gang wars.  Curst proves resistant to bribery (but accepts the swag gratefully) and in the end, his message is clear:  You can insult the Lord of Stoink and live, but f*** him out of his gold, and you're a dead elf. Heydricus reluctantly allows the "Accountant" to go over the treasure and assess the Lord's Tax.  Satisfied, Curst bids the party a cheery goodbye, and promises to check in tomorrow, to ensure that "all preparations proceed apace for your departure from Stoink".  Curst promises to "help" the PCs through the gate personally.  The Lord gets his cut, and the party gets the boot.-----Next:  Gnomer consults his God, Heydricus consults his Better Judgement, Prisantha consults her Hat, and the Lord of Stoink throws a party!</blockquote>

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