Map of Fort with floorplan of manor
This thread will handle the goings on at the Manor.
The wall surrounding the manor is 6-7 feet with broken glass set in the top. The north side of the grounds slope very steeply down to the water. There is only one ground floor opening: the front door. Gate and door are animated.
The manor is built of stone with a tile roof. Some windows on the second floor have heavy wooden shutters. there is a widow's walk at the top. It is the highest point in the fort.
Visibility-limited replies follow.

EDIT: I have changed visibility settings in case people from the harbor want to come here.

[EDITED on Thu February 13, 2003 @8:40 AM (PST)]

OOC: At least I chose the location where Nuyok is, will be! Bully for me! Too bad I have to wait for those slower posting types!! Cas and Horn must have finished up their seedy dealings with ... Wait. Horn is here too, isn't he. Crud.

NUYOK'S POST:
Here's Nuyok's plan: After seeing Mako enter, stealthily approach Ash's Manor from an ideal angle, clear the wall (assuming there is not sort of spirit alarm to be worried about?), and approach the Manor so as to minimize being seen by others as well as limiting viewable windows where Nuyok could be seen from the Manor. Once getting up to the Manor, to get to a position to try to listen in on Ash & Mako, presumably Ash would receive Mako the same place he received Nuyok (IIRC, the front sitting room?), but move around if no conversation is heard between those two, to try to listen in elsewhere. If spotted at any point, Nuyok will attempt to appear as if he is meant to be there and going about his business.
Not sure what rolls will be necessary, but Stealth and Climbing are each at 13- (if he needs to climb up to hear 2nd floor conversation, and for climbing the outside wall).

GM'S RESPONSE:
Nuyok, hopping the wall is difficult, there is broken glass and such set in the top to discourage casual climbers. You could leap from the inn second story into the compound, but it would be risky. You could like wise go down to the water edge and wade around the end of the wall. Pick whichever method you like, any one would be successful. You are probably aided in your stealth by Vagrant approaching the front gate. (I haven't heard from Pete yet.)
One quick note, you see a very wet Handle pass by the inn, apparently without seeing you. (OOC: he has moved on, but timewise, you would proably briefly intersect.)
Once inside, you realize that there is only one opening on the ground floor: the front doors. There are some second story windows, but you can see that the shutters are spirit enhanced, possibly engineered to stop intrusion. While you are wondering what course to take, you hear a voice from the front doors.
"Master Nuyok? If you are still out there, Master Ash will receive you."
You recognize the voice as Devlin's (the servant), but you are around the back. He cannot see you.

Wanting to get in expeditiously behind Mako's entry, Nuyok will just go for climbing the wall, trying to avoid the broken shards, but relying on his enhanced toughness (rPD) to minimize any cuts.

As necessary, Climbing, 13-
3d6: 6, 2, 2 (STUN: 10, BODY: 4) Thu February 6, 2003 @3:21 PM (EST)

Once in and hearing Devlin, Nuyok thinks: .oO(Hmm, perhaps Ash has some way of perceiving *my* approach? ) Nuyok continues to think how Ash could do this?

OOC: Presumably Nuyok hasn't seen Mako leave?

Feeling as if he's "busted", Nuyok will go ahead and circle the Manor to the front in a normal manner, greet Devlin, look around suspiciously (as in, not being suspicious necessarily, so much so as looking for anything suspicious ), and enter.

"Good evening, Master Nuyok," says Devlin, apparently unsurprised at your appearance. "The Master has been expecting you. You should come inside quickly; it's about to end soon."
Not sure of what he means by that (and he doesn't elaborate), he leads you inside and shuts the door). Just as the door closes, you are almost certain you hear three short horn blasts from somewhere. At your quizzical look, Devlin explains, "That is the sound of reinforcements on their way. Apparently one of the scouts was successful in returning. I am certain Master Ash will explain all. He is closeted presently with Commander Mako and the little vixen from your caravan."
He leads you into the central chamber. Inside is Master Ash, looking as trustworthy as ever. Also, Mako sits in a chair, but he looks stunned, as if he has received extremely bad news or been punched hard in the stomach. Finally, Cas sits opposite Mako, with a careful and guarded expression on her face.

Cas is visibly nervous. She has never distrusted anyone but the recent turn of events is challanging that notion. She could make it out alive if she sticks with Master Ash, but Cas hardly sees how her life was at risk without Master Ash. Cas shakes this off of her mind, and gives a confirming nod.

Now she thinks briefly about the ladder concept Master Ash referred to. She wonders if this is the way that all adepts feel or just Master Ash. Certainly, Nuyok doesn't seem to think that way.

OOC: Just as a reference, when Cas thinks of Nuyok, she thinks of him as she would think of a Kin. There is also a vague and constant feeling of protection for him as well as any other member of the group. Cas would do whatever she could to protect them and keep them safe.

Cas' thoughts drift back to something she was aware of but never gave an active thought about. Master Ash was reading her pretty well. That "little fox" and "emotional flame" bit was clearly something he could read either from her body language or her mind itself. She for a brief moment visualizes in her head, waving her hands towards Master Ash and then decides to play it safe. She will begin thinking about how she will word her story when she tells it a campfire some day down the road.

Devlin returns again, opening the door and announcing, "Adept Nuyok, to see Master Ash." The change in titles is noticeable. In walks Nuyok, looking a bit perplexed. Master Ash does not stand, but says, "Come. Enter. Be seated for the final show." Master Nuyok still bears his weapons.

.oO( So then I daftly fought my way out of the drapes of doom and... Nuyok! Wait, Adept Nuyok? I thought he was a Master. I suppose I should learn more about this whole Adept and Master system and laid lines if I plan... Oops, forgot about Ash for a moment there... )

Cas, who looks extremely nervous, nods politely from her seat in the direction of Nuyok but says nothing.

Cas' nervousness is making her concentration difficult, rather than waste her time trying to formulate her story she just slips into a mental song.

.oO( Harry the snake I am I am, Harry the snake I am... )

Nuyok will enter cautiously, nod to Cas, and turn to Mako and say "Are you alright? What's going on?" Nuyok prefers to stand...

.oO(What do those horn blasts mean, are we under attack again?)

As speaks. "I'm afraid our esteemed commander is in no condition to speak right now. The poor man came in raving and shouting. I had to relax him, for my own safety, indeed for the safety of the fort. I think it's possible that he may have been touched by the shifters. No one saw exactly what went on the night they breached the wall.
"Don't look so concerned, the effects of my treatment are temporary. We shall see if he is any more rational upon awakening.
"Now pay attention closely, little fox," he says, addressing Cas directly. "The things that happen this evening must be remembered, and you are probably the only one who will bear the tale."
He turns back to Nuyok, "What was it you wanted to ask me, dear friend?"

Cas relaxes a bit following Ash's comment of being the one to bear the tale. She still is very worrisome and wonders to herself if it was really a 'shifter' that Mako touched or the same thing that Horn was unable to handle. Cas seems to think that shifter is the same as reaver.

Cas puts a smile on her face and gives her full attention to Nuyok. Hopefully he will say something useful or helpful.

Nuyok.
Cards on the table here. Effectively, you have a 15 point Psych Lim "Trusts Master Ash", Common Strong. You need to make an Ego roll to actively disagree with anything he says. To actively act against him (attack him, reveal him, etc.) requires a Ego -5 roll.
He is about to become much more overt. You may make rolls at will, since your character will naturally be at odds with his plans.
Please post your rolls, so that I can be aware of your mental state. Do not post them in such a way that Cas is immediately aware of your difficulty. You can make the roll n the honor system before you type your post and just add it to the end or other appropriate spot.

As to the walls and chain and such: Ash went to great lengths to convince you that the wards were all up and in place. Since this was not accomplished by psychic manipulation, but merely by exploiting your new disadvantage, it is much easier to break. Someone just has to point out that the wards are down in a particular spot and that suggestion will come tumbling down.

OOC: Excellent (-think Mr. Burns/Simpsons )

I was testing the waters a bit by the "staying standing" thing rather than sitting as requested

I'll wait for a roll when it seems reasonable, got a few questions to ask first, perhaps rolls might be appropriate based on the responses

"Master Ash, I know you mean well, but I think you may know some things, perhaps holding back for our own protection? What truly has happened to Horn, and how is it related to our attackers? And the wards protecting this place seem no longer, I'm not sure what to make of this..."

Ash frowns a moment. "You've been busy, obviously. I admit, the wards are a little weak in some places. A few of them have not been updated in a while. As you know, all things fade, particularly when we have lost so many linemen. But I assure you that although they may be difficult to detect, a reaver can tell if they are there or not.
"As for Horn, the fox here has just informed me of his sad demise. Tragic end, really."
His tone changes, becoming supportive and inspirational. His attention seems focussed oupon Nuyok.
"But we have more important things to discuss. The fort is currently under attack, you know. You weren't aware? Well, it seems that there are a number of shifters out in the waters beyond the harbor. I am going to do my best from the widow's walk. I'd like to go closer and be of more help, but if something happens to me, all the lines fall.
I've told you how to how to turn the terrible things. You have a knack for it, I might add. Truly a natural. I can tell these things. As a matter of fact, I can't think of anyone I would rather have out there defending the fort."
His voice begins rising to a crescendo.
"Cas and Mako can stay here until they are safe or recovered as the case may be, but you-- you can be my strong right arm, striking for retribution, for vengeance for what was done to the people of poor Horn's caravan and for the soldiers of the fort!
"Will you do this thing of importance?"

Think "Voice of Saruman"

Cas would prefer to be out there protecting Nuyok but it is clear that Master Ash doesn't want her to leave. Cas will stay with Mako and keep an eye on him. Maybe she can even make a little money while they are gone.

"The wards are a little weak? They seemed nonexistent? And how do you know shifters are in the harbor? Clearly defense is necessary, but something's not quite right..."

EGO Roll, 13- (-5 penalty?)
3d6: 3, 3, 4 (STUN: 10, BODY: 3) Mon February 10, 2003 @9:23 AM (EST)

Nuyok looks to see if there's a window to view out toward the harbor to see what's going on, and if there's one, he'll take a look.

Ash's manner remains calm. "Devlin has kept me informed, of course, and I have other methods, unimportant now.
"What is important is that there are brave men and women who need your help. They are in trouble, in critical danger, right now. Every moment you wait here means that more may become riven."
Now he looks a little sad, almost hurt. "Come with me, if my word alone is not enough to sway you. Devlin, please make sure that no harm comes to the Commander. We shall need him when he recovers."
He leads you and Cas upstairs to a sitting room. A lumina lamp lights upon entering, revealing a couple of chairs and a small bookcase, end tables and such.
At a word and gesture from Ash, the curtains draw aside and the shutters fly open. Down in inlet, beyond the spirit chain, you can see the lights of a river boat. You also see the crackling energy of several reavers as they circle it like a wolf pack.
Ash turns to Nuyok again, his attention focussed.
"Nuyok, go to them. Help them. Without you they are lost."

Cas doesn't seem to carry any fear or emotional reaction from seeing a reaver. She actually felt more fear when the curtains through themselves back. After Master Ash's speach, Cas contemplates for a half-second that she could escape through the window if she wanted but would likely sustain severe injuries and lose her favorite weapon. It is at this point that she realizes that she doesn't understand why she must remain, "Master Ash, why must I stay here instead of helping to fight?"

Ash turns to you, as if noticing you again. "Little Fox, you worked so hard to get in here, and now you want to leave? You have a number of special qualities I need. First, you are a beast and skilled at running. I may need someone to carry my orders should the need arise. There are other reasons, but we can discuss those after Nuyok has decided to help those poor people.
"Simply put, I have a story to tell you."

Cas nods affirmingly, "Very well, I shall stay." She does take a moment of look some more out the window. From this distance she is unlikely to see one of her friends but she will try to do so. Otherwise she is curious of the boats near the reavers stand much of a chance of surviving. She will continue to watch until the action takes everyone out of the room.

Seeing the events transpiring outside, Nuyok turns without a word and dashes out the manor toward the harbor!

.oO(If...when I survive this, then I'll get to the bottom of this...)

.oO(I hope Cas will be alright, but she's a fast little fox if she needs to be.)

Riccoco, you have run all the way up the hill at breakneck speed. Outside the Manor gate, you see Vagrant, eying the place thoughtfully. His posture indicates that he has recently had one of his coughing fits.

Ricco hufflepuffs up, not quite winded. "Vagrant!," he manages. "Have you been seein' the Master Nuyok? Reavers be attackin' the cavalry! This 'coon must be findin' 'im right away!"

Riccoco has just sped up along the edge of the hill coming from the Harbor area. He's wearing no clothing whatsoever, even his ubiquitious trident seems to be missing. He's left a trail of water behind him and his fur is slick with water.

"Ricco, he's gone to the manor. I was going to go there a bit ago but I had a spell. I am now going if you want to go. I don't know what Nuyok is going there for really...I am going to *try* to get Master Ash's help for poor Horn. He had some type of attack and is now in a coma."

"If I may ask, don't you usually wear clothes?"

Riccoco gives Vagrant an exasperated sigh while trying to peer past the gate. "Of course Riccoco be wearin' clothes most times! Reavers be attackin' the paddleboat, Vagrant! We be needin' Adept-types down at the Harbor right-a-way!!"

Riccoco turns towards the gate, yelling, "Master Nuyok! Nuyok!!"

A small peephole door opens in the heavy door of the manor. A pair of eyes look out. Then the little door closes and the big one opens. There is an older man standing there. From his servant's garb, you would surmise that he is not Master Ash. His next words confirm it.
"Hello Mister Raccoon, Mister Traveller. If you wish to see Master Ash, I'm afraid this is not a good time. Adept Nuyok is also occupied. The attack, you know..."
He stands in the door, holding it as if ready to slam it shut. FYI, you still have an iron gate beween you two and the door.

Riccoco motions for the old man not to slam the door shut. "Attack? You be saying the two of them, already be bound for the Harbor?"

If this is an affirmative, Ricco will rush back to the dock, attempting to discern if Master Ash's animated boat is already in motion.

OOC: It would consist of. "The Harbor!" and Ricco rushes off towards the Dock.

The servant seems taken aback. "Why no, of course. Master Ash is the last holder of the ley lines. Were he to be killed, we would all surely perish. I believe he might be giving Adept Nuyok some instruction, though. And he will of course be doing much from the widow's walk." He gestures at the peak of the roof.
"If you have been deputized by the militia, I suggest you report to the walls or the harbor yourself. Now please excuse us, we are quite busy."
Then he shuts the door. You can hear the sound of a bolt being drawn.

"Well, Ricco, we can either try to find another way in to see what the wizards are doing or we can go to the harbor. My mission is definitely on hold so I'm at your disposal. Where to?"

The wind seems to be knocked from Riccoco as the servant slams the gate shut and he eyes the 'widow's walk' for a few long moments. Finally, he turns his black masked gaze on the Vagrant and shakes his head, saying, "Ol' Riccoco not be knowin' what to do Vagrant. The Reavers be killin' all the soldiers brought in from Tallon on the Harbor. The walls were a risky business last night."

On the verge of breaking down, the 'coon pauses. "We be needin' to let folks know the way o' things. Ol' Riccoco will move on to the Harbor and you be headin' to the wall to tell Mako the score, eh? You be knowing' the score, then? You be knowin' Commander Mako?"

Vagrant looks around a bit unsure, "I don't really
know much my friend. I know of Horn mostly. I'd
gladly tracK down Mako but I'd have to have a message
from you so I'd have something meaningful to say."

=====
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"The Cavalry be in sight but, the Twisted be taken a toll on them. Last Riccoco be seein' they surrounded and in trouble!"

With that, the 'coon bids Vagrant farewell and hightails it down the hill towards the Harbor.

Riccoco, you are unimpeded and may resume posting at the Harbor site. Things are fairly unchanged save that a couple soldiers are there, as well as Handle. It is dark now, but the paddleboat is lit by reaver crackle and lumina lamps.

Vagrant watches as the coon runs off and mutters to
himself, "Now, I hope I understood him right. All
those 'be's and 'in's sure makes it hard to understand
that little nudist."

Vagrant runs off. Well, more like staggers off down
the path to find Mako.

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Vagrant, you head of in the direction of the gatehouse, which is probably the best place to find the Commander. Beforeyou get there, you will meet with others of your party headed in the opposite direction.

To be continued in "The Walls"

Vagrant, due to the speed of player responses, Nuyok actually arrived ahead of you. I had misunderstood his intentions at the infirmary, so he stayed no longer than you did. Since he has proceeded a bit faster, I am ruling that you suffered a coughing fit on your way over that delayed you slightly. While you are recovering, you hear two strange things. The first is three short blasts on a horn. This is followed by ragged cheering from the walls. A few minutes later a short and long blast sound. There is no audible reaction from this one. About the time you are ready to continue, you can see Riccoco come running up the path, his little legs pumping like a steam engine.

Once Nuyok has gone Ash returns his full attention to you. His impassive mask drops slightly and you see true anticipation on his face.
"Well, here we are Little Fox. Alone again. Nuyok has gone off to his death or reaving, either of which will serve my purposes well.
"Yes, your suspicions are correct. By your measure, I am a villain, blackhearted and ruthless. But do not fear. Cease to eye for exits. I told you you would survive this night, and you shall. I promise you. After tonight's... harvest, I shall have reaped enough to sow the field anew. Those soldiers out there shall be the next generation of my army. For you, I have different plans."
"Yes, what you hoped so fervently is in fact true. Nuyok is my puppet, and has been since yesterday. he... trusts me, and that trust shall play into my hands."
He gestures to the window your were trying to look out of.
"Go ahead, gaze all you want. I'll even identify them for you, little spirit-blind beast. There are the fox and the reaccoon. Their fear shines so brightly, I could see them without light. They are thinking and planning desparately. It will do them no good. Soon you shall see Nuyok enter the light. Don't bother trying to warn them; they couldn't possibly hear you at that distance over the din of the reavers.
"Ahh, but I can see you burn with questions. Ask away. I am the font from which you may quench your fire of curiosity."
He radiates an aura of supreme confidence. He feels dangerous.

What Master Ash has admitted confirms Cas' deepest fears. She had, deep down, known from her evidence that he must be the reason. Despite her best wishes that it was an accident or something beyond them, it was not so. Furthermore, this situation is far worse than she had realized. In many ways for Cassandra it is doomed.

She looks at the window again and the distance down. Everyone is out there doing what they can to save those inside. "It explains why he never went to the walls," she thinks to herself. "I doubt he even sent the runners, or if did, had them killed by the carnobrocs. It also explains why the road was blocked. He had everything planned. We were just a few more warm bodies to add to the situation." Cas looks at the distance down. She could try and jump but even if she managed to make it, she would have nothing to prove her story. Like Ash said, beasts are animalistic humans, and most people think that way. Cas could equally try to assault Ash. Maybe succeed in a couple of cuts at most. But really, that was probably what Mako did and look at him now. Cas has no chance.

"He probably knows I just thought about trying to kill him," Cas thinks to herself. "He knew everything else... but wait a second, he was not expecting me to arrive. I guess even he has limits. That is kind of like the story that Darku liked about the Lumberjack." Something occurs to Cas. "Wait, he doesn't know the story of the lumberjack. In fact, since I have been aware of him knowing things about me, all I have been doing is thinking more vividly."

OOC: He might know the lumberjack story. It is a fable about a lumberjack who needs to cut a tree a day to heat his home. Over time he expands his home and needs two trees. The story goes on like this until finally the home is so huge and he needs to travel so far, that he cannot possibly cut enough trees to heat his home and he freezes to death. The moral of the story being that you should never exceed your limits.

"I can't do this," Cas thinks "I can't keep thinking the ways humans do. It is too, constricting. I need to get my mind off of things and relax."

Cas turns away from the window. She doesn't want to think about her friends fighting for their lives, she wants to get out of her situation and guarantee her own life. She can't very well save them if she is dead. Besides, they are quite capable of staying alive on their own... well maybe not Riccoco but he is the luckiest Raccoon this side of Karkul.

"It is a shame I left my pack at the inn," Cas says with a genuine look of disappointment. "I hoped to play a game of spirit chess with my newly carved set before I sold it in Adala. I first played the game once with an Adept in Tallon some two years ago and liked it."

Cas was about to ask about the story Master Ash referred to, but another thought crosses her mind. "What are your plans for me? If it might save the lies of a couple of my friends, perhaps Faliol and Riccoco, I will do what I can to assist and cooperate." The fact is that Cas would do anything to save any of the group that she can.

Ash continues his serching gaze. "Such battles you fight in your own mind. 'Fight. Flee. Wait.' It's a pity fox caravans do not teach you how to think in a linear and orderly fashion. Once you achieve that, things become so much clearer and your goals so much easier to achieve.
"Look at me. Exiled from Tallon. Sent out to command a post in the middle of the Wilds. All political ambitions destroyed. But when I set my sight on my goal, I realized all of the things that were impeding it. Sentiment. Mercy. Loyalty. These are tools to control underlings. Once you free yourself of the shackles of social compact, the world is yours.
"As for you? I shall let you live. I shall let you remain whole in all aspects of spirit. Why? Because I am not some mad villain of the theatre. I am quite aware that I could fail. I could die in the attempt. One cannot reach for the sun and not expect to get burned, possibly consumed. Win or lose, however, I shall not wither unremembered into the night. People will know of what I tried and accomplished or tried and failed. Either way, there must be a witness." His eyes narrow and his tone becomes intense. "Someone to tell my... story!
"Yes. You will live with me a long time. When you are old or my success is assured, I shall relase you from my care. You will go forth to the cities and the camps and there your vulpine lips shall tell my tale. I won't even need to force you. You'll do it because you have to. You live for stories, little fox, and this will be the grandest tale of all!"

Cas' face lightens, "I shall tell you your tale but as I learned early is that a tale involves four crucial things. It needs a beginning, a middle, an end, and of course, it needs a perspective. We of course have our middle and possible end here but beyond being sent away from Tallon, I have no beginning. Perspective can be addressed much later for a final story but for now. Let me see what I have here."

Cas paces with excitement throughout the tower room, "There was once a Master, tride and true who had been cast upon a lesser life than he held in his dreams. The walls of his reign were weak. His men were old and few. To gaze from his manshion high, the only sight were his ill fated dreams. He was, in fact, a prisoner behind his men and their broken swords."

Cas stops with her dramatic pose, "You know, I know that you got something from Mr. Horn but I know nothing other than it was an Demon King relic. Did you hear of this? How did it help you?"

"Well done. Exactly what I had hoped for. You will have much time to polish it, I assure you.
Oh, but one thing. The word Little Fox, is 'artifact'. A relic refers to the works of the Old World, of men before the Demon Kings. Artifact come from the time of the Rex Infernae, the Middle World.
"And you don't need to practice artifice upon me. I need hide no secrets from such as you. Horn and his party were indeed hired as simple guards for a caravan. Upon the road, they met upon a band of enterprising men. Well, bandits and cutthroats actully, but adventurers all the same. Their leader was a madman, and had been ever since they found... this."
He points to his breast, where the merest outlines of a small secreted objet may be barely discerned.
"They had found a Court. One of the ancient fastnesses of the Rex Infernae. The amulet was a tool, but far beyond their meager spiritual resources. It drove them mad; and when Horn and his party slew the bandits and took this thing, it drove them mad, too. Weak, pathetic creatures."
The thing is an orb, a reaver in miniature. It was a simple tool for the Masters of the Middle World, but I have learned much from it already. It is a... dog whistle, if you will excuse the expression. A dog whistle for shifters. 'Reavers' in the vulgar. I believe the shifters were tools, servants, hounds of the Demon Kings. With this, I have learned to control them after a fashion. They go where I direct, attack whom I...
"Oh, look. Never mind, you can't see it. Your friends are suspicious of Nuyok. Deadly suspicious, and have drawn weapons on him. They may do my work for me..."

"Oh, look. Never mind, you can't see it. Your friends are suspicious of Nuyok. Deadly suspicious, and have drawn weapons on him. They may do my work for me..."

It is all her in head. It flashes in under a second. It is less a memory but the emotion, the burned image in her head. Sie stands in the front. They are all crouched read to strike. Sie suddenly straightens out and puts away her blade, "We know you are there. Come forth and let us not spill needless blood."

They came, but they came with spears for Sie. She went for her sword that should have been out. She could have deflected the charge and wounded one, if not killed the barbarian. Instead, it pierced her abdomen and she toppled. Through that gap, another barbarian raced for Cas with bloodlust. She was too buzy with her own attacker to prepare for the attack.

Then comes Darku, quick from the side and neglegent of his own defense. He grabbed the spear and stopped the charge. Cas saw it all. She took down her attacker and rushed for Darku but it was too late. A barbarian had taken advantage of his ill defense and he was fatally wounded.

Liacor was caught up in the thick of it when Cas lost it. She slaughted the two on Darku and ceased to fight. She just held his fading body. Liacor fought for her while Melia and Belrick handled their own attackers. Belrick took a strong blow to his shoulder but Melia was fortunate enough to handle her attacker. They rush to Liacor's side but it is too late. Overwhelmed by the attackers, he has fallen. Melia and Belrick clean up the remaining. Cas still stares down at her dead love, Darku.

"Oh, look. Never mind, you can't see it. Your friends are suspicious of Nuyok. Deadly suspicious, and have drawn weapons on him. They may do my work for me..."

The voice echos in her head. Nuyok is almost the father Cas never had. Rath and Celeste, barbarians who are the exceptions to the rule. Beka, Faliol, Handle, Riccoco, and Vagrant friends and family and travel companions. They are all close to her, each just as important.

Maybe in another world or another time or just a different way, Cas might have been the great bard for Master Ash. His personal storyteller who makes his name more famous than the City of Tallon or Kiyel the Phantom Fox. But not now, not after that one statement.

Cas snaps.

OOC: Cas has one simple motive one simple notion in her head. The amulet must go. It drove the bandits mad. It drove Horn mad. It now drives Master Ash mad. It must be removed.

Step 1: Get the amulet. It is coming off of Master Ash dead or alive.
Step 2: Out the Window. Broken arm, broken foot, or dead on the ground below Cas must move the amulet as far from Master Ash as possible.
Step 3: Get rid of it. While it would be Cas' preference to get this over the wall into the jungle, she will rush the dock because of the proximity. She will shove push and yell anyone out of her way and if she gets the chance she will toss it into a Reaver. Otherwise it goes into the water.

Because it needs to be said. I recognize the risks involved in such an action and I accept them fully. I am also loving every second of this. You are doing a phenominal job.

With a feral snarl, Cas leaps at Ash spring from a crouch she doesn't even remember going into. Almost before she moves, Ash has side-stepped the attack, his face still unperturbed.

"Your intentions burn like a candle in the darkness, little mockery of a human."
Two more attacks miss as he continues speaking and dodging.
"You could have left here intact. Now you will have to be riven, like the others."
He reaches into his tunic and pulls forth...

Nothing.

A hole in the world lies in the palm of his hand, a black void that sucks in all light and reason. Just the sight of it is enough to make Cas hesitate. The object is secured to his neck by a strong chain. He holds it in one hand, brandishing it like a priest would turn a vampire.

"Yes, here it is. The key to power. Made by the Demon-Kings at the height of the Middle World it comes to me and serves your doom. Now my curious little vixen, comes the end of all your snooping."

Then the front bell rings.

"You are being manipulated by that thing. I can see it now as clear as you can see the flame of my passion. So long as I live I promise to tell your story and in a way that people will honor you. I may just be the only one to do such an act." Cas stands for a moment, dropping her fighting stance, "I give you a choice. Give me the amulet so that I may remove its existance or allow me to rip your throat from your neck so that I might take it from your dead body. No one, and I repeat NO ONE is hurting my friends any more."

Cas hopes that the doorbell is good news.

At that moment, Devlin rushes into the room, stopping so suddenly at the door that he nearly topples.
"Master!" he cries. "There are more of those interlopers at the door! Including the riven spy." This is the rudest you have ever heard Devlin be. He is obviously afraid to enter a room occupied by a savage fox.

Ash seems unperturbed. "Devlin, fetch one of the guards. Keep the other on Mako. I need to concentrate and this little--[dodge]-- fox needs to be contained. Strike!"
At this last command, the curtains in the room suddenly once again become constrictor-like. This time you are ready and sidestep the strike. You are still unharmed and free to move, but the available fighting area in the room has nearly halved. The curtains do not seem to wish to strike Master Ash.

.oO( Guess what Mr. Ash, I'm going to show you what being a fox is all about. I hope that is Rath, I really really hope that is Rath! Now, back to you Mr. Ash...)

Cas smiles with a snarl. She is going to keep her same strategy but give it a twist. She wants this to last a little while longer. Slightly less aggressive attacks, slightly more dodges of that, Nothing. But the twist is her mind. She is going to do what she thinks is going to help break as much of Ash's concentration as possible. As loud as she can possibly mentally project herself...

.oO( Harry the Snake I am I am! [Dodge curtain from the rear] Harry the Snake I am! [Strike] Oh, Harry the Snake I am I am... )

OOC: I have no idea if this works but it is worth a shot. BTW: How big is this Nothing in size?

It's worth a try.
Of course, now you have to keep it up the whole time I'm at Dundracon.

Seriously, the other posters probably aren't going to appeasr before I get back, so you're stuck here for the moment.

OOC: I won't even notice. I'm working 11pm - 9 am Saturday and 4 pm - 11 pm Sunday. I'll wake up on Monday mid-day which will likely have you back by then.

Continuing with your currrent strategy will require exposing yourself to strikes from the animated tapestry curtains. Ash is completely within their range of attack. He appears less interested in you as he concentrates on the strange artifact, but he is by no means unaware.
You can also hear heavy footseps in the outer corridor. Someone heavier than Devlin is hurrying toward the room.
What are your specfic actions? Same? Altered?

Cas is going to continue as long as is necessary on her same plan until she gets herself so that Ash is between her and the door. That way, if this person is good news, either she or the other person will have a back shot. Cas will of course, not move within range of the drapes which might leave her a bit exposed but she will take a risk of partial exposure over complete exposure.

Once she is in her desired position she will stall as best she can from any of Master Ash's attacks. Depending who walks through that door she may make a sacrifice lunge. Otherwise, if Ash goes for her, she will dodge and perhaps attempt a trip. Cas is really playing for time right about now.

OOC: Included below is a sketch I drew during our road trip to Boston. The car was bouncy so I couldn't do any fine details and I'm still new at sketching but it looks better than my previous works so I thought I'd share.

cassketch2.jpg

Ash is standing in front of the window, between the drapes. Cas cannot make a HTH attack upon him without also taking a potential attack from the drapes. It is also impossible to maneuver Ash between you and the door since they are at opposite ends. Ash moved to this position for its strategic value: i.e. he is protected by the drapes and can only be attacked from one side. Consult the map and then, with your agreement, I submit the following narration:

Cas springs to the West side of the room. Not knowing who will be coming through the door, she needs some cover and to split Ash's concentration. Scrambling over the table, scattering a small stack of books and bric-a-brac, she takes partial cover and continues to harrass Master Ash with threatening moves, never quite coming within the well-defined range of the drapes. Her eyes never rest on the artifact; direct observation makes her dizzy and disoriented. Whatever it is, it must be powerful.
No sooner has she done this when a guard bursts through the door. He is dressed like the other soldiers of the fort, but has some kind of insignia the others lack: a circle with a dot in the center. He has a loaded crossbow in his hands and a sword at his hip.
He does not look well-disposed toward our fox. He also does not look surprised that Master Ash is holding a Demon-King artifact.
Ash seems to be concentrating, the soldier has just entered. Cas, with her vulpine reflexes, has the initiative. What is your next action, and any contingencies, alternate targets etc.?

She quickly picks up two books from the table as best she can. She only needs a grip on the, there is no concern for the damage she is going to do to them. While she is doing this she speaks to the soldier, "Ash will kill us all."

This next action will depend un a number of things. First, if the soldier responds anything that my be interpreted as being on Cas' side. Also it depends on how long the drapes are and how much room there is between the window and Ash. If there is not enough room for this to work she will go to an alternative plan.

Cas is going to move, very quickly towards Master Ash and throw the first book at his face. Unless the drapes block it, the plan is still on. Cas is going to use the second book as a shield and jump at full speed for a move through on Master Ash. If Cas is really lucky she may be able to knock him out the window.

The alternative plan is simple as well. If that soldier is not on my side and there is no chance of getting Ash out that window, Cas is going for the door. She will use the same tactic by throwing the book at the face of the soldier and rushing out the door.

Finally plan C. If the soldier turns out to be a sheep of wolf's clothing. She is going to relax for a quick breath and try and work a plan out of the soldier. It is doubtful that this is the case however.

Scooping up books from the table, Cas hurls one at the Master's face, while crouching for a leap. The drapes snap at the book like boa constrictors after a mouse. The books is small and fast-moving however and they miss. Ash's concentration is broken, however as the book hits him in the face.
Before Cas can leap, the soldier brings his loaded crossbow to bear upon her and releases the bolt with a thump. The bolt narrowly misses Cas, shattering against the stone wall behind her.
Ash says, "Kill it," with an emotionless voice. "First things first. We must take care of the reinforcements." He again begins to concentrate upon the odd artifact.
Cas takes the opportunity to leap at him, hoping to take him out the window. Her sleek, vulpine body launches across the room. Ash does not seem to anticipate the attack as before, but he still manages to avoid it by the narrowest of margins. Cas catches the windowsill, narrowly avoiding a plunge into the darkness outside. Perched upon the sill, she seems to no longer be a target of the drapery. Ash steps away from the window. Now it is Cas who has the protection of the tapestries. At least from hand-to-hand attacks. To her horror, the guard's cross bow seem to be reloading itself, by means of an animated armature, he will bring it to bear again in a matter of moments.
"Good attempt, Little Fox," says Ash. "If you stay in here, you will be skewered. If you leap from this warded place you will be riven. Choose your fate."

OOC: I hope that bought someone some time somewhere out there...

Cas is going to hang onto the windowsill for a moment, hoping to lure the guard closer. She doesn't know if anyone else is alive anymore but she is going to give them a message. Back at the Carnobrochs she cried out into the air a warning message. A fox cry sounds like a deathly scream from a woman. Cas lets one out and goes back in through the window, this time targetting the guard's weapon. She knows she is going to be hit once is going to take a sacrifice shot (hopefully into the shoulder) so that she can get the weapon away from the guard.

After disarming the guard, assuming it works, Cas is heading for the door to the room and going to get as quickly as possible to Mako. Hopefully it will work.

OOC: I like the Lumberjack fable. Yours?

OOC: I couldn't think of a good example so I made one up.

Rath cradles Beka in his upper arms and approaches the manor. Vagrant shuffles along behind, looking as riven as possible. The manor gate has a bell cord to gain attention from those inside. Rath reaches up to pull it.
Beka, lying in his arms and weak from poison, is almost positive she can hear something from inside: a feral snarl, like a fox fighting for its life. This ends with a startled yelp. Before she can alert anyone, Rath has pulled the bell rope.

OOC: This next part assumes that Beka tells me about the noise right after I pull the rope:I listen for a couple of seconds, if it sounds like someone is coming to the door, I'll wait until I hear their hand turn the knob and kick with everything I have (pushing STR if allowed). Perception 12-
3d6: 11 Thu February 13, 2003 @8:18 PM (EST)
.EGO for push 11-
3d6: 12 Thu February 13, 2003 @8:18 PM (EST)

If all they do is open a window in the door and I can't stick my hand through it to grab the throat, then I'll try the I'm hear to help see my four arms and caravaner I took out on my way

(yes, I tell you quietly)

I wait...

OOC: Mean old GM, leaving us hanging...

A small peep-door opens in the manor door. A face is framed in the small, grilled opening. It is an older man's face.

Actually you are still on the other side of the gate, which stands about six feet away from the door, so even if he had opened it wide, you could not have rushed him.

You get about halfway through your "I'm a riven" spiel and are about to lift the tunic to show him your extra arms, when he suddenly snaps shut the little door. During this entire exchange he has said little more than, "Yes?"
On the other side, you can hear rapidly retreating footsteps.

Off to your left, you can see Jareek and Kent (remember them?) emerge from the inn. Kent looks worried; Jareek says, "What in the name of Kiyel yhe Phantom Fox is going on out here? I'm a'hearin' horns at alarums all over the place. Stones, what's felled Miss Beka?"

"Mr Kent, Beka has been posioned and needs to get to the doctor right away, could the two of you please bring her? I need to find out what's going on inside the Ash Manor."OOC: My plan is to hand Beka off to Kent and Jareek and climb over the gate. I am assuming that there is a way to climb over and it doesn't have barbwire on it. If it does have some barbwire or pointy things I'll ask Vagrant if he has some rags I could use to pad them.Climb 12-
3d6: 6 Mon February 17, 2003 @5:50 PM (EST)
and in case I fail my climb or need to jump off the other sideBreakfall 12-
3d6: 8 Mon February 17, 2003 @5:50 PM (EST)

I'm going with you!

"Beka, you can barley stand up straight, there's no way you can make it
over the wall, let alone fight a Master. You'll just slow me down." Rath
breaks into his child-like grin "Trust me,"

Climbing, 13-
3d6: 1, 5, 3 (STUN: 9, BODY: 2) Mon February 17, 2003 @7:22 PM (PST)

Trying to avoid the glass on the top, I easily (I hope) climb over the wall.

OOC: Omina, OMINA Oh mighty dice gods be with me...

The party down by the Harbor finally agrees that seeing Master Ash together would be a good idea. Riccoco quickly discovers that Vagrant is already at the manor, along with Rath, Beka, Jareek and Kent.
A quick head count quickly reveals that Cas is the only member of your party not present (assuming Peaches is in Beka's pouch.)
Celeste, Beka and Rath are obviously wounded in various spots.

You come together as Beka drops from the top of the wall to the ground (outside, with you). Though the wall is rough and easily climbed, the top is set with far too much broken glass to climb over without serious armor, especially in the dark. Beka sways as she alights, but remains standing.
No soldiers accompany you other than Able. The rest are preparing the long boat or manning the walls.

Celeste is eying Nuyok with obvious distrust. Jareek is overjoyed to see Faliol. "Faliol me kit! What news?"

Celeste moves to Beka's side. "You were supposed to be with the doctor, Lt. Stout. What are you doing out here climbing walls?" Celeste eyes the broken glass on top of the wall and sarcastically comments, "What is that supposed to be, some kind of protection against riven?"

Protection against us!

"Fat lot of good it will do him," says Celeste, fingering the edge of her blade.

OOC: Am I to assume that Rath didn't make it over either, even with Vagrant's rags (assuming he gave me some) and the only good roll I've had since I hid from the church purist guys before we even left Tallon.

I had forgotten entirely! Serves me right for leaving the boards for three days!
Yes, Rath, with spare rags from Vagrant, which are made of thick leather, you are successfully over the wall.
I think the rest of the scene stands. In fact, Faliol's disregard for personal safety makes even more sense if he is chastising Rath through an iron gate.

OOC: I rolled well!

Rath lay down a good thickness of leather on top.

"Pops!! Miss Beka, it is good to see you up and about! Ricco and I have been busy repairing the spirit chain. At one point, a paddleboat full of re-inforcements was making its way towards the harbor when it became stuck and surrounded by five reavers. Sadly, an adept was thrown overboard and I assume, killed. But Father Jeo and the soldiers are taking shelter in the sole protected room of the ship. Ricco, Handle, some soldiers, and I were going to attempt a rescue when Nuyok and Celeste arrived down at the dock. Accusations were followed by denials and eventually we all agreed to visit Master Ash, the apparent focal point of much that has gone wrong."

My face grows colder as I see Rath. I walk up to him.

"Is it true? Did you go into the wilds, by yourself, and almost get Miss Beka, Celeste, and I assume, Peaches, KILLED?!?! Demon Kings, what were you thinking?!?!"

I forget, for the moment, how big he is, how strong he is, and what he did to that tree when we broached the subject of Nuyok's guilt - the first time.

Ricco grins broadly when he sees the rest of the group. His face falls a little when Cas isn't present and even further when Faliol confronts Rath. "Friends... We be havin' no time for fightin' betwixt ourselves. We be needin' to get in there." The 'coon nods towards the Manor.

"To be clearin' up a few things. Cas and Mako be missin'. Last anyone heard they be in the Manor, here. Ash may be havin' a Demon King artifact an' the one that scrambled up Horn. We be thinkin' we stop Ash. We stop the Reavers an we can all be headin' on towards Adala." taking a deep breath the long-winded 'coon continues. "What of it, then. Any ideas on how to be gettin' inside?"

"Yes, Cas and Mako were within, just before I ran to the harbor a few moments ago. As for entering, why don't we just go through the front gate?" Nuyok will move to head that way.

Ricco's eyes follow Nuyok as he moves towards the front gate. He shares a meaningful glance with Faliol. "What ever will get us inside, Master Nuyok."

Trying to get Celeste's attention, the 'coon points at his eyes and then at Nuyok. He mouths the words, "Watch him, " and nods, his large eyes narrow with thought or suspicion.

"Celeste, you mentioned that Miss Beka said something about Ash possibly having an artifact from the Demon Kings, and that he was using it to control the reavers. Anything else you can add to that, Miss Beka?"

Looking over at Vagrant, "What would such an artifact look like? We need to know BEFORE we go in there..."

"Yes, tell me more about this artifact. The more I know, the more I might be able to help if it is something that has cast a spell over Master Ash."

All the artifacts look different. It could be anything!

Nuyok will also take a look at Beka's wounds:

Spirit Sense, 13-
3d6: 5, 1, 6 (STUN: 12, BODY: 3) Tue February 18, 2003 @3:29 PM (EST)

She has a wound on her shoulder and her whole system seems sick or weak. You would need more time and better conditions to tell more.

Would Vagrant know anything special about the artifact based on what I have heard?

This is beyond your experience, based on what you have heard. The Demon Kings seem to be people who lived between your day and now.

Maybe this thing might answer some questions.

Celeste watches Ricco make funny gestures at his own face and point to Nuyok. .oO(Okay, Ricco's going to watch Nuyok.) Not being able to read lips and beast mouths are even more difficult to discern what they are saying, she nods in Ricco's direction..oO(Well, that makes two of us watching Nuyok, he shouldn't be able to try anything too sneaky.)

Rath's face gets long and he looks at the ground with Faliol's scolding. It is almost comical to see the little fox yelling at the mountain of a man,

"I-I'm sorry. I was only trying to help figure out what was going on, and see if I could stop it before anyone else got hurt. I did learn though that Master Ash is leading the Riven and plans to turn everyone in the fort into Riven.

"Master Kent, please take Beka to the Doctor," Rath un-straps a large Ax from his back and his face turns grim "I'm going to go knock on the door"

As Rath turns away, Ricco pushes up to the gate, "Rath... Wait. Ol' Riccoco be knowin' the two of us not be friends or anything like that. Still, this 'coon knows what would have been done without you this far. Wait for the rest of us. We all be havin' words to share with Master Ash."

...the blush would be noticeable.

.oO(Ricco is correct, now is not the time. Rath must have been scolded already, plus he isn't the only one to take matters into his own hands.)

"Er, well, Rath, it is not my place to question your actions." Looking at Beka, "That is another's duty. Besides, you aren't the only one to try risky solutions lately... Wait for us before turning yon door to kindling, ok? Ash will probably admit Nuyok. If not, we have Soldier Able who needs an audience with Mako..."

.oO(Things are dangerous indeed when Ricco becomes a diplomat)

I'm not going to a doctor now! I'm going in there (indicating the manor) to find out exactly what we can do about that (indicating the harbor).

"He did what he thought was right and helpful. And it was. Without Rath going into the jungle to confront Houma, we would never have had confirmation that Ash was behind all of this. We still don't know why he would do this, unless perhaps he was corrupted by the artifact." Celeste turns her gaze to Nuyok, "Is that possible Nuyok?".oO(If he says, 'I'll have to consult with Master Ash,' I'm going to kill him.)

"I agree with Ricco, now is not the time to debate this. Men are trapped on that paddleboat. But I do not condone Rath's actions. If everyone does whatever they fancy we cease to be a caravan and become a mob..."

OOC: Didn't know about Celeste's last post when composing my previous post...

"I guess it is *possible* that he could be corrupted by such an artifact, but again, if he is, why not just drop the wards and let the reavers have their way with everyone? Something isn't quite right..."

"I don't know what all the arguing is about, I mean we know Ash is the
bad guy, all we have to do now is go get him. Any ideas on how to bring
the gate down?"

OOC: Is there any lock or lever that I can reach from inside the
compound that looks like it would open the gate?

Even if an adept drops a ley line, it still takes time for any enhancements to fade. You would guess it would take a day or two for most of the wards to fail. Maybe less.

Also, any type of enhancement is considered a ward.

When hearing the state Jeo was left in he makes a sound of frustration and disappointment, "I mean to talk to that Jeo fellow. The lot of you really felt leaving them behind and coming here was the best way to save them?"

He went into the wilds and risked his own life to find some answers and try to help the rest of us!

At this point, several thing occur nearly simultaneously.

Able approaches the gate and whispers a password to it. To everyone's surprise, the gate swings open. Able's face plainly communicates that he did not expect that to work. The heavy manor door itself is still closed.

A shout goes up from the direction of the harbor. It sounds like a collective cry of terror, followed by the same horn blast that heralded the first approach of the reavers.

A scream pierces the night from somewhere inside the manor. At first it sounds like a woman's death scream, and then you remember where you have heard it before. Cas screamed like that when fighting the Carnobrocs.

Every nerve in your bodies screams "crisis!"

On hearing the scream Rath charges the front door, first with his
shoulder, then if it doesn't open with his ax. He'll first try to hack
off the door knob, if that's not possible he'll try and chop a hole just
above the knob so he can reach in and unlock the door...All this is of
course assuming that Able can't get us through with another password.

Vagrant with keep close to Rath offering help if needed.

As the gateway clears and Rath works at the front door entrance, Celeste will check about for other side doors or open windows on the ground floor....any of Ash's guards come charging at her--Hack first, ask questions later.

OOC: That always works in D&D
I follow Rath and Vagrant through the gate.

Nuyok will also dash forward, waiting to follow Rath into Ash's.

Cas leaps from the windowsill, twisting as she leaps to avoid the clutching tapestries. The cloth snaps at her, and to her frustration grabs her solidly [i](OOC: two hits. Sorry)[/i] One is around her upper torso, the other about her abdomen, pinning her arms and keeping her from screaming agin. Hopefully, that last cry was enough...
The guard raises his crossbow andtakes aim at her struggling form, centering on the spot btween her eyes.

"Hold," says Master Ash. "If by some miracle they do break in, she might be a useful bargaining chip. She's not going anywhere. Get Evert and keep the interlopers busy from the windows."
As the guard leaves to carry out these instructions, Ash turns once again to you. "Offer me a choice of surrender or death, would you? Arrogant, presumptious animal. You could have had a place. You could have been left whole. But you have made a choice of your own. After your friends have joined me, you can say good-bye to your body as you've known it."
"Soon you will sing my praises anyway, but what kind of riven monstrosity will you be? Perhaps only the Eye of the Reaver knows..."
His hand rythmically clutches the black hole upon its chain.

[EDITED on Tue February 18, 2003 @4:20 PM (PST)]

Cas frowns dissatisfied at her failed attempt to resolve the situation, "It is not too late to see what that eye does to your mind. But if it comes to such a time that you have yet to see your disposition I will kill you to save the rest. Remember that Master Ash for I have no hatred of you, just the company you keep."

[EDITED on Tue February 18, 2003 @7:27 PM (EST)]

I mistakenly did not restrict the visibility. It has been corrected now.

OOC: But I'll pretend I didn't