Safana, Varic, Meich, Arithel and the two pirates investigate the assassin’s camp, with some small result. Arithel discovers a small note to one of the assassin’s wives. They make their way into Himinborg, where they are accosted by a man begging their assistance against a demon. They agree to help for some gold and 5% of the salvage. During the battle, Varic gets knocked around, but does some impressive damage, while the Hammerhead loses an arm, a leg, and his life. They stop for sleep at the “Field of Glory”. On waking, they see someone who looks quite a bit like the Hammerhead. They then discover that those who suffer mortal wounds on Ysgard do not stay dead. They go off to see about their salvage. Safana barters a deal with Meich to hire her services for 200 gold a month. They decide to hire an army of mercenaries to take Islas by force.

---

The tents are fairly lavish, and there is one for each of the assassins that you dispatched, including one that seems to be a lavatory.
Arithel: Search each of the tents carefully. (Taking 20 on search.)

Your search turns up a few interesting tidbits – a lewd portrait of what you take to be one of their wives, a sack of cinnamon sticks, a letter of marque for each of your deaths, a piece of paper with random scratches of ink all over it, a small scroll.
Varic Thorn: " well that’s nice.:
Safana: “I don’t know, the art style could use some work.”
Arithel: Open and inspect the scroll. A distance from the others.

Arithel shakes his head in bafflement as he reads the scroll.
Arithel: “A letter to one of their wives.”
Hammerhead: “If the lady in that picture was my wife, I’d write her every day!”
Varic Thorn: “Well, I think she’s available now.”
Safana: “So all in all, nothing particularly important besides what we’d already found.”
Safana: “Unless one of you has a particular fondness for cinnamon.”
Arithel: “Spices can be valuable. Perhaps it can be sold for an amount in Himinborg.”
Meich: “Only in my rum.”
Arithel: “Besides it is a shame to waste it… all of this really.”

Varic Thorn: “Well do as you like, I’m no thief or looter.”
Arithel takes the bag of cinnamon, “We will divide the proceeds evenly of course.”
Varic Thorn: “Just kidding, I’ll take some cinnamon…”
Arithel: “Let us go then. Meich how much farther is it?”
Meich: “Only an hour or so, at a guess.”
Kiergath (Safana): There was a wagon?
Alex: Indeed, and a donkey.
Safana: “Might as well load everything back up and sell the lot of it.”
Kiergath (Safana): …Take my own advise and start tearing down the camp.

Meich, the Hammerhead and the Stormtamer heave to and help out.
Arithel: Help out as well filling the wagon with carryables.
Arithel: Then I presume we head out.
Safana: eyup.
Varic Thorn takes a sip from his wine skin and finds a cushy place to sit.
You get on your way – time passes quickly and you find yourself on the edge of a massive plain before the footprint of a massive, sprawling city.

Arithel: “What do we need to know about this city Meich? Any laws or customs we need to be aware of in order to keep out of trouble?”
Safana: “I suspect if you avoid getting into fights, stealing, or killing anyone, you should be fine unless we’re here longer than I expect.”
On one edge, far away from you, you see a small melee – it does not seem to be going rather well, though.
Meich: “More or less what Safana said, unless you’re looking to get into the mercenary business like me. It pays well, though.”
Arithel nods, “look there, more fighting. Seems this place can be rough, watch yourselves.”

Safana: “I would expect nothing else from such a cesspit.. but I warrant by most standards it rates a fine city.”
Safana: “We should continue on, I feel somewhat naked standing out on the plain.”
Arithel: “Agreed.”
You make your way to the city gate – it is wide open, unguarded.
Varic Thorn: “Well, a warm welcome indeed.”
Arithel turns to Meich, “We will probably need to find the marketplace and an inn.”

Safana: “Preferably a good inn, if you don’t mind.”
Arithel: “Could you point us in the direction of either, at that point your obligation to us will have ended.”
Safana: “…although some of us could be inclined to enjoy your continued company anyway.”
Arithel: “…of course, I only meant that you don’t have to stay if… well you know what I..”, shakes his head, “my mind sometimes.”
Meich: “You lot seem like amiable company, but I don’t work for free, yeah?”
Safana: “No-one intelligent does; we’ll discuss it over dinner in the aforementioned inn, perhaps?”
She brings you towards what seems to be a large marketplace surrounded by inns.

Meich: “Indeed – no better time.”
As you approach the marketplace, a wide eyed man in robes calls out for you. “You, our salvation! You shall be the ones to deliver us from the evil that besieges Himinborg!”
Safana: “Pardon? Us? I’m not sure I follow. You didn’t look besieged.”
Varic Thorn: “perhaps his mind is sieged”
Safana: “I’d believe it.”

“There is a demon who has beset the north gate and is destroying most of the commerce from the portals out that way.”
Safana: “A demon.”
Safana: “Singular?”
“Indeed – a mighty giant of a thing – none have been able to stand against it, though many have tried.”
Safana: “Pray tell, have your esteemed local warriors thought to themselves, ‘Lo, what if we were to gather together into a great host, and fall upon him in all our multitudes?’ Or do they merely content themselves with singularly rushing to their doom?”
Nick (Arithel): did we come in thru the north gate?
Alex: The west.
Arithel: “That is horrible. What of Safana’s question, has a force been mobilized to repel the invader or have the attempts failed?”

“…They have tried. A whole mercenary company has tried and failed… none volunteer any longer for this most important job.”
Safana: “Volunteer implies charity. Perhaps were you to offer payment, you would attract more competent aid.”
Arithel looks to the rest of the group, “We should try to help, even though we know little of this place.”
Varic Thorn: “And why is that?”
Safana: “A good question indeed.”
Arithel: “If this man is speaking the truth, it would be the right thing to do.”
Safana: “The right thing and charity do not feed empty bellies or pay for supplies.”

Safana: “If this ‘demon’ is causing the city such trouble, surely some compensation could be managed.”
“Very well… I can pay – name your price!”
Safana looks at the man in open-mouthed wonder.
Safana: “No. The Gods and my ancestors alike, to say naught of my future descendants, would mock me ceaselessly for taking advantage of such a touched individual.”
Varic Thorn: “Well, lets ask for a fair reward then.”
Safana: “So we will, with our friend in company, go and take a look at the demon and evaluate the situation?”
Safana: “Is that to everyone’s liking?”
Arithel: “Agreed.”
Varic Thorn: “Sure.”
Safana: (to the man) “Lead us to this northern gate, then.”

The man leads you forth to the northern gate. Before you stands a band of 20 men rushing at a massive giant skeleton – it hacks and hews at them with a sword of incomparable size. Men fly through the air to join their deceased brethren, sometimes in pieces.
Varic Thorn: “Ouch…..”
Arithel looks the skeleton over trying to determine what it is.
Varic Thorn: “Its sword is much larger than mine.”
Arithel: Skill [Knowledge (Dungeoneering)] [1d20+14 = 33]
Safana: “It is possible for a sword to be too large.”
Varic Thorn: “I guess were about to find out.”
It’s a skeleton unlike any you have seen before, Arithel – the bones of a storm giant made whole again by unwholesome magicks.
The man looks expectantly at you, then glances at the burning wreckage of a hundred trade wagons – shapes of twisted steel visible within.
Varic Thorn: “Alright, times up then.”
Varic Thorn: “Lets do this…”
Arithel: “Indeed.”
Safana: “Two hundred gold, each, and five percent of the value of the salvage afterwords.”
Arithel: Initiative [1d20+3 = 15]
Safana: (to the man, ignoring the other two)

Varic Thorn: Initiative [1d20+7 = 26]
Safana: Initiative [1d20+4 = 14]
“Done!”
The man begins smiling broadly, and Meich looks fairly stunned.
Varic Thorn

Varic Thorn charges forward and attacks
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 1) [1d20+16 = 28]
GM: Damage?
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Damage) [5d10+5 = 17]
Varic’s sword lashes out, sending splinters of bone away from the creature’s leg.
GM: [1d20 = 7]
GM: [6d6 = 22]
Arithel ouch
Nick (Arithel): ouch
The demonbeast arcs it’s gargantuan greatsword back, and in a mighty swing knocks Varic backward, bleeding from the concussive force of the blow.
Arithel
Arithel: Target the creature.
Arithel: Spell [Scorching Ray] → Ranged touch attack deals 4d6 fire damage, 1 ray/four levels (max 3).
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d207 = 8]
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [AUTOMATIC MISS]
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 8]
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [AUTOMATIC MISS]
Nick (Arithel): lol

Kiergath (Safana): I would like to petition for a reroll based on the “That’s too sad to be legit” defense.
Nick (Arithel): you ever seen that? wow
GM: …reroll it
Kiergath (Safana): not even Alusair.
Nick (Arithel): haha ok
Nick (Arithel): ill take my mulligan on that
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 14]
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 20]
GM: Both connect… damage?
Arithel: Scorching Ray Attack (Damage) [4d6 = 13]
Arithel: Scorching Ray Attack (Damage) [4d6 = 9]
The flames lick at the skeleton’s ribcage, blackening the bone.
Safana
Safana: I need a clarification.
Safana: Did the impact actually knock Varic back?
It did knock him back ten feet or so.
Kiergath (Safana): Good.
Safana: Varic – cure serious.
Safana: [3d8+8 = 21]
Varic’s wounds begin to knit themselves together!
GM: [1d20 = 11]
Meich takes a run up and slashes at the giant, missing by fractions of an inch.
GM: [1d20 = 18]
GM: [1d20 = 2]

The Hammerhead runs up, greathammer in tow, and with a mighty bellow lands a weak blow to the creature’s arm.
Varic Thorn
Varic Thorn runs back up and attacks once more
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 1) [1d20+16 = 19]
Alex: That hits!
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Damage) [5d10+5 = 25]
Varic’s blade bites deep, but it seems that some of the creatures bones are slowly knitting themselves back together.
GM: [1d20 = 5]
GM: [1d20 = 9]
GM: [6d6 = 15]
GM: [6d6 = 27]
GM: [1d6 = 5]
GM: [1d6 = 5]

The skeleton lashes out with a backhanded swing at Meich, which she deflects mostly off of her shield. His next swing comes down with such monumental force that it severs the Hammerhead’s left arm and leg from his body.
Arithel
Arithel: Target Varic Thorn
Arithel: Spell [Haste] → One creature/level moves faster, 1 on attack rolls, AC, and Reflex saves.
Safana
Safana strikes the skeleton with a beam of blinding white light from her palm.
Safana: Sunscorch. [1d616 = 22]
The skeleton steams and the bone glows white hot.

GM: [1d20 = 18]
Meich drives her shield into one of the joints of the skeleton and hacks away at the bone before pulling back.
Varic Thorn
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 1) [1d20+16 = 20]
Alex: That hits.
Safana: Hasted – extra attack, no?
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Blow (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Damage) [5d10+5 = 25]
Alex: I believe so.
Nick (Arithel): he gets 2 more, one for full attack the other for haste
Varic Thorn: no, beshadowed blow counts as a spell
Varic Thorn: so one more
Nick (Arithel): ah nm then
Nick (Arithel): no haste only gives +1 melee attack I think.
Varic Thorn: but i don’t know how to roll a second attack on my lesser value
Kiergath (Safana): Haste grants an extra attack only with a full attack.
Varic Thorn: then no extra attack then
Nick (Arithel): np
Alex: indeed.
GM: [2d20 = 34]
Kiergath (Safana): oh, Nick, something you should pry read on Haste..
GM: [6d6 = 18]
Kiergath (Safana): “Effect/Target”.
Nick (Arithel): yeah one target per level, I just realized
GM: [6d6 = 17]
Kiergath (Safana): :)
Kiergath (Safana): I didn’t know about it either
GM: [1d6 = 1]
GM: [1d6 = 3]

The skeleton hauls back it’s greatsword again and lashes out with a searingly painful blow at both Varic and Meich – the blow connects with biting cold!
Arithel
Arithel: Target Skeleton
Arithel: Sudden Maximize
Arithel: Spell [Scorching Ray] → Ranged touch attack deals 4d6 fire damage, 1 ray/four levels (max 3).
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d207 = 23]
Arithel: Ranged Touch (Attack 1) [1d20+7 = 16]
Alex: Both rays hit!
Arithel: 48 fire damage
The gouts of flame smash away massive fragments of bone!
Safana
GM: [1d6 = 1]
Safana releases another stream of light at the skeleton!
GM: [1d20 = 6]
Meich lashes out again, hacking furiously at bone!
Varic Thorn
Varic Thorn summons forth his dread whiip and lashs the demon.
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 1) [1d20+12 = 25]
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 2) [1d20+7 = 8]
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 2) [AUTOMATIC MISS]
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Attack 2) [1d20+7 = 14]

Nick (Arithel): 3rd is at normal +12
GM: The first one and third hit.
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Damage) [4d6 = 19]
Varic Thorn: Beshadowed Whip (save vs fort or blinded 1 round) (Damage) [4d6 = 10]
The skeleton’s bone structure begins to crack, and it seems in danger of rupturing. In a final act of vengeance, it hacks at Meich one last time. She takes the blow on her shield, but goes flying backwards into the rubble that is the wagon train. The skeleton seems like it is about to explode, but instead it merely sags to the ground and collapses, the magic that held it together dissapating.
Arithel runs to the hammerhead trying to see if he still lives.

Safana: Combat over? If so, casting → Varic → CSW
‘Nick’ disconnected
Alex: Roll it.
Safana: [3d8+8 = 21]
‘Nick’ connected
Kiergath (Safana): 21
Alex: wb nick
Alex: You get the last block of words?
Varic Thorn: ok guys, im really sorry but i need to go afk for at least 40 mins. Something came up. Ill just have Varic follow the group and go with the flow.
Nick (Arithel): no
The skeleton’s bone structure begins to crack, and it seems in danger of rupturing. In a final act of vengeance, it hacks at Meich one last time. She takes the blow on her shield, but goes flying backwards into the rubble that is the wagon train. The skeleton seems like it is about to explode, but instead it merely sags to the ground and collapses, the magic that held it together dissapating.
Nick (Arithel): got that part, is the hammerhead alive?
His blood has stopped pouring out onto the ground.
Safana: “If he’s still breathing, make sure his limbs are against the stumps and HOLD them there!”
Arithel: “O… ok.”
Safana: Dart over to Meich and check on her.
Arithel: Skill [Heal] [1d20+1 = 3]

Arithel is so nervous that he sticks the arm on his hip at first, but eventually realizes that he isn’t breathing. At all.
Arithel: “He’s… he’s gone Safana..”
Safana: DM: Meich? Status?
Safana: “I’d suggest we start checking on the ones who were here before us, but if they’re alive they’ll be able to get up on their own soon enough.”
Arithel kneels down whispering in the Hammerhead’s ear, “Always remembered you will be, always as a friend. May the light of heaven guide you to peace, to reunite you with your loved ones who have passed on. Eternity awaits friend, do not fear, for you have no reason to.”

Meich is still bleeding, but seems to have several broken ribs and a compound fracture on her shield arm.
Arithel stands and looks at Safana, “R.. right.”
Safana: “Find that Gods-cursed local and make sure he hasn’t run off on us.”
Safana: CSW: Meich [3d8+8 = 22]
Arithel looks around for the local.
The local has not run off, indeed, he is approaching – somewhat in shock, but eyes full of wonder. “You have done it! I did not think it possible, where so many had failed!”
He hands each of you a 200 gold piece bag.
GM: “Shame about your friend, but them’s the breaks of the job.”
Safana: (over a shoulder) “Make sure he pays the Hammerhead as well.”
The Stormtamer is absolutely speechless.
“Why pay him? He is dead!”
Arithel: “I’m sure his family could use the coin. And it was never said in the deal that surviving members only get the 200 gold.”
Stormtamer: “If he had family, he never mentioned it to me… if he had…”

Safana: “The death of any of your crew is a blow to countless orphans and widows – whether his or not, any one who dies increases the burden on all the rest.”
Varic, you find yourself feeling less and less wounded, but just as sore.
Kiergath (Safana): if nobody caught it, Varic is AFK and will be for quite awhile.
The Stormtamer nods solemnly with Safana’s words.
Safana: “Sir, you were prepared to pay the sum when you agreed. I do not ask for his percentage of salvage, but the coin would be much appreciated; there are a great many back home depending on us.”
Arithel nods at that.
The man grumbles. “Very well…” He hucks out another 200 coins, then begins seeing to the salvage. “It’ll take at least until tomorrow to get this sorted… come back then for your percent.”
Safana: Stash the bag, help Meich up out of the rubble and rejoin the group.

Meich: “What… was… that… and how do I not get hit by it again…”
Safana: “That was a sword bigger than two of you laid end to end. You might try ducking, but I wouldn’t bet on it working.”
Safana: “Therefore, I’d offer the compromise of ’don’t get too far from me that I can’t heal you’.”
Arithel: “You fought bravely Meich, you have my deepest respect.”
Meich: “I appreciate it… I’d appreciate a beer and a bed too… this is going to hurt in the morning.”
Safana: “I expect it hurts plenty now, too.”
Safana: Help support her and head back into the city.

Safana: “Someone should probably pick an inn, since I have no real experience with any of them.”
Safana: “I seem to have noticed there was no shortage, so.. someone?”
Meich limps you into one of the inns. You barely catch the name as the “Field of Glory”.
Arithel: Approach the purveyor of the inn.
Arithel: “We are in need of lodging, do you have vacancy?”
Barkeep: “Aye, plenty of rooms – how many?”

Safana: Hobble over to an empty table, if there is one.
Arithel: “Four.”
There is an empty table – there seems to be no shortage!
Safana: by a fire, if possible.
Safana: Is there any sort of entertainment in this place? Minstrels? Clowns? Bar fighting?
“Eight gold, please.”
A handful of minstrels in the corner.
Safana: Are they any good?

Not extraordinary by a longshot.
Safana: Sit and wait for Arithel.
Arithel joins the group at the table after procuring the rooms.
Nick (Arithel): yes I paid the 8 gold. :P
Alex: Huzzah!
Arithel: Order some strong drink for everyone at the table.
Safana: Order wine, strong not necessary.
Safana: Or coffee, if these savages have it.
Arithel: And order a tea or equivalent for myself.
Safana: So really, not much strong drink at all .

Arithel: “I thought Bartholomew could use it.”
Safana: “I suspect so. I would, but I rarely indulge in such things.”
There is a bit of coffee and some tea.
Meich knocks back the strongest drink they have.
Stormtamer kind of stares idly at his mug.
Safana sits in silence, tuning her instrument.
Arithel says nothing as well, finishes his tea places 3 room keys on the table then stands and heads to the room to rest.
Safana: Stay until the rest wander to their rooms, then retire myself.

You make your way to the rooms and retire for the night.
Arithel: Resetting Wizard Powers
Kiergath (Safana): morning comes?!?!?!
Come the morning, when you wake and head down for breakfast, Spot check!
Safana: Skill [Spot] [1d20+4 = 21]
Kiergath (Safana): good jo—
Kiergath (Safana): oh, hey.
Arithel: Skill [Spot] [1d20+5 = 24]
Safana: I’m alone when I wake up, right? Because I didn’t actually drink anything, so..
Safana: well, except coffee, and it usually doesn’t have the same results.

Kiergath (Safana): Unless Arithel drugged it.
Alex: Yes.
Alex: You’re alone.
Safana isn’t sure whether to be happy about that fact or not.
You make your way downstairs, and amidst the throng of people, you could swear you see someone who looks like the Hammerhead.
Safana: Bart downstairs yet?
Alex: Not yet.
Safana: Those horrible minstrels still around?
Alex: Nope – gone.
Alex: Must be nightly entertainment.

Safana: Settle down by the fire with a mug of water – if I trust it, wine if not – and show these barbarians what real music is.
Safana: Skill [Perform (Sing)] [1d20+21 = 36]
Kiergath (Safana): +4, masterwork instrument / synergy bonus.
Safana: language of the day is…
Safana: Elven!
Nick (Arithel): lol
GM: The water is quite clean.
Kiergath (Safana): I really don’t know many languages I’d want to admit to knowing in the upper planes…
Arithel: Resetting Sorcerer Powers

You get a several gold coins set down in front of you. At the end of the song, you hear a quite gruff voice. “Not too bad. Not your best work, but still.”
Safana: “A critic? Here? You wound me, sir! Show yourself, that I may gaze upon the cruel monster that places such barbs in my heart!”
The one who looks like Hammerhead steps forward. “Honestly, you snore prettier than that.”
Safana: “By the gods, but I must have been truly drunk for you to have gotten so close as to know that!”
Safana pauses in the middle of dramatic posturing, “And, … wait.. you? But…”

He grins. “Good to see you too. You the only one awake?”
Safana: “I.. uhm.. Arithel, I think? I’m not sure.”
Safana looks truly confused.
Arithel Arithel hasnt come downstairs yet.
Kiergath (Safana): k, nevermind that statement then, the DM implied we both were.
Varic Thorn Varic Thron has not come down either.
Safana: “I think.. I haven’t seen anyone else, anyway..”
“So, how was your night? Get up to anything fun?”

Safana: “In a place like this? I’d be afraid of catching something. You saw the city when we came in, its.. shameful.”
Safana: “They live crammed together like vermin in a warren and call it a city.”
Hammerhead: “It is a bit of a midden heap isn’t it…”
Hammerhead: “So you get paid for that job last night?”
Safana eyes him up and down before reaching around her back to pull the pouch from her belt, “Sure did. He even agreed to pay you, out of the kindness of his heart.”

Hammerhead: “Did he then? Awful nice of him… how about the salvage? Did you get the rights?”
Safana: “Ehhhm…. he wouldn’t agree to that for a deader, but maybe we’ll be able to get him to reconsider.”
Safana: “These wealthy merchant types are usually somewhat persuadable.”
Hammerhead: “I’m not dead at any rate, so I consider that to be a win.”
Safana passes over the bag, “Yes.. I’d ask how that came to be, but I’m sure you’ll have to tell the rest when they finally wake up.”
Safana: “Maybe we should check on them…”
Arithel finally heads downstairs.
Arithel: “Good morning Safana, good morning sir.”
Safana: “Morning Arithel!”

Hammerhead: “Morning Arithel.”
Arithel orders a tea and heads over to the table.
Arithel: “Who is your new friend… he looks, well the resemblance I mean is uncanny…forgive me I..”
Safana: “Well… that’s because.. ehm.. well.”
Safana: “…”
Safana: “Okay, there are so many jokes I could go with here that I can’t really pick one, so we’ll just settle for the simple version. Arithel, re-meet Hammerhead.”

Safana: “He’s not dead. But not undead. Just.. de-dead.”
Arithel: “But how? We saw you fall.”
Varic Thorn: “How did this happen?” says Varic walking down the stairs.
Hammerhead: “…Honestly? I’m not too sure myself…”
Arithel: “Is it possible that death here on Ysgard is not a permanent thing?”
Safana: “Best to ask someone more familiar with the place.. Meich for example.”

Safana collects the little bit of gold around her and moves to a seat at the table.
Hammerhead: “Where is that saucy wench? How did she fare in the fight?”
Arithel: “She fought bravely, as did you.”
Safana: “I haven’t seen her since we retired last night..”
Hammerhead: “Hah! My fight was not brave, it was foolish!”
Safana: “The difference between the two is usually a shallow grave.”

Hammerhead: “Or none at all, for which I am infintitely thankful.”
Safana: “I don’t know where our local friend has gotten to, though.. she wasn’t in the greatest shape last night, so I didn’t keep that close an eye on her..”
Safana: “For that matter, has anyone seen Bart?”
Varic Thorn: “Not I”
Hammerhead: “How is that old bastard?”
Varic Thorn: “You speak as if you have been gone for some time…..”
Varic Thorn: “But you fell just last night.”

Hammerhead: “Has it been that long? It’s a bit confusing..”
Arithel: “I must admit I share in Varic’s suspicion. Is there some way that you could verify your identity to us?”
Varic Thorn: “Safana, perhaps you should find our shield maiden. We need information here.”
Kiergath (Safana): Do I know which key she took? I did wait for everyone else to go up…
Arithel: “She is upstairs. I will see if she is well enough to speak.”
Kiergath (Safana): n/m.
Arithel heads upstairs and knocks on Meiche’s door.
Meich: “…bleh…? Who is it?”

Arithel: “Arithel, are you well enough to come down?”
Meich: “Sure… let me get dressed.”
Shortly, she appears in a peasant dress, her armor left behind in the room. " ’llo." She traipses downstairs.
Arithel: “After you.”
Arithel follows her downstairs.
Safana waits in silence.

Arithel heads over to the table, “Meich, as you can see, our friend who we thought died yesterday is alive and well.”
Meich finds her way to the table to you.
Meich: “…yes? I can imagine you’re quite glad at that.”
Safana: “Rather confused, actually!”
Arithel: “Is death not permanent on this plane?”
Arithel: “Or is there a simpler explanation?”
Meich: “The plains of valor, eternal Ysgard… conflict, honor, battle, valor… forever and always.”
Meich: “Fallen warriors will always arise to fight with the coming of the sun.”
Safana: “What about fallen bards, pray tell? That’s more concern to me.”
Varic Thorn: “Then why does he speak like he has been gone for some time?
”color:#000054;">Safana: “Death is a troubling thing, spiritually, I’m sure.”
Safana: “It would only make sense that it was jarring to the one who experienced it.”

Safana: “That said, I find I dislike this plane.”
Meich nods.
Safana: “In particular because it means that those assassins we put down yesterday will be alive and well.”
Meich: “I hated the first time it happened to me – it felt like I had lost years of my life.”
Safana: “This is a safe haven only on the surface; our enemies cannot be dispatched and will multiply, and the only thing we can say is that when we inevitably die, we will rise again.”
Arithel: “Is there any way to stop this rebirth from happening?”
Varic Thorn: “Well, only those whom die in battle get this treatment?”
Varic Thorn: “If so, then all is not lost. There are many ways to end a persons threat to you than simply killing them with steel.”

Safana: “If those who die outside battle yet stay dead, then the danger is far greater to we than to they, because they are assassins and we are not.”
Varic Thorn: “Magic, we have it. They do not. Not yet anyhow.”
Varic Thorn: :We charm them and leave them to gamble and drink while we make our way to where it is we are going.“
”color:#660000;">Meich: “Any who suffer a mortal wound here are to be returned to the living.”
Safana: “So those who die of unnatural causes will return to life.”
Varic Thorn: “But that’s the rub, we don’t need to kill them. We only need to make sure they dont kill us/”
Safana: “If they don’t die, eventually they’ll resume the chase.”
Safana: “Perhaps we are taking the wrong course of action, here.”

Safana: “Perhaps we should stop retreating – this place is a haven of mercenaries; hire them and return to Water, gather our supporters there, and put an end to this affront in the only way these savages understand – put the lords of Islas and their bought dogs to the sword.”
Arithel: “That is a bold action. Not a bad one. We know who those trying to assassinate us are and where they are.”
Safana: “And we are not poor – even less so if the salvage pays off.”
Arithel: “Do we know why exactly we are being targeted for death? I assume it is our relationship with Bartholomew.”
Safana: “I suspect you and Eachra are being targetted simply because you carried that body, and they wanted to take care of loose ends.”
Arithel: “Most would have tried to buy our silence first. Perhaps thats what the gold from the night harbormaster was for.”
Safana: “The rest of us? Certainly, our ‘connection’ to Bart makes us targets.”

Safana: “The evil and corrupt would not try to buy your silence; they are scum themselves and assume all others to be their sort of scum. They would take the gold and speak anyway, so they assume you will as well.”
Arithel: “They must be brought to justice for this. I am in favor of Safana’s plan.”
Varic Thorn: “I just work here so………”
Arithel: “Lets tend to the salvage first. Maybe something good will come of it.”
Arithel: “Lets find that local at the north gate and see what he has for us.”
Safana nods in agreement.
Meich: “…wait, so we aren’t just getting paid 200 gold?”
Safana: “No. Come along.”

Safana: “We also still have to take care of selling the spoils from that last band of assassins.”
Meich: “They’ll be properly sore about that…”

Arithel: “They forfeited their goods when they attacked us. And I speak not out of greed but out of fairness.”
She shrugs in understanding. You make your way to the north gate and find that the man is not there. Closer examination reveals him rummaging around near one of the wagons, near filled with junk.
Arithel: Approach the man.
Arithel: “Greetings sir. What have you found in the salvage?”

“Well, you’re entitled to 5%, and 5% of junk is still junk. Got a bunch of ruined armor for you, some sundered swords, a few dented helmets…”
Arithel: “And there was nothing else?”
Arithel: Skill [Sense Motive] [1d20+3 = 8]

‘Jay’ disconnected
Alex: er?
Arithel: “I see. Well it’s better than nothing.”
Arithel: “Well would you like to purchase our share then?”
“Well, there were a few pouches of spice left over, but not a whole lot.”
Arithel: “We will sell the spice seperately. Make us a fair offer on the rest and we can bid you good day.”
‘Jay’ connected
Safana is off to the side not really paying attention talking business with Meich, apparently.
GM: “I’ll take the rest off your hands for a thousand gold, full stop.”

Arithel: “Safana, One thousand gold for our share of items minus the spices. I would seek your opinion if you have one.”
Safana: “One thousand gold, split… five ways, if I recall right…”
Safana: “Would bring us up to an additional two hundred coins each, yes?”
Arithel: “Yes, that is right.”
Safana: “I’d accept.”
Arithel turns back to the man, “We accept. A fair deal.”
He hands over a thousand gold coins without batting an eye.
Safana: “A poor deal, but you have the advantage of time over us; we cannot stay long enough to have any idea how falsely you’re dealing us. Therefore, since we have lost nothing, anything is a profit.”

Arithel: Take the coins and head to the marketplace to sell the spices and wagon of carryables.
GM: “Good business sense you have.”
Safana: “It serves me well enough – I have enough gold to suit me, and my enemies remain a step behind.”
You are able to get an offer of another thousand gold from the spices and the wagon.
Safana: head after Arithel.
Arithel: Accept that offer as well, and then divide the coin.
Safana: So 400 a piece?
Arithel: 200 plus another 500 each
Safana: eh?
Arithel: ah right 5 ways.
Safana: 1k → merchant, 200gp, 1k → wagon/spices, 200gp
Alex: ty
Arithel: total of 600 from everything
Safana: <shrug> only fair, they helped in both cases.
Safana: “Thus bringing us to the next bit of business.. and I would like to make sure Bart is aboard for it, since our return to Islas impacts him directly as well.”

Just about then, Bart comes wandering along, ready to listen!
Safana: “How.. convenient.”
Safana: “I dislike this plane, everything about it feels contrived.”
Kiergath (Safana): <cough> Make a note to strike that from the log.
Alex: …Kay, you note it down :P
Kiergath (Safana): I think three OOCs will suffice as a marker.
Safana: “Captain! Look who’s not in the dead book!”
Alex: Indeed.

Stormtamer: “…where did you get the funds? How much do I owe you?”
Safana: “It’s the plane, apparently.”
Safana: “But if you really want to give me the money for a raise dead, I wouldn’t say no..”
Safana: “That’d buy a lot of jewelry.”
Stormtamer: “…I’ll look into it at your next performance review.”
Safana: “That aside.. Arithel and I, and Varic sort’ve agreed in that charming way of his that makes it apparent he disapproves but doesn’t want to interfere in our freedom to make mistakes, were speaking about a course of action.”
Safana eyes Varic, waiting for some sort of response.

Safana: “No? Ah, well. The idea has come up that it may be we’ve made a mistake in leaving the plane of Water.”
Arithel: “Leaving, no I think we were right to run, however, now that we are here an opportunity to return to Islas with a force is apparrently possible.”
Varic Thorn: “I’m lost again. I think.”
Safana: “It was a joke, Varic, but in hind sight it wasn’t that funny. Don’t worry about it.”
Varic Thorn: “Oh, well…sorry. Things……”
Safana: “As Arithel says, Bart, the time may be to turn and fight. We’re in a city teeming with sellswords and we have coin – quite a bit of it now, thanks to yesterday’s run-in with that.. thing.”
Safana: “What’s to stop us from raising a force here and taking Islas for once and for all, and dealing with the Wind Break in the bargain? That’d get rid of this axe hanging over us all for good.”
Varic Thorn: “I’m sorry, I need to go for a moment.”
Varic Thorn wanders off for a minute, then returns
Arithel: “And bring our assassins to justice.”
Safana: “..Yes, that too.”

Stormtamer: “…you’re vicious. I like it.”
Arithel: “They brought this upon us, we are left with little choice but to retaliate or hide.”
Safana: “And Islas will be better off for it as well, as you and I well know, Bart.”
Arithel: “Meiche, do you know any reputable skilled mercenary companies here in this city? If so how can we go about setting up a meeting?”
Safana: “No companies, no organized units.”
Arithel looks confused, “Why not?”
Safana: “Its too easily tracked.”
Safana: “At best we want small bands, well used to fighting together but not in large formations.”

Safana: “Islas is not an open plain or even a true city, it is a maze of twisting streets and back alleys.”
Safana: “We want small groups and individuals who can be spoken to privately with minimal news spreading.”
Safana: “Ideally, I would say we do not even want to make our target known until we are ready to depart.”
Arithel: “You are worried about a leak reaching our targets?”
Safana: “As you may recall, we have reason to believe that ‘Heaven and Hell’ were hiring mercenaries here to attack Kord.”
Safana: “I am very much afraid of such a thing.”
Arithel: “That is true. Weve already been attacked once, and no doubt those that did will still be out for our heads.”
Arithel: “Heaven and Hell have operatives here, probably even in this city as we speak.”
Arithel: “Then we need a discreet way of gaining audience with mercenaries.”
Safana: “Which means we must be quiet and we must be swift. We also should probably expect that despite that, we’re still going to be found out.”

Varic Thorn: ooc : ok all, its quitting time for me. Same time next week?
Arithel: “I suggest we form a base of operations here, then I use my magic to alter my form thus traveling in disguise. I can then arrange for mercenaries to meet us at convenient locations.”
Nick (Arithel): yes same time
Nick (Arithel): take it easy man
Kiergath (Safana): Ya, same time.. Night man.
Jay (Varic Thorn): ok good game, cya next week:D
‘Jay’ disconnected
Alex: okay – so we’re wrapped here then?
Kiergath (Safana): looks like.
Nick (Arithel): np
Kiergath (Safana): pretty damn late by our standards .
Nick (Arithel): ya you guys went the distance.
Kiergath (Safana): hey, don’t look at me, I’d keep going for another 3 hours.. he’s the wimp
Kiergath (Safana): <3>
Nick (Arithel): ya the wimp with a good paying job…
Alex: no kidding

Alex: Raise of 3% today too
Kiergath (Safana): its fine, four or five days a week I do my best to distract him from that too
Alex: :P
Kiergath (Safana): :p
Nick (Arithel): whats the company name again alex?
Alex: Andor Tech
Nick (Arithel): right
Nick (Arithel): ok well Ill catch you all later then.
‘Nick’ disconnected

---

Safana, Varic, Meich, Arithel and the two pirates investigate the assassin’s camp, with some small result. Arithel discovers a small note to one of the assassin’s wives. They make their way into Himinborg, where they are accosted by a man begging their assistance against a demon. They agree to help for some gold and 5% of the salvage. During the battle, Varic gets knocked around, but does some impressive damage, while the Hammerhead loses an arm, a leg, and his life. They stop for sleep at the “Field of Glory”. On waking, they see someone who looks quite a bit like the Hammerhead. They then discover that those who suffer mortal wounds on Ysgard do not stay dead. They go off to see about their salvage. Safana barters a deal with Meich to hire her services for 200 gold a month. They decide to hire an army of mercenaries to take Islas by force.

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