===========================================================<br/>The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>You wake up at the inn, again.  Your coin is beginning to dwindle and you soon realize your day is about to get much worse.  You can hear the commotion down below.  Shouting between the innkeeper and a voice you recognize, Silba, one of Dalthun's nephews and one of the worst people you have ever known.  Most of the rest of Dalthun's family was content to kick you out with your 'few paltry worthless trinkets Dalthun was fond of collecting' as they said.  But Silba, he wanted you to have nothing.  No, that wasn't quite right, he wanted YOU.<br/><br/>He also happens to be a judge advocate and has been out for your arrest.  Its caused quite a stir as his actions have directly violated the civic law of the city and you have heard the matter may be brought up in the Assembly.  Not that any of that really matters to you, who can trust the aristocracy anyway?  More importantly Silba probably has Barag with him.  Although Barag serves as Silba's marshal, he is really a bounty hunter and you are the hunted.  The innkeeper won't be able to hold them forever.  You think he took a liking to you and perhaps his shouting is intentional for you to hear.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>A bit of panic grips Kaylee as she recognizes the voices down below.  Most of Dalthun's family hadn't been very nice, but Silba had been the worst of the lot.  Not content with just rude and dismissive words, his gaze and the things she saw in his eyes made her feel slimy and unclean, even though she always dressed demurely.  Falling into his clutches might not be a fate worse than death, but it was nothing she was eager to experience, either.<br/><br/>Quickly hopping out of bed, she grabs her white robe from off the chair and slips it over head and arms, letting it fall down over her naked, shapely chest and the white silk panties she wore to bed.  Grabbing her 'worthless trinkets' and the little gear and coinage she had left, as the voices below grow louder, she quickly scans her room to see if she can find a way out of the inn that doesn't involve going past Silba.  She doesn't want a fight, doesn't know that she can win one and doesn't enjoy fighting anyway.  Not to mention that even if she could best Silba and Barag, that would probably just make her already tenuous situation worse.<br/><br/>[Private to Bob the GM: Could she use Light and Enchantment to weave a shield of invisiblity around herself so she could sneak out undetected?]<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>[Private to Kaylee: Sure, lets say 1 mana point to target yourself, and each addtional point makes it last five minutes, so 2 points would be a five minute invisibility.]<br/><br/>Kaylee realizes her time is growing short as the voices suddenly cease and there is a loud crash followed by a low, painful moan.  Did Silba or Barag just strike the innkeeper?  There is a long silence and the sound of footsteps.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Hearing the yelling from downstairs give way to the sounds of conflict, Kaylee realizes she likely no longer has time to run, and instead turns to her only remaining option, hiding.  With a gesture, she weaves a screen of invisibility around herself, willing light to bend around her.  Heart pounding in her chest, she positions herself in an unused corner of the room and tries to be perfectly still and quiet.<br/><br/>17:13, Today: Kaylee rolled 1 success using 5d6 with the Shadowrun system with a target of 5. Cast Invisibility Spell for 2 mana.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>The footsteps are slow and methodical.  The doors can be barred from the inside but they are not very strong and with a swift kick Barag forces it in.  He stands large for a man, a wild and unkempt look he is said to be a barbarian from the mountains.  His thick hide armor hangs loosely off his body and he keeps a great sword on his back but it remains slung there.<br/><br/>He surveys the room a moment and then turns and nods at those behind him, Silba and the innkeeper, holding his broken and bleeding nose.  Through his hand the innkeeper talks, "See I told you.  She uh, left early last night but this was her room."<br/><br/>Silba is dressed as even an aristocrat, tailored clothes.  Thin breeches and fancy looking tunic and even a cap, with a wide leather and gold trimmed belt for show.  He has a rapier at his belt and even though he appears courtly and lean he is known as good with the blade.  He moves about the room slowly, looking things over, picking up a few things here and there and moving to the bed.  He passes only inches from you and sniffs the air.  Grasping the bed's sheet he gives the innkeeper an angry look,"You are a bad lier.  She did not leave last night but none too long ago I think.  Just be lucky she is not here."  He turns to Barag, "I can still smell her, she must not be far.  You know what to do and when you get close to her find me.  If you think she would flee before I can arrive, take her yourself... unharmed, please."<br/><br/>Silba grins a bit at the last part of the sentance and turns to leave.  He grabs the innkeeper by the scruff of his neck and leads him out, you can hear Silba threating the man all they way back down the stairs.  Barag moves about the room, searching and looking.  He stands curiously in the center of the room for a long moment, looking right in your direction.   His brow furrows but then he seems to think of something and slowly backs out of the room, leaving the broken door swung open.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Kaylee let out a soft, relived breath a few moments after Barag had gone.  She'd been so frightened standing there watching the two men that were looking for her, with only the thin shield of her invisibility spell saving her from discovery and…well, who knew what?  She'd nearly squeaked in fright when that wild-looking barbarian had seemed to look right through her.  But it was all right now, they were both gone.  Now she just had to get out of this inn without being seen, and then…out of town, perhaps?  The thought frightened her, but she wasn't sure she could stay here any longer.  Silba seemed quite determined, and she wasn't sure how long she could hide from him.  Taking a few quiet steps toward the open door, she pokes her invisible head out, looking both ways down the corridor to make sure no one's there.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>The coast seems clear as you look around.  A few other patrons of the inn are looking out their doors from all the noise and a couple run downstairs to check on the innkeeper.  You hear him coming back up though, and whispering your name, "Kaylee... Kaylee... where are you?" he speaks very quietly.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Trustingly, Kaylee moves up beside the innkeeper and whispers, "I'm here.  I'm invisible."  For the moment, at least, though she didn't think that would be true for too much longer.  "Thank you so much for helping me.  Is there a back way out of here?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>The man yelps when your voices comes from nowhere but he quickly calms himself and speaks softly, he now holds some rag against his nose.  The rag is already very bloodied, "Do not do that to me... This hurts enough as it is.  It is my pleasure, Kaylee... my pleasure."  He sighs a longing sigh, "There is a back way, down the hall the last room on your left is not in use.  It has a window you can use to climb out and that will put you on the back patio's roof.  You can just hop down and be on your way.  And listen... there is a woman, a Nymph, who might help you.  Dullûmâ is her name.  She has been known to hide Fey who come under... unwanted attention from humans in the city.  I know you are human, but she also has need of people to work for her.  Someone of your talents may be of use to her so even though you are not Fey..." he shrugs his shoulders.  "Seek her at city's core, there is brothel, the Happy Courtier.  Ask for her, that should be all you need do."<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Kaylee whispers, "Thank you again.  I'm so sorry you were hurt."  She gestures again, letting mystical essence fill her, and when her soft lips brush softly his cheek, they're replete with healing energies, trying to ease the pain he feels, if only just a little bit.  Then she's off, down the hall, moving toward the last room on the left, following his instructions.<br/><br/>14:16, Today: Kaylee rolled 1 success using 5d6 with the Shadowrun system with a target of 5. Cast Healing Spell for 2 mana.<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>The innkeeper smiles as you gently press your lips to his cheek and the bleeding of his nose stops.  You head out the window, on the rooftop and then easily climb down back to street level.  Moving carefully through the city your invisibly spell is worn out but you causually step out of an alley and no one seems to think the wiser.<br/><br/>Heading towards the center of the city the brothel the innkeeper spoke of is not hard to find.  It is the city's most famous and has both patrons and employees of many classes and races.  The building has a large open front courtyard with a garden and statuary.  A wide stone roof supported by marble pillars hangs over the edge of the building to create a porch that encircles the entire place.  Its architexture is a strange gothic style but instead of brooding gargolyes more erotic sculptures take their place.<br/><br/>Approaching the main entrance a madam greets you.  She smiles and looks you over twice, nodding in approval, "Are you here for a good time or perhaps to work?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Kaylee blushes slightly at the rather interesting architecture, and then again as the woman gives her a quite appraising look.  In a quiet voice, she replies, "I was wondering if I might be able to speak with Dulluma, actually, please."  She hopes the nymph will be willing to see her, and able to help her.  She's been running on adrenaline since she left the inn, and she hadn't thought about much other than getting away from Silba and Barag.  She hoped that Dulluma's needs weren't exclusively for brothel workers.  Considering her rather cloistered upbringing, that would be a rather drastic change.  Though perhaps better than falling into Silba's clutches.  But surely her other talents would prove useful enough that she could avoid either fate...<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>The madam looks a bit surprised at the mention of Dullûmâ and her look turns to suspicion, "Follow me."  She closes her loose robes tighter around her body and turns to enter the building.<br/><br/>The foyer is a small chamber where attendants take people's things and store them safely.  A human man and an elf stand as armed guards, the elf steps up to you, "No weapons." she points to your staff and knife.  She then holds out her hands for you to give them over.  The madam promises, "No worries, love.  We are not theives here you will have them back."<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Trusting soul that she is, Kaylee had already begun to remove her knife and sheath before even before the Madam's reassurances.  "I wasn't worried.", she said with a smile, as she gave the knife and staff over to the elf who was waiting for them.  She wasn't worried because she had a tendency to believe the best of everyone until proven wrong, but also because she really wasn't very good with either weapon.  If she had to defend herself, which she hoped she didn't, magic would be a much more useful tool...<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>After handing over your knife and staff you are taken beyond the foyer through a thick set of deep red curtains.  A large entrance chamber is beyond that is more of a lounge for prospective clients.  Large pillows and soft chairs are scattered about to relax on.  Madam's bring out several options for clients to pick and choose from based on what they ask for.  Food and drink are being served liberally to the waiting patrons.  There are many people from all walks of life and races here, just as you had heard.<br/><br/>You are brought down a more secluded corridor to a small room.  The abundance of soft silk sheets and pillows as well as sexual paraphernalia leaves little doubt as to this rooms purpose.  The madam tells you to wait here and do not leave or you will never see Dullûmâ, her tone is quite serious.  You are made to wait quite a long time, an hour or so perhaps.  The room is seperated from the corridor by a curtain but it is lighter and you can see forms move past as well as hear their footsteps on the marbled floor.<br/><br/>Finally, the Madam returns.  Behind her is a nymph, typical of the kind in looks but slightly taller.  She also wears more human style, conservative clothing.  Unusual for a nymph and considering the setting even more so.  The Madam speaks first, "It is your lucky day, child.  She just happened to be here."<br/><br/>With that, the madam nods at the nymph who nods back with a smile, apparently an indication for some privacy as the madam harumphs and leaves.  The nymph closes the curtain behind her and takes a seat near you.  "Now what is it you wish to speak to me of?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>This setting is all very new to the rather sheltered Kaylee, as she was aware such places existed, but she'd never thought to go inside one before.  Her face turns almost as red as her hair as she takes in the erotic paraphernalia in the room and she seats herself as far away as possible from the implements.  However, curiosity begins to win out over her embarrassment as time passes, and eventually she stands and walks over toward some of the more exotic pieces.  She's just about to reach out and touch one of them, curious as to what it feels like, when she hears footsteps again outside and seats herself just as the Madam returns, a blush coming to her face once more.<br/><br/>She smiles politely at the nymph, and after the madam leaves, says, "Umm…well, I'm in some trouble and I was told that you might be able to help me…"  She explains about Dalthun and Silba and the troubles of that morning, how she'd barely escaped Silba's clutches, and how the innkeeper had sent her here.  "So I was hoping maybe you could help keep me out of Silba's hands.  I know I'm not Fey, but I can work magic, so maybe I could be of some use to you in exchange?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Dullûmâ listens and does not interupt.  She nods at parts of your story and seems to take it in.  "Well child, you seem a kind sort and I sense a goodness about you.  Would it help you if you left the city for a while?  I know of Silba and this man Barag.  Do not let our meeting place fool you, this is not my buisness." She lays a hand on your leg, sensing a bit of your discomfort, "Some Fey come on hard times in the city, I know I have seen them myself.  Humans can be... unpredictable and often times harsh and the men can sometimes well, I think you may understand.  So some of the Fey I deal with do not like humans very well.  However an attractive young lady like yourself might find an easier time with them."<br/><br/>She looks you over for your reactions so far and withdraws her hand as her tone becomes a bit more serious, "So I do have use of those with your talent.  What I do is help my fellow Fey who find themselves in trouble." She raises an eyebrow and gauges your reaction at this next statement, "Which does sometimes put us on the opposite side of city law."  She smiles again though, "What I offer is protection from Silba.  While you work for me he will not touch you.  What I require of you is to do what I say and sometimes it may put you at great risk.  Perhaps greater then that of Silba but I assure you that you will be doing things for the help of others.  And that I also reward my agents who perform well.  It just so happens that a Dryad is running too, from a powerful merchant who used her as a sex slave to entice clients to him.  She wanted out, he wants her back.  She is due to leave for the Lonely Forest.  There is a small Dryad enclave still holding out there, if she can get there I am certain they would take her in.  The Forest has become more dangerous as of late.  Orcs are on patrol in greater numbers and frequency and the reason remains unknown.  There are also rumors of a great Cursed beast who stalks it at night.  I have already assigned one of my agents to help this Dryad.  The journey may take several weeks, by then I think I can have Silba well under control.  It would be a hard test for your first task for me, but sometimes that is how life is.  So, what do you have to say?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Kaylee listens, quietly as Dulluma lays out her offer.  She's glad to hear that the nymph isn't in the brothel business; she hadn't been sure what she would have said if that had been the price of deliverance.  Though what she was offering sounded more frightening, in some ways.  She's saddened by the story of the Dryad who was being used against her will - she didn't think anyone should be treated like that.  The thought that she could help someone else avoid such a fate, while helping herself at the same time was a pleasing one to her, though the talk of Orcs and Cursed beasts was rather terrifying.<br/><br/>She's silent for a few moments as she thinks things over.  It would seem to solve her immediate problem, as well as giving her something she'd lacked since Dalthun died: a purpose.  Part of her thinks that she's likely getting in way over her head, but she ignores that part and says, quietly, but with conviction, "I would like to be able to help people with my abilities, even if it will be dangerous.  I've been at sort of loose ends since Dalthun's death, and what you're doing sounds like a worthwhile cause.  If I can do good, and live free of Silba at the same time, well, then I think I shouldn't pass up that opportunity.  I would like in."<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Dullûmâ waits as you think things through but when you respond that would like to join she says, "Excellent.  Welcome to may network of spies and agents.  If you do well, then one day you might be one of my inner circle.  For now, you should be prepared to leave by tomorrow morning.  If you wish the Dryad and her first companion are waiting nearby.  I assume you will need a place to stay.  You may share the room with the Dryad for tonight if you wish.  I will even arrange that you are allowed access to the baths should you so desire.  I would recommend doing so, travelling the forest will not be comfortable.  If you have your own arrangements then that is fine, just be here in the morning.  Would you like me to take you to meet the others?"<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Kaylee<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Kaylee smiles at the nymph and says, "Thank you.  I don't have any preparations to make, really.  What I carry is pretty much what I have, except for my weapons, and I've been assured I'll get those back.  I'm eager to meet those I'll be travelling with, and a place to stay and a bath would be just lovely."<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/>Re: The next morning by Bob the GM<br/>-----------------------------------------------------------<br/>Dullûmâ nods, "Then let us go see them now.  I shall have your items brought down to us."  With that she leads you on through a maze of corridors and rooms.  Sounds of lust and sex echo through the chambers here as you get deeper into the brothel and where their services are apparently rendered.  Taking you to a dead end, Dullûmâ searches the wall for a minute and finding some secret switch the wall moves aside and a circular staircase heads down into darkness.  Dullûmâ mutters some minor incantation and putting a palm up, a blue flame with light the strength of a torch appears.  This blue light illuminates your passage down.  You descend down for a ways and at the bottom the halls are lit once more.  At that point she closes her palm and the flame is extinguished.<br/><br/>"A secret place for more... adventurous activities."  Although the rooms are vary similar to those above they do seem less used.  She stops at a curtain to one room and pulls it aside...<br/><br/>[move to Before the Dawn thread]<br/><br/>===========================================================<br/><br/><br/><br/>