OOC: I'm inclined to let you do just about anything you guys want, but I'm conflicted... because the "this-or-that" method has been flowing so smoothly! I hate to ruin that and have these protracted 2-3 day waits for each turn.

Tell you what, here's what we'll try: I'll let you try your suggestion this time. But in the future, I'll try to provide more options so it's more fulfilling... and we'll just choose from among them, OK?

So you would like to split up and get behind the man and follow him?

OOC: Yes. Sorry about that.

OOC: No problem! I completely understand why you would want more options!

Kemuel and Exile take different paths, and they agree to rendezvous with you at the contact's warehouse.

The man decides to stay on Exile's track, and you follow him for some distance.... Exile is knowingly leading him in circles around the Port and the man is beginning to lose patience.

Unfortunately you don't have much in the way of stealth, and the man soon hears your footsteps. He turns around and throws his barrel of fruit at you. You brush it aside, and it causes no damage.

But before you know it, a 2nd Vasar approaches you from the left and a third from the right. You are surrounded, and Exile doesn't realize it yet! The men haven't drawn any weapons, but they are staring you down menacingly.

This question is for Lucas only,

Do you,

1) Yell for Exile's help?

2) Yell to Exile, telling him to run, saying you will buy him some time to catch up with Kemuel?

3) Run towards Exile, hoping to both alert him and escape the Vasar by outrunning them?

4) Calmly explain to the 3 men that you are a simple traveler, and you're not looking for any trouble?

5) Calmly ask the men what they want?

OR,

6) Attempt to scare them away with your intimidating Knightly presence?

"I highly suggest you leave me alone my good sirs or I will kill. With the utmost glee," Lucas said to three Vasar surrounding him, hoping to intimidate them.

"Oh we will leave you alone," one of the men sneers, pulling a dagger from his waist, "for a mere 25 gold pieces. What a bargain," he adds, looking at his colleagues, both with maces drawn, "wouldn't you say fellas?"

The Vasar to your left, a large, grizzly man with a long beard grunts in approval, "Make it 30, friend. You failed to pay the toll on your way into the city."


This question is for Lucas only,

1. Pay the 30?
2. Refuse (Fight)?
3. Run away?
4. Yell to Exile for his help?
5. Yell to Exile, telling him to run away?

"I guess I'll pay," Lucas said before handing pulling a bag with thirty coins in it. The mission was more important to him than three random mugs.

You pay the 30 gold and they gladly step aside.

In time, you meet with the others at the Warehouse in the Docks. It is here you are supposed to meet the guild contact that will tell you more about the enemy you must capture.

However, it is not guaranteed that this contact is trustworthy. Also, he may have turned on you if the authorities got to him first! Tread carefully.

The party must decide,

One character may choose. Does the party:

1.) Peer in through the windows?
2.) Run through the doors together, all guns blazing, so to speak?
3.) Gently push the door open and discreetly take a peek inside?

Exile takes a quiet peek in the door

You peek your head through the door to reveal a well-lit stock room.

A lone Vasar man sits on a chair in a far corner of this room, with 2 stone constructs (large Golem-like beings) standing on his left, and another 2 to his right.

There are no signs that this is an ambush, so you lead the party straight to him.

You are surprised by his manner of dress - the Guild told you to be expecting a simple warehouse manager, but this man is dressed in long, flowing ornate robes that indicate wealth.

You are also surprised to see what appears to be the Crystal Rock of Endirum lying on his lap!

"Welcome to our city travelers," the man says, using a cane to rise to his feet. He is quite old in appearance, with a chiseled young face nevertheless. "I have the information you requested - the man you are looking for calls himself, 'The Fox'. He calls his gang "The Blue Hand," they are now in full command of the Endirum government. If you... eliminate this problem, it should go a long way toward the liberation of our fair Port city."

"I have a map to his location - a cabin just outside the Port. Are you prepared to receive it?"


OPEN MODE: Anyone can talk or take any action they please for the mean time.

Kemuel steps forward and tries to use his appeal to noblemen skill.

"Hello, sir. I am Kemuel, Knight of the Legion of the Shield. My esteemed brethren here are Lucas Avarade and Exile, both the best of their kinds.

"Please what may me we call you, and unless I am mistaken, is that not the Crystal Rock of Endirum? If so may I enquire how you came to be in it's possession sir?

Exile nods at his comrades words "Exile of the Shadow Knights, once known as the Deep Shadow of The Thieves guild"

"Lucas Avarade, freelance kinght," Lucas responds afte Exile.

"Ah, Kemuel, I don't believe we have met. Not that we would have any occasion to do so, of course," he laughs nervously.

"I hope you will understand, but I cannot divulge my name. It was part of the terms of the deal that I made with your guild."

"'I've just come into possession of this item," he says, "I do not know what it is called, but it is... interesting. Would you like to have a look at it, Kemuel?"
"Interesting," the Vasar says, "So the great Exile was once himself associated with the sinister Blue Hand? This is new to me...."

"Oh, forgive my mind for wandering, I have heard your name before and did not know of your past."
"Greetings, freelance Knight," he responds, "would you like the details of the man you are to capture?"

"My past is not well known for a reason Cousin" Exile muttered "Lets see your information"