Chapter 1 Episode 16

[Bynw]

 [18:01] <.Bynw> (( short recap ))
[18:03] <.Bynw> *Induring a near week of rain the adventures continue their journey overland from the great lake to Paradise City.  Having just left the last village prior to the famed city.
[18:03] <+Thek> (( *cough*Enduring*cough* ))
[18:04] <.Bynw> *Only 2 days left of travel and it has gone by like the others, wet.  But once they reach Paradise City they can be paid for their troubles...*
[18:04] <.Bynw> ((bite me ... negative 10,000,000 xp for pointing out spelling errors to the gm))
[18:04] <+Kanax> (( hehe ))
[18:04] <.Bynw> (( end recap ))
[18:05] <+Jenna> ((/ me knows better ))
[18:06] <.Bynw> *the last 2 days pass quickly on the muddy road.  The rain and drizzle continue and shelter is found where and if it can*
[18:08] * +Thek keeps his position in the back, bored out of his mind
[18:09] <.Bynw> *jaden also looks at the elf every now and again*
[18:09] * +Kanax has recently decided that, enduring all this rain, he knows how to swim.
[18:09] <.Bynw> (( LOL ))
[18:09] <.Bynw> *in the haze ahead lie the gates and walls of Paradise City.  Massive in size, holding more that 20,000 souls.  Above the walls, the spires of the Paradian Imperial Palace can be seen.  Overlooking the entire city.*
[18:10] <+Jenna> "thank heavens"
[18:10] <+James> ::smiles::
[18:10] * +Kanax looks suitably impressed.
[18:11] <.Bynw> *Astori* "There they are!"
[18:11] <+Kanax> (( they? ))
[18:11] <+James> ::looks inquiringly at Astori::
[18:11] * +Jenna raises an eyebrow
[18:12] * +Kanax remains vigilant. Still maintaining his position at point
[18:13] <.Bynw> *Astori* "The gates and walls of Paradise City.  A welcome site.  Although I wish it wasnt still raining"
[18:14] * +Thek glances at the city for a moment, rather unimpressed
[18:15] <+James> "It's a welcome sight, certainly."
[18:16] <.Bynw> *Astori*  "Come now Thek.  You have never seen such a city before ... have you?"
[18:16] * +Kanax nods, unaware of Thek's indifference, "I'd have been pleased if it'd been... well... anything with a dry inn."
[18:17] * +Jenna nods in agreement with Kanax
[18:17] <+Thek> "No, and I don't see what's so great about it"
[18:18] <.Bynw> *Astori* "Its history, its wealth, its paying customers for goods that have travelled far"  *he says with a grin*
[18:18] <+James> ::smiles at that last . . .::
[18:18] * +Jenna chuckles a bit
[18:19] <.Bynw> *The party rides to the gates and are admitted without much annoyance.  A small gate tax which Astori pays*
[18:19] <+Jenna> "gotta love those paying customers"
[18:19] <+James> "Customers from whom our pay derives, as well . . . so I say 'good for the customers'.".
[18:20] * +Kanax falls back with the rest of the group, once they reach the gates, joining more fully into the conversaton.
[18:20] * +Kanax looks around, "Wonder if any of those customers could use a locksmith.."
[18:21] <.Bynw> *Astori*  "I know one of the better inns.  Its not that far from here, and they will take good care of the horses.  You can, of course, find your own accomidations"
[18:22] <+Jenna> "not sure about these guys, but I trust your judgement"
[18:22] <+Jenna> ((to Astori))
[18:22] * +Kanax stays near Astori, "I trust your judgement."
[18:22] <+Kanax> (( hehe, Jinx ))
[18:22] <+James> "Which inn is it?"
[18:23] <.Bynw> *Astori*  "Its called Xavier's Retreat.  Very nice."
[18:23] <+James> "Yes, it has a great reputation.  I'm in, too."
[18:24] <+Thek> ::Shrugs:: "May as well..."
[18:24] <.Bynw> *Within a few minutes of ridding the party comes to the stables of the inn.  Where each is greated by a stable hand ready to take the horses*
[18:24] <.Bynw> *Astori dismounts claiming his saddle bags*
[18:25] * +Kanax shoulders his gear, and dismounts, turning to follow Astori
[18:25] * +Jenna does same, taking her pack and giving thanks for a decent place to sleep, follows
[18:26] <+James> ::likewise::
[18:26] * +Thek dismounts, grabs his gear, and goes with Astori
[18:26] <.Bynw> *Inside the inn's common room, is a great hearth ... burning lightly to take away the chill of the spring storm and to help dry travellers
[18:27] <+Thek> *looks around* ?? Any empty tables ??
[18:27] <.Bynw> *a great chandellier hang from the ceiling ... having hundreds of candles*
[18:28] <.Bynw> !! there are several available ... and private dinning areas too !!
[18:28] * +Jenna examines the chandellier approvingly
[18:29] <.Bynw> *Astori quickly goes to the inn's desk and obtains rooms.  he returns with keys*
[18:29] * +Thek likes the idea of a private dining area and heads in that direction
[18:30] <.Bynw> "We have separate rooms."  *he hands each a key*  "And we have the 3rd private dinning room on the right Thek"
[18:31] * +Thek nods, and shakes out his hair before entering the dining area
[18:31] <.Bynw> *Astori motions for the others to join him*
[18:32] * +Kanax follows Astori, looking over the key he was just handed.
[18:32] <+James> ::follows::
[18:35] <.Bynw> *the private dinning area .. has a large oak table, and high backed padded chairs ... enough to hold the whole party and a few extras
[18:35] <+Jenna> ((I'm assuming a valet took our stuff to our rooms?))
[18:36] <+Kanax> (( AFK for as quickly as I can... *grumble* ))
[18:37] * +Thek takes a seat at the edge of the table with Rathe at his side
[18:37] <.Bynw> (( yes valet service is available and has taken anyones stuff that they wanted ... Astori has kept his saddle bags*
[18:37] * +Jenna takes a seat
[18:37] <+James> ::lets his bags be taken to his room::
[18:37] <+Jenna> ((...and bashes Thek over the head with it...))
[18:38] <+Jenna> ((hehehe))
[18:38] <.Bynw> *jaden lets his things be carried to his room and sits down in one of the chairs near his sister*
[18:38] * +Thek lets his stuff be taken, but keeps his weapon
[18:40] <+James> ::takes a seat::
[18:40] <.Bynw> *kanex takes a seat at the table*
[18:41] <.Bynw> *Astori picks one of the end seats so that he can see all of the others*  "We will have a great dinner.  And warm our selves, dry off and get down to business"
[18:41] * +Jenna studies Astori as nonchalantly as possible
[18:42] <+James> "Thank you . . . " ::fades a bit as he digests 'get down to business'::
[18:43] <+Jenna> ((::wonders why James is fading into thin air:)
[18:43] <.Bynw> *the menu, served by several waitors is as large and fancy as the Inn itself*
[18:44] <+James> ((::grabs Rathe and thwacks Jenna with him . . . )
[18:44] <+Jenna> ((ROFL))
[18:44] <+Thek> (( no touchy my doggie! ))
[18:45] <+James> ::eats heartily::
[18:46] * +Thek orders something for himself, and a large hunk of meat for Rathe
[18:47] <+James> ::as always, shares meat with Rufus, but does not request an extra portion.::
[18:47] <.Bynw> *fine elven wine and dwarven spirits are available for the drinking*
[18:48] * +Jenna has a goblet of wine with her meal
[18:49] <+James> ::has a glass of the elven wine::
[18:49] * +Thek has wine too
[18:50] <.Bynw> *Astori between a few bites* "One order of our business is to salute you a fine well done job.  I have arrived in Paradise City, in good health with my goods intact"
[18:51] <+James> "Thank you.  It's been my pleasure."
[18:52] * +Thek nods
[18:54] <.Bynw> *Astori* "So as promised.  3 silver per mile for my protection each was our bargain"
[18:56] * +Thek silently wonders exactly what work they did...
[18:58] <.Bynw> *Astori* "its slightly over 400 silver each.  But since you've done a great job ... I'll round it up to 500 silver each.  Some will be in coin, the rest in gems"
[18:59] <.Bynw> "And, if you are so inclined.  I have a few of these available to use as your payment as well"  *he pulls up his saddle bags and brings out a handfull of amber colored stones (each the size of a d30) and lays them on the table along with other gems and some coins*
[18:59] * +Jenna perks up at the gems
[19:01] <+James> ::looks very interested as well.::
[19:01] <.Bynw> (( the amber colored stones would be recognizable to any Deryni ))
[19:01] * +Thek looks indifferently at the piles
[19:03] <.Bynw> !! any druid or ranger can make a knowledge (nature) check, or Int check at DC 15 !!
[19:04] <+James> ??check for Deryni as well, or only non-Deryni??
[19:05] <+Thek> d20+6
[19:05] * +Palamedes rolls the dice for Thek (d20+6) and rolled 20.
[19:05] <.Bynw> (( no check needed for the amber stones for Deryni ... its Shiral and any Deryni would recognize them ))
[19:09] <+Seanna> ::knocks on the dining room door::
[19:09] <.Bynw> (( hang on ())\
[19:10] <+Seanna> ((ok))
[19:13] <.Bynw> *Astori looks towards the door as he hears the knock*  "This maybe the rest of the business"  *he motions for one of the servents to open the door*
[19:14] * +Thek runs a hand over the table, with an impressed look on his face
[19:15] <+Seanna> ::walks in...a female Half-Elf, black hair, green eyes, height about 5'5::
[19:16] <+Seanna> ::looks around and spots Astori::
[19:16] <+James> ::watches Astori to see if the visitor was the one he expected::
[19:16] <+Seanna> ::heads over to him...My Lord, I believe you have something for me?::
[19:16] * +Thek looks up at her as she enters, and keeps an eye on her
[19:17] <.Bynw> *Astori looks the visitor up and down for a moment*  "And you are?"
[19:17] * +Jenna watches intently
[19:17] <+Seanna> "Seanna, from the Guild"
[19:17] <+James> (("The Guild?  How's WingedWolf these days?"))
[19:17] <+Seanna> ((lol!))
[19:18] <+Thek> (( I'm missing an inside joke, aren't I? ))
[19:18] <+James> ((Yes.))
[19:18] <+Seanna> ((yes!))
[19:18] <+Thek> (( Well, poo. ))
[19:19] <.Bynw> *Astori* "Ah, then your masters will wish the contents of this saddle bag" *he says pulling up the 2nd back from the floor*
[19:19] <+Seanna> ::nods::
[19:21] * +Thek raises an eyebrow
[19:22] <.Bynw> "But first we must be certain" *and then Astori utters a word of power*
[19:24] * +Thek jumps from his seat
[19:25] <+James> ::tenses::
[19:29] <.Bynw> *magical energies warp across the space between Astori and Seanna, enveloping her and then quickly fade away*
[19:30] <+Seanna> d20+8
[19:30] * +Palamedes rolls the dice for Seanna (d20+8) and rolled 14.
[19:31] <.Bynw> *Astori stares at Seanna for a moment*  "Well that answers that question.  You are welcome to join us if you are not in a hurry m'lady"
[19:31] * +Thek looks suspiciously at Astori and Seanna, hand hovering over his weapon
[19:32] * +Jenna looks at Thek quizzically
[19:32] <+Seanna> "Thank you!  I think I will!"
[19:32] <+James> ::relaxes::
[19:32] <+Seanna> ::walks to the table and nods to those present::
[19:33] * +Thek sits down, still looking warily at Seanna...
[19:33] <+Seanna> ::stares back at the one staring at her::
[19:33] <.Bynw> *Astori* "the lady Seanna is of the wizards council.  My employers for this particular transaction"
[19:35] * +Jenna now raises an eyebrow at Seanna
[19:35] <+Seanna> ::smiles::
[19:35] <+James> ::stands:: "Pleased to meet you, Lady Seanna."
[19:36] <+Seanna> "Likewise, and you are?"
[19:36] <+James> "James, of the Paradise Druids, though more recently a traveller."
[19:36] <+James> ::bows::
[19:37] <+Seanna> "Pleasure to meet you, James!"
[19:37] <+James> ::smiles and sits::
[19:38] <.Bynw> *Astori continues to eat his meal and looks over and nods at Thek*
[19:38] <+Jenna> "I am Jenna Halcon, of Adan...my brother Jaden" (nods to indicate him)
[19:39] <.Bynw> *jaden just grunts*
[19:39] <+Seanna> "Pleased to meet you Jenna and Jaden"
[19:39] <+Seanna> ::smiles in both their directions and extends hand::
[19:40] * +Jenna rises slightly to shake the hand after wiping her own
[19:40] * +Thek continues eating, looking up briefly "Thek, from Einar, and " indicates Rathe "Rathe.".
[19:40] <+Seanna> "Hello"
[19:40] <.Bynw> *Rathe wags his tale*'
[19:41] <.Bynw> *a raised voice from the common room that can be heard within the walls*  "And I tell you ... I will see him!  I don't ... damn ... guests!"
[19:41] * +Jenna raises both eyebrows and turns to the sound
[19:41] * +Thek turns to the door
[19:41] <+James> ::looks toward the sound::
[19:43] <+Seanna> ::angles her head towards the door::
[19:43] <.Bynw> *the door swings open on its hinges with a thud as it hits the wall -- a very suprised bell hop is pushed into the room muttering*
[19:43] <.Bynw> "I beg your pardon sirs but he INSITED on seeing you*
[19:44] <+James> ::hand on hilt of scimitar, but does not draw it.::
[19:44] * +Thek fingers his weapon...
[19:44] * +Jenna noc's an arrow to her bow and aims fast as lightning (does not shoot)
[19:45] <+Seanna> ::stands back a bit::
[19:46] <.Bynw> *A man enters the room, dressed in the leathers of well worn ride.  A sword hangs at his right side.  And he is breathing heavily*  " ... James ...." *the man falls to the floor*
[19:46] * +Thek looks over at James
[19:47] <+Kanax> (( returns and catches up ))
[19:47] <+James> d20+2
[19:47] * +Palamedes rolls the dice for James (d20+2) and rolled 10.
[19:48] * +Jenna gasps
[19:48] <+James> ::runs over to the man::
[19:48] <+Jenna> ((and lowers her weapon))
[19:48] <+Thek> "You know him?"
[19:48] <+James> "Yes, from a place far away."
[19:50] <+James> "Ibon, is that you?  What happened?"
[19:50] * +Kanax jumps to his feet (( in time with the rest )) and moves to help, however he can.
[19:50] <.Bynw> *his breathing is shallow, winded from a long ride -- his eyes open, they are blood shot* "I found you ... all of them ... dead."  *He closes his eyes*  "slaughtered...""
[19:51] * +Jenna looks at the man then at James "who?"
[19:52] <+James> "Dead? Who are dead??"
[19:53] <.Bynw> *his lips are cracked and bleeding*  "Druids ... in the bogs ...."  *he passes out*
[19:53] * +Jenna whispers "dear Lord..."
[19:54] * +Kanax has no idea what the man is talking about, but it sounds bad.
[19:54] <+Jenna> ((::is thinking this could include James' family:)
[19:54] <+James> ::Cures moderate wounds::
[19:54] <+Seanna> ::looks up::
[19:55] <+Seanna> "What??  That can't be!"
[19:55] <.Bynw> ! roll that please james !
[19:55] <+James> 2d8+7
[19:55] * +Palamedes rolls the dice for James (2d8+7) and rolled 20.
[19:56] * +Thek watches from his seat