The morning has past without your help. Most folks have slept off the edge of their exhaustion when the door of the shacks swing open and in walk Jareek, Kent, an odd-looking stranger, and Master Nuyok!

Nuyok and the stranger are both bedraggled and dripping, their clothing stained with indelible mud. Neither one is armed, and the stranger has an odd shuffling gait.

"Thank the STONES! Where were you. We were up all night looking for you. We ran in to city guard, got threatened by stupid barbarians, no offense Celeste, I had an axe heafted at me, hey, where's Rath? I've a mind to give him the boot! He shouldn't have been gone all night. He said he would always be with me. He's supposed to be my guard and not run off alone. Especially when there are creepy hill tribe around. He said he'd always be there but I can never count on him because he gets distracted with every little new thing he sees.

uhh

Where is he?"

"Searching for us, I had no idea, we haven't been gone that long...," Nuyok takes a glance over the group, trying his best to give a reassuring nod, and says to Beka "Can I have a moment with you alone?" "Oh, and everyone, this is Lekchock, Jareek, if you could introduce everyone to Lekchock, and I'll be back momentarily with an update for everyone." Nuyok sees if Beka steps aside, outside, etc.

"Alright, what pit do I have to crawl down and haul him out of today? That boy! umm man! He is always getting himself into trouble and I always haul him back out. Well I guess that's my job so...
Why do you look like that? What?"

Nuyok gives Beka a somber look, and places his less grimy hand on her shoulder, and says "Rath...fought valiantly, trying to rescue Vagrant from Throne's clutches, but...he didn't make it. I'm sorry Beka, I did what I could to save him, but he was too far gone." Expecting some reaction from Beka, Nuyok quietly positions himself to soothe her.

Well...

I guess...

I...

don't have to go in after him after all. Thank the stones, he was always such trouble. I never wanted him to hang around anyway. He was always in the way but what could I do? He was fighting in the deth pits and he was only ten years old. stupidx hill tribe just threw him out because he was riven. wouldn't even give him a chance. He just needed someone to look after him and that was me. I will always look after...
oh...
I guess I won't.

Nuyok looks at Beka, knowing she must be hurting, but numb right now at the revelation. As she returns to the group, Nuyok follows, expecting her to burst at any time...

Grudgingly, Riccico allows the Hoomans their little private chat before letting the rest of the group in on the happenings of the night before.

At the unexpected opening of the door, Celeste rolls quickly to her feet, sword in low guard position. Once she sees who it is that has entered the shack, she smiles, "Well, well, look what the cat has brought home."

Cas is going to enjoy a relaxing, early morning before everyone gets into that crazy lets save the world dance.

Someone makes a noise that finally wakes me up. As usual, I am the very last one up...

I check the tail. Is it tangled? Does the fur look flattened by sleeping? If so, I take out my comb and begin to make my most valuable asset presentable to the world.

Looking up, I greet the newcomers. "Pops! Mr. Kent! Glad to see you two are okay."

I give a cool nod to Mr. Nuyok. I respect the human, but he makes me decidedly uncomfortable...

I don't say anything to the other human. I wait for someone to introduce us first...

I walk over to Mr. Kent and Pops to give them a summary of what went on last night from my perspective.

Eyeing the new Hooman warily, Riccoco moves over to join Faliol, Jareek, and Kent.

"Faliol! You be havin' the slightest notion o' what be happenin' last night? After that last Berry Ale, all the runnin' be blurry haze!"

Riccoco struggles to wakefullness. Seeing the 'rest' of the bedraggled caravaneers the 'coon lets loose his now famous interjection, "By the Toad! This 'coon be lettin' the lot o' you on your own for a single night! A single night!"

He shakes his head unbelievingly, obviously wanting some sort of explanation.

Jareek watches Nuyok take Beka aside. Once they are out of earshot he says, "Forgive 'em folks. The Master be having some heavy-hearted news to give Miss Beka. Y'see, Vagrant is still a captive in that Throne fella's house. Rath... Well, Rath never took to being pushed around. He, eh... Oh Stones, Rath is dead.
He pauses during the stunned silence.
"He died in the cellar of Throne's mansion. Master Nuyok was held down there too, and who knows what mighta' happened to him were it not for this here chap."
He gestures toward the newcomer.
click to enlarge

"I came across these two mudrats lying under a tree near the bluffs. Apparently they found some kinda tunnel, but Leckchock here knows more than me..."
Leckchock, will you please give a description of your appearance?

Lekchock steps forward, he has sort of a hunched walk and his feet seem rather large and his toes impossible long. He is wearing a loin cloth with a finely made tomahawk stuck in the vine that holds the loin cloth up. When he speaks he has a strange accent (OOC: He talks with a Cajun accent so when you read it that's the effect I'm going for).

"I don' know 'bout dis Vagrant, but I can explain da rest o' what happened:

"I met Rath when I saw him runnin' troo da town after Throne's amie. Some of Throne's goons jumpped da big guy, 'an I helped em out. He took off 'fore I could talk to him, and one o' da goons blind-sided me. Woke up in Throne's cell. Saw dem bring in True Sight der (points to Nuyok) and Rath. True Sight and I escaped the Throne's cells and made it out and dats where we met da Fox."

Riccoco gasps and buries his furry features in both leathery-padded paws. "By the Toad, it cannot be? Adala be a place o' Death an' the Dead. We must be gettin' on. The Lot o' us... But what o' the Vagrant, then? Handle be gone still..."

Riccoco facepalms agian. Suddenly he raises his face fiercely and thrusts a wee clawed fist into the air, "By the Goat we must be savin' the Vagrant an' lowerin' the Hammer to this Throne Hooman! No man can do this deed withou' the returns!"

Riccoco storms about the small shack for a few moments before returning with his leather wine sack. He takes a few gulps of Berry ale and subsides into listlessness.

OOC: Sheesh! Ricco must always be dramatic after a hangover!

Celeste takes the news of Raths death without any apparent reaction. Then her expression hardens and she now looks every bit a Raider of Red Tide. "Ricco is right, Throne must pay." The edge in her voice is bitter.

Cas looks up from her spot, "Rath's dead? That's terrible! I hope he is alright now. Maybe Darku, and... and.. what were their names?" Cas thinks for a moment. "Well I hope that the others are all there to welcome him in the world beyond."

I am going back to Tallon tomorrow, so do what you need to do if you're coming with me. Cas, we need to get the rest of this silk sold. I think there are some more buyers on blue Street. Let's go, we can eat later. See the rest of you later.
Beka turns to get ready.

Cas looks at Beka and looks back at Nuyok. "Beka, I need to ask Nuyok a question before we go. It won't take but a moment. I'll go about helping you all day without stopping for any food or anything. Actually, I can even talk about it on our way but I really need to talk to Nuyok about something."

"Sure little fox, what do you need to speak about? Something private?"

I almost blurt out, "You are pulling my tail, this is some kind of joke, isn't it?"

But this is Pops, the fox I have known my entire life, and I just KNOW he is telling us the truth.

The big, four-armed man that stood on Ash's rooftop and helped end that menace is....dead.

Killed by Throne!

I smile briefly at the unbidden memory of an impulsive man-child too green to know that you don't hug spinedogs. Then Ricco fires up his speech and I lunge to my feet, Betsy in hand. Too angry to articulate, I let out a series of high pitched war-yips!

But all grows temporarily quiet as Ms. Beka tells us that we are to be leaving. They killed Rath and we are just going to return to Tallon?

"Ms. Beka, begging your pardon, ma'am, but we can't just LEAVE. Those that killed Rath need to be taught a lesson...a PERMANENT kind of lesson. You don't kill one of us and live. We owe Rath more than that."

"Fine! Let's go storm the castle. then you can die too! I won't have to worry about you either. Then I think you can die (pointing to Celeste). It'll be great, they can carve you into pieces and serve you at the next feast. Then, how about you (pointing to the next in line). They're only Hill Tribe, you might last a minute and they have mercy, they throw children out into the cold for no good reason. then..."

Beka grabs Faliol and lands in a weeping, snotty, unconsolable puddle at his feet. (Eew, some of it MIGHT get on your tail!)

Riccoco looks darkly up from his ale at Beka's outburst. Soon after she collapses his stony features soften and he rises with a soft sigh. Padding softly over to the Caravan Leader he lowers a soft paw to her shoulder, attempting a bit of consolation. Turning and gazing at each of his comrades he speaks, "Miss Beka be havin' the right o' it. There be a strong chance of us dyin' iffin' we drop the Hammer to this Throne Hooman. The thing this 'coon be thinkin' though... We all be knowin' the dangers o' the trek here. It be time Throne know the dangers o' us."

His piece said, Ricco eyes the other members of the caravan, grabbing each with his own gaze, weighing their thoughts, their opinions. Once more he turns to the stricken Beka. "I be knowin' your fear Miss Beka. It be somethin' we always be knowin' every day o' our lives. There be some things worth dyin' for. We may be comin' back to Adala for a silk sale or two. Can you be knowin' Throne got away with killin' one o' our own, then?"

"This be Rath you be talkin' abou'! He be a frien' to each and every one o' us... 'ceptin' you Lekchock o' course." At a loss Riccoco slaps Faliol on the shoulder and moves off to sit with hiw wineskin once more.

"Fine! Let's go storm the castle. then you can die too! I won't have to worry about you either. Then I think you can die (pointing to Celeste). It'll be great, they can carve you into pieces and serve you at the next feast. Then, how about you (pointing to the next in line). They're only Hill Tribe, you might last a minute and they have mercy, they throw children out into the cold for no good reason. then..."

Beka grabs Faliol and lands in a weeping, snotty, unconsolable puddle at his feet. (Eew, some of it MIGHT get on your tail!)

Nuyok steps forward, and with a menacing glare on his mudcaked face, says in a low and dark tone, "I'm not leaving until Throne's dealt with and Vagrant's fate is known. Rath dealt him a mighty blow, but I expect he'll be healed by now by the adept in his service, who knew Vagrant and sold out Vagrant to Throne. Rath and I slew several of the guards, so they should be weakened, unless Jonnit can bring them in more defenders." Then Nuyok sits to rest a bit, after his harrowing night, examining his muddy coating with displeasure after his recent bath.

I gently pick up Ms. Beka and carry her over to some suitable place to sit or recline.

.oO(Good job, you insensitive rat! Stupid kit should think before opening his muzzle!)

Softly, (not sure of what helps crying human females), "There, there. I am sorry, Ms. Beka. I spoke without thinking...again."

I heave a mighty sigh, and listen to Ricco and Master Nuyok.

.oO(By the Gods! I forgot about poor, strange Vagrant's plight in my rage over Rath!)

"Ms. Beka, relax. You have a war leader of this caravan..." Pointing to Nuyok, "and he has decreed what will be done. Trust in the Adept's quick mind to come up with a plan that gets Vagrant back, kills Throne, and sees that we all leave this thrice-damned city!"

Aware of the eyes upon me, I venture one more little tidbit, "This Throne is a viscious bastard who is bound to have made enemies. We need help and maybe one of Throne's enemies will provide that?"

Nuyok speaks again, "What we need is a plan. No one here must go with me back to Throne's, but I have a score to settle, and need to know who will go. There's two things to be done: get revenge and rescue Vagrant. First though, I'll need some rest, and a new sword. Also, where's Handle? Anbody else missing?" Nuyok quickly scans the room.

OOC: anyone seen Peaches lately?

Celeste looks up from the floor and pauses in honing her sword, "I will go," she says quietly, and resumes working on the edge of her blade.

[EDITED on Wed October 8, 2003 @10:59 AM (PDT)]

"Does anyone know anything of any enemies of Throne?"

"Handle went sneaking into the shadows on the outskirts of Throne's compound. Then we left and I assumed he would follow, but hasn't shown up..."

I begin to pace back and forth, deep in thought.

"Surely Throne isn't terrified of our retribution. That place is crawling with barbarian sentries for some reason, all on high alert. He is scared of someone. We need to make common cause with that 'someone'."

I stop and look hard at Nuyok, "Don't even think of going in there alone. Every time one of us goes into some place alone, bad things happen..."

For most of the converstaions Lekchock has stayed in the background, when the talk turns to going after Throne he inches up into the conversations.

"I don' think those Hill tribe guards are 'cause Throne is 'fraid of no'tin, dey just loyal 'cause the weapons he gave 'em made 'em the toughest 'round. Dey feel dey owe him, some of dem may even be trade for da weapons. Throne is know to trade favors for 'em." As he says this, you can see Lekchocks lip curl in disgust, "and you know I'm in True Sight."

"So, you just left Handle?! Was there no plan to regroup?" Nuyok says with some surprise.

"It sounds like we don't know of any enemy, but rather that he has guards due to their weapons they've been given. Presumably there'd be little need for so many guards without threats, though they could be there simply to guard against potential threats that might be interested in acquiring his weapons. Lekchock, what do you know of these weapons?"

"Handle knew where we were to rendezvous. It is possible Throne has him as well. Why did this other fellow 'sell out' vagrant? He was only selling those old papers..."

OOC: Much better than basted, BTW. At least for the 'Coon in question.

Finally baffled out of his angry lethargy Riccoco speaks up once more. "What in the name o' the Hairy Goat be going on? This 'Coon been busy gettin' a return cargo to Tallon an' findin' the Beast Market. The lot o' you keep goin' on abou' Guards, Hillmen, an' this Throne fella."

Ricco continues grumbling to himself in a low growl before speaking coherently once more. "Iffin' someone would tell Ol' Riccico what has happen' he might be bein' in spot to help!"

"Who be Jonnit? What he be knowin' about the Vagrant? What be Throne? A merchant? did he be bribin' a City Guard? The Archon o' Adala might be wantin' to know about that!"

During all the discussion and crying, I forget my manners. Once civility manifests itself in my conscious mind, I stride over to Lekchock and offer him a paw.

"Forgive our bad manners, Mister Lekchock. The news of Rath's murder has lead us to forget the pleasantries. My name is Fa-lee-ole, son of Jareek. I serve as one of the caravan guides. Thank you for helping my friends. I am in your debt. Where are you from, if you don't mind my asking?"

"I'm from da jungle. My tribe lives a few miles outside da city in da jungle."

"Then we take out Jonnit first," says Celeste. "We need to contact Melkut and Jornu."

"These two be the guards we be meetin' at those ruins? A bakery, mayhap?"

"That would be the two guards. They would know if there were others who felt the same way about Throne."

"Apparently a lot has transpired, this talk of ruins, Lekchock's mention of weapons, and of course what happened to Rath, Vagrant, and I. A quick recap from everyone please."

"For us, we went to Throne's to sell Vagrant's ancient...posters, having been let in by Hill Tribe guards, including their captain Kar. Once there, Throne seemed uninterested in the posters, but rather of other ancient knowledge held by Vagrant, namely for weapons. He tried to demonstrate something along those lines perhaps to power a device like Vagrant had at Ash's, but it didn't work, and he wanted to know why from Vagrant. In walked an adept Pakkard, who new Vagrant from the past, and who apparently had sold out his information on Vagrant to Throne. Rath and I were escorted out to be held while Vagrant was pressured, but rather than be disarmed and held indefinitely or more likely killed, we fought back, slew several of the guards, including the leader Kar. We went back inside, but Rath was felled after striking a hard blow to Throne. At that point, Lieutenant Jonnit, who let us in the gate so nicely," Nuyok looks toward Beka "appeared and apparently is in league with Throne. Presumably the gate adept who wanted Vagrant in town also is in league, so watch out for him, since he must be someone other than adept Pakkard who Vagrant knew. Anyway, I then had to surrender, was placed in a gated pit with Rath, who I tried but was unsuccessful at healing as he was too far gone. Lekchock was in another pit, which I saw had not far to go to dig out to a tunnel below, and he was able to brain the guard and release me. We fled as more guards arrived, down a well they disposed of bodies in to an underground river, and avoided a Gator below by scaling up through caverns when we dug ourselves up and were happened upon by the old fox."

"I didn't know that Vagrant was such a knowledgable person. I do hope he is alright. I was a knowledgable person once," Cas seems to hesitate, "Um, Riccoco once said that I was always talking about these strange and unusual crafts and objects I made. I thought that was the nicest compliment ever."

Cas gets a bit grim for a moment, "I'm frankly not to happy with those barbarians. Rath and Celeste were the only two I trusted. Now I'm just going to have to go and hate them all. They seem to like to kill my friends like Rath and Darku and Riccoco and Faliol." Cas at this point sees Faliol. "Um, sorry I meant... um. Westell."

"Vagrant is still missing? You faught guards? You met a 'Westell'? Huh?
Well, I met with Jonnit and when I think back, he was only really interested in learning more about the party, especially Vagrant. So we went looking for you guys because I found out Thrones place was full of Hill tribe and those are Rath's... sniff...Rath's... sniff...

WERE Rath's stupid tribe before they kicked him out. I thought he might be there so we went to find you and Rath and Vagrant. And, where were you guys (indicating the Faliol, Riccoco and Celeste)?

Did you know he was only a little boy?

You're right, we need to fix Throne and get Vagrant back. I know there will be some kind of a fight soon, the guards as muuch as said so. I don't know where or what but maybe that can cause a distraction for us. The guards we met are on our side but they can't do anything really. They still have to live here and throne has a long arm.

Who are you?

I bought him that shirt for his eleventh birthday."

"Celeste and Cas deftly played the role of our anchor while I accompanied Ricco on his quest to acquire a load for the return trip to Tallon."

With a nod to Celeste and Cas, "Thanks again for being there if we needed you. It went rather well, didn't it, Merchant Riccoco?"

"Master Nuyok, if you fail to obtain another sword from someone, perhaps you should borrow mine. I will probably be using Betsy when the fur starts to fly..."

If no one has a second sword to offer Nuyok, I offer him my sword...as a loaner.

Nuyok graciously accepts Faliol's sword, and says "I should be able to readily get one once in town, but just in case..."

Ricco offers a nod and slight smile to Faliol, "It be goin' well enough. It be bein' better iffin' we still be havin' Rath to be goin' with us. At the least we be needin' to take the Vagrant."

Turning to the Adept, the plucky 'coon attempts an even stronger explanation of their doings. "Bandit an' Red be at the Hole Market for the long night dealin' with Beastly Merchants. The Beasts be havin' a Market o' their own. Jest as this 'Coon be thinkin'."

Tossing his emptied wine skin to the side, Riccoco takes up his trident and checks the sharpness of the tines. He adjusts the straps of his leather vest/armor, frowning when he can't take up a notch around his girth. "What be the chances o' findin' a way back into Throne's place by way o' the river?"

"It seems more must have gone on, any explanations would be appreciated. What's this about the guards and the ruins for instance? What occurred regarding checking out Throne's place for the rest of you? What exactly was Handle up to?"

"I don't think the underground river route back into Throne's would be worthwhile, given the difficulty of even retracing the underground route, much less the worth of that surprise versus some other sort, for example, sneaking over the wall. Remember, we slew several of the guards there, so that should help."

"Okay. I have a plan. But I really really really need to talk to you Nuyok. It won't take long. Can we go somewhere out of the way for the moment that we can discuss things. When I have done talking with Nuyok, I will share my plan."

Okay. I want to share privately with you something. Cas' plan is a very bad idea. It involves telling everyone that she will create a distraction and then calling out the guards to fight them because she is really really angry that they killed Rath.

The other thing is the question for Nuyok. I realized when posting one day that the reason why Cas is always talking about those she used to be with is because she is trying not to forget them. However, because I'm tired of trying to remember their names, I have decided that it isn't working. So she is approaching Nuyok to ask him about her memory. She is afraid now that she is going forget Rath and Vagrant should something have happened to him.

Figured you would want some advance warning.

Nuyok gestures to Cas, as if to say lead on.

After Cas gets Nuyok aside she begins, "I understand that this probably isn't the best time for bringing this up with everything going on. You see, I'm forgetting them. You know my friends I talk about. I forgot some of their names and the things we did together. I can remember Darku well and Melia somewhat but I forgot the others. I don't want to forget them and I really don't want to forget Rath either. Um, one of the ones I forgot said something once that I had used to talk about people for a while and then would just stop. I'm wondering if there is anything that you can do. I don't want to forget my old friends anymore."

"I can understand your concern, and it would seem you must have a wound to your psyche, perhaps due to a head injury or a malicious adept or simply that you are repressing disturbing memories. My skills in that area are minimal at best, but we may be able to find help for you with another Master, and in time, your memory may be able to be restored. For now, keep up a strong front and hope, because I think you can be helped, if you really want to be."

"Well that is good to hear," Cas looks a bit happier. "Believe it or not, I only tell my stories as much as I do because it is the only way I can keep everything we have done straight. Are you positive that it can restore my memories? I would love to remember some things."

"Yes, I am positive that the properly skilled Master can accomplish what you need."

"Thank you Nuyok. I hope we can find someone soon but I will wait until I have forgotten this conversation."

Riccoco watches Cas and Nuyok wander away from the others. Faliol is consoling Beka over by the table while Celeste is honing her own sword's edge not far away. The plucky 'coon glances over at Jareek and Kent, whispering quielty amongst themselves. Rarely do the two get involved when the troupe begins speaking of an upcoming battle. That leaves only the newcomer, Lekchock.

Grey eyes couched in a 'bandit's' mask of black focus on the jungle man. "What be your beef again' the Throne, Leckchok? We be knowin' now why the Hill Tribe be so ready for a fight... Do we be ready for one, now?" Pushing his trident to the side, Ricco rolls to a standing position. "Riccoco be ready. With Master Nuyok bein' with us... It might be a bit easier goin' in... We still be needin' a plan, though."

OOC: Cue the Maxwell Smart again!

"Throne only cares 'bout money 'n maybe power. He don' care who he step on to get etither. He step hard on me and mine, now it's time to teach him he needs watch were he step or da thorns get 'em."

Ricco gives Lekchock a quick nod. "That be good enough for this 'Coon. Welcome aboard."

After walking away for a brief moment with Nuyok, Cas returns back to the group with him. "Like I said before I left. I have a plan. Or rather, Darku had a plan. It was called the Dubious Darku Plan. You see Darku, myself, and the others were on our way down a gator road. We did some scouting and found a gater party ahead in a camp. Can't remember what they were guarding but it was something that whats-his-name had to get. So Darku forged the plan."

Cas demonstrates by drawing a circle and putting some stones in it. "Here is the entrance to their camp. And here was one of their least guarded sides. Well the plan was simple. Darku and I who were the fastest runners would go up to the entrance here and declare that we were angry over losing a friend to a gator. Then when the gators were ready to fight, we would give a very quick bout and proceed to run. This of course attracted everyone's attention to see what was going on. During this time. The others snuck in through the weak opening. The situation is similar here. I can get you in with the help of one other person who is hopefully, fast. Getting out is up to the rest of you. I am willing to do this alone to, if necessary."

The plan is not as bad now. Cas now has hope and that is enough to want to keep herself alive.

"I'm pro'ly fast 'nough 'specially tru da jungle, but dat mean I wouldn't get my chance at Throne. Aldough if he gets it, guess it don' really matter who gives it to him. I'll go witchou fox."

OOC: to be compleely fair to the character, I have to wail and moan a bit more. Curse you Brian for making me do this!
"...sniff... We don't want to see the Stones, we need to get Vagrant back. ...sniff... Why do we have to wait until it is dark? ...sniff... Does this make any sense to anyone?"

Cas almost glares at Beka but stops, "No, I'm not saying we wait until Dark. I say we use the Dubious Darku Plan. You know, Darku was my lover who was killed by barbarians like the ones that did that to Rath."

Cas counts on her paws for a second. "Here is my plan. I have no idea where it is coming from because I don't remember the full details of the Dubious Darku Plan that well but here we go:"

"Handle, should we find him, will scale the wall along with Faliol. They will get comfortable but remain unseen. Once Lekchock [pronounciation please] and I begin our distraction and they notice the path is clear they will help Beka, Riccoco, Nuyok, and Celeste over the wall. Nuyok can do his weird magic thing to make sure we are extra safe too. So long as we can keep the guards distracted long enough, the six of you should be able to slip in without the guards noticing. I'm assuming since Nuyok has been inside before that he should know his way around. I'm going to slip into the vineyard that Celeste and I hid in earlier. I'll lose the barbarians that follow us there. Once there I will hide for about as long as I can recite the Ash story to Lekchock. When the story is complete I will come back to the perimeter of the place and see how things are going on as best I can. My other option is to prepare the wagon for departure. I do apologize Beka but Nuyok is probably being hunted now. The odds of you selling your silks are slim. But I have decided that I no longer want to sell my chess pieces. They are ours." Cas motions to the group with her plan coming to an end.

When Cas gets a moment, she is going to see if one of the NPCs would be willing to pick her up some nice carving wood suitable for making locked boxes with fancy etchings on them. Chess doesn't sell, ornate boxes do.

Updated character sheet to my prefered template choice for Hero Designer and I fixed my quirks just a little. Otherwise no other changes.

Cas assumes (invoking Psych Limit: Set Ways) that this plan is already accepted and proceeds to do rounds. "Now I expect each and every one of you to make it back in one piece with Vagrant. I also wouldn't mind it if you could get some sort of present for me."

Cas almost stops for a moment. "And I want to hear the story too. It won't do my any good telling our tales if I don't know what happens so you have to promise to share."

Cas again almost stops, "And be careful! You are all so reckless climbing into windows and getting caught in drapes."

While Cas is rattling off her 'plan', Celeste gives Nuyok a look that she hopes conveys the message..."She's insane....please come up with an alternate plan..."

"Again, how about some details on everyone's earlier events regarding the ruins, guard,s and this vinyard, and anything else that might help in making a plan."

Nuyok gives a knowing glance toward Celeste and continuing, "Cas's plan seems fundamentally sound, a distraction can be set which allows the others to enter over a wall from the other side. The distractors should be the fastest runners or otherwise able to create issues, for instance, Beka can head up wagons which can be set up to impede the progress of pursuing guards chasing the distractors. Those with stealth and fighting should enter the complex." Nuyok describes the interior as best as he can, with the entry room with the pools, the neighboring dining room with the balcony and curtains concealing entrances, and the far right section which contains a large pool and bathing area.

"Thoughts? The time of day should be dusk to provide cover for entry and when there is still some traffic around the area to make pursuit difficult."

Celeste puts down her sword, "A diversion is all well and fine, but if you block them too well in the pursuit, they will give up and return to the compound, then where will we be, caught with our hands in the 'cooks' jar. And if they continue to pursue all the way to the vineyards, they will by that time, have figured out they were duped on purpose and return to the compound....how are we to get out with Vagrant and Handle, if Handle is even in there. Our numbers are too small to fight the guards remaining, and there will undoubtedly be guards remaining."

"Dis is where tings get sticky. While I'm pro'ly the best for not gettin' caught, I'm also pro'ly da best at gettin' in der widout gettin' caught. True Eyes seen my talents, guess he decided where ta put me."

Pronounciation: Lek 'chalk. In case you missed it on the campaign page, the way I came up with his name is, if anyone remembers Apache Chief from the old Superfriends Cartoon, whenever he grew he would shout, what sounded like to me anyway, "E Lek chalk" So that's where I got his name.

"The distraction is necessary," Cas states. "We don't need a blockade." Cas says her next part with reluctance, "And we don't need Lekchock as part of the distraction either. Unless of course you want to use an ambush scenario in which I can join in on the raid. Get two or three to pursue me and then jump them or something."

Cas looks doubtful for a moment, "I doubt they will even chase me. They are not likely to be that dumb. The best I can offer is to challange one of them to a duel and give them all a fight to watch. I'll be extra careful at not getting hurt and will eventually 'realize' I can't win and retreat. If there was any other way I would do it but there has to be a distraction of some kind."

"We definitely want to minimize a fight. Once within, I can probably recognize Vagrant from a neighboring room, which will speed up finding him. I'll want a stiff fighter to accompany me with that though. Handle well could be caught and in the pits we were in, I can direct people where to check that out, and it should be fairly easy to access there and determine if he is present. As for a distraction, I don't want it to threaten those who do it, so even if it just works somewhat, that should be sufficient."

Ricco speaks up, "Mayhap, Betsy be one o' the best distractions we can be havin'." The plucky 'coon gestures towards his good friend Faliol. "Iffin' we be havin' two sharpshooters openin' up on the Hill Tribe folk, they be havin' to come out an' stop 'em. That be the chance for the others to be headin' in. There be no other reason for them to be comin' out to chase..."

"If I can go in that would be good," Cas says in agreement with Riccoco's plan. "I'm not as bad at general stealth as people seem to credit me with. Plus I have held my own against barbarians and survived before. I can help keep the way clear for others when fighting is necessary."

"So then, we are looking at having a distraction team and extraction team. The former can include Ricco and Faliol. The latter can include myself, Cas, Lekchock, and who? That leaves Beka and Celeste? And will someone EVER tell me about the ruins, guards, and vinyards?"

Cas takes the imfamous deep breath, "Fine. I know nothing about ruins except for once Melia once said I talked about some or something but that isn't what you meant. The vineyard was a place that Celeste and I went to to help protect Faliol and Riccoco which almost got us all killed but things worked out. The guards wanted us to find something out about Throne because they suspected him and one never came back and then the people we were supposed to meet who included Jonnit refused to do so and said that Throne was no longer interested and nothing we could do could get us inside."

Cas breathes again.

"Did I miss anything?"

"Why did they need protection?"

Riccoco finally, grudgingly speaks up, "It be illegal to the Archon's Law in Adala for Beasts to be doing business. The Hole Market be a group o' smugglers an' Cutthroats. We be thinkin' it best to be havin'a bit o' the back-up before goin' into the Gator's Mouth."

Riccoco is laboring under several misapprehensions at this point, doubtless from his Raccoon's expectation of foreigners. Wold you like some clues as to what they might be, or would you like to continue as you are?

OOC: I'm not sure... I should probably get some help so I don't whine too much when the lot comes tumbling down around Ricco's ears!

So... yes. Give me some clues. I realize Ricco might have been a little rough on the Hole Market and whether or not the Archon makes the laws about Beasts... I kind of just winged that...

Anyways... Please let me now where I'm misguided!

No problem, it's one of those things that happen easily when play is stretched out over weeks or months.

#1. The GM has never said the words "beast market" in character. I have always referred to it as the "Hole Market". There were jsut as many if not more humans down in the hole.

#2. The boards said nothing about beasts not owning businesses. Sangiyok owns or operates a brewery, for instance. Whether he had to work ten times as hard to do it is another matter. You have noticeed no beast-owned businesses in the city, though.

#3 This mistake was not yours but some others have made it. The body at the hanging tree ("Brigand") was human, not beast.

None of these are game derailers, but I thought I'd point them out before they become cemented into everyone's psyches.

Jareek speaks up, "I don't know nothin' bout these guards and ruins they speak of," he gestures towards Celeste, Beka and Cas*, "but them vineyards that Bandit and the Kit** be talkin' about is someplace out side the walls here that the 'coon found a Beast market. He put together some kinda' deal for returnin' cargo to Tallon. I hear he and Faliol have to be there sometime later today to take possession.
"That's what I heard, anyway."

* Someone answer Nuyok, please. I don't have an NPC who was there. I'll offer two hundred quatlus.

*Bandit and the Kit sounds like some kind of 70's television action/adventure show. Probably on Wednesday nights at 8:00. On ABC.

"Jareek be havin' the right o' it. While the lot o' you be headin' into Adala to be sellin' the goods we be bringin' all this way from Tallon, Ol' Riccoco be lookin' for folks' o' his own to be doin' business with. It be takin' a while but this 'Coon finally be findin' word o' the Hole Market."

"After meetin' up with Faliol, Celeste, an' Cas, we be headin' to fin' the Market. It don' be bein' open to the stroke o' Mid o' Night! Black Basel be rulin' the Hole an' yer head be the price o' bringin' the Guard." Winking conspiratorily, Riccoco continues. "After a bit o' drink an' hasslin' Ol' Riccoco be strikin' up a business deal. It will be finishin' up tonight."

Part 1:
"Why didn't I think of this first?" Cas says with a sudden start that even surprises herself. "Oh... because it involves Handle. No wait... do you suppose we can get Jareek to help drive Beka's cart. She goes up one last time... desperate to sell the silks. She acts like nothing has happened. She announces that if Throne doesn't buy, she is going to sell it to someone else and leave the city then and there. She will be declined and can sell her silks. This draws away from our plan."

Part2:
"Riccoco and Faliol use their plan when the time is ready to assult the guards at the gate. Distraction is created and they think someone is trying to take them out. Nuyok, Celeste, Lekchock, and myself slip the walls and go in."

Part 3:
"We give Throne a blow he will never forget and get vagrant out alive. Hopefully Handle will be there and we can save two chickens with one plucking."

And in conclusion:
"This can be known as the Dubios Darku Plan Redux!"

[EDITED on Mon October 13, 2003 @5:15 PM (EDT)]

that sounds great and all...but isn't Cas a girl?

OOC: thanks

"Had Beka previously tried selling her silks to Throne?"

Who's going where, with whom and why? there were two city guards that wanted to get something on Throne because they suspect him of evil doings. They were going to help us get out of the city if we needed to escape quickly after rescuing you and Vagrant and...sniff...sniff...wail Raaathtthh! They, they, they were going to...to... sniff...me me meet us in some ruined...
OOC: Curse you Brian!
ruined... burnt out bakery. Rath loved sweet bread! Whaaaaa!

Somehow being volunteered as the other sharpshooter, Ricco chugs his paunchy legs out to the cart and gathers the bow he was given by Mako. Returning he hands it over to Fox Kit, "It be weatherin' the trip well enou' Faliol? Ol' Riccoco can pull the string well enouh' an' shoot most o' what he be aimin' at. He don' be knowin' the upkeep o' it..."

He trails off, absently stroking and trying to cajole the whiskers jutting haphazardly from the right side of his muzzle.

I look at the sad, neglected bow in Ricco's paws. I remember well my kithood friend, Trip, when he presented us with the second ugliest vixen in the fox caravan as his new mate. (The ugliest was 'One Eyed' Darlix, who, if truth be told had a finer tail than the homely mate of Trip) As now, I didn't have the heart to tell my friend what I TRULY thought....

.oO(Yikes! He will probably hit me when he fires this sorry piece of crap!)

"Ah, well. Hmmm. Looks like she held up pretty good during the journey. Should shoot straight enough..."

.oO(Maybe he will throw the fish sticker at them. He might hit then...)

Riccoco give Faliol a knowing grin, "The Hill folk won' be knowin' what hit 'em then, Faliol!" he shoves the bow to the side, confident in his friend's opinion.

OOC: Bandit and the Kit to the rescue!

"What is everyone's unfinished business in Adala? Many of us obviously feel Rath, Vagrant, and Handle need to be addressed. Beka needs to sell more silks? Get return trade goods? Get passage back to Tallon? Ricco has his deal arranged for this evening? Is that all correct? Am I missing anything?"

"I was going to try and sell my chess set but I think it would be best if it was not. However, I will need some carving wood so that I can work on a project to sell the next time we reach a city."

"How can you think about business at a time like this?"
.oO(Did I just say that?)
"We have to save Vagrant!"

"I think Nuyok's point is that if we have to suddenly leave town because of a misunderstanding of the death of Throne we may want to make sure we have money and food supplies so that we don't starve to death."

I still have some silk to sell and I will need to get the note cashed for the other silk I already sold. then I need to pay some of you. We need a return cargo and supplies for the trip. Are we going back to Tallon? Maybe we should find a cargo to go somewhere else? See how far we can get before we...DIE!

So should we give it a day to wrap up the business? I know something is going to happen at Thrones, I think we should go about life as usual tomorrow, get the business done and just keep watch. That will keep them guessing. Let them know Vagrant isn't that important to us. We can have someone watching from afar and we can finish our business and then if something strange does happen, the person watching can come get us and if we're not too busy, we can go over there.

Peaches, Peaches? Where are you? Why don't you watch Thrones place tomorrow and we'll finish our business. You can find me if it looks like they're going to let us walk in and get Vagrant. OK?

"Beka," Cas says emotional. "I'm prepared to go penniless and without any supplies on our way back to Tallon if it means we get Vagrant and Handle free. I want to see Throne dead. Rath and I had a couple of moments to talk and, well, I liked the guy and was looking forward to getting to know him better."

Cas shakes her head frustrated. She looks like she is about ready to cry, "Look it is like this. In a week, I'll be making up stories about Rath to remember his name. In a month, I will have forgotten his name like the others I travelled with. I remember Darku kinda and I remember Melia even less than that. There were others and I already forgot their names. That was only two months ago. And just when I was looking forward to having new people by me who I could remember because they were their that night when I turned in to sleep, Throne goes and kills him. I'm not going to let that happen to Vagrant or Handle."

"I have only a moment left with Rath in my memory," Cas stands up tears welling in her eyes. "I'm NOT going to let that happen to Vagrant at all! So don't think for a moment that isn't the case. I know you are hurting because you lost Rath. I saw your reaction when you thought he was leaving us. He was family to you as you are all family to me."

"We need to think about this, about what we are doing and what needs to be done. Nuyok says we should go at dusk. I would prefer to go now but maybe it makes sense. If we have every armed person in the city after us because we slipped in and killed Throne, do you really think we are going to have time to get money or food. I am prepared to hunt. I am prepare to live off the land and provide for us so that we can travel. But if we have some time to at least sell your silks and do nothing else, lets take that opportunity. Not because we want to forget our friends but because they wouldn't want us to just forget why we came here."

Cas slowly recovers from her emotions, "I'm tired of barbarians and evil rulers taking my friends. I was ready to leave this city yesterday but now I won't leave now until we are all together and Rath's death has been avenged."

Cas stammers from the unexpected release of her emotions. "I'm going to take a brief walk for a moment. I'll be back in just a moment."

Well,

...the only thing that has made any sense tonight...

CAME FROM CAS?

What is this world coming to? Right, I think we should do business tomorrow, I'll sell whatever I can, keep the rest and cash in the note. We do need to wait until dusk or even nightfall. As I said, they are preparing for something over there, we just don't know what. We do know it will involve fighting but against whom? Let Cas, Peaches and I finish the silk business end of things tomorrow.

Celeste, you go meet with those two guards, or even just the nice one and see if you can find out what Throne has been gearing up for. What things have they noticed besides lots of Hill Tribe. What is he investing in, who's he got it in for, who might be on our side, who or what might be on his.

Faliol and Riccoco, you continue your buisenss and try to have it setteled by late tomorrow afternoon. Return cargo would be great, set and ready to roll.

Kent and Jareek can be on guard here with the wagon and cart and have them ready to go at the slightest notice.

Nuyok I think it would be best if you took care of provisions for the trip. You will need to come with me to draw off the certificate I hold. I also think it would be good for you to go with Celeste and talk to these guards, you might be able to get something more out of them. You might know something that will jog their memory or be able to see what they are hiding.

So, we all need to rest. Cas, Peaches and I will get started first, as soon as we feel enough refreshed to be on our toes. We will take Peaches to a place where she can observe Throne's compound and report to me if there is anything very unusual. Celeste and Nuyok, we will meet at first bell after lunch. I will have cashed the note and I will give you your shares and enough to purchase supplies. Then you go to get supplies and go talk to the guards. Faliol and Ricco, see if you can conclude all your business, get back here and have things ready to go by late afternoon, say four or five bells. Then we will all meet at the fountain of the Reveler guy at 6 bells. We can compare notes and see what is next.

Jareek and Kent, I'm afraid this means another boring day for you. Is your business finished and can you stay here to get us ready to go?

Um...
Lekchock, I'm not sure where to include you in this. I understand you want to help and all. We are really a caravan. I am Merchant Beka and we came to Adala to sell silks. We are returning to Tallon hopefully with a profitable return cargo (pointed yet clueless look at Ricco and Faliol). Where do you want to fit in?

Looking guiltily at Mr. Kent, "I have an obligation to help Mr. Kent and to help Ricco. Mr. Kent, you have been very patient and I appreciate it very much. I have not forgotten that you are my employer, though my attention has been elsewhere of late. Sir, how may I best help you sell your goods? Tell me what you require and I will do my utmost to see that it is done..."

Moving away from Beka's look, Riccoco offers to help his friend in his plight. "Mayhap, Master Kent, Ol' Riccoco can be helpin' to be sellin' your goods to the fine Master Sangiyok when we be speakin' to him later this day?"

Nuyok, quite haggard looking and caked in mud, says "Before I do anything, I need at least a few hours sleep. Given the likely need to depart rapidly, we may need to liquidate everything, including carts, wagons, and horses. I do not know of places other than Tallon, maybe others do, but booking passage by water seems to be a good idea, especially since we were seen as a caravan coming in. Trade goods could be placed on there for the return trip. Overall, the plan sounds good, prepare for our exit, then go in and try to rescue those within."

Ricco mutters under his breath, "An' mayhap a bath. Hoomans be the Savages!"

Celeste looks up from where she is still honing the sword blade, "I was about to suggest the very same thing, Nuyok. I may not have experience at trading in cities, but sailing is one thing I do know. Once we have our method of departure arranged, we can concentrate on taking out Throne...and Jonnit..."

"I don' know much 'bout sellin' 'n' buyin' alls I care about is gettin' back at Throne, haven't taught much past dat. I'm 'ere 'cause it looks like ya'll gotta score to settle wit 'em too and maybe we can 'elp each udder. Dat and I owe True Eyes for gettin' me outta dat hole 'fore I went crazy. 'Till we get ready to move, I kin just' go wit True Eyes. After we move, well I guess we can figger dat out when da time comes."

"Ol' Riccoco be havin' a cargo for the trip back, just as he had one for the trip here. He be havin' a driver o' his own to join on the return trip. That be part o' the business to finish later this day." The 'coon looks away and loosens the straps on his leather vest, seeming suddenly uncomfortable.

What driver, I have a driver I am not hiring another. We don't need a driver, just the cargo.
(pointed, questioning, interested look at YOU Ricco)

Peaches looks up from where she has been quietly sharpening her sword. "I was wondering when you were going to get around to asking my advice. Why don't you just let me go in there and get Vargant out? I'll take care of that Throne piece o' work while I'm at it. Nobody kills one o' ours and gets away with it."
She looks around at the dubious faces. "Ah, Stones, you all gotta play heroes, eh? All right then, I'm at least on the crew that goes over the wall. You big thumpers can draw all their attention whilst I lightfoot it past the lugs."