Starbuck turns to address the cringing man.

"And when he asks for the 'whole story,' you really shouldn't leave out the uncomfortable details," he advises.  "If there truly is an entire army after you, then you probably either stole something really important, or saw or heard something really important."

"Or maybe the Cleansing Flame is a band of zealots that responds to all infractions with equal intensity regardless of degree."  I interject.  Turning to the man I add, "So you are thief and these . . . "men" are after you.  As for my part you have done me no ill, I have pledged myself to your healing, and I am no supporter of low justice.  No have nothing to fear from me.  And if I read these other, you have nothing to fear from them.  Your honesty at this point is the best coin you have to repay our efforts.  What is your name?"

"Daniel," says the man.  "From Greymere.  Um... Thanks.

"See...All I was supposed to do was to break into a heavily guarded place and bring something back as proof.  I decided to try Lord Niles, because everyone knows he rich and uh... well, I got inside no problem, and I made it all the way to some library or study or something with a lot of books and there was this little case, gold, monogrammed, about this big..." -he uses his hands to indicate something about 1 foot by 3 inches by 3 inches- "...and I figured if it has his crest on it, it's be perfect, but then, one of his guards saw me and I had to grab it and make a break for it.

"It wasn't until I got away from them that I opened it up.  It was just some old paper, some writing that looked kinda weird, a map, some drawings, and they were real old, and I thought, hey, added antique value!  So I tried to make it back to the Guild but some of Niles' men and a bunch of hobgoblins were already outside so I decided to lay low a while elsewhere.

"I thought I was doing good, hiding out off the roads, but then everywhere I went they were tracking me with dogs, probably used those snouts too.  And they wouldn't give up  I tried to lose them across the river, but that was a mistake... 

"I remember it was starting to rain, and I was still tired from the swim, and there were at least three of them.  One of them... one of them got me with a club and knocked me into the bushes and I think I ran and managed to lose them in the dark and... I'm not really sure.  Kinda fuzzy from there on.

"Um.. can I ask why you all keep talking about fire Mister Ranger... sir?"

Quote"Um.. can I ask why you all keep talking about fire Mister Ranger... sir?"

"Not fire," adds the ever-helpful Starbuck.  "Flame.  The Cleansing Flame.  Those people and hobgoblins that were after don't just call themselves 'Lord Niles' Army.'  They're part of an organization called The Cleansing Flame.  Their mark is a white flame on a black background."

Starbuck ponders Daniel's tale.

"So... a gold box with an old paper inside, eh?  That begs the question of where it is now.  Do you still have it, or did you lose it or hide it somewhere?  I'm rather skilled at making sense out of 'weird writing,' you see, so it might help us figure out just why these men were so persistent in chasing you."

Quote"Not fire," adds the ever-helpful Starbuck.  "Flame.  The Cleansing Flame.  Those people and hobgoblins that were after don't just call themselves 'Lord Niles' Army.'  They're part of an organization called The Cleansing Flame.  Their mark is a white flame on a black background."

"Oh... That sounds worse actually."

Quote"So... a gold box with an old paper inside, eh?  That begs the question of where it is now.  Do you still have it, or did you lose it or hide it somewhere?  I'm rather skilled at making sense out of 'weird writing,' you see, so it might help us figure out just why these men were so persistent in chasing you."

Daniel looks uncomforatble again.

"Umm... remember when I said that crossing the river was a mistake? I... kinda lost it there.  But I can draw the map and the drawings," he adds quickly. "I looked at that map for a while, thinking maybe I could check it out sometime later, and I can remember pictures and stuff really good."

"If there is any chance the box is waterproof, it might be well to seek out the river.  One of us happens to be a water-breather," Whisper says, pointedly looking in Dakkon's direction.

"I myself had not planned beyond returning to the tavern and attempting to track these brigands from there, counting on the idea that they would return seeking Daniel.  I would ask more about Lord Niles... where he can be found, what sort of keep he dwells in, how many warriors he has, that sort of thing.  Then I may not need to track them at all."

"I hesitate to go chasing a half-remembered map... but if the rest think it wise I am at your service and will follow where this takes us.  Within reason."

annia introduces herself to ambrose, and then listens silently to the conversations for a time, before speaking up.

"maps often lead to secrets. for Lord Niles and the Cleansing Flame to be persuing this map in such force, it must lead to a very deep, important secret. perhaps it is a power that the Flame seeks to control and make itself more powerful; undesirable for us, thus makeing it very important we keep it out of the Flames hands. perhaps it is some force they seek to destroy for fear it will thwart them, in wich case it is very desirable for us to seek it out, and perhaps bend it to our will, or ally with it if it is intelligent. in any case, weather sooner or later, i feel that it will be in our best interest to explore this map and uncovor it's secret, whatever that may be."

"It seems that several of you have ample reason to pursue action against the Cleansing Flame.  I for my part, have none.  And while their campaign against Daniel may be justified, I find that I am offended by their methods.  I also have a strong suspicion that while the Cleansing Flame is none of my concern, I may now be a great deal of theirs."

With a questioning glance to Ambrose, I gesture towards his fireplace indicating that I would like to heat water.  Assuming his permission I set about putting a large kettle on while I continue.

"As I see it, our choices are three.  One, investigate and act against the Flame directly.  Two, return to the river and assist Daniel in recovering the box.  Or three, work as best we can from Daniel's recollection of the contents of the box.

"Or, four," I smile thinly, "each of us return to our individual paths and let this lie."

Once the water is hot I will prepare a large pot of a stimulating herbal tea, making sure that Daniel gets the first and largest cup, then sharing with any others who wish some.

Quote"If there is any chance the box is waterproof, it might be well to seek out the river.  One of us happens to be a water-breather," Whisper says, pointedly looking in Dakkon's direction.

"I myself had not planned beyond returning to the tavern and attempting to track these brigands from there, counting on the idea that they would return seeking Daniel.  I would ask more about Lord Niles... where he can be found, what sort of keep he dwells in, how many warriors he has, that sort of thing.  Then I may not need to track them at all."

"I hesitate to go chasing a half-remembered map... but if the rest think it wise I am at your service and will follow where this takes us.  Within reason."

"Really?  Well, um... He's in Oakenhold, and he's pretty rich, wait I said that, um... His house is really nice, it's huge and it's surrounded by a lake someone made.  Since he's on the council, he's got a lot of men he can call if he needs too, even the city guard I think... though he didn't use them now that I think about it.  I mean when they were following me and all.  We don't have many hobgoblins in Oakenhold, and I didn't think any of them worked for him. Hmh."

Quote
"maps often lead to secrets. for Lord Niles and the Cleansing Flame to be persuing this map in such force, it must lead to a very deep, important secret. perhaps it is a power that the Flame seeks to control and make itself more powerful; undesirable for us, thus makeing it very important we keep it out of the Flames hands. perhaps it is some force they seek to destroy for fear it will thwart them, in wich case it is very desirable for us to seek it out, and perhaps bend it to our will, or ally with it if it is intelligent. in any case, whether sooner or later, I feel that it will be in our best interest to explore this map and uncover its secret, whatever that may be."

"Aye," says Ambrose.  "I have a feeling that whatever this boy discovered is far more important that he ever realized."

Quote"It seems that several of you have ample reason to pursue action against the Cleansing Flame.  I for my part, have none.  And while their campaign against Daniel may be justified-"

"Hey!" Daniel cuts in, but Nathan quickly shushes him.

Quote"-I find that I am offended by their methods.  I also have a strong suspicion that while the Cleansing Flame is none of my concern, I may now be a great deal of theirs."

With a questioning glance to Ambrose, I gesture towards his fireplace indicating that I would like to heat water.

Ambrose nods affirmative.

Quote"As I see it, our choices are three.  One, investigate and act against the Flame directly.  Two, return to the river and assist Daniel in recovering the box.  Or three, work as best we can from Daniel's recollection of the contents of the box.

"Or, four," I smile thinly, "each of us return to our individual paths and let this lie."

The conversation is interrupted by a heavy knock on the door.

An unfamiliar voice says "Open up in there!" The voice sounds human.

"Or five, we get sloppy, fail to post a watch and get surprised while boxed up inside a small cabin."  I add grimly.

With all of the talking that's been going on, it was pretty obvious (and probably expected) when Og's eyes started to glaze over, and he just started to look around, looking for something interesting.  Eventually, he approached Ambrose (which took all of about 1 1/2 steps).  "Forest man got food?  Og kinda hungry."

Quote from: Uncle Yuan on August 08, 2007, 07:38:17 AM
With a questioning glance to Ambrose, I gesture towards his fireplace indicating that I would like to heat water.  Assuming his permission I set about putting a large kettle on while I continue.

Quote from: Glitch Girl on August 08, 2007, 08:50:02 AMAmbrose nods affirmative.

Og's attention follows from Ambrose to Orloid, reaching an obvious conclusion.  "ooh, you make stew for Og?  Og hope it good as bar-lady stew." (insert big tongue licking chops here)

QuoteOnce the water is hot I will prepare a large pot of a stimulating herbal tea, making sure that Daniel gets the first and largest cup, then sharing with any others who wish some.

*sniff, sniff*  "That not smell like stew.  Kinda smell like grassy things."  A look of obvious disappointment elongates his face.

Quote
The conversation is interrupted by a heavy knock on the door.

An unfamiliar voice says "Open up in there!" The voice sounds human.

"ooh, maybe him got food."  ^_^

Ambrose quietly walks over to the door. 

"Who's there?" he asks.  The only response he gets is more pounding on the door.

Starbuck quickly recites a chant:

"In times like these, I always find,
That out of sight means out of mind!"

And with that, he vanishes from view.

GM:
[spoiler]Starbuck has just cast Invisibility.  Depending on how much time there is, he plans to follow up next round with Ventriloquism.[/spoiler]

OOC:  Darn it!  I was just getting ready to send Dakkon back outside to enjoy the rain.  Haha, well, you're keeping us stepping GG! ^_^

Dakkon gave a curt nod at the statement addressing his aquatic abilities and continued to watch the unfolding conversation with only vague interest, his mind beginning to wander to the delightful rain pattering down just outside those rough hewn walls.  At that sharp rap on the door, his eye narrowed dangerously, and he drew his sword, ready for whatever may be on the other side.  He cast quickly about for another exit from the cabin.

OOC: Is there any other way out?  If so, Dakkon is going to try and sneak out and get the drop on our unexpected guests, if not, then he'll move toward the door to back Ambrose.

Whisper is alarmed and his eyes grow wide in surprise; could this be a coincidence?  Could it be they of the Cleansing Flame, or just a bystander?  How could anyone have tracked them in the kind of weather they travelled in?

Still, this is Ambrose's home and his prerogative how to deal with it.  Whisper quietly prepares to cast spells if need be.

"If this is our doing, I am sorry, Ambrose," Whisper murmurs.

Whisper will be listening to try to determine what's going on outside the cabin, any indication of how many men might be outside, the sound of heavy armor moving about, horses, that kind of thing.

GM:
[spoiler]Whisper is readying Magic Missile, Sleep, and Web.  If anyone breaks down the door or smashes in a window, he'll be casting Magic Missile in their faces.[/spoiler]

"Don't worry lad," Ambrose answers.  "Let's see what they want."

He opens the door a crack and looks out.  "Yes, what do you want?"

"We're on the hunt for a dangerous fugitive on behalf of the Oakenfold Council," the voice outside replies.

At the word "dangerous", Daniel gets an expression of "who me?".  Luckily he's smart enough to stay quiet. 

"Oh?" says Ambrose.  "Council business?  Sounds serious."

"We are required to question anyone in the area and to search all premisies," the man continues. 

For those of you looking around:

Cabin Exits- The obvious front door.  The windows will also serve a a tight exit for everyone except Og, who'd probably make his own hole anyway.  There is one in the front, two against the back wall.  The windows all have a simple cloth covering over cheap glass.  Ambrose lowered the cover on the front window when you all came in so those outside won't be able to see you directly.  By the same token, you can't see outside without moving the cloth.   The chimney is not a viable option because it's a) too thin and b) over a very hot fire.

Nathan has picked up his weapon and is standing near Orloid.  Daniel it looking around probably for someplace to hide.  The bard has poofed, and you're pretty sure there are at least another two people out there. Maybe more.

Og patiently waits to see if they brought food with them.  He knows his manners well enough not to ask them until they're *inside* the room.  :D

Starbuck will tap Daniel gently on the shoulder with another little ditty:

"If I can hide, then so can you -
Even if you're in plain view."

[spoiler]Putting an Invisibility on Daniel as well.  Hopefully he'll have the sense to stay in the company of the bard who can hide him so effectively.[/spoiler]

GM:

[spoiler]Point of Order... I don't believe you ever said whether Whisper could have an Elven Cloak or not.  If he does, he will move into a shadowy corner and conceal himself.

I was going to use it on Daniel if I had it, but Starbuck beat me to it. :)[/spoiler]

annia's eyes flash dangerously and she lifts her mace from it's thong, moveing to flank the door, whispering a strange, almost sinister sounding phrase, as the head of her mace begins to glow with fell eldritch power.

[spoiler]she's useing the hideous blow eldrich blast shape to channel her eldritch blast damage to her melee attack. the mace will remain charged until she lands a succesful melee attack. obviously she intends to smash the first hostile person to enter the house through the front door.[/spoiler]

Bluebard:
[spoiler]Yes you do, it was one of your magic items according to my pms.  I was pretty sure I sent one to approve it.[/spoiler]

Og:
The singing guy and the hurt guy just dissappeared.  How odd.  Oh, and you don't smell any food from outside, darn it.

Whisper:
there aren't many deep shadows to hide in this room but you can still make yourself a little less noticible in the corner.

Everyone:
Ambrose says to the men outside "This is free ground here, Oakenhold has no say," he turns slightly and notices that both the bard and Daniel are gone.

"...however," he adds before the men outside can protest, "I suppose it can't hurt to let you in briefly."  He opens the door the rest of the way.

Outside are a group of about five men in armor and oilskin cloaks.  They look pretty damp and miserable.  The one in front is about 6 foot, maybe a little less, with short dark blond hair that's plastered against his head with rainwater.  A tabard under his cloak shows the tree crest of Oakenhold.  He steps inside and looks around.  His eyes immediately go to Annia's glowing mace.

"We thought you might be brigands," Ambrose says smoothly.  "Can't be too careful."

The man says nothing.  His gaze moves around the small cabin, lingering in somewhat horrified facination on Dakkon and Og.

OOG: I made a post but it seems to have disappeared - ??  Ah well, the game has moved on . . .

I keep my place near the table, but have thrown my cloak back from my right shoulder, freeing my sword arm.  I eye the new comers neutrally - not overtly hostile, but not in the least welcoming.

GM:
[spoiler]What is Oakenhold?  Do I know anything about it[/spoiler]

General knowlege: Oakenhold is a city several miles from here.  Pretty decent sized population, trade, and so forth. Ruled by a coucil made up of a few select members of the upper class.

Whisper has drawn his cloak about him and retreated into a shadowy corner (before the men entered).  He almost vanishes from view, though sharp eyes who know to look for him can make out his outline.  He remains perfectly still, watching and listening.

Starbuck isn't saying a word, or moving (yet).  He's keeping a friendly hand on Daniel's shoulder, so that both invisible men know where the other one is.

Still standing with his mauling hammer head down on the ground, Og will hold onto the haft with his left hand, as a bit of an anchor point, while he leans down a bit towards the one who stepped inside, and does a food check.

*sniff, sniff*  Og then extends his right hand a bit, pointing at the man (he won't bump him with the finger, but it might get close).  "You got food?  Og kinda hungry.  Not find food yet."

The man nearly goes crosseyed looking at the large finger pointing at him.  "Uh..." he looks up at the massive and apparently hungry shape looming over him.  You doubt he's paying attention to anyone else at the moment.

"I've got some dried meat," one of his men says tenatively.  He pulls a couple of strips of what appear to be stiff shiny leather from his pouch, barely more than a snack's worth and holds them up. 

"So what did this fugitive do?"  Ambrose asks innocently.

The leader tears his eyes away from Og for a moment,  "He's wanted for theft and the murder of four men."

Starbuck
[spoiler]You feel Daniel's shoulders flinch in surprise at the word "murder".  He, like you though, remains silent[/spoiler]

"What does this murder look like," somes the smooth, flowing voice of the sea-elf, "for I have no wish to keep company with such."  As he speaks, he keeps his eyes steadily on the strangers, not allowing his gaze to wander in the direction of the vanished pair.

The man reaches under his cloak slowly and deiberately and pulls out a bit of slightly damp paper.  There's a picture drawn on it that bears a pretty good resemblance to Daniel.

"Daniel Midas, only noted for small petty crimes until now. "

Quote from: Glitch Girl on August 09, 2007, 03:35:30 PM
Whisper
[spoiler]You feel Daniel's shoulders flinch in surprise at the word "murder".  He, like you though, remains silent[/spoiler]

OOC: Actually, that should have been addressed to Starbuck.  He's the invisible one.  I'm just hard to notice.

Whisper remains fairly dubious of the murder charge as of yet.  What little he knows of human governance and the corruption of same has left him with the opinion that the poor usually suffer for the crimes of the rich.  Daniel seems barely capable of larceny, let alone cold-blooded murder, else he is the greatest human thespian he has ever seen before.  The addition of the Cleansing Flame to this puzzle is more than enough to suggest that this is about more than a murdering fugitive.

At this, Whisper moves forward into the light.  It almost seems as though the shadows are melting away from him.

"And who has this human killed?"  Whisper is hoping his sudden appearance is enough to startle the men into revealing more than they intend and putting them off balance.