Battle Written Out

Everyone is pretty quiet and they approach the light and some soft noise. The party moves along. The air is muggy, cooler and thin, the corridor seems to have collapsed but someone dug it out, leading into a large room. The smell of incense overwhelming. The room is roughly 20 feet in height, some torches on the floor, a lantern or two as well among the debris. A table on the left wall, a few old rickety chairs. It is 30 feet wide and about 30 feet deep. Two doors on the opposite wall, and an open entrance almost in the corner to your far right. Crates in the middle of the room, with what appears to be a body of a child laying on it.

“God-dammit,” Chance mumbles seeing the child, he grabs his helm and puts it on, completing the ensemble that is his demonic armor. DM: Full flame resistance and full AC. He starts to pace a bit behind the group, waiting for the inevitable battle.

The man turns, looks to be a normal human, a dirty shirt, some leather pants, hair is a bit of a mess… but his eyes reflect what he really is and that is a Split Jaw. “Who the hell are you?” He asks, raising an eyebrow.

Chance is eyeing the place up, the two doors behind old wacky eyes, could have more allies for this thing, but the odd doorway in the corner of the room is what has the Champion worried the most, and he notices that his partners feel the same.

Emeric gives the man a sincere look, hoping to avoid a conflict. “We are Camerondale authority, investigating these tunnels…” he started but it was fruitless. The Split Jaw already motioned for the entryway.

Quietly, Chance leans down, “Careful, judging by the way he is acting, I got a bad feeling more is around.”

By the time Emeric nodded his head, two more popped out of the far corridor. Another one with a similar build, another bigger and seemed different.

The quarter elf had already pushed himself to Champion mode, glowing eyes under a demonic mask, radiating veins tearing through his skin, what could be seen. Emeric glances back and grunts a little, wishing he would of waited.

“Last Chance,” Emeric says eyeing up the three creatures.

Verrona has her compound bow strung and she is salivating on which one to shoot first as two more split jaws come in. One in ragged armor another with no shirt at all, but he seems bigger and he seems different. Carver draws his short sword, another hand with a short sword with a weird aura around it.

But no dice, the two parties engage as the Split jaws did not want to talk.

“Cats got their tongue, time to get hot, engage!” the Leader of Dahlia yells, as he prepares himself, with his larger shield, Bastard sword over and into a slit. Looks to be specially made for him.

TOP OF ROUND ONE
Chance turns to full champion mode and bark skin, has two rounds. There are 2 Split Jaws, 1 Split Jaw Fiend

Carver slips off to the left. He seems to still be there, but hard to tell. He waits in the blockages of peoples vision. He hides in plain site.

verrona flicks her finger to the first Split-jaw, putting her hunters mark on him. She strings up 3 arrows in a row, with blazing speed. The first one lands into the upper chest making the creature stutter (12hp). The second one the split jaw flails its arms around and the arrow gets deflected. The third one verrona took an extra second to aim and it slams into it’s temple making him go down to one knee (Crit but rolled a friggen 1 for damage, 10hp).

Chance decides to gang up on one, to maybe kill or immobilize it. Essentially take out one enemy right away. So he races for the stunned Split Jaw, takes a large swing but the creature saw it coming. It tumbles to one side, but that allows Chances speed and skill to kick in. With a quick back stroke the Split Jaw gets it across his shoulder and through his chest (9hp). He yells in pain, but before he could even take another breath, that orange glowing blade sinks deep into his gut (13hp), he is face to face with this monster in Demonic Armor with glowing eyes and a growl for breath. It pulls back now bleeding all over.

Even before Chance could get back into a defensive stance a flash of something streaks past him lodging both short sword and dagger into the side of this creature who is now regretting being here. Carver standing over top. DM: He rolled a 20, sneak attack and flanked. The creature yelps, and collapses to the floor (59hp of damage, yeah the 3rd most in my history of dming), a streak of blood lands across Chances helmet, and the Champions eyes wide, small smile on his face.

The second Split Jaw, takes a swipe at Chance, and the claws bounce off the fantastical armor, and with less than normal aggression, it uses the other hand and the Champion stepped back one foot, turned and glared as the claws wizzed harmlessly by.

verrona watching what was happening, saw the Split Jaw fiend jump at her but could not get out of the way as she gets a giant slash mark across her body (13hp). She tries to recover only to have searing pain shoot through her shoulder and upper chest, the creature has clamped his huge fangs into her (15hp of damage — transferred to the Split Jaw (has 15hp reserved), verrona fails constitution savings throw, she is paralyzed). The force of the attack sends her slamming into the wall (4hp of damage).

Emeric shutters (one of his moves) and it confuses the Fiend, and the leader of Dahlia slams into the creature sending him against the wall with a loud crack (4hp but made its save, it is not prone next round). Then he rips his bastard sword out and slashes the creature good making it reel a bit (15hp).

TOP OF ROUND TWO
Chance in full champion mode and bark skin – one round left. There is 1 Split Jaw, 1 Split Jaw Fiend. verrona is paralyzed.

Carver attacks the one Split Jaw over by Chance and connects with both attacks digging in deep with both blades (14hp total).

Verrona tries to free herself from the paralysis, but fails.

The Split Jaw dealing with Carver turns and ends up with Silent Fate in its gut (12hp) and a growling Champion in its face. As it goes to back off the attack it gets a slash of a cold dagger across its face, making blood splatter and he screech’s (12 hp) grasping for his cheek.

His jaw drops, arms extend and spit flies out of his mouth, he is starting to frenzy, but as he went to leap for chance, his feet slipped and he landed flat on Chance. The Champion grabs the Split Jaw and slams it against the wall with a sickening crack, and silent fate found it’s way into the creature yet again (14hp total damage – SJ rolled a crit fail).

The Split Jaw fiend tries to counter attack Emeric but he was having nothing to do with it. Aiming his shield in all the right places, using his decades of experience, all three slash attacks by the SJ slammed off the shield making the creature roar with frustration. Emeric thinks about attacking, but that would open him up. He gets in a stance and pins the creature down against the wall making it even more angry.

TOP OF ROUND THREE
Chance in full champion mode and no bark skin left. There is 1 Split Jaw, 1 Split Jaw Fiend. verrona is paralyzed.

Carver attacks the one Split Jaw, but because of its awkward placement after it’s throw and stab, he does land the strikes but it doesn’t do near the damage he was hoping for (6hp).

Poor verrona tries to free herself, but again does not do it.

Chance getting out of Carvers way attacks twice, one with Silent Fate, the other with the Dagger. Silent fate rips into the creature (10hp) but the dagger misses and misses badly. He shakes his head, gets in a position and thinks to himself, “hope Emeric can hold that big one…” Then he almost laughs thinking of what he just thought.

The Fiend pushes Emeric a bit, barely budging him. The creature looks to the one you and Carver are tag teaming, “go, now, trigger it if you have to!” he yells, glancing back at the Cavalier in front of him.

Carver and Chance exchange glances, “trigger what?” Carver says, eyeing the Split Jaw up, then looking around frantically. By the time he did that, with the double speed it has moved past both of the Dahlia agents and into the far corridor.

The one left, his jaw drops more, his arms get a bit longer and claws longer and pushes the best he could against Emeric. Let’s just say it was not this Split Jaws day. Emeric pulls his shield up, and it is almost as though he has a bubble around him. The creature gets caught in his move forward and pins the SJ against the wall, as it is frantically trying to swipe at him. He is going to roll to incapacitate him since he has a choice to attack, instead he will try and incapacitate him. DM: He rolls a 24. Emeric slams the creature so hard against the wall you hear its head crack body crunch a bit, and after a frenzy, Cullun taught you, the creature is prone for a round.

Carver is there in a heart beat, strapping his arms and then Emeric rips the shield away and uses the hand bracelets around his jaw and head. Then pushes him to the ground, and Emeric is leaning down on him. Then they feel the earth move, and loud rushing, crashing sound coming from the corridor. Some debris coming down around them. Then a huge plume of dust comes out of the corridor, making the room a bit foggy.

“Shit they collapsed the corridor!” Carver says glancing over and waving his hand in front of his face from all the dust.

Chance turns to him, shaking his head, “you think?”

Verrona final sits up, coughs and shakes her head. She goes to stand and she groans loud, “oh god, this hurts…” grabbing for the split jaw bites, blood still pouring out of her wounds.

“Chance secure the area, double check things. Carver get with Verrona see to her,” Emeric belts out while keeping the Split Jaw incapacitated.

Carver is with Verrona getting her upright, and helping her get her bow and some arrows that fell.

The Champion checks the two doors and they were closets, no bigger than 10 x 10 feet. Nothing else seems out of place, so to speak.

The Ranger is now standing by the Child, Carver looking back the way you came, heads in real quick to make sure its clear.

“So young, why bother, she was half the size of a grown up, they couldn’t of got much blood,” she talks to herself, in some despair.

After Chance finishes the run through, he looks to Emeric, “we need to get that poison out of Verrona soon, we don’t want her in the transition coma.”

“Chance help me with the Split Jaw, Carver watch our back. Verrona, just… stay upright please,” the leader says bringing the creature up to its feet.

Verrona rolls her eyes, gets her bow ready and notch’s an arrow, even if it did take a little out of her.

DM: Todd rolls a 1 for strength check. LOLing ensues, and conspiracies are launched!

Carver jumps up the hole, and is now trying to get the Split Jaw up on the next level. Emeric is doing pretty good shoving him, though he is squirming around, but Chance on the other hand. He goes to push, misses and he juts forward, stumbles and face plants into the wall. The Split jaw falls with a heavy thud, turns and races back to the room.

The look on Emeric’s face, just staring at Chance like he can’t believe that happened.

“Trouble follows this guy everywhere, but I didn’t expect it full throttle on day one!” Carver exclaimed with a bit too much glee.

With a bit of rage (for the dice roller) the Quarter elf, mini-furies and races back into the room where the split jaw has gotten out of his shackles. He rips the one off his face too and he smiles wide, ready to take you all on.

Well, Chance did not get the memo. He leaps for the creature slashing across his shoulder, neck and chest. Then drives the dagger upwards through his jaw into what presumably is his skull, then with great dexterity, Silent Fate is twirled and then driven into the Split Jaw making him gag and cough. Chance puts his foot to the creature and kicks him off the weapons making the Split Jaw slam on the ground with a loud crack.

With the final blow coming, Emeric made his way into the room and screams, “Chance!! Stand down, now!”

Walking to the Creature, the leader lifts his head up, wider eyes looking at this powerful being.

“want to die here? Just come quietly…” Emeric says in low specific tones, almost looking disinterested in the creature.

The Split Jaw glances around and then back to Emeric, “Kill me, I am a dead man anyways…”

Shaking his head he latches the hand braces around his jaw, stands up “You are no man…” then with the hilt of his blade cracks the thing on its skull, sending it to the ground motionless.

Chance wobbles a bit, trying to come down from the rage he is not used to having.

By then Emeric was heading his way, wide eyes with a bit of concern. Chance takes off his helm and drops it to the floor, staring straight ahead.

“Chance what… why are your eyes like that…” is all he could get out as the big man takes another face plant, this time right into the floor.

First Five Starts Now

Chance felt dizzy for a moment as he tried to overcome the sensation, but to no avail. The world turns dim to dark and he falls to the floor.

The Champion is instantly awake it seems, in a dark alley way, and terror washes over him. There is someone else here, with him. Wanting him to do terrible things. With the time with the Demons he knows enough how to set himself mentally and pushes those thoughts back.

A sense of familiarity comes over him, like another person, other entity is someone he knows. With a little more strength he lifts his head, looks around.

His surrounding area is like looking up from underwater, blurry and wavy images. Chance then sees verrona bending down looking at him, it seems like she is saying something but he can’t hear the words. Trying to clear his mind a bit he closes his eyes, shakes his head then opens them again. All he could see now was that second door on the far wall of the chamber, and an over powering sensation to go through it.

A rushing sound starts, getting louder and louder and the vision getting more blurry.

Light rushes in, and he is awake. He slowly lifts his head up. To his left is Emeric holding the Split Jaw down, barking orders to Carver who is running around making sure everything is secure.

In a wild sensation of deja vu, verrona is leaning down, just like the weird dream like vision; but without the water like effect.

“Chance, are you ok? We kind of need you to get up, we are in…” is all the Ranger could get out.

The big man gets to his feet, staring at the door on the far wall. He does not know what he will find there but he has to go to it now and open it, that is all he knows, it is what he has to do. verrona’s pleas for Chance to respond is ignored.

Emeric is yelling at him too, “Chance! We are not safe here, god-damit! Wake up, help me with this one here! Chance!” His voice just echoing through out the chamber.

The quarter elf rushes to the second door, rips it open and walks in. It is a 10×10 closet like space, but does not have any dust or cobwebs and seems to be used a lot. He quickly is looking things over, and can’t seem to find anything unusual. “Why would this vision show me this door if there is nothing here?” he says to himself.

The Leader of the Black Dahlia is beside himself, “verrona, if you can string a bow, keep watch on our backs, Carver keep that other entrance covered!”

Carver pops his head out from the entryway, “looks like they collapsed the corridor, its essentially a dead end.” He says with a big smile on his face glancing into the small closet where Chance is.

“Still keep watch, and…” Emeric says still kneeling on the creature, double takes to the Rogue, “quit smiling!”

Meanwhile Chance has the sense of urgency, and what Emeric is saying is sinking in. He changes over to his Champion form, winds up and slams his hand into and through the wall in front of him. It breaks fairly easy, dust and debris all around now; It hurt none the less. He grabs onto the backside of the bricks and he is slowly opening what appears to be a secret door. Then heals his hand.

“Well, that’s one way to find a secret entrance,” Carver says, scooting over to the edge of the door, keeping watch but staying out of sight, “no worries, if anything comes out I have a good drop on them,” the Rogue says giving Emeric a quick glance back.

Chance pulls his sword out, and starts to walk in. Light reflecting off the walls of the hallway. Sounds of whimpering, sniffles and people hushing others can be heard ahead.

The leader of the Dahlia force is frantically trying to look down the corridor, the Split Jaw still seems to be submissive or knocked out. “What the hell is happening now!” He yells to Carver who just disappeared after the Champion.

It was a good 30 foot walk down a corridor, to a door. Chance slowly opens it, very quiet and looks in. Seems to be people in some sort of panic state in the room that is about 30 feet wide and 30 feet deep. Some barrels, crates and debris in the room. Upon entering the room completely, there is two people laying on the ground to his right and left, and six in front all with a look of terror on their face seeing this glowing thing enter the room.

“You are all safe now,” the Champion says, confident there is no split jaws in the room, turning himself back to a quarter elf. “The split-jaws are dead or fled, we just need you all to be calm, patient and we will get you out of here soon.”

Carver sticks his head in, “damn, the missing people huh?”

Still a bit cloudy and groggy, he glances to the rogue, “apparently so, make sure they don’t leave. We need to secure the area first.” Chance says in a commanding voice.

The Champion strides past the rogue, and back into the large chamber where 4 Camerondale guards are now filing in. They are dragging the split jaw back from where they came.

The leader of the Dahlia waits for the guards to get out of range, then out of no where Chance is grabbed and slammed into the wall hard, Emeric’s eyes are ablaze.

“You put us in danger, you acted recklessly and you did not take any order I gave you, damn you Chance!” He says through his teeth, shaking a bit with anger. “We can not function as a team if this is how you are going to conduct yourself!”

The Champion a bit surprised, wider eyes, just stands there back against the wall. He dips his head and nods. The Ranger looking on, eyes a bit wide.

“What could possibly be so important that you put us all at risk…” Emeric starts to say, but gets interrupted by Carver.

The Rogues head pops out, “he found the missing people, that is why,” he says with a big smile on his face.

Instantly the hold on Chance lessens, Emeric backs up surprised and a little confused. He looks to Carver and frowns, “Chance, stay here. and Carver, dammit, quit smiling!”

The leader walks into the corridor and they can vaguely hear him talking down the hallway. Carver looks to Chance and smiles wide, “you, my friend, do not disappoint!”

With a look of exhaustion, still groggy he feigns a smile, nods a little and walks to the child on the crate. A wave of depression hits him. Looks to have been dead for a day or two now, Chance knows he can’t do much with him, and probably shouldn’t. The kid was dressed in a dirty outfit, looked to have been playing in some dirt when he was taken. Maybe 8 years old, two puncture wounds in his chest and stomach where he was probably drained of blood. “He is most likely in the transition coma now,” the big man thinks to himself, sick to his stomach.

Four more Camerondale guards come in, they stop a second to see the child and they all are a bit taken aback.

Chance just turns and waits for Emeric to come out.

Eventually the leader does, with a line of people who have went missing over the past few days in a single file. They head for the exit with the guards helping.

verrona, Carver and Emeric team up close to the door to the secret lair, and start talking. Chance standing, head down with a head ache that he can’t seem to shake a good couple yards away.

All three look to the Champion, “care to join us?” Emeric says with a forceful, annoyed voice.

The Champion walks slowly over to them, head still a bit down, defeat on his face.

“We have to keep this quiet, how this went down, understood?” the leader says eyeing the room up making sure no guard is in ear shot, “If captain, or Animax help us, Valentine, got hold of what happened, things could get real sketchy.”

The three of them nod, and then look to Chance who seemed out of it. Just wanting to go home, snuggle his kids, drink some apple cider and look out over his balcony, kiss his wife.

“Chance!” Emeric yells, now more angry than annoyed, “that means you too Chance! Dammit!”

Looking up quick the Champion nods his head, and looks around taking a deep breath.

The four of them start for the exit when Emeric belts out, “and for the love of Animax, Carver, quit smiling!”

All four climb up the hole, back out into the dump and out of its large walls. They are greeted with at least a hundred people, half of them guards. A loud voice can be heard barking out orders, and they recognize it as Killians. They make their way through the dilapidated building to a tent where the Captain has just arrived.

A wince on her face as she looks her four agents over, “man, they couldn’t hold these people somewhere else, it is offensive smelling here!” Harlow then looks the place over, “we need to get this crowd under control, I think Killian is here, he will get it in order… I hope. verrona? You ok?” She says, almost talking to herself, seeing the ranger struggling.

The meeting was dull and was taking far too long. The paragons for all the divisions for the new college, along with some upper’s; Cassie and some rich merchant was also here. They all seem to reflect the same idea that it was being drawn out and very boring.

Khamyra was scheming all the ways to get out of this torture but thought better of it, she has skipped too many already and everyone knows there is a bit of tension between her and the Dean.

A knock echoed through the chamber as everyone in the room looked over to the entrance. A runner was standing there, now wide eyes a little embarrassed with all the attention on her.

The Dean, named Truett, takes a long look then frowns, “well, catching flies is not in season, what can we do for you?” He says somewhat annoyed.

“Uh, sorry to interrupt, but M’Lady, Barroness, Uhhh, Cassandra. The Dahlia has found the… the missing people and they engaged.” The poor girl spits out, probably new on the job and it showed.

Cassie stands up giving the girl an odd look, “engaged with missing people? Why would they engage with missing people?” She starts for the runner.

Hearing the name Dahlia makes Khamyra’s eyes bulge and she quickly stands up with a grunt of disapproval. “One goddamn day on the job and they are engaging with things already…” she thinks to herself.

Seeing the Warlock stand up, the Baroness nods to her to follow. With the Dean leaning his head back and sighing loudly, the two ladies leave.

The shell shocked Runner, fidgeting with a note, acknowledges the women, then starts in, “I was told to report to you if they found the missing people…”

Cassie nodding, smile growing on her face at the anxiety this poor girl is exhibiting, “yes, but they engaged?”

“Split-Jaws,” she says looking down, “all I know is there were Split Jaws down there…”

Khamyra’s heart leapt in her throat and one exchanged look between Baroness and Warlock, they were all but ready to run.

“Where, where did they engage?” Cassie spits out, grabbing the girl by the arm.

“Outside the lower City Dump, and…” is all she got out as the two women raced for the exit of the newly built College.

A crowd is getting even more dense just outside the dump. verrona is breathing heavy and is now squatting trying to hold in the yells of pain, as some guards are trying to keep things clear.

“Chance, what do you need to heal her?” Emeric says giving the tall man a look. Wiping his hands down and a stern look on his face.

He frowns, “I need something magical, an item or anything like that,” the Champion says looking around, “I can extract the poison, put it in that and then heal her.”

The leader of the Dahlia division, starts to move people out of the way seeing the guards not doing a good job, “everyone back up now!” he says forcefully and loud, much to the surprise of the Captain.

Carver rips out his dagger, hands it to Chance, “here use this.”

Grabbing the dagger he looks to the rogue, “it will be destroyed, might want to…” he goes to say but gets interrupted.

“Doesn’t matter, heal her, that is what is important,” he says with a slight smile, then looking around for Emeric so he doesn’t get yelled at again.

Turning to Champion, the crowd of people all gasp a little. Emeric wheels his head around and tilts his head back and sighs loudly, mumbles to himself, “guess we are doing this.”

“Hold the dagger next to me, get ready to drop it…” Chance says, handing the dagger back, putting his hands on the worried verrona, staring at the man glowing with veins ripping through his skin, his eyes beaming light and with a blue fire. He takes a deep breath and a black liquid starts to come out of her body, and she gasps a bit and coughs. Color is already starting to return to the Ranger.

The quarter elf gags a little, almost throwing up from the overwhelming feeling and nausea. He grabs the dagger, blade first cutting his hand and the black poison seeps into the blade. It instantly turns to a rusty unusable mess and Carver drops it to the ground.

Chance finishes the healing and then goes to one knee trying to get the sick feeling under control. Bowing his head he coughs a few times. The crowd is in awe, and they begin to clap and cheer seeing the Ranger sit up. A bit embarrassed verrona glances to them, smirks and looks down to Chance with a bit of worry.

“Oh no,” Khamyra says as Cassie and herself are running into the slum area of the City, now with a pretty heavy guard presence.

Cassie glances over with a bit of worry, “oh… no?”

The Warlock shakes her head, “I can feel Chance, he is vibing pretty damn good right now, something is going down.”

Waving her a bit on, the two pick up the pace and make it to the square in the pit. Glancing west they see a mass of people, and halfway down the street they see houses in ruin, rubble, debris and guards everywhere. They also can smell the City Dump.

“How do people live here,” Cassie mumbles to herself already wincing a bit from the smell.

Khamyra responds looking to the side of the road the dump is on, “well, look at all the condemned and buildings ruined, I don’t think many do live here.”

The two start to slow down hearing the cheers, claps, hoots & hollers and the two women exchange curious glances.

The Champion all but ready to fall over, does not want to switch back to normal yet, afraid of what it might do to him. He snaps his head up, feeling his toes start to tingle and he mutters, “Khamyra?”

Emeric was walking back over, smirk on his face and very conflicted about this over the top Champion that is reckless and yet, very heroic. He sees Chances head snap up and he picks up the pace to the man, “oh no not again,” he mumbles.

“Whatever you are thinking of doing Chance,” the leader of Dahlia says staring into his glowing eyes, “just… no.”

Shaking his head, “I just feel my wife, she is close by,” Chance mumbles, taking deep breaths and still trying to over come the poison.

By the time Emeric stands up, he sees the Baroness and one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. A radiant Onyx elf with big brown eyes, perfect lips, smooth silky skin, flowing hair and a heart shaped face. She is dressed impeccably, a skin tight suit with a flowing cape behind her, jewelry that accents her skin tone and a presence that could stop an ogre in it’s tracks. He is taken back a bit by her, then glances down to Chance thinking, “damn, is that your wife?”

“Report Corporal, what the hell is going on…” Cassie starts, then stops seeing Chance on the ground kneeling and her eyes bulge a little, “is that you, Chance?”

Khamyra was already looking around, hears her husbands name and finds him glancing up and they meet eyes. Chances demeanor went from stressed, tired and exhausted to a soft smile and pure joy. She was still worried, but every time with Chance, she thinks, every time, smiling she walks over to him and bends down, giving him a kiss on his cheek.

“My love, what the hell did you get yourself into now?” she whispers to him playfully.

He chuckles, smiles big as he is turning back to normal, “the usual, finding missing people, fighting split-jaws and healing my co-workers…” finishing off with a bit of whip.

“Baroness, we tracked the missing people down to a deep lair under the dump. Confronted a split-jaw, and tried to talk to him, but he was hostile and we engaged. Two more split-jaws joined the fight. We defeated them, and found the missing people in a hidden room. They are now out and over by the far tent, the split-jaw we captured should be a bit farther down the line, hoping you can get more out of him than we can, ” Emeric states, pointing to the west.

Nodding her head in approval, “good job Emeric,” she says then looks down to the couple next to him, “you doing alright Chance?” she says with a bit of muse.

“Lilacs and gooseberries Cassie, Lilacs and gooseberries…” she hears and that makes the Baroness laugh. She walks off to the tents with the missing people.

Emeric smiles, looks to Chance, “head home, get cleaned up, take a rest. Be back at the compound at 6 tonight ok?”

Chance was staring at the ground, in a kind of zone and barely heard the leader. Khamyra gives the Dahlia leader a sharp look, almost annoyed, then nudges her husband.

“yes, yes… 6:00 tonight, be there,” he blurts out shaking his head.

Emeric nods and heads over to the tents with survivors and the captured Split Jaw.

“Lets get you home, you smell worse than Cralon’s filled diapers,” the Warlock muses helping her husband stand up.

Smirking, he shakes his head and mutters, “that my dear, is impossible.”

Turn Based Starts Here

Chance: walk with Khamyra hand in hand towards home trying to shake off the events that just happened

DMaster: You make it back with a few glances and a wince or two from people walking by. You smell. Before heading in she makes you take off your boots, then you head upstairs. Khamyra draws a bath.

Chance: Taking off my armor once we get to our bedroom

DMaster: You get undressed, go to the bathroom and take a nice bath. Afterwards you get out, Khamyra had clothes out for you. You get dressed and head down after hearing the kiddos laugh. It sounded weird as they seem to echo.

Chance: Go find the kiddos

DMaster: They are in the middle chamber, toys strewn about, Sisse, Novalee and Khamyra chatting watching them. It’s a bit past high sun.

Chance: Get a big smile on my face and sit down with the kiddos for a bit, before giving Khamyra a look. One that she knows that we need to talk.

DMaster: NOV: Some food in the Kitchen for you, stinky.
They giggle and smile.

Chance: Chan: really? Just how many nicknames are you all going to give me.
Just smirking. Give each of the kiddos a kiss before I grab some food. Then trying to wrap my head around what happened with the missing people.

DMaster: Khamyra walks in with a raised eyebrow.
KHA: I know that look, what’s up?
She says grabbing a few mugs, pouring water and handing one to you, then she sits across the table.

Chance: I go on to explain everything that happened. As I take a sip of water waiting to see what she says.

DMaster: KHA: You had a vision of sorts, and it led you to the missing people? That is weird, but nice for once. Something weird happening that results in something positive… not some crazy negative issues.

Chance: Chan: yeah, but it didn’t help that I think in my vision it was Atticus trying to make me do bad things.
Looking down and sigh

DMaster: KHA: That would be the terror and the presence in the darkness I suppose, sounds like him

Chance: Chan: but there was also someone else there, not sure if it was Finster

DMaster: She is thinking.
KHA: Well, you made quick work of finding those people, took what an hour or two? The Ward has to be happy about that.

Chance: Chan: yeah, but Emeric was none to happy, I didn’t listen to him. It was like I was driven to find that secret door and nothing was going to stop me. I need to explain this to him. Not the way I wanted to start off with this new team.

DMaster: KHA: I guess you can call it a push then.
She chuckles, gives you a look.
KHA: Well, I don’t know Emeric, but I got a very different vibe from him, like he is a bit more patient and understanding. Which is great, he might listen and not go off half COCKED like Valentine.

Chance: Chan: I can only hope so, I do want to get off on the right foot with this team

DMaster: She nods
KHA: But you got me out of the worlds most boring meeting, so thank you hun.
She says with a playful smirk

Chance: Chan: Nice. Not the way I wanted to get you out of a meeting
smirking back at her
Chan: but seeing you every time makes everything better. I don’t know what I would do, if it weren’t for you, my love.

DMaster: She blushes a little and smiles, nods like she feels the same
KHA: Hate to say this but we should get a second opinion about the vision from, you know who. But that is for another day… you still have to go back in?

Chance: Chan: Yeah, Vel, because she loves that nickname. But, yes, I better get myself organized and report back to the group shortly and explain everything
I will spend some time with Khamyra, the kiddos and get my thoughts organized before I head back to the Ward

DMaster: It was real nice with the kids and Khamyra. Then head out, you get back to the compound at 6. Show the ring. It is still busy, you can hear them still working on construction. People a bit annoyed by it.

Chance: make my way up top

DMaster: You see a couple workers look at you, the place is packed with woodworkers, etc, laying floors and ceilings etc.
WORK: Hey, no one up here right now.

Chance: Chan: sorry.
Shaking my head, I go looking for Emeric and the group

DMaster: You see Emeric outside of Bastian’s room, he waves you over
EME: Sorry, I didn’t catch you in time.

Chance: Nod my head
Chan: it is fine, I wanted to apologize for earlier
Saying it in quieter tones

DMaster: He guides you into Bastian’s lab, closes the double doors. No one else is there. There is a pitcher on the table, two mugs of water with two stools.
EME: Sit, I wanted to chat with you alone. Because we have a bit to discuss.
You both sit.

Chance: nod my head
Chan: I agree, we do
Give him a small smile and giving Emeric a look

DMaster: EME: Carver and verrona are off the rest of the day. I am trying to get verrona to take a day or two off, but probably not going to happen.

Chance: Chan: well, I am glad she is better I couldn’t afford to have a teammate turning into a damn split-jaw
Small smirk

DMaster: He nods
EME: So before I go into a rant of any kind, explain to me what the hell happened down there? I understand shit happens. You slipped, the Split Jaw took off. But after that… it is a blur of craziness.

Chance: Nod my head to him I try to go on and explain everything. Might as well explain everything and I mean everything.

DMaster: He is nodding his head, eye brows raised. Ward doesn’t know about the blood really, definitely not about Atticus. He has some papers next to him that he is starting to look through while you talk. Then he lifts his hand up, stopping you.
EME: Hold on a second Chance, No where does it tell me you drank the blood of demons or hells bells, Atticus for that matter… I only know of that name from ancient lore.
Still rifling through the papers.

Chance: Chan: that is because only now you, my wife and a certain few select other people know. Not something I really want to go around telling anyone.
Giving him a half-hearted smile.

DMaster: He is nodding his head. Puts the papers down.
EME: The Ward is not just anyone.

Chance: I nod to him.
Chan: I do want to apologize, I didn’t mean to put the team at risk. It is not the way I wanted to get a fresh start.
Looking at Emeric to judge his reaction to everything I have told him so far

DMaster: He seems to be calm and understanding, much like Khamyra says. He has a better demeanor now than at the beginning of the meeting.
EME: Well, I am not going to lie, I hate not being in control. …and I had no control over anything during that display, and I can’t lead the team that way. I now know there are circumstances that exist, so what I wanted to say wouldn’t make much sense now.
He pauses, takes a slug of water.
EME: We need to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and if it does, we need to have a way of communication so we know what’s going on. I feel like this could be a great advantage for us, if not in the middle of battle. Having this happen during or just after battle, is crazy and you passing out with black eyeballs was not something I will forget anytime soon.

Chance: Chan: uhh… what? Black… eyeballs?
Raise my eyebrow.

DMaster: He gives you a longer thoughtful look, small smile forming.
EME: Alright then, this must of been the first time it happened to you.
Nodding his head and chuckling.
EME: Great, just great. But we have to come up with something.

Chance: nod my head
Chan: I will try to be more in control and communicate better what is going on. This is new to me too. I don’t want to put anyone’s life at risk because I went catatonic.

DMaster: He nods his head.
EME: Of course Bastian is not here right now, of all days, but tomorrow after our meeting I want you to spend some time and talk with Bastian. Then we can have a quick meeting and figure out who we need to talk to about the blood situation.

Chance: Chan: I am sure Bastian will probably want to poke and prod at me.
chuckling a bit.
Chan: he was the one that first figured out I was Finster’s Champion after all
Thinking back to all the stabbing

DMaster: He chuckles as well. A knock on the door and in walks this beautiful young girl, maybe 15-16. An agent behind her, she nods and closes the door.
GIRL: Daddy? I thought we were going to go out to eat?
Emeric stands up and smiles
EME: Yes, we were just wrapping things up here hun, you should of waited at Scooters.
DM: You know scooters, it’s where the dumplings are

Chance: Chan: ahhh, yes the best dumplings around, a good place. I won’t take up anymore of your time Emeric, go spend time with your daughter

DMaster: You stand up and turn, Her jaw drops, eyes widen.
GIRL: Wow. you… are really big and really… ummm, cute.
EME: Hun…
He laughs

Chance: A warm smile and chuckle a bit

DMaster: GIRL: You are one of my dads new agents? Good, it looks like you can keep him safe, right?

Chance: Chan: …and I will, little one, they will have to get through me to get to your father.
Smiling big at her, then giving Emeric another nod of my head.

DMaster: He nods back with the biggest smile.
EME: Tomorrow 8 AM

Chance: Chan: I will be there on time, g’night both of you.

DMaster: They hug as you walk out of the room.
DM: Condensing. You head home, Novie is cooking, you eat, have a good time during dinner, tell Khamyra about the meeting. Play with the kids, put the kids to bed. But you and Khamyra were annoyed at each other over something silly, you don’t get to sleep well, and you had an upset stomach most of the night. (Todd rolled a “1” for sleep)

---

Tuskalay 5:00 AM

---

DMaster: Wake up, and you have no desire to go back to sleep.

Chance: Grab some clothes, sigh and go stand out on the balcony for a bit, deep in thought

DMaster: It’s chilly, the wind is next to nothing and about 40 degrees

Chance: Knowing the cold doesn’t bother me much I stand out on the balcony, just deep in thought

DMaster: Your deep thought is as shallow as a petri dish. It’s about 6 now. The house is quiet

Chance: Be as quiet as possible, I head back inside trying not to wake Khamyra. I head to the kitchen, to grab something to eat and drink and sit at the table. Just enjoying some alone time before the day gets going

DMaster: The crier walks by.
CRY: Wakey Wakey! Looks to be a bit cloudy but decent temps. Top news of the day is; Missing people found…
He trails off farther down the roadway. Novalee gets up, gives you a hug and starts in on tea. Khamyra is taking a bath. Sisse comes in takes care of the kids.

Chance: Makeup with Khamyra from our small fight before heading to work

DMaster: She all but forgot about it, “it was a weird night” as you both tell each other. kiss and hugs, she is off to work

Chance: Make my way to the Ward once she leaves

DMaster: You head inside. Killian stops you and chats for a moment, then he points you to Bastian’s lab
KIL: Think you are meeting in there until your new fancy office is ready.

Chance: Chan: well, then we have our own entrance then you won’t get to see me as much.
Smirking, then nod my head and head towards the lab

DMaster: Walking in everyone is there. Emeric, Carver, Bastian and verrona. They are in conversation already, one you expected.
EME: I would prefer if you would of rested for a day.
The Ranger is shaking her head at what Emeric said.
VER: Please, I will be bored out of my skull, I feel fine.
He takes a deep sigh, looks to Bastian
BAS: I checked her and there is nothing wrong with her, Oh, Chance…
They all look up to you
BAS: Speak of the devil. He does good work with healing and such.
He says with a chuckle

Chance: Chan: Apparently.
smirking
Chan: A good morning to everyone, I hope

DMaster: They all wave, say hi, etc. A scribe servant walks in with mugs, a pitcher of bean water, some sweet bread and fruits. Puts it on the table

Chance: Let everyone grab their food, find a place to sit or lean against a wall

DMaster: Sakine walks in and finds herself next to you
SAK: What’s up stud
She is drinking some Bean-water

Chance: Can’t help but laugh
Chan: oh you know the usual Sakine, causing shit and what not

DMaster: She smirks
SAK: Figures
Emeric gets everyone sitting at the table
EME: Sakine, ready for dictation?
SAK: For dick what? Yeah… er well, yes I am
She unrolls a scroll like thing, and grabs her inkwell

Chance: cover mouth trying not to laugh. Waiting to see what the meeting entails, focus and look at Emeric

DMaster: The group giggles and laughs. Emeric no expression, trying not to break a smile, just stares forward.
EME: Good job yesterday. We found 10 people. 6 were unharmed; 5 adults, 1 child. 1 child was in rough condition, they are still in the temple and 3 were dead; 2 adults, 1 child.

Chance: try to keep my emotions in check when I hear of the dead and keep listening

DMaster: EME: We have interrogated the Split Jaw, and even with the Baronesses help we did not get much. All we know is this is not just a random lair of Split Jaws. They were here for a reason, but why, we do not know
He looks to Sakine, nods.
SAK: The scribes and agents started to go over things they found, but we thought it would be better for us to go over them as well.
EME: They are going to unbury the corridor, looks like Killian’s division will be there, Kill, Elijah and some 4 stars. Hoping we can find something more

Chance: Nod my head and keep listening

DMaster: EME: In the meantime, we will be helping them go through things for the remainder of the morning. Sakine?
SAK: They are bringing up boxes, a new arrival should be in the lab any minute really.
Knock on the door, in walks two guards, like it was scripted, dropping off boxes of stuff
EME: That’s it for this morning. Unless I get notified of anything
VER: We are just going to be going through things, can I stay without you bugging me?
He nods his head and she smiles

Chance: looking over towards the boxes and then back to Emeric, waiting to see if he wants me to get with Bastian about what we discussed

DMaster: He nods his head as Bastian heads over, then he takes you to Killian’s office and talks things over.

Chance: Explain to Bastian everything that was explained to me, including the possibility of me being immortal now, as explained to me by Rawek.

DMaster: BAS: Hmmm, I want to see if you are indeed, immortal
his eyes light up, grabbing his dagger

Chance: Chan: don’t get any ideas Bastian
smirking giving him a look.
Chan: I know you would like to poke at me some more, for the sake of my kids and wife let’s make this a hard pass for now

DMaster: He laughs
BAS: So let me get this straight, you are Finsters Champion, you can change into a crazy warrior, heal, frenzy… now you can frenzy into a demon? and possibly have future visions and are immortal?

Chance: nod my head
Chan: well, I have control over my frenzy now. The visions are, I don’t know how to explain I had some before, but these are different. The immortality I really don’t want to test if I am or am not.

DMaster: BAS: So does Velencia have anything else to say, or Rawek?

Chance: Chan: Rawek wasn’t 100 percent sure I am immortal or not, but he thinks there is a strong possibility. Well you know Velencia, she wasn’t happy to hear this news

DMaster: In deep thought he twitches, then mumbles something. Head snaps up.
BAS: Hopefully the immortality is a good one, not the bad one.
Stretching his mouth a bit looking across the room.

Chance: Chan: Uhh, good, or bad?

DMaster: He nods his head.
BAS: Good immortality is when you live for ever and stay like you are now. That is, unfortunately very rare.
He pauses and chuckles.
BAS: Well, immortality is very rare, I mean who really is except for the gods and goddesses and the ones…

Chance: Chan: Bast. Focus please.
Giving him a soft smile.

DMaster: He stops, looks and smiles.
BAS: Yes, yes. Then the bad one. You don’t die, but you age. So you will literally be a bag of bones, and still living. You can heal yourself so it shouldn’t be too bad until your a geezer.
Shudders a bit, gives you a goofy look then twitches.
BAS: Yeah that is bad. Very bad.
Stands up. He sighs and you two wrap it up. He tells you he is going to research things the best he can, without stabbing you. You two head back to the lab where there is a bunch of things strewn about the tables, it has a smell of sewer about it, the dump of course.

Chance: wave my nose around when I walk back in

DMaster: Emeric gives you a smirk seeing that and turns you around.
EMER: Head over to the forges, get your measurements, they already know what kind of armor. Half plate with leather the rest of the way, for quietness.
DM: You AC:13 Armor You head over there and get fitted for a new set of armor, will get it Thuralay.

Chance: Make my way to the forges so they can fit me for the armor. Let them do the fittings and then make my way back to the lab to help them look over things that were in the boxes.

DMaster: When you get in, they all glance over, they have an odd look.
EME: Chance… thoughts on this?
He slides a note

Chance: Look at the note

DMaster: The note reads: “get what you can, leave in 3 days…” signed “V”
Emeric looks to you, furries his brow.
EME: Velencia? Would she be doing this?

Chance: Think for a moment.
Chan: I would never put anything past her.
Sigh and grumble.

DMaster: Bastian is giving you the one eyebrow raised look
BAS: This doesn’t seem her style, really. Split Jaws, hidden, taking people? Are you not somewhat close to what she is doing? I mean you two are the head of the Finster Religion.
Shudders, twitches then looks to the group, then to you.
BAS: I thought Odius’s were her thing, not Split Jaws. Doesn’t sound right.
He is slowly shaking his head

Chance: Chan: Agreed, but like I said, if she has something to accomplish, not a lot will stop her from doing what the doing has to do… or something like that.

DMaster: After a few moments of people thinking, the Ranger perks up.
VER: Well, just as an example, my name is verrona and I didn’t write that note. Just because it says “V” doesn’t mean it’s the Priestess.
Everyone looks to her, slowly nodding.

Chance: Look over at her and smirk
Chan: Yes, plus it would be really weird if you did.

DMaster: She gives you a quick glance and smirk.
EME: Hmmm, who else could this be, hell maybe it isn’t even a V. Maybe it was a “J” hastily written or a “U” maybe. First name or last name?
Bastian is looking at the note
BAS: Its not her hand writing either
Everyone looks to him, curious
BAS: I mean, well, you know, I am guessing.
Slides the note back on the table, flushing a little.

Chance: smirk know him and Velencia dallied a little together

DMaster: DM: dallied lol

Chance: Chan: well not sure who else it could be unless… there are only a couple people I know who’s name starts with a V.

DMaster: CAR: Valentine moonlighting as some evil villain?

Chance: Laugh and shake my head.
Chan: or it could possibly be Vesta, one of the Witches.
looking at the hand writing

DMaster: They all stop and look around, It is not exactly feminine writing but its real nice. good penmanship. Bastian grabs the note again sniffs it
BAS: It doesn’t smell like fire, or burnt..
looks it over
BAS: Not sure. don’t think its her… she is kind of a dumb-ass from what I gathered. She still hasn’t got your name right Chance, isn’t that correct.

Chance: Nodding and chuckling.
Chan: yeah, she wasn’t the brightest of lights there. Not sure who this V could be, its not feminine enough for Velencia either, and Bastian you are right, it’s not her style. She is more brazen than this.
looking the paper over more

DMaster: BAS: (mumbling) V,v,VEE, come on, who could it bee… ha it rhymed!

Chance: shaking my head
Chan: Look, the beginnings of a bard!
chuckling, then stop mid chuckle.
Chan: oh shit…

DMaster: Everyone stops and looks to you, eyebrows raised.

Chance: Growl, eyes turn to slits.
Chan: This has Varrow written all over it.
looking down at the paper, growl again.

DMaster: Everyone stops looks to you, most don’t know who that is.

Chance: Chan: Varrow. A man who is 1300 years old. The original Invoker and one to perfect necromancy…
I go on to explain who Varrow is, and then look at the group.

DMaster: You were pretty thorough because you researched him on your own, talked to Cullun, Velencia and Khamyra about him. The group was very impressed with your knowledge and Emeric gives you a small proud smile after you are finished.

Chance: Finish the tale.
Chan: This has Varrow’s stink all over it.

DMaster: It is quiet, most are trying to digest your story. Bastian twitches then talks.
BAS: Is he making a move or something? It was pretty obvious people were going missing, it wasn’t very subtle.

Chance: Shrug shoulders.

DMaster: EME: Well, unfortunately most big cities, most realms could give two rat turds about people in the slums. So the idea they were to “get what they can, get out” meant they were just about done here. By the time the missing people news filtered to the uppers, they would of been gone. Camerondale is different, they actually give a shit about their citizens.
He finishes with a sigh, and hands on hips.

Chance: Nod head.
Chan: I know he was after my wife, Khamyra for her mana at one time. Maybe he is trying to get the mana he needs in other ways, since Khamyra is well protected
Think for a moment.
Chan: She hasn’t spoke of her dreams or voices recently, but then again being away for weeks on end, I am unsure she would have time to tell me.

DMaster: Everyone looks to you.
BAS: Wait, what her dreams? He speaks to her? Wat?

Chance: Shake head.
Chan: I can fill you in later. Long story.

DMaster: EME: Can we send for Khamyra, maybe she can fill us in on anything else? Chance?

Chance: Chan: well, unless she has more information than I just told you, not sure what else she could say. but we do have an in, so to speak.
I explain about Lady Charota and everything she explained about Varrow

DMaster: All their eyes bulge
EME: Yeah, we need to speak with Lady Charota, right away.
Everyone’s head nods.

Chance: Chan: The last time I saw her she was with Velencia, not sure she is still there, but we can find out

DMaster: Emeric nods
EME: Carver, go with Chance. See if she is around and verify the handwriting, if she can. Get as much information as you can. Ask if she would like to meet with us too.

Chance: Chan: Let me make a quick stop by my house, I will meet you at the stables Carver, if that is okay Emeric

DMaster: He nods, the group is starting to finish the last box, Sakine writing everything down. He hands you the note.

Chance: Chan: I will be back as soon as I can, with a verification one way or another.
give him a nod of my head, head for home and gear up

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Chance gets to his house, gives hugs to Novalee and the Kids, gears up and heads out. He meets Carver at the stables and they head for Velencia’s. It is about 20 minutes from the City and they get there in good time. A guard pops his head out, you recognize him, not by name, but he knows you too
GUARD: M’Lord
He bows a bit walking to you after you put your horse in the stable.

Chance: I take the lead and head inside

DMaster: The guard stops you, a bit worried, but motions at Carver.
GUARD: Uhhh wait. M’Lord, you can go in, but not him
Pointing to Carver

Chance: Sigh, give him a sharp look.
Chan: stay with the horses Carver, I shouldn’t be long
Giving him a nod of my head to say I will be okay, then make my way inside

DMaster: He frowns looking around, nods his head. You walk the tunnel, its about 10 minutes and get into her compound. A few guards nod to you in respect, aim you to the War Room where they figure she is. You walk in through the double doors.

Chance: Looking around the war room for Velencia, as I make my way in

DMaster: She is at a table with Rawek, going over some papers, she looks up. A look of disappointment washes over her face.
VEL: Fuck me, what now

Chance: walk over and smirk.
Chan: yeah, good to see you too “Vel.”

DMaster: Her eyes turn to slits and she lets out a evil sigh. A few awkward moments pass in the staring contest

Chance: Try not to smile, then take a deep breath.
Chan: Velencia, I need to know if Lady Charota is still here
Look at Rawek and smile

DMaster: Rawek chirps
RAW: Champion
He nods his head. Velencia glances to Rawek and back to you
VEL: Yeah, she has made quite a home for herself here.
She says with a bit of trepidation.

Chance: Chan: well, I need to speak with her

DMaster: She gives you a “oh really look.”
VEL: You do, do you? Why?
She puts one hand on her hip, looking over your armor again.

Chance: Chan: I need her to verify some writing for me, since she might know if this is a certain person’s hand writing
hoping she won’t pry anymore

DMaster: Scrunching her face, shaking her head. She puts down her book and walks towards you. Rawek now curious too, heads over.
VEL: What are you blabbering about? What writing? Let me see.

Chance: take out the note and show her

DMaster: She grabs it and looks at it.
VEL: Get what you can? Leave in 3 days…? V?
She gets this look, hands it to Rawek.
VEL: Surprised you didn’t think this was me.
Gives you an evil look.

Chance: Laugh.
Chan: Honestly I didn’t, though with you anything is possible.
Smirk, and continue.
Chan: Bastian vouched for you anyways. Plus it is about dealing with split-jaws and missing people in the City slums.

DMaster: RAW: Why would you want to talk with Charota? Unless, wait what?
Both of them look to you, eyes wide now.

DMaster: VEL: Split Jaws? Missing People? What is going on here?
Rawek is giving you a long look. Hands the note back.
RAW: Varrow? Bone-razor?

Chance: Nod my head to the bird.

DMaster: They glance at each other, wider eyes than before.
RAW: He is making a move. Has to be. Gathering forces?
VEL: But does he have his necromancy back? Since Atticus is… oh… wait
They both look at you
VEL: How is your life dealing with the evil freak show god doing?
Rawek chirps a bit angrily.

Chance: Glare at her for a moment
Chan: not really the time for this Velencia. I got things to do, and people to see.

DMaster: A look comes over her face.
VEL: And, I don’t. You know I sit here waiting for you to grace us with your presence so we can all…
RAW: SQUAWK!
Frowning at Rawek, she hands you back the note
VEL: Well, yeah lets go talk to her, whiteness.
Rawek chirps at her again, she glances back again with a sharp look

Chance: Give Rawek a look and a nod.

DMaster: He shakes his head and waddles back to the table. You two walk out and down a hallway.
VEL: Ahhh, Rawek is getting ornery in his old age
She knocks at a door.
Muffled: Come in
Walking in, there are 3-4 guards of sorts, white skinned, etc. There is Peeno, puffing on a pipe and Lady Charota writing at a table. She looks up
CHA: Good Morning Priestess, what can we do for you?

Chance: I bow a bit seeing Lady Charota

DMaster: She stands up and walks over, smiling. Velencia looks at you and nods to them to start talking

Chance: Chan: It’s not what you can do for Velencia, but for me Lady Charota.
giving her a smile after I look up from bowing

DMaster: She nods and smiles again.

Chance: Chan: I need you to look at this note and see if this is Varrow’s writing, M’lady
holding the note in my hand

DMaster: She nods, appreciating the respect. She takes it, looks and scoffs, hands it back to you almost immediately.
CHA: That would be Varrow’s
Nodding her head
CHA: Take what you need? What is going on if I might ask?

Chance: Chan: we found this with missing people and Split-Jaws. This information must stay between us

DMaster: She shakes her head
CHA: Split… jaws?

Chance: I explain what Split-Jaws are to her

DMaster: VEL: A Vampiric type mutation, probably something your lovely Ex would deal with
She frowns, looks down.

Chance: Chan: when I saw this note it made me think it was possibly Varrow making some type of move. I thought I should come here and try to get the handwriting verified before I made an assumption like that.
giving her a sincere smile

DMaster: She doesn’t look surprised
CHA: I am only surprised it took this long, he has never been a patient man
VEL: Has he done anything like this before?
She nods her head
CHA: Probably gathering some sort of army, or following to help protect him. He is deathly afraid of dying, if you pardon the pun.

Chance: shaking head
Chan: or could he be doing this to try to get at my wife? Last we spoke he was after her mana.

DMaster: She shrugs her shoulders
CHA: I guess, send an army to get the one woman with any available Mana. A bit of overkill. I think he realizes she might be a bit too much for him right now. She would probably kick his keister here to the Blacken fields.
she chuckles and smirks, as does Velencia

Chance: Smile and nod my head
Chan: I do thank you for at least verifying this. Now I can let my superiors know that my assumption was right. They can decide on the best course of action.

DMaster: She smiles & nods
CHA: Oh do let us know what happens? If you perhaps end him, I would like to visit his head on the pike

Chance: I bow to her again, smile. Try not to laugh.

DMaster: Velencia laughs and smiles, you two head out the room, walk down the hall a bit.
VEL: There you go Chump
She grabs your arm

Chance: give her a look when she grabs my arm

DMaster: VEL: What else is going down Chance? Any side effects from the shot you took with ol’ demon boobs?

Chance: sigh a bit
Chan: you could say a few side effects, like more visions

DMaster: VEL: More… visions?
She looks curious.

Chance: Chan: since when are you really concerned with what happens to me Velencia?
glaring at her

DMaster: VEL: When I have to hear it from our lord, over and over again, it concerns me Chump!
Saying it angrily.

Chance: Chan: this stays between us and my superiors
I tell her what happened

DMaster: She is nodding her head
VEL: Fucking Atticus is riding your veins right now…
then shaking her head
VEL: That would be the terror and the darkness… but I wonder if Finster has to go out of his way to help the Champion, once again. Wait, of course he does.
She sighs flips her hands to you
VEL: Probably helps wipe your ass too
She starts down the hallway

Chance: shake my head, chuckle thinking how the hell can I miss Velencia… but I do sometimes. I make my way down the hallway as well. Wanting to get out of here and back to Carver

DMaster: VEL: Well be gone, say Hi to Brown eyes for me, I miss her, haven’t spoke with her in weeks it seems

Chance: Chan: I will pass along the message, maybe look into wiping myself better…
Smirking as I go to leave the compound

DMaster: She walks into the war room, a small giggle, then you hear her already complaining about you… “Chump now is getting visions and dark terrors and….” it fades away as you walk further away

Chance: Keep moving and head back to the stable

DMaster: Carver is leaning against the stable, it’s decent out. Cloudy around 45 degrees no wind
CAR: Ahhh, there you are, find out what you needed?

Chance: Chan: more or less confirmed it for me
nodding my head
Chan: we have one more stop before heading back to HQ

DMaster: He nods his head
CAR: Let’s ride!

Chance: get back on the horses and head to my favorite tree stump

DMaster: DM: Condensing. Chance heads to the stump. After 15 minutes with Carver at his side, the Champion awaits for his Lord to show himself. He does not. He then has Carver wait a distance away, and still after 15 minutes, nothing. He decides to leave.

Chance: get up and whisper a small prayer to Finster before heading back to the horses

DMaster: Carver gives you a look
CAR: Sorry man.

Chance: Chan: don’t be, he is a god after all and has a lot on his plate
sigh a bit and untie Toby

DMaster: You two ride back to the City. It’s about 1PM

Chance: Head back to the ward and go to the Lab looking for Emeric

DMaster: They have some sandwiches on the table, drinks, etc
Everyone is eating

Chance: Walk in.
Chan: well Lady Charota, all but confirmed it was Varrow
I grab a sandwich and explain everything that was said

DMaster: after about an hour of eating and explaining the day continues
EME: Well, we have sent out Messenger Sparrows to all the major realms, to see if they also are having problems with missing people, etc

Chance: Chan: well, we know he could be doing this for protection as well since as Lady Charota put it, he fears death. But another thought crossed my mind since I have Atticus’s blood in me now, maybe that is why Varrow is making some type of move

DMaster: Bastian shakes his head
Carver and verrona’s head snaps to the Champion wide eyes.
VER: You have who’s blood running through your veins?
CAR: …and not your own? Wat?
Bastian chuckles.
BAS: It is a long story but bottom line, Chance has the blood of a ancient god running through his veins, as well as a few Demons as well. Even I have a hard time wrapping my mind around that, but there you go. The short and sweet version.
He twitches, thinks for a moment and smiles, continues
BAS: Chance not sure Varrow would even know you had done that, and hell, we didn’t even know until recently. (cough) It’s not like Atticus was known to be a chatty lad. Too soon, to make this possible it had to takes weeks if not a month to find that hidey hole and set this up.

Chance: Chan: well true, but Lady Charota said she was surprised it took this long since Varrow isn’t a patient man, meaning he is not for waiting around.

DMaster: They nod their head
BAS: Than weeks. I am sure we would of noticed a stream of Split Jaws making their way into the City if this was done over the last week, you know?

Chance: finish eating and explain everything, waiting to see what Emeric and Bastian want done

DMaster: EME: As of now, we don’t have much to go on. We are heading back to the Dump to take part in them clearing out the corridor.
Bastian has a look on his face
BAS: Can we find a better place to look stuff over, it reeks in here now.
McKenna who is at a far table working, nods her head, wide eyes, nodding her head.
MCK: Pee-YOU!

Chance: Can’t help but shake my head
Chan: not like there is any other place to look over the stuff without eyes on us Bastian

DMaster: He nods. Everyone gears up, gets these “over boots” to wear in the dump

Chance: I follow the group back to the dump leading up the rear as before

DMaster: Bastian is going with you. The group makes it to the entrance, to the town square of the pit. All eyes are on you as you traverse the area, you head down the road, there is still a few tents here, some guards, a few BW investigation agents. Bastian goes over to talk with them

Chance: I will hang back with the group as Bastian is talking

DMaster: Bastian waves the group on. You all head into the entrance of the dump, now much wider, garbage pushed to the sides more. The hole much wider, a sturdy ladder going down. Dropping down, traversing you get to the gaping hole. DM: lol gaping hole.
CAR: Easy now Chance, lets not slip, fall or break an ankle ok?

Chance: nod my head and smirk.

DMaster: There is another sturdy ladder. you head down, through the corridor and back into that same area. The doors open, in the far corner is a bunch of dirt you guess is from them digging out the tunnel. There is Elijah at the entrance, looking down. A few guards too moving dirt, managing a wheel barrow.

Chance: I continue following the group holding up the rear as Emeric leads us

DMaster: Elijah glances back, Gives an eyebrow raise
ELI: Whoa… the Dahlia division is here
Saying it with a bit of whip
Killian comes out of the entryway, pushes Elijah kind of hard.
KILL: Respect Eli, respect, one day you might be good enough to be part of such a force.
Glancing to Emeric.
KILL: Hey M going to check it out, eh?
EME: Yeah, I figured we might be able to start to piece things together more. At a stand still right now. Is it ok we go in?
He nods, then Killian eyes you
KILL: Hey Kid, nice, uh… Armor?
He laughs

Chance: smirk at Killian and nod my head

DMaster: You guys head down the corridor, you can hear talking and the like. Some agents conversing. It leads to a dug out room, and another hole in the ground.
EME: Well look around.
He says with a bit of disappointment, hoping for more.

Chance: start looking around as he ordered

DMaster: You are looking around as is the rest. Doesn’t seem to have a lot of traffic to the hole in the floor, but not sure if that means anything. After a few minutes, some guards in and out. Not finding much
EME: Where does the hole lead to?
Asking a BW investigation agent who just climbed out all dirty.
AGENT: Out to the inside of the far North wall, you can walk it north I believe to a sliding door, it is real bad shape.
EME: Sliding door?
AGENT: Not sure yet, need to go back in and look, just reporting my findings first.
Emeric nods in agreement.

Chance: I carefully poke my head in the hole

DMaster: It is not very big, like todd. but enough to slide down and crouch, and crawl the rest of the way. It would be much tougher for you or Killian

Chance: hahaha, real funny dingus

DMaster: You know from your time with Cullun; you know that Split Jaws can morph there body a bit, they are shape shifters to a point, so this would be fairly easy for them to go down and move.

Chance: Approach Emeric after he is done to give him this little piece of information just in case he didn’t know it.
Chan: well I learned a lot from the Dark Order’s Historian

DMaster: EME: I did not know that about them.
He nods and smiles, looks around and then frowns. Gathers the team up.
EME: Something isn’t making sense. They have a hole that leads them to the inside of the outer wall, with a rusty hard to use door leading out. To where? The shore is patrolled, the wall guards would spot them almost instantly. One or two could for a short time avoid detection, maybe…
He shakes his head, not believing what he said, but continues.
EME: But multiple ones? I am guessing at least 4 if not more.
Bastian wanders in looking around.
BAS: Four if not more, that rhymed!

Chance: Roll my eyes.

DMaster: Verrona is looking straight up. Has not moved in a few minutes.
VER: Chance, get over here please

Chance: nod my head and go over to Verrona

DMaster: She climbs on you and you have flashes of Rohlia. She is standing on your shoulders and Emeric is looking on, Carver a big smile as always.

Chance: Stay still as she is on my shoulder, hold her feet.

DMaster: She barely weighs anything so its easy for you. She is pushing on something and all of a sudden a square of the ceiling gives. You let go of her feet and she jumps off your shoulders. DM Todd rolls a 13 for DEX. You go to move but bags, bones, body parts, vials, etc drop on you, pretty much garbage falls on you
VER: Oh sorry Chance!

Chance: Wipe myself off, can’t really be mad at Verrona as she is really reminding me of Rohlia right now. Just give her a small smile and grumble a bit

DMaster: Everyone jumps back. seems like body parts from a few people – half chewed and discarded. Empty vials, debris, some bags.
EME: Killian, if you are still there, get some investigators here!
verrona is still looking up
VER: I think I opened up the wrong section, I think, there, it is a bit more stable.
Pointing a bit farther down

Chance: Chan: let me situate myself then you can have a look Verrona, and let’s not have stuff fall on me again please

DMaster: She shakes her head, gives Emeric a look.
VER: Emeric, can I go up there?
EME: Not yet,
Killian comes in, wider eyes
KILL: What’s all this?

Chance: point up looking at Killian
Chan: look up, you big lug

DMaster: He is looking, nods his head
KILL: Wonder if anything else is up there?
verrona smiles wide, looks to Killian
EME: Go ahead. Killian if you can lend us your shoulders. Please be careful up there
She nods, Killian walks over and she climbs, then jumps in

Chance: I made sure to move over and stay out of the way keeping hand near Silent Fate

DMaster: VER: More garbage, but there is a corridor heading, well, I am not sure
She is yelling from the top.
EME: Get down here Verrona, I don’t want you up there alone
She pokes her head down
VER: Awww
He gives her a scolding look and she jumps down.

Chance: shaking my head waiting for her to come down

DMaster: Killian is looking at the hole, then to the ceiling
EME: Thoughts Chance?

Chance: Chan: well I know split-jaws could use this to go down but this hole up here not quite sure what to think, I would really like to find out where that corridor goes. just hoping we don’t find more split jaws

DMaster: KILL: They would be dumb as dirt, hearing all the noise and commotion. I imagine they are all gone by now.
EME: I’m going to requisition a ladder
KILL: Aye

Chance: nod my head
Chan: yeah we don’t need anyone going in there alone

DMaster: CAR: Yeah…
looks around, runs and leaps. grabs the edge and pulls himself up
VER: Show off
Killian looks up, smirks

Chance: Can’t help but smirk
Chan: well some of us do have to show off

DMaster: Carver jumps back down with a bag and what looks like a raggedy old book
CAR: Bunch of junk up there
The investigators are now entering the room and started to put everything in boxes

Chance: eyes up that raggedy book

DMaster: Carver opens it, then laughs
CAR: Recipes… mmmm black grundle pie?
Killians eyes perk up
KILL: Ohhhh delicious, let me see
He grabs the book and is looking through it, practically drooling on the pages.

Chance: Chan: and there goes Killian’s focus
smirking

DMaster: After ten minutes of Killians stomach growling, two guards come in, now the room is getting full, Ladder goes up
EME: Lets go

Chance: letting Emeric take the lead, I will go last

DMaster: All four of you make it up there
EME: Me, Verrona, Carver, chance you hold the rear
Carver snickers
EME: Quit smiling Carver!

Chance: Chan: hey, it’s what he does
can’t help but smirk and hold up the rear

DMaster: you move along the corridor, it looks makeshift, almost half older, half newer. Some area you have to duck, dirt covering the floors. You reach a crossroads
EME: Verrona look to our left, chance to our right

Chance: look to the right as Emeric ordered

DMaster: the corridor goes on for a while, but at the end of it, what you think, is weird, like the half the entrance was cut off, like the other side rose 2 feet up.

Chance: I describe what I see to Emeric

DMaster: VER: Mine just keeps going, I can see about 20-25 feet
Verrona looks ahead… she squints
VER: Dead end ahead, but…
She steps a few feet forward, Emeric grabs her
EME: Easy, I don’t want you in danger
She smirks
VER: No, all good. There is a ladder on the end of the corridor

Chance: hold my position and wait for Emeric to make the call

DMaster: EME: Let’s check the ladder
he heads forward, shield out being cautious.

Chance: hold the rear as we move towards the ladder

DMaster: He climbs.
EME: Latch here. About 10 feet up. I’ll see if it’s locked or open.

Chance: still holding the rear looking behind us listening for any movement but us

DMaster: it’s pretty quiet but you can hear the people back in the room. Emeric jumps down, pulls out his bastard sword. He pokes the hatch open
He takes a few steps back
EME: Might as well go in hot
Verrona and Carver draw weapons, the thief all smiles.

Chance: draw mine as well and hold my position waiting

DMaster: you stand waiting, listening
VER: (whispering) Let me go up there, so I can have a look,
Emeric sighs, and nods his head. She climbs up
VER: Stinks up here…
After a minute, Emeric is getting antsy. Verrona pokes her head down
VER: Sewer cross tunnels. Another ladder up
Emeric nods his head
EME: we are half in the old Camerondale ruins, half in cross tunnels, the ladder should take us up to ground level or close to it I think
He climbs up
EME: let’s go everyone

Chance: let Emeric and Carver go up and be the last to go up

DMaster: you smell sewer, get to the ladder. Emeric goes up, makes sure the latch is open. back down, pokes it open. Nothing happens. Reluctantly he allows Verrona to go up, but this time with Carver.

Chance: hold the rear looking around

DMaster: VER: Empty room, looks like a house, debris around. No one here.
Emeric waves you on. You all end up in a large room, like inside a house. It smells of mold, dust and blood. Looks like it was lived in for some time, some bedrolls, blood across a few walls. Empty bags, barrels knocked over, one oddity is that there seemed to be a lot of books, thrown and scattered about.

Chance: Looking around but staying close to the group see if there is anything more than just this room

DMaster: Carver points to a door. You notice as well as the others that the windows are all blacked out with paint of some kind.

Chance: tighten my grip around Silent Fate and my dagger I got from Inasatra

DMaster: EME: Count of three it gets opened.
they all get in a stance
EME: One, Two, Three
He opens it and you see… outside. he walks out and looks around. It’s a side alley in what you can only imagine the slums

Chance: see if this alley seems familiar at all

DMaster: no, not that you can tell. Never been down it. Carver is sniffing
CAR: Well we are far enough away from the dump, don’t smell it
Emeric is looking the building over, and frowns.
EME: Old warehouse I think. A one room warehouse. With blacked out windows, no one would notice this. Its a good location for what they were doing I suppose.

Chance: Chan: well this would explain a quick exit for them without being noticed perhaps
looking around

DMaster: They all nod in agreement
EME: Chance, Carver go get the guards or Black Ward, get them over here, we can make the connection to the dump and get this area investigated

Chance: nod my head to Emeric, and go get guards or Black Ward

DMaster: you and carver head out, find the dump again, alert them that the tunnels are leading to the area you came from

Chance: Lead them back to Emeric and the area

DMaster: A few follow. You guys get back. Emeric and verrona are looking over what appears to be a paper that was tore in half they are trying to piece it together.

Chance: make my way over to Emeric

DMaster: He glances back
EME: Ever heard of something called the Rarkeren?
DM: Chance rolls a 9 for history.

Chance: Shaking my head see if in my time with Cullen that name was mentioned
Chan: can’t say that I have, Emeric

DMaster: Carver hasn’t either.
EME: Apparently they were looking for this, I think.
Verrona is nodding her head

Chance: Chan: maybe we should check back in with Bastian and see if he has anything in all of his books he keeps

DMaster: They nod
EME: Get the investigators in here ASAP
He says to the guards, one stays another heads out. The four of you head out

Chance: Holding up the rear as we head out, following the group

DMaster: You get to the compound, It’s about 4:00 PM. Still about 45 degrees, cloudy with no wind

Chance: follow the group into the compound

DMaster: they head into the compound, into Bastian’s area. There are a few people there cleaning. Bastian is giggling with McKenna, they straighten up when you guys get in

Chance: Cover my mouth looking at Bastian and McKenna as we come in

DMaster: BAS: So how did it go? I headed back after seeing there was nothing in the room.
Emeric tells him about the tunnels, corridors, the old warehouse in the slums
EME: Ever hear of something called Rarkeren?
The Master Witch’s eyes bulge and he nods his head. Walks over to a book or two, then back to the group. He mumbles and twitches

Chance: look over at Bastian, knowing he always has information.

DMaster: BAS: It is a creation that looks like a thin triangle piece. Bunch of runes on it, with three necromancer stones embedded in it. From what I have read, though it’s been a while, it is put into someone’s body. It’s about 12 inches by 12 inches. The body opened up, placed inside, and you are sewn or healed up. Not to many times this was successful meaning a lot of people die trying it out.
CAR: Ouch.

Chance: Chan: and just what exactly does it do once put into someone’s body?

DMaster: Twitches, glances to you.
BAS: I believe it gives the, vessel I will call it, much better control of the undead, or dead for that matter. I do have some information on it, I will have to do a deep dive on it.
McKenna’s eyes perk up and she smiles.

Chance: shaking head
Chan: I don’t like the sounds of this one bit

DMaster: Emeric turns to the group shaking his head.
EME: Well that all but confirmed that Varrow was behind all this.