Guardians of the Citadel — Legacy Forums

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#201

Stress usually kept him awake, but he crashed. Eventually the chill and his internal clock woke him up with a start. Where was he? This wasn't home. Crap, he was supposed to take watch, but the horizon on told him morning was soon.
They were still alive it seemed. He did a headcount. Shit, Dozus and his rat were gone. Dew told him that he had not left recently to take a wizz or something, since he saw no obvious trail.

Quietly he said, "Hey guys, wake up. I think we lost Dozus...."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#202

EchoMirage was soundly off to dreamland - or wherever Elves go. The feeling was strange - an astral awareness of the universe combined with obliviousness about the body, just a spirit in midst of the cosmos, thoughts drifting by like whales in ocean depths.
His mind was utterly absorbed in this active, lucid sleep. Above the shelves of thought, he floated akin to a disembodied librarian, able to examine them for worth and truth without bias, without the constant hum of the world, without the buzz of stray fancy.

This was a good deal better than the oblivion of human sleep.
This was awesome.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#203

Tusserk’s eyes opened as he turned to regard the man below. Unwinding his arms from the spear jammed into the branches of his perch in the tree, he lowered himself softly to the ground below. Stepping to the tent but keeping his distance, he prodded at the flap to get the attention of the elf and wolf inside before moving to wake the rest.

“It would appear as if our wizard has wandered away.” Crouching slightly to get a better look, Tusserk started looking for tracks away from the camp.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#204

Lucky stirred slightly at Vals softly spoken words, the lack of urgency behind them only vaguely prodding him into conscious thought, the warmth of Silveressa spooned up against him all but tranquilizing in it's closeness, the worries of the waking world an unwelcome intrusion upon his post coital bliss.

He twitched an ear and raised his head as Tusserk rustled the tent and spoke to them, his mind processing the information with growing concern, nuzzling Silveressa behind the ear to rouse her, thoughts of a relaxing morning replaced by growing worry for their mutual friends safety.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#205

Silveressa slowly stirred, the insistent nosing of Lucky stirring her from a especially vivid dream of- "Wha-" She blinked and sat up, the realization her recent experiences as an elf were no dream causing her to blink furiously for several moments, a mixture of relief mingled with faint disappointment flooding through her. Lucky's deep voice repeated Tusserk's message, causing her to shake her head in worry calling out, "We'll be out in a moment, is his Stoat around? it might be able to tell us where he went, also ask the others if they know whether or not he has a habit of sleep walking?"

She gave Lucky a slightly embarrassed smile and quick hug, gesturing to the tents exit, "I hate to kick you out into the cold first thing hon, but it's a little hard to pull on my boots and weapon belt with you in here." She quickly finished dressing and followed Lucky out of the tent a moment later, stretching and shivering slightly in the morning chill, wondering briefly if her personal hygiene kit contained a toothbrush.

"Who was on watch with him last night? Anyone?"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#206

"The humans in the band will die if we move out before morning. Tracks are hidden by the veil of night. What folly is this?"

She had spoken to Echo in sleep, words cast by shadows of ruined cities and bones of dragons dead. Echo understood a fragment of Morena's words, and wondered whether a God that was silent or one that spoke in riddles was better.
Briefly, he wondered whether it had been a message to all the priests, or specifically to him. If the latter, why was he so significant?

Silently, he thanked her regardless, for he felt the supernatural power renew in the slender elven frame as midnight passed.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#207

"Apparently we thought it was good idea that his rodent could count as the second. Not a good idea on retrospect. Hopefully when the light gets better, our Ranger here should be able to pick up the tracks.."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#208

Lucky sniffed around the area hoping to pick up the scent of Dozus, or his rodent companion, confident the animals musk would be more readily discernible to his keen canine nose, grateful the dawns first light was only a half hour or less away so they could begin tracking him before the trail grew any more cold.

If I need to roll perception or tracking to pick up the scent trail? roll for scenting Dozus, (09:26:17) Minion: Lady_Wolf rolls 1d20 and gets 1. +/- any gm bonuses =?
roll for scenting the Stout, (09:26:33) Minion: Lady_Wolf rolls 1d20 and gets 16. +/- any gm bonuses =?

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#209

"For frag's sake, a stoat is a member of the mustelidae family, not a rodent. If anyone cares."
Grumpy at being torn from the vivid dream, Echo decided to re-arm, armor up and follow the hound.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#210

"I vote we go look for him," Mystic said, breaking the silence of the dark clouds that had loomed over him since hearing the voice. "Anything to keep from sitting here doing nothing. Also, Dozus is my friend." He wiped a tear from his cheek and then turned around so no one could see his face.

After a moment, he spoke again. "I... I also think we should make a plan. This, running around, hiding in the cold and the wet, is probably just going to get us all killed eventually."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#211

They trudged out from their makeshift campsite beside the ancient stones, in search of Dozus.

The tracks were relatively easy to follow in the moist earth. They led back toward the crofter's village but then veered south. (Relatively easy for Lucky and Sil, that is)

Leyna followed them quietly, the child still snug in her arms.

Eventually the tracks reached a wide earthen road and seemed to intermingle with other human tracks, as well as those of wagon wheels and hooves.

They paused.

Leyna spoke, "You seek your lost friend? No doubt he is headed for Coldmoat" she pointed down the road, and far in the distance they could make out the outlines of a castle's walls. "As am I, thank you for letting us stay with you the night. I hope to find other villagers at the Keep, those who fled, and perhaps we can return once the raiding troll has gone."

Well, with Dozus' tracks lost amidst the mud, there was little to do but proceed down the road with Leyna.

Several gray, dreary hours passed as they trudged along, and finally Coldmoat appeared before them, an underwhelming black and gray eyesore amidst the flat landscape.

Coldmoat looked the part of an old-fashioned castle. The Keep's crenelated stone walls reached forty feet into the air. At each corner a square tower rose over the fens around it. The central keep was likewise an unadorned giant rectangle of granite, with a single central tower rising from its center.

Surrounding the walls was a great moat from which this castle no doubt earned its name.

The giant drawbridge was down, spanning sixty feet across the murky, pale green-water.

At the far end of the drawbridge several guards, armored head to toe, were standing vigil beside a massive portcullis, glaives in hand.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#212

Lucky stepped back to stand closer to Silveressa, head held high, looking past the gathered guardsmen for any sign of the wizard, his previous encounter with a terrified peasant awarding him not only a deer carcass but a lesson in restraint.

"Someone else can do the hail and well met, I doubt they will handle a talking Dire Wolf very well." He told his friends softly, "Probably best not to mention Lady Karleka to them either, any of her family should hear the news of her demise straight from us first."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#213

Silveressa yawned, eyeing the guards cautiously, idly wondering if coffee existed in the world or some other caffinated beverage, her worry for Dozus's well being lessening as she surveyed the signs of civilization before her. "If he wandered here at least we know he didn't freeze to death some ditch, his familiar probably guided him here last night when he noticed his master lacked a tent to sleep in, we should ask the guards if they've seen him, failing that the local inn is as good a place as any to start." She offered, placing a reassuring hand on Lucky's head.

"I'll step up and say hello, lets hope they're friendly to Elves." She paused a second time after speaking, the oddity of her voice sounding so different, to say nothing of her Scottish accent strangely absent a jarring reminder with every word her new body was nothing like her old one. With a warm smile she approached the guardsmen, her right hand feeling uncomfortably naked without a cane to grasp the supple leather of her gloves at least mitigating the biting chill of the morning.

"Hail and well met," She directed her greeting towards the friendliest looking guard, keeping her posture relaxed but alert, hoping silently Lucky's presence wouldn't put them too far on edge. "By chance have you seen a companion of ours pass by here during the night? Wizardly fellow, red robe, black hair, a bit hawkish looking, had a small Stout clinging to his shoulder, possibly mumbling to himself about wizardly matters."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#214

Tusserk spoke very little during the mornings tracking session, his own skills letting him pick up the trail with ease right along side Silveressa and her companion, content to hang back and let them take take lead, for now.

Later as they crossed the draw bridge he cast a casual glance over the side at the murky waters of unknown depth shuddering slightly, adjusting his path to place him more towards the center of the construct where the chances of winding up in the drink would be happily reduced.

As Silveressa and Lucky spoke he leaned on his spear nodding slightly, sizing up the guards with a practiced eye, gauging their possible threat level and gazing up at the towers for the presence of any crossbow wielding snipers. He doubted the guardsmen would attack them without provocation, but old habits died hard. "This Dozus fellow," He asked the rest of the party casually after a moments thought, "What did he do for a living back on earth? He might seek out familiar territory here that reminds him of home; for that matter what about the rest of ye? Knowing a bit about each others former jobs and skills might be handy in the days to come."

The preceding was posted by Silveressa under Tusserks account with his permission.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#215

Sil got the immediate impression that either elves or giant wolves, or both, we're not loved around here.

One of the guardsman lifted his helm and squinted at her.

"Can't recall one that fits the description. Lots of folk have entered lately though. Trolls about."

The other less friendly one chimed in...

"What true business have you here?" Followed quickly by, "That wolf's not getting inside, I don't care how trained it is, elf."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#216

"That is the truth, and if you're offering to look after Lucky here I'd be ever so grateful, or I could pay a one gold entrance fee to compensate you and your fellows for the trouble of letting us pass?" She shrugged and kept her voice casual, content to remain outside the city walls with Lucky if necessary, her intuition telling her to leave him alone and unattended was to ask for trouble with anyone who spied a Dire Wolf lurking about the city exterior.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#217

"Make it two gold pieces and keep a leash on that beast." The unfriendly one conceded after a long pause.

Tusserk glanced at val, Mystic, and Echo, awaiting his answer...

The impossibly long iron fangs of the portcullis lifted and the adventurers by default entered the keep...

It reminded Val of the medieval renaissance LARP festivals he was fond of attending.

Coldmoat was indeed more than a castle. There was a small compact town inside its walls, surrounding a castle proper in its center.

It was midday and the market square was full of hustle, bustle, and the clopping of horses on cobblestone...farmers, traders, craftsmen, hawkers and gawkers competed for attention amidst the stalls.

Best of all perhaps, was the unctuous aroma of frying sausages and the undeniably pleasant smell of warm baking bread.

Rodden's Rest, the sign announced outside the only tavern they could see.

Folk minded their own business and ignored the companions for the most part, but only nervous glances and panicked stares greeted poor Lucky.

Mystic's earlier words seemed apt once more. They needed a plan.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#218

"I'm going up to the castle to Lady Karkayla; whoever feels like joining can do so. There's loose ends to tie."
The priestess headed up the winding road towards the fort.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#219

Not bothering to discuss Dozus the real-life person, or everyone's respective careers with the blonde-haired monk, Echo stalked off in the direction of the castle proper, cloak whipping behind him. In a serious mood, Echo ignores the gaze of a leering candle vendor he passes, who mumbles something about loving gingers and elven lasses, under his breath.

Approaching another portcullis, Echo paused. Two more guards, armed to the teeth, stood on each side of the gate. Beyond, a courtyard, and the castle.

"An elf." One guardsman said the obvious, the other adding, "And a pretty one looks like."

The two eyed the elf, as if she was sent to them personally from some pleasure house.

"Tell me," the first one said, "Is it true what they say? No human woman can pleasure a man like an elf? Hundreds of years of practice..." He looked to his compatriot for support, and the second guard obliged, grinning and leering.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#220

Val had followed Echo distantly, he had seen the Lady last, and could perhaps answer some questions. He had some of his own, and half toyed with seeing what his key could unlock.

Then Echo met up with the rapey castle guards. This could get really, really bad fast. He slunk back into the shadows, fingering his sling and a bullet. He'd not start anything, and perhaps a stone in the right place might provide the necessary distraction. He scanned for likely targets - lanterns, windows - something that would smash noisily...

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#221

Seeing no better course of action Lucky kept at Silveressa's side, making a mental note to answer the monks earlier question at a later time when circumstances allowed, following her and she followed Echo, the leering castle guards making him glad they had decided to stick together.

He took a half step forward, placing his bulk partially between the cleric and guards, a low menacing growl escaping his throat that rose in volume to be clearly audible to both the guards, eyeing them with hatred. Whatever their intentions, be it crude posturing or actual lust, he trusted his presence would shift their minds from sexual gratification to worries of their manly parts being violently removed form their bodies if they persisted in their pursuit of bedding Echo.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#222

Silveressa sighed, the idea of a hot meal at the local tavern suddenly very appealing compared to a needless fight with castle guards, placing a restraining hand gently on Lucky's head, "Easy now," She considered interjecting on Echo's behalf but decided to let her handle it as she saw fit, apparently she came here with some sort of plan in mind.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#223

"Gentlemen. Gentlemen. First of all, I may not be as profaned as you hope, which would ruin the experience for both, or all three sides. Second, my attire speaks plain about whom I serve, Morena, a Power clad in black, not red. Third, judges, undertakers and clergy are not among the carnal professions, and I am all of those."
The priestess shook her head.
"But most importantly, I hear you serve lady Karkayla, and I bear dire news about her. How dire, that you can judge from the fact that I am accompanied by a dire wolf."
She placed her hand on the shoulder of one of the guards.
"So, regardless of whether I am an appropriate target for your lust, your primary purpose (the thing for which you get paid) is to escort me to whoever is in charge without delay."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#224

Tusserk slid forward to stand just to the side and slightly behind the female elf. The main bulk of his mass between the guards and the second female. The walls he was well used to building slamming into place. His eyes went dead, devoid of emotion as his mind shut down all connections between humans and life. Only survival mattered as his eyes flickered from one to the other guard.

His voice lowered as he bare spoke above a whisper. “They are not looking for entertainment. It would be much wiser to look elsewhere for a willing partner.”

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#225

The dire-wolf' approach changed the look on the guards faces quickly...

Suddenly the whole gang was there beside Echo.

"Morena? Never heard of her" the first one said dismissively trying to maintain his composure, while eyeing Lucky nervously.

"And who are you supposed to be?" The other guard glanced at Tusserk, not liking the monk's sudden positioning.

A few tense moments later...

"What is your business with Lady Rodden? She is traveling presently, so you can't see her now, can you?" The guard grinned at Echo. "As far as who's in charge, that would the castellan, Ser Clodo Dunsen. If he wants to meet with *you* he will. And if he doesn't, he won't. What should I tell him your *dire* business is then, mi'lady of the sharpened ears?"

Satisfied with his own smugness the guard went back to staring at Lucky nervously.

"Oh and there is no way your wolf gets let inside the castle. You can forget that."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#226

Silveressa smiled slightly at the sudden change in the guards demeanor, giving them a nod, "I'll be happy to leave him out here with you boys while we complete our business inside the castle if that's what you wish," She gave Lucky an amused grin and shrugged grateful the situation was quickly deescalating, content to let Echo continue her conversation with the guards without further interruption.

She paused as she noticed Mysticmoon was no longer with them. "Guys I think we lost Mystic , anyone see where he went?"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#227

"Can we stop splitting the party? The wizard gets lost, now mystic gets lost, these chums don't let us take our dog inside..."

...though I am sure they let a lot of other things in" she whispered.
"Their moms, for example", she added then.

"Ok, I am going in, whoever is still a member of the party goes in as well, and you two heroes at the gate, if you're so scared to let the hound in, consider this: the soldiers inside should be able to handle one dog of this size... and if they aren't, either get better soldiers, or move to a safer place, because there's trolls out there, and dead riders, and a plethora of things I am not all too eager to meet. If you're scared of one mutt, then I have bad news for you: you should be way more scared of other things. Now let us go, we're wasting somebody's precious life here. *I* could sit this one out, until a more thoughtful guard comes along."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#228

(Echo rolled a 1 on d20 CHA check in chat. Critical success!! And +25xp)

The first guard just gave up and nodded, the second one motioned for the portcullis to be pulled up...

As the group entered the castle courtyard proper, they were greeted by a pot-bellied man way shorter than six feet, with greasy flaxen hair, and dead, pale-green eyes. He wore a surcoat with the Rodden coat of arms, a gray tower, between twin wavy green sinisters on sable field.

Accompanying the unimpressive man was a squad of guards, half dozen in total, fully armored and armed to the teeth (including currently notched crossbows)

"Yes, I know who you are." He opened surprisingly, "the Guardians of the Citadel escort service! I can tell by the dire-wolf. I am Lor---Clodo Dunsen, castellan of Coldmoat. Where is our lady? I demand answers!"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#229

Liantirie raised her hands, smiled apologetically, and leaned in to the castellan, whispering:
"Looks like you were expecting us, also looks like you have a preconceived notion how this should play out. But let's go inside and discuss the best solution, shall we?"
She then gave a very Russian kiss on both of the castellan's cheeks.
"Well met, Lorclodo Dunsen. We have matters of import to discuss, matters that bear not an open sky above."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#230

Silveressa eyed the guards with distrust, her hand on Lucky's neck tightening ever so slightly, as Echo leaned in to speak to the castellan, giving Tusserk and Val sideways glance, ready to act if Echos persuasion attempt should fail catastrophically.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#231

Lucky tensed at the arrival of the guards, eyeing the crossbows with distaste, lowering himself closer to the ground and tensing to spring as the acting lord began to speak, if a fight were to break out he would be the first to die. She shook himself slightly at Silveressa's hand on his back, the touch at once both reassuring, but also distracting.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#232

Val attempted to look nonchalant, having melted into the party once the first imminent conflict had resolved itself. He wondered what the local laws of ascension were in these parts, and who else might have claim to the Lady's title.

He knew what he would say, but kept his tongue in check, instead rehearsing in his mind the path to get him behind the guards. Don't let them suspect the wimpy guy has teeth...

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#233

The castellan was shocked by the twin-cheeked kiss, and said nothing for a few seconds, then squinted his eyes at Echo, as her words sunk in. No one moved (except Val who was doing his no-can-see-me shuffle...) Clodo Dunsen glared at Echo as a fellow conspirator would then finally spoke," It is *Clodo Dunsen*, and yes, let us speak privately." He motioned for his guards to stand down, and turned on his heel, walking quickly to the castle, expecting them to follow.

"No wolf though! It waits out here! " He added loudly before disappearing inside the confines of the castle.

The guards stared at the strange group and waited to escort them inside.

*******

Meanwhile MysticMoon was lost amidst the smells, sights, and sounds, of the busy market. He found a stall with sausages and proceeeded to stuff his face with them, the grease running down his chin and fingers. So good! Soooo good, he thought, and for the time being had lost track of his companions.

Once stuffed properly, Myst moved on, passing a candle-maker, and then a lady who was painting symbols on wooden shields. He paused, as she said, "A fine warrior like you should have a symbol on his shield. I can paint you one, a shield that is...perhaps with similar designs to your skin-paint?"

She smiled, but unbeknownst to her or to Myst, the tatttooed warrior was at that very moment being robbed, his leather purse, no longer on his belt. He didnt feel a thing. MysticMoon smiled back at the pretty lady.

(rolled in chat for pickpocket. MysticMoon has lost his 48 gp purse. Well, we'll say 44 gp purse, you have 4 gp left in your belt. :))

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#234

They were led inside, passing a great room strung with ancient, moth-ridden tapestries, until they arrived at what seemed like a council meeting chamber. All stone and stark, with a long table and high-backed chairs encircling it. Clodo Dunsen was already seated on of the chairs when they entered, trailed by guards. A candelabra kept the room lit, and a decanter of wine with several goblets stood on the table. Beside the castellan, another man sat in a chair. An old, wizened gray-beard of undeterminable years.

"So," the dead-eyed Dunsen said to Echo, as he cast his eye at all of them in turn, "What is it you wish to tell me, elven priestess?"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#235

Silveressa looked over at Echo questioningly as Clodo stated his intention to bar entry to her Wolf companion, knowing that leaving Lucky unattended around this lot would likely end in bloodshed, and giving Echo a chance to use her apparent sway over the Castellean to get him to reconsider.

She leaned in whispered quietly into Echo's ear, "I can take Lucky and go search the city for Mystic if you can't convince him to let us both inside, someone should go find him before he winds up in trouble anyway, not to mention keeping up the search for our missing wizard."

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#236

Lucky ignored Codos's statement, having heard the same hollow threat from the city guards and castle guards less than an hour before, trusting Echo's charm would mitigate the recent objection as well.

Silveressa's mention of the market to Echo perked his ears, the idea of fresh meats and other treats drawing his attention, the animal sides of him much more interested in the promise of sustenance over talking with a stuffed pigeon, the Carly side of him more concerned with being present to provide protection and insight to their talk with the castles new commander.

He paused briefly, waiting for others to decide his course of action, a deeper part of himself content with any decision as long as Silveressa remained by his side.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#237

"What is it I wish to tell you, my lord?" Liantirie sat down, finally taking off the wet cloak and allowing the silver-black garments to surface, even the lacy cuffs.
"We were waylaid by about forty mercenaries. We managed to take down about half their number before they set the inn on fire and fled. Why the lady did not hire a more numerous entourage when there was risk of such adversity is beyond me."
Liantirie studied his face from behind a mask of serious grief. The lady was a brat worth spanking, as were many nobles Echo guessed. Compassion was harder to grow there.
"Why the lady hired security when she later disobeyed the recommendations of the very same security she hired is also beyond me. This allowed a traitor, not of our company but her original entourage, to slay her when they failed to seize her."
She looked dispassionate, merely giving an account without any accusations, or hints thereof. Impartial, as a cleric of Morena should be. Clodo dearest was hopefully unaware of the fact that clerics of Morena just love justice - and that, with corruption rampant in the Slovak republic, Echo would just love to put an incompetent corrupt ruler in his rightful place. That place being a coffin. Filled with acid.
"The traitor that slew her lies dead at the inn. The men-at-arms came specifically for her, speaking of an organized force behind the assault, not just an outcast plot for ransom."
She then placed her hands palms down on the table, nodding to the castellan.
"She is buried, the rites are done. I have spoken what I know to be true. You being her most trusted and loyal subject, I believed you should know. I am sorry for your loss."
Liantirie gave him a nod that could be interpreted as conspirative by an overeager conspirator.

"As we are fairly new to these lands and do not know the intricacies of the web of power, would you care to shed some light into who might have committed such a heinous crime?"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#238

Silveressa paused a moment and nodded to the group, "We'll head off to find Mystic, before he winds up in trouble, we'll be back soon or if circumstances prevent us from doing so, we'll meet up at the inn closest to the gate we entered the city from." She gave her friends a nod and gesture to Lucky hurrying back to the market where she last saw Mystic, listening for the sounds of battle or any other disturbance that may help her locate her heavily muscled companion.

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#239

"So she is dead? You saw her die? You buried her?" Dunsen stared intently at the elven priestess. He seemed excited by the confirmation.

"What a tragedy! A dastardly deed by some hidden foe!"

The old graybeard who sat silently next to the castellan shifted in his seat, studying Tusserk and Val...

Clodo looked again at Echo, then grinned sheepishly. "I see that you think I may be that "traitor". Alas, I am not, but I know who the villain is! That ambitious Lord Webber of Webhold has always had his shifty eye on Lady Roddens lands and this castle, ever since Lord Rodden...died during that unfortunate hunting accident. The men were his, of this I have no doubt and the traitor as well!"

The gray-beard cleared his throat, but said nothing.

Clodo suddenly changed stride..."Your Escort Service chapter in Blackton has been paid in advance. And you should not feel that you have failed in your duties..."

"You see..." Clodo glanced again at the graybeard, who nodded back, then continued, "You see, there was a bait and switch involved. We had word that Lord Webber may try an all-out assault on the lady while she traveled, so the Lady Karkayla that *you* escorted was a fake!" Clodo grinned smugly. "It was my idea to switch them! Unfortunately, (this tale was getting complicated) the *real* Lady Karkayla was...lost as well."

He let that sink in..."I have riders out looking for her. It's a tragedy, but she's no where to be found. A sad time for us all really."

"And now I'm forced to rule Coldmoat in her stead, until we find her. There is also the danger that Webber sends his small army at us any day now. No doubt he has gotten word by now of his successful villainy!"

"You understand?" He paused, then concluded with "Tell me, did you find anything in the fake Lady Karkayla's possession per chance?"

He asked this last question as non-chalantly as possible...for a shady castellan.

"May i offer you wine?" Clodo Dunsen quickly added, "Bread, salt, beef? cheese?"

Re: Guardians of the Citadel

#240

It didn't take long for Sil and Lucky to find the giant warrior. He was chatting up a lady who painted shields, trying to figure out what his coat of arms would look like if he was a knight or a lord...

"SIL!!!!!!!!!" someone suddenly screamed inside the ranger's head. She looked around. "Its me!!! Listen, things at home are bad and getting worse! I messed up! So hard to keep these forms!!! Listen, you must find Al---" the voice inside her head died down just like that, and at that same moment, a small lit candle fizzed out, somewhere nearby at the candle-seller's stall, unbeknownst to anyone.