The Rone Resurgence - 2018-10-06 - Long Live the King (log)

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Jastatos 6-7, 5118

by Leafiara Autumnwind of the [[::The_TownCrier|TownCrier]]


Summary

  • [[::Brotherhood of Rooks|Rooks]] move throughout the [[::Wehnimer's Landing|Landing]] and eventually converge on Valeria Street, where adventurers and town defenders arrive. The Rooks silently form a tight circle among themselves, answering no questions from the crowd. In the distance, the militia stands at the ready to fire, but the Rooks bear no weapons and captains Stormyrain and Shinann indicate not to attack first. Eventually one figure tries to break away, but the Rooks seize him and force him to the street--it's Rysus and he's surrounded. Twitching and scratching at himself, and yelling that the others are cowards, Rysus tries to swing at the Rooks and escape, but they block his retreat.
  • Leafiara tells Rysus that what he got was no cure, and he spits at her and accuses her of being in bed with Praxopius. She says she wanted to give him a cure and had warned his Rook to be careful; Rysus says she always wanted to be a Rook and asks if this is how she planned it, but a saddened Leafi says she just wanted to save a life and cure another of [[::Raznel|the witch]]'s curses.
  • Darcena growls at Rysus for Leafi's sake and he pushes against he--though then she says he's "being a little forward, but I'm not saying no." Soon blood begins to seep from Rysus' eyes and he tries to rush past Alfur, but can't escape. Claudaro thumps him and Balley asks Rysus what he thinks he'll accomplish here; he brandishes a dagger and rushes at her, but falls to one knee with a bloody nose before he gets to her.
  • Rysus calls everyone cowards, saying their enemies are encroaching--the [[::Turamzzyrian Empire|Imperials]] and the [[::Ta'Vaalor|elves]], and they'll wish for him and beg for him when the noose is too tight. He tries to flee again, but the Rooks keep him surrounded. Stormy whispers something to him and he calls her a blood swapping whore; she says she'll dance on the dust of his bones.
  • Sir Cryheart asks if Rysus wants them to end the pain, but he says there is no pain except watching them lose their freedom without fighting for it. ...and then scratches at his arm, his skin peeling away.
  • Rysus calls them cowards who can't even do it themselves. A Rook stabs Rysus in the side and Claudaro stabs him in another side, as oily black blood and flakes of ash spill out of him. Hap kicks him over and stabs him in the eye; Gainmean stabs him in the chest; Thrassus stabs in the collarbone. He coughs out that they'll see their freedom die.
  • Darcena holds a dagger near his heart and asks if he's ready, wanting to end his suffering; meanwhile Claudaro cuts his ear off and tosses it to the crowd. One of Rysus' hands crumbles into dust and Lauranathalasa attempts to defend him, but to no avail in the crowd as Darcena drives her dagger in deep. Gainmead slices his throat and Rooks stab him in the hand, side, and abdomen.
  • Rysus calls them cowards one last time, but as he tries to continue, his teeth crumble to dust. At last Chamorr beheads him and Claudaro scalps him, and his body crumbles into dust and ash, and the murky black blood left behind fades.
  • The Rooks disappear into the shadows of town, having said no words all night, and Sir Cryheart declares it the end of an era. Mayor Lylia agrees, saying to remember all that Rysus did and not just what he became, and Stormy says he wasn't always this way--that there was a time when Thrayzar, Thadston, and "many of us" worked with Rysus, but he fell far and thought his way was the only right one.


Log

Circle

[Town Square Central]

This is the heart of the main square of Wehnimer's Landing. The impromptu shops of the bazaar are clustered around this central gathering place, where townsfolk, travellers, and adventurers meet to talk, conspire or raise expeditions to the far-flung reaches of Elanith. At the north end, an old well, with moss-covered stones and a craggy roof, is shaded from the moonlight by a strong, robust tree. The oak is tall and straight, and it is apparent that the roots run deep. You also see an herbal remedy donation bin and some stone benches with some stuff on it.

Some dark hooded figures move along rooftops of South Ring Road.

[Sir Cryheart leads a group along South Ring Road, finding nothing.]

Some dark hooded figures move along rooftops of North Ring Road.

[Sir Cryheart leads along North Ring Road, finding nothing.]

Some dark hooded figures move along rooftops of West Ring Road.

[Sir Cryheart leads along West Ring Road, finding nothing.]

Some dark hooded figures move along rooftops, to the north, south, and west. Hugging the shadows of night, they all begin to move towards Valeria Street.

[Soon...]

The Symbol of Need begins to burn in your mind and an image appears before you of Stormyrain...

[Wehnimer's, Valeria St.]

Traffic to and from the hub of activity in the square to the west passes along the dark street here. Passers-by guard their valuables closely, glancing into shaded doorways and niches and wary of the press of the crowd. Two-story buildings of wood and stone line the north and south sides of the cobbled road. You also see a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a spotted great horned owl, a grizzled old warrior and a blackened sandstone shop.

Also here: Lord Thrassus, Grand Lord Xorus, Stormyrain, Shinann, Caligos Trawler Chaoswynd

[Leafi fogs over.]

Shinann says, "Hold... until they attack."

Stormyrain asks, "What do you want here?"

Xorus greets, "Rooks."

Ganimead says, "Someone already attadcked me."

Leafiara greets, "Evening, there."

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Shinann asks, "What do you want?"

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Stormyrain says, "They are surrounding Cryheart and group and not attacking there either."

Ganimead says, "Grey beaks, dark hoods, doesn't seem like they are up to any good."

Ganimead says, "Unless a plague is in town."

Speaking to Ganimead, Stormyrain says, "They're Rooks."

Shinann whispers to the group, "Did someone sanct here?"

Leafiara whispers to the group, "It was sancted already before I tried."

Sir Cryheart's group just arrived.

Pukk quietly exclaims, "Aha!"

Cryheart says, "Here."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Ganimead asks, "Rooks?"

Pukk quietly exclaims, "We have caught you!"

Mongonator says, "This doesn't look promising."

Jahadeem quietly asks, "Hello there can we help you?"

Classen deeply exclaims, "Hand over the muffins!"

Shinann says, "No, it does not."

Cryheart asks, "So...where is the head Rook?"

Speaking to Ganimead, Stormyrain says, "Indeed. They are --a faction of townsfolk who operate outside of the law most of the time."

Rioja sings:

"Where da hood

where da hood

where da hood at?"

Lylia quietly says, "You see it in Rysus as surely as we do."

Pukk quietly exclaims, "All your ale belongs to us!"

Classen deeply says, "And muffins."

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Shinann asks, "Where is Rysus?"

Speaking quietly to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Pukk asks, "Let's work this out. We can give you Chaoswynd and you can give us all your ale. What do you say?"

Leafiara curiously says, "Pretty quiet tonight."

Speaking adamantly to Pukk, Darcena says, "No."

Jahadeem quietly asks, "Would any of you hooded people happen to want to talk or explain what you are doing here?"

Mongonator says, "Hell with Chaoswynd, give em Dwi, she is a fine catch."

Rioja says, "Yeah, that they are."

Ganimead says, "We can give them her, she already attacked me."

Speaking to Ganimead, Darcena asks, "What?"

Shanak asks, "Are these folks just a distraction maybe?"

Darcena says, "I did not. You would be bleeding."

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Leafiara ventures, "I assume most of you have learned what happened with Rysus?"

Cryheart asks, "Hae they spoken?"

Speaking to Darcena, Ganimead says, "You bit me."

Speaking to Shanak, Hapenlok says, "Normally, I'd say yes."

Jahadeem quietly asks, "So, I lost my ticket to the hooded convention. Can any of you spare one?"

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Aquarrist says, "Such a large band of figures coming to our fair town has triggered the welcome wagon."

Speaking to Shanak, Hapenlok asks, "But now?"

Hapenlok says, "I'm not so sure."

Daaco says, "Asking for Rysus."

Cryheart says, "So, they be a distraction...or the small cat got their tongue."

Speaking to Darcena, Ganimead says, "Not very nice you know."

Speaking deeply to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Classen says, "So, about these muffins."

Speaking quietly to Ganimead, Pukk says, "Ooh she bit you? You will need to see Akrash and get treated immediately."

Speaking puzzledly to Ganimead, Darcena asks, "I'm nice?"

Jahadeem quietly asks, "So.... Can we arrest them all for loitering?"

Speaking to Pukk, Ganimead says, "What if she is rabid, I don't wish to be rabid myself."

Shinann says, "No."

Pukk quietly says, "I'm poisoned...oh wait...I built up a immunity to her bite."

Speaking to Jahadeem, Leafiara quips, "You'd have to arrest half of the square in that case."

Lylia notes, "We are 'loitering' too, by that definition."

Speaking to Pukk, Darcena says, "My bite was never poisonous."

Classen deeply says, "But we do it with style."

Speaking quietly to Darcena, Pukk says, "Maybe it's just your beauty that captivates me."

Hapenlok says, "Know what? I'm going to wait elsewhere. For the inevitable orb."

Speaking to Classen, Lylia admits, "True enough."

Speaking to an angular fire wyrdling, Hapenlok says, "Stay here."

Stepping out of the shadows, more hooded figures appear, the moon hitting the silver beaks of their masks.

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Jahadeem quietly says, "But at least we all buy things. They just show up and jump all over our roofs."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Classen deeply says, "More."

Balley softly says, "This is not good."

Rioja recites:

"These burds!"

Ganimead says, "This doesn't look promising."

Classen deeply says, "This is better than good."

The hooded figures keep coming into view, but no weapons drawn.

Darcena exclaims, "Not fair!"

Dwi heartily asks, "It's a chicken conbention?"

Cryheart asks, "Ok.. Rooks, what are ye doing?"

Reakon says, "Oh hey, which one of you guys in hoods, brought something to drink."

Rioja recites:

"Or doctors?"

Jahadeem quietly says, "I hope they are here to talk."

Rioja sings:

"Where da hood

where da hood

where da hood at?"

Shinann says, "They are not armed."

Speaking to Jahadeem, Leafiara says, "Not here to fight at least--so far."

Speaking quietly to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Pukk says, "Okay, now that you are all out. You need to pay the hooded figure town fee...I will accept all the fees on behalf of the town."

Daaco says, "Yet."

Speaking quietly to Shinann, Jahadeem says, "Yet."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Balley softly says, "That is good."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Cryheart says, "They hae nae drawn their weapons."

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

A grey-beaked dark hooded figure just arrived!

Nazarr says, "All of them don't have to be here to talk."

>look

[Wehnimer's, Valeria St.]

Traffic to and from the hub of activity in the square to the west passes along the dark street here. Passers-by guard their valuables closely, glancing into shaded doorways and niches and wary of the press of the crowd. Two-story buildings of wood and stone line the north and south sides of the cobbled road. You also see a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a tiny brown mouse, the Repaire disk, a pitiful forest spirit that is flying around, a pale-faced coppery barn owl that is flying around, the fiery red Hapenlok disk, an angular fire wyrdling, a moping mountain spirit that is flying around, the Shanak disk, the Daaco disk, a golden short-hair rex kitten, the Meggiemae disk, the Mongonator disk, the Balley disk, the Rioja disk, the Classen disk, the Lauranathalasa disk, the Dwi disk, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, the palm frond-shaped Leafiara disk, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, a spotted great horned owl and a blackened sandstone shop.

Also here: Annamari, Alfur, Great Lord Repaire, Hapenlok, Reakon, Caligos Fisherman Darcena, Shanak, Daaco, Meggiemae, Aquarrist, Dwi, Classen, Lord Mongonator, Rioja, Rainedrop, Mister Pukk, Bernadette, Lord Jahadeem, Gypsy Scribe Balley, Khobra, High Lady Lauranathalasa, Mayor Lylia, Marshal Meureii, Sir Cryheart, Lord Realk, Caligos Mariner Nazarr, Ganimead, Beachcomber Leafiara, Lord Thrassus, Grand Lord Xorus, Stormyrain, Shinann, Caligos Trawler Chaoswynd

Darcena sticks her tongue out and manages to catch a snowflake on its tip!

Darcena throws her head back and howls, sounding something like a wolf!

Speaking to Nazarr, Leafiara replies, "Neither do we, yet here we are."

Cryheart says, "Well..could be they dinnae trust us as well."

Meggiemae asks, "Hooded Figure convention?"

Speaking to Cryheart, Darcena exclaims, "I did it!!"

Pukk quietly says, "I'm rich....I mean...the town is going to pull in some good fees...yeah...that's it."

Hapenlok says, "Doesn't matter that they aren't armed. A lot of them are magic users."

Speaking quietly to Nazarr, Jahadeem says, "Yes they do, it's an entourage."

Ganimead says, "This is the makings of a mugging."

Hapenlok says, "But it's a promising start."

Cryheart asks, "One out of 100?"

Lylia mildly says, "Talking requires no weaponry. And we are all simply talking at this point. Or waiting for others to speak."

Darcena says, "Wait."

Reakon says, "I'm not an expert at this, but wouldn't being hooded prohibit your vision some."

Cryheart says, "Ok..Rooks...your move first."

Pukk quietly says, "Just one sphere and we are all toast."

Along one stretch of the street, dark hooded figures begin to step side by side, forming a rough edge of a circle. Opposite of them, another line of hooded figures form, creating somewhat of a circle amidst some of the gathered adventurers in the crowd.

Jahadeem quietly says, "So any chance we can have you all take off your hoods."

Mongonator says, "There goes the neighborhood."

Speaking suspiciously to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Darcena asks, "What's going on?"

Meggiemae asks, "Anyone feeling a bit trapped?"

Snowflakes descend from the sky, glistening as they quietly fall down on the rooftops and streets below.

Rioja recites:

"We's gonna have a snow party?!?"

Classen deeply exclaims, "Ya snow!"

Mongonator says, "They are just matching our numbers."

Lylia whispers to the group, "If they seem a threat at all, we can whisk away to Voln. Stay steady..."

Cryheart says, "Dinnae provoke them."

Rioja sings:

"Do ya wanna build a snow monkey?"

The sphere of hooded figures tightens, leaving less and less space in between each one, walls of Rooks forming.

A golden short-hair rex kitten stalks around a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, eyeing it warily.

The fire wyrdling chuckles.

Classen deeply says, "Yeah, they seem nice."

Balley softly says, "Um this can not be good."

Speaking quietly to an angular fire wyrdling, Pukk says, "Laugh it up."

Jahadeem quietly asks, "Could we at least get an idea why you are here?"

Speaking to a golden short-hair rex kitten, Mongonator says, "Get em kitty."

There is some commotion among the ranks of the hooded figures, and some movement.

Darcena asks, "Captains?"

Stormyrain says, "Stand steady."

Speaking to Classen, Rioja says, "Bet they are professional snow sculptors too."

Pukk quietly says, "I think they are here to give us presents."

Stormyrain whispers to the group, "I think they are bringing Rysus."

Speaking to Pukk, Rioja exclaims, "Early Thrakmas!"

Balley softly says, "I am too cute to die today."

Shinann whispers to the group, "Maybe half for Rysus and half against... I am only guessing here."

Leafiara whispers to the group, "Hopefully."

Rainedrop asks, "Wana build a snowman?"

Ganimead asks, "So surrounding us, because we did what?"

Speaking quietly to Pukk, Jahadeem says, "Did you want a knife to the stomach? Because that may be their present to us."

Reakon says, "If by presents, you mean their present is their presence for sure."

Mongonator says, "Snow angels."

Nearby, off from the crowd and circle of Rooks, some Landing militiamen emerge, weapons in hands, arrows nocked in their bows, watching and waiting.

Meggiemae says, "Crossfire."

Daaco says, "Landing Militia never miss."

Jahadeem quietly says, "Miliamen please please don't fire first."

Stormyrain loudly says, "Stand at the ready, Militia, but no one fires or swings until one of us gives the command."

Cryheart yells, "Dinnae provoke the Rooks!"

Shinann nods.

Darcena murmurs, "Yes Captain."

Ganimead says, "Blood bath in the making already boys, let's just all simmer down."

Lylia simply says, "There is no need."

Bernadette softly says, "Let cooler heads prevail."

Reakon says, "Lowering weapons untill they draw their own would be a small sign of respect."


Overthrow

Some dark hooded figures move, as another among them stumbles about, swearing and pushing against the others who simply stand solemnly.

Jahadeem quietly says, "I don't want to die... again today."

Reakon says, "They haven't drawn theirs."

Stormyrain says, "I have no weapons in my hand."

From behind Bernadette, Pukk's voice quietly exclaims, "We are not afraid of you!"

Reakon says, "Me either."

Shinann says, "There he is..."

A dark hooded figure tries to move away from the circle, but other figures grab him, pushing him back towards the center.

Meggiemae says, "Hold your line Figures! Umm please."

Rioja recites:

"Let cooler heads and dancing feet prevail!"

Speaking quietly to Rioja, Jahadeem asks, "Dance off?"

Pukk quietly says, "Oh it's a dance off."

Cryheart says, "I am wondering if some Rooks hae forced some others to come here."

Speaking to Jahadeem, Rioja exclaims, "Soooo dance off!"

The dark hooded figure lunges to the left, then spins to the right, trying to break through the wall of others. They step in tighter, blocking his escape.

Pukk quietly exclaims, "Good we have Stormy here! She will beat everybody at dancing!"

Speaking to Jahadeem, Mongonator says, "She is good if ye don't mind the lass leading."

Reakon says, "We could have a roshambo tournament or all go get our best minis out to settle it all."

Jahadeem quietly asks, "Dissention among the Rooks?"

Classen deeply exclaims, "Let him leave the cult!"

Speaking heartily to Daaco, Dwi says, "It's me only move."

Cryheart says, "Yep, I think the Rooks hae perhaps forced some to come here."

Leafiara ventures, "So... what exactly requires -all- of you here tonight? So silent..."

Shinann whispers to the group, "Yes, looks like maybe bringing us Rysus... but... hmm..."

Speaking to Dwi, Meggiemae says, "It's a good move."

Speaking to Cryheart, Stormyrain says, "At least one, it would seem."

Bernadette softly says, "Steady now."

Speaking heartily to Daaco, Dwi says, "Dat's why I don't dance at weddins til e'eryone's proper drunk."

Balley softly says, "I do not like the silence."

The sphere of hooded figures tighten, and soon Rysus is forced to break from them, stumbling into the center of the street, surrounded by Rooks, adventurers, and militia.

Rysus swears in a fluid mixture of common and elven that would make a spike-thorn take pause.

Leafiara nods absently at Rysus.

Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Rysus.

Chaoswynd looks thoughtfully at Rysus.

Cryheart glances at Rysus.

Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Rysus.

Stormyrain clenches her jaw.

Balley glances at Rysus.

Cryheart says, "Well...good evening."

Cryheart smiles at Rysus.

Bernadette nods at Rysus.

Claudaro looks thoughtfully at Rysus.

Reakon says, "Have a drink... it really does fix things."

Lylia murmurs, "Rysus...good of you to be here."

Khobra examines Rysus closely, sizing him up and taking note of all the details.

Darcena sniffs at Rysus.

Rysus begins to twitch.

Thrassus gazes at Rysus thoughtfully for several moments while idly rolling his scepter between his hands.

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Leafiara greets, "...good eve..."

Mongonator grins.

Stormyrain clenches her fist.

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Jahadeem says, "Hello there."

Darcena frowns at Rysus.

Shinann gazes at Rysus.

Rysus scratches at his cheeks, then his arms.

>look rys

You see Rysus.

He appears to be a Half-Elf.

He is average height. He appears to be very young. He has alert steel blue eyes and fair skin. He has short, wavy dark brown hair. He has an angular face, a thin nose and sharp pointed ears.

He is in good shape.

He is wearing some slouched black leather boots, a crystal amulet, a hooded black cloak, a black wyrwood long bow, a smoky shadowglass ring, a small canvas bait pouch, and some black pants.

Jahadeem tries to pull Rysus towards him.

Dwi squints at Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena says, "You don't smell great."

Mongonator says, "Not in public please."

Rysus bites at his lower lip.

Reakon offers Rysus a tankard of Golden Fox mead.

Hapenlok murmurs, "I could end this....right now."

Leafiara winces.

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Pukk asks, "Allergies?"

Pietra mutters curses.

Cryheart says, "Hmmm..someone dinnae appear happy."

Speaking to Rysus, Ganimead says, "Out with it."

Cryheart glances at Rysus.

Speaking heartily to Hapenlok, Dwi says, "I ain't smashin nuthin ..."

Dwi heartily says, "Yet."

Rysus leaps forward, swinging at a dark hooded figure. The figure steps aside, and Rysus tries to flee, but other figures step in and block Rysus' retreat.

Balley softly says, "Hapenlok please protect me if they get agressive."

Rysus exclaims, "Cowards!!"

Rainedrop chuckles.

Raising her hands before her, Dwi quickly backpedals away from Rysus.

Jahadeem quietly asks, "Hungry?"

Shinann glances at Rysus.

Xorus narrows his eyes.

Reakon asks, "Does that qualify as first move?"

Cryheart says, "Amazing, turned in by your own crew."

Lylia counters, "They are not cowards. They have seen certain hard truths. It takes bravery to face that."

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley asks, "What is going on with you and the Rooks?"

Speaking tentatively to Rysus, Leafiara says, "Hate to say it, but if you somehow haven't heard already--then what you got was no cure."

Dwi mutters something about oldsters.

Rysus spits at Leafiara.

Cryheart whispers something to Balley.

Darcena growls at Rysus.

Leafiara winces.

Dwi gasps.

Khobra glances between Rysus and a flagon of blood red rum.

Reakon hauls off and slaps Rysus up'side the head!

Leafiara hangs her head.

Jahadeem hauls off and slaps Rysus up'side the head!

Bernadette glances at Rysus.

Lauranathalasa stands in front of Leafiara.

Cryheart glances at Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena snarls, "No."

With a closed mouth, Hapenlok moves his jaw up and down in a circular motion. Turning his head toward Rysus, Hapenlok forcefully ejects a wad of spit, narrowly missing his feet.

Rysus exclaims, "You're in bed with that cripple! Surprised he couldn't even get it up!"

Cryheart says, "Hey..enough of that Rysus."

Pukk frowns at Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Ganimead says, "Such vulgarities."

Clairette appears to be struggling to keep a straight face.

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

As Lauranathalasa shakes her head, small flakes of ash fall slowly toward the ground.

Darcena stares at Rysus.

Rainedrop's jaw drops.

Speaking to Lylia, Hapenlok asks, "Can we dispense of this.....and dispense of him?"

Pietra appears to be trying hard not to grin.

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Jahadeem says, "You do not know what you speak."

Thrassus snickers.

Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Jahadeem.

Lauranathalasa rubs Leafiara tenderly.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena asks, "Leafiara is in bed with the cripple?"

Neovik leans on his axe.

Darcena asks, "Or Lylia?"

Nazarr says, "He lied to her and told her it was a cure, Rysus. He only admitted it after the fact."

Cryheart says, "Justice, but a fair trial."

(Lylia affects a slight frown of dismay.)

Darcena asks, "Or perhaps... Cryheart?"

Balley softly says, "He is not her type."

Darcena asks, "Was it Cryheart?"

Speaking resignedly to Rysus, Leafiara says, "No. I wanted to give you a cure. I warned one of your Rooks, in fact--to be careful."

Darcena holds her sides and lets out a rumbling belly laugh.

Leafiara scrubs her hand through her shoulder length bright red hair in frustration.

Lylia says, "You were never so ungracious, Rysus."

Balley snuggles up against Leafiara, who cradles an arm around her in response.

Rysus scowls at you.

Dwi glances at Mongonator.

Rainedrop says, "Haven't seen Kripple in the lands for many years."

Mongonator nods at Dwi.

Rainedrop shrugs.

Aquarrist hoots with laughter!

Pukk glances between Rysus and Leafiara.

Speaking to Cryheart, Hapenlok says, "The last time we held one of them for trial, they wound up being more of a pain in the ass."

Rysus asks, "You always wanted to be one of us...is this how you planned it?"

Leafiara sadly says, "I know that doesn't... change anything."

Leafiara slowly empties her lungs.

Rysus peers quizzically at Leafiara.

Balley softly says, "I told you Leafi it was not good." [OOC: Balley generally vocally opposes the Rooks, but in this case she's talking about the cure. Before giving it to the Rooks, Leafi had taken it to people to investigate; Balley was the third besides herself, in case her scrying ability turned anything up. She'd said it wasn't what Leafi expected and that a "dark knight" awaited its delivery.]

Mongonator marches up behind Dwi and snaps to attention.

Dwi grunts and nods.

Leafiara looks at Rysus and shakes her head.

Balley glances at Leafiara.

Speaking quietly to Balley, Leafiara agrees, "You did."

Cryheart folds his arms over his chest.

(Mongonator highsteps it.)

Cryheart glances at Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Shinann says, "She is telling you the truth... unfortunately."

Darcena looks thoughtfully at Leafiara.

Stormyrain clenches her jaw.

Darcena turns to face Leafiara.

Reakon says, "Anyone who pains the donkeys should be in trouble, the asses work hard."

Darcena frowns at Leafiara.

Rysus runs towards the edge of the crowd.

Speaking regretfully to Rysus, Leafiara says, "I just--wanted to save a life. And cure another of the witch's curses... nothing more."

Jahadeem moves over to Leafiara and stands ready to guard her from attack.

Lylia walks toward Rysus.

Lauranathalasa tries to pull Rysus towards her.

Thrassus stares unwaveringly at Rysus.

Stormyrain gives a sidelong glance at Leafiara.

Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena asks, "What did your rashness do this time?"

Rysus spins away from Lylia.

Rysus moves to stand in front of Darcena.

Leafiara ruefully says, "I'm sorry--I ddn't check it out more thoroughly."

Hapenlok intones a phrase of elemental power while raising his hands...

Lylia narrows her eyes.

Claudaro glances at Rysus.

Darcena sniffs at Rysus.

Stormyrain glances between Rysus and Darcena.

Rysus pushes against Darcena.

Darcena cocks her head at Rysus.

A wall of ethereal bricks begins to form around Leafiara, partially obscuring her form...

Leafiara gestures at Darcena.

A wall of force surrounds Darcena.

Darcena makes a rude suggestion to Rysus and gets a firm punch for it.

Darcena growls at Rysus.

Leafiara gazes in wonder at her surroundings.

Chaoswynd glances between Rysus and Darcena.

Pietra whispers something to Tsarok.

Ganimead stares at Rysus.

Ganimead rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Pukk chuckles.

Speaking warningly to Rysus, Meureii says, "She is the wrong one."

Meureii bares his teeth and barks a warning that tapers off into a low growl.

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Thrassus says, "Insane idiot."

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena says, "You're being a little forward, but I'm not saying no."

Darcena glances at Rysus and makes a little purring sound.

Rivulets of blood begin to seep from Rysus' eyes.

Thrassus nods at Rysus.

Leafiara's face turns slightly pale.

Darcena says, "Oh."

Darcena gazes with interest at Rysus.

Rysus turns around.

Thrassus smiles quietly to himself.

Khobra cocks her head.

Darcena sniffs at Rysus.

Nazarr says, "Oh, that is not good."

Claudaro chuckles to himself.

Pukk grins at Darcena.

Clairette takes a few steps back.

Darcena says, "You're bleeding, Rysus."

(Lylia darts a sidelong glance at the other Rooks among the crowd.)

Speaking to Rysus, Ganimead says, "Yep you can just stay over there, don't need any of what you have over here."

Shanak asks, "Is ahh, is that contagious ... by chance?"

Darcena moves to stand in front of Rysus.

Rysus rushes past Alfur, pushing him down, trying to ecape.

Speaking quietly to Darcena, Pukk exclaims, "I knew your bite was poisonous!"

Cryheart squints at Rysus.

Khobra tilts her head down.

The wall of force disappears from around Darcena.

Lylia gestures while calling upon the lesser spirits for aid...

Lylia gestures at Alfur.

A wall of force surrounds Alfur.

Leafiara slowly empties her lungs.

Claudaro thumps Rysus!

Khobra glances between Alfur and Rysus.

Rysus swears in a fluid mixture of common and elven at Claudaro.

Claudaro says, "Calm down and die already."

Claudaro grins at Rysus.

(Reakon locks arms with everyone around him trying to make sure the push doesn't come his way.)

A Wehnimer's runner just arrived on her way to deliver a message.

Ganimead says, "I would not touch Rysus, if he is contagious, it could be bad for us all."

Darcena kneels down.

Darcena crawls up to Rysus.

Rainedrop yawns.

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley says, "What do you think you are going to accomplish here."

Darcena sniffs at Rysus.

Bernadette nods.

Leafiara looks at Ganimead and shakes her head.

Pietra folds her arms over her chest, rubbing her sharkskin longcoat in attempt to gain comfort from the chill of the snow.

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Jahadeem says, "What else do you know? Before you die we would like to know."

Darcena says, "Storm."

Lylia says, "Oh, I doubt very much that it is contagious."

Speaking to Ganimead, Hapenlok says, "I can't really explain, but it's not disease."

Speaking quietly to a Wehnimer's runner, Pukk exclaims, "Run! Get out of here! Quick!"

Shinann pulls Darcena to her feet.

Stormyrain says, "Cena."

Lylia glances at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Speaking to Ganimead, Leafiara says, "It doesn't work that way--at least not if the witch's past curses are any indication..."

Lylia says, "They look healthy enough, after all."

Speaking to Darcena, Shinann says, "No."

Darcena says, "He doesn't smell right."

Shanak says, "Whew."

Shanak nods at Lylia.

Leafiara fidgets.

Rysus scowls at Balley.

Cryheart glances at Rysus.

Shinann agrees with Darcena.

Darcena says, "And he's all bleedy."

Darcena whines.

Stormyrain says, "He's not right. Whatever Leafiara gave him drove him mad, and is now killing him."

Reakon says, "I don't smell right, that's okay, it's just mead."

Leafiara hangs her head.

Leafiara nods once.

Rainedrop stares at Rysus.

Rysus rushes at Balley, a dagger appearing in his hand. He stumbles, falling to one knee, his dagger sliding across the ground as blood drips form his nose.

Rysus kneels down.

The runner heads west in a determined manner.

Lylia softly asks, "Are you brave, Rysus?"

Stormyrain says, "That was Praxopius' plan."

Meureii picks up a dagger.

Darcena kneels down.

Darcena crawls up to Rysus.

Thrassus frowns at Rysus.

Chaoswynd gives a sidelong glance at Rysus.

Balley gasps.

Speaking malevolently to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "And it's the not the death I would have granted you. But a death you deserve."

Meureii says, "None of that."

Cryheart says, "Stay down Rysus."

Stormyrain glances down.

Meureii fiddles with the top of the canvas tote, causing the metal plates to open.

Lylia removes a wide-mouthed ebony decanter from in her wrap.

Darcena whines at Rysus!

Claudaro says, "Right, don't let the rat squirrel away, just let him die."

Meureii put a dagger in his canvas tote.

Speaking to Leafiara, Ganimead says, "Just because it is a curse does not mean it can't be contagious."

Bernadette glances at Rysus.

Ganimead rubs his chin thoughtfully.

Speaking quietly to Leafiara, Jahadeem says, "Next time try things out on a random kobold before giving it to others."

Hapenlok walks toward Rysus.

Rainedrop leans against a blackened sandstone shop.

Claudaro says, "The Rooks have obviously got no use for him anymore."

Aquarrist glances suspiciously at Rysus.

Rysus stands up.

Claudaro says, "He's just nothing now."

Lylia whispers something to Rysus.

Claudaro chuckles to himself.

(Hapenlok leans in close to Rysus and begins to whisper.)

(Darcena stares intently at Rysus, the green flecks of her eyes intensifying.)

Speaking thoughtfully to Ganimead, Stormyrain murmurs, "I'm quite sure if it was contagious many of us would be afflicted. He's been afflicted for weeks."

Repaire grins at Claudaro.

Speaking to Jahadeem, Leafiara says, "It's not as if I had an endless supp--"

Pietra raises an eyebrow in Tsarok's direction.


Enemies

Rysus says, "Every one of you...cowards..."

Leafiara concludes, "Oh, never mind."

Leafiara sighs heavily.

Pietra chuckles.

Pukk turns an inquisitive ear toward Hapenlok.

Khobra raises an eyebrow.

Hapenlok whispers something to Rysus.

Xorus says, "It is not a curse. It is a toxic side effect of medication."

Lylia lightly says, "That is, if you want to share a drink with me."

Rysus says, "Look at your enemies encroaching upon you..."

Lylia smiles at Rysus.

Thrassus glances at Rysus and yawns.

With a closed mouth, Neovik moves his jaw up and down in a circular motion. Turning his head toward Rysus, Neovik forcefully ejects a wad of spit, narrowly missing his feet.

Hapenlok whispers something to Rysus.

Speaking heartily to Leafiara, Chamorr asks, "Can we whack him now?"

Rysus says, "Imperials...the elves..."

Jahadeem turns an inquisitive ear toward Rysus.

Leafiara nods absently at Rysus.

Cryheart says, "Justice."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Ganimead says, "Well then that is good to know then."

Rysus says, "You'll wish for me."

Ganimead glances at Rysus.

Hapenlok chants a short phrase, embers leaping from his fingertips, as he clenches his hand into a smoke-shrouded fist.

Rysus says, "You'll beg for me."

Lylia says, "They are only enemies if we make them so."

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena says, "Your Rooks tried to kill me."

Darcena frowns at Rysus.

Rysus says, "When the noose is too tight."

Pukk quietly says, "They are trading recipes for tarts."

Claudaro ponders.

Cryheart says, "They dinnae trust ye."

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "You're the root cause of the Imperial presence here. You and that maniac Drangell."

Cryheart nods at Rysus.

Claudaro says, "How to say it..."

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley says, "Look."

Leafiara looks thoughtfully at Hapenlok.

Rysus rushes to the side, trying to flee. Some dark hooded figures push back in him, sending him scrambling back into the center of the street.

Speaking to Rysus, Ganimead says, "If you need help, say what you wish, then I am no coward."

Speaking to Rysus, Claudaro says, "Your services... are no longer required."

Balley softly says, "You are the one attacking us we are standing here."

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "You've bled your comrades over insane assaults."

Lylia coolly says, "You have always flattered yourself that anyone would beg for you."

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Jahadeem says, "I won't that is for sure."

Reakon turns to face Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "And you've killed my friends."

Stormyrain whispers something to Rysus.

Stormyrain smiles quietly to herself.

Lylia flashes a quick grin at Claudaro.

Rysus scowls at Stormyrain.

(Darcena breaks free, taking deep breaths, and carefully stands on her feet, moving closer to Shinann.)

Stormyrain winks at Rysus.

Cabal leans against his slender orase staff, casually wrapping a hand around the apparatus perched on its tip.

Rysus exclaims, "I am the King of the Rooks! You are just a blood swapping whore!"

Speaking heartily to Rysus, Chamorr says, "You always says that, then ya does stuff that always puts us in danger."

Rysus nods at Stormyrain.

Rysus scowls at Stormyrain.

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "Your reign ends tonight, Rysus. We'll survive without you, as we always do."

Shinann dusts Darcena off.

Stormyrain laughs softly, trying to hide her amusement.

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley says, "You should just stop while you are ahead and do not make yourself look more of a fool."

Darcena growls at Rysus.

Leafiara stares off into space.

Chaoswynd stares at Rysus.

Lylia sneers at Rysus.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena snarls, "You do not."

Speaking to Rysus, Thrassus says, "You are an idiot."

Speaking amusedly to Rysus, Stormyrain muses, "I will dance on the dust of your bones little man."

Rainedrop stares at Rysus.

Cryheart asks, "Want us to end the pain, Rysus?"

(Hapenlok slowly starts to chant the incantation for Immolation.)

Hapenlok chants a short phrase, embers leaping from his fingertips, as he clenches his hand into a smoke-shrouded fist.

Nazarr says, "A deposed king, I think."

Rysus says, "Pain...there is no pain."

Speaking to Cryheart, Darcena asks, "Does it matter what he wants?"

Speaking heartily to Rysus, Chamorr says, "Whatchya you say."

Rainedrop frowns.

Leafiara glances at Rysus.

Lylia coldly says, "Kings die too."

Rysus says, "The only pain is watching you all lose your freedom..."

Nazarr glances at Rysus.

Claudaro ponders.

Rysus says, "And you aren't even fighting for it..."

Pietra raises an eyebrow in Rysus's direction.

Lylia says, "I was going to offer you surcease. I think now I shall not."

Rysus says, "You're giving it up..."

Rysus says, "Handing it over..."

Speaking quietly to Rysus, Jahadeem says, "I just hope that is whatever is wrong with you talking."

Cryheart says, "He is still a sentinent being, who is losing it all."

Nazarr says, "One for whom his subjects no longer have a use."

Ganimead says, "Sounds like an individual lost in the thralls of their own frailty."

Speaking to Lylia, Hapenlok asks, "By your leave, Lady Mayor?"

Cryheart nods at Darcena.

Rysus scratches at his arm, and some of his skin begins to peel away.

Darcena whispers something to Stormyrain.

Reakon says, "We have decided to slightly downsize, the service of you and your Rooks are no longer required as said, you may clean out your belongings no later than 2 hours from now... We appreciate the "service" given in your tenure."

Lylia indifferently says, "No. Let him suffer."

Lylia waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Claudaro says, "Now now... no one get too hasty... don't put the rat out of its misery now... let it suffer."

Cryheart asks, "Want mercy, Rysus?"

Hapenlok murmurs, "I knew you'd say that."

Claudaro grins at Rysus.

Speaking distantly to Rysus, Leafiara acknowledges, "I do hope... that the spark of independence isn't dead in this town. Suppose time will tell..."

Leafiara lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Neovik snickers at Claudaro.


Daggers

A dark hooded figure removes a dagger from his cloak.

Ganimead says, "I say end him, no useless suffering, it does nothing but show the monsters we are."

Stormyrain casually observes her surroundings.

(Lylia addresses her remarks to the other hooded and masked figures standing silently nearby.)

Thrassus nods to the dark hooded figure.

Neovik raises an eyebrow.

Chaoswynd gives a sidelong glance at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Shinann glances at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Khobra surveys her surroundings carefully.

Lylia says, "You can end it, if you wish."

Reakon removes a massive sledgehammer inlaid with deep crimson runes from in his smoking jacket.

Hapenlok chants a short phrase, embers leaping from his fingertips, as he clenches his hand into a smoke-shrouded fist.

Lylia clearly says, "You have earned it as much as we."

Lylia turns around.

Another figure withdraws a dagger from his cloak.

Xorus nods slowly.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Lylia asks, "How many of you has he endangered?"

Jahadeem put a bone-pommeled golvern longsword in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Realk leans on his runestaff.

Cryheart gazes in wonder at his surroundings.

Leafiara says, "You really had a way of picking the wrong targets, but at least on that one thing we did agree."

Leafiara gazes up into the heavens.

Jahadeem removes a jade-hilted skinning knife from in his fur mountain boots.

Cryheart says, "The end is near Rysus."

Jahadeem offers Rysus a jade-hilted skinning knife.

Leafiara glances at Jahadeem.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Lylia asks, "How many of you have had your blood spilled too?"

Lylia turns around.

Reakon whispers something to Rysus.

Hapenlok's eyes flash with fiery reds and oranges as he chants...

Jahadeem shrugs.

Reakon adopts an agreeable expression.

Shinann looks over at Jahadeem and shakes her head.

Balley put a lacquered scrollworked illthorn runestaff in her ivory gossamer pelisse.

Neovik leans on his axe.

Balley removes a glazed scarlet steel dagger etched with spindly silver sigils from in her ivory gossamer pelisse.

Jahadeem put a jade-hilted skinning knife in his fur mountain boots.

Jahadeem removes a bone-pommeled golvern longsword from in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

(Hapenlok glances at his hand, as wisps of smoke and flame surround them.)

Leafiara clenches her jaw.

Hapenlok stares at Rysus.

More dark hooded figures remove daggers from the folds of their cloaks.

Lauranathalasa's jaw drops.

Tsarok hums happily to himself.

Chamorr glances at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Balley softly says, "Looks like they are ready to fight."

Rysus says, "Cowards..."

Claudaro says, "Let's enjoy the show folks.."

(Darcena gazes with pity at Rysus.)

Rysus says, "With masks and without..."

Cryheart takes a few steps back.

Reakon whispers something to Rysus.

(Stormyrain looks past the Rooks to the militiamen standing at the ready beyond them. She gives a faint hand signal to indicate they should lower their weapons.)

Speaking sorrowfully to Rysus, Lylia says, "I would have given you more mercy, as you spared me...but you missed your chance."

Dergoatean removes a smooth black witchwood mask from in his black leather backpack.

Reakon winks at Rysus.

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "You led them to their deaths. And they followed you into folly."

Rainedrop says, "Almost as exciting as the Vvrael days."

Lylia says, "A terrible waste."

Rainedrop stares off into space.

Jahadeem whispers to the group, "I wonder who takes over if Rysus is pushed out."

Leafiara frowns.

Dergoatean puts on a smooth black witchwood mask.

Bernadette smiles quietly.

Dergoatean rubs his black witchwood mask, and it morphs into the appearance of a black-feathered bird's face, complete with a gleaming grey beak. A moment later, the black witchwood mask shifts back to normal.

Rainedrop shrugs.

Dergoatean ponders.

Shinann gazes at Rysus.

Balley glares at Rysus.

Rainedrop waves her hand in a dismissive gesture.

Lylia whispers to the group, "There are many possibilities."

Lauranathalasa says, "Isn't there a better way than a public assassination? Like banishment."

Speaking scornfully to Rysus, Hapenlok says, "You hid, when they bombed the outpost."

Commander Roblar just arrived.

Speaking to Lauranathalasa, Hapenlok says, "He's too dangerous to let live. He always was."

Rainedrop gazes up into the heavens.

Lylia harshly says, "Deposed kings are rarely banished."

Roblar nods in greeting.

Ganimead asks, "Does he not deserve a trial, instead of mob justice?"

Roblar smiles.

Meureii gives a sharp bark of greeting to Roblar.

Daaco traces a sign that contorts in the air while he forcefully incants a dark invocation...

Neovik turns toward Roblar and renders a sharp salute with his pale white ice axe.

Some of the hooded figures move forward, standing before Chamorr, then Dergoatean, then Hapenlok, then Bernadette, then Thrassus, and then one by one, many within the crowd. The figures place daggers on the ground before them.

Rainedrop smiles at Roblar.

Leafiara says, "The Rooks... do what they want. It's not the militia here acting--"

Hapenlok put a gold-capped orase runestaff in his black harness.

Leafiara blinks.

Pietra grins at Roblar.

Leafiara raises an eyebrow.

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley says, "You call us Cowards, you hide behind your hood and cape making everyone do your dirty work."

Roblar deeply asks, "Dey surrender?"

Roblar nods approvingly.

Hapenlok picks up a dagger.

Thrassus nods to the dark hooded figure.

Claudaro raises an eyebrow.

Roblar deeply asks, "Da mere sight of ma entrance?"

Ganimead picks up a dagger.

Thrassus picks up a dagger.

Roblar adopts an agreeable expression.

(Dergoatean glances at the dagger before him, then the figure who placed it there.)

Hapenlok nods to the dark hooded figure.

Cryheart whispers something to Roblar.

Rysus says, "Can't even do it yourself...cowards..."

Stormyrain glances down.

Speaking to Roblar, Meureii says, "The killing of.."

Leafiara frowns.

Lauranathalasa says, "They want us to kill him."

Lylia gazes in amusement at Roblar.

Meureii glances at Rysus.

Speaking seriously to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Hapenlok says, "I understand."

Pukk comes out of hiding.

Pukk leans softly against Leafiara.

Roblar smiles at Lylia.

Claudaro picks up a dagger.

Chamorr nods to the dark hooded figure.

Hapenlok makes a quick gesture while calling upon the powers of the elements...

Hapenlok gestures at a dagger.

A bolt of energy leaps from Hapenlok's hand to the dagger which seems to absorb the energy. After a few moments the dagger begins to shine with a brilliant luminescence.

Claudaro shrugs.

Ganimead put a dagger in his dragon-stitched cloak.

Cryheart says, "Surely he knows you are at your end Rysus."

Bernadette nods to the dark hooded figure.

Ganimead wraps his cloak tightly about himself.

A hooded figure steps forward, dagger in hand, and stabs it into Rysus' side!

Cryheart nods.

Roblar nods slowly at Meureii.

Alfur picks up a dagger.

Neovik gets a far-off look in his eyes, and a wicked grin spreads over his face.

Rysus winces.

Leafiara winces.

Hapenlok walks toward Rysus.

Chamorr heartily says, "Ow."

Thrassus snickers.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Dergoatean asks, "Sure, we can kill him, but why not you?"

Pietra shifts her weight.

Lylia quietly says, "Stop, or I shall call for the constable."

Speaking to Rysus, Shinann says, "Your people are deciding your fate."

Roblar begins chuckling at Lylia!

(Claudaro moves in among the figures, and plunges his dagger in Rysus' side, before making room for others.)

Chamorr heartily says, "I'm gonna help."

Rysus stumbles to the side, and oily black blood and flakes of ash spill forth from Rysus' side.

(Lylia swirls the liquid in her decanter, raising it halfway to her lips.)

Darcena says, "I don't like this."

Cryheart says, "He is dead already it seems."

Ganimead says, "Oh no, not the constable, we are sooooo far away from the constable. Noooo."

Alfur indicates his dagger with a smile.

Leafiara twitches.

Pietra blinks.

Thrassus points at Rysus, and a ghastly shadow rises out of the harbinger skull wedged into his lacquered orase scepter. It surges towards him and slams into his chest hard enough to instantly dissipate.

Dergoatean gazes thoughtfully at a dagger.

Cryheart says, "End his suffering."

Reakon says, "Ahhh."

Darcena sniffs at Rysus.

Cryheart nods to the dark hooded figure.

Thrassus snickers.

Darcena looks at Rysus and gags.

(Hapenlok kicks Rysus' legs out from underneath him, as he stares into his eyes.)

Dergoatean shakes his head.

Pietra closes her eyes for a moment.

Jahadeem examines Rysus closely, sizing him up and taking note of all the details.

Rysus falls over.

Darcena nods at Lylia.

Reakon says, "This is not how this should have went down... don't kill him, this is I guess the way of a Mercenary."

Leafiara twitches.

Stormyrain glances at Rysus.

Xorus dryly says, "Think of the children. Surely they will want a stab."

Stormyrain turns around.

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Lylia nods at Shinann.

Darcena kneels down.

Dergoatean glances between a grey-beaked dark hooded figure and a dagger.

Darcena crawls up to Rysus.

(Hapenlok plunges the dagger into Rysus' right eye.)

Neovik chuckles.

Darcena touches Rysus.

The hooded figures place more daggers at the feet of others.

As Thrassus focuses, his head bows slightly, and he stares balefully ahead from beneath his furrowed brow as he murmurs an invocation...

Chaoswynd gives a sidelong glance at Stormyrain.

Thrassus gestures at a dagger.

A bolt of energy leaps from Thrassus's hand to the dagger which seems to absorb the energy. After a few moments the dagger begins to shine with a brilliant luminescence.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena says, "I am sorry for your pain."

Daaco picks up a dagger.

Leafiara glances down.

Repaire picks up a dagger.

Claudaro says, "C'mon people, take a lil sample of his blood to remember 'em by."

Claudaro chuckles to himself.

Speaking to Chaoswynd, Stormyrain murmurs, "I will not intervene, but I also will not give him the honor of watching."

Chamorr picks up a dagger.

(Khobra kicks a dagger away from herself.)

Meureii glances at Claudaro.

Chaoswynd nods slowly at Stormyrain.

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

Alfur offers Rysus a dagger.

Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Rysus.

Darcena says, "I... I don't think this will work."

Darcena traces a sign while beseeching the spirits for empowerment...

Shanak shakes his head.

Darcena shakes her head.

Thrassus walks toward Rysus.

Darcena sighs loudly.

Daaco glances at a dagger.

Rysus howls in pain, as Hapenlok's dagger pierces his eye. Oily black blood coils out, with flakes of ash.

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Balley softly says, "What is he."

Leafiara glances away.

Shinann blinks.

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Thrassus shows Rysus his dagger.

Speaking to Balley, Dergoatean says, "Poisoned."

Speaking to Balley, Stormyrain states, "Cursed."

Nazarr says, "He's poisoned and cursed."

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

(Ganimead picks up a dagger and walks over to Rysus and plunges it into his chest.)

Speaking to Rysus, Hapenlok whispers aloud, "For my former comrades who died trying to stop you."

Rainedrop glances at Neovik.

(Darcena rests her hand against Rysus' boot.)

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Speaking to Leafiara, Dergoatean says, "By a sympathizer. Apparently."

With a closed mouth, Hapenlok moves his jaw up and down in a circular motion. Turning his head toward Rysus, Hapenlok forcefully ejects a wad of spit, narrowly missing his feet.

Reakon says, "I am left here thinking, that we are all still surrouned by at least 10 people whom we are not sure who's alliance is to... and if we are still in danger."

Leafiara stares at Dergoatean.

Rysus coughs, spitting up bile and blood as Ganimead's dagger is driven into his chest.

Chaoswynd turns around.

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

(Thrassus jabs his dagger right under Rysus' collarbone.)

Lauranathalasa frowns.

Repaire peers quizzically at Rysus.

Darcena winces.

Shanak says, "Maybe it's on the daggers."

Repaire stares at his dagger.

Shanak says, "The poison."

Repaire drops a dagger.

Balley softly says, "End his suffering."

Hapenlok grins coldly at Rysus, his eyes reflecting no emotion.

Pukk scowls.

Dergoatean offers Balley a dagger.

Speaking to Shanak, Stormyrain says, "It was given to him weeks ago."

Jahadeem carefully inspects his dagger.

Darcena says, "How can you all just sit here and chatter like magpies."

Claudaro ponders.

Thrassus nods.

(Lylia gets closer to Rysus, though whether to brace him up or push him against another dagger is hard to tell.)

Chamorr spits a little in Rysus's direction, but it falls harmlessly to the ground beside him.

Pietra quietly says, "I wouldn't want that on my blade."

Balley accepts Dergoatean's dagger.

Darcena says, "Maybe this, maybe that."

Roblar deeply says, "Ah killed em afore."

Rysus twitches on the ground, twisting to the side as Thrassus strikes true to his collarbone.

Lauranathalasa says, "Or heal and banish him."

Darcena says, "Look at him."

Shanak says, "Ahh."

Roblar deeply says, "Les hope it takes dis time."

Roblar picks up a dagger.

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Darcena bites her lip.

Pukk glances at Rysus.

Roblar narrows his eyes and gives Rysus a dirty look.

Speaking to Balley, Dergoatean says, "Your call, I guess."

Shinann folds her hands behind her back.

Thrassus turns around.

Leafiara shakes her head.

Ganimead says, "End his suffering, he is like a wounded dog, no need to relish in suffering."

Pukk shakes his head.

Balley softly says, "I would love to."

Pukk nods at Ganimead.

Balley softly says, "He should not suffer more than he has."

Rysus weakly says, "Cowards..."

Pukk quietly says, "I agree."

Nazarr says, "I am looking at him and he seems in remarkably good shape for someone wounded and bleeding."

(Thrassus walks a short way away from Rysus, giving others room to strike.)

Speaking quietly to Nazarr, Jahadeem says, "I agree."

Pietra cocks her head.

Cryheart asks, "Do ye want it to end, Rysus?"

Rysus weakly says, "You....will see your freedom die..."

Rainedrop rubs her chin thoughtfully.

Bernadette glances at Rysus.

(Hapenlok starts to chant, as wisps of flame surround his hands, as he gestures sharply at Rysus.)

Speaking to Rysus, Lylia says, "Freedom? Your version of it was always an illusion."

Leafiara clenches her jaw.

Speaking softly to Rysus, Balley says, "All I see is you doing that."

Speaking to Rysus, Dergoatean says, "Freedom? That's what you thought you were fighting for..."

Speaking fervently to Rysus, Darcena says, "I hope not."

Lylia leans forward.

Thrassus tilts his dagger side to side, making the light play off it.

Lylia hisses, "Die screaming."

Dergoatean shakes his head.

Lylia smiles at Rysus.

Thrassus drops a dagger.

Roblar indicates his dagger with a smile.

Nazarr asks, "Oh, come now. A criminal is telling us that he is responsible for our freedom?"

Lylia put a sunset-hued glass jar in her wrap.

Roblar squints.

Nazarr scoffs.

Darcena picks up a dagger.

Chamorr heartily says, "Save his sorry arse."

Balley drops a dagger.

Hapenlok chants a short phrase, embers leaping from his fingertips, as he clenches his hand into a smoke-shrouded fist.

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

Chamorr drops a dagger.

Lauranathalasa says, "This isn't an honorable death."

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

(Darcena positions the dagger between Rysus' ribs, angled towards where his heart would be. If he still has one left.)

Cabal says, "Should just let him suffer."

A hooded figure steps forward with a dagger, and drives it into Rysus' left leg.

Thrassus removes a claw-topped lacquered orase scepter from in his grey paeline cloak.

Rainedrop says, "Dunno what he did before but he called a respected Lady a whore... that's enough to kill him."

Speaking quietly to Lauranathalasa, Meureii says, "It was nae an honorable life."

Rainedrop shrugs.

Thrassus leans on his scepter.

Cryheart says, "End it."

Cryheart nods to the dark hooded figure.

Speaking to Rysus, Darcena asks, "Are you ready?"

Chamorr removes a chromatic glaes broadsword with a dragon-carved handle and moonstone pommel from in his shoulder sheath.

Thrassus snickers at Rysus.

Balley softly says, "I do not like these daggers."

(Claudaro walks over to Rysus on the ground, and uses his dagger to cut Rysus's left ear off, a twisted smile of enjoyment on his face. He tosses the ear into the crowd with a shout.)

Jahadeem picks up a dagger.

Rysus laughs at Darcena!

Balley sighs.

Darcena winces.

Speaking to Meureii, Lauranathalasa says, "But aren't we better then this."

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Claudaro exclaims, "Get a piece of the dying "King"!"

Nazarr says, "He's been dead since he was poisoned. His body is just taking a while to get used to the idea."

Speaking coldly to Lauranathalasa, Hapenlok says, "No, it isn't."

Lylia whispers something to Shinann.

Lauranathalasa points at Rysus.

Claudaro chuckles to himself.

Roblar points his dagger at Rysus.

Neovik snickers at Claudaro.

Rysus grabs at his face, where Claudaro cut off his ear.

Shinann agrees with Lylia.

Jahadeem removes a dagger from in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Speaking absently to Lauranathalasa, Leafiara says, "Apparently not."

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Dergoatean asks, "How long did you follow him?"

Jahadeem put a dagger in his snowcat hide greatcloak.

Stormyrain raises her chin slightly in a show of defiance.

Stormyrain folds her arms over her chest.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Dergoatean asks, "To what end?"

Pietra takes a few steps back.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Dergoatean asks, "Do you not deserve the same fate?"

Chamorr heartily says, "This is not the warrior way."

(Darcena leans forward and pushes the dagger into Rysu's chest an indeterminate amount.)

Speaking to Lauranathalasa, Meureii agrees, "Aye, we are, but some amongst the crowd are nae."

Lauranathalasa moves to stand in front of Rysus.

Rysus reaches out, blood covering his hand. Suddenly, his hand crumbles into dust and he screams!

Cryheart frowns.

Lauranathalasa says, "Chamorr stand with me."

Dergoatean shakes his head.

Clairette takes a moment to observe Rysus.

Shinann blinks.

Leafiara closes her eyes for a moment.

Neovik cackles!

Lylia says, "They do not deserve the same fate, no. They brought him here. They were tired of bleeding for him too."

Speaking to Lauranathalasa, Meureii says, "We will protect those who can nae protect themselves, and are deserving of it."

Thrassus folds his arms serenely in front of him as he watches Rysus contemplatively, the roomy sleeves of his robes concealing his hands completely.

Rainedrop pulls the hood of her spidersilk cloak up over her head and settles its folds around her face.

(Xorus nudges the oily soot with his boot.)

Alfur drops a dagger.

Speaking to Lauranathalasa, Meureii says, "This is nae our call to make here."

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean asks, "That makes up for all the misery they brought on this town? Years of it?"

Reakon says, "You say they as if they all had the same feelings.."

Lauranathalasa says, "It is, we are the mob."

Lauranathalasa frowns at Meureii.

Neovik slams his pale white ice axe against his skin-covered shield with a resounding clang!

Cryheart whispers something to Rysus.

(Ganimead points at Rysus' crumbling hand.)

Xorus says, "Pity. I wonder if I could have cured this as well."

Nazarr says, "They want witnesses to his death so that we cannot claim that he tricked us and is still alive."

Khobra agrees with Lauranathalasa.

Rysus lurches, then falls back against the ground, his chest spilling forth oily black blood and flakes of ash as Darcena's dagger is driven in beyond sight.

Reakon says, "Generalization is the dismissal of free thought."

Meureii asks, "Did you drive a blade into him?"

Ganimead says, "What is going on there."

Lylia says, "They have also fought for the town. 'Rook' is not a filthy word. It is not a hymn of praise."

Leafiara says, "A little bit of 'Rone' in many here, apparently..."

Lylia stares unwaveringly at Rysus.

Lauranathalasa says, "No I didn't, and I won't."

Clairette looks over at Leafiara and shakes her head.

Daaco drops a dagger.

Claudaro chuckles.

Cryheart turns an inquisitive ear toward Rysus.

Stormyrain settles her gaze on Leafiara, watching her intently.

Speaking to Lylia, Dergoatean says, "I think "criminal" is a plenty filthy word."

Speaking to Leafiara, Clairette says, "Rone was efficient with his weapons, these folks are just randomly stabbing like it's the first time they've had to kill someone."

Speaking to Lauranathalasa, Meureii says, "Then you are nae the mob..stand ready against the other Rooks should they decide to advance."

Darcena gazes anxiously at Rysus.

Rysus turns his head, his one good eye staring at the crowd as blood covers his teeth and drizzles out to the snow and street below.

Rysus weakly says, "Cowards.."

Yakushi reaches up and casually picks his teeth with one of his vicious claws.

Speaking wearily to Clairette, Leafiara says, "I meant in terms of--oh, never mind..."

Stormyrain nods faintly at Shinann.

Ganimead says, "No I can't watch this no more."

Rysus spits, more blood then saliva spilling forth.

Lauranathalasa says, "I'll accept my fate then if they come at me."

(Darcena touches Rysus' shoulder, her gaze mournful.)

Reakon says, "Someone get a blanket."

Hapenlok chants a short phrase, embers leaping from his fingertips, as he clenches his hand into a smoke-shrouded fist.

(Ganimead picks up the dagger, and walks over to Rysus, and slides the edge of the dagger across Rysus' neck.)

Speaking quietly to Lauranathalasa, Meureii says, "They will have made their own then."

Balley sighs.

Roblar deeply asks, "A blanket?"

Some hooded figures step forward, daggers in hand.

Speaking to Rysus, Thrassus says, "You should have worked on your vocabulary while you weren't dying."

Roblar deeply says, "Avn't gotten ma prize yet."

Reakon says, "Yeah... to cover the body... we don't need it to be seen."

Rysus laughs, blood filling his throat and his voice sounding like a rattle as Ganimead slices across his neck.

Speaking to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Lylia says, "When this is ended, so is your killing of our guards."

Pietra stands there stubbornly, folding her arms over her chest.

Thrassus says, "I think the carcass will crumble away into ash."

Claudaro grins at Rysus.

Aquarrist nods faintly at Thrassus.

Stormyrain clenches her jaw.

Speaking grimly to Thrassus, Hapenlok says, "I'll see to that."

Speaking quietly to a pretty flower girl, Jahadeem says, "You might want to look away."

Speaking heartily to Rysus, Chamorr asks, "You want it to end?"

Thrassus hisses at a pretty flower girl.

Darcena says, "He's just... not dying. Throat slit, heart punctured, multiple stab wounds."

Darcena says, "Just more and more oil and ash."

A hooded figure leans down, and stabs a dagger into Rysus' hand.

Lylia kneels down.

Leafiara buries her face in her hands.

Balley shivers.

Khobra cringes.

Reakon says, "Perhaps it was not poison."

Speaking to Leafiara, Darcena hisses, "What did you do."

Reakon laughs!

Jahadeem quietly asks, "What magic is this?"

Speaking resignedly to Darcena, Leafiara says, "Ask Praxopius. Only he knows."

Speaking to Darcena, Ganimead says, "Something is wrong with him."

Lylia whispers something to Rysus.

Speaking in Faendryl, Khobra sadly remarks something you don't understand.

Another hooded figure drives a dagger into Rysus' side, another figure drives one home into his abdomen.

Shanak says, "Not more blood apples ...."

Balley softly says, "He is evil."

Darcena growls ferociously!

Lylia raises an eyebrow.

Xorus indifferently says, "You should have come to me, Rysus. There may have been a cure for your condition."

Zosopage says, "They finally see what he is."

Lylia tilts her head up.

Darcena says, "You all just toy with him."

Darcena says, "This was not the way."

Speaking to Darcena, Hapenlok says, "He's doing something that one of us should have figured out how to do years ago."

Aquarrist softly says, "This town's justice bears a heavy cost."

Rysus twitches on the ground, flakes of flesh and ash falling from him, as oily black blood pools out around him like a cape of darkness.

Lylia stands up.

Thrassus looks thoughtfully at Rysus.

(Darcena kneels resolutely in the oily black blood, her hand against Rysus' shoulder.)

Pietra nods in agreement at Tsarok.

Reakon removes a tankard of Golden Fox mead from in his smoking jacket.

(Ganimead takes a step far away from the pool of blood.)

Reakon offers Rysus a tankard of Golden Fox mead.

Leafiara glances at Rysus.

Neovik snickers at Reakon.

Reakon says, "Might as well have a drink.. I mean things can't be going much worse."

Reakon grunts happily, grinning.

(Lylia edges away from the oily blackness, the tips of her shoes just a hand's breadth from the spreading pool.)

Speaking to Reakon, Neovik says, "Might need to pour it on him."

Rainedrop removes a large lemon-iced cookie from in her spidersilk cloak.

Neovik chuckles to himself.

Rysus opens his mouth to say something, but some of his teeth crumble to dust and blood spills out over his tongue and chin.

Darcena asks, "Does... someone have a match?"

Rainedrop takes a bite of her lemon-iced cookie.

Leafiara cringes.

(Chamorr swings his broadsword and separates Rysus' head from his body.)

Dergoatean kneels down.

Pietra buries her face in her hands.

Lord Sepherith just arrived.

(Darcena grits her teeth, the green flecks in her eyes intensifying, while her nose wrinkles.)

Balley softly asks, "He is an undead maybe? Zombie?"

Cryheart says, "That is some nasty curse or poison."

Lylia put a wide-mouthed ebony decanter in her wrap.

Speaking quietly to Darcena, Jahadeem asks, "Or at least some perfume?"

Cryheart frowns.

Chamorr heartily says, "Enough."

Speaking grimly to Cryheart, Hapenlok says, "Good."

Reakon just poured his mead out on Rysus!

(Dergoatean collects a bit of the fresh blood substance in a small vial, then applies a stopper.)

Reakon says, "Oof..."

Lylia nods at Thrassus.

(Claudaro stands before Rysus's head, and kneels down, shoddily working his dagger over Rysus's head, skinning his scalp off, he leaves the back end hanging there, Rysus's skull exposed.)

Reakon says, "I missed the mouth, I should have aimed for the throat anyways I suppose."

(Ganimead covers his mouth with the sleeve of his shirt, so he does not breath in the ash.)

Claudaro grins wickedly.

Lauranathalasa asks, "Really? A trophy?"

Neovik glances at Claudaro and cringes.

Khobra closes her eyes for a moment.

Speaking deeply to Rysus, Roblar says, "Dat was forl."

(Dergoatean stares at Rysus, mostly scorn but a small measure of pity, before standing up again.)

Pietra turns around.

Khobra disgustedly remarks, "Barbaric."

Roblar clears his throat.

Speaking quietly to Claudaro, Jahadeem asks, "Making boots?"

(Lylia glances at Ganimead and brings the hem of her wrap to her face.)

Yakushi's halfling head shakes back and forth for a short couple of moments.

Cabal begins chuckling at Claudaro!

Thrassus leans on his scepter.

Speaking to Jahadeem, Darcena growls, "Your flippancy knows no bounds."

Repaire grins at a pretty flower girl.

Aquarrist looks thoughtfully at Sepherith.

Claudaro chuckles to himself.

Speaking to a pretty flower girl, Repaire says, "Yep good time to whistle a merry tune."

Speaking heartily to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Chamorr says, "The militia is lookin fer recruits."

Repaire chuckles to himself.

Khobra takes a drink from her blood red rum.

Khobra looks quite relaxed.

Lylia whispers something to Dergoatean.

Rysus goes limp, his head rolling away from his corpse as Chamorr's broadsword slices it off clean. After Claudaro quickly scalps him, Rysus' entire head crumbles into flakes of ash, mixed amongst the snow.

Pietra whispers something to Tsarok.

Roblar spits a little in Rysus's direction, but it falls harmlessly to the ground beside him.

Sepherith nods.

Cryheart raises an eyebrow.

Aquarrist takes a few steps away from Rysus.

(Darcena rubs at some of the oily blood and ask on her hand, but it doesn't come off.)

Hapenlok nods at Chamorr.

Speaking to Claudaro, Neovik asks, "New wig?"

Dergoatean whispers something to Lylia.

Daaco says, "Well I think that did it."

Darcena shudders.

Darcena stands up.

Hapenlok murmurs, "Now to see to the rest of it."

Speaking quietly to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Leafiara offers, "If nothing else, I... hope this can be a new beginning for the Rooks. Maybe it's still possible to form a lasting truce and use your talents for good."

Mongonator blinks.

Shanak says, "This is horrific."

The last hand of Rysus twitches in death, as more and more pieces of his corpse begin to crumble, as if collapsing inward, departing into dust and ash.

Leafiara winces.

(Darcena stalks across the street to where Stormyrain is standing.)

Xorus removes an empty flask from in his heavy backpack.

Pietra nods in agreement at Chamorr.

Lylia reminds, "Horrific is using children as shields."

Chaoswynd glances between Darcena and Stormyrain.

Reakon stands in front of a pretty flower girl.

Darcena glances sharply at Stormyrain.

Lylia adds, "Killing the militia at their duties to prove a point."

(Xorus sweeps ash and oily black blood into his flask.)

Speaking disdainfully to Stormyrain, Darcena says, "It is done."

Speaking to Xorus, Dergoatean says, "Do you figure Rysus showed the same symptoms as Lana? The Dennet victim."

Chamorr heartily says, "He takin longer to die than an ol western."

Stormyrain glances at Darcena.

Mongonator offers Chamorr a pair of bearskin shoes.

Speaking to Darcena, Stormyrain murmurs, "I'm sure it is."

Xorus says, "It is similar."

Zosopage says, "We need a street cleaner."

Chamorr accepts Mongonator's bearskin shoes.

Shinann raises an eyebrow in Dergoatean's direction.

Mongonator bows to Chamorr.

Chamorr heartily says, "Awesone."

Leafiara slowly empties her lungs.

Shinann says, "Possible."

Speaking coldly to Stormyrain, Hapenlok says, "My final duty as a member of Militia has been completed. My men have been avenged."

Mongonator and Chamorr shake hands.

Hapenlok turns toward Stormyrain and renders a sharp hand salute.

Jahadeem turns toward Hapenlok and renders a sharp hand salute.

Speaking heartily to Mongonator, Chamorr says, "Thanks much, they is perfeck."

Reakon says, "All the Rooks have not departed or even moved."

Speaking to Xorus, Dergoatean says, "Pity we couldn't produce some plinite to see if it has the same temporary arresting effect on his decay."

Speaking to Hapenlok, Stormyrain says, "You were not a member of the Militia as you did this. Make no mistake."

(Claudaro chuckles to himself, the corpse gone, and idly tosses the dagger down.)

Mongonator grins at Chamorr.

Claudaro drops a dagger.

Lylia says, "Do not forget what he has done. For good or for ill."

Khobra diplomatically remarks, "When heroes or heroines become worse than the monsters they combat, who ends up the true beast in the end?"

As the last remnants of Rysus crumble into ash, a pool of his blood remains, where his body and head once were. Chamorr's strike left a trail of blood arcing out from where the corpse had once been, resembling a spherical pattern of a crude crown of blood. It is not long before the murky black blood begins to dissolve as well, soon leaving no sign of Rysus left at all.


End

Shinann agrees with Stormyrain.

Khobra shakes her head.

Leafiara lets out a long, contemplative breath.

Clairette glances down.

Clairette nods once.

Leafiara nods faintly to the dark hooded figure.

Cryheart says, "The end."

Roblar deeply mutters, "Guud riddance."

Mongonator works his fingers under his tarnished brass halo and scratches his head.

Chamorr heartily says, "And so ends Rysus king of the Rooks."

Reakon says, "Not quite."

Cryheart glances at a grey-beaked dark hooded figure.

Neovik snickers.

Rainedrop applauds.

Melikor smiles.

(Khobra kicks a dagger into the distance.)

(Darcena glances down at her hand, the blood disappearing, and the ash floating off into the air before it too, disappears.)

Speaking quietly to a grey-beaked dark hooded figure, Jahadeem asks, "So who is in charge now?"

Xorus says, "The Alchemist may have used demon blood in his potion."

Shinann says, "This was really no different than Carenos... except that Carenos did not terrorize our town."

Daaco asks, "Well I guess we can all go home to a warm fire tonight eh?"

With no further word or action, the dark hooded figures turn and disappear into the shadows of the town.

Zosopage says, "Who will be the next "king" I wonder."

Leafiara nods absently at Zosopage.

Ganimead gazes up into the heavens.

Pietra frowns.

Chamorr heartily says, "Join the militia, Stormyrain can be yer new leader."

Xorus says, "Perhaps one of the DeArchons."

Reakon says, "I guess that is for nobody to know."

Rainedrop asks, "After party at Helgas then?"

Speaking to Stormyrain, Hapenlok says, "Of course, you're right again, as usual. I owed them. Not you, not her...gives an angry gesture at Shinann's general direction...and not the rest of these hypocrites."

Hapenlok nods at Stormyrain.

Shinann slowly empties her lungs.

Shinann shakes her head.

Speaking to Shinann, Leafiara says, "Didn't he? Quite a number of traps for--" She trails off. "Never mind..."

Speaking to Hapenlok, Stormyrain says, "If you just called me a hypocrite, I suggest you step away."

Hapenlok says, "Either way, that's another bit of unfinished business started."

Ganimead says, "If I come back as some zombie or something, I am going to be angry."

Darcena stares at Leafiara.

Thrassus snickers.

Speaking to Leafiara, Ganimead says, "You will be the first I bite."

Speaking to Ganimead, Lylia says, "There are ways to deal with that."

(Stormyrain turns back around to face the area where Rysus was laying, her gaze sweeping the gathered group.)

Speaking dryly to Ganimead, Leafiara says, "Stick around long enough and you probably will..."

Speaking to Stormyrain, Hapenlok says, "No, not you. but there's a lot standing in front of me."

Speaking to Lylia, Ganimead says, "And you will be the second."

Chaoswynd gives a sidelong glance at Stormyrain.

Reakon says, "They are still obviously mercenaries and not loyal to anything."

Lylia quips, "I am not used to being second. You should probably go after me first."

Cryheart says, "Well...that is the end of an era."

Speaking to Lylia, Ganimead says, "That is why the bite will work, you will be caught off guard."

Speaking to Reakon, Lylia says, "They are loyal to their leader."

Shinann says, "They could not follow him any longer..."

Speaking shortly to Shinann, Darcena asks, "Do you have any further need of me?"

Speaking to Reakon, Leafiara says, "No, mecenaries could be paid off. The Rooks... don't operate that way."

Leafiara adds, "Usually."

Speaking quietly to Cryheart, Lylia says, "Yes. Which is why we should remember all that the man did. Not just what he became."

(Darcena rubs the palm of her hand against her leather pants.)

Speaking to Darcena, Shinann says, "No, if you need to rest."

Reakon says, "They why did they turn? so quickly."

Xorus says, "He would have made a fine court jester some day."

Speaking softly to Hapenlok, Balley says, "Thank you for helping me earlier."

Darcena abruptly says, "I think that was enough for one evening."

Shanak says, "I guess this is what the historians mean about the future being built on the bones of the past... bit uglier than the words made it seem."

Speaking to Reakon, Hapenlok says, "Because they're like me."

Lylia hollowly says, "For what any remembrance is worth."

Dergoatean says, "They have never seemed to me mercenaries. They appear to be something of a shadow government - filling a void in either power or support that they did not receive from the official government in the past."

Speaking to Shanak, Lylia says, "It all comes to bones in the end."

Shanak nods.

Nazarr sighs.

Lylia smiles widely, but without warmth.

Dergoatean says, "But they do seem to obey a hierarchy, and their leaders, at least on an average day."

Lylia says, "Live a bit longer, and you see it."

Chamorr heartily says, "Rysus was as twisted as that ol Barnom."

Stormyrain says, "Rysus was not always what we saw here tonight. There were times I worked with him for a common goal. There was a time Thrayzar, and Thadston, and many of us also worked with Rysus. How far he fell, under the guise of always knowing what was best; not taking wise council, and thinking his way was the only right one."