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Okay, this RP is open to anyone who wants to join in. Feel free to join in at any point, AFTER YOU HAVE READ THESE RULES:

Rules:
1. This RP is set in loose medieval times, but not fantasy: everyone is human, you wont see dragons or orcs, no spells/enchantments, etc.
2. You are writing IC, In Character. Anything else should be marked as OC, Out of Character, at both the start and end. Eg: <OC> This is fun. </OC>
3. No being stupid. Stay sensible or I will do horrible things to you.
4. There are no skills/feats/xp points, just PM me a profile of your character with a rough outline of what you're good/bad at, and I'll do the rest.
5. This RP is open to novice and expert alike. However, if you've not roleplayed before, you would be wise to observe how the more experienced players act - that doesn't necessarily mean copy them, but do learn from them.
6. Stay in character. Already said, but just to drive the point home. If you need to discuss something about the RP then do it in another thread, or in a PM to me. The odd OC comment is okay. OC discussions are not.

Combat Rules:
When in combat mode, you should follow these additional rules:
A. Don't do anything. Attempt to do things. ie: "John swings his sword at the enemy's head" is good, NOT "John slices the enemy's head off" - that is bad.
B. Combat will advance when the GM says so, which will generally be when everyone has attempted an action before giving the consequences of these attempts and advancing combat.
C. If the GM thinks you cannot do something, you are not able to do it. Arguing with the GM brings dire consequences.


Background:
The RP takes place in a growing town named Jeston, situated in the western shadow of the Silvertops, a large mountain-range cutting the land in two.
Just over a year ago, engineers from Alara to the west and Jarka in the east worked together to carve out a road through the mountains, and - with Jeston being the only settlement between the two cities - as the trade-route has become more popular, Jeston has expanded from a remote village into the thriving town it is today.


Area map: (click to view larger map)
(http://www.hybridchill.com/misc/area_map.png) (http://www.hybridchill.com/misc/large_map.png)


Creating your character:
Your character will be either a resident of Jeston, or a traveller passing through. The RP kicks off with you either in or entering an inn, so you will want a reason for doing this - residents probably just want a drink, but travellors might want anything.
Excluding the innkeeper and serving girl, there are sixfive characters already in the common room. You may take control of any of these, or you may create a new character who would presumably enter through either the main door or the stables. (update: mole has the guy in the corner)
You will need a rough idea of what your character is like - what are their strengths and weaknesses? This should just be a couple of lines.
The next thing you will need is a character background. It can be quite comlpex, but no more than a single short paragraph though, no need for a life story.


Layout of The Royal Chesnut Inn:
(http://www.hybridchill.com/misc/jeston_inn.png)


If you are stuck:
PM me, or ask in another thread.
Everything after this post is strictly IC

Staring glumly at the rain outside, Len sighed. Tonight was usually the busiest night of the week for The Royal Chesnut, yet he had only a handful of people in his common room. Rain doesn't usually put people off, Len wondered as he turned away from the window, but why else is my inn so empty? Leaning his elbows against the bar, he surveyed the room.
The two Reyhan brothers sat in the corner talking with Leah, the serving girl. In the far corner a strange fellow sat staring into his drink, or occasionally glancing at the doors to the stable. In the final corner, a trio of men drank and chatted noisily. Well at least they were enjoying themselves.

Jehl'ran turned back from the stable door and once again began peering into his drink.
He sniffed and pulled the long hair that hung to his waist over his left shoulder and rearanged the leather cord binding it at the base of his neck before throwing it back over and leasing his elbows from there table grip letting his head hit the ale sticky oak table.

A withered old man wearing a black cloak walks in, he has a long grey beard, and short grey hair. Anyone residing in the town would easily recognise the man as Jaraad Liran, the resident magician.

He wanders over to the bar looking examining the people already in here.

Standing up as Jaraad walks in, Len walks towards the old trickster.
"How are you Jaraad?" Len asks, "want your usual?"

Jehl'ran lifts his head just high enough to peer over the rim of the clay mug infront of him and looks sourly towards the two men before colapsing again.

"Good Day to you Len, a nice glass of water for me thanks."

After receiving his drink, he shows Len his empty hand, and that he has nothing up his sleeve, then waves his arm low over the table, and a few coins lie under it when he takes it off.

Winking at Len he turns and heads towards the table occupied by the drunkard.

Len shakes his head as the old man wanders away, before looking towards the slumped man.
Normally he would consider sending the man home, but with what little custom he had it didn't seem worth the effort.

A tall, heavily cloaked man walks into the Tavern, casting his deep, rain-soaked hood off and surveying the patronage, or lack thereof, before approaching Len, "Perhaps a little quiet today, Len?" he said quietly, looking over his shoulder at the others in the Tavern.

The wild eyed stare lasted only a few moments but surely it had given away the unease in the man. As his eyes swept back across to the stable door again he caught the fellow on the other side of the table and jumped, before taking the untouched mug and fingering the contents.
 "uhhh... evening Jaraad, bad weather bad day" and he slouched again.

"Yeah," sighed Len, "could be worse, I guess." he replied, shaking his head. "What will you have then?"

"The "excitment" guarding trade routes never ends", Hor'aath thought to himself.  Hor'aath enters the tavern through the stables.  Quickly, he scans the room for any possible threats, then relaxes.  Hor'aath walks up to the bartender.  "I'd like the strongest wiskey that you have."  

A little annoyed at the rudeness of the man, Len almost ignored him, but on such a quiet night another customer was always welcome.
"Leah, a strong whiskey for this man"

Leah said something to the Reyhans, then turned and walked over to the bar. Taking a glass, she filled it and placed it infront of the large man, eyeing his axe. "That'll be three coppers," she said politely.

Hor'aath retrieved his satchel, prodeced three round coins from it, and handed them to the lady who now stood in front of him.  In an almost ritualistic fashion, Hor'aath takes the wiskey and downs it all in two large gulps.  With a slight sigh, he places the empty container back on the bar.  "Not the best I've had, but I've had worse to.  Thanks."

Alein glowered at the man for his rudeness, but let it pass; Len apparantely needed all the custom he could get tonight, "Mulled wine, please Len, as usual," he said, casting another glance over towards the few patrons.

Len retrieved a glass and filled it. "Could be worse" he muttered again, as he passed the mulled wine to Alein.

"Whats got you so low then Jehl'ran?"
He sits down on a stool opposite  Jehl'ran and places his water on the table.

Jumping again, his attention being pulled from the fellow having entered form the stables, Jehl'ran laid the bow across his knees and pulled the rain sodden bow string.
"bad business around, woods are more hazardess than ive seen them in ages and this bloody weather does nothing for it."

"I fail to see how," Alein replied bluntly, then took a sip of his wine, "I haven't seen this place so empty in years."

Jaraad waves his arm over his drink with his baggy sleeve hanging down blocking the glass from sight.
When he removes his arm, the drink has turned a deep red colour.
He chuckles then raises the glass to his mouth and sips at it.

"Now thats something you dont see everyday"

He then places the glass on the table.

"just dont show that to too my innkeepers old man, somone will take too much of an interest. whats going on round here these days, its not often i come this deep into the settlement"

Jaraad chuckles.

"Settlement, lad?
This place has grown a bit big to be called a Settlement hasnt it?"

Jehl'ran grunts and props the bow against the wall again.
"i remember when it was, now with all this trade from the east as well as the north it brings some odd folk in here, very odd", he sits back and scowls into the mug again.

Jaraad frowns

"You need something to cheer you up lad...
Got yourself a lass yet?"

"lass? oh, no. The woods are no place for one." begins chuckling. "Not unless shes from Meika." Jehl'ran outrights belows at the prospect then calms down to look Jaraad in the eyes with a more stern face, "so what has you in here the one night i happen to be around?"

"Just getting a drink, just come back from doing a party for a group of children up at Dorries house.
Im a bit exhausted now, its hard work keeping a group of 6 year olds to be quiet"

Appearing to visibly brighten he chuckles again, "i can imagine it now. Its a bit quiet in here for the time of day isnt it?." He glances round with a small frown.

<OC>In reply to Alein</OC>[/size]

"Well it's not completely empty," replied Len, "and there is still time for people to arrive."

"This place hasn't been completely empty since the pass was built, Len," Alein said turning away from the bartender and taking his cup with him, "You would be a fool to think this isn't as bad as it could be," he finished, walking towards Jaraad and Jehl'ran.

Just in time to meet Alein's gaze, Wulfgar enters the tavern. On his face, a strange look of panic. You could tell he had recently been involved in a fight of some sort. He quickly closes the door and rushes to the bar.

"Are there any rooms available keep?"
His throat is hoarse, and his speech is swift.

Blinking, Len looks at Wulfgar and says, "well that's a face I never expected to see again." Frowning, he continued, "and why would I have a room for you?".

Leaning in closely to Len, Wulfgar whispers "I can tell, my old friend, that business is not very well at the moment" He leans back. "Believe me, it would be in your best interests to give me a room."

Len looked directly at Wulfgar. "If I gave you a room," he said, voice firm but low, "would I wake up to find a corpse in my inn?"

"This depends" Wulfgar says, matching Len's tone and volume with perfection. "Will your actions towards me this night be as crude as our last encounter?"

Wulfgar finally sits back in a stool next to him, as if getting ready to have a long conversation.

"My actions then were entirely justified," growled Len, "and you have yet to give me reason for not throwing you out right now. Why are you back?"

"I would really not like to talk about this now, in front of these drunkards." Whispers Wulfgar. "How much would you like for a rom now?"

Hor'aath looks up from his drink as a strange man enters the bar and begins a hasty conversation with whom he assumed was the owner.  "Indeed, this town has some strange people in it."  Hor'aath muttered to himself as he ordered another pint to drink.

Muttering to himself, Ralston enters the bar. Although a newcomer to the area, he is surprised at the lack of people in the tavern. He gets a few strange looks from three men in the corner, mostly at his style of dress. Dressed in a white cloak with a red cross placed in the middle, he is definetly a Knight Templar, and Knights Templar are rumored to dabble int he occult  Looking around he goes to the Common room and sits on a stool.  

*notices that someone else has finally sat down nearby*
"Greetings stranger, who might you be?"  

Len spoke angrily: "There are no rooms here, for you, Wulfgar", then turned away and looked at the odd new arrival. Strange men on a strange night, he thought to himself.

All but shaking frm the new appearances, Jehl'ran finally took the mug from the table in front of him and unsteadily took a sip. He mutters somthing about Helsa and never on tme then turns to the man who had just sat down and slumps again. "Evening sir, i'd offer you a stool but it seems you've found one," the tone was unsteady and if he had not been sitting here you would believe he had just been flogged.

Ralston turns to the slumped man "Thank you for your kindness"

Then he turns to the man who had just greeted him "The name's Ralston, i've just returned from the Crusade and i'm looking for a place to settle. Can you tell me more about this town, Mr.........?"

Alein took a seat with Jaraad and Jehl'ran, nodding to both of them, "A fine night to be lost in your cups, gentlemen." he said quietly, taking a sip from his wine, "All is good, I trust?"

Staring at Ralston mouth working silently, he frowned and turned to the other men." haha! fine night indeed. No weather for hunting, all my bow strings are 3 inches longer than they should be. But then thats nature isnt it."  The frown returns and the mug once more seems a relished point of interest. "How are you none the less?"

<to red baron>
Just call me Hor'aath.  I get the lovely job of protecting these willy little merchents as they travel back and forth.  Doesn't pay much, but I'm not in it for the money.  So, now that you know my lavish and rich history, mind telling me yours?

Alein smiled wryly as he replied, "I am fine. Work is short at the moment, but that is to be expected sometimes."

"For you too? the only people giving work are pretty ... odd, the person im worki-", he shakes his head and begins unstringing the bow.

<to evil>


Ralston replies "I was in the Crusade that went to Pyramencia. I was unfortunately present at the disaster of Narins" As he says this, his left hand starts twitching and spasming. "As you can see, i was wounded in my left hand at the battle."


"So are there bandits around? For you say you protect the merchants. Maybe I can help"

Perhaps you can be of some assistance.  Our caravan came under a raid on our way here from Alara, and we lost several good men.  However, if you really wish to help, you will have to talk to the man in charge of the caravan.

<oc> uh oh, looks like we might need somebody to take on a 2nd role or get someone else to join. any takers?<oc>

"Where shall i find this man?"

Unless I am mistaken, I believe that he and most of the rest of the caravan rented most of an inn out for the night.  It is only a few minutes from here.

[OC] Let SS take the Cavaran owner.

[IC] "Go on." Alein said, placing his cup on the table in front of him thoughtfully, "What about your current employers?"

"Ok you are welcome to come with me if you want"

[oc] good idea rug [oc]
Very well Ralston.  *Finishes the last of his wiskey.*  We will be setting out in the morning, so we should proabably go and talk with the caravan leaders tonight.  Then we'll have to get some sleep, we set out for Jarka in the morning.

Scowling at the man he answered, " im not suposed to talk about it. But i do think it has somthing to do with the dangers in the woods."

"Ok unless there is anything you need to do, then lets head for the inn"

Very well.  Hor'aath gets up, heads towards the door, and motions for Ralston to follow him.

"I wouldnt know about the woods. I can't remember the last time someone persuaded me to go on a ranging," he replied, picking his cup up and taking another sip, "But I do know that every merchant coming through here has enough guards to stop half an army, and no need for an aging mercenary."

Ralston follows Hor'aath and they disappear into the night in the direction of the inn

<to ss>

"Very well then, will at least point out the privys for me? Or will you not even allow the usage of those by me?" He said, scowling by the end.


Stalks off to the privies

"Mmmmm well, i would mind half an army out there." He begins absently rubbing the rim of the mug then jerks as if a sudden chill had just swept the inn. " Ahhh but a well tuned mercenary is better than a young fellow with blood lust," he said chuckling wryly.

"You have bloodlust?" he said wryly, taking another sip from his cup, "Who knew?"

Cursing under his breath he scowled at the man, "I wasn't talking about me but dont say it too loud besides. My... employers were more than convincing they wanted me to hunt for them, but what they wanted was to close to home."

"I... see" Alein said carefully, placing his cup on the table in front of him once more, "Too close to home?"

"Lets just leave it at im used to hunting animals."

"Of course, if the topic makes you uncomfortable..." he picked up his cup and took another sip, "...then we should continue to discuss it. Hunting animals, you say?"

"I thought you knew i was hunting animals in the woods?". Gesturing to the deer hided quiver he carrys on, "ussually ill hunt just about anything, accept wolfs and occational fox's. Those fat beaurocrats cant get enough of the stuff to paint there walls with. But for some reason now theres alot more animals in the woods, very odd ones too, coulda sworn i saw a big black cat the other day."

*Ralston and Hor'aath finally reach the inn.  It is on the outer edge of town, and is fairly small, as it has not been open for very long.*
As they enter the surprisingly dim inn, Hor'aath immediatly notices that there are very few people present.  "I guess everyone else has called it a night" Hor'aath said, thinking out loud.  Hor'aath motions to a fat man at the bar.  To call him drunk would have probably been an understatement.  "Well, that's him," Hor'aath says, motioning to the fat man.  "Looks like he's let himself go and get drunk again.  You would think that he would know better by now."

"A black cat? Whats so unnusual about cats? I saw two just getting here, even in this weather."

"Truely? were they waist high aswell? ive been spooked in there but those teeth got the jeebus outta me."

"Waist high you say? You can work that bow, I know that much, surely a larger cat makes for a larger target. Why the problems?"

Looks perplexedly at the man, "They move fast. This weather makes it damn near impossible to shoot and its so dark in there its as if they blend in." Looking to the other man on the table he wonders if hes still awake.

Wulfgar hurries back into the main room. He has cleaned a nasty looking cut just under his right eye, and slicked back his hair. He shuffles over to a barstool directly in front of where Len is standing, and sits, elbows on counter, and a sheepish grin on his face. He stares at Len.......just stares, eyes unmoving, and that same malicious smile on his face, as if waiting to be addressed

Ralston walks up to the man in charge of the caravans


"Sir, I understand from Hor'aath here that you and your caravan was recently attacked and you lost some fine men. I am skilled in the ways of battle and gladly offer my services to help defend this caravan from future attacks, What say you?"

<oc>Ralston and Hor'aath are in 'the Travellers Tavern', a small, new inn near the edge of Jeston.</oc>

The caravan leader stares at the man speaking to him, then at Hor'aath, and back to the speaker again, then with a slurred voice replies, "attacked...yes...lost good men". Looking at his mug, he lifts it to his mouth and finishes it off, then belches loudy before continuing. "Services? Can't pay much. Lost a lot in raid." The caravan leader continues to look at the man but says nothing.


<back at the Royal Chestnut inn>

Len sighs as he leans his arms against the bar. "Wulfgar," he says flatly, "what is it you want?"

"Its not a problem, i'm looking for some more adventure and any pay is better than none"

The caravan leader mutters something to himself before addressing the speaker: "We leave first light tomorrow. What's your name?"

"Ralston, i'll be ready"

"We wont be waiting around," replies the caravan leader gruffly. He then turns back to the bar and calls for another drink.

Hor'aath laughs heartily.  "Good, good. Now that we have all of that settled out, I think I'm going to go check my pack that I left at the caravan.  I left some decent wiskey there, and tonight seems as good a night as any to finish it.  Ralston, feel free to stay here at the inn if you wish to.  I prefer to stay out with the caravan."  Hor'aath lowers his voice slightly, as if afraid that some invisible voice in the room was listening.  "Personally, I don't like staying at inns if it can be helped.  To many things that can go wrong, if you know what I mean."  Hor'aath turns and starts off towards the caravan.
<oc> If nobody goes after me or nothing happens after this, lets just assume that i drank and went to bed.  the next day can start whenever the plot moves on....again.<oc>

"I agree with your assessment on inns, I'm gonna go to the caravan too. Now how about some of that whiskey?" Ralston follows Hor'aath as they disappear into the night."




<oc> I think that should get our characters out of the way until the main part begins. Unless you want to go i guess we should wait for the others to finish up their stuff <oc>

"I want to know exactly what you know about Artemis Entreri." Answers Wulfgar. He sits back in his stool, pulls out a hip flask filled with whiskey, takes a small sip and looks back to Len awaiting an answer.

Jaarad finishes absent-mindedly playing with a knife, and slams in down hard into the table, then leaves it there vibrating whilst he takes a sip from his drink.

Jaarad: Uhhh, did I miss anything?

Jehl'ran looked down at the ale oosing over the back of his hand from having jumped. Frowning he puts it down a bit away and catches a clother from the a side board. "Becoming senile arent we? Talking about cats."

"Well, you were talking about cats. I was mocking you for a craven." Alein said to Jehl'Ran, finishing his wine and placing it down on the table with a dull thud, "Musing over the fact that we both need work, also."

Bristling his voice rises as it speaks. "Ishould take you out by your boots and show you," all the while wagging his fore finger.

Considering Wulfgar for a moment, Len finally answers. "Exactly what I know is that he's not a man whose attention I would want on me. Why?"

"Well, as you know, I was a guard in the kingdom of Jarka" Answered Wulfgar, while taking out his flask to take another swig. "Entreri was a trusted and respected colleague of mine.....lets just say, he is no longer that." Wulfgar finished, stood up, and walked over to a nearby window. His gaze drifted to the night sky. He sighed, walked back to the bar, and sat back down.

As Wulfgar walks away, Len mutters something to himself, then looks around the common room again. Sighing, he rests his chin on his hand and leans against the bar. Nine, he thought idly, just nine. Could it be worse?

<oc>At the caravan (with Hor'aath and Ralston)</oc>

Hessan looks up as he hears the pair approach. As Hor'aath comes into view he relaxes, watching as the mercenary and his acquaintance sit under the shelter of a large oak tree and talk amongst themselves. Shrugging, Hessan wondered why they would prefer the rain to a nice warm tavern. He himself was only here to guard the horses from raids - though no-one expected to have to worry about that so close to town. Just as well; Hessan didn't think he would be much use. Kicking the ground with his foot, he wondered how long the rain would last. It didn't seem to be lessening, if anything it was getting heavier, but he hoped it would stop before the morning.
Suddenly he was pulled out of his thoughts by the sound of someone approaching, the sound of hooves thumping rapidly against the ground. Grabbing his club as he stood up, Hessan looked around. It was too dark to see very far. He glanced over towards Hor'aath and the other man. They were both on their feet, also looking around. Nervously, his gaze darted around trying to pin-point the sound, when he noticed it was quieter, receeding. Whoever it was had simply ridden past. Relieved, he sat back down, put his club in his lap, and shook his head.


<oc>Meanwhile, at the Royal Chestnut...</oc>

Len let his gaze rest on the window as he watched the raindrops splatter against the thick glass, unconsciously drumming his fingers against the bar.
He jumped slightly at the sound of a dog barking, then started to settle down as another noise disturbed him; the sound of horsehooves beating against the stone pavings. Len wondered who was in such a hurry at this time. Idely, he looked towards the stables. Perhaps I'll have some more custom, he hoped.
A sound from outside spun him around in time to catch a movement from the corner of his eye, then an instant later the window shattered, and Len stumbled back as flames leapt up infront of him. Someone's scream chaperoned more shattering glass, but Len was too busy shoving a barrel of ale away from the flames.

<oc>
People in [span style=\'color:gray\']the inn (http://www.hybridchill.com/misc/jeston_inn.png)[/url]:
- Incendiary decides have come through the rear side window and the two front windows. It would be a good idea to help put them out, unless you like burning alive.
- Please treat this as combat mode - ie: don't do too much in one go, and wait for me to evaluate each stage.
(Hor'aath and Ralston, you have to sit out for a moment. :­P)
</oc>[/span]

Jehl'ran falls backwards off his chair as flame erupt on the table, throwing the mug of water at it with little to no effect he looks wildly to the other two men, though still on the floor.

Wulfgar jumps up from his stool, eyes wide in shock. He quickly pulls out his hip flask which still has a surprising amount of water in it considering all he had drank. He hurriedly unscrews the cap and thrusts the remaining water at a nearby flame. He then looks back at Len who is still moving barrels of ale. "Do not waste time with the ale, save your custom!" Wulfgar barks at Len.

Jaarad falls backwards off his stoll when the explosions go off, he sticks his hands down behind him and turns it into a backwards cartwheel. Landing, he pulls out two knifes and evaluates the situation.

Giving the barrel one last shove clear of the flames, Len growled at Wulfgar. "I am saving my custom!"

Glancing around quickly, Len evaluated the scene: Bill Reyhan was gripping his mug in one hand and clutching his wrist with the other, glaring at the scorchmarks infront of him; Wulfgar just standing there; Jaarad was posed ready to stab something; the strange man had fallen on the floor and was simply staring at Alein who sat motionless at the table, staring into the fire burning infront of him; one of the three drunks had turned to look; and Leah was just staring, wide-eyed, at the two fires still burning.

"Leah! Water!" called Len, thrusting his finger at a pitcher on the bar then towards Alein, help that fool," Len snapped, before running out back to the kitchens. Moments later he returned with a bucket of water and threw its contents at the fire behind the bar.

Flicking his knifes back up his sleeves as he senses no need for them, he grabs Alein and attempts to drag him away from the fire.

"Aye, are there any horses in the stable?" Hollars Wulfgar towards Len.  

More flopping off the upturned chair than rolling, he pulls on the wall to stand up and gets a mouthful of smoke

"No, none" Len called to Wulfgar as he ran back into the kitchens.


Splashing the full pitcher over the fire, Leah gasped, stepping back as it hissed, then breathed out as the flames went out. She looked towards the final fire as Len returned with another bucket of water and emptied it on the flames.

Stamping on the remants on the last fire, Len looked around the room. "Is anyone hurt?"

in a choking breath, "nothing worth noting."

"Do you have any idea what may have provoked such an attack Len?" Wulfgar asked, caution in his voice.

Looking towards Jaarad, who is still holding Alein after dragging him free of the fire, Len shakes his head. "No idea," he replied to Wulfgar, "but I intend to find out!" he growled.

Coming round the front of the bar, Len walked over to Leah and asked, "Leah, are you okay?"
"I think so," she replied, "Who did this? Why?"
"I don't know," replied Len, "but I need you to make sure..."
The door banged open as Sadir, Mayor of Jeston, rushed in.
Gasping, he quickly looked for Len. "Is everyone okay?" Sadir asked, almost out of breath.

"Well well well" Wulfgar said as he walked toward the talking men. "Look who it is. What a shame we meet again under such circumstances. Wouldn't you agree Sadir?"

Sadir turned towards the speaker."You!" He exclaimed, "what are..." turning to Len, "What is he doing here?!"
"I've been trying to find that out", Len said darkly. "But I've just had my inn attacked, and I suspect you know more than I?" he asked.
Grunting, Sadir spoke quickly, "Yes, we will have to deal with him later.
"Your inn was just one of several targets. We are lucky that there have only been minor injuries, so far. Most places were badly damaged." Sadir looked around, "You have escaped lightly," he observed.
"Who's responsible?" Len queried.
"We are not sure who did it," Sadir replied, pitching his voice so that the whole inn could clearly hear, "but there is a reward of 100 gold to any that help capture whomever is to blame for this attack."
Stepping back, Sadir opened the door and beckoned. A moment later, an old man and young child walked in.
"Bill's shop was hit badly, and his nephew saw who did it. William, will you describe what you saw, please" Sadir said to the child.
"Well, mummy had put me to bed but I wasn't tired and I couldn't sleep. Then I heard a noise so I went and looked out the window and there was this short man on a horsie. I couldn't see him properly because he had a big cloak with a hood, but he was carrying something and it went whoosh and there was a big fire. And he threw the fire at uncle's shop and got another one and threw it. Then another horsie came and this time the man was tall, but he had the same cloak on, it was all dark brown like the horsies. And he threw fires at the shop too and it was starting to burn and I was scared so I called for mummy and she went and got people to put the fires out."
"Okay, thankyou William," said Sadir. "Len, I came here because I know you are likely to have the sort of men that might help. Athough you seem to be almost empty."
"And now you want to take away more of my custom?" Len said grumpily, then sighed, "But these attackers must be found. It'll only be worse if they come back."
Addressing those in the inn, Len spoke loudly: "Well? A hundred gold for finding out who did this," he motioned the three charred spots, "any takers?"

Tom Reyhan looked at his brother and shook his head, "We're just carpenters. Wouldn't be any use finding anyone."
The three drunks were murmuring quietly, but not paying any attention to the rest of the inn.

Dropping Alein, Jaraad turns around to face the newcomer.

Jaraad: 100 Gold you say? Make that 200 and youve got yourself an employee.

"uhh pffft, i just wanna drink"

Looking towards Jaraad, Sadir sighed, then said "150, payable on return."

"Hmmm, do you smell that Ralston?" Hor'aath said.  "It almost smells like a-* turns to the direction of the town*- fire!" "Damnit, more work. Come on Ralston!" *Grabs his axe and dashes off towards the inn*

"Jesus look at that smoke!" exclaims Ralston as he grabs his sword and pivots to sprint back toward the inn.

Still standing among the now three gentlemen with his arms folded across his chest Wulfgar speaks up. "I'll take the 150."

Ralston reaches the door of the inn ahead of Hor'aath and looks at the group huddled at the front of the bar

"What's going on here?"

*groans* then mutters to himself, "Ale please", "here you are sir" then sits on the floor head on fists and mutters more.

*Hor'aath sprints into the Inn, his axe glistening from the rain*
"What the hell's going on over here?"

Taking the arrival of the two men as an opportunity to ignore Wulfgar, Sadir turns towards them and looks at them for a moment before speaking. "Several places within Jeston were set on fire, including this inn. There is a reward of 150 gold to any who help capture those responsible," he paused for a moment before finishing, "you look like the sort who would be interested?"

*whistles irritably* "pour some of that Ale you so graciously saved and youve got a deal, NO! wine! you got wine here? not enough of that out in the outskirts."

Glancing towards the man, Sadir said, "anyone who is going must leaving now, the attackers will not be hanging around."

"Leah, there's a flask in the kitchen," Len said, "behind the door." Turning to Sadir, he continued, "They'll need supplies, food, horses... the attackers were on horseback, they'll definitely need horses to have any chance of catching them."

"Horses are being found," said Sadir, "anyone going should gather whatever supplies they need and meet me on the green." He half turned to leave, then stopped, asking "any questions?"

"I bear all of my possesions. What can I do to help?" Said Wulfgar flatly.

Hor'aath quickly checks over what few items he carries with him; a few day's rations, a flask, and a small stone for helping to sharpen his axe.  Carrying only a few items with him helps keep his stamina up.
"Well, I've got everything that I'll need.  I'll go to the green and wait for the rest of you."

Jehl'ran sitting on his sadle, begins hurridly wringing out a bow string and stringing the longbow now on his lap.

Ralston sheaths his sword, and stuffs his food and supplies into his pack as he marches off to the green

"If you are ready to leave, come on," Sadir said. "The rest of you - be quick!"
Then he turned, and walked outside with William.

<oc>Everyone finish in the Inn, then we'll skip to the green</oc>

Grunting he gets up, grabs his saddle and runs into through the stable doors.

Wulfgar fricken sprints to the green.

<oc> now that everyone is finished i assume </oc>


Ralston turns to Sadir

"So what is our plan of action?" he asks

<oc>Yep, everyone's on the green</oc>[/size]

Speaking loud enough so that the gathered group could hear, Sadir replied, "We don't know who is behind the attacks, however most of the targets were inns and travellers stores; the most likely attackers are a group who are unhappy with the new trade route, especially as Jeston has never had any conflicts with any other groups." Sadir looked at Wulfgar for a moment, then continued: "If the trade route is the reason for the attack, it follows that the attack was initiated by someone who is losing out; Alara sends a lot of its trade this way, rather than through the port of Valdema, and we also get a lot of traders heading to and from Jarka and Venya, who prefer to avoid the odd Hareltons. It is likely to be either of these groups, however there are tracks running all directions in and out of the town, so the attackers are clearly trying to hide their origin."
Sadir paused for a moment, then said, "Your first action is to find where they are returning to, then intercept and interrogate them. It wont be quite that simple, of course. There are far more of them than you, and they may be expecting someone to give chase."
He gestured towards the horses. "Your horses are here. Are there any final questions before you leave?"

Ralston replies "Are we going to split up into groups or what?"

"There are five of you," Sadir pointed out; "do you really think splitting up will help, when you are already out-numbered?"

"Lead me to the ale and i shall follow. hmmm. Oh yes the culprits. Lead me to them."

"Oh, I am terribly sorry, but I have forgotten that I have some business that needs attending to. I will be unable to accompany you on the chase. Good bye" Said Wulfgar plainly

Ralston looks at Wulfgar strangely. "I don't trust that character, he seems to be a bit shady" he mutters to Hor'aath

*Nods to Ralston* "You're probably right, but there's nothing can do about it now."
*Hor'aath mounts his horse*  (shouting to the group) "Well, are we going to hunt down these bastards, or aren't we?"

Sadir watches as Wulfgar strides away, then shakes his head as he returns his attention to the group.

"I will wish you all the best of luck. The sooner you can return with information, the better."

<oc>get on the horses and ride whichever way you're going.</oc>[/size]

"Where shall we go first, Harelton or Valdema?" asks Ralston

*To hell with this* Thinks Hor'aath. "Just sweep the damned area!  One group goes north, and circles east towards the south.  Another group goes south, and circles west towards the north.  Now come on!" *Hor'aath spurs his horse onwards, and takes off to the north*

Grunting, Jehl'ran turns his horse around and gently plods to the south in no apparent hurry.

Ralson leaps on to his horse and races after the departing Hor'aath

Sadir shrugs at the departing men, and goes off to check on things.


<oc>You just keep riding until my next update. :­p</oc>[/size]

After a short journey without incident, trees appear in front of Hor'aath and Ralston. The thick branches mean that moonlight cannot penetrate far, and the forest is completely dark.


Meanwhile, Jehl'ran has exited through the south of Jeston, and ahead lies grassland. If there are any trails through the long grasses, they are not visible in the moonlight.

"Blast it, I hate the woods, there's not enough room to move.  Shall we leave the horses here and continue on foot?"

"I'd feel more comfortable on my horse but there really isn't any choice now is there" replies Ralston

As he says this, he squints up ahead. "A light!!! There's a light up ahead! Let's go check it out."


 

*Hor'aath jumps off of his horse, and ties it to one of the trees at the edge of the forest*
"Indeed.  Let's."
*starts off slowly towards the light, waiting for Ralston to come along*

Ralston walks up ahead cautiously. He is blinded by a light. As his eyes adjust he clearly sees someone holding a longbow pointed at him

<oc> I'm going away for a month and probably only have time to drop in once. You can kill me off if you want<oc>

<oc>I'd rather not stick an arrow through your skull, so I'll just have Ralston take a back-seat. :­p</oc>[/size]

"Don't move," the silhoutted figure demands in a dangerous voice.

"You," the figure says sharply, gesturing at Hor'aath with the bow, "keep your hands away from that weapon", before returning his aim to Ralston, "if either of you tries anything: you die.
"Now, tell me why I shouldn't just kill you both, regardless," the figure ordered.

*There's no way I could get to my axe in time* Hor'aath thought to himself.  Raising himself to a slightly more prominent position, Hor'aath speaks to the man.  "What honor is there in killing a defenseless enemy?"

After a moment of silence, the figure replies, "perhaps none, but who's to say I seek honour?"

Muttering, Ralston squints at the figure and asks, "what is it that you do seek?"

Again, the figure stays quiet for a moment, before speaking: "I seek the purpose of two armed men, wandering at night through the forest."

*fine, be an asshat about it and make us actually answer*
"We are seeking a group of bandits believed to be responsible for the recent attacks.  Any assistance you can lend to us would be most appreciated."

The figure cocked his head slightly to the side, and watches Hor'aath for a moment. Deliberately he lowers the longbow from Ralston's face and slightly reduces the tension on the bowstring.
"Recent attacks?" He asked. "I know nothing of any attacks. A group rode north, a little to the west," he gestured with his right hand, "not too long ago - but you'll never catch them on foot, not unless they injure their horses." He grunted, "...a real possibility, the pace they were going."

Ralston sighed in frustration, "How many people were in this group?"