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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 14, 2024 14:30:49 GMT -5
With Athena back safe and sound, Shaa finally had some time to deal with some other things that had been bothering him for a while now. Small things that had been poking around his brain like a sharp thorn that could not be dislodged. This particular thorn happened to be in the shape of a Teifling who had also gone missing.
Maybe it was the success of getting Athena back that was driving him now. He had momentum and he was going to use it account for every last member of the guild before handing the reigns back over. But more than that. The peace he had by getting her back was being poisoned by having yet another friend disappear into the universe. I had no intention of spending another year in the dark. For his own peace of mind, he need to find Zarius.
He felt that if he was going to find him fast, the best place to start would be at his home in Darkviel City. Shaa had actually been able to meet some members of the family and knew others by their reputation and interesting stories from Zarius. One thing that was for sure true about of all of them was that they knew that they took a vested interest in their family dealings. If anyone knew where he was or what happened, they would. The only question was, would they tell him? Despite being a family friend, some things would be undoubtedly kept close to the vest. His best hope was to approach his semi adopted little brother Kazire. But even that was no guarantee.
He needed to hedge his bets a bit. On his way over, he placed a message to someone he knew who was a bit sneaker than himself to do some extra sneaking. He didn’t quite trust him or even consider him a friend, but he knew he was good at his trade and good is what he needed right now. They were set to meet at a small eatery in town before making their way to the mansion. Shaa rubbed some dirt off his horn while he scanned the crowd for his companion. The sun of the day causes some sweat to bead on his long snout. He grunts and shakes the beads of water and dirt from his shaggy head. Where was he?
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 24, 2024 11:52:57 GMT -5
Shaa was not someone Fish had ever really considered working with again. They had nothing against the minotaur, but Fish had the feeling that the pair had very different operating styles. Head-on fighter types are fine, but unlike Perrath, Shaa didn't seem to worry about stealth.
However, he also seemed like the only one interested in helping Fish figure out what was going on with Mr. Zarius. Cyran, Astrid, Mei, Shael, anyone who was connected to the fellblood was terrible at lying, but Fish was going to figure out what had happened. The aviankin was smart enough to make a guess, but a good detective doesn't settle for a hunch. Also, Fish had decided they would add detective to their list of jobs, but that's a different story.
As usual Fish just kind of appears at the table from nowhere. Shaa blinks at an empty space in front of him and in that fraction of a second, the bird is now sitting in front of him. They hold a cup of juice as they look up from their seat. Even when sitting Shaa was still several Fish's tall.
"Fish is ready when Shaa is."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 27, 2024 7:49:28 GMT -5
The Minotaur blinks hard at the suddeness of the small thief’s appearance in front of him. It wasn’t very often that anyone caught him by surprise, especially when he was actively looking, which only confirmed the bird man’s skill. Ga! He says in surprise. Fish, there you are. I was starting to think you got lost or accidentally got stepped on or something. Anywho, thank you for coming. Hopefully this won’t be too tough a job. It’s not lost on me that every time we’re together, we end up breaking into a mansion. I was curious however why you even took the job though. When I sent the invitation, I only half expected you to actually accept it. Shaa didn’t really expect an answer and frankly didn’t really need one. He was just grateful that someone of Fish’s confirmed skills would be along.
I have been thinking about our approach on this and the chances of me going undetected are pretty slim. I did manage to sneak into their dining room once for Hearth’s day, but it was pretty lucky. Now that I think about it, I hope they aren’t still pissed about that. I didn’t get any death threats or assassin types thrown my way so, probably not. He gets lost in thought for a moment and then shakes his head a bit to dispel the funny memory.
Anyway, it’s probably best if we treat this one as gently as possible. I would really rather not get on the family’s bad side. All I’m trying to do here is figure out where Zarius is and somebody in there knows. Our best bet is trying to get information out of the younger brother. He’ll probably tell me if he knows anything but actually getting to him might be an issue. Shaa hands Fish a letter. When we go, give that too him if I can’t talk to him directly. I have a feeling I am going to be too busy dealing with the welcoming committee.
It was a dumb plan but Shaa figured a dumb plan was better than no plan at all. Weirdly enough, the dumb plans actually worked more often than not because they are so hard to predict or prepare against. On more than one occasion, the phrase “ surely no one would be dumb enough to do X” worked to his advantage. The plan was for Fish to find a way into the mansion and secretly contact Kazire. Meanwhile Shaa would keep the guards occupied…right at the front door. It was risky but he just needed to buy enough time for Fish to work but not so long as to piss the family off or raise suspicions.
Any ideas on how you are going to get in?
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 27, 2024 10:00:07 GMT -5
"Fish would not be a good thief if Fish's approach was easy to detect." The bird folds their hands on te table ready for the debriefing.
Going after Zarius family wasn't going to be easy if the conversations Fish wasn't supposed to hear were true. It seems the fellblood's family was just as careful as he was which meant things would get complicated easily. It was the type of job where Fish was glad to have help, though Shaa would not have been their first choice. Shaa was just the only one who also wanted answers.
"Everyone has been lying to Fish about Mr. Zarius...Fish has suspicions Mr. Zarius is dead, but Fish cannot confirm it." They blink and look at the letter before taking it with a nod.
How to get in was the million solar question...If it was Morrigan they could pull some flim-flam and get themselves in that way...Cyran or Del and they could sneak in, but between these two? There were a few options that Fish had, but it was going to be difficult.
"How does Shaa feel about nightmares? If Shaa were to act as if they are in a frenzy it would draw their attention...Fish has nightmare dust to help sell it, it would only work for a short time, but it would be enough to make them buy it....Shaa would then be able to keep his senses and avoid getting too hurt...If Shaa does not want to do this, Fish will need a minute to draw up other plans."
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 27, 2024 12:57:45 GMT -5
Shaa laughs deeply and takes a pull from the mug in front of him. No, no nightmares. I don’t need anyone freaking out and trying to crossbow me in the face. Don’t worry about me. I can get attention when I want to. You just need to watch for your moment when it comes. Get in the house. Find Zarius or some sort of clue where he is. And, if you can, find little K. I still think he is going to be our best shot at getting what we need. When you are done, get out of the house and signal me you are out. Then we’ll book it. Easy right?
Shaa knew deep down that there was no way this was going to be easy. He wasn’t sure who actually had the worse job. Him making a racket and probably getting attacked or Fish who would have to deal with whatever nonsense was inside. But, in the end, it didn’t matter. Zarius was his friend and if he was in trouble, Shaa was going to get him out of it. After all, what are friends for?
After discussing the last minute plans, Shaa stands up from the table and starts making his way towards the mansion. The plan was for Fish to follow him in the shadows to wait for his chance to get inside. It didn’t take long but Shaa had already lost the bird-man in the crowd of people. He really was good. Shaa would just have to trust him that he was keeping up. They both had jobs to do and he had to focus on his.
It didn’t take long for Shaa to find the long path that wound its way up to the front doors of the estate. As he slept outside most of the time, it was always impressive seeing the amount of work that had to have gone into building such a place. Personally, he could never see himself in such a grand place, too much upkeep, but to each their own. He wondered offhandedly what it must have been like for Zarius to grow up in a place like this. He was a good fighter but that kind of skill usually came from hard living…or extreme training. He could guess which one applied here.
As the big man approached the large doors, two guards emerged from the shadows. Where had they come from? One of the guards, a young man in his 20s but sturdy, calls at Shaa from the porch.
Who goes there? State your business.. Shaa looks at the lad comically. Who goes there? Is this your first day on the job or something? Who even says that? The guard bristles a bit and stares coolly at the Fighter. Shut up, I’m asking the questions here! Well which is it? Do you want me to state my business or shut up? I can’t very well do both. Seeing where this was going, the second guard, a bit older with a mustache, holds his hand up to his companion. Please sir, state your business. See, all you to to was be clear and polite. My name is Rugger Bonemaw. I’m here to speak to Mr Zarius. It was a well known fact that lots of people had a hard time telling Minotaurs apart unless you had a lot of experience. Shaa decided not to use his real name in case things went sideways and hoped no one would remember him later.
I’m sorry but the master is not available. What does that mean? Shaa pressed. It means that you will not be able to speak to him today. So now, as you, have no business here, please leave. Shaa rolled his eyes. Just go tell him a big Minotaur is here to see him. It’s ok, I’ll wait. I am a guard not a messenger. The standing orders are that no one from the family is available. Please leave. Shaa took a Quick Look around. He didn’t see Fish but hoped he was watching. Ohhh reallly…
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 27, 2024 20:03:47 GMT -5
Fish shrugs as the idea is dismissed. Morrigan taught them the art of selling a scam, always helped to have an edge of truth to make it more believable. From what Fish remembered, Shaa wasn't exactly easy to kill which is why Fish suggested it having confidence the bull would survive easily. Oh well. Truth be told, Fish had already disappeared into the shadows the moment Shaa turned his back. It seemed as if they were ready to go which meant Fish would have to plan on the road. They didn't actually know much about Zarius' family or their home. Not a good thought because it meant they didn't have a lot of information to work with. The bird watches from the shadows as Shaa strides right up to the front doors. OK so he's going direct direct for this. All right then, Fish makes a mental note of that and skates the sides of the grounds. Who knew the family was so bougie? It made Fish wonder why Zarius did the work he did....this was normally the type of people Fish robbed, not consorted with. The daliance of it all did start to confirm more of Fish's suspicions. A rich family would have the means and the power to keep the death of a member quiet....but now the question was why. Fish was not going to leave here without an answer to that. They flip up their hood in the shadow of the bushes. Fish narrows their eyes on the roof and sinks into the shadows, stepping out onto the roof from the shadows of one of the parapets. They slowly edge towards a window to try and take a look inside to see how well guarded everything is before popping inside.
Manor grounds Manor is surrounded by a tall wrought iron fence. The main gate is at the front, and the secondary gate is towards the back where there is a separate carriage house. The grounds are well kept with a sprawling lawn and flower beds and trimmed hedges throughout. Front gate always has a number of visible guards (half with longswords, half with crossbows, all wearing light leather armor 1 hit prevention) Pairs of invisible guards patrol the grounds.
Manor exterior Large mansion, three stories tall in the front with darkened windows. Mainly stone construction with wooden roof, very Gothic in style (tall with arches) The building wraps around an interior courtyard hidden behind the front façade. Wide stone staircase leads up to heavy, dark wood, double front doors.
Manor interior Foyer: The ceilings are tall, stretching up high over their head and almost feeling like a cathedral in the spindly arches that support the ceiling. Central hall: grand central hall with two large sweeping staircases that lead to numerous other halls and doorways. Masterfully painted landscapes hang in glossy wooden frames on each wall, and vases filled with local flowers bring pops of color to the otherwise darkly colored space. The dim, warm lights reflect off the polished floors. Hallways: dimly lit with enchanted oil lamps, polished dark wood floors with wine-red runners, heavy dark curtains over windows, landscape paintings in ornate gold frames hanging from walls, vases filled with Ash Roses (wilting). Other rooms of note: private bedrooms, kitchen, dining hall, staff quarters, library, lounge, interior courtyard/atrium, armory.
Guards Miss Aubrey (sun elf, female) - captain of the guard, no-nonsense attitude, old enough to have wrinkles, wielding longsword Eirynor (half-elf, male) - Eameia’s personal guard, mute, wielding longsword (see minion description in Zarius' Character Description or Inventory for more info) All other guards are hired private militia (ex-mercs, ex-soldiers, etc.) they have novice-master in blade or marksmen and master in stealth with silent step and invisibility
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 28, 2024 0:47:30 GMT -5
Several minutes passed and Shaa was having a fantastic time being contrary. He was getting to argue, nothing was getting wrecked that he would have to pay for later. He counted 4 different shades of pink that the young guard’s face had turned during the discourse. If he had a plate of muffins or a popsicle, it would have been a banner day.
Look here Bonemaw. That’s Mr. Bonemaw to you Sparky. You cannot stay here, this is private property! Shaa stretched his large arms and yawned obviously. I’m not kidding. I don’t think you are. But I also don’t think you are heaaarrinnnggg meeee. I am not GOING anywhere, until you patter your tiny feet into the house like a good dog and tell your masters that I am heeerrreee. Shaa points at his feet and stares at the guard with mouth open as patronizing as possible. The older guard is doing everything in his power not to burst out laughing. Shaa counts yet another shade of pink in the first guard’s face.
You…pointing at Dexter, the mustached guard. Need to shut it. You pointing at Shaa. I have had enough with you. You need to go or else. Shaa, never a big fan of ultimatums, was curious to see how far he could push this. Hopefully Zarius was not a big fan of this guy or he might have to apologize later. Or else what? Shaa says with a smirk. Conrad, the angry guard, pulls out his short sword and points it menacingly. Or else we are going to have a nice bar be que on the front lawn. That was a mistake. Mission or no, Shaa did not like being compared to common animals.
Did you….did you just imply that I was a cow? He says incredulously with a bit of an edge in his tone. Dexter catches it and stops laughing. Conrad is not so quick. Cow? No you’re not a cow. Cows are useful for meat and milk and things. You are a useless boil on the face of the lawn. A boil I will lance if you don’t get moving. With what? That? He asks pointing at the short sword. If you try to stick me with that, I will make you eat it. I’m not even using hyperbo hype hypo….damn it. I will make it bad for you. You don’t even have a weapon! Conrad, calm down. No jokey Jokerson, I will not calm down. This thing has been disrespecting me for like 30 minutes! And I’m done or he’s done. Conrad, you’re a trained soldier, look at what’s happening. Yeah Conrad. Look at what’s happening. Conrad. What kind of name is that anyway.? Sounds like you should be out on a boat or something. Look at me, I’m Conrad. I eat fancy cheese and lick envelopes. You are supposed to lick envelopes! See? I knew it. Envelope licker.
Apparently they were loud enough to catch the attention of the other guards in the house. Eriynor and another guard come through the front door to see what’s happening. The argument gets even louder and stupider by the minute. THATS it! I warned you. Conrad steps off the porch towards the now pacing Minotaur. Eriynor had been too busy watching Conrad trying to figure out what was happening that he doesn’t recognize Shaa until it’s too late. As he sees Conrad stalk towards him, the difference in their relative sizes is immediate and obvious. The scar over Shaa’s eye gives him away and the half elf’s eys go wide in recognition. In a panic, Eriynor starts to frantically sign. “Conrad don’t be stupid! You don’t know who you are dealing with!” But of course, Conrad is too focused to see the waving behind him.
Conrad rushes at Shaa and swings down at him hard towards his shoulder. Shaa grabs the sword by the blade with his bare hand and yanks it from the mercenary’s grip. Before he can escape, Shaa grabs the now panicky mercenary by his throat, lifting him off of the ground like he was nothing. All of the other guards rush to help him except for Eriynor who is stomping up and down , trying to warn them off. He waves his hands in the air also signing “No stay on the high ground you idiots! Don’t get in close.”
Shaa tosses the short sword far away and flips Conrad upside down. He then proceeds to shake him until he falls out of his pants and hits the ground roughly. One by one, the guards come at him and, all in turn, end up pantless on the ground. Soon only Shaa is standing there, hand full of pants, a mass of half naked fighters in front of him scrambling. Eriynor looks over the pathetic heap of mercs with utter embarrassment. He signs at Shaa. “Is that you Shaa Rhunn, the Wanderer? What are you doing here?” Shaa looks up, not knowing anything but simple sign language can only guess that the gig is up. He can see the recognition in the half elf’s face but just has to blindly guess at the rest. He says loudly Well I never wear pants myself so, you know, starting a fashion trend. The bodyguard holds his hands out like What? With that, Shaa takes off towards the side of the house, pants in hand.
GET HIM!
Iron Grip Hands are Weapons Bull Strength Tatoo
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 29, 2024 8:45:19 GMT -5
Well the noise from Shaa certainly helped to pull the attention of any guard with in a 20 mile radius. Fish watches a few pass by the window before they slip out their thieves tools to work open the window.[1] Once inside, the window is closed with the latch left just barely open so Fish would have an escape if need be.
Now came the guessing game of where would information be hidden? This was the part Fish was not looking forward to given the limited intel they had. They slip a pair of goggles around their eyes and cycle through a few lenses before settling on a pair. Time to at least investigate and see what Fish can pick up.
This place is well guarded, that is easy enough to tell. Though.....it seems like a lot more guards than necessary for simple home guard. Either they were as overly cautious as Fish expected and then some or something more was going on here.[2] Everything was growing more and more suspicious as Fish trailed the halls.
All they could do was focus for the moment and try to find a study or some sort of office. That would be the best place to start for any written communication or at the very least finding anything out. If not there, then it would be casing the house room by room. It was in this phase of the investigation that Fish had an annoying thought, these types probably would have some sort of secret high-security vault. Something that would take time to break in to, time Fish might not have with Shaa running things out front.
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 29, 2024 12:19:22 GMT -5
This was great. Cause a distraction? Check. No deaths or damage? Check check. Being chased by a bunch of half naked guys with thier pants in hand? Well, it wasn’t part of the plan and he definitely wasn’t going to mention this later so like, half check. As big as he was and with a head start, Shaa was able to keep a good distance without being so far ahead to make the chasing guards give up.
Turning a corner, finds himself coming into a flower garden that looked beautiful and well maintained. The kind that would be set up for shows and competitions. Tromping through it like, well a Minotaur, was bound to tick someone off. This gave Shaa an idea. Utilizing his wind abilities, Shaa floats a foot off of the ground and runs right over the top of the flowers, leaving them unscathed. His half naked pursuers were not nearly as lucky.
Conrad looks over at the now floating Shaa aghast. What in the world are you doing?! Those are the bosses prize winning Florulides! Shaa, looking nonplussed, starts to casually clean his fingernails. Who me? Nothing, the flowers are fine. I’m just here enjoying the view with your pants. You horned bastard! Give us back our pants right now! Come and get em, I dare you. Shaa had made his way a good 20 feet into the tightly packed field of the very delicate looking blossoms. He knew full well that they would be hard pressed to get anywhere near him at this point. He takes one of the pairs of pants and starts dancing them over the flowers like a puppet. Look at the pretty flowers Mr Pants. Aren’t they so pretty? Yes, so pretty Mr. Minotaur, makes me want to step on them. What? No! That’s so mean Mr. Pants. I bet the people paid to guard the grounds would get into a lot of trouble. I dont care mwa hahaha.
Don’t you dare! Somebody hand me a friggen crossbow! Shaa holds his hand to his chest in fake offense. Dear sir! I would never. The pants on the other hand have a mind of their own. He holds two pair of the pants, one in each hand, and has them do a mock fight right above the flowers. Smack! Bam! Errrrgh pechew pechew! Why are you doing this, this is insane. If you had just called Zarius like said in the beginning, none of this would be happening. Shaa picks a single flower from the field and turns it slowly between his fingers. With a small puff of breath, the flower bursts into a bright flame and then, is nothing but ash in the wind. WOW, these little guys sure are flammable. I wonder what would happen if you tossed a flaming pile of pants into them? We can’t! It’s against orders. Funny, that sounds like a you problem. The only question is are you going to get into more trouble interrupting brunch or explaining why the master’s prize garden looks like the Ash Lands? He picks another flower and immolates it to emphasize the point.
No, I can’t take this anymore! One of the other guards that Shaa pantsed but hadn’t actually spoken to, suddenly loses his mind. A thin man with a wispy brown beard and deep set eyes, was holding his head with both hands like it was about to explode. I need this job! I am NOT going back to prison! Mostly unnoticeable before, Shaa and the other guards were all looking at Kevin now.
(1 Month Ago)
Kevin Redstone had been a promising acolyte in the mages guild for several years. His entire world came tumbling down when the guild had caught him practicing unauthorized Necromancy in the guild basement. Apparently he had been trying to build himself a girlfriend out of spare parts that he had been digging up from around local cemeteries. They had found that Kevin was not super picky as the abomination he created was made from the parts of at least 8 different species, only half of which were sentient. He might have gotten away with it too but , in the end, even the creature didn’t want to date him.
Convicted of abuses of magic and being generally icky, Kevin had spend the last 5 years in prison, finally to be put in a work release program. Only the family knew of his Necromancy background…until today.
You…you can’t handle him! He’s just messing with us! But he can’t mess with us! Hell yeah, Kevin, you tell him! Shaa, pants in hand, looks at Kevin concerned. He had been in enough battles to recognize when a fighter was becoming unstable and this guy was 3 goblins short of a mob. Ummm you are encouraging this? Your friend is not looking good. Eerrgghhh! Kevin starts making strange gestures with his hands and mumbling an incantation. Bro, what are you doing? Suddenly, Kevin leaps at Conrad and bites his thumb off, spitting the bloody contents into the feild of flowers. Conrad screams in pain. What in Slorases shiny boots is wrong with you!? Admittedly I did not see that coming.
All around Shaa, the flowers start to move and shift. Then, bursting from the ground come several pair of skeletal hands. Slowly the creatures start to emerge filled with the prize flowers and singularity of purpose. Kill the Minotaur. His temporary flower haven compromised, Shaa surfs the tops of the flowers and lands on the other side. Wasting no time, he retakes off again further into the garden, skeletons and guards close behind him.
Flame Breath Windtalker
Kevin PC necromancer- Tier 4 Summon Major Minion ( Skeleton Warriors, 3)
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 29, 2024 20:35:01 GMT -5
Fish flicks over the lenses to a new mode looking for anything magical like runes and traps.[1] Well, runes seem to lace the hallway. Not much Fish can do about them, likely alerting to intruders. Right now, anyone might assume that is whatever is happening out front. Fish couldn't be sure how specific the warnings are with their limited understanding of magic.
The bird opts to stick to the shadows for now as they move in the hallway. Two invisible guards come Fish's way, but hearing the shouting and crashing they are immediately pulled towards Shaa. Good, good. Slowly they start to shift towards the doors, no other way to start this job than by beginning.
Little talons silently skitter across the hall into the first room. Once more they flick a lockpick into hand and prize open the door, quickly shutting it behind them. Looking around it's a bedroom, but it lacks anything that isn't practical or functional. Fish could appreciate that. There was a stillness to the room as well...something that set Fish off.
The little investigator searched the room, but found little of use. Who's ever room this is didn't leave a whole lot behind. It could be Zarius'...would make sense. He has his own home and business, why would he come home? If this was Zarius' room, then he left no evidence behind.
Fish moves to the door to head back out, but the scurry of feet and hurried voices stops them. They press their ear to the door.
"Someone has broken in to manor, hurry to your father's office and hide there."
"Mother, I can help protect you."
"Please just go, I need to find your father."
Fish waited until they left to gather their thoughts. They sounded too panicked to be worried about Shaa, he was out front. Was it Fish? That seemed odd too...Fish hadn't made themselves known other than tripping the runes. Was someone else here?
When the voices pass, Fish slips out again and across the hallway to where the voices came from. They quickly look towards the foyer, chaos still going on? Yeah, chaos still going on. Fish skitters into the library, the first big room on this side of the house. Tall shelves of books line the library, but what catches their attention is the shattered glass and flapping curtains.
Great, not only was Fish dealing with competition, but they were amateurs. As angry as they were about the situation, Fish intended to do no harm to Zarius' family. Which means now they have to play defense while sneaking. There are faint steps from the window Fish begins to track.
1. Arcane Glasses
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 29, 2024 23:41:25 GMT -5
Around the same time Fish and Shaa left for the mansion, another group gathered in a small shed nearby. Three people with a dark purpose discuss their final plans, months in the work.
The first figure, a silver haired female elf named Tanish, looks at the other two cloaked figures and smiles wickedly. As the leader of the band, she takes a certain satisfaction in seeing all of her hard work set in motion. It was exciting and also a relief as their shadowy employers were just as anxious as she was to see the ultimate elimination of the X FAMILY. Today is the day gentlemen. It’s been …difficult to say the least but our labors and preparations will pay out . When we succeed, the money we will pull in for this job will fund our efforts for the next three years. Not to mention, we will put a significant hole in the power structure of the region. That void will only lead to more jobs for us. This is only the beginning.
The second figure, a fat faced Slaad named Morko, was not as sure. Isss very dangerous job. Many bodyguards. Noooose room firrsss miiisssaaakkkeeesss.. Morko, a master of poisons cooked in his own body, rubbed his arms and hands nervously. The muscles in his arms quiver a bit as he runs his fingers up and down the folds of his slimy skin. As the smallest of the group, the idea of direct confrontation was uncomfortable to say the least. He much preferred a “ hit and run” kind of attack but with this job, there was no option. They would have to get up close and personal to make sure the work was done.
The final figure rubbed his chin thoughtfully as he rolled a fist sized crystal ball back and forth across the worn wooden table in the center of the room. A former Storm Rider, Griff was a Naga with a bone to pick with, pretty much everyone. A skilled fighter in his own right, he was included on the mission for his skills as a Mage Slayer. He was the key to getting past all of the security in the mansion and ultimately accomplishing their goal of killing all the family there. Don’t worry Morko, I will get us in, nice and easy. Once we are over the wall, it will be a straight shot. The priority is the main family members starting with the kid. If we go after the father first, the rest will attempt to escape and we can’t have that. Our employers were very clear, all of them. Anyone else is inconsequential. We know they are all here today so it must happen today.
Agreed, the sooner the better. We have a fool proof plan that no one could mess up. Let’s get going.
Later, back on the mansion lawn, Shaa’ is continuing his escape from the guards as well as some recently summoned creatures of the undead.
GET HIM! Conrad screamed after the Minotaur. He was not thrilled that his own teammate had unexpectedly bitten off his thumb, but if it meant taking out the Minotaur, it was well worth the pain. That didn’t mean he forgave Kevin however. He looks at mad necromancer , still seething with rage, and barks at him loudly. And you! How dare you bite a superior. We will talk about this later. For now, we need to follow him.
Dexter steps in front of him and stops him. Hold it right there. You aren’t going anywhere still we bandage that stump, you are leaking everywhere. Conrad growls again but relents as Dexter pulls a med kit and starts sewing up his wound. While he waits for Dexter, he questions Kevin. So, Kevo, I know some necromancers and I get the thumb, I really do. What I don’t get is why MY THUMB. Kevin smiles a blood soaked smile, takes off his gloves and holds up his hands. A quick count shows that Kevin is missing 3 fingers. Gave at the office I’m afraid. Any more will hinder my work, thank you. Kevin replaces the gloves and starts to follow his minions towards the fleeing Minotaur. Conrad is impressed and a bit grossed out. Watch him Dexter, we will definitely need to deal with him later. Dexter finishes wrapping Conrad’s hand and nods in agreement.
While things were going according to plan, Shaa wondered how much longer he would have to keep this party going. Surely the entire house was on alert at this point but as long as they were looking outside and not inside, Fish would have the best chance to get the information they were looking for. Ideally, Zarius himself might be in there. He would apologize for the mess, they would have lunch and he could explain where in Ginma’s beard he has been all this time. But, deep down, Shaa knew that was a pipe dream. Something was wrong that no amount of pastries was going to fix.
The fighter does a quick check behind him on his pursuers. The guards had stopped but the flowery undead, unimpeded by things like being careful, were right behind him. One, two….wait, where was number three? Shaa feels a sudden jolt and senses an attack from the side. He was keeping track of too many things and the third skeleton managed to flank him from behind one of the lawn structures and jump on his back.
Not slowing down at all, Shaa wrestles with the undead creatures bony arms which are trying to wrap around his thick neck to strangle him. Shaa knows if he slows down, the other two will be right on him so he will have to deal with this on the run. It was sad as this would have been the perfect chance to use one of his many area attacks but keeping damage low was getting tricky as more players entered the fray. He would just have to get creative. With one hand fending off the skeleton, the other hand reaches into his bag of the infinite for a certain sack.
Bag of the Infinite vamVBJrf
Jolly Bag of Gifts: 7 - 8: Four-Sided Top This top, oddly enough, may be spun on any surface. Just throw it, and it will right itself regardless of the terrain. Each of the four sides will begin to fire out small, silver coins rapidly, creating a spinning trap which affects everyone in a radius around it.
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 30, 2024 12:05:56 GMT -5
As confident as they were with their plan, the assassins were not prepared for Shaa. No one is ever really prepared for Shaa. The manor guards being on high alert was already a serious wrench in their plans. It meant the family was probably already hiding or in the process of escaping.
Their panic lead to the sloppiness from the Slaad to just bust through the window into the manor. The guards attention might be pulled, but it was an obvious sign that things were getting worse. Something Zewala picked up on which prompted the conversation that Fish overheard. Fish could see two sets of footprints which mean one person was left out though Fish didn't know about this.
Fish starts to prowl the hallway before something pinged their attention.[1] They jump back right as the slaad drops from the rafters trying to stab Fish through the back. He pulls up to his full hunched stance, knives in hand that dripped with poison.
"Looksssss like theresssss more fuuun to be had." The slaad readies to charge in again.
Fish wasn't all that interested in a fight. This was intel gathering nothing more, but Fish also knew these were assassin. No one else brings a poisoned knife to a fight. Angry as they were with Zarius and the family, Fish wasn't going to allow them to be hurt. Del and Cyran would understand Fish having to use violence to protect others.
The slaad bursts forward from its powerful legs, much faster than Fish anticipated, but they were ready. Just like that day in the tavern with Cyran, Fish slips a throwing knife into their hand. The blade meets with the poisoned knife and slides it away as Fish flicks out another knife. They spin to the side and stab the second knife into the collarbone of the slaad and gain some distance.[2]
"AHHH!! Little biiird, clever buuuuuuut you won't do it twiccceee"
Fish pointed to the knife in the slaad which made him look that way. Fish had attached a satchel of gunpowder and capsacin to the satchel.[3] They snap their fingers and a spark flies out to ignite the gunpowder and send capsacin into the slaad's face.
The scream of pain and coughing rings out through the hallways. He graps and claws at his face as tears stream down his scaly skin. Stealth was almost entirely out the window at this point so Fish was opting for efficiency at this point. There was at least one more assassin lurking the halls and once they heard their comrade go down, things were going to kick into overdrive.
It was Fish's turn to flash forward and sprint past the slaad to get behind him.[4] They whip around the corner of the hallway, quick draw their pistol and fire. The shot goes right through the back of the slaad's head sending him to the floor with a slump.[5]
"Shite....was that Morko? Griff better wrap things up out front, this is going to hells in a handbasket." The elf remained unseen as she stalked the opposite end of the manor.
Griff was sent on clean up duty to the front, but seeing what was going on he was going to wait things out. If the minotaur died, great, that was preferable he could take the guards. If the guards died, great the minotaur would be mostly dead by then. He may be a fighter, but he is a bandit after all. Pay means nothing if you're dead.
1. Magician's Secret 2. Rogue's Riposte 3. Improvisation Master (Spicy Surprise - Gunpowder + Capsacin) 4. Adrenaline Rush 5. Back Stab
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 30, 2024 17:56:54 GMT -5
As Shaa continues his run with his unauthorized skeletal passenger, he tests his luck by drawing out an item from his jolly bag. The top? Not really useful against undead things. Luck wasn’t with him today. Shaa tosses the top hard behind him and hard enough to fly over the other pursuing skeletons as well. Hopefully it would at least slow down the guards a bit.
Still struggling against his relentless undead assailant, he felt he needed to change up his tactics a bit. Seeing a large nearby tree, he makes a beeline and ricochets off of it at about half speed. Right before he hits, he turns sharply to hit the tree with his back, putting the skeleton between him and the tree. As he hits, he can hear the snap of breaking bone. For a moment, he thought he was free only to feel the skeleton still trying to strangle him. A quick back check painted the picture. He had managed to crush the warrior from the waist down, but his torso was still attacking him. Unbelievably, he had somehow managed to pants a skeleton who did not even wear pants. He was definitely not telling anyone about this later.
His little tree maneuver had cost him precious time allowing the remaining two skeletons to catch up with him. He quickly lurches forward and grabs the scapula of his rider. Using the momentum, he manages to toss the half skeleton right into the face of one of the other skeletons. The two tumble into a mass of still shivering bones on the ground in front of him, down but not out. The third skeleton is undeterred and immediately jumps at Shaa, attempting to take a big bite out of his arm.
Really? Playing with kid gloves was beginning to make Shaa itchy. He did think anyone would mind a little ultra violence against something that was already dead. Before the skeleton can bite him, he jams his fist up the creatures exposed ribcage until his hand reaches the bottom of its skull. He then summons a flame construct in the shape of his hand from inside the skeleton’s chest cavity, scorching it from the inside.
For the first time, whatever dark force is powering the creature can sense danger immediately eminent. The skeleton struggles to back up but, stuck on the Minotaur’s arm, has no where to go. No no, too late for you. Shaa switches the constructs form to ash and finally into black obsidian. As it goes rigid, the skeleton violently explodes from the inside, bits of bone and rotted sinew flinging across the lawn. Shaa takes his make shift obsidian gauntlet and walks over to the still rattling pile of bones of the first two skeletons. He slams the gauntlet down as hard as he can, over and over, grinding the bones into a fine powder. Let’s see you jerks come back from that. He spits distastefully on the pile of bone meal and reconverts the gauntlet into a poisonous ash cloud. Just one more thing to slow the guards down.
Looking in the distance, he can see the Necromancer coming alone. Not wanting to find out what else he might come up with, he takes off again, this time closer to the actual house. As he gets closer, he spies a shadowy figure lurking near one of the lower windows.
Master of Ceremony Bull Strength 4 sided Top
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Post by Fish the Tinkerer on Mar 31, 2024 12:24:15 GMT -5
When the shot rings out, the elf stops for a second. Just how big of jerks were this family that they had two sets of assassins on them? This has all gone to hell and she was furious. Of course those two idiots would screw up the plan. Morko was impatient and Griff was selfish, it was hard being the only professional. She sighs and returns to her stalking of the house.
Fish had resumed their prowling as well, but it was now a race against the clock. The only problem was Fish didn't know how much time they had. Especially since the elf really was a professional, she didn't leave many tracks for Fish to pick up on. None of the doors seemed to be open, but there were so many turns to this place it was going to be hard to narrow down the possibilities.
For her part, the elf found her way to the study noting the locked door. A grin curls across her face as she takes a pick out to work open the door. Her free hand unclips a hand cross bow as the lock pops open and she slides open the door.
"Just the kid huh?" She looks around the study to see just Karize hiding behind the desk. "Just want you to know this isn't personal just money, probably doesn't make you feel any better but...I don't care."
She shrugs and raises the crossbow. She finally made a mistake though, making noise. The second Fish heard a voice talking they started sprinting in that direct. As the elf squeezed the trigger, so did Fish. The bullet whizzed through the gap in the door and into the crossbow. It sent the shot just far enough off course that it embedded into the wall and not Karize.
"Damn, so there is competition here." The elf flings open the door to find Fish already aiming another crossbow.[1]
As Fish fires, she flourishes out a pair of knives to deflect the arrow away.[2] A part of her respects the professional nature of Fish, no words or speeches, just get to the fight. Little did she know it was actually just because Fish was mute and also a bit impulsive.
When the elf comes in for an attack, Fish attempts to parry it again but the elf is trained well and returns the same move.[3] The two trade these blows for a moment, but Fish is clearly getting overwhelmed. They are certainly not trained to fight with knives.
Right when a knife comes for Fish's throat they blink away to gain distance[4] a small cut left in their cloak hood. Much too close for comfort in Fish's mind. They fire another bolt quickly into the elf's leg, the bolt sinking in deep to the leg.[5]
"AH! YOU LITTLE SHITE." She was fully upset now.
The elf comes in again, but much faster than before. Fish's glaring lack of skill with close-quarters combat is evident when the elf closes the gap. Each string comes in like a flash of lightning that Fish can barely track. They can block the first stab in, but by the time they pull up a block two more hits had come in. Fish was left with two pretty serious cuts and the elf was already out of arm's reach.[6]
It was rare for Fish to get this hurt and it was not a great feeling as their blood hit the floor. The elf takes the bolt from her leg and rips off part of the window blinds in the study to bandage the wound. She still has a limp as she walks over, but it's a little better without the bolt in there. She saunters over to stand over Fish.
"Sorry you're gonna miss your pay-" She is cut off mid-sentence as Fish may be hurt, but they didn't give up.
Right when the elf is over Fish, they flip open their wrist launcher and fire a small vial of this black looking oil into her chin. The glass shatters and suddenly the elf's head is caught in a gout of flame.[7] She reels in pain, trying to claw off the flames to no avail. In her panic she sprints towards the window and jumps out, hitting the ground with a thud. Surprisingly the fire doesn't seem to burn the grass as she slowly pulls to her feet and limps towards a garden fountain in a desperate attempt to douse the flames but nothing works.
Before Fish can react or start to tend to themselves, they feel a hand grab them and suddenly they are unable to move.[8]
"Stop right there, you will not harm my family, my husband is coming shortly." Zewala holds the bird in place.
Karize finally looks up from the desk after hearing Zewala, "Mother, that one is not here to kill us I think. They killed the other assassin."
Zewala looks at Fish, "Is this true?"
Fish can just barely open their beak up to mimic, "Fish just want answers about Mr. Zarius."
1. Quick Draw 2. Elf uses Blade Dance 3. Both use Rogue's Riposte 4. Blink Cape 5. Deep Impact 6. Elf uses Haunting Blade 7. God Fire 8. Zewala uses Hold Person
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Post by Shaa Rhunn on Mar 31, 2024 18:03:44 GMT -5
In the distance behind him, Shaa can hear the clinking of coins as well as various incoherent shouts he can only presume are profanity. Nothing lethal, nothing lethal he says to himself assuredly. He takes a moment to catch his breath when he hears something coming from the house. The entire point of him playing high stakes tag outside was to give Fish time. What was going on in there? It certainly didn’t seem like stealthy operations. No point abandoning the plan now. He needed to wait for the signal and just keep being annoying until then. Or till they sent someone tough enough to kill him. That was a pleasant thought.
And then there was shadow guy. It wouldn’t surprise Shaa at all that Zarius’s family would hire shadowy gaurds and protectors. He could almost guarantee they did. But something was off with this shadowy guy. He wasn’t moving around the grounds. He wasn’t hiding in the shadows looking to ambush Shaa. He was really doing the worst guardy things he could doing. If he didn’t know any better, it looked like he was messing with the protective warding on the house. Was he enhancing it? If he did that, Fish might get trapped inside. He decides he needs to make a small detour.
Shaa approaches the figure from the back. Griff hears the ruffle and turns around to face the somewhat bedraggled looking Minotaur. Hey there buddy. I see you are meddling with the house security. Fraid I can’t let you do that. Griff stops and looks Shaa up and down. The way a fighter would size up his opponent. Shaa knew that look all too well. You aren’t boosting the defenses..your’e compromising it… who are you? Griff hisses slowly and smiles. My name is Griff….and you are not supposed to be here either….Well this is awkward. You are kind of jacking up my plans. Same. I don’t suppose you are here to murder the family. There are several contracts out. Shaa raises an eyebrow. Ummm no, I’m here to find one of them, Zarius. Now Griff raises his eyes in confusion. Zarius? He’s not here, hasn’t been for awhile. As a matter of fact, there are some rumors about. Don’t put much stock in rumors. Fists? Pretty much. Iiiii cannnnn appreciate that. Seems weeee are at an impasse. Haha you’re funny for a Naga. I have never met one with a sense of humor before. I’m an outcast. Figures.
The two fighters stare at each other waiting for the other to make a move. This sucked. It was a fighter that he probably would have liked in other circumstances. Well aside from the murder for hire thing. K. Well I don’t have time to sit around twiddling thumbs with you. But, truth be told, I’m sorry it has to be this way. Issss what it is.
Shaa points his finger at the Naga and shoots a fire bolt at him as an opening volley. To his surprise, the snake man takes the fire bolt to the face without as much as a flinch. Griff smiles and brushes off his shoulder like nothing happened. Shaa sighs and shakes his head, his suspicion confirmed. Of course. Fists it is.
Fire Bolt 4 sided top in the distance
Griff- Mage Slayer- immunity to fire
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