The Darkened Courts

August 8th, 2007

Players: Vashbav, Katherine, Eochaid, Nikarn, Blu'Shim, Esperanza

Around the town, small flyers have been posted, reading 'Adventurers Wanted'. The poster goes on to tell of the dissappearing nobles and merchants, and that several people are required to make a foray into the mountains and find them. It asks that those interested meet outside the White Hart 1 hour after daybreak, today. You, knowing that your city needs you, or that there may be loot, or even for the fact that you're bored, have shown up to join this fun little foray.

Parties are always a good thing. Esperanza has decided that she'll brave the cold, though that doesn't mean she won't be bitching about it, in order to attend this foray. She looks at the others while bundling up in her cloak, "I hope this is better than the last time I went traveling into the mountains." She mutters, "I think the gods wanted to see if I could be a damn billy goat."

Vashbav makes her way into the Hart and looks about. Dressed for the adventure, the half orc seems to be well suited for her adventures out to day. Even going so far as to polishing her armor to a brilliant shine.

Katherine waits outside the Hart, her cloak drawn tight around her against the cold and the rain falling from the heavy sky. Very little of her seen beyond a fair complexioned face, standing in the lee of the building as best she can, the raindrops rolling off the oiled material.

Eochaid is standing outside the Hart leaning against the wall not too far from the door, you would swear there was no one there a moment ago, but you must be mistaken since he is there now. Unlike most times before his cloak is open and moving slightly in the breeze, his hand is on the hilt of his rapier resting comfortably. He looks on as others gather waiting to find out what will be required and what will be paid for the job.

Walking out of the Hart after she finishing her breakfast Blu'Shim walks outside to get her faithful companion Piggly Wiggly when she sees a bunch of people standing around "Hey there, what's going on? You guys going somewhere? Can I go to? Will it be dangerous?" She sounds a little excited "Wait..." she stops "There's no possibility of me being turned to stone is there?" her face drops.

It isn't long before Nikarn arrives, riding a huge black warhorse. Behind him are two covered wagons, drawn by wooly oxen and driven by two old men who might be twins. One cart is laiden with goods and a few wiry looking fellows who are obviously hired hands, the other seems to have empty benches in it, and a small brazier puffs small whisps of smoke within. Nikarn draws reign in front of the White Hart, and the carts come to a halt soon after, and the huge paladin looks over those standing here. After a moment, the Paladin speaks, "My name is Nikarn, Axe of Mod, for those who do not know me. If you have come to join the search party, then feel free to ride in the carts. We must make haste, for every day longer that we take in finding them, may mean a worse fate." He dismounts, "I will be awarding you 100 gold at the end of the journey if the nobles are found, and should they not be, then I will award you 20 gold. Whatever valuables we come across in good terms on the way will be yours to divide as you see fit. Are there any questions I may answer before we leave?"

Vashbav shakes her head slowly, "Lead on." she offers and moves to step into the wagon. Apparently ready to move on, the half orc pulls out a flute and fingers it lightly, "Should be better then a lute.." she remarks.

Esperanza raises an eyebrow, "Damn, I thought it was a /party/, not a search party." She sighs quietly, "Oh well, I'm here. I guess fate brought me here for a reason." She then picks up on the wagon with the brazier and smiles, "Someone is smart this time." She quickly climbs onto the wagon.

"Yes, one question," Katherine stepping forward, out of the lee, drawing the hood forward a bit more to shield her from the rain. Her voice is warm, soothing, gentle and somehow full, "How long do you plan for this search to go on? A day? A week? A month, if none are found?"

Blu'Shim looks from Piggly Wiggly to the wagon and back again, she sighs and looks ever so sad "I'm sorry Piggly, I think you'll have to stay" she says quietly to her brave friend "I don't know how I'd get you up in there" her voice cracks a little "You go to the training grounds straightaway and don't stop for any reason" she tells the boar decked out in his finery. She dismounts and pats the boar on the rump, "I'll be home soon." She calls after him and watches him go.

Eochaid climbs into the cart finding a spot to stretch out his legs as he waits, he's not sure if the 'reward' is enough but he is sure he will have the fun of bailing the Modling out of trouble again, something he finds amusing. Looking toward Nikarn he states "One would be glad to help find your missing friends for the gold of course. One thing though Modling, your reward for finding them states nothing about the condition they are in so One would not guarantee that they will be found alive." He then Smiles a smile that would cause a chill run down the spine of a fire elemental.

Nikarn frowns slightly, studying Katherine as she asks. "It will take a weeks travel to reach the Baron's estates. I do not expect that anything happened to the lost between here and there, and so must suspect foul play on the Baron's part. Too many have been invited over the months, and none have returned. Furthermore, I was told the Baron has not returned any answers regarding those that are missing, and even the messengers have not returned." He shakes his head. "I do not expect us to be gone more than two and a half weeks." He glances to the wagons as the others begin filing in. "Is that satisfactory?"

Vashbav looks at Blu, and then at the hog, "I can get em up here." She remarks, "If you want to bring the boar with you..." Vash nods, "it is alright with me." she remarks and moves to offer Blu a Hand with the pig.

Blu'Shim's eyes get big as she gets excited "Piggly c'mere, the big bardess will help!!" she calls out, the boar of course comes waddling back as fast as he can. Blu'Shim looks up to Vash with her big blue eyes "Please don't hurt him" she says quietly "It's his first mission" she gives Vash a small smile.

"It is, thank you." Katherine moving over to the wagons then, gathering up her skirts and stepping up inside, moving towards the front of the enclosed space, settling down carefully, her small pack and bulky crossbow pressed to the side, "Its just best to detail these things where possible."

Vashbav slides the pig onto the cart before offering Blu'shim a hand also, "Any other's need aide?"

Nikarn nods to Katherine, and seeing that everyone has entered the cart, mounts up on his own horse. "The road is long. There is little between here and the next town, but we have plenty of provisions." With that, he nods to the cart drivers, and then starts off down the road.

This long mountain road runs through a dry, grey wood. The leaves of the trees have long fallen, if they had grown any in years, and though the sun shines high above, deep shadows cover the passage; the branches looming over like ferral claws, reaching for the warmth of travelers. The brush to the sides of the road grow tall, and few are the breaks where animals have worn paths through. It seems at one time a local noble may have planted them, for they grow straight and true along the roads, but it has been long since they have been trimmed, and grow wild as they will. The snow lies thick here, and though evidence of carts can be seen in the ruts that yet remain, snow has long fallen over them, nearly filling them to invisibilty. And yet, there can still be seen the rare set of hoof prints, or animal tracks, crossing the road... yet never traveling down it.

Eochaid settles himself further in his seat and almost seems to be asleep, or at least would seem so if his eyes were not open. He just does not seem to be paying any attention to those in the wagon or to the pig. If one were to watch him closely they would notice that one eye does seem to be watching the back trail.

During the long days on the road Katherine is rather quiet, often times with her attention either in a tightly bound spellbook or making notes in bound, blank pages. Not anti-social, should someone else open the conversation, for then she is a warm and welcoming conversationalist, but once it wanes her attention returns to study.

Four days have passed, and little has occurred. By the recollection of the two old men, who seem to spend more time arguing than driving the carts, they should be able to make it in one and a half if the conditions stay good. Of course, nothing can ever work well, and when the old men just seemed to have boasted that they could get anywhere faster than anyone else, they call a halt. Across the middle of the road is a deep fissure, at the bottom of which runs a stream. It would be an easy jump for anyone, but the carts cannot make it across. "It would take days to find a way across," says the first old man, and that starts an argument with the second... Obviously the only way for the party to continue is by foot.

Vashbav blinks slowly and looks around, "does anyone else...." she pauses and gives another glance, "I don't know...the tree's are to thick to push down for now. we might be able to cut them and make a bridge...but." Vash stops and studies the tree's again. "Something ain't right."

Nikarn waits while the hirelings pack tall packs of provisions that they will need for the journey to the village ahead, and extra for the way back. After a few words with the old men, he turns and looks at the others. "We will need to hasten. From here, it will be two days hard travel on foot. It is unfortunate that we will have to walk, but there are not mounts for everyone." He dismounts and hands the reigns to the others, giving Vashbav a curious look, and then studying the trees around. "Let us go, we can do no good waiting here..." He turns then and makes the small leap across the fissure and starts heading down the road.

Esperanza wrinkles her nose at the thought of leaving the wagon and the warmth of the brazier. She climbs down and heads over to the stream. She sighs, "I'm not getting my feet wet. That would really suck." She looks around for a good 'runway' and then hurries on over. Oh, this is so comical. The woman is some kind of super hero, running the little path with her cloak billowing behind her. Following her dancing background, when she leaps, she does one of those ballet type leaps where they do the splits and point their toes and such. Fortunately, her 'training' allows her to reach the other side with grace, dignity, and most importantly -- dry feet.

Katherine gathers her things when the wagons stop, slipping out the back. Watching as the others leap, the slight woman gathering herself, taking a few running steps and jumping, skirts flapping, though she make it well. Looking back, lingering by the streams edge, till all are across.

Vashbav jumps off the wagon and looks at Nikarn, "I just don't trust trees that stand so close," she remarks and gives another glance around trying to study them again. Yielding it with a shake of her head she sighs deeply and looks at Esperanza, "Maybe wear some more layers?" she asks.

Blu'Shim looks to the fissure and then to her mount and sighs thinking she's going to have to leave him behind. A fretting look comes across her face as she decides what to do.

Eochaid move toward the fissure stretching his legs as he goes, when he moves to jump over it he slips on some snow or ice and falls forward only just making it across. He turns look back to the road where he came from and shakes his head before settling his equipment into place before readying to walk down the path.

Blu'Shim looks as though a light bulb has gone off suddenly she walks over to Piggly Wiggly and whispers in his ear, after a moment the boar looks as though he's walking away from them and leaving until the creature turns and tear asses towards the fissure and leaps making it across, not graceful but getting the job done. Blu'Shim squeals with delight and claps her hands, she suddenly starts to float and levitates across the fissure joining the group on the other side, she decides to float for awhile instead of landing and walking or riding.

Once on the other side and all happy, and ready to walk and such, Esperanza looks to Vashbav, "If I wear any more layers, I'll be mistaken for some furball abomination." She grins, "Besides, I didn't get my feet wet, so I'm good." She then simply gets ready for the trek.

Everyone walks down the road for a few hours. The trail has been hard going, the snow nearly knee deep, but with the massive Paladin plowing a path (Plowadin?), it does not hinder the group any. As the afternoon wanes, though, it becomes apparent that there has been more activity on the road here recently... maybe very recently.

Esperanza is simply here to look pretty. She follows right behind the two bigger folk (Nikarn and Vashbav). She hums some song to herself that takes her mind off the cold.

Eochaid was right behind the group but suddenly he is not, there is no trace of his footprints in the path behind and no sign that he may have moved off the path dug by the Modlings steps. He keeps a watch on the group but otherwise he cannot see anything and all he can hear is the clanking of the paladin's armour.

Blu'Shim is a little nervous around 'The One' so she floats just above Piggly right behind Katherine, she's not easy to see and definitely not that easy to hear.

Blu'Shim peers towards the bushes for a moment and then lets out a small eep sound, in a harsh whisper she calls to the front of the group to the big bardess at the front "*** **** ***** ****** *** **** *****" She appears to be speaking in a language you do not understand. ("Do you see? There in the bush!")

Katherine wades through as best she can, the others in front breaking a trail through the snow for her. Its slow, hard, going, but she pushes on as she can. Looking about, keeping the hood pulled against the wind, the snow, just trying to keep a bit of shelter while the winter descends once more.

Vashbav doesn't answer Blu'Shim, Rather, the half orc lets out a feral roar to the sky. Her hand goes to her sword and she prepares for anything that might happen.

When Vashbav roars, four figures step out from the brush up ahead. Each is wielding a bow, and before anyone can move, they launch arrows straight at the mostly unsuspecting group of adventurers. Nikarn, caught by surprise, is hit with an arrow but it does no damage, and two others fly far astray of the group, the fourth one, however, lands right in Vashbav's shoulder.

Esperanza starts to move and weave upon seeing that there are attackers. She says in a sing song voice that sounds rather hypnotic, "Look at me, look at me, forget everything else you see." When she completes her spell, two of them seem to be caught up in her trance.

Vashbav seems to know what Esperanza is doing, and in reply to the arrow in her arm, she start to sing. A deep voice bellows out a tune, low and for battle. Anyone that was around in the war, might remember it. Deep and forbidden the words are a prayer to Mod that fills with the essence of a bard, They deep innate magic that flows through the group filling them with courage for the battle up coming.

Nikarn draws his hammer and shield, and begins walking towards the archers standing in the middle of the road. "It is unfortunate that you have chosen to attack us this day. Mod will see to it you are brought to justice." He continues walking

As Nikarn approaches towards the archers, theres a rustle in the brush. Nikarn, having not seen the huge man hiding in the brush, is surprised as the burly fellow leaps from the bushes, stabbing Nikarn hard in the side with a thick metal sword, and then rushing back to join his compatriots with bows. "Aha! It seems you were not prepared to face us this morning, but WE have come prepared to have everything you own, and maybe a kiss from your pretty face," he gestures towards Esperanza with the point of his sword.

Blu'Shim pulls out her cross bow and fires off a bolt missing the bandit leader, she curses in gnomish while she drops to the ground and heads to hide again.

There is silence around the battle field, Eochaid is out there somewhere moving in concealment getting closer to the bandit chief. His rapier is a dance of death waiting for the right moment to strike. That moment is not quite yet but will be soon.

Katherine steps forward as the fight starts, pulling back her hood, letting the cold air wash over her. Hand rising, lips parting to speak... but its too late for diplomacy now. Sighing softly, delicate fingers slip into one of the numerous pockets sewn into her dress, raising her hand, casting a bright powder into the air, her voice rising, sweet and enchanting, "Once upon a time there were three brothers who had no inheritance, so they left home to seek their fortune...." Her words twisting with the dancing, sparkling lights in the air, two of the bandits going slack jawed as they watch. Katherine continues on so until the end of battle, but then she finds herself inexplicably stricken with sickness. Feeling wretched, she returns to the carts to wait the parties return.

Now, all four of the bandits with bows stand quietly, their bows slacked and unmoving. The Bandit Leader, standing in front, however, does not seem to notice at all, in fact he seems to be quite proud of himself for having made blood squirt out the side of Nikarn's breast plate.

Esperanza takes a moment to simply find out what's going on. Meanwhile, she maintains that slinky dance and maneuver in order to keep her two properly entranced. When the others appear to be under hypnotic trances as well, she simply waits for the others to do the thing that they're trained to do. She's simply looking pretty and serving as a distraction.

Vashbav growls and charges in, her voice bellowing forth that song yet again and she swings her sword hard at the man. It smashes into him hard, cutting into his flesh but does not bring him down.

Nikarn lets out a roar, obviously upset because he was stabbed, and raises his hammer high, smashing it down onto the bandit leader's shoulder. Theres the sound of crunching bones, but the burly bandit just falls back a pace, and raises his sword again ready to fight.

The Bandit leader swings his sword once more at the Paladin, coughing up blood as he does so. The sword bounces of the edge of Nikarn's shield, and the leader almost falls to his knees, but manages to retain his footing...

Blu'Shim lines up a shot at the head bandit type guy and then suddenly she hiccups and sneezes, odd little gnome. Her shot falls very very short, like right in front of Nikarn short. She shakes her head and calls Piggly to hide, she slowly moves towards the bandits but motions for Piggly to stay. She stays as hidden as possible and moves quietly ontop of the snow.

Eochaid suddenly steps out from behind the bandit chief, who had one moment been gloating at the Modling the next moment a rapiers blade sprouts from just below his sternum. The stricken man only has a moment to register this before a light mace comes down on his head caving in the skull. There is a moment where the mans eyes bulge then pop out with a spray of blood and brain matter.

All of the remaining Bandits are standing there, looking pretty dumb, jaws hanging open and weapons near their feet. Almost like they didn't even notice their boss get massacred right in front of them... Huh, funny world...

Esperanza watches as the leader's killed. Immediately, the Melorian maiden focuses her attention on Bandit 1. She cups her hands around her mouth and takes a deep breath. When she exhales, she lets out a high C that could break glass. Wind seems to bellow from her lips, ripping into the first bandit. He's broken from his trance, however, he's staggering backward from the shriek. He appears to be stunned.

Vashbav watches the leader fall and moves quickly to bandit two, even her song keeps going, as she swings quickly at the bandit and knocks him flat on the ground with a solid hit to his person.

Nikarn, seeing that the leader is dead, and Vashbav clearly has the second under control, moves to the next bandit with a slackjawed look. "It is dishonorable for me to kill you while you do not know it," Nikarn says as he raises the hammer. The bandits eyes clear, and go wide, and Nikarn shrugs slightly, and smashes the bandit hard in the face... Blood splatters everywhere, and the bandit falls lifeless to the ground.

No one can see the small gnomish woman as she hides amongst the scenary nor can they hear her.

Eochaid pauses to look at the remaining bandits, seeing there is one that is hurt one that was knocked over by Espers song and one slack jawed idiot that is just standing there he decides to kill him. walking over Eo carefully lines up his blade and placing it under the bandits chin and shoves it up through his head exiting though the top of the man's skull right in the center of his crainium. He stands there looking at the man almost nose to nose staring into his eyes seemingly drinking the mans soul through the slightly parted lips. then he removes his blade and allows the now cooling corpse to fall to the ground.

Two of the Bandits, and their leader, now lie in ruins on the ground. One of the remaining two, lies on the ground, feebly trying to escape... the other one still stares off into space... Gee, you'd think it would have noticed something by now...

Once it seems that the tide has turned in favor of the 'good guys', Esperanza charges towards the one trying to escape. She has her rapier drawn by the time she gets to him. She thrusts the pointed weapon into the base of the man's skull, "Try to steal from me, bitch, and I'll take your life." When she retrieves her rapier, 'gray matter' and blood covers her rapier. The bandit will never steal again as his life force fades.

Vashbav moves and swings her sword quickly. Hitting the man on the ground she drops her song, and it will still linger in the air for 10 more rounds. Sneering lightly, vash offers a kiss to the battered man on the ground.

A small whistle is heard from in the bush, and then the bush rustles a bit, and a small gnome on a a saddled boar comes popping out of the bushes with a small smile on her face "If you wants I can ties him up" she says about the guy on the ground.

Nikarn looks around at the fallen, and the one bandit still living. He looks about at the others. "That was to be expected, I suppose...," he says as he leans over to clean his hammer in the snow. "You may gather their belongings, the wicked do not deserve them, and then I will toss the bodies off the road." He looks over as the others begin moving about. "He doesn't look in any state to be leaving... however, I wish to know if he saw the lords carriages pass this way." He frowns, looking at the fading sky. "And if their camp is nearby."

Eochaid bends down and cleans his weapons on the clothes of the dead man in front of him. Once they are clean he sheaths the blade and hangs his mace back onto it's holder. He then turns to the Bandit that remains walking over he pushes him down to the ground putting his weight on the back of one of the mans hands he smiles at the bandit "One would suggest you tell us everything you know or you may start loosing parts." His grin gets wider then there is a flash of metal as a dagger appears in Eo's hand and is stabbed down severing the man's little finger. "Not fast enough" is whispered to the bandit before Eo looks at the group "Does any one have any questions?" he states with a smirk.

Nikarn's brows furrow as Eo starts taking fingers. "Eochaid, I intend to heal him and let him leave after we're finished here. He does not need to die." The Paladin shakes his head and approaches. He then looks down at the whimpering bandit. "Speak quickly, Eochaid does not care for what I have to say, and I would rather send you home to your family than where he would send you."

Vashbav laughs and moves to pat Nikarn's shoulder, "Come, good men should not see what some men must do for information." Pause, "Remember to ask if there is any more merry men around ..." she points out and motions for Nikarn to head away, "Come if you do not see evil you will nto be required to stop it."

The Bandit speaks, and it turns out that they had seen the nobles Carriages. They had managed only to stop a few of the less wealthy merchants, however, since they had less armed guards. Those they had stopped were long dead and their belongings long gone. They had not even wanted to attack the party of adventurers, but it had been several weeks since they had eaten... most of the band of 'merry men' had already deserted, save those five who had attacked them. This is followed by some begging, and whimpering, and the bandit tells where a fire and camp have already been set up, just over the next turn in the road.

Blu'Shim mounts up on to Piggly's saddle and starts off in the direction that the semi fingerless bandit tried to point, "Wait... we are going there right?" she asks as she turns in the saddle to look at the bigguns all around.

Nikarn nods at the end of the bandits little bit, and then leans over. "By Mod's strength, I return yours. Rise and leave, and do not return to these woods, lest we find reason to give you the justice of the axe that has been with held." Nikarn's hand glows over the bandit a moment, and his wounds seem to seal of their own accord, though bright white scars stand where injuries once were.

Eochaid looks down at the man "Look at the little bird singing away." he pats the man on the head "Good little birdie." Then his smile comes back as he leans forward as if to grab the severed finger and in a sudden move he removes the man's thumb as well. "This is to remind you to think twice before attempting to ambush your betters." he then places his hand over the mans mouth staring into his eyes he whispers a prayer healing the flesh so the digits cannot be mended back on.

The Bandit scrambles to his feet and runs.... just before he disappears around the corner, though, he yells, "The Baron will take care of you... The Baron always takes care of everyone..." With that, the thief is gone, clutching at his now knubby hand.

Esperanza furrows her brow, "What do we know about this Baron guy, anyway?" She goes with the others to the camp.

Vashbav shakes her head slowly and looks at the group, "So..." she remarks, "Where do we go first?"

The bandits camp was deserted, hardly anything there worth looking at. There was a fire, and a boar was roasting on a spit, the Bandits obviously expecting to be back soon, but aside from a few old furs and blankets, and a few tightly sealed crates, there was nothing to mention. The next few day lead the group within sight of the village, and high on the mountain behind it, lights gleamed, though what it could be is hard to tell in the twilight. Still, the town is half a days march, and the party made camp once more. The next day, they ventured down to the little village, where they were met with a 'less than warm' welcome...

The village is small and dilapidated. The buildings have obviously stood here for hundreds of years, and while the roofs are in good repair, and the clock tower that is central in the town still shines with polish, the greying wood and blackened stones all show signs of age. Curling smoke puffs from chimneys, but few are those that wander the streets, one or two people, who upon sight of you, quickly hurry away. Theres an old Inn, but a sign on the door reads no vacancy, though surely there are no other visitors than you. Even the stores seem to have closed at an early hour...

Nikarn looks around the village, and then gestures to the Inn. "More than likely there is a tavern, and while they may have no rooms, there is always likely to be someone drinking..." The Paladin starts walking that way, even as what few villagers were on the streets start disappearing. The big man frowns, but says nothing, continuing his way towards the Inn.

Eochaid looks around the town "Shall we head to the Inn and mayhaps convince the Inn keeper to spare us some sleeping quarters?"

Vashbav thinks for a moment and nods, "True." She remarks and moves to head into the Inn slowly. She doesn't seem to mind everyone running away.

Blu'Shim and Piggly trot happily behind Vashbav the lovely Half Orc bardess slash bad ass swordsgirl. She just looks about the village keeping an eye out for anything else odd.

Esperanza looks around the town, frowning a little at the treatment that the town is giving them. She sighs quietly, "I get the feeling that we shouldn't trouble these people."

Eochaid shrugs and walks over to the Inn's entrance stopping for a moment to look back at the group before opening the door to walk in.

As they head to the tavern Blu'Shim keeps an eye out as always, she gets a small frown on her inquistive little face "Anyone else notices how everyone is staring at us from all their windows and stuff?" she asks in a whispered voice.

Nikarn glances about, and then shrugs, following Eochaid inside the Inn, and seeming not to care what the other townsfolk are doing.

Inside the Inn, there is indeed a few people drinking. Though, when they see the adventurers, they all get real quiet... and then one old man stands up, "You shouldn't be here. You need to leave, leave before nightfall. Go on, get out of town!" The man is obviously drunk, but right after the last statement the others in the Inn take up, some getting to their feet as well. "Go on, get!"

Esperanza nods to the gnome with a sigh, "Yea, I have and I don't like it." She shakes her head, "But, I don't think it's their fault. I think they're tired of seeing 'newcomers'. You know, keeping them detached."

Nikarn stops, and raises a hand. "I am a Paladin of Mod, from the city of Vintermor. I come seeking the nobles and merchants who came to visit the Baron." He gives the man who started the yelling a hard look.

The whole room goes quiet in an instant, and the old man crosses his arms. "You need to get out of town, we ain't seen no lords or ladies, or merchants, or what have you..."

Blu'Shim steps inside and furrows her brows as she puffs out her chest and stares at the chanting people "Yeah! What he said! Well except I'm not a paladin of Mod or anything" she tries to look intimidating.

Eochaid leans against the wall watching the events unfold, suddenly there is a dagger in one hand that he uses to clean the fingernails of the other hand. "One does not see how this fine establishment stays open if it does not have room for travelers." He looks over to the Inn keeper "One would at least like a meal before having to head out into the cold again," he then smiles putting the dagger away.

Vashbav moves to head through the Inn. Ignoring the others she slaps the bar suddenly and orders out, "SILENCE." she looks at each of the Villagers, "I assure you, anything out there, is not has bad as what is in here, Now." Vash bav motions through the bar to several carrages out back. Far beyond what a villager could handle, "Who owns those. And where are they?"

Esperanza sighs quietly, "Can we please leave, so we stop bothering these people? We shouldn't force ourselves on these good village people. If they don't want us here, then that's fine. They're probably doing this to protect themselves and their possessions. C'mon... we can make camp somewhere else."

Nikarn nods, it seems he was about to say something about the carriages as well. "Yes, where are the owners of the carriages? I recognize the symbols on a few of them, and you are lying." The paladin fingers the edge of his axe. "I do not think that you would like me to bring justice upon you."

The old man looks out the window, and then looks slightly scared. "Look, if you want to know anything, go see the Baron in the castle. He doesn't rise until the evening, so you have to wait til then..." He glances at the window, "If you start now, you might be able to get there by dusk... Thats all I'll say, and if he asks, you didn't hear anything from us." The old man turns his back on the crew, and goes back to his drink, others in the room begin murmuring quietly, and a few leave the bar out the back door.

Blu'Shim waves her hands at the crowd "Bah" she says as she turns around and heads out of the tavern.

Vashbav grumbles and spits on the ground, "Fucking undead." she remarks as she moves to head out, "Two coppers says this guy is a vampire." she remarks on her way out, not caring if the villages hear or not.

Esperanza turns and leaves, as this is her original intent anyway. She makes sure to stay with her 'designated' group.

Eochaid shrugs and follows Vashbav out, it matters not to him what the guy is since he will soon be dead.

Nikarn shakes his head, and heads out the door as well. "Lets go to the castle then. We need to speak to this Baron." The paladin looks up the mountain, and shakes his head. Adjusting his satchel and weapons, he starts heading down the road.

The Castle looms high above you atop a butte, this steep road wending its way up the sheer cliffsides to the gates. It is obvious that this road has not been traveled recently. The path is long, and takes most of the day.... Twilight has settled, and the gates appear ominous, though they stand wide as if to invite people in. The castle itself is tall, seeming to rise like a single tower into the night, though parapets stand out from the main keep like jagged spikes. Lights gleam as the darkness settle, though from very few of the windows, and dark shapes seem to be watching from them....

Vashbav frowns as she looks up at the castle and sighs, "Soo..." she looks back at the group. "Who goes first?"

The party heads up the road, and it seems to take them quite some time. Though it may only be a short distance from the bottom to the top as a crow flies, the road that wends its way back and forth across the cliff face takes a good while to hike, though its much easier than trying to scale the sheer face of the cliff.

Blu'Shim rides along on Piggly's back, as they get closer she leans over in the saddle "Now when we get up there I want you to wait for me, I want you to hide outside and don't come out til you hear my whistle" she says quietly in the boars ear. She then looks up to the Rose "Mod's Paladin should" she says and then chuckles.

Nikarn glances over his shoulder at the others, and then shrugs, and heads for the door of the castle. "It will be my pleasure...." he says and starts walking across the courtyard from the gate.

Eochaid is there... somewhere.

Blu'Shim dismounts from the boar and tells him again to go hide before taking to the shadows and long grass to hide as they follow the Mod Pallie to the castle.

Esperanza looks up at the castle in awe, frowning a little at the eerie feeling that surrounds the building. She hangs back a little, allowing those better suited to go tromping into castles to go first.

From her hiding spot Blu'Shim looks up and sees the two figures walking down the wall towards the ground. She looks around and sees that Esperanza is standing nearby. "Psst, Esper" she says quietly "Hide for now, there's someone coming" she hopes the woman hears her before quietly moving to get closer without alerting them.

Vashbav blinks at the sight of what she sees. Two people walking up the wall. She looks around and moves to hide quickly.

Esperanza looks around with some confusion, but then quickly goes to find some place to hide. She locates a niche or some kind of bushes that will hide her presence. Fortunately, there are shadows and other things about to help with hiding.

Eochaid moves away from the group his rapier is readied in one hand and the mace in another he circles around to move into a good spot to attack. He is moving as silently as time and leaving less of a trace of where he is then a melting snowflake.

Nikarn stands there, watching as people start acting strange, and starts looking about, though he doesn't make a move to hide. He scratches his head, and squints upwards, though seeing nothing shrugs and continues towards the door.

"Ah, how delightful!" A woman's voice calls down from above. "Do you see, Lord Perrvak, we have guests!" She does indeed sound quite pleased.

"Why yes, I see them now, Baronness!" The man's voice is deep and clear, and he also sounds 'quite' delighted. "Do you think they would care to join us for a cup of tea? It is getting on in the hour, and the Baron should be rising shortly... it would be a pity if he found they were here before we had a chance to meet with them."

The woman laughs. "Quite! He has turned into a rather bore, hasn't he?" The two continue down the wall, nearing the ground now. "OH! Do stop your hiding, I see you all there. Just come out. I promise I won't bite... yet."

As the two come down the wall, the take a step off, bending in an odd way as they change from walking down the wall to standing on the ground....

Blu'Shim doesn't move a muscle, she stays right in her comfy hiding spot.

Vashbav rushes forward suddenly from her hiding spot and swings her short sword. Knocking the woman back a step the half orc snarls out almost daring her to attack back.

The baronness, outraged, screams in a high pitched voice and leaps forward at Vashbav, her claws protruding and gleaming from her fingers. Vashbav probably has no idea what hit her, it happened so quickly, and while wounds appear on her, it is not the bloody cuts that really count, its the faint glow as energy leaves the Half-Orc's body and enters the Baronness's.

Eochaid moves around further to get into an attack position, no one can see him but all know he is out there somewhere.

Lord Perrvak watches as the new 'Hostile' visitors attack his beloved Barronness, and he cries, "We would have helped you end him, but now we will feed you to our Lord Baron!" With that, he charges Nikarn with amazing speed, and swings, but Nikarn stepped out of the way just as the Vampire rushes passed.

Vashbav growls and swings her weapon again, hitting the creature rather good, the half orc mutters, "Why won't you die again..." she screams to the creature. "Nik...Turn em..."

Blu'Shim sees the vampiress attack Vash and pulls out her cross bow, after loading a bolt she aims it at the woman, the wind catches the bolt a bit and it flies just wide of the woman. She doesn't even seem to notice the bolt go past her. The poor gnomish woman shakes her head lightly as she moves to get a bit closer but stays well hidden behind some brush.

Esperanza steps out, placing her hands upon her cheeks, cupping her mouth. She takes a deep breath and then exhales, releasing a perfect high C note that would break glass. Disruptions in the air emanate from the Melorian and travel towards the Baroness. The 'wind' rips through the air, causing a little bit of harm to the undead woman. More importantly, she finds herself stumbling and stunned.

Nikarn turns as the Lord Perrvak passes him, raising his hammer and smashing it down on the bastard vampire. As Vashbav calls out, he takes pause however... "That sounds like a wise call," he says, though he scrinches his eyes at the vampiric beast.

The Barronness seems about to attack again, but then Esper's stunning voice comes in and knocks her senseless for the time being.

Eochaid steps out of concealment behind the baroness striking her twice the rapier impaling her then the mace swining in with bone crunching accuracy she slumps on his blade for a moment then suddenly turns to a cloud of gas moving away from the battle ground.

The Lord Perrvak, getting slammed in the back by Nikarn's hammer, turns around quickly and attempts to attack the shining Paladin once more. But to no avail, and actually trips over Nikarn's boot, landing solidly on his stomach in the dust with a groan.

Just as the lord starts to fall Blu'Shim springs out of the bushes "Sneak Attack Bitch!" she yells as she almost jumps over him not realizing he was falling, her rapier comes down and slices off his earlobe, not the whole ear, just the earlobe. "Ok so I know that I can't sneak up on you but it's still fun to say" she says to the vampire on the ground.

Vashbav swings her sword around before bringing it right down on the Lord's head. Slamming into it, the creature vaporizes into a cloud of gas before Vash straightens up, uncertain if he is dead again or not.

Blu'Shim groans "Hey you got some of that undead dust on my dress" she says to Vash, as she pats the dress trying to get it out of her skirts "Oh wait that was more of a gaseous state rather then dust eh" she says with a cute grin up to Vash.

As the two vampires vaporize, their smoke remains seem to hover in the air a moment, and then they woosh into the doors of the castle. It would seem that they were dead, but those gassy clouds seemed quite intent on getting inside, especially since the wind was blowing the opposite direction....

Vashbav looks around, "They are leading the way..." she offers to the group and motions in.

Nikarn frowns, looking at his hammer a moment, and then swinging it lightly. "Lets get inside, and find this Baron... I'm sure those two were just his servants." Esperanza raises an eyebrow, "You want to engage all three... at once?" She exhales softly, "'k. Just make sure there's an escape route available."

Vashbav chuckles, "Yeah..." she points out, "What was your first clue..." she remarks. "I think we just killed the other two..." she points out.

Blu'Shim watches the gases "If we killed them then why did they just fly up there against the wind with what looks like a purpose?" she sounds a bit nervous.

Eochaid wipes any undead residue off of his blade and turns to enter the building following the lead of the gas clouds.

Nikarn frowns. "It is evident that the merchants and the nobles will not be returning, now. There is only one thing left for us to do, and that is claim justice upon the head of the Baron." With that, he turns and heads inside, following Eochaid.

Esperanza sighs quietly, looking to the other women that are here. "Is it me, or is it some kind of macho thing that makes them insist on going /inside/ the Baron's home to fight him?" She shrugs and waits to see what the others are doing before finally going in.

The hallowed halls of this dark and evil place are ridden with dust and cobwebs. A few flickering candles light the main passage way, and while many passages lead off from it, it is obvious that only one path through the dark and evil place could be welcomed. The voices of the damned can be heard, moaning and gurgling, screaming in pain down many of the other corridors, yet this singular lit hallway leads straight to a set of double doors, which stand wide. Just beyond these doors is a grand chamber, a courtroom that once must have been splendor itself, but now the golden candelaubrum that hang from the walls, and the chandelier that swings quietly from the cieling are long tarnished and stained, pools of waxe mounded high beneath them. Dust and cobwebs cover the walls, and rats scurry about the place. The red rug leading to the throne is moth-eaten and bare. Sitting in the middle of the room, on a pedestal, is a throne, and just behind it a black as night Coffin.

Vashbav looks at Esperanza and shrugs, "Its a Vampire." she remarks, "They can't be allowed to live, No one is telling you, that you must stay." she remarks and heads in.

Blu'Shim grabs onto the back of Vashbav's cloak and climbs up the back of it "Hope you don't mind but I'll get in there faster with your help" she says hanging onto the half orcs shoulders as the bardess walks inside.

Vashbav looks back at Blu and reaches back to put her on her shoulders fully if she wants, "I don't mind," she remarks, "Just know...ya might get hurt."

Eochaid moves through the door on silent steps, lifting his hood over his head he seems to blend in with the darkness and is soon lost to sight as the groop moves through these unhallowed halls.

Esperanza follows the others into the castle, though she's the last to enter. She's shaking her head as she looks around with that bit of fear in her. She bites her lip, trying to look into the shadows and wherever else for little surprises that might be waiting.

As they get into the room where the coffin is Blu'Shim figures that she won't need a ride anymore and half slides half jumps of Vash's shoulder "Thank you" she whispers to the half orc and disappears to find a hiding spot she can jump from later.

Nikarn frowns, listening to the wails and the cries. He does not stop, however, and moves forward with a purpose. He knows what he wants, he can almost sense it... and so he does not hesitate a moment. That is, until he steps through the doors of the main courtroom.

Upon entering the grand courtroom, it seems there is nothing there, and so you may debate searching out the rest of the castle. But then, the door to the coffin swings wide, and a man of immense stature, garbed completely in black, rises out of the coffin and floats a moment in mid-air. Then, as if well-practiced, he floats over the top of the throne, and comes to rest sitting in it. "So, I sense that you have caused some trouble for my wife and the Lord Perrvak. I would almost be pleased, if I did not know you have come to cause me the same trouble." He gestures towards the doors behind the group, and they slam shut. "You see, its quite amusing, for I will still have to deal with them later, and punish them for their failure.... But, they have been having a tryst behind my back, and so the pain you caused them, though temporary, is most pleasing to me." The man rises to his feet, standing in front of his throne. "What? Surprised? Did you not know you had to destroy a vampire's coffin to truly destroy him? Not that it matters that I am telling you this... You'll be dead shortly." With that, he draws his sword and leaps at the party.

The Baron jumps forward, and swings his sword down upon the Paladin, who is standing in the front of the group. Nikarn, however, must have been waiting, and raised his shield just in time to avoid the swing, though the Paladin is almost knocked to the ground with the force of the swing...

Nikarn leaps back as the Baron moves to attack, and raising his hammer, attempts to hit the vampire. However, he is too slow, and the blade-wielding ancient easily steps aside from his attack.

The Baron, taking his chance, swings once more at Nikarn, but the Paladins forward motion somehow manages to glance the blade to the side, doing no damage to the Paladin.

From a spot just to the side of the coffin and throne a small glass bottle is thrown, it hits the Barons throne and with a crunch of breaking glass the throne explodes into flames. "Shit" a small voice can be heard saying quietly, sounds a little like Blu'Shim's voice.

Eochaid steps out of his concealment to attack the new threat, he moves into a flanking position with Nikarn stabing forward with the rapier he does some damage. following up with the light mace he may have done some more damage or he may not he wasn't paying attention to anything more then the dance of death he moves to.

Vashbav breaks out into a run and starts to sing while doing it also. Man there is just something about some Bards, She is able to easily hold up the song and lend her bardic abilities to the tune, Hopefully inspiring the others to fight better.

Esperanza decides that it's best to stay with what's tried and true. She cups her hands around her mouth in order to amplify her high pitch C note. The perfect note could shatter glass as distortions in the air emanate from her lips. The ripples in the air strike the vampiric Baron. The loud noise, the disruption in the air, and the fact that bits of his undead flesh rip clean, the Baron finds himself stunned.

Nikarn drops his shield and his mace, and draws forth his battleaxe. "In the name of Mod, I cast the down, into the darkness from which thee were risen!" He calls out, and the axe seems to glow with holy light. The Baron just stands there, though, nothing happening... It seems Nikarn could not turn him.

The Baron just stands there, looking like he's not quite sure whats going on...

Blu'Shim lobs another bottle of Alchemists fire at the coffin, swish nothing but air as it lands into the coffin, it does what it's supposed to and lights the coffin up in flames, but doesn't seem to be damaging it.

Eochaid connects another couple times hurting it again this time enough that the big bad baron is starting to show the pain, slowly but surely Eochaid will add another vampire to his kill list.

Vashbav stops her moving at the sight of the flames, she doesn't stop her singing as she turns and swings at the vampire quickly. Her sword connects smacking into the creature and sending him into a plume of smoke.

The Vampire's body turns into a plume of smoke, and begins heading towards the coffin... The Flames which seemed to have little affect on the wooden box, now start to lick high, and black smoke starts rising from it. As the vampires last form attempts to enter the Coffin, theres a wail of pain and fear... Soon all that can burn in the court has caught fire, and while the walls and building are made of ancient stone and will likely not burn, the flames envelope the room, and destroy all that was once the Baron....