Chapter 2: Rites of Passage

[Jeff]

"I heard no talk of undead, Streko," Taymra says. "But Emerald Claw soldiers are almost always Karrns, and you know their reputation. Does every band travel the land with skeletons in tow? Probably not. It would be difficult to enter the city in such obviously foul company."

[Jeremy]

Goran wears a grim visage, clearly absorbing every word. Yet he also seems far away. His voice is low, and calm.

"I don't care who they are or what sort of bodies they employ. I will kill any Emerald Claw I see, without hesitation."

He looks at Tamyra and the others.

"I normally have tried to be diplomatic, when possible, rather than jumping straight to the sword. I am not a slayer by nature, and I abhor cruelty or unnecessary killing."

"But you should know that I will bandy no words with these creatures. I will kill them on sight, unless doing so endangers us critically. So, if you have other ideas, I suggest you make them plain to me beforehand, before I slay them. Of course I lay no obligation on any of you to join me in this vendetta, but I figured I should give you fair warning about my intentions."

He leans back again, staring away at nothing in particular.

"We each had business of our own before this nightmare began. My business is, in part, to bring the sword to an enemy who wears the Emerald Claw livery. That business is not something I will put away for the sake of convenience."

[Jeff]

Taymra touches the ranger on the shoulder. "I understand your words, Goran. But please take some caution in this. If an agent of the Emerald Claw were to drop one of their helmets and cloaks on a man passing on the street—don't put that beneath them—would you go attacking that person blindly? Just be sure you know who is a foe...and then do what you must. You have my support in this. If they are harming innocents, House Orien and the guards of the city will be on our side."

The skycoach lowers and approaches the southern end of Caravan Avenue. Approaching from the northwest, you see a small city park—several trees, benches, and sculpted garden-like bushes. "Here," Taymra says to the Lyrandar pilot, who sinks the vessel near to the ground.

Once you've disembarked, Goran and Pel both spot Tangat, sitting anxiously next to two men just inside the park. One of them is Kal, speaking with an older man dressed in the livery of a Sentinel Marshal, who is staring across the way at a building sandwiched between two others. Above the business's doorway is a barrel-shaped wooden signed carved with the name Coron's Brewery.

You are about 80 feet away from Kal and Tangat at the moment, who hasn't noticed you. The skycoach rises again. Taymra looks to Pel, Goran, and Streko. "What are your thoughts?"

_____________________________

Goran's Spot check = 18
Pel's Spot check = 26
Streko's Spot check = 16

[Joe]

Streko has no thoughts...as he is short and, apparently, oblivious to his surroundings! ;D

[Lara]

"If they're watching this brewery, they're not being very subtle about it, are they?" Pel comments. "It seems likely they're being watched in return. I'd just as soon not be noticed. Especially if this is going to involve a fight."

[Jeff]

Caravan Avenu

At that moment, the Sentinel Marshal breaks away from his discussions with Kal and starts to walk across the street, approaching the brewery door.

Tangat swivels his head toward the rest of the group and wags his tail. Kal immediately notes Pel, Goran, Streko, and Taymra a ways up the street and a skycoach rising away into the air behind them.

Phorem's Tower

With a mop in his hand, Dhaz starts gathering the slime together. He looks up at Grafth. "So...this may take a while." He looks away, thinking, then back again. "So you think the fellow who wrote you that letter is one of the Purified?* Who do you think he is?"

Matheu, the pseudodragon, appears to have left the tower at the moment.

Phorem returns to consulting the book, keeping his hands safely away from the table or any of his spell components.

____________________________

* Worshippers of the Silver Flame call themselves the Purified, which non-worshipers often find more than a little arrogant.

[Josh]

Grafth thinks for a moment, and shrugs. "The writing had all the trappings of the Flame- righteous, and quite dramatic. The author signed the note with a single initial- an 'A'... not much to go on, there. But my guess is he's quite familiar with the church."

Doing his best to contain the foul mess, Grafth moves his mop in a swift, gathering motion. His nose twitches as errant fumes rise from the floor, catching in his sensitive nostrils.

"As I recall, he mentioned my client by name, as well as his son, Arrun. Said that Arrun was traveling here to meet with our mysterious stranger.

"All I know is, this note seems like a lead that doesn't involve a direct assault. What do you think?"

[Darren]

Noticing the approach of his companions, Kalarian casually leans against a tree and folds his arms. Four of his fingers subtly point towards the approaching group.

"Hold your distance," they hear whispered into their ears. "The Marshal and I have a plan to try to lure some Emerald Claw members out. They tried to lure me into a trap, but I was too cunning for them. The only snag is that they have the Marshal's family held hostage in the basement. There are two Gray Blades in my employ helping us. One is stationed near the back door, and the other has gone inside to scout things out. In fact, he should probably be back by now...Anyway, here's what I'd like you to do. They know who we are, and they're waiting for us. Taymra, take Pel and head down the alley on the east side of the building, opposite where Anan is stationed. If anyone tries to come out the back door, you know what to do. Streko, you and Goran stay where you are, in sight of me. If anyone comes out to talk with me, which I'm hoping they will, we take them out, then all quickly rush into the building and head for the basement to rescue the Marshal's family. There is a commander inside, and we need to keep him alive. He may have some answers. As for the underlings...do what you will."

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Kalarian casts Message.

Jeff, is Kalarian's Message spell with Anan still active?

[Jeff]

Yes, Kal's spell with Amal is still active. For a few more minutes, anyway. Also, Kal will need to have cast Message twice to talk to all of his companions, since he can only target one person per level and he's talking to four of them.

[Darren]

A thought occurs to Kal. "Wait! Taymra, once the fighting starts, can you use your dragonmark to get quickly into the basement of the building and aid the marshal's family?"

Not turning to look at him, Kal shifts his hands and points a finger at Anan. "Anan, my friend, two of my companions are coming to the east corner of the building opposite you. Do not be alarmed. They are on our side. The Marshal has gone in to see if he can lure the bastards out. Be on your guard. I'm concerned about our other Blade friend. He should have been back by now..."

________
No problem on the multiple castings. Thanks!

[Jeff]

Caravan Avenue

"Well," Taymra whispers back across the distance. "I can....try. But I'm not particularly comfortable teleporting down into an unknown room. So do you want me to go in, and not wait outside? I'm not going to try to teleport into the basement from out here. That's far too risky for me." She looks to Pel, trying gauge her intentions.

The Sentinel Marshal pulls open the brewery door and disappears within.

Amal, position down the alley on the south side of the building, returns his own whisper, "Very good, my lord. I am ready."

Phorem's Tower

"Sure doesn't," Dhaz replies to Grafth. "So where were you at, during the war?" He asks it casually, not seeming too intrusive.

___________________________

Amal and Enan are their names, Darren.

[Lara]

"I'll watch your back," Pel says to Taymra, "at least until you get inside the building. If it stays quiet out here, I'll be right in behind you."

[Joe]

"I am ready, my friend."

Streko reaches into his backpack and pulls out his sickle.

"Just say the word."

[Darren]

Kalarian shifts his fingers again. He's like a general on the battlefield. "No, Taymra. Hold your position outside until the fighting starts. Then get in there and rush to the aid of the Marshal's family. I want you to be our element of surprise. Pel, you back her up once she goes in. Amal will be right behind you. The rest of us will go in the front door as quickly as we can."

___________
I knew I was screwing up their names. Thanks for the correction.

Jeff, are there any windows on the brewery? Can we see inside at all?

[Jeremy]

Goran snaps out of his own thoughts and nods once at Kal, showing his agreement with the plan.

He pulls off and readies his bow, and finds any convenient shadow to stand in, silently indicating to Streko to follow him. He talks in a low tone, almost whispering, to Streko.

"Keep your weapon handy, but your magic will aid us best, and your eyes. If the combat spills out onto the street, I will be focusing on that alone. You can be of great help keeping an eye on surrounding windows and alleyways, and be sure to keep an eye behind us."

He sighs, almost imperceptibly, scratching his neck.

"You never know how his plans are going to turn out. He's brave, but can be reckless...be on your guard."

---

Sorry I've been M.I.A. the last 48 hours...I've been in a cave, of sorts.

[Darren]

Seeing his friends readying themselves, Kal gives further instructions to his "troops". "Keep yourselves at a distance and act casual until the fighting starts. Surprise is our only advantage here, and if they know we're coming, it won't help. Right now, the Marshal is telling them that I am outside waiting for them. They do not know that you are here, yet. I want to keep it that way."

[Joe]

"I concur, friend Goran. I shall, as the tall ones are so fond of saying, cover your back...or at least you lower body. And perhaps, my magic might be able to provide us both with some protection. Just promise me you will not be as reckless as our d'Deneith companion," Streko says with wry grin.

[Jeff]

Kal ventures near the brewery door. Two windows on either side are dark relative to the daylight outside, and the glare against the glass makes it difficult to see much inside. But Kal notices a man—possibly the Blademark, Enan—standing some distance within, holding a mug. He seems to be keeping up a good act.

The Sentinel Marshal, Velhan, is not within Kal's sight.

Tayma unslings her pack and starts to fuss about it, resting her back against the wall just below one of the windows. Like most, the door and the windows are somewhat raised above the street level. The Orien heir's eyes flick left and right, returning repeatedly to the door, ready.

Goran finds a single, tiny tree raised up from a section of soil sequestered for it. Streko and Pel linger nearby, doing their best to look like they belong there.

Kal hears and sees nothing amiss. Tangat's ears go up, and he cocks his head.

[Darren]

Kal looks over at Tangat questioningly. Moving back towards the park, he points his fingers towards Taymra and Pel without looking back at them. "Nothing appears amiss just yet. Move into the alley and stay near the back corner of the brewery. Remember, we want to surprise them from as many sides as possible when the fighting starts."

[Jeremy]

Goran growls in a low tone, in reply to Kal's 'tactics'.

"Have you ever heard of a crossfire? We could shoot each other to pieces, you know?"

"Anything I shoot could miss and plunge into the heart of Pel or Tamyra...or Tangat, or you, for that matter. Just thought I'd mention that little detail. If they're smart and don't lose their heads...they'll use it against us. I would."

The half-elf shakes his head, frustrated, but keeps to his spot.

[Darren]

Kalarian chuckles at Goran. "I have spent a good deal of time on the battlefield, my friend. I understand tactics just fine. And while I know your aim is true, I doubt you can fire from the street, through the front door of a building, and into someone at the back." Kalarian laughs again. "When the fighting starts, you will be on the street with me. We will deal with those who come out the front door while Taymra, Pel, and Amal go in the back. When the street is clear, then we will rush in the front door. By that time, we should be able to avoid a cross-fire mishap. Please, my tactics are sound as long as everyone sticks to the plan." Kalarian muses for a moment, his tone darkening somewhat as he adds, "And provided the Marshal does his part..."

[Jeremy]

Goran stares levelly at the haughty Kal.

"Leave your ego on the battlefield, General. You understand less than you think. If you knew battle as well as you say you do, then you would understand what happens to such plans once combat begins...this could easily spill out into the street, instead of moving indoors, and with us on all sides I would doubt even you could define it as anything less than a crossfire. THAT is what I was speaking of. But nevermind, right? The Marshal can be depended upon I'm sure...whoever he is."

"What a shame it would be if I accidentally put one through your heart."

He mumbles to Streko. "I have had damn near enough of our 'invincible' friend, and sticking my neck out for another of his tactical masterstrokes is not what I had in mind." He clears his throat, waiting for Kal's inevitable counter-threat.

[Darren]

Kalarian sighs. "Goran, you must remain calm or I'm afraid your aim will go awry. Have you not been listening? The Marshal's family is being held in the basement. If all of the fighting spills out into the street, that would be wonderful. But I doubt the Emerald Claw plans to bring those innocents out with them. So Taymra will be inside regardless of where the fighting is. And I think we're all smart enough to know that we should not get in the way of your arrows. Give your companions a bit of credit, my friend." Mentioning the basement seems to have triggered something in Kalarian's memory. "The Marshal mentioned that there may be an undead creature in the basement with his family. Streko, Taymra may have need of your skills once she gets inside. Perhaps you should move towards the back door to help her and Pellorien. I believe the angry half-elf and I can handle things out here." The smile on Kal's face as he talks about Goran is evident even through the whispered communication of his spell.

[Jeff]

"Both of you, shut up," Taymra whispers harshly. She looks towards a pair of men who look oddly at Kal and Goran as they pass by. "Your pointless posturing here on the street is only hindering all plans. Be ready!"

[Darren]

"Well said, Taymra. Thank you. Everyone be on your guard. I don't know what's taking the Marshal so long, but I imagine we'll see action soon."

[Lara]

"What are we waiting for? What's the signal?" Pel asks. Not waiting for an answer, she quietly follows the patterns to cast a spell on herself.

"Better safe than sorry, what with all this talk of errant arrows," she mutters once the spell takes effect.

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Mage Armor adds +4 to AC

[Jeff]

As soon as Pel completes her spell, the doorknob of the brewery door turns. All eyes turn to the door expectantly. Several long seconds pass, then the heavy wooden door slowly creeks open. Out on the street, people walk by in the daylight. But those of you standing near the door, ready for action and knowing what may lie within, the creek is ominous.

Kal stares at the door, and suspects that transmutation magic pulled it open, not the hand of any person. (Like mage hand.)

Positioned to see within better than anyone near him, Kal's eyes begin to adjust to the darker (but still illuminated) interior. He can glimpse a counter, tables, and chairs within, as well as a hearth. He can just make out the shape of Enan, the Blademark, standing near the opposite end of the room. Behind him is another figure, which Kal cannot quite make out from this distance, with a longsword held up to Enan's throat. The Blademark meets Kal's eyes, his face impassive.

Tangat slinks over to the door, ready to bolt in. His hackles raise and he begins to growl.

"Come on in, d'Deneith, and we'll talk," the other man with the blade calls out. Goran, Pel, Taymra, and Streko can hear the voice but are not positioned to see the men.

____________________________

Spellcraft check = Kal (20), Pel (14), Streko (11).

[Joe]

"Olladra's mother!" Streko mutters. "The dead should remain dead."

He is talking to himself as the door creaks open.

"Oh, yes, by The Shadow's twisted beard, I shall follow Taymra inside and if there be one of those creatures about, I will dispose of it with certainty." His anger is palpable and his voice nearly a growl.

Streko rolls the hilt of his sickle in his palms, waiting for the signal to move.

[Darren]

Kalarian squares his shoulders to the door, taking a firm stance. "If you want what you came for, you'll come outside to talk."

Under his shirt, Kalarian's dragonmark begins to glow.

____________
We're gonna go ahead and activate that dragonmark now, thanks.

[Jeff]

Kal feels the heat of his dragonmark burn...but it's a good burn.

Enan falls hard to his knees and cries out. Within the gloom, Kal can see that the man behind him has stuck him in the back with the tip of his longsword.

"Just one stab, yeah?" the man calls out—his accent is Karrnathi, for certain. "Or how about clear through?" The man tenses his arm, ready to drive the blade forward.

Kal can see pain in the Blademark's face. There is anger there, but very real fear for his life as well. There is no sign of Enan's own weapons.