Group 21

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:52 am

Saldrimek pulled up a stool, his fingers slipping slightly against the alcohol/blood stained wood. The others had quickly followed suit and were already looking better as the warmth returned to them.

I'd order a drink if I wasn't flat broke. Chuckled Saldrimek, patting his empty money pouch on his belt.

I'm ready to start my observation and as Absinthe has already volunteered, we can make our start almost immediately. However, it is up to Absinthe wether we can start now, or wether he wants to wait a bit to warm up before he and I set out on our little recon.

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 1:07 pm

"Personally I suggest we wait for the rain to stop if we want to scout but not engage. Otherwise we'll leave traces which won't do good for stealthy recons eh?" Absinthe replied.

He a few coins at any nearby waiter to draw attention. When the waiter came over Absinthe ordered drinks around. He had plenty of raid spoils left from the attack on Naggarythe.

He hoped the other would agree on waiting for the rain to halt.

OOC: Its the beginning of the spring rain season, so the rain is not likely to stop for a week or so, but you can wait for the downpour to relent a bit. As for traces, the hose is in Vikarh which has nice cobbled streets, and it's unlikely that you will leave traces on stone, furthermore the rain will probably wash off all the dust and mud that might have been on your shoes further hiding your presence

Kajchi · Post by **Kajchi** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 2:29 pm

Finally inside the tavern, Arkath was starting to feel a lot better, and he felt his mind clear up too. While a lot of ideas were racing through his head, only one seemed smart. It was already proposed but he thought he would sum it up. So, Malkra and Absinthe will go out for scouting when the rain has relented a bit. Is the rest of us is going to wait here for their return or are we going to stay in the neighborhood in case something goes wrong? My proposition is that Malkra and Absinthe go to the destination but don't scout the cult itself yet, first they look around if there's a place close to it where the rest of us can hide. If there is, we stay there while they scout the building, if there isn't, we'll stay here. Does everyone agree?

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 4:43 pm

Absinthe nodded. "Fair enough." he simply added. It could take a while for the rain to stop and with cultists you couldn't be too quick.
"It might be smart to get some escort ready should things go wrong. They could then escort and help us get to safety." Absinthe added as he felt his clothes dry out a bit. Inside he was thinking I swear to khaine the moment I can get a leather robe or hooded trench coat I'm buying or snatching it.."

He had grown up in the wild mountain ridges but he had inherited a burning hatred for rain.

Darkenrho · Post by **Darkenrho** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 8:18 pm

The group had entered the Tavern and taken their seats. Dhuan followed suit after exchanging a menacing glare to the barmen staring at the group as they walked in.

Dhaun listened to the group silently as they sat in the tavern. He seemed fairly bored; sitting back, arms folded, an emotionless expression apparent on his face. As he'd stated before he didn't care how the group was formed as long as they got the job done.

This is beginning to become tiresome...

Leaning forward Dhuan spoke, So...I think we've discussed the plan thoroughly. Malkra and Absinthe will cover recon, Saldrimek will observe any possible threats while Arkath and I provide support. We won't find the cultists sitting here talking each other to death...

OOC: That's right if you want you can head over to their house right now. I'll make another modpost tomorrow...

T12161991 · Post by **T12161991** » Tue Sep 16, 2008 11:14 pm

As they entered the tavern, Malkra almost gasped aloud at the warmth. Sitting down with the others, he listened as they discussed their views. I agree with Dhuan, we won't get anything done just sitting here. I for one, want that money! The sooner we get started the sooner we get paid. So saying, Malkra put words into action and started for the door.

Darkenrho · Post by **Darkenrho** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 2:52 am

Dhaun shifted his seat back and stood to follow Malkra towards the door, pausing for a moment and turning his head back towards the group:

Time is wasting... before continuing on his way.

For such a mere payout this contract had better be completed before this night is through. Otherwise I may just have to take compensation for having wasted my time... The thought caused him to smirk slyly as he wondered the possible means by which to do so.

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 5:23 am

Saldrimek looked up from his dagger twiddling. The group had decided on a plan at last, Saldrimek being set as the watch, making sure no troubles were coming there way.

As the first two stood up, Saldrimek paused momentarily.

You go on ahead, as I am going to watch out for you, I better trail behind but not too close.

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 6:27 am

"Okay, let's get to it shall we?" Absinthe replied as he stood up. Instinctively his hand glided across the dagger hidden in his sleeve while inside he was thinking You shall probably taste the tainted blood of cultists tonight...

Before standing up he gave Saldrimek a nod. Then he stood up and left with the others to Blooddrunk avenue.

Kajchi · Post by **Kajchi** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:02 am

It seems the others are getting impatient. Oh well, the sooner this is done, the sooner I can find something better to train my skills to control beasts...
Well then, let's leave Arkath said while standing up. He did feel a bit uneasy however, for he didn't trust Dhuan. I guess I'll just have to keep one eye on him and one eye on the building.

Heat-13 · Post by **Heat-13** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 1:27 pm

The group reluctantly left the warm, yet smelly confines of the room and headed back into the downpour. To their pleasure it has somewhat lessened, it was only dripping it down slightly, so that you could actually see for about seventy paces or so.

The mercenaries walked through the dirty streets of Vikarh in relative silence, a job was a job after all. After making several wrong turns and circling around for about half an hour, due to the regents bad navigational instructions, or rather the lack of them, they were finally at the beginning of blooddrunk avenue. It wasn't particularly impressive - two rows of tightly packed two to four storey buildings in a relative state of well being. Clearly this is where the middle class druchii lived, these were homes of second rate weapon smiths, merchants and not so well off slave traders. A perfect cultist hideout, boring and unremarkable in anyway.

So according to the general rough plan hastily constructed in the tavern, the two shades quickly blended in to their surroundings and stalked forwards towards the third house. It was hard to find mainly due to the big rune "three" neatly inscribed on the door. The house itself was three storeys high, about fourteen paces across, it had a dark stinking alley full of refuse to the left of it and another three floor high house to the right. There was no fenced private area up the front, you could get to the front door right from the street, it stood there almost beckoning you to enter, right in the middle of two shuttered windows. Somehow they unpleasantly reminded you of empty eye sockets. As a matter of fact, all the windows were tightly shuttered, but that was not totally unusual for druchii houses. There were no windows looking out onto the side alley, but there was one on the slanting rooftop. You reckon you could probably get to that if you climbed the drainage pipes, but only somebody relatively light and dexterous could do that. To all other intents and purposes the house appears to be abandoned.

OOC: Right so to clarify the situation, t1216191 and NoOoDLe are hiding opposite the house in the street while the rest of you are standing under an overhang at a nearby crossroads, trying to hide from the rain. There is nobody about on the streets, although you can hear muffled sounds from some of the other house, indicating that there are people around. It is about 1:30 pm, the rain has decreased a bit, but it will still cover up most of the noise you make, visibility is decreased to about seventy paces. Time for action guys, assault the place =P.

Kajchi · Post by **Kajchi** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 3:09 pm

The group left the tavern, and again the rain hit them. Luckily, it had lessened a bit. They walked to blooddrunk avenue. Altough they did lose their way several times. Upon arriving at the avenue both of the shades started stalking around, searching the environment. They reported that the building was three stories high and had a few windows but hey were all shuttered, all but one. the window on the slanting rooftop. Well this sucks, all windows closed, the only one that's accesible is still hard to reach for the most of us, and the only nearby place to hide is in an alley full of things i don't even want to know what they are... Arkath thought. I guess this will have to do...

Ok. Malkra, Absinte, you guys climb up the pipes and try to get to the window. Give us a sign when it seems safe. After that, you enter the building and try to open the front door, which I assume is closed, so the rest of us can enter the building. While you are in the building try to go unseen and only kill people when strictly necessary.

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 9:05 pm

Absinthe gave a simple nod of approval as he heard the plan. It was as good as any and he would have little trouble climbing up. "Aww.. That isn't even a true challenge.." He said trying his best to sound disappointed. The harder peat would be to get down unnoticed. What he would find there was unknown to him. He could encounter cultists but also maybe not. The house could be as deserted as it looks for all he cared. Well, let's get to it shall we.. he thought.

Absinthe will sneak over to the drainage pipe using Basic Stealth and then will attempt to climb up and enter the house.

Absinthe slowly stalked away from the house then quickly crossed the street. He was like a shadow. He continued to approach the alleyway… but then the smell hit him. It was rotten meat and a lot of it by the looks of it. Still, the shade has smelled worse things in his life, so he went on regardless. He quickly jumped up and held on to the water drain. Climbing was tricky as the metal was wet, but to a shade, used to climbing trees and rocks it was nothing to difficult. So, the shadow hastily scrambled up onto the roof and hunched there, all but invisible in the rain.

Now that you’re on the roof, you can see that the window frame is closed by a simple latch, which could potentially be reached with some wire. The roof itself is in a sorry state, the tiling is broken in several places and it obviously leaks. The attic itself is empty as far as you can see – its just a big empty room full of dust and scattered rubbish, with occasional footprints going through it.

OOC: EDIT: Oh yeah one more thing, can I move your character to the groups thread, or are you still in the process of updating it?

Darkenrho · Post by **Darkenrho** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:36 pm

The group had arrived at their destination, the said cultist hideout on blooddrunk avenue.

Finnaly, curse that wretch of a regent for such vague directions. Dhuan was clearly irritated with the time wasted finding the place. He stood silently behind the rest of the group and watched Absinthe scale the drainpipe to the attic's window ledge. At least that shade is competent enough for espionage, or so he seems... Dhuan scoffed, fully knowing he himself could not have made the climb.

Dhaun observed the surroundings attempting to map out the area within his own mind. His main concern was finding possible escape routes as well as entrances enemies may utilize for reinforcements and the like.

The house is fairly large...not to mention home to an underground cult, no doubt there could be hidden entrances that allow them to move undetected. If that is the case there is no telling how many dwell within nor where they may strike from.

Dhuan turned to Saldrimek So, now that were here how positive can you be that we weren't followed or already being watched considering where we are? His composure was calm though there was a slight tone of concern in his voice.

T12161991 · Post by **T12161991** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 10:49 pm

As Malkra heard the plan, he studied the house to see where he could get up easily. As Absinthe stealthily climbed up the drainage pipes, Malkra decided that this would be the best way as well. He waited until Absinthe was on the roof, then started to follow his route up the pipes.

Malkra will stealthily go over to the drainage pipes and attempt to climb up them using Basic Stealth

You silently follow absinthe at a safe distance, with equal ease you scale up the building in no time ending up next to Absinthe. You both peer inside the empty attic. However, now with the two of you on the roof, it is difficult to keep your balance and remain stealthy as the tiles are badly attached and can become loose at any moment...

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Wed Sep 17, 2008 11:05 pm

Watching the shade hoist himself up onto the roof was certainly a spectacular sight. Absinthe crouched on top of the roof, invisible to anyone who didn't see him get up there in the first place.

Saldrimek looked over the house. Rather dingy, nothing very special about this place. But it was a perfect hiding spot for a cult if they were to be here.

Dhuan turned to Saldrimek So, now that were here how positive can you be that we weren't followed or already being watched considering where we are?

Saldrimek recognized the serious tone within Dhuan for once. Saldrimek didn't smile back, it wasn't the time to. It was a time of plan and action. His blood started to thicken, his heart pounding like a blacksmiths hammer against an anvil.

It doesn't matter if we were followed or being watched. If they wanted to stop us they would of before whilst we were lost. However I still agree with you, the best place now for people who are planning on ambushing us is either inside the house or when we eventually leave this house, bloody and sore from fighting.

Now... What can we do...

Perhaps we should storm the front, this should give absinthe sufficient cover to get into the house undetected because we are drawing all the enemies to us whilst we enter. Dhuan and I could attempt to break in the door, us having the most strength and being the most suited for force. We then set about to kill everyone inside. But we must keep one alive, this is essential for us to succeed.

We need the information for our employer. Yes, we can search the house after if there is time but we can still glean some more specific information. Then we can just execute him as usual.

So while we distract the cultists, Absinthe can sneak in and work his way down, while we work our way up. So does everyone agree, or does anyone have a plan which actually includes some stealth?

Saldrimek has offered his plan to the others. If they all agree, then he'll start immediately.

Darkenrho · Post by **Darkenrho** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 12:10 am

Saldrimek explained his plan and his reasoning for it, Dhuan contemplated a moment before replying.

I suppose that could work, either they already know were here and will be expecting a frontal assault, or we still have the element of surprise. Both instances allow us to take the attention away from Absinthe and Malkra; and of course... Dhuan grinned drawing his blade to rest it atop his shoulder, that's perfectly fine with me. What say you Arkath?

The blood in his veins began to boil, he could feel that battle was near... and it excited him.

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 5:05 am

OOC: You can move my char. I've finished updating it so far.

IC: Absinthe felt exposed in the rain and the smell coming from the allyway was horrible. Only cultists can bear to smell that.. Ugh... He thought as he looked around in the attic.
Now how are we going to get that window lash off? He was thinking as he looked around for anything that could possible be used to subtlely enter without using brute force to break in.

Hmm.. Maybe I could slice a strip of metal of the drainage pipe? He thought as he pulled his dagger out of his sleeve.

Absinthe will attempt to craft the equipment he needs to open the window with his Dagger and the top of the drainage pipe.

As Absinthe started to move towards the drains, he realised he didn't even have to go that far. The place was littered with metal strips in the parts where the tiles got dislodged. The tiny bits of metal must have held it all together at one point.

Hastily snatching it up, the shade inserted it in the tiny crack between the window and the roof. With a satisfying click the latch lifted and the shade opened the window, it swung out neatly onto the roof.

With the dusty glass out of place, the contents of the attic could be now viewed a lot more easily. The room was nearly empty, wooden rubble was littered around amidst the puddles. In the far end there seemed to be a trapdoor leasing down. Amidst the dust, the were several "footpaths" going from the door to window and back...

Heat-13 · Post by **Heat-13** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:05 pm

As the rest of you huddle up in the crossroads a little further away from the house, waiting for the shades to do their task, you see a lone figure appear from the rain.

The hooded druchii was slowly approaching the house. He wore long dark robes with a hint of blue underlay showing through. The hood obscured his eyes and his chin was hidden by a tightly wrapped scarf. The figure walked past the hushed conversation of the three mercenaries and started heading straight to the door of number three...

Kajchi · Post by **Kajchi** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 3:06 pm

Seeing the two shades crawl up the roof truly was impressive, The bot of them looked like a pair of black cats, stalking around the rooftops... Then Dhuan started to talk, asking if Saldrimek was sure they weren't followed. Replying, Saldrimek explained his own plan. Couldn't he have said that before Malkra and Absinth climbed up the roof?[i/]

that's perfectly fine with me. What say you Arkath? Dhuan said.
I guess it's a decent plan. But firstly,what's my role in it? covering your backs? And secondly, Shouldn't we warn the shades of the change of plans?

Then a hooded figure walked past, heading for house number three.
[i]What's this? Arkath thought. If he sees one of the shades, it will ruin everything, I must stop him! Arkath thought while jumping forward, drawing his sword to plant it in the hooded mans back. Pulling his dagger out of its sheath with his other hand to block any counter attacks that could come.

Arkath will draw his sword, trying to stab the hooded man in his back. He will hold his dagger in his left hand to block any counterattacks.

Arkath rushed forward intent on stopping the cultist, lest he sees through our plan. A quick back stab should do it... . Unfortunately, unlike the shades the runaway beast master wasn't trained in stealth and secrecy and his rushed attack did not go unnoticed. The figure obviously heard him approach and started to turn and duck, but Arkath was too quick. His blade descended with a lightning quick thrust and the hooded elf screamed out in pain. The sword got him cleanly in the shoulder, as Arkath was no great fighter and couldn't correct his back stab in time. So the cultist lived on. To Arkath's great surprise the shape rolled away quickly and reached in its robes. A quick flash of metal was all the warning the he had. Arkath ducked, and the throwing knife swished over him, right at the point of where his neck would have been. Looking back up he now saw the figure with another dagger in hand, clutching his bleeding shulder and staggering towards the door of the house

OOC: Damn you heat-13 for posting 5 seconds before me and making me edit my post!

Oh, and FIRST BLOOD (I hope)

OOC: Haha, sorry man, when things happen they happen quicly and unexpectedly =P

T12161991 · Post by **T12161991** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:38 pm

As Malkra landed on the roof, he saw Absinthe slipping into the attic. I hope there isn't a guard... he thought as he looked around. Moving carefully, he went to follow Absinthe. However, as he neared the window ledge, he saw a shape approaching the house. Crouching down, he watched as Arkath went for the figure, but only managed to wound him. Damn it! If that druchii gets inside, he will warn anyone in there! Acting quickly, he unwrapped his repeater crossbow and laid it on the ledge to steady it, aimed, and fired.

Malkra is firing multiple shots at the shape on the street that Arkath wounded.

Kajchi · Post by **Kajchi** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 6:51 pm

Realizing his mistake, Arkath was getting worried. There's no time to stop, now. I've got to act quick!. Then he saw Malkra on the roof, loading his crossbow. [i] Maybe he can stop him, I've got to try and give him more time...[i/] Throwing himself forward, Arkath tries to cut in the legs of the hooded figure, to try and stop him from moving to the house.

Arkath will try to cut his enemy in his legs to slow him down. to give Malkra more time to shot him.

Nooodle · Post by **Nooodle** » Thu Sep 18, 2008 7:43 pm

Absinthe landed like a cat on the floor boards of the attic. He quickly hid his dagger in his sleeve again and drew his repeater crossbow. He looked around for anything interesting but found nothing as the attic was nearly completely empty. He turned in utter most silence and looked out of the window seeing the druchii down in the street and the other shade aiming at it.

To make sure the other shade could get in he left the window open and traced the footsteps almost perfectly trying not to leave any marks. When he got to the trapdoor he figured it would be kind of useless anyway if he wasn't to survive so he lay down and looked down into the chamber or passage way that would lead further into the house from the attic.

Absinthe will check on his next zone first before dropping down into it. He will not engage anything yet but if he can he will try to get into the room below the attic unnoticed.

Darkenrho · Post by **Darkenrho** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 12:43 am

Immediatley after Arkath had answered the question of Saldrimek's plan Dhuan witnessed him run off like a shot towards the house. hm? What's this? Dhuan turned to see a hooded druchii approaching the house. Arkath drew his blade to attack the figure, landing a blow on its' shoulder. However the enemy did not fall... heh still alive is he?. Dhuan then noticed Malkra who was still on the window ledge preparing his crossbow to fire as well as Arkath readying another strike. Not for long though... there should be little need for me to intervene, however.... His sword still resting on his shoulder Dhuan slowly approached the two squaring off.

Dhuan will approach where Arkath is confronting the enemy prepared to strike should the worst happen.

Khel · Post by **Khel** » Fri Sep 19, 2008 2:45 am

Saldrimek watched on as Arkath attacked the hooded Druchii, hindering the Druchii. The battle contuined with a thrown dagger from the hooded figure, Arkath managing to duck and the dagger passed harmlessly by, landing somewhere unknown amongst the darkness.

By Khaine, those cultists may of heard that scream!

Saldrimek slung the scimitar from his back, his dagger soon followed. Saldrimek crouched low to the ground and darted forward, ready to strike.

Saldrimek will attempt to run in front of the hooded figure and wait for him. If the hooded figure makes it as far as Saldrimek, Saldrimek will attempt to dispatch him with slashes and stabs to the head and neck.