(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: after a night's rest Mal woke and performed his usual morning's routine of a half an hour of hard exercise; knuckle push-ups, sit-ups, pull-ups, and stretching his body into highly uncomfortable positions for lengthy periods. Refreshed and fully woken up, he headed out to eat breakfast, looking around for Kandros
(2170) Kandros: Having awakened while Mal was doing his exercises, the Elohim was not going to wait for him, and was already enjoying his breakfast
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal went and joined Kandros. "Howzitgaun, twinkl'ees?" he asked, sitting down. Without waiting for a reply Mal continued. "I think we should heid oot t' tha Manor an' ask tha' lassie fer that wee job she wa'speaking aboot, I cannae see tha' sense'a waitin' fer them'a come'ta us."
(2170) Kandros: After guzzling down some food, Kandros nodded "Aye, I agree. The sooner we're there, the sooner we get the job done."he said
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Smashin'!" Mal agreed, and set to devouring his breakfast with abandon
(2168) CosmicHorror: After finishing their breakfast, the two made their way to the Governor's Manor. The elderly gardener wasn't to be seen, but the foyer was not as lonely as before. To one side stood a strange group of people, a Volcath, a small, vaugly reptilian creature that you recognize as a Gremlin, another Elohim, like Kandros and a human, though the last was garbed in heavy robes. Talking could be heard from the balcony above, and you could recognize the woman's voice from before as one of the two voices talking but the echo in the foyer made it dificult to make out any details.
(2170) Kandros: "We're not the only ones interested in making some money, it seems."smiled Kandros looking up at his human companion
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal strode confidently into the Manor. "Howzitgaun?" he asked the strange group, addressing no one in particular. "Are ye in front'a us in tha queue?"
(2170) Kandros: Kandros gazed for a few moments at the other Elohim, his interested probably piqued by seeing another like him
(2168) CosmicHorror: "It seems that way." The Elohim responded, stepping forwards and glancing at Kandros, nodding to him. His eyes glowed with a blue light, but looked average for his race. The human and volcath seemed to ignore your group, while the gremlin watched intently.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal felt mildly out of place amidst the numerous extraterrestrials, but did not allow that to put him off. "I be Malcolm mac Duncan'a Kartina," he introduced himself to the Elohim, the only one there who seemed interested in speaking to them, though the gremlin at least watched.
(2170) Kandros: "And I would be Kandros."said he, mostly for the other member of his race there
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Thalaron." The Elohim introduced himself. "That's Alcic, Tokkar and Leneth." He introduced the Gremlin, Volcath and human in turn.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Ye be men'a tha Gov'rnor a'well, I suppose." Mal scratched his head. "D'ye ken ha'long tha lassie and 'em up thar'll be talkin'? I dinnae be tha type'a like standin' round idle'sa mac Dougall a' harvest time."
(2170) Kandros: "I hope the Governor doesn't run out of work for us."commented Kandros
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Unsure, we have only been here a few minutes ourselves." Thalaron said as the Volcath barked something at the human, who shook her head. "I doubt that. If he had sent out the call, he would have enough work for whomever decided to take him up on his offer."
whispering to Kandros, The Volcath, Tokkar spoke in Nidarian. "I am tired of waiting as well, how much longer are we going to be here?"
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal shrugged. "Might be a wee wait then. D'ye ken anythin'a tha Gov'rnor? Dinnae ken much'a him, was tae busy fightin' in tha war'a hear much."
(2170) Kandros: (whispering): "I wouldn't know. I certainly hope not much."replied the Elohim
(2170) Kandros: (whispering): *ignore that*
(2168) CosmicHorror: "He had been responsible for the capture of Clearwater during the first days of the invasion." Thalaron spoke with a hint of pride. "After the war turned against him, he threw his lot in with the humans, and was given the city as a reward of sorts. Though in truth, I doubt that the humans would have been able to oust him in their weakened states."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal shrugged. "Might'a been able'ta. T'wouldn'ta been easy, wit' all tha cliffs an' tha coast attackin' Clearwater be harder'an a mac Dougall lookin'a his naked sister."
(2170) Kandros: After spending a few seconds on 'translating'the human's language in his mind, Kandros burst out laughing "That's quite a metaphor!"he said when he managed to restrain his laughter
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Fergiv'ness fer tha' mental image," Mal smirked
(2168) CosmicHorror: Thalaron did not comment, and shortly after Mal had finished speaking the talking above stopped and a middle aged, slightly overweight man walked down the stairs and past the group gathered below without giving them a second glance. "I suppose they are done." Thalaron commented, as the woman nodded and walked up the stairs with the Volcath close behind her. The Alcic and Thalaron followed behind as well. You could hear the woman you had met before talking with another woman, presumably Leneth, the cloaked human.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal went and leaned against the wall. "Good fortune, twinkl'ees," he said to Thalaron by way of parting.
(2168) CosmicHorror: The elohim just nodded in parting.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "D'ye ken anythin'a ghosties then, laddie?" Mal said to Kandros as they waited
(2170) Kandros: "A mixed bunch, these guys."commented the Elohim quietly when the group were gone. "I think we saw that Volcath somewhere else...the tavern, possibly."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Thar was wan thar, could'a been him. I cannae yet be sure wit' tha Shavies, haven't seen a'nuff'a ken wan from an'ther."
(2170) Kandros: "Ghosts?"pondered Kandros for a moment "Well...I'd expect that you couldn't cut or hurt them with sword, while I could destroy them with my powers."he said with more than an hint of pride "'course, that's not much info."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal grimaced. "I dae hope ye're wrong, laddie. T'aint nat'ral, things'a cannae be struck wit'a weapon."
(2168) CosmicHorror: After a few minutes, the group returns downstairs, with the woman leading them, her face still veiled by her hood. As the group leaves, Alcic, the gremlin runs over to Mal, handing him a dagger, saying "Here, Leneth made me give it back." before dashing after the others, who were now outside.
(2170) Kandros: "That's the points, the spirits of dead people are not supposed to go around bothering people like ghosts do. So, it's not like they're very natural. I'm sure we'll learn something else when we check the Haunted manor, if we do..."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal blinked and snatched the dagger back. "Thank ye, wee wan," he said, annoyed. The Kartinan stamped upstairs.
(2170) Kandros: "Sneaky buggers."said Kandros after the Gremlin had scampered away "Be careful around them."
(2168) CosmicHorror: Sitting behind the desk upstairs was the same woman from before, looking at a handful of papers before noticing Mal and Kandros. "Ah, just in time you two." She said, sounding relieved.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Howzitgaun, lassie?" Mal greeted her. "Got ye any work fer us?"
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Actually yes. The mansion project has been postponed, but just a few minutes ago, the head gaoler just told me that a prisoner had escaped a few nights back. They've tracked him to one of the caves on the South Wall, but he's fought off all the bounty hunters sent to get him. Think you two would be up to the task?"
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal looked relieved. "Good, nae ghosties. Should be nae-borra. Who be tha prisoner then?"
(2170) Kandros: "He's fought off all others sent to hunt him? Must be one tough crook."commented Kandros "I'd say yes, though we should be able to bring him to justice..."
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Yes, actually he was a pirate that had been captured. While the captain of the ship died, he was the first mate, name of..." She looked through some papers. "Maco. He was being held until his hanging, but escaped somehow, must have smuggled some tools in." She shook her head.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "A'right. Should we drag'em back here, or jes cut off 'is heid thar an' save ye tha borra? An' how much clank fer this?"#
(2168) CosmicHorror: "No need to bring him back, though that would be prefered, we've already gotten the information we need from him so he'd just be going back to the gallows. As for payment, whatever he has on him, I understand he's made off with some gold as well, is yours, as well as senventy five gold coins each if you kill him, a hundred if you bring him back." The woman said. "Which you should do to the prisons, they're in the slums district, not to far from where he's holed up."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "A'right lassie, see wa' we can dae. Anythin' else useful'a ken aboot this?"
(2170) Kandros: "We'll try and bring him in one piece, if it's not too much of a problem."grinned the Elohim
(2168) CosmicHorror: "I don't, no sorry." She moved some papers around her desk to reveal a map of Clearwater. "He's holed up around this area." She pointed out an area a short distance from the Water Temple. "There's only the one cave in that area, and there should be some guards outside of it to make sure he doesn't escape that way."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal examined the map. "Wee bit of a stroll. Let's get walkin', twinkl'ees," Mal nodded to the clerk and began to head down the stairs
(2170) Kandros: "Aye, let's hurry."said Kandros quickly stepping down
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Take care." The woman said by way of parting.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: on the way, Mal purchased himself a blackjack, a nice little weapon consisting of a firm brick in a small sack, useful for knocking a man out. "If we get tha' chance, a'course," he said to Kandros. "Have ta' see tha' terrain. I can shoot quite'a ways'away wit' me bow, might be better'a just finish him from'a distance."
(2170) Kandros: "With my arcane power, I might be able to strike him from a distance too, assuming we spot him before he spots us. He might even be preparing an ambush as we speak..."suggested Kandros as they walked
(2168) CosmicHorror: The walk to the South Wall was uneventfull, even through the slum district it seemed as though there were few people out. Climbing into the foothills leading up to the cliffs, the two both notice light glinting off metal through a large bush quite distant, but close to the cave they were looking for.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Odd tha'," Mal murmured, and stopped, pulling out his bow. "Prob'bly tha' guards tha' lassie menti'ned." Mal kept his eye on that spot, seeing if he could identify the source as they came nearer.
(2170) Kandros: Kandros cracked his knuckles, as if preparing them for something "Might some kind of trap. I'd keep my gaze there, yes."
(2170) Kandros: *might be some
(2168) CosmicHorror: As the two got closer, Mal's guess was right. Two guards were standing outside of a large cave mouth, the light looks like it would have been reflecting off of one of their spears as they were armored in leather. They spotted the two quickly, one of them calling out. "Better keep moving, there's a dangerous criminal trapped in here."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal laughed. "Aye, we ken, came ta' take 'im oot," he said quietly to the guard as he came near. "What d'ye ken aboot tha' cave?"
(2168) CosmicHorror: The guards relaxed. "It was dug by the Nidarians when they were running their acursed Blood Forges in these cliffs." The guard who had called to them looked into the cave as he was talking. "It's been cleared out of anything he might use, but there's lots of nooks and cranies he might be hiding in. Lost four good men to him already, vicious bastard." The guard turned back to the two men. "There's a number of chimenies leading out though. We can't cover them all, so it's possible he might have escaped, but it's not likly, those chiminies are pretty high up and there's grates over most of them." The guard picked up a lantern from the ground near him and handed it to Mal. "Here, you'll need this, it's dark in there where the light doesn't shine in. There's oil enough for a good hour or so, so you should be fine."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal handed the lantern over to Kandros. "Take tha', if ye dinnae mind, twinkl'ees, I need both me mitts fer me sword and me bow." He glanced back at the guard. "D'ye ken how he were a prisoner? What'd he dae? An' how did he kill tha oth'rs ye've sent in?"
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: ignore first two questions
(2170) Kandros: Kandros took the lantern in hand, although he scowled, looking somewhat disappointed at having to hold the light source for the human
(2168) CosmicHorror: "We're not sure, we just know that the men went in, and they didn't come back out. It's been over a day since the first one went in, so we're pretty sure they're dead." The guard bowed his head respectfully.
(2170) Kandros: "We're probably going to reduce him to a blood pulp anyway, even if he took out a few guards."commented Kandros "So, we're going?"he asked turning to Mal
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "A'right laddie, thank ye. Let's be gaun twinkl'ees." Mal nodded to Kandros and moved towards the cave mouth. "Tha' thar lantern'll make it awful hard'a be sneakin', keep it cov'red fer now."
(2170) Kandros: As Kandros covered the lantern, his eyes too lost their glow. "I'm ready. But I doubt we'd be able to surprise him..."he said
(2168) CosmicHorror: The two snuck into the cave as the guards bid them good luck. After a minute or two of traveling, it soon became too dark to see any obstacles.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Bah," Mal swore. "Might'a well light tha lamp, laddie."
(2170) Kandros: "You're sure? I could use the light of my eyes instead. I can see perfectly in the dark with them, I might go and scout ahead a few dozen feet in front of you..."suggested the Elohim
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal sucked his teeth, thinking. "I dinnae be sure tha' be a good idea, laddie, if this bugger hears ye an' I'm far a'hind ye're in trouble. An' he might see tha twinkle'a yer ees, they be a bit notic'ble."
(2170) Kandros: "I'll be at your side then. "said he as he uncovered and lighted the lamp
(2168) CosmicHorror: As the light filled the area, the two could plainly see the dead body of a human man. He was dressed in torn leather armor and there was a broken sword not to far away. The passage ahead had a small booth cut out of the rock and continued into darkness.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "I wager we're gettin' close," Mal said quietly
(2170) Kandros: Gazing at the dead corpse, the Elohim nodded
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal continued on ahead and examined the booth in the rock
(2168) CosmicHorror: It was just a small alcove that looked large enough for a human to sit behind, though there was no chair. One behind it could easily see out of the cave.
(2170) Kandros: "Found anything?"asked the Elohim, idly gazing at the cave walls as he turned the lamp around to illuminate the area
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Nae, laddie."
(2168) CosmicHorror: The cave walls looked to have been cut with tools, there was no writing or pictures on the walls.
(2170) Kandros: "No offense, but let me check."said Kandros as he went there and gave the booth a quick look himself
(2168) CosmicHorror: Kandros notices a small, black box tucked in a corner in the booth. It has no visible lid and seems to be made out of some type of stone, though very diferent from the rock of the cave. It is totally featureless, save for a small, round depression in the top.
(2170) Kandros: "What is this?"he said as he took the box in one hand, bringing it close to the lamp so he could examine it
(2170) Kandros: Dropping the lamp on the ground for a moment, the Elohim put his hands around the box and tried to see if there was any way the thing might be opened
(2168) CosmicHorror: The box did not move when Kandros tried to pick it up, it seemed rooted to the spot.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal let the Elohim work, keeping an eye out for any signs of movement further into the cave
(2168) CosmicHorror: Kandros was unable to find any way of opening the box despite an exhaustive search of it.
(2170) Kandros: "Blasted box! I wonder who would create a box that cannot be opened...I might just try and break this thing, there might be something inside..."
(2170) Kandros: "Open, you cursed box!"he said taking a few steps back and making a menacing gesture towards it
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Up ta ye." Mal said with a wave
(2168) CosmicHorror: The box did not react to Kandros' actions.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "I dinnae think speakin' a tha box'd dae much."
(2170) Kandros: The Elohim frowned and cursed at the box's lack of reaction "Umph. We might check this later after we have killed that fucker in the cave."he added taking the lamp in his hand again "Unless you want to try and break this thing."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Let's be gaun, t'aint budgin'," Mal suggested, and moved slightly down the passage. He shrugged at the Elohim's suggestion. "A'right, give it a go," he walked over to the box
(2168) CosmicHorror: Mal was unable to break the box open
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "T'aint any good," said Mal, straining his muscles. "Let's be gaun."
(2170) Kandros: "Aye. You lead the way."said Kandros standing by the man's side and holding the lantern
(2170) Kandros: His green eyes shined again as he ventured into the cave with the human "I'll keep my eyes open, you do the same."he said
(2168) CosmicHorror: Leaving the box behind the two ventured on. The passage turned to the left shortly after the booth as it opened up further. The lantern's light could illuminate rows of weapon racks formed out of the stone. A few pinpoints of light could be seen to either side, but were very small.
whispering to Malcolm mac Duncan, The points of light look as though they are sunlight filtering into the cave.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "'Tis light ent'rin tha cave from above," said Mal.
(2170) Kandros: "Umh? You mean? There is some tunnel to the outside?"asked Kandros
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Tha' guards said thar were chimneys fer light'a come in thro', and an' thar might be wee holes in'a rock tha' beams a tha' sun could squeeze inta." Mal continued on
(2170) Kandros: "Yes, yes."he nodded "I'm more worried about finding our man and killing him now, though. I hope the chimneys aren't wide enough for him to have fleed outside. I doubt that, though."
(2168) CosmicHorror: As the two continued, the lantern light revealed that the sides of the cave were lined with large basins, though now bone dry. The points of light, as they got closer to them, were coming from small, six inch wide holes in the walls above the basins. Further down the corridor, which was now very wide, were forges. These had chiminies as well, though looking up them, one could tell they had heavy grates just below the surface.
(2170) Kandros: "I doubt he used those to get out of here. So he must be around...he might even be looking at us now"
(2168) CosmicHorror: The corridor ended with a large doorway. The sides of the doorway showed that there was once a door there, but had been removed. Beyond the doorway was a smaller passage, though the light did not go far enough to tell how far it went.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal wandered around the forge area, examining it at length for anywhere the pirate could be hiding
(2170) Kandros: "Thinking he might hide behind an anvil or something?"smiled faintly the Elohim "Well, I think we'd have more chances of finding him behind the doorway..."
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Prob'bly," Mal shrugged
(2168) CosmicHorror: Mal was unable to find any inhabited hiding places, but inside two of the forges he did find bodies of two men, each with studded leather armor. No weapons could be found near them though.
(2168) CosmicHorror: The bodies looked like they had been stuffed into the forges to hide them
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal examined the corpses to see what had killed them
(2168) CosmicHorror: Studying one of the bodies, Mal was able to determine that the man was killed by a rather large cut to the throat. The other had less obvious wounds, but both had been wounded by a cutting or piercing weapon.
(2170) Kandros: "Another two corpses?"said Kandros looking in Malcolm direction "Great!"
(2170) Kandros: *he added, sarcastically
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Tha guards said four," Mal said. "Feller slit tha throat'a this wan." Mal moved towards the doorway
(2168) CosmicHorror: As the two men aproached the doorway, they could just make out the sounds of metal striking stone coming from down the corridor, but were unable to see anything.
(2170) Kandros: "That's it!"quietly whispered the Elohim "We found our man! Ready your weapon!"
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal nodded and moved forward, gripping his sword tightly
(2168) CosmicHorror: The corridor went on for 80ft, another booth like before was situated in the middle. The end of the corridor was closed off by large stone double doors. The sound was coming from the other side of the doors.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal rushed forward, booting a boot to the doors
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: *putting a boot
(2170) Kandros: A green glow began to form around Kandros's hands and forearms as he prepared to fire his mystical energies at whoever was behind the door
(2168) CosmicHorror: The doors were heavy, but opened enough for the two to pass through. The room beyond was small, compared to the forge chamber, and looked to have once been an office. A large hole in the celiling illuminated the entire room. Near the door was the body of another man, this one also wearing studded leather armor. On the far end of the room was a man hammering metal spikes into the wall. He was taller than average, and well built, with a bald head. On hearing Mal crash through the doors he turned around, quickly readying a spiked shield from his back and drawing a curved sword. "'nother couple'a hunters come to die?" He asked in common.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "C'mere wee laddie, ye'll have nae braith ta waste on words soon," Mal moved for the pirate
(2170) Kandros: The energy around the Elohim's hands quickly formed an arcane bolt which barely missed the villain "Fuck!"swore Kandros as that happened
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Damned freaks." Maco swore as he dodged the blast, moving out of the Elohim's line of sight.
(2170) Kandros: Realizing the danger of being too close to him, Kandros retreated a dozen or so feet back
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal rushed towards Maco, slashing down viciously with his claymore. The two-handed blade sliced deeply into the former pirate.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: edit: no former
(2170) Kandros: Seeing Mal attack and Maco retreat out of his line of sight, Kandros rushed into the room, screaming "Bastard! Do not think you will get out of here alive!". As he gestured towards the man's shield, it shattered into many pieces, stunning the man with surprise "See?"commented the Elohim
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal raised his blade high and smashed it into the dazed pirate, slashing his face
(2170) Kandros: Mystical energies formed again around Kandros limbs. However, he proved to be quite unskilled at aiming them, missing the man and instead hitting the wall a few feet beside him
(2168) CosmicHorror: "Fuck you ya freak, that was given ta me by me mom!" Maco yelled, stepping past Mal and using his free hand to hurl a black pearl at the ground between him and the two men. The pearl shattered on impact, releasing a thick cloud of black smoke between him and Mal.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: holding his claymore in one hand, Mal pulled out the blackjack in the other and swung it down. He thought he had the pirate clearly in his sights, but the smoke made it difficult to tell exactly where he was and the sap missed
(2170) Kandros: Moving towards one the room walls through the smoke, Kandros called out for the pirate "You're going to die anyway, you might as well drop that sword and do that now!". Unfortunately the words, though doubtlessly imbued with arcane power, didn't have any effect
(2168) CosmicHorror: As Kandros finished speaking the smoke dissipated and Maco slashed at Mal, but swung wide.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal riposted with his blackjack which also missed
(2170) Kandros: Swearing at his previous failure, Kandros concentrated more this time. The villain's sword split in a few pieces, which fell to the floor, useless. However, he had the presence of mind not to be too surprised by the mystical attack.
(2168) CosmicHorror: Maco, now weaponless, rushed past Mal, getting struck by his blackjack and out into the corridor, pulling another pearl from his belt.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal rushed after Maco, tossing the blackjack down and slicing with the claymore again, wanting to bring him down before he could get to a hiding spot. While he slashed into the pirate, the hardy man remained on his feet.
(2170) Kandros: Running to the door, the Elohim fired another blast of energy at the fleeing man. This time the glowing green bolts did not completely miss, but still barely grazed the man's body.
(2168) CosmicHorror: Stumbling slightly from the two blows, Maco drops the pearl behind him filling the corridor with smoke as he began to run back towards the entrance.
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: "He's comin laddies!" Mal shouted to the guards
(2170) Kandros: "Dead man coming! He's got no chance!"added Kandros, smiling
(2172) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal swore and rushed after him, dropping the sword and drawing his bow. He saw Maco already at the end of the forge area, blasting forward at amazing speed. Mal nocked an arrow and fired, but it just missed the retreating pirate
(2170) Kandros: Kandros hesitated for a moment before going through the smoke wall, but then did so, resisting the effect of the noxious fumes. Concentrating his energies through the smoke, he tried to lash at the man with them, but missed.
(2168) CosmicHorror: Maco continued to run until he was out of sight. You could however hear the guards shouting. "We got him!"
(2542) CosmicHorror: Maco continued to run until he was out of sight. You could however hear the guards shouting. "We got him!"
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal continued to run back towards the entrance. "Keep 'im alive if ye can!" he shouted to the guards.
(2543) Kandros: "Don't leave!"told him Kandros "I want to check that box again now that we have some time."he added
(2542) CosmicHorror: "He's out cold." They shouted back, and as Mal got closer to the exit he could see that, Maco sprawled on the ground, his breathing just visible.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "I ken, twinkl'ees, gotta go back fer me sword anyhow!" Mal shouted back to Kandros, leaning down over Maco and ensuring he was stable
(2543) Kandros: While Mal returned, Kandros began to approach the stone box, considering how he could open or destroy it
(2542) CosmicHorror: Maco was indeed stable, though blood had trickled down is face.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal pulled out his rope. "Ye git any man'cles on ye, or shall I use tha rope?" he asked the guards
(2542) CosmicHorror: The guards shook their heads. "We were just put here to keep him from running. Though I think if you hadn't wounded him he would have been able to take us both." The guard looked uneasily to his partner.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Nay, laddie, dinnae think so poorly'a yerself, if he'd thought he could take ye he'd have tried an' he didn't," said Mal, carefully tying the prisoner up with the rope
(2542) CosmicHorror: "I... suppose so." The guard commented, looking around. "You were going to keep looking around in there? If so we can go inform the prison guards that he's been captured and they'll bring proper bindings around."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal sucked his teeth. "Dinnae ken where we'd keep the bugger until ye returned," he said.
(2542) CosmicHorror: "I suppose only one of us needs to go." The guard nodded to his partner. "Sound good to you two?"
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "A'right. Keep a close ee on 'im tho'. Twinkl'ees!" Mal shouted to Kandros. "Wan o' tha guards is gonna head ta get tha prison guards an' take tha bugger away! Any problems wit' leaving wan here'a keep an eye on 'im while we're searchin'?"
(2543) Kandros: "No, I'm fine with it."said Kandros somewhat absent-mindedly, intent on investigating the exteriror of the box
(2542) CosmicHorror: The guard who had done all the speaking nodded and his partner turned and began to jog down to the city. "If it looks like he'll escape, shall I kill him?" The guard asked, placing the butt of his spear next to the fallen Maco's head.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Yea, but we can take precautions'a make sure he cannae. Bring 'im in an' I'll give 'im another whap wit' me blackjack, keep 'im dozin' for a wee bit more time." Mal stood up and went to retrieve his weapons
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "On s'cond thought, that dae nae appear wise, might shake 'is brains oot. Might'a well bring him in tho', nae reason fer ye to sit around on yer own wit' him when ye could be in tha' same room'a us in case somethin' goes wrong."
(2542) CosmicHorror: The guard nodded. "A good plan." He said, picking up Maco and dragging him into the cave a ways. "Found something interesting did you?"
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Ya, thar's dese two strange wee black boxes."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: edit: just one box
(2543) Kandros: "I don't think I'm going to go away from here unless we see that's inside. Come and try to smash it."he gestured to Malcolm
(2542) CosmicHorror: "Odd, I had thought everything of interest had been removed."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Tha' box cannae be removed a'far's we can tell, dinnae budge fer all our efforts."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal helped the guard bring Maco inside
(2542) CosmicHorror: "Strange. I'll keep watch on him here, if he moves I'll alert you."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: inside, Mal grabbed his weapons, handing the sap to the guard. "If he starts'a wiggle, give 'im a whack o'er tha ear," he advised the guard, then moved to try to burst open the box
(2543) Kandros: Though weak and emaciated, Kandros too tried and struggled to help Malcolm open the container
(2542) CosmicHorror: Even with their combined efforts, the two could not break the box open.
(2543) Kandros: Panting and aching from the effort, Kandros cursed the box again and again
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal rubbed his aching fingers. "Buggerin' thing's shut tight'a tha purse'o a mac Dougall as just seen a beggar," he said
(2543) Kandros: "I'll try something less violent then!"proclaimed the Elohim. A few seconds after that, his form began to glow with mystical energies as it was transfigured into shimmering energy. Putting his hands on the box, Kandros produced great amounts of arcane energy looking like green flames from his hands, trying to batter down or at least weaken the box.
(2543) Kandros: *less violent = different
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Bloody hell!" Mal cursed, startled by the Elohim's transformation. He had heard they possessed that power, but he'd not witnessed it with his own eyes in the war. "Tha' be yer idea a' less violent?" he asked. Mal grinned. "I like ye, twinkl'ees!"
(2542) CosmicHorror: The blasts did not seem to be doing any damage to the box at all, it showed no trace of the Elohim's blasts on its surface.
(2543) Kandros: "Damned be this box and who made it!"swore Kandros again as his arcane efforts were to no avail.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "I should git a box like this wan ta put me clank in," Mal mused.
(2543) Kandros: Having noticed that, he returned to his normal, more material form
(2543) Kandros: you said there's a depression on the box before, right?
(2543) Kandros: could get mal to strike it with a sword, but that's bad for his sword...I'd rather get a pickaxe!
(2543) Kandros: Looking at the top of the box and now concentrating on the small depression on it's top, Kandros pondered "Umh...perhaps some sort of magical key or item goes there to open it?"
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "P'rhaps. Ye'd ken more'a this than I, twinkl'ees, I dinnae ken much'a the Shavies an' thar things."
(2543) Kandros: "You didn't happen to see any cylinder or other noteworthy object around here?"questioned the Elohim
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Nae laddie."
(2543) Kandros: Thinking for a while on what to do with the depression, a nervous Kandros took his dagger from his robes and held his other hand above the depression "I know there are some weird ways to activate arcane devices. This might just work.". Having said that, he grimaced as he cut his hand to draw just enough blood to fill the depression
(2542) CosmicHorror: The box did not react to the blood being poured on it.
(2543) Kandros: "Fuck, I just wasted some good blood!"cursed Kandros again
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "I dinnae think tha' box'll be openin' up anytime soon," Mal shrugged. "Let's wait fer tha guards."
(2542) CosmicHorror: As Mal finished saying that, the two could hear the sounds of aproaching men.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Let's nae wait very long fer tha guards," Mal added, turning towards the cave entrance
(2543) Kandros: "Aye."said Kandros, througly fatigued by his useless efforts to open the box
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Howzitgaun?" Mal greeted the guards
(2542) CosmicHorror: The men were actually members of Clearwater's small army. They were armored in chain and carried halberds. The aperant leader of them nodded to Mal. "You've done good work subduing this man, the city thanks you for your assistance."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Nae borra. D'ye give us tha clank, or dae we go to tha Manor?"
(2542) CosmicHorror: "The Lady Talera will have your payment for you at the Manor, we've already sent word." The soldier said as two of the others lifted the unconscious body of Maco off the ground.
(2543) Kandros: Raising his head at the soldiers' arrival, Kandros nodded when he heard about the reward for what they had done
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Cheers laddies," said Mal.
(2542) CosmicHorror: The soldier nodded and the troupe began to march back to the city. The guard who had watched over Maco, nodded in parting. "Thanks for the help." He said, before following the soldiers.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Ah, wait laddies!" Mal called. "Jes thought'a somethin'. Thar be some bodies in here, I fear, tha four ye sent in ta take that bastard afore. I'll show ye where they are, thar fam'lies'd prob'bly like ta see them prop'rly buried."
(2542) CosmicHorror: The leader of the soldiers nodded to the one that was unoccupied, who walked back up. "We'll send more men up to get them." The leader called back.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal showed him where the bodies had been hidden.
(2542) CosmicHorror: The soldier pulled the bodies out into the middle of the forge area and arranged the for easy traveling.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal turned to Kandros. "So, twinkl'ees, git any idea aboot tha box?"
(2543) Kandros: "I didn't mention that to the soldiers, even if they helped us open it they might not have let us keep what's inside. I'd really, really like to open it, but it seems that violence doesn't work, and there's nothing we can use as a key. Perhaps I should research about this kind of thing when I have the time, I'll be sure to come back there someday..."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "'Tisn't far ta walk, might'a well leave it." Mal agreed
(2542) CosmicHorror: Leaving the strange box behind, the two made their way back to the Governor's Manor. The gardener was out now, taking careful clippings from the flowers, he nodded as the two passed.
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal waved to the gardener and went on inside
(2542) CosmicHorror: The front hall was again, empty, and no sounds could be heard from inside.
(2543) Kandros: Kandros followed behind
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal headed up the stairs and walked over to the clerk. "Howzitgaun lassie? We be lookin' for tha Lady Talera fer payment."
(2542) CosmicHorror: The woman looked up. "Ah yes, I heard of your work, well done. As for Lady Talera, that would be me." Talera smiled. "Just wait one moment and I'll have your payment." She disapeared behind the door near her desk.
(2543) Kandros: Kandros tapped impatiently on the desk with his hand, waiting for the woman to return
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: Mal blinked. "I dinnae expect tha'," he muttered
(2542) CosmicHorror: After a few minutes, Talera returned, carrying two leather pouches, handing one to each of the two men. "There you go, a hundred gold each. There'll be some work for you tomorrow, I can tell you that, so stop by and we can discuss it."
(2545) Malcolm mac Duncan: "Thanks, lassie," Mal replied, recovered from his surprise.
(2543) Kandros: Storing away his money, Kandros nodded "We'll be sure to be here by tomorrow, yes."
