Session 104

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This session was played on March 8, 2019.

## Meeting Gayle

5:51 PM] DM: When Ryleigh slips out from the rest of the group, leaving them at the Green Paladin's Fire, she heads to the part of town where the Whispers cell was located last time she traveled through here. She follows the signs and finds herself at a door in an alley behind a tailor's shop.

[5:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh knocks at the door.

[5:55 PM] DM: A halfling opens the door, scissors in hand. "Eh?"

[5:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Good evening," Ryleigh says, showing the back of her shield to the tailor.

[5:57 PM] DM: "Another one?" He steps back and tilts his head for her to follow, then leads her to a trap door behind some mannequins.

[5:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There's someone else here?" Ryleigh asks, following him.

[5:58 PM] DM: "Eh?" He puts his hand to his ear to hear her better.

[5:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh smiles, raising her voice. "There's another one of us here?"

[6:01 PM] DM: "What? No, there's another visitor. Go on, now."

[6:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She walks down the trapdoor without further questioning.

[6:05 PM] DM: Heading downstairs, she sees two women chatting at a table. One looks like a human with a touch of feline heritage, not quite tabaxi, but furry with sharp teeth and claws. The other looks like a very pale human, paler even than Ryleigh.

[6:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Hello," Ryleigh says to the two women.

[6:07 PM] DM: The feline woman narrows her eyes. "Not often we have two visitors in one day. Welcome to Aston. Name's Blossom."

[6:10 PM] Gayle Silbando: The other woman sitting across from Blossom also turns to the new visitor and gives her a head nod in greeting. "Gayle. Nice to meet you." She has a very pale complexion in contrast to being clad in dark clothing, dark hair, and gloves, and a hooded robe which is currently hanging on the back of her chair.

[6:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Yes, that's what the tailor said upstairs. I'm sorry for any... inconvenience. I'm Ryleigh and I've been following the Moonborn rumors - all the way from Riverrun."

[6:15 PM] DM: Blossom: "That's pretty far away for rumor chasing."

[6:19 PM] Gayle Silbando: "That is pretty far from here. Blossom and I were just talking about any new information she has heard about the disappearances and atrocities as of late."

[6:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It is," Ryleigh admits. "But if the Moonborn is alive, we'll need to know in Riverrun, it'd be possibly game changing news." She takes a seat. "That's actually why I'm here. I was hoping to get more information before heading to Kenbow."

[6:24 PM] DM: Blossom sighs heavily like she's annoyed at having to repeat herself. "Like I was just saying, Onyesha was from here in Aston. Laborer. Last time she was seen was on the 11th. The 'investigation' was about as useful as you'd expect."

[6:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "But a body hasn't turned up yet?"

[6:27 PM] DM: "No."

[6:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: "As usual, investigation was stopped and swept under the rug like the others. No justice," she shakes her head. "I heard wind of Kenbow myself, but I've been told it's dangerous getting there for...some," she hesitates on the last word.

[6:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Wait... what do you mean its dangerous to get to Kenbow?" Ryleigh raises an eyebrow.

[6:33 PM] DM: Blossom chuckles. "Maybe not for you. Though the Fytulk is always looking for stragglers if you're not wary. One of mine has been talking about grey cloaks fluttering at the edges of his vision, not to mention the reds patrolling the roads."

[6:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods. "There aren't a lot of places someone like me can't go in Ascus." She pauses for a moment then says, "Are the guards patrolling for the Moonborn, or another reason? And what do you mean by the 'grey cloaks'?"

[6:39 PM] DM: Blossom: "There's always guards on the roads between the human settlements. 'Keeping the way safe for travelers.' But I'd bet my toeclaws that they're looking for her. If they found her, they'd probably take her straight to Thista."

[6:41 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle scoffs. "Safety, right."

[6:41 PM] DM: Blossom: "One of my associates, one who keeps his eyes on the streets, was talking about someone in a grey cloak around town, talking to people, but that he swore he saw others in the same colors flitting across rooftops and through alleys faster than he could track. Probably just nerves, though. He's kinda new to the job."

[6:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do..." Ryleigh hesitates "...what would Whispers do if the Moonborn is found by one of us?"

[6:44 PM] DM: Blossom thinks for a second then shrugs. "Guess it depends on who found her. We aren't exactly a hive mind. We all barely know a handful of others. I haven't gotten any word from my contact about guidance. I'd guess we're all just to do whatever we think is right."

[6:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I didn't know if there was some larger plan."

[6:50 PM] Gayle Silbando: "If Whispers found the Moonborn, she has the power to change a lot of things here. We want to protect her."

[6:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh rolls her eyes and doesn't bother to hide it.

[6:52 PM] Gayle Silbando: "But as far as an official plan goes, I don't know if there is one. When you mentioned Riverrun, what kind of changes are they looking for if the Moonborn is found?" she asks Ryleigh.

[6:57 PM] Gayle Silbando: "If you don't mind me asking," she adds. "Sorry for asking so many questions," she turns to Blossom.

[6:58 PM] DM: Blossom shrugs.

[6:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "The Moonborn's power comes from their legacy - destined to change Vyon, prophesied to be more than just a figure head. Whoever they are, they're giving people hope and in a place like this, that's dangerous. If anything, they'd be indebted to Whispers for the rescue from Ascus."

[6:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Riverrun, for the most part, doesn't expect any kind of changes."

[7:05 PM] Gayle Silbando: She nods in understanding. "I'm following the rumors myself, so Kenbow is my next destination as well but people out there don't like it when too many questions are asked so it's taken longer than usual to travel."

[7:06 PM] DM: Blossom: "It's kind of our job to ask questions. Just not to the point of irritation... unless necessary."

[7:09 PM] Gayle Silbando: She smiles. "I might be asking the wrong people then."

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "There are benefits of looking the way I do and being who I am," Ryleigh says. "Sometimes the guards don't realize they're oversharing until the information is already mine."

[7:12 PM] DM: Blossom: "Somehow I doubt it's just a costume."

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's expression stays carefully neutral. "I'm not the enemy, and whether you think I'm one of them posing as a double agent doesn't matter. I'm here to help, and I am a Whispers."

[7:20 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Speaking of costumes, sometimes I can get by, but if they stare too long, they start asking their own questions." She pulls her hair back to reveal a wig covering bright blue shoulder-length hair. "I know wouldn't be here unless you also wanted to help, there's no question in that."

[7:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Looking away from Blossom and at Gayle, Ryleigh says, "My group and I are heading to Kenbow tomorrow. If you'd like to travel with us, you'd be welcome to. Two minds are better than one in this instance."

[7:26 PM] Gayle Silbando: She pauses for a moment. "If you don't mind," she looks at Ryleigh. "That sounds like a much safer option than trying to do this by myself. I am glad you're not also traveling alone on this journey. Are you all planning on taking the roads leading to Kenbow, or do you think there is another way?"

[7:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Is there another way? Because until 10 minutes ago, I didn't know there were any problems traveling to Kenbow."

[7:30 PM] DM: Blossom: "You probably won't find any more trouble on the roads than you did coming down from Riverrun or from Arolis. There are parts where the Fytulk gets angry, but stay out of the woods and you should be fine."

[7:31 PM] Gayle Silbando: She nods. "I just thought with the plague rumors, the guards would be more hesitant about letting people in and out."

[7:32 PM] DM: Blossom shrugs. "Maybe. I don't know. We don't have any cells down that road, so I haven't heard anything."

[7:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We're leaving at dawn from the Green Paladin's Fire," Ryleigh says to Gayle.

[7:35 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I will be there. Are you and your group all here for work outside of the Moonborn? And all...armor-clad?"

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh half chuckles. "No, we all aren't 'armor-clad' and they're here because I asked them to be."

[7:46 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I respect that. And it sounds like you have a good group on your hands."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "They're a bunch of idiots who are constantly getting into trouble, but they're loyal and I care for them."

[7:51 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle can't help but laugh at that description. "Well, Ryleigh, I really can't thank you enough for allowing me to travel with you and your group tomorrow. Safety in numbers." She sticks her arm out to be shook.

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stands from the table and takes Gayle's arm. "I'll see you at dawn, Gayle."

[7:57 PM] Gayle Silbando: She firmly grasps Ryleigh's arm back as well. "And thank you as well, Blossom. Step in silence."

[7:58 PM] DM: Blossom nods at Gayle.

[7:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She walks back towards the trapdoor, but before she reaches it, Ryleigh turns around and says to Blossom, "I'm sorry for what people who look like me have done to you. You have every right to doubt my motives, but its unfounded." And she leaves.

[8:01 PM] DM: After Ryleigh leaves, Blossom turns to Gayle. "You still need a bed?"

[8:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle clears her throat and nods. "Yes please. Just for the night."

[8:03 PM] DM: She nods and stands to show Gayle to a small room with a couple beds that are little more than cots. She pauses for a moment, then says, "Keep your wits about you. You never know what- or who- to trust."

[8:07 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Thank you," she stands at the doorway. "Do you think I was too trusting? She is a whispers after all. But I know to be careful once I'm back on the road."

[8:13 PM] DM: She shrugs. "It's your life. Just remember Astens are not your friends and what we do is treason. She could easily turn us in and suffer nothing. Maybe she's being honest. Maybe they're different in Vyon... but I'm not comfortable risking my fur to find out."

[8:18 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I guess I'll find out tomorrow. At least I'll have my ways just in case I stick out like a sore thumb with her group, but it's a risk I'll take for us, and for the Moonborn. Thank you again for the place to rest."

[8:22 PM] DM: She nods and leaves Gayle to her rest.

## Ryleigh at the Temple

Ryleigh's holding her sending stone in hand when she hears Urrak's voice, loud and belligerent. When she opens the door to her room, she sees Urrak poking at a red-clad guard. Before Ryleigh can even move, the guard draws his blade and runs it straight through Urrak. Her body falls to the ground, limp and lifeless, and he picks her up and throws her onto a cart with the bodies of several others. Ryleigh's feet pull her forward until she can see that the others bear faces she knows- Kizer. Brimeia. Avery. Gunnloda.

She hears a cry, "*Homashoc*!"

When she turns, there's a pink tiefling in a cage being pulled away by horse. *Clemency,* Ry thinks, but as she gives chase, she realizes the horns are too big, too wild. Seirixori's form shifts into bear, dinosaur, kitten, but no matter what she does, she becomes a tiefling again immediately, unable to maintain her transformations.

Ryleigh's feet are frozen in place, unable to move as she's taken away, until she hears another voice. "I got her, Your Radiance! The Moonborn."

A man in red and gold bearing the symbol of Asten kneels over the body of a woman in blue robes. Tilman steps forward. "Let's see it then."

He kicks at her body and she rolls, lifeless, onto her back. Her arm flops out, revealing dark leather bracers with a stone embedded on the wrist. The guard moves and Ryleigh can see Rukiya's familiar curls and her normally warm brown eyes are open, blank, cold.

Ryleigh wakes screaming.

10:00 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Covered in sweat and breathing like she's run a great distance, Ryleigh sits bolt upright in her bed. She shakily gets to her feet, quickly apologizing to whoever's in the room with her. Staring at her armor, Ryleigh worries her lip. She decides to take the time to put it on, tucking the sending stone pouch down the front and attaching Dawnbringer at her waist. Ryleigh slips out of the room, exits the inn, and heads towards the brazier with the everlasting flame.

[10:11 PM] DM: It's late, the streets are mostly empty, and in no time, she's climbing the steps to a temple she hasn't seen since she made her way to Riverrun. The huge brazier sits atop a tower at the center of the temple, but there's a column of fire that travels upwards through the center of the temple to it, lighting the entire space  and the lower, interior levels from within. The few columns and archways cast stark shadows that cross over Ryleigh's eyes as she enters. The flame itself doesn't hold any heat. It's not uncomfortable to stand in its presence, even at its edge. It is not even bright enough to hurt the eyes of one who stares.

The temple itself is also largely empty, at least the upper, public portion of it. Ryleigh knows there are places within where those who serve Asten sleep, serve, eat, but this upper space is for prayer, seeking Asten's presence beneath the open sky. There are benches, seats, pillows set out in different places for different purposes as well as a series of pews facing a podium for structured sermons.

[10:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh scans the area one more time, her nightmare having put her on edge. Satisfied that there's no immediate threat, she takes a seat on one of the benches and buries her face in her hands. After a few minutes of steady breathing, Ryleigh starts to sing a slow, mournful song. It speaks primarily of loss and is laced with pain. At parts, her voice breaks and by the end, there's silent tears streaming down her cheeks.

[10:33 PM] DM: A woman's voice, soft and unsure, comes from in front of Ry. "The darkness is only temporary. The sun will rise again, and his Light will always burn within you."

If she looks up, she'd see a human woman in white Asten robes, her blonde hair braided around her head like Lydia's. Her hands are holding one another at her waist like she's not sure if Ryleigh wants to talk or not.

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh huffs, the sound caught between a disbelieving and expectant laugh. "The darkness is only temporary for people like you, but for people like me its a constant fight."

[10:44 PM] DM: The corner of her mouth quirks up. "We all have darkness within us. It is what makes his Light so much more important and one day, the Light will extinguish the dark and we will be called to the Radiant Meadows where shadows cannot touch us." She gestures to the bench across from Ryleigh. "May I?"

[10:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sure," Ryleigh says, carefully keeping her expression neutral.

[10:50 PM] DM: She sits on the bench in front of Ryleigh, facing her, but it's far enough away that she's not intruding on Ry's personal space. "People don't often seek his comfort in the middle of the night without cause. Do you seek assistance?"

[10:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I'm not entirely sure why I'm here," Ryleigh admits quietly. "Which means... I'm not entirely sure you can assist me."

[11:01 PM] DM: "Lost souls often follow the Light here, like moths to a flame, sailors to shore... are you lost?"

[11:03 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at the woman. "I'm a paladin of Asten, how could I possibly be lost?"

[11:06 PM] DM: "Paladins are not immune to despair of purpose. In my experience, they suffer greatly, especially when they are unsure of the path ahead. You may know where your feet stand, but it does not always mean you know where you are going."

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Tell me," Ryleigh says, gesturing for the other woman to give her name.

[11:09 PM] DM: "Lisbet."

[11:11 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Lisbet... Asten is the god of truth and freedom, yes?"

[11:11 PM] DM: "Among other things, yes."

[11:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: A small smile tugs at Ryleigh's lips, but it vanishes almost a quickly as it appeared. "I've met plenty of Astens in my travels, and many... they believe in another version of him. A version different from my own. Asten gave me power, so I know I’m worthy… but there are a lot of people in Ascus that I wouldn’t deem worthy and Asten gave them power too. So which version of him is true?"

[11:37 PM] DM: She's quiet for just a few seconds before she speaks. "Both. All. The Lord of Light is a powerful god with many domains, many purposes. Is it not possible that he might empower different people for different purposes? Perhaps your purpose is simply different from the others. I have seen people blossom under his watchful care, growing into a person worthy of his glory. When we see another with his symbol, we do not know their purpose, their struggle, or their distance along the path to their truth... only that he has seen something of value within them." She smiles a bit. "Surely you must understand, being dressed as you are, that what we see is not always what is within."

[11:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "And what makes you think this armor doesn't represent me? I am not Asten's gentle caress, I am His vengeance."

[11:53 PM] DM: Her smile is soft and in this moment, she looks at Ryleigh with an almost maternal look, her eyes belying her youthful appearance. "You wear our Lord's symbol upon your back like a burden while you wrap yourself in the shadows he douses. You talk about fighting the darkness, but wear it like a blanket to comfort you in the night. Have faith... in him and his plans for you."

[12:00 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh audibly swallows, she looks torn between wanting to end the conversation and wanting to respond. After a few moments, she looks away from Lisbet and mumbles, "But... what if what I believe is wrong."

[12:06 AM] DM: "Follow his illuminated texts. Pray for understanding. Let the Light guide you. He will help you fulfill your purpose."

[12:13 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Thank you..." Ryleigh says, still sounding a little lost, but making sure this woman knows her guidance isn't inadequate.

[12:17 AM] DM: "You're welcome, 'Paladin of Asten'. Perhaps next time we meet, it will be under his gaze, free of shadow." She stands, pausing for a moment as if to ask if there was anything else she needed.

[12:22 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "My name is Ryleigh. Ryleigh Alastair," she offers as a parting thank you.

[12:22 AM] DM: "I'll leave you to your thoughts, Ryleigh, but I will include you in my prayers." She tilts her head in a bow and leaves Ry sitting there.

[12:29 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: Sit there she does. Minutes pass, possibly hours, but Ryleigh's not caught up in the time. As the silence around her grows too loud, she sings to fill the void, and when that doesn't work... she stands and walks to a more secluded section. It's a balcony of sorts and provides a view of the city. Ryleigh leans against the railing and takes a deep breath.

[11:42 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Asten... I don't know if you're there, but if you are..."  Ryleigh groans, her brows furrowing in mild frustration. "This is stupid," she mumbles to herself, her frustration mixing with anger. "You're a god... a god, so how can you stand by and let Ascus be like this?" Her tone turns accusatory. "The King, the guards, the people who make Ascus a place of terror and suffering - they all claim your name while they oppress the people here. And you don't stop it, you stand by and do nothing!" She slams her hand down on the railing, tears building in her eyes. "I don't know how to change things here and every time I try - I fail, but I'm only human... You're a god and where are you?!" Ryleigh's breathing heavy, tears falling down her cheeks.

[11:50 AM] DM: There's no response.

[11:54 AM] Ryleigh Alastair: She waits several minutes, the silence continuing to grow. When nothing happens, she closes her eyes and lets herself cry. Eventually, she mumbles to the night, "This place took everything from me once... and I won't let it take any more - with, or without your help."

## Leaving Aston

**18 Takaramont 3Y20**

**Green Paladin's Fire, Aston, Ascus**

**Too Damn Early in the Morning**

[6:59 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh walks from room to room, knocking on doors and listening to make sure that someone within the room is moving around. She hovers in the hallway long enough to knock at the doors again. "Get up, we need to head out. Don't dawdle downstairs, get food to go if you need to. I'll be outside."

[7:05 PM] Urrak: Urrak stirs, "Ryleigh? What in th'..." She gets up, dressed and grabs her things, walking outside as quickly as possible. "Ryleigh? What the hells? Where'd ye go last night?"

[7:06 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I went to the temple," Ryleigh responds, checking her saddle, tightening parts here and there.

[7:07 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle is outside of the Green Paladin's Fire, slicing and eating apple with her dagger and leaning against a tree, and waiting for Ryleigh. She is currently wearing the same clothes she had on the night before, but this time wearing the hooded robe.

[7:07 PM] DM: Seir and Gunnloda show up, but Seir's still barely conscious. Dressed, at least.

[7:07 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh waves Gayle over.

[7:08 PM] DM: The rest of you, as you exit the inn, see what appears to be a very, very pale human woman in a hooded cloak with dark hair.

[7:08 PM] Urrak: "In th' middle o' th' night? Somethin' happen?" Urrak adjusts her pack so it's tight on her back. "Y'know what? Nevermind." she waves a hand in front of her.

[7:08 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle does the nod after she catches Ryleigh's eye and packs her things away. She walks towards the group.

[7:09 PM] Sariel: Sariel quirks an eyebrow at the newcomer.

[7:10 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Everyone, this is Gayle. She'll be traveling with us to Kenbow." Ryleigh swings her leg onto Adventure, mounting her horse.

[7:11 PM] Sariel: "Pleasure to meet you, Gayle. Captain Sariel Tzavaras." Sariel extends a hand for handshake.

[7:13 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Hello, Captain." Gayle reaches out and shakes her hand. "Thank you for letting me travel with you. Ryleigh has spoken highly of your group." She goes around and shakes everyone's hands as well.

[7:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh offers her hand to Seir, to pull her up onto Adventure as the others speak.

[7:16 PM] DM: Seir takes her hand and leans into Ryleigh, still half-asleep.

[7:15 PM] Urrak: Urrak eyes the newcomer. "Well met, Gayle. Urrak, of th' D'Akshi Stronghold," she also holds out a hand, "I'm a little surprised that she spoke s'highly of us. But it's good t' hear."

[7:16 PM] DM: Gunnloda climbs into the cart.

[7:15 PM] Sariel: Sariel smiles, "So where did Ryleigh pick you up from?"

[7:17 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We can chat on the way," Ryleigh says to the group. "Gayle you're welcome to ride in the cart or... if you have other means of transportation, feel free to use that."

[7:19 PM] Gayle Silbando: "She overheard me asking for directions when I was getting lost on the way to Kenbow, and offered a ride over. I'm terrible at directions," she looks over to Ryleigh while getting into the cart.

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "A lady in need." Ryleigh winks at Gayle.

[7:20 PM] Brimeia: "Well, you know I'm always ready to help a lady in need."

[7:25 PM] Sariel: "I usually let the stars guide me where I need to go."

[7:23 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I'll keep that in mind, but I think I might be able to handle most things," she winks at Brimeia.

[7:26 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grins and shrugs. "I'm sure you can. A hand now and then can't hurt though."

[7:19 PM] Sariel: As Sariel's getting in the cart, "What's the rush?"

[7:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "We have a long trip, and I'd like to get started. That's all."

[7:21 PM] Urrak: Urrak pats the horses noses before taking up her position at the front of the cart. She rolls her eyes at Ryleigh and Brimeia's comments. "Alright then let's go. Hop in, Bri."

[7:27 PM] DM: Once everyone's loaded onto the now somewhat crowded cart where they prefer, you leave the Green Paladin's Fire and start heading through the twisting roads of the city's slums. The buildings are close together with no rhyme or reason, and the main road is only about ten to fifteen feet across, causing people to have to move out of the way to allow your cart and horses to pass through. Before you've gotten too far down the road, a voice rings out. "Excuse me! Excuse me, miss!"

[7:27 PM] DM: A human man is jogging down the road from behind you, holding what looks like a wand in his hand. He wears studded leather, has a rapier at his side, and his greyish cloak flutters behind him as he tries to catch up.

[7:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh looks over her shoulder, unable to get to the back of the cart. Twisting slightly, Ryleigh says, "State your business, sir."

7:27 PM] DM to Gayle: At the sight of the wand, you realize your wand isn't where you usually keep it.

[7:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle's eyes go wide as she starts patting the side of her boot. "Um. One second." She shuffles over and hops over the edge of the cart towards the human man. "Hello sir! Good day."

[7:30 PM] DM: "I think--" he starts, then stops again as he catches his breath. "I think you dropped this, miss." He holds the wand out towards Gayle.

[7:32 PM] Gayle Silbando: She tries to hide her grimace of embarrassment and swiftly takes the wand back and shoves it back into her boot.  "Oh clumsy me, thank you for finding that. Where did you happen to see it?"

[7:33 PM] DM: "Oh, no problem. I just saw it on the ground outside the inn." He looks up at her with a charming smile and a look of recognition crosses his features. "Say... I've seen you before, haven't I? You were asking around about something. Can I ask what it was?"

[7:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Directions," Ryleigh shouts from the front.

[7:35 PM] Sariel: Sariel snorts.

[7:36 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Directions. Not too familiar with the place but I'll be headed out now! Thank you very much!" She turns around and slips away.

[7:38 PM] DM: Before she can slip away, he reaches out to grab her wrist. He drops it immediately, like he realizes he overstepped and puts his hands up. "Sorry, sorry.... I just... it seemed important."

[7:40 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia arches an eyebrow at the man, her arms crossed.

[7:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh dismounts Adventure and walks around to the man. Her hand is on Dawnbringer's hilt and she studies him for a solid moment.

[7:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((23 insight))

[7:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I advise you to take a step back, because I will not ask again."

7:43 PM] DM to Seir: (21 insight) There's something shady about him. Give me a perception check.

[7:44 PM] Seirixori: (23)

[7:45 PM] DM to Seir: Glancing around, you catch a glimpse of movement up on the rooftop above you. You're not sure what it was.

[7:45 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle squints at the man and puts a hand on her dagger but relaxes because she doesn't want to cause a ruckus. "This. This is just an old thing I found as a child. Sentimentalist and all that. Now if you excuse us. We have to get going."

[7:46 PM] Seirixori: Seirixori jumps down as well, going to Ry's side and with a low voice says, "Ryleigh, the roof."

[7:46 PM] DM: He looks at Ryleigh, then back at Gayle. "I'd really like to know what it is you've been asking about."

[7:47 PM] Brimeia: "Hey man, back off. She doesn't wanna say, then she doesn't wanna say."

[7:47 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "What?" Ryleigh whispers to Seir.

[7:47 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia straightens up and gives him her best scowl.

[7:48 PM] Seirixori: "Saw something, don't know what though."

[7:48 PM] Brimeia: ((can i try to scare him off?))

[7:48 PM] DM: Roll intimidation.

[7:48 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Who are you, and why do you need to know?" she asks sternly.

[7:49 PM] Brimeia: ((nat 1 intimidation))

[7:49 PM] Sariel: Sariel does't get up, but just leans her head back out of the cart and sighs in combination of agitation and resignation.

[7:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh grabs the cloaked man and drags him to the alleyway just ahead of the cart. ((17))

[7:53 PM] DM: Ryleigh grabs the guy, but as soon as she does, four arrows streak down from the rooftops above. One strikes Ryleigh for 12 damage. One strikes Seir for 6. One hits Gayle for 7. The fourth hits Rainsilver in the hindquarters and she bolts forward taking Monty and the cart with her. Roll initiative.

[7:54 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((10))

[7:54 PM] Urrak: ((17))

[7:54 PM] Brimeia: ((20))

[7:55 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((9))

[7:56 PM] Sariel: ((13.18))

[7:58 PM] Seirixori: ((0))

[7:59 PM] DM: Ok! So Rainsilver just bolted. Luckily nobody's still in front of the cart so as it tears off down the street, nobody's getting trampled.

[8:01 PM] DM: One of the archers watches the horses pass him and takes a shot at Brimeia, but misses.

[8:02 PM] DM: Brimeia, you're in a runaway cart. An arrow just flew by your head. What are you doing?

[8:03 PM] Brimeia: ((um, can i see any of the attackers?))

[8:04 PM] DM: On the rooftops? No. Not without a perception check, but that would be at least your bonus action to do.

[8:04 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia tries to look around for the source of the arrows. "Everybody find cover!"

[8:05 PM] DM: The cart's still in motion. Perception check? Or are you doing something?

[8:06 PM] Sariel: Sariel glances around the open cart incredulously.

[8:15 PM] Brimeia: ((16 perception))

[8:15 PM] DM: Brimeia points out an archer behind a chimney on a southern rooftop.

[8:11 PM] DM: Gunnloda, seeing Seir being left behind, jumps out of the cart.... but rolls a 5 on her acrobatics and tumbles prone on the dismount, then stands and takes a few steps forward, drawing her shield and hammer.

[8:12 PM] DM: An arrow ricochets off Ryleigh's shoulder plate into a wall from behind her.

[8:12 PM] DM: Urrak! The cart's still moving. What are you doing?

[8:13 PM] Urrak: Urrak is going to try and stop the horses

[8:13 PM] DM: Animal Handling or Vehicles (Land).

[8:13 PM] Urrak: ((13 AH))

[8:14 PM] DM: Urrak manages to stop the horses, but it takes her whole action to do so. Would you like to use a bonus action or movement?

[8:17 PM] Urrak: Urrak jumps out of the cart and moves towards the back of it, making sure everyone is alright, and draws her greatsword. ((end))

[8:18 PM] DM: Another arrow comes from the northern side of the rooftops, hitting Sariel for 11 piercing damage.

[8:18 PM] Sariel: "Fuck!"

[8:19 PM] DM: Sariel! Give me a perception check.

[8:19 PM] Sariel: ((11))

[8:19 PM] DM: Because you know where to look with the arrow's direction, you manage to catch sight of a cloaked figure ducking back behind a chimney to the north.

[8:20 PM] DM: And it's your turn!

[8:21 PM] Sariel: Sariel aims her crossbow at the son of bitch that shot her. ((8))

[8:21 PM] DM: Her shot goes far wide. Would you like to stay in the cart?

[8:22 PM] Sariel: Sariel climbs out of the cart, cursing the whole time.

[8:23 PM] DM: The man attempts to break Ryleigh's grapple. Athletics or acrobatics, please, Ryleigh.

[8:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((11))

[8:24 PM] DM: With a 12 he manages to slip free, then uses his bonus action to disengage, and starts to move away. Ryleigh still can take an attack of opportunity with Sentinel.

[8:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((16A, 15D))

[8:25 PM] DM: That does just barely hit! And he is stopped in his tracks as she smacks him with Dawnbringer. And it's Ryleigh Alastair 's turn.

[8:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh takes a moment to break off the end of the arrow protruding from her thigh. She groans, more in irritation than anything else as another hits her shoulder plate and the man slips from her grasp. “I just want to talk!” Ryleigh shouts to the surrounding area.

[8:28 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((10))

[8:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quickly hums a tune, and Seir feels added protection pulse around her.

[8:31 PM] DM: Gayle Silbando, The man's still right in front of you.

[8:32 PM] Gayle Silbando: "You son of a bitch. How many friends do you have?" Gayle looks around the rooftops while searching for more archers.

[8:32 PM] DM: Perception!

[8:32 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((3))

[8:32 PM] DM: You don't see anyone on the rooftops. But you still have your action and movement.

[8:34 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle takes her crossbow and goes to shoot the man (9a, 6d) before making her way to the roof.

[8:35 PM] DM: She misses. Are you moving towards the north or south?

[8:35 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((north))

[8:36 PM] DM: There is a ladder back behind the group about 40' away that you can move towards, or you can attempt to climb up the side of the building with an athletics check.

[8:37 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((4 ath))

[8:37 PM] DM: Gayle moves towards the side of the building, but can't seem to find her way up.

[8:38 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((end turn))

[8:38 PM] DM: Two more arrows fly out from the southern rooftop, both missing Ryleigh.

[8:39 PM] DM: Seirixori!

[8:39 PM] Seirixori: ((I would roughly know where they are now?))

[8:40 PM] DM: You can see one on either side of the road near the cart.

[8:43 PM] Seirixori: Seir looks up and summons a saber-toothed tiger towards the one on the left, telling it to have a snack. Then she casts shillelagh on her staff and gives the dude next to Ryleigh a look of annoyance. "I wanted to take a nap."

[8:45 PM] DM: Ok! There's a fucking tiger on the roof. You hear a startled scream.

[8:46 PM] DM: The cart is no longer moving, but Rainsilver is bleeding.

[8:47 PM] DM: The archer to the southeast fires two arrows that both miss Urrak.

[8:47 PM] DM: Brimeia ! You can see the archer to the south firing at Gunnloda. You can also see a ladder down the alley if you want to go that far. Or you can climb up the side of the building or stay on the ground. What would you like to do?

[8:48 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia attempts to climb up the side of the building closest to her to save time.

[8:48 PM] DM: Athletics.

[8:49 PM] Brimeia: ((27, nat 20))

[8:50 PM] DM: Bri just fuckin' leaps up and grabs the edge of the roof before yoinking herself the rest of the way up in an incredibly easy-looking feat of strength. And she can close the distance to the archer.

[8:50 PM] DM: You still have a bonus action.

[8:54 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia rages!

[8:55 PM] DM: Gunnloda lifts her hammer and heals Ry, Seir, Gayle, Sariel, and Rainsilver for seven whole hp then uses her movement and action to run on her little legs back towards Seir.

[8:56 PM] DM: The tiger roars and takes a swipe at the archer, but misses.

[8:58 PM] DM: The northern archer near the other group seems conflicted about where to fire, then fires down at Seir. (What's her AC now?)

[8:58 PM] Seirixori: ((16))

[8:58 PM] DM: Both arrows miss!

[8:59 PM] DM: Urrak ! There's a tiger on the roof above you, Bri on the roof to the other side, and arrows still coming from north and south to the west where the rest of the party is.

[9:00 PM] Urrak: Urrak is going to jump on the rooftop where the tiger is! ((25)) Then she's gonna close the distance on her and the closest archer

[9:01 PM] DM: You can't quite get to him after swiftly climbing up, but you still have your bonus action if you'd like to use it.

[9:02 PM] Urrak: ((I'm ok, end turn))

[9:03 PM] DM: The archer near the tiger and Urrak is going to disengage and run, using his action to dash. Before you know it, he's dropped down into an alleyway and you can't see him without giving chase.

[9:04 PM] Sariel: "Coward!"

[9:04 PM] DM: Sariel!

[9:06 PM] Sariel: Sariel, frustrated the dude who shot her ran away, turns to shoot at the south archer instead. ((15a 10p))

[9:06 PM] DM: The bolt plinks off the chimney next to him. Would you like to move?

[9:10 PM] Sariel: "Fuck." Sariel runs to climb up after the south archer. ((21))

[9:11 PM] DM: Sariel bounces from ledge to ledge and finds herself at the edge of the roof. You can use your bonus action to dash towards the archer if you want to.

[9:11 PM] Sariel: Sariel rushes at the archer.

[9:13 PM] DM: Ok! The man with the others is going to draw his rapier and attack Ryleigh- (25, 21, 24 to attack, for a total of 15 points of damage after the reduction)

[9:14 PM] DM: Then he's going to attempt to flee again, disengaging and dashing. Ryleigh can again take her sentinel attack of opportunity if she'd like.

[9:14 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((23A, 16D))

[9:15 PM] DM: And he stays put as she trips him up with Dawnbringer's blade.

[9:16 PM] DM: And then it's her turn again.

[9:16 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh is going to try to grab the man again. ((13))

9:16 PM] DM: He rolled a 2 for 9, so he's grappled again.

[9:16 PM] DM: His charming smile is long gone and he just growls at her.

[9:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She's going to push him against the wall.  "Call your friends off and I'll think about letting you live. I just wanted to have a chat," she snarls.

[9:20 PM] DM: Gayle Silbando! Ryleigh's got one guy pinned to the wall. There are still archers to the north and south.

[9:22 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((would tying him up help any?))

[9:22 PM] DM: Do you think it would?

[9:25 PM] Gayle Silbando: "You'll pay for this," she grunts at the man. "I'll try and find the archers up here." Gayle dashes up the ladder and onto the roof towards the northern archer.

[9:25 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((I think that's all I can do? end turn))

[9:28 PM] DM: Bri and Sariel see an archer fire two shots down at Ryleigh that both miss, then he flees towards the south.

[9:29 PM] DM: Seirixori!

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: Seir tells the tiger to go after the other archer on the roof, "Hey, I can do that too! Wanna see?" Seir laughs as she also shifts into a saber-toothed tiger, moving to the man Ryleigh has and growls at him, holding her attack if he tries gets out of Ryleigh's grip.

[9:29 PM] Seirixori: ((end))

[9:31 PM] DM: A voice calls out from the western end of the street. "Hold there! What's going on!" A man in very shiny armor with a red and gold tabard with gold trim is drawing a halberd and walking your way.

[9:31 PM] DM: The archer with Sariel and Bri attempts to disengage and run. Do either of you have sentinel?

[9:32 PM] Sariel: ((I don't think so?))

[9:33 PM] DM: Brimeia ! The archer you had next to you just took off to the south. There's some shiny guard guy walking toward Ry and Seir with his weapon out. Ry has the guy pinned to the wall. What do you want to do?

[9:34 PM] Brimeia: ((who can i reach?)

[9:35 PM] DM: You don't see anyone on this rooftop. You can attempt to chase the fleeing archer, or you can drop back down to the street.

[9:36 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia tries to chase the one that was just next to her.

[9:36 PM] DM: Bri runs to the southern end of the building. Give me a perception check to see if you can spot where he went.

[9:36 PM] Brimeia: ((15))

[9:37 PM] DM: This road is crowded, and every time you think you caught a glimpse of a grey cloak, you lose it.

[9:38 PM] DM: Gunnloda's going to step between Ry and the approaching guard, just to be an extra layer of protection.

[9:38 PM] DM: The tiger's going to race over towards the other archer it can see.

[9:39 PM] DM: But can't quite reach.

[9:39 PM] DM: So that archer also takes this opportunity to run for it.

[9:39 PM] DM: Urrak You are alone on a rooftop with a sabretoothed tiger.

[9:40 PM] Urrak: "Flighty fuckers." Urrak jumps down from the roof and heads towards the group

[9:40 PM] DM: Give me an athletics or acrobatics check.

[9:41 PM] Urrak: ((27 ath))

[9:41 PM] DM: Urrak jumps down and lands in a superhero landing before walking towards Ryleigh, slowly taking notice of the gold-trimmed guard on his way towards them.

[9:42 PM] DM: Sariel! You are also 'alone' on a rooftop with Bri.

[9:46 PM] Sariel: Sariel sneaks across the roof to the other chimney.

[9:52 PM] DM: The man attempts to struggle, but Ryleigh's grip stays strong. His eyes dart around and he calls out, "Help! Good, sir! Please!"

[9:52 PM] DM: Then it's Ryleigh's turn.

[9:56 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Run, *homashoc*," Ryleigh whispers to tigerseir. She clears her throat and says, "This man attacked me," to the guard, her voice loud enough to carry to him. She turns to look at the man, and her words stutter, "P--people in grey cloaks were firing arrows... from the rooftops." She maintains her grip on the man.

[9:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((24 deception))

[9:59 PM] DM: Gayle Silbando! You're on a roof with a tiger.

[9:59 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((did I see where the archer ran to?))

[10:00 PM] DM: North and down into an alley. You can try to give chase if you want to.

[10:01 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle crouches on behind the ledge of the roof and holds her action until the guard attacks.

[10:01 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((end))

[10:01 PM] DM: What action are you holding? If it's a spell, you start casting, and the spell is lost if you don't cast it.

[10:02 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((The wand))

[10:02 PM] DM: Ok!

[10:02 PM] DM: Seirixori!

[10:03 PM] Seirixori: ((he is opposite direction of horses?))

10:04 PM] DM: Yes.

[10:06 PM] Seirixori: Seir let's out a small whine, headbutts Gunnloda gently before running towards the horses and peeling off into an alley when she can. ((using all the movement))

[10:09 PM] DM: The guard continues to approach, glancing around at the street and people in it. He can see Ry's shield as he approaches and turns to the man in her grip. "Explain yourself."

[10:09 PM] DM: We're going to pause initiative for the time being.

[10:10 PM] Urrak: "Fuck." Hearing the guard and Ryleigh's exchange, Urrak runs back into the nearest alley

[10:11 PM] DM: Luckily, the guard is preoccupied and most other non-humans are similarly scattering at the sight of the guard.

## In the alley

10:19 PM] DM: Urrak and Seir, you see two guards in red and white rushing up the road towards the others.

[10:20 PM] DM: The road you're currently on.

[10:22 PM] Seirixori: Seir will quickly shift into a small lizard and make her way to the cart.

[10:23 PM] Urrak: "Fuuuuuck..." Urrak mumbles through clenched teeth. She tries to act as inconspicuous as possible and  walks up the road, towards the cart.

[10:24 PM] DM: The two guards pass by and continue towards the altercation.

[10:27 PM] Urrak: Urrak checks on the horses, pulling the arrow from Rainsilver's flank. She adjusts all their belts and ties and climbs up onto the driver's seat

[10:43 PM] Urrak: Urrak turns to look at the group from the unturned cart

[10:44 PM] Seirixori: Seir's on the back of the cart, watching Ry, the guards, and Gunnloda.

## Back with Ry and Sir Barton

[10:10 PM] DM: Grey cloak: "I didn't! She grabbed me first! I was just talking."

[10:12 PM] DM: Guard: "And how do you explain all the arrows in the street?"

[10:13 PM] DM: Grey cloak: "I had nothing to do with that. Maybe these people just pissed off the wrong folks."

[10:16 PM] DM: The guard narrows his eyes at the man. Then he puts his halberd back on his back and moves forward. "Fall." Ryleigh releases the man as he drops to the ground. The guard puts his hands behind his back and pulls manacles from his pouch to secure him.

[10:17 PM] DM: He stands again, pulling the man up with him. "I'd rather not waste the spell. Do you know why he attacked?"

[10:18 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "He approached our cart, grabbed my friend and I intervened," Ryleigh answers, careful to keep her tone even. "I don't know anymore than that."

[10:20 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sir, would it be possible for me to take him and question him? I would like to know why he attacked myself." Her eye contact with the guard is steady.

[10:21 PM] DM: The guard chuckles. "I'd like to know myself. Ask him your questions."

[10:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh's jaw twitches at his answer. She turns to the man in grey. "Well? What were you and friends after?"

[10:23 PM] DM: He glares at her, but says nothing.

[10:24 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I have ways of making you talk. Do us both a favor and just answer me," Ryleigh's voice growls.

[10:26 PM] DM: He speaks through clenched teeth and says a bunch of shit that doesn't really seem to be pertinent to the conversation at hand. Ryleigh and Gayle can both tell he's saying that she really doesn't want the answer right now.

[10:26 PM] DM: The guard jostles him around a bit. "Focus, man."

[10:27 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh quirks an eyebrow at the grey cloaked man. Then turns to the guard. "What are you going to do with him?"

[10:27 PM] DM: Two red and white guards come around the corner from the direction Seir and Urrak fled. When they see the gold trimmed guard, they pull up short and give salutes with their fists over their chests. "Sir! I--" one starts. "Forgive us, sir. We came as soon as we heard word of an incident."

[10:28 PM] DM: The guard turns to the new arrivals and nods at them, then turns back to Ryleigh. "Me? Nothing. I'm going to pass him to the guards of this town and continue on my way. I am simply passing through. He's not my concern."

[10:29 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Passing through? Where's your journey taking you?" She asks offhandedly.

[10:29 PM] DM: "East."

[10:31 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh nods.

[10:31 PM] DM: He turns and pushes the man into the other guards' hands. "He attacked an Asten. See that he's properly punished. I'm partial to public lashings, myself."

[10:32 PM] DM: He turns back to Ryleigh. "Keep your wits about you in these parts of town."

[10:32 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Sir," she says, with a tilt of her head.

[10:33 PM] DM: He turns and continues walking down the road and the two guards haul the grey cloaked man away.

[10:34 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Wait." Ryleigh says to the guards, after watching the man in red and gold walk away, looking torn. "I have an alternative, and the ability to escort this man out of town. Would you allow me to do so?" She asks the new guards.

[10:35 PM] DM: The look at each other, confused. "What do you mean?"

[10:36 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "It was me he attacked, and I don't wish for him to be arrested. Wrong place, wrong time. It'll save you a trip to the jail..."

[10:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((20))

[10:38 PM] DM: They look at each other, then back at Ryleigh. One shrugs. The other asks, "But what if Sir Barton checks in on him?"

[10:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "He won't bother himself with such a petty crime," Ryleigh says. "I would know... he was the Captain of the town I grew up in. You both should be fine."

[10:41 PM] DM: They pass him over and walk away.

[10:42 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gunnloda," Ryleigh says her voice cracking as she grips the man's arm. "I need you to take him."

[10:43 PM] DM: She gives Ry a curious look, but does so, taking his manacles in her hands and pushing him towards the cart.

[10:44 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh closes her eyes for a moment, takes a deep breath, and shakily follows Gunnloda.

[10:45 PM] DM: All the guards are gone and everyone starts converging on the cart again.

[10:46 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle hops down from the roof next to Ryleigh. "Are...are you okay? I can go find those sons of bitches and bring them back here."

[10:48 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "No, I'm fine. We need to find out what his interest is," Ryleigh says, leaving the unsaid between them. She walks to the cart, helping get the grey cloaked man into it.

[10:48 PM] Seirixori: Seir makes her way down the cart to Ryleigh, climbing up her armor and rests on her shoulder.

[10:48 PM] Gayle Silbando: "This was my fault, I should have knocked this man out before he had a chance to open his big mouth," she narrows her eyes at the grey cloak while shoving him in the cart.

[10:49 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Do you know him?" Ryleigh asks.

[10:49 PM] Urrak: "Godsdamn, talk about first impressions..." she gathers the reins in her hands. "What are we doin' with this guy?"

[10:50 PM] Sariel: Sariel hops off the roof, pretend to yawn and stretch, punching the prisoner in the face, "Oops, my bad."

[10:50 PM] DM: He spits at her.

[10:51 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I am truly sorry for putting everyone in danger there. I don't have the pleasure of knowing who this kind gentleman is, but maybe we can get to know him on the ride," she says, with anger in her voice.

10:51 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I am truly sorry for putting everyone in danger there. I don't have the pleasure of knowing who this kind gentleman is, but maybe we can get to know him on the ride," she says, with anger in her voice.

[10:51 PM] DM: Everyone gets back on the cart or onto Adventure and you start moving through the streets again, with the man manacled in the back, held by Gunnloda.

[10:51 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sings a song about truth and light. ((Casting zone of truth))

[10:52 PM] DM: I need aaaalllll of you to roll a CHA save.

[10:52 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: ((And add +4 for being in Ry's aura))

[10:53 PM] Sariel: Sariel plays with her dagger while glaring at the dude. ((23))

[10:53 PM] Gayle Silbando: ((30))

[10:54 PM] Seirixori: ((27))

[10:54 PM] Urrak: ((nat 1! so 4))

[10:55 PM] DM: Urrak and Gunnloda are the only people in the whole cart who fail and cannot speak a deliberate lie for the next ten minutes.

[10:56 PM] DM: And Bri.

[10:56 PM] Brimeia: ((6))

[10:57 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I know you're capable of lying, but remember. Without me, you'd be on your way to jail right now - and possibly punishment. So tell me, what did you want? What was so important to you that you risked getting arrested?" Ryleigh asks the man.

[10:57 PM] DM: He doesn't say anything.

[10:58 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I haven't the patience to deal with you right now," Ryleigh says through gritted teeth. "I have no problem dragging you out of the city and dumping you in the Fytulk and letting nature take its course."

[10:59 PM] Brimeia: "Can I just punch this dumbass in the face?" Brimeia growls.

[11:00 PM] DM: He clenches his jaw shut, but turns his head and glares at Gayle instead.

[11:02 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Gayle, is there something you need to share with me?"

[11:05 PM] Gayle Silbando: "I don't know who he is or what he wants," she says glaring back at him.

DM to Seir: (Insight nat 20) You're pretty sure she's honest about not knowing who he is, but she probably has a suspicion at least of what he's looking for.

[11:08 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh sighs, one of her hands rubbing at her temple. "What do you want with the Moonborn?" she bluntly to the man.

[11:09 PM] Urrak: Urrak's ears twitch a bit, but she keeps her eyes on the road

[11:09 PM] DM: He says nothing, but you can see his expression change slightly.

[11:10 PM] Seirixori: Seir moves off Ryleigh's shoulder shifts back to herself, sitting in front of Ry and looks at Gayle. "You don't know him, but you know what he wants, don't you?"

[11:10 PM] Gayle Silbando: "She asked you a question," Gayle says with her dragger drawn to his jugular.

[11:12 PM] DM: He spits. "Death doesn't frighten me. The Moonborn will die. By my hand or another's."

[11:12 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Quirking an eyebrow, Ryleigh stays quiet, she also leans a little into Seir.

[11:15 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Well it certainly won't be by yours, because we're dropping you off at the Fytulk, perhaps the gods will take mercy on your soul," Ryleigh says to the man.

[11:15 PM] DM: He's silent again.

[11:16 PM] DM: The road gets wider and less crowded, the buildings get smaller and more spread out.

[11:16 PM] DM: In time, you find yourself leaving Aston and on the road through the forest towards Wandermere and Kenbow.

[11:17 PM] Urrak: "So are we dumpin' this guy or what? He's barely said a couple sentences an' he's already annoyin' me." Urrak calls over her shoulder

[11:19 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh halts the cart when they reach the Fytulk. She drags the man from the back of the cart and asks Seirixori to come with her. "Wait here, while I dispose of this scum," she asks of the others.

[11:19 PM] DM: Gunnloda frowns, but doesn't say anything.

[11:19 PM] Sariel: "We could always start cutting off fingers until he spills." Sariel mentions nonchalantly, still playing with her dagger.

[11:20 PM] Seirixori: Seir nods and will follow her.

[11:21 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle also follows Ryleigh.

[11:21 PM] DM: They go walking off into the woods. (and to #side2 )

[11:22 PM] Sariel: Sariel jumps out of the cart and follows.

[11:23 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia sighs. "Dunno why they want to leave it to chance. I could just...."

[11:23 PM] Urrak: "Fine by me," Urrak jumps down from the driver's seat and pats the horses.  "*Wha'k dh'o kok kukaok* You are!" she pauses a moment  while adjusting a bridle. "I miss Mal..."

[11:23 PM] Brimeia: "Didn't she say, 'Wait here'?"

[11:23 PM] Urrak: "Bri,  jus' stay here. Don't get mixed up in this mess. Sariel's not gonna stop."

[11:25 PM] Brimeia: "I didn't say I was," Brimeia grumbles.

[11:26 PM] DM: Gunnloda just sits in the cart, staring off into the woods, like she's trying to see through the trees.

[11:26 PM] Urrak: Urrak digs through a pouch on the side of the cart and pulls out a large carrot "Y'wanna feed Rainsilver, Bri?"

[11:30 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle makes her way back to the cart and pets one of the horses.

[11:30 PM] Brimeia: Brimeia grunts then unfolds her arms and says, "Sure."

[11:31 PM] Brimeia: She takes the carrot just as she spots the pretty stranger returning.

[11:32 PM] Brimeia: "Back so soon? Lucky me." She winks. "What'd they settle on? Beat him senseless? Leave him for wild beasts?"

[11:35 PM] Gayle Silbando: "Could be all of the above. What would you say is the scariest thing your friends could do to someone like him?" she says, still petting the horse.

[11:36 PM] Urrak: "Well Ryleigh's a paladin of Asten and Seir can turn into a bear so, a lot I imagine."

[11:38 PM] Gayle Silbando: "He's probably long gone by now then," she offers a small smile and shrugs. "Have you all been on the road for a while?"

[11:39 PM] Urrak: "Too long. And this country sucks." Urrak hops back up onto the cart

## Into the Woods

11:22 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Entering into the Fytulk, far enough inside that he won't be able to be seen from the road. She throws the man against a tree, tying him securely.

[11:23 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "Make sure no one and nothing sneaks up on us," Ryleigh says to Seir.

[11:26 PM] Gayle Silbando: "What do you want to do with him so he doesn't go babbling off to the rest of his scum friends? Tongue cut off? Starvation? One way ticket straight to hell?"

[11:26 PM] Seirixori: "Does that include, these two?" She says pointing at Gayle and Sariel.

[11:26 PM] Sariel: "I'm not going anywhere."

[11:26 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: "I want you to wait in the cart. Like I asked," Ryleigh says sharply. "I believe you've helped enough... with your less than tactful questioning."

[11:28 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle's smile fades as she puts her hands up in defeat. "Overstepped. I'll be in the cart." She makes her way back to the others.

[11:28 PM] Sariel: Sariel stays her ground.

[11:30 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh stares at Sariel. "I don't want to hear your judgement, so be prepared to stomach whatever you witness."

[11:31 PM] Sariel: Sariel quirks her eyebrow at Ryleigh and gestures at herself, "Pirate."

[11:33 PM] Sariel: "Do whatever you need to, don't mind me. I just want to know what he says, if he says anything."

[11:34 PM] Seirixori: Seir shakes her head and does as Ryleigh asked.

[11:35 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She withdraws the dagger from the hidden sheath in her hair and carefully runs her blade over the man's skin, avoiding any major arteries and veins. "They say the forest here is alive, but I'd be more afraid of the animals your blood will attract." She laughs, but it lacks humor. "You say you don't fear death... I promise it's only because you've never looked it in the face. By the end of this, you'll be begging for one of the gods and even the Moonborn to free you from the pain." She leans in close and whispers something to him that no one hears. "No one is going to answer your cries, because no one cares. You're going to die alone, and your cause is going to fail."

[11:37 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: She walks to Seir, takes her hand and leaves the forest, leaving him tied and bleeding, completely uncaring if Sariel follows or not.

[11:37 PM] DM: He winces as she cuts into him, but doesn't speak or call out.

[11:39 PM] Sariel: Sariel turns as Ryleigh leaves, "Really? All of that posturing for nothing?"

## Back to the Road

[11:39 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Ryleigh and Seir walk back to the cart, mounting Adventure. "Ready?" she asks the group.

[11:40 PM] Gayle Silbando: Gayle gives a short nod and heads back into the cart.

[11:41 PM] Urrak: Urrak stretches and gathers the reins, "Ready t' go."

[11:43 PM] Ryleigh Alastair: Clicking her tongue, Ryleigh rides ahead of the group.

11:47 PM] Sariel: Sariel emerges from the woods and hops in the cart.

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