Given his actions, Handle will probably be in this thread eventually. When he arrives, start replying to the top thread for visibility; the others will be limited.

[EDITED on Sat March 1, 2003 @9:15 AM (PST)]

As Nuyok heads up the hill, he meets Cas coming down the hill. Nuyok's expression is perplexed, Cas' is excited. You two meet at the crossroads directly east of the stables.

"Cas, what's going on? Not an attack, I presume?"

"Nuyok this is BIG!" Cas says catching her breath. Her voice is very serious and you suspect no sign of deception, "We aren't looking for something. We are looking for someone. Horn is dead. He died giving trying me a warning of the one who has his missing memory."

"Interesting, I was wondering whether the "it" we were looking for would be something tangible even, so a "someone" is better than nothing. Got any clues as to this "someone"? Did Horn simply keel over in trying to convey this information? Are you sure he's dead? The first thought that came to mind was the slain riven back on the trail for some reason...no reason to think there's a connection, just something that came to mind...did we ever figure out if those arrows in that riven were fort arrrows?"

"I have a bunch of theories on of them is that Horn never even saw a Reaver and that someone else did this to him. I think if we knew more about when Horn arrived and who he arrived with and met, we might be able to figure things out."

"I think a number of us have theories, I have a discreet matter to investigate as well, feel free to follow up on what you think may have transpired. As for when Horn arrived and more, here's what Mako had to say:

"Horn arrived in before dawn a week ago today. We were attacked by reavers that day. That was the only day attack, and there were no riven, just reavers. I thought it was odd that so many would attack at once, and discussed it with Master Ash. He agreed that it was odd and sent one of our boats back to Tallon with Father Jeo and two soldiers.

"The second day, not much happened; no attacks, but Horn succumbed to his delirium. Master Ash is a competent psychist and did everything he could, but declared him overwhelmed by grief and horror. He said time might cure him and graciously paid for private room and board at the Gatorhead.

"Day three was the bad day. That was the night the Megadeezel broke the wall, we lost Sandra and fifteen of our own. Most of them were riven, including Houma. There were some riven in that attack, but not many. Could have been Father Jeo's party, but my theory is that they were the members of Horn's caravan.

"Day four I sent out my own messenger just before dawn. My fastest runner went towards Tallon. We spent most of that day hauling rubble around to fill the breach. That was the day the rain began. Damn chore hauling those stones around in the mud.

"Day five, come night, was the big attack with Riven. Our soldiers found it difficult to fire on their former comrades and some nasty thing crawled up the wall and killed several men. No one saw it clearly. We also lost a couple to arrow fire. No one was riven that night; no reavers breached the walls.

"Day six was yesterday, the day you came. Lineman Jakob died that day.

OOC: Is that enough info for you?

"By the way, I'm heading to the inn for a bit, but also will be checking on Jakob's corpse - apparently Stout is the one I need to speak to on that - as well as going to Master Ash's, so I will be around. Any word yet on the Rath rescue team?"

"I was not aware Rath needed to be rescued," Cas says with a minor look of concern but she keeps her attention focused. "That was quite an interesting tale you told. Do you happen to know where Horn stayed on the first night or should I go track down Mako?"

"Rescue used loosely, for all I know, the others that went after him will need rescuing, as opposed to Rath given his...status. Regarding Horn's first night, I don't know, but Mako should know where he stayed. Mako's up at the harbor, overseeing things, then probably was going to check on the gate."

.oO(Could it be a "someone" because perhaps some sort of psychic entity had possessed Horn, ripped out part of his psyche on departure, and now entered and is controlling someone else? No one else is here with Horn, so without that wild theory, the "someone" would have to be elsewhere presumably... If that's it though, then it could be "anyone"...) Nuyok looks around with a suspicious glare.

Arriving at the inn, you find that Horn's body has been moved. Asking Cori, you are told that Vagrant helped Innkeeper Jame move the body to the infirmary, where it could be prepared.
"The strange man was coughing and wheezing. I think he may be a little riven under that cloak. He never takes it off. And he asks a lot of funny questions. Do you know him well enough to vouch for him, Master?" She looks up at you with a studied coy-and-helpless look.

"Excuse me, Cori," Cas says putting on her 'polite and proper' face, "Now I hear that Horn had his rooms paid for the second night and onward by Master Ash. I was wondering if you knew where Horn stayed the first night he got in?"

Cori thinks back carefully, and although Cas directed the question to her, she answers Nuyok. "Well, the poor man was already raving. He kept talking about being attacked by reavers. At the time no one had ever heard of them attacking in a band. Master Ash was curious and graciously kept him as a guest in his own house.
"The next morning, the Master came to the inn and said that Horn was a broken man and needed time to recuperate. He paid for a week's lodging and said he would continue to help as long as necessary. Such a generous man!"
"But then again," she adds, eyes shining brightly at Nuyok, "Masters are usually people of highest quality."

.oO( I knew it, I knew it, I knew it! Who is going to believe a beast though? Nuyok might but if he doesn't he'll surely share my theory with Master Ash and ruin everything. Faliol and Riccoco might but they are beasts too. I doubt anyone who is a resident here would. Rath is in need of 'rescue' so I doubt he is going to be able to even listen. Damn it! I guess Nuyok is going to have to be the one... unless I want to approach Master Ash myself.)

OOC: Just so you know Mr. GM. Cas believes that Master Ash is the reason for the attacks.

Cas seems to having some sort of straining thoughts. Her hands clench and she looks like she is almost about to snap.

As you stand there talking, both of you notice that Commander Mako has approached Master Ash's gate and has been admitted. The gate swings shut of its own accord as he enters the house proper.

Trying to overlook Cori's treatment of Cas, Nuyok says "Vagrant's certainly different, but no riven and no threat. Thank you for the information on Horn, Cori. Cas, it looks like you have your answer, I need to check on something personal at the moment, but plan to return here shortly for a meal...if that's alright Cori?," Nuyok says politely.

"Oh, you're welcome any time, Master"

I'm trying to coordinate about three groups here into something that is rapidly coming to a head. If you could give me your next actions, so I can be sure of your placement...

Cas is incredibly agitated. She has made no money. She has been treated ill. She has been unable to once formulate a single solitary plan as per her Psychological Limitation. She also has come to the conclusion based on a couple of assumptions and logical conclusions that Master Ash knows more about the attacks than has let on. However, where as Master Ash treats Cas as a beast and not as an intelligent being, this has made Cas felt like she has been disrespected. Therefore, she is falling back to instincts... the way of the fox.

Once Nuyok is gone from sight (assuming his is NOT going to Master Ash's place). Cas is going to sneak in either by climbing the gate or finding another path. She doesn't care if she encounters Mako or if she encounters both Mako and Master Ash together. She fully intends to learn what Master Ash is hiding. She will try stealth but where this is an Adept, she suspects she will likely be mystically detected. If she cannot manage to learn information stealthfully, she will try to talk (not decieve) information from Master Ash.

Should Nuyok's quick business be within Master Ash's place, Cas will be forced to reveal some of her theory and insist on coming along. If Nuyok refuses this offer, she will sneak in as mentioned above.

Nuyok has not yet responded, so I am going with his previous plan. He has gone to the infirmary to check on Jakob's body
Nuyok heads off towards the infirmary. When he is just turning the corner and out of sight. Cas, you notice Handle, nonchalantly walking up the road. He seems unhurried and unconcerned.
Handle, you see Cas standing by the inn, next to the manor. She seems agitated and anxious.

I stop and watch to see what the beast does before going any further towards the master's house.

.oO(I wonder what is up? If Cas has been up to soemthing then maybe we are being watched...)

I kneel to straighten out my boot ties and look around.

Nothing out of the usual, other than that the sun is very low in the sky...

Cas, Handle,
I need to move you two to your next encounter area ASAP. Are you planning on going to see Ash, or sneaking in ? If I don't hear soon, I am going to have to arbitrate, based on your previously stated intentions.
Sorry for the railroading, but I am trying to coordinate 4 groups of PCs and several NPC actions at the same time. I don't want you to fall through the cracks.

Cas is sneaking in unless Handle approaches. If Handle is going to go as well, Cas will just walk in. So, go with Sneak.

Cas approaches the gate to Master Ash's abode and seems to be looking for a way in. She is trying to look inconspicous.

[EDITED on Mon February 3, 2003 @8:53 PM (EST)]

I watch as best I can the beast's movements and when I lose sight , move around to perhaps take advantage of any diversion Cas may make and attempt to also sneak in and look around without being noticed.

Looking about after Cas goes in, you quickly discover that the ground floor has no windows and only one door, without key or latch. You figure there might be a widow's walk access, but that it is probably similarly closed and far too visible. After a quick internal debate, you decide that the best course would be to leave. Cas can handle whatever's inside.
Working your way back out, you reach the front gate.
You are about to hail soldier Doom and ask him if there is any news of Rath and the others when suddenly, a horn sounds from the direction of the harbor.
Doom's face actually lights up briefly. He dispatches a pair of soldiers in that direction.

This was based on our FTF conversation.

.oO(I wish I was in my cold, dark room back in Talon...)

I look around dismayed for a while trying to decide what to do and where to go.

.oO(This place is too strange to me. I don't know where the best hiding places are, or who knows what about which...)

I finaly decide to just follow the rest of the people and go where they go.

.oO(Hmm, if nothing else maybe a crowd will form and I can cut a few purses.)

I have decided to proceed with your previously stated course of action. Leaving Cas at the inn, you walk down hill towards the infirmary.
Please go to "More Horn" to continue

OOC: Actually I was meaning clockwise around the inn to avoid the main path to Ash's, but Nuyok can circle around the armory instead

.oO(Leather girl and scar face? Who could he mean? Must be Beka and Celeste.)

"Right then. I'll let them know."

I walk nonchalantly towards the Inn until I notice he no longer has any interest in me, then I head towards the Master's house. I have already forgotten what the soldier had said except for a little worry about Rath. I watch to see if I am being watched or followed and then disappear into the shadows again and make my way stealthily towards the master's, loking for a way to get close and even inside without notice.

As I get closer I remember that adepts can see through walls and decide it may be better to just go searching openly so I am nto noticed to be trying to avoid attention. But I'll try and do it in such a way as to not gather too much notice anyway though I won't crouch behind things or be obvious in my stealth.

OOC: Is so great.

Cas, Handle seems disinclined to come over and talk. As a matter of fact, he seems preoccupied with really mundane things. Kids!

Circling the manor will be difficult, as there is a wall. With a little work, you discover that you can follow it down to where it meets the harbor waters, cross through the water and back up on the other side. You are helped by the dying daylight. You do not seem to have been observed, though it is difficult. This side of the manor, the ground is very steep.
Once inside the grounds, you discover that on the ground floor, the manor has no windows and only one set of double doors. these doors have no latches or handles of any kind.
Nearly frustrated, you realize that there are a few windows on the upper story. There is also a widow's walk atop the manor, where Ash can observe the entire fort (it is the highest point.
You realize that to climb that high means you will almost certainly be spotted. There is a drain pipe on the water side that will take you close to a window. The window has shutters and glass, but they are both open.
Climbing the drain is not terribly hard, but reaching the window requires you to use a one-inch masonry ledge for about four feet. For once, your claws prove useful; you scrabble across and clutch at the window.
Clinging to the sill, you observe this to be some sort of a study. There are chairs, a small bookcase and other such furniture. The room is empty and there are no obvious lamps.
You are nearly positive you can hear voices raise from somewhere inside. You cannot make out the words, though. Slowly sneaking in to get a closer listen, you are surprised by the drapes.
That's right, the drapes. Heavy tapestries are hung on either side of the window. As you pass through, they seem to come alive, coiling like constrictor snakes. The one on the left grabs only one leg, but the drape on the right seizes you around the midsection, drawing you in and crushing hard.
You fight mightily and do manage to free your leg, but the other drape is too much! You are pulled up to the ceiling, the end of the drape seemingly poised to devour you! It is all you can do to breathe, let alone cry out.
The shutters swing shut, and the glass slides down. You hang upside down for a few minutes, wondering how you can get away. It seems that you might be able to wiggle a claw enough to cut yourself free, but that could take forever. While you struggle, an older man, probably a servant by his livery, walks into the room. As he opens and closes the door, you confirm that the voices you heard earlier are those of Ash and Mako.
The man is unarmed and obviously no combatant. He looks up at you sadly. "Ah," he says, "A spy."

You can speak with difficulty. getting enough breath to shout will require a CON roll. You can make it on the honor system, to save time.

OOC: Besides... didn't make my CON roll 12 on an 11-

Cas struggles from her position and finds it difficult to speak, "I wouldn't say spy." She gets a quick painful breath at this point, "I couldn't find a way to open the door so I thought I might come this way to talk to you about Horn."

Cas has no hostile intent should he be using such a thing. She does not trust Ash. The above, of course is a clouded version of the truth. If you are familiar with Robert Jordan you can call it Aes Sedai truth. She came through the window because there was no door handle. She wants to talk as far as listening to what others say.

"Do they not have doorbells or knock in fox-folk caravans?" says the man. He makes no move to release you, though he does peek through the shutters, being careful not to come to close to your free leg.
He looks concerned for a moment, then shrugs. "Father Jeo made it. Ah well, little good will it do now. Too little too late. Still, the master should be informed.
"Please wait here while I inform him of your arrival." He doesn't seem to see the irony in his statement.
He leaves you hanging for several minutes. He returns shortly, looking excited and a little nervous.
"The Master has granteed you an audience Miss Fox. If you would be so kind as to promise to hand over any and all weapons, or items which could be used as weapons, I will release you. Should you wish them returned upon your leaving, ask me. My name is Devlin.
"Oh, a word of caution. Master Ash is being decidedly hospitable in allowing you this appointment. Please don't insult him by trying to conceal anything. I guarantee you it will be seen."

Cas is a bit happy, mostly because her plan is working better than it appeared to be a couple of seconds ago. "Here is my primary blade," Cas says taking the stiletto out of her hip sheath. "My other one is back with the rest of my stuff so I hope you don't mind that I can't hand those over without heading back to the inn." Cas decides it best not to point out that her claws are also weapons.

"Now, if you wouldn't mind showing me the way to Master Ash," Cas bows politely.

Devlin whispers an odd word to the drapes and they immediately drop you, hanging innocently once more. He takes your blade and carefully wraps it in a piece of heavy cloth he has brought.
"Please Miss, out that door and down the stairs at the end. I'll be right behind you," he says. You see a flight of richly carved wooden stairs that lead down to a small formal dining room. Through a curtain to your right and you are standing in a foyer. This floor is lit with lanterns of lumina.
Devlin knocks on the inner doors, and they open for him.
Inside is a sitting room or audience chamber. Mako is in there, sitting in one of the four chairs that line the east and west walls. Master Ash sits at the north end of the room in a slightly raised chair.
He is, like his namesake, gray. He has long steel-gray hair and a close-cropped, neatly trimmed beard the color of a brillo pad. His eyes are gray and even his skin has a dark, colorless palour. Nevertheless, he gives the appearance of careful thought and concealed energy. He is dressed in a black tunic and kilt.
He gives you an appraising look, and says in a level voice that betrays nothing of his intent, "Of all the members of your party, only a beast has come? I expected the barbarian, or even Adept Nuyok again.
"Come, sit if you desire. Commander Mako has had a bit of an accident, but we'll fix him up soon enough."
He motions you to a chair, which you are free to accept or decline.
"Now," he says, "I am going to be extremely busy soon. What's on your mind?"
OK, you are free to try all the Jedi Mind tricks you want, but you must let me, the GM, know what you are thinking at any level during each post. Whether he can read your thoughts, your emotions or only your "cover" thoughts, you have no way of knowing.

Cas takes the seat before speaking, during this part there are a couple of predominent thoughts in her mind. First, she is a bit offended and re-hurt by his opinion of beasts. Cas knows she isn't like humans in the way that she acts and behaves but she has worked hard to try and be at the same level as everyone else. This is pushed aside with her foremost concern. She thinks of Darku and what he would say or how he would handle the situation on hand if he were here today. The thought of Darku gives her a bit of strength at which point she speaks.

"I have spent most of my time here either running errands for Master Nuyok or trying to learn what I can about the reason the attacks have taken place," Cas says remaining her calm at this point. The attacks happened all at night except for one day, the day that Master Ash was 'evaluating' Horn.

Cas continues, "Now I know that you have cleared the man named Horn but, he told me something that did sit well on my pallet." Cas pauses for a moment here. She can't decide whether to be completely honest or evade the fact that she suspects Master Ash may be the reason behind the 'hole'. She decides to play it safe for now because it would be very inconviencing to accuse someone of such a charge that they may have nothing to do with.

Cas resumes from her pause, "Horn died tonight when he tried to offer me a warning. Because he saw you the first night he was here, I thought maybe you might know something. It also is very troubling that Horn somehow survived when everyone else in his party failed and it seemed that his party was carrying something very important. I'm familiar with trade and it is unusual for someone to hire just anyone as a guard. I figured that you might know more about this from your interview with the late man."

Further thoughts include some sort of possible Adept connection to the trade. It has crossed Cas' mind briefly that the statues could have been connected to things like the Bronze Man that Cas talked to. Cas has even further concern that in such a crisis as the fort is facing, that Master Ash has not been at the walls to help. It even MORE so is puzzling that Mako had an accident when Cas saw him enter the area herself not a short while ago. Cas for a moment thinks of one of her Spirit Chess pieces, the fox set pawn she made, and wonders if that maybe, in the end, that is all she has been since entering the fort.

OOC: I want to note at this point that after lots of car drives too and from work thinking about my character, part of my character background is pertinant here. Cas has no memories previous to being picked up by Darku and the others when she was found in the jungle alone at the age of 15. I have not been able to think of any reason why should would not know prior to that.

[EDITED on Wed February 5, 2003 @10:45 PM (EST)]

Ash listens to you carefully. In fact his attention is almost uncomfortably acute. There is no supernatural sensation, but you have a definite feeling that he is looking at you with more than his eyes.
"You are speaking very carefully, little fox. Ah, you don't like being called little fox. But that is what you are. You cannot fight your nature. You are a beast, an animal altered by human spirit. You are by nature, less than human, more than beast. Just as I am by nature, more than human, less than deus.
"It is true, there is a ladder of life. You and your breed re somewhere near the middle, I and mine near the top. This is indisputable. Therefore, my actions must be described as inevitable.
"You are suspicious of me and my motives. That emotion dances about you like a bright flame. Yes, Horn delivered unto me an artifact, a tool of the Demon Kings. I did not break his mind, though. It did that to him; he wasn't strong enough. I quite kindly removed the memory of the great and terrible thing from his mind. He is dead, you say? Well, it's not surprising."
At this moment, Devlin re-enters and whispers in Ash's ear. Straining to listen without looking like it, you are not sure if you hear the name "Nuyok". Ash dismisses him.
"We are about to have more company. Just in time, too. It's almost the end game. Stay with me little fox, and you may yet get out of this alive and whole."

Handle, Cas seems to give up waiting for you to come over and talk. She strolls off. Following unseen (so you think), you see here case the manor. She finally cross the wall by going down to the water's edge and swimming around the end.
It looks like the best way to avoid being seen, so after a time, you follow.
The water is warm, so there is no hurry. With only the top of your head looking out, lit only by the dying sun, you have a good vantage.
You see her look around the grounds. Finally she finds a drainpipe, climbs to the second story (the only place you have seen windows), and scrabbles across a ledge you would not have believed possible to traverse, and looks in a window.
She looks for few minutes, then begins to enter. Suddenly she leaps inside, almost as if pulled. The shutters snap shut of their own accord and there is silence.