{{Hi! I think I've included everything... If something's missing, please let me know!}}<br/>{{Praexon, I've finally stopped fiddling with my skills and equipment<img alt=":P" src="./images/smilies/icon_razz.gif" title="Razz"/>}}<br/><br/><br/><span style="text-decoration: underline">&lt;&lt;main hall of the inn, north end&gt;&gt;</span><br/><br/>Bound as she is, Alyssa can do little except watch in horror as Leska slowly engulfs her latest victim. Since her capture half a week ago, she has been captive audience to three such gruesome meals, and knows that her fate will be the same if she can't escape soon... Alyssa squeezes her eyes shut as the elf's midsection disappears, but the sound of Leska's powerful throat muscles still assaults her ears. She flinches as one last drawn-out gulp signals the elf's doom, and steels herself for the loathsome "playtime" that follows the drider's meals... But instead of feeling the dreaded touch of chitinous hands, Alyssa hears the fading click of spider legs on marble.<br/><br/>Alyssa opens her eyes and scans the tavern. Leska has disappeared to the far corner, but her whereabouts are a secondary concern at best. Alyssa's attention is drawn to the large group by the south wall, especially its more exotic members... The Celestial that drew the inn's attention some minutes ago now sits quietly, ever-vigilant but clearly at ease with her present company. Next to her, an elf and human are deep in discussion with a tiefling and canine of some sort- a wolfgirl, perhaps? A polar bear seems to have joined the group as well, perhaps an animal companion of the others. Finally, a winged centaur- another Celestial? - is returning to the table, cradling a frightened squirrel-girl. Alyssa can think of only one way to interpret such an unusual group:<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Appearing in time of need, amidst creatures of the wild... and even accompanied by another like me! This must be a sign!</span><br/><br/>Alyssa carefully weighs her options. Clearly, she has to find a way to speak to the Celestial, but her table is currently the center of the inn's attention- and probably Leska's as well. If she moves and is spotted, the drider will make sure she doesn't escape a second time. But if she waits...<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">I won't get another chance like this! Saint Rubin, please protect me!</span><br/><br/>[Escape Artist 1d20 (11)+22 = 33, success]<br/><br/>With a bit of effort, Alyssa manages to reach the axe sheathed at her hip and begins slicing away her bonds. She works quickly, terrified that her captor could return at any moment; as the last shred of webbing falls to the ground, Alyssa releases the breath she's unconsciously been holding.<br/><br/>[Hide 1d20 (17)+10 = 27, opposed by Leska's Spot check]<br/><br/>Alyssa scans the inn, searching for Leska. She spies the drider near the western end of the hall, periodically gesturing towards the Celestial as she converses with a trio of armored men. Slowly, Alyssa inches towards the longtables, her gaze on the spider woman's squirming midsection... she doesn't dare look higher, for fear of seeing those ruby-red eyes staring back into her own. Another step forward...<br/><br/>Alyssa freezes as Leska's body swivels her direction. She glances up, expecting to find a paralyzing spell hurtling in her direction, but the she-spider is merely glancing at the Celestial again. Her heart pounding, Alyssa quickens her pace as soon as the drider turns back to her conversation. She arrives at the foot of the longtable, and mustering her courage, she addresses the Celestial:<br/><br/>"Lady of the heavens, I humbly request your assistance!"<br/><br/><br/>{{My pic got shrunk just enough to look ugly... it looks better if you click on it... I hope<img alt="^^;" src="./images/smilies/sweatdrop.gif" title="Sweat drop"/>}}