Opportunistic Strife (storyline)/2024-01-21 - The Capture of a Bandit in the Toadwort (log)

[The Toadwort, Grasping Mire - 10512] (u14007019)

As one of the moons pokes its face through the clouds, a dozen bald cypress trees encircling an ancient burial ground come into view. A :multitude of stone caskets are scattered around the cemetery. None of the stone caskets bears any marking to tell the tale of its :occupant. Some of the tombs lay wide open, as their covers have broken down to nothing more than dust and pebbles over the years. :You also see a water moccasin, a masked ebon-clad freebooter, a leather breastplate and a handaxe.

Also here: Lady Uniana, Legionnaire Rulli, Xavanna, Taedon, Orssus, Legionnaire Krystalena, Lord Teveriel, Madisynne, Squire Legionnaire Stavio, Legionnaire Tylanthriel

Orssus feints to the right. A masked ebon-clad freebooter buys the ruse and twists awkwardly to block the blow that never came!

Tylanthriel comes out of hiding.

Tylanthriel crouches and sweeps a leg at a masked ebon-clad freebooter!

[SMR result: 330 (Open d100: 32, Bonus: 25)]

A masked ebon-clad freebooter falls to the ground! Tylanthriel deftly regains his footing.

The attack exposes a vulnerability in a masked ebon-clad freebooter's defenses!

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Orssus says, "Stop."

You notice your companion Tylanthriel slip away into hiding.

A shadowy figure springs from hiding and aims a blow to a masked ebon-clad freebooter's head!

The ebon-clad freebooter appears paralyzed!

The figure quickly disappears from view.

Stavio says, "He been run from here and toward the south east and then back."

The restricting force enveloping a masked ebon-clad freebooter fades away.

A masked ebon-clad freebooter confusedly asks, "Stop?"

Orssus feints to the left. A masked ebon-clad freebooter buys the ruse and twists awkwardly to block the blow that never came!

Xavanna nods to the ebon-clad freebooter.

Tylanthriel says, "Stop moving."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Xavanna says, "If you would, please."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter's air of vulnerability dissipates.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Madisynne says, "And sit down."

You discreetly remove a beady-eyed white ora giantman statuette from your leather musette.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Orssus asks, "Are you a cobalt viper?"

Uniana whispers to the group, "Sanctuary so he knows we mean no further harm?"

Speaking confusedly to Madisynne, a masked ebon-clad freebooter asks, "Yer the captain?"

You rub a beady-eyed white ora giantman statuette in your hand.

A sense of peace and calm settles over the area.

Taedon traces a sign while petitioning the spirits for cognition...

Taedon gestures.

A sense of peace and calm resettles over the area.

You discreetly tuck your giantman statuette into your leather musette.

Speaking to Madisynne, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Y'don't look anythin' like the captain."

(Uniana lowers her lasimor staff to her side, relaxing her stance.)

Xavanna put a fir-handled vultite awl-pike in her red leather longcoat.

Stavio says, "Maybe he asking for Ogges."

Stavio says, "Igges."

Madisynne says, "Him."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Orssus asks, "Are you Twit?"

Tylanthriel says, "Their captain was someone different."

[The Toadwort, Grasping Mire - 10512] (u14007019)

As one of the moons pokes its face through the clouds, a dozen bald cypress trees encircling an ancient burial ground come into view. A :multitude of stone caskets are scattered around the cemetery. None of the stone caskets bears any marking to tell the tale of its :occupant. Some of the tombs lay wide open, as their covers have broken down to nothing more than dust and pebbles over the years. :You also see the smooth invar Madisynne disk, the Tylanthriel disk, the Xavanna disk, the Taedon disk, the translucent Rulli disk, a :downtrodden bog spirit that is flying around, a black fox, a smoke-swirled hooded crow that is flying around, a black-eared red and grey :fox, a masked ebon-clad freebooter that is lying down, a leather breastplate and a handaxe.

Also here: Squire Legionnaire Stavio, Madisynne, Lord Teveriel, Legionnaire Krystalena, Lady Uniana, Legionnaire Rulli, Xavanna, Taedon, :Orssus, Legionnaire Tylanthriel

Obvious paths: northeast, west

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Teveriel says, "I would advise you to worry less about the Legionnaires' respective ranks and :cooperate."

Speaking confusedly to Orssus, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Am I it? The captain? No."

Krystalena says, "Maybe we should be asking about Gasen."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "What is so important for you in the toadwort?"

Uniana whispers to the group, "Do they not teach you interrogation techniques?"

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Nuthin'."

Tylanthriel smirks.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "And that is why so many of you were headed this way?"

Stavio whispers to the group, "Good thing you all showed up i was about to kill it."

Tylanthriel says, "For "nuthin'"."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "S'just a big ugly swamp."

Orssus whispers to the group, "Only interrogation techniques I know is grab a limb and twist until they tell me what I want to know."

Orssus whispers to the group, "Only interrogation techniques I know is grab a limb and twist until they tell me what I want to know."

The hooded crow circles lazily above.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you say, "Sir, I suggest if you want to keep life and whatever limbs you have left to help us."

Xavanna whispers to the group, "I know how to get gossip out of people, but not deep secrets I am afraid."

You see a fairly typical ebon-clad freebooter that is lying down.

It has minor lacerations about its head and a possible mild concussion, snapped bones and serious bleeding from its neck, a fractured :and bleeding right arm, a fractured and bleeding left arm, a fractured and bleeding left leg, deep lacerations across its chest and deep :lacerations across its back.

It has a dark falchion and a polished black shield.

Tylanthriel nods to you.

You smile at the freebooter.

Uniana whispers to the group, "So no *good* gossip."

Uniana grins at Xavanna.

Xavanna grins at Uniana.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "Some answers now."

Krystalena kneels down.

Stavio whispers to the group, "Well you found out the s was for swamp."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "If you indeed care for your limbs."

Uniana glances over at Krystalena and winces.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Krystalena says, "I'd be happy to heal you."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter blinks several times, then gingerly raises a hand to his head, wincing as he moves his fractured arm.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "What is here in the Toadwort?"

Stavio whispers to the group, "Now to find out the map leads too."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Krystalena says, "But you're going to have to help us a little."

Teveriel suggests, "Haul them in. Spending a few nights in the Oubliette ought to loosen their tongue."

Teveriel glances appraisingly at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Ya a twit or something? I said nuthin'."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you ask, "Then why were so many of you headed this way?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you ask, "Then why were so many of you headed this way?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "I tend to not believe pirates and bandits."

You cock your head at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

Krystalena stands up.

Orssus says, "Would be difficult sailing in here."

Uniana whispers to the group, "Twit," reminding of earlier, "from the crooked essess."

Speaking accusingly to you, a masked ebon-clad freebooter spits, "Why're so many of y'headed this way?"

Stavio whispers to the group, "Maybe twit is a name of ashop being built."

You smile at the freebooter.

Uniana breathes in slightly.

Speaking evenly to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Teveriel says, "Because we didn't get the answers we sought from your friends, and :now they litter the Neartofar's floor."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Seems like there's just one-uv me an' a whole bunch of you."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "We were following the trail you and your friends left."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter dazedly remarks, "Two of some-a ya."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you say, "It isn't our fault you made a mistake and separated from the rabble."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "That is correct. So it would be smart to answer truthfully."

Xavanna nods.

A masked ebon-clad freebooter squints at Teveriel.

Krystalena says, "Perhaps some of us should back off."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Xavanna says, "Especially since I can make the inside of your head become the outside with :a single note."

Uniana whispers to the group, "Can we get him some rose-marrow?"

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter laughs, "Pirates ain't got any friends."

You press the copper latch on your leather herb kit and it springs open, exposing the waxed linen lining within.

You retrieve a squat glass tincture of effervescent rose-marrow from within your leather herb kit.

Tylanthriel smirks.

Krystalena murmurs a simple, mystical chant...

You carefully place a squat glass tincture of effervescent rose-marrow on the ground.

Krystalena calls upon the local spirits to aid her in retrieving an herb...

Some ephlox moss suddenly appears at your feet.

You nod to the ebon-clad freebooter.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you say, "For your head."

Krystalena just edged a little closer to some ephlox moss!

Krystalena says, "For your broken arm."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "Excuse me, I forget I have to spell things out to you. Friends was used :loosely. Those you work with."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter asks, "Y'can't trust no one. Y'start trustin' people an' they're always gonna let y'down, y'know what I :mean?"

Stavio says, "So true."

Krystalena murmurs a simple, mystical chant...

You let out a long, contemplative breath.

Krystalena calls upon the local spirits to aid her in retrieving an herb...

Some aloeas stem suddenly appears at your feet.

You fold your hands behind your back, waiting patiently.

Krystalena says, "For your neck."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "Unless you find folks who have the same goals as you do."

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "Then you have a reason to work together."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "I don't need yer help. Prob'ly all poisoned or somethin' or filled with some-a that tell-the-truth :stuff."

Krystalena rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, you say, "Sir, on the life of my fox I would never poison a soul."

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Workin' together ain't th'same as trustin' people, y'know."

Stavio chuckles.

Orssus asks, "They make that?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "Did I say that?"

Uniana glances to her left.

Krystalena says, "I'm afraid I don't know how to summon tainted herbs."

Teveriel dryly says, "If only."

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter asks, "Y'don't trust me anyway s'what's s'matter what I say, anyway?"

Stavio deftly twirls his veil iron flamberge around his finger and stuffs it in his lacquered scabbard. Fancy!

Krystalena says, "That would like require a sorcerer. I'm just a little empath."

The mirror images surrounding Xavanna undulate and grow stronger.

Xavanna renews her songs.

You discreetly remove a beady-eyed white ora giantman statuette from your leather musette.

Stavio removes a large ebon box from in his sturdy leather pack.

You rub a beady-eyed white ora giantman statuette in your hand.

A sense of peace and calm resettles over the area.

Cast Roundtime 3 Seconds.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "If you give us information that makes sense you might make it out of this :place still breathing, that is why."

The ebon-clad freebooter drops a polished black shield.

A masked ebon-clad freebooter snatches up a squat glass tincture of rose-marrow.

A masked ebon-clad freebooter takes a drink from its tincture of rose-marrow.

Nothing happens.

Tylanthriel says, "Otherwise."

Tylanthriel removes a sephwir composite bow from in his shoulder quiver.

Stavio removes a large ebon box from in his sturdy leather pack.

Stavio put a large ebon box in his sturdy leather pack.

You retrieve a squat glass tincture of effervescent rose-marrow from within your leather herb kit.

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Rather be dead than in jail."

Tylanthriel says, "You might gain a few more holes."

You carefully place a squat glass tincture of effervescent rose-marrow on the ground.

Krystalena says, "Aloeas stem first."

You nod.

Krystalena says, "You're too hurt for the rose-marrow."

You say, "Stem first."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter snatches up some aloeas stem.

A masked ebon-clad freebooter bites some aloeas stem.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "So this information is worth dying for then?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Stavio says, "Here one last drink before hand."

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Not bein' in prison is worth dyin' for."

The ebon-clad freebooter drops some aloeas stem.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel asks, "You refuse to help us?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Orssus says, "Well, if you'd rather be dead, that can come so quick you don't even realize it, :or can be very slow and drawn out."

Speaking to Tylanthriel, a masked ebon-clad freebooter laughs, "Why would I help ya?"

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Yer just gonna kill me or imprison me anyway."

Xavanna asks, "Perhaps I should sing him to sleep and let him wake up in the oubliette?"

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Tylanthriel says, "I guess you should not. You would rather die, we can at least help you with :that."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter says, "Buncha crimson and gold-clad holier-than-thou...."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter mutters to himself.

You cock your head at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

Xavanna says, "I am sure the Legionnaire Captain has good ideas about getting information."

Teveriel evenly says, "The oubliette is an idea worth revisiting."

Orssus nods at Xavanna.

You nod in agreement at Teveriel.

Tylanthriel put a sephwir composite bow in his shoulder quiver.

Tylanthriel slowly empties his lungs.

Orssus says, "I think if he would rather be dead, we should make sure that doesn't happen."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter asks, "S'an oubliette? One-a your fancy balls?"

Orssus says, "Prison is good."

Tylanthriel says, "Far be it from me to give you what you want."

Tylanthriel smirks.

Uniana appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Xavanna says, "Worse than prison."

Krystalena says, "We are not heathens who torture people."

Speaking to Krystalena, a masked ebon-clad freebooter repeats, "Holier-than-thou."

Tylanthriel asks, "Who has bindings?"

Xavanna changes her tune, adding a new element to her song...

Stavio takes a drink from his of aged whiskey.

Stavio says, "Good."

Xavanna says, "Lower the sanctuary, if you would. I can then make him sleep."

Stavio put a mug of aged whiskey in his sturdy leather pack.

With a moment's concentration, you terminate the Minor Sanctuary spell.

The sense of peace and security begins to wane from the area.

Speaking to a masked ebon-clad freebooter, Krystalena says, "Nah, why would we want to torture you? Torture has been proven not to :work."

Krystalena says, "You'd say anything to make it end."

The sense of peace and security passes away from the area.

Xavanna skillfully weaves another verse into her harmony, directing the sound of her voice at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

The ebon-clad freebooter slips into a deep slumber.

Orssus says, "Don't have any shackles on me."

Xavanna says, "He should be easy to haul around now."

Xavanna nods.

Uniana disappointedly says, "We did not even ask his name."

Uniana says, "We did not even ask his name."

Speaking to Uniana, Xavanna asks, "Would it matter?"

Krystalena agrees with Uniana.

You say, "It might if we run into his associates."

Uniana shoots Xavanna the smallest of dismayed glances, conveying her disapproval.

Xavanna shrugs.

Tylanthriel says, "He was not giving us any information."

Xavanna says, "Exactly."

You shrug.

Xavanna says, "I figured we should leave it to the Captain. She will know what to do."

Orssus says, "Might as well be named Shark bait."

Stavio says, "We can just loot his body for clues."

Krystalena asks, "'can we drag him to the fortress?"

Uniana heartbrokenly says, "I cannot believe I am hearing this."

Xavanna says, "Certainly."

You ask, "Perhaps alter the guards?"

Uniana nods in agreement to you.

You say, "Have them come and take him."

You say, "Alert that is."

Xavanna says, "That is an excellent idea."

You say, "They'll have shackles."

You frown at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

Speaking to Stavio, Teveriel says, "You are a Squire Legionnaire of the Crimson Legion, not a common thug."

Speaking to Uniana, Orssus asks, "Hearing what?"

Teveriel evenly says, "Hopefully one of your superiors will remind you of that. I should not have to."

Uniana whispers something to Orssus.

Speaking to Teveriel, Stavio says, "Dont tell me what or whom I am i know whom I be and can do."

Krystalena says, "We should have been able to handle this better."

Uniana gazes up into the heavens.

Orssus says, "He's still alive."

Orssus glances at a masked ebon-clad freebooter.

You say, "I think perhaps if he does have anything they will search him before throwing him into a cell."

Tylanthriel nods.

Xavanna nods.

You say, "I'll go and alert the guard."

Speaking to you, Xavanna says, "Quite so."

You smile.

Tylanthriel says, "Let us leave the rest to the Legion."

Going to the Gate Guards

You curtsy to Sehdrenis. He bows slightly before you.

Speaking to Guardsman Sehdrenis, you ask, "There is a bandit we caught in the woods who recently attacked us... he is in the toadwort, :could you see to him?"

Speaking to Guardsman Sehdrenis, you say, "Several legionnaires have him pinned down...but we have no shackles."

You smile at Sehdrenis. He offers a smile in return.

Guardsman Sehdrenis says, "Oh. Uh, you caught a captive? Yes, let me send someone immediately."

Speaking to Guardsman Sehdrenis, you say, "Thank you so much, sir."

You curtsy to Sehdrenis. He bows slightly before you.

returning back to the group

[The Toadwort, Grasping Mire - 10512] (u14007019)

As one of the moons pokes its face through the clouds, a dozen bald cypress trees encircling an ancient burial ground come into view. A :multitude of stone caskets are scattered around the cemetery. None of the stone caskets bears any marking to tell the tale of its :occupant. Some of the tombs lay wide open, as their covers have broken down to nothing more than dust and pebbles over the years. :You also see some aloeas stem, a squat glass tincture of rose-marrow, a polished black shield, some ephlox moss, the smooth invar :Madisynne disk, the Tylanthriel disk, the Xavanna disk, the Taedon disk, the translucent Rulli disk, a downtrodden bog spirit that is flying :around, a black fox that is sitting, a smoke-swirled hooded crow that is flying around, a masked ebon-clad freebooter that is sleeping, a :leather breastplate and a handaxe.

Also here: Squire Legionnaire Stavio, Madisynne, Lord Teveriel, Legionnaire Krystalena, Lady Uniana, Legionnaire Rulli, Xavanna, Taedon, :Orssus, Legionnaire Tylanthriel

Obvious paths: northeast, west

Speaking to Teveriel, Uniana asks, "Shall we depart this lurid scene?"

You say, "They are on their way."

Teveriel says, "Some time stewing in a cell."

Tylanthriel nods to you.

Xavanna smiles at you.

Speaking to you, Tylanthriel says, "Thank you."

You incline your head.

A pair of guards trudge through the swampy earth.

Speaking to Xavanna, Madisynne says, "I think you are right about having one person doing the questioning."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter snores quietly in its sleep.

Speaking to Uniana, Teveriel says, "It would seem there's little else to do."

Speaking to Madisynne, Xavanna says, "Thank you."

Orssus says, "Remember the last time we tried to take a prisoner and bring him back to the keep."

A masked ebon-clad freebooter snores quietly in its sleep.

Orssus says, "The cobalt vipers assassinated him."

Tylanthriel nods at Orssus.

Madisynne says, "Follow quicly."

The guards cast each other looks of amusement and then haul the sleeping freebooter up between the two of them, disappearing back :into the Toadwort with him.

(Teveriel offers the guards a polite, if curt, nod.)

Speaking to Orssus, Tylanthriel says, "That is always a possibility."