The Reconquista: Part I (Shadows over Istivin)

[James Heard]

Sadly, the dwarf and human lord seem to ignore Mavic's pleadings. The dwarf draws a beautifully carved hand axe from his belt and simply steps around the wizard in order to get to the colorfully-dressed human. Before his opponent has the chance to loosen the rapier from its sheath, the dwarf buries the axe in his chest. Bright crimson blood sprays out from a cut artery, covering Mavic and the two combatants as the human staggers back from the mighty blow (OOC: Crit. Are the Reddogs going to do anything?).

"Oh." Mavic's eyes widened in surprise, then quickly narrowed as he took a few steps away from the murderous dwarf. "You shouldn't have done that," he said, and commenced shouting out the words to a spell.

This is such overkill, he thought. Who would have thought I'd be killing dwarves in court today?

The two Reddogs, Meres and Mishell, stared on in horror. Used to the evils of warfare with giants and their humanoids, nothing ever prepared them for this sort of savage beastiality within the ranks of those that might have been considered allies - well, except for m'lord Mavic. He was getting much better though.

Seeing Mavic wind up for a spell to toss at the vengeful dwarf, they quickly moved far out of the area and only paused to loosen their bows - just in case.

OOC: Mavic steps away from the dwarf (5') and tosses Hold Monster on him, Will Save DC 21. Since I'm taking an offensive action within the Medal of Gallantry's Sanctuary effect I've just earned myself a -1 morale penalty on all attacks for an hour. Dammit.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

OOC: I'm sorry James, I wasn't clear enough. It's still the first combat round. The Reddogs each still have an action, followed by the human lord. Even though he's quite hurt he still has a few hp left and will certainly counter attack or flee if nothing is done to stop him. You're welcome to cast your spell, but since you already declared your action this round (Diplomacy), you won't get to act until next round.

 

[James Heard]

OOC: The Reddogs didn't take any action because there's absolutely no reason that they'd expect "civilized" folk to be gutting people in lines for any reason, they didn't have any action and from everything you described I thought the nobleman was just a deader. Quite simply there's no actions on my part until next round, just consider my post my outline for that round . I suppose if the not dead nobleman decides to pull a sword and reciprocate the gutting after I Hold the dwarf he'll just have to come to the harsh reality that my spell loadout today doesn't include multiple prisoners, giant or otherwise - and more importantly I'd rather have a bunch of dead noblemen scared spitless of me rather than have to worry about a crowd of them playing dogpile the wizard simply because Mavic was polite enough to tell the fighters in the party to go get out of the rain. I suppose if necessary he'll just have to apologize for killing the rest of the nobles in Sterich when they went homicidal on hi., Mavic just doesn't have enough hit points to be less than thorough though if this all gets blamed on him though and a crowd turns on him, if they start acting like a bunch of gnolls he's going to treat them like gnolls. If nothing else, chain lightning' the line should mean Mavic's got a better spot waiting for the Marchioness tomorrow.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Reeling from the axe blow, the human grabs his hat and holds it over his spurting wound. He weekly attempt to draw his rapier, spitting with anger, "I'll kill you for this, you murderous rogue!"

Round 2

Mavic steps back from the maniacal dwarf his hands flashing into his pocket as he pulls out a heavy nail which he picked up from the construction sight in front of the temple of Pelor. Speaking words of power he gestures towards the dwarven lord, making a grabbing motion. Instantly the dwarf freezes in place. Mavic knows the target of his spell sees dozens of smokey, giant arms explode from the ground around him, clamping down on every part of his body.

As if in a trance, the human lord grins a wicked grin as he strides over to the dwarf, pulling the rapier clear from its sheath. He places the point of his blade against the held lord's throat, and grabs the back of his head, ready to plunge the weapon into the dwarf's skull. "Now you will pay for this insult," he whispers in almost an intimate fashion (OOC: I'm fudging on the rules a bit here folks for dramatic purposes, but basically he's attempting to prepare a coup de grace.)

Luckily the dwarven warriors finally regain their wits after having been shocked by the ferocity of this exchange. Not bothering to draw their weapons they grab the human's arms, pushing him down to the ground, and doing their best to keep his rapier away from them.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

Added title

The group in Qualtaine Square decides that it's had enough of standing out in the rain and that having skipped breakfast, it is certainly time for lunch. They trot over to the Fiddling Viceroy, a decent Inn and Tavern located not too far from the Square, across the Oyt Road from the West Citadel. The only major building they pass on the way is a shrine to Elohanna, made entirely of wood, set back slightly from the road. A small garden has been planted in front of it, and numerous flowering trees have been placed around it.

The Viceroy is a long, three story building set next to the Trade Gate. Its whitewashed walls look somewhat cheery, although everything in this city seems to have taken on a dull, greyish hue since everyone's last visit. A small stable is attached to the back.

After stabling the mounts the small group makes its way into the main room. This is a large room, with a balconey overlooking three-quarters of it. Two large fireplaces are already burning on the walls to your left and right, and a circular bar has been placed in the middle of the room. A flight of stairs goes up to private rooms on the second floor which overlook where you are now standing. Though crowded and doing good business, the patrons of this tavern seem introverted and withdrawn. Most seem to be alone and engrossed in their drinks or food, or in small groups studiously ignoring everyone else. What conversations are taking place are little more than whispered, terse discussions at only a few tables near the far wall. Despite the silence, the tension in the room hovers on a knife's edge; everyone seems to be watching everyone else surreptitiously. Two bartenders tend to customers behind the bar, while to middle-aged waitresses travel among the tables taking orders.

 

[Hypersmurf]

Despite the silence, the tension in the room hovers on a knife's edge; everyone seems to be watching everyone else surreptitiously. Two bartenders tend to customers behind the bar, while to middle-aged waitresses travel among the tables taking orders.

Reivik's cheerful anticipation of a hot meal turns quickly to a thoughtful frown as he absorbs the atmosphere of the common room.

"This... isn't normal," he mutters to Anastasia, before flagging down a waitress.

"Morning, my dear," he greets her. "Room for five more?"

 

[Ranger Rick]

George looks around for any familar (friendly/unfriendly) face.

 

[Scotley]

Morley Human Ranger

Morley, grinning from his brief run in the rain stands frowning at the somber mood of the place as the others arrive. "Not exactly the cheery place I remember from my last visit here."

 

[James Heard]

Luckily the dwarven warriors finally regain their wits after having been shocked by the ferocity of this exchange. Not bothering to draw their weapons they grab the human's arms, pushing him down to the ground, and doing their best to keep his rapier away from them.

Clearing his throat loudly, Mavic spoke to the assembled nobles and attendants, " I assure you all, I am out of magics that man and beast survive and I am completely without patience or sympathy with regards violence. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

OOC: Mavic will ready a move action to move away from any so bold as to attack him, his standard action is simply to restate the obvious - Mavic's given all the warning he's likely to give. The Reddogs ready their bows to act against anyone who moves against them or Mavic.

 

[Branding Opportunity]

In the Fiddling Viceroy

A human woman in her mid-forties comes over to Reivik. She looks to have quite a lot of Flan in her, with light bronze skin, brown eyes and dark, wavy hair. She nods at the dwarf, "Surely, sir. There's a table over to your left," as she points to an empty table near the bar. "It just opened up a few minutes ago. Seat yourself." Hearing someone call to her, she leaves Reivik.

George scans the room, but doesn't recognize anyone. Anastasia, however, picks out an old man sitting at a table against the right wall. His name is Baldram, and he is a member of the Order of the Star, swordsmen who dedicate themselves to their hero-diety, Kelanen. He is sitting with a stern-looking younger man and having a meal.

OOC: All of you have heard of the Order of the Star, which takes its name from Kelanen's symbol, nine swords radiating outward to form a starburst. The organization spans the western nations, but Istivin's chapter in particular always best exemplified Kelanen's dedication to swordplay and the pursuite of a cosmic balance betwen the Four Dooms: good, evil, law and chaos. The principles that had for so long served as the chapter's foundation ironically led to its undoing on the eve of Istivin's fall, when most of its members perished standing their ground against Galmoor's army. The futile, spirited defense allowed thousands of citizens to flee the city. Baldram was a swordmaster but as he was in his late seventies, he was too frail to stand with his brothers.