About 5 hours after Toryn put the coin to bed, Sunfall became himself again and slept through the night. Ro never returned to the room, probably not to anyone's surprise.

Evil GM: The night was uneventful.

The next morning, Toryn and Akira get up first to do some shopping and to take Aikra to the Temple of Zek. Rand gets up later to Sunfall still sleeping and goes to the warriors guild. Sunfall awakes last and goes and does Sunfall things.

While out and about, everyone finds a costume for the ball later that evening and eventually returns to the room at the Inn to prepare. Ro and Rand do not return. It is about 5pm. The invitations say that the ball starts at 9pm.

Toryn: Toryn looks at Sunfall and Aikira " Do we go looking for our missing priest and bard or just count on them to show up at 9 ? I think Ro will for certain - she seemed pretty friendly with the cat-woman who gave us the invitations"

Toryn: " Rand I'm a bit more worried about - he doesn't run as fast as Ro does "

Sunfall: I'm not apt to babysit the dark elf... He can take care of himself

Toryn: " Or to put it another way he might not be as likely to outrun some hostile pursuer

-> Rand: when you come out of your haze of blood lusted frenzy, you are surrounded by about two dozen guards. Some are lying on the ground or nursing wounds, but most have their swords pointed at your throat.

Toryn (Toryn): actually Rand is the human priest and Ro is the half orc girl - Aikira is the dark elf warrior in the room with us ;)

Aikira: let's have another ale

Aikira: someone up for joining me for a drink

Toryn: Toryn looks worried ... " Ro has made it quite clear she can take care of herself - or she feels she can anyways - so I'm going to go looking for Rand ... meet you here when I get back, I'll try to get back here at say, 8pm ? "

Toryn: " I'll take you up on that ale later brother" smiles Toryn, "Perhaps Sunfall will drink with you "

-> Ro: Tyree gets you all decked out and then gives you a medallion with a chain attached. On the medallion a harp is etched into the center.

Aikira looks at sunfall

Aikira: what do you say friend?

Sunfall nods

Ro: /em stares at it in wonder,' how beautifull!'

Sunfall: A good way to pass the time

Aikira: indeed it is

Toryn: With a nod to the others Toryn heads out the door down to the costume shop - he describes Rand's appearance and asks what time Rand stopped by to pick up his costume

Aikira claps sunfall on the back

Aikira: let's go

Toryn: " He's a friend of mine" explains Toryn to the shopkeeper

Rand: Rand drops his mace, looking at the damage he did and is proud and shocked at the same time. Shock seems to win and Rand starts to weep softly

-> ro: "wear this always. it has no special powers other than to show that you belong to the League of Antonican Bards if anyone doubts you. This is yours, nobody else can take it or wear it. If you lose it, it'll find it's way back to you

Fred looks at Toryn thoughtfully.'

Ro: /em jaws drop,' waaauuww, thank you!'

Fred: I don't believe anyone by that description has been in this shop, though it's possible. It's been a busy day and I've seen lots of faces come through.

-> Rand: The captain of the guard steps up to Rand, blood dripping from his nose. "You sir, are under arrest by the royal authority given to me by the king himself. The charge I am arresting you under is assult on royal guards of the city and murder of a guildsman."

Toryn: Toryn looks even more troubled " Thank you friend " ... next step (on Toryn's wild goose chase :P ) is to head to the local chapter of the priests of Marr to see if Rand turned up there

Rand: Rand hangs his head, knowing the man is right

-> Ro: /em smiles at Ro "Your welcome. I think we should be getting back to the palace. Your costume should be about ready and we should see about make-up and doing something with your hair... (prattles on about girl stuff)

Evil GM: Give me a knowledge local roll

Toryn (Toryn): FYI Sunfall and Aikira if this is of any interest Ro and I have "in character" conversations on msn instant messenger if you feel like chatting ;) - I normally save a copy of the conversation for the evil GM ...

Toryn (Toryn): can that be made as an unskilled roll evil GM ?

Evil GM: Yup

Ro: going all girlish excited Ro joyfully goes back to the palace with Tyree

Toryn (Toryn): lol - Toryn heads for the nearest cult of demon worshippers about to perform a sacrifice " Say have you seen a priest around here ? "

Toryn spends a good hour, hour and a half wandering around looking for a Temple of Marr but can't seem to find one. When he asks the locals, they just give him strange stares and ask "the temple of who?"

6:30pm--2.5 hours till the ball

-> Rand: The guards surround you and herd you into the streets where people stair at you and throw rotten food your way

Toryn (Toryn): still looking troubled Toryn heads back to the inn and reports his lack of success to his fellows

Toryn (Toryn): oops - that was an " in character" comment not ooc

Toryn: Toryn eyes Aikira and Sunfall " Not too much, don't want to show up to the ball feeling - er - tipsy "

Sunfall appears to have barely touched his glass, appearing contemplative

Rand: While they walk on the streets, slowly, very slowly Rand starts to feel the rage bubbling up again "If only those people knew how they treat people that want to join their ranks, they wouldn't be throwing rotten food at me"

Aikira has behaved himself and only had one drink

Toryn: " I'm sorry brother " chuckles Aikira " Looks like you're surrounded by light drinkers - I'm the same way , religious vows" Toryn explains to Sunfall

Toryn: " You should see this man put away ale ! " Toryn exclaims to Sunfall " I swear he has a cast iron stomach to go with the cast iron muscles ! "

-> rand: you notice that you're about to pass the Inn you stayed at the night before. People are still jeering and throwing rotten food at you.

Rand: Rand wonders what Toryn will think of him now and hopes his friend can forgive him

Sunfall nods solemnly

Toryn: " Everything all right? " says Toryn in concern looking at Sunfall

Toryn: " You seem in a - I don't know, perhaps a somber mood - today friend mage "

Aikira wipes his mouth clean

Sunfall: So far, yes

-> Ro: You get back to the palace to try on your costume, which is ready. The gown that the tailor produces is a deep emerald green in silk and satan. The corsette top of the dress is embroadered in blues, yellows, and different shades of green. Upon closer inspection, there are also gems sewn into the corsette.

Aikira looks at sunfall

Aikira: yes, he looks a bit irritated

Evil GM: Everyone BUT Ro and Rand give me a listen roll

Aikira: I'm sorry friend, was it my fault?

Toryn: " Well we've got your back if you need any help - though from what I've seen you're more likely to be the one saving us " chuckles Toryn

Ro: /em turns red in embarrasment as she has never even seen soemthing as beautifull, let alone wore something like it

Sunfall: I'm not one for festivities, and I find it strange we were invited as abruptly as we were to the king's ball, the festivity of festivities

Toryn (Toryn): it's still a plus three modifier can I keep the roll? :)

Evil GM: sure

Evil GM: Not that important of a roll anyways ;-)

Bobby (Sunfall): griffin swoops into the room and rips his head off xD

erus (Aikira): so I can wear it as a mask to the prom

Toryn (Toryn): "not again ! " wails Toryn before he expires

-> Toryn: you here the crowds catcalling and jeering outside of the Inn and can hear guards telling them to get back, they're escorting a murderer.

Bobby (Sunfall): Oh My God, they killed Toryn! now we have to wait till next week xD

-> aikira: You can hear the crowd outside catcalling and jeering. The guards are yelling at them to get back, they're escorting a murder.

Toryn: " Good point - let's discuss it in a moment though, there's something going on outside " says Toryn wandering outside

Toryn (Toryn): " Oh my god they killed Toryn ! Those bastards ! " :P

Aikira: there seems to be some trouble outside

Aikira: let's have a closer look

Evil GM: Does sunfall go outside too or stay where he is?

Sunfall follows along behind Toryn

Aikira: murderer right?

Stepping outside onto the porch, you three see about a dozen and a half guards surrounding a man that is covered in rotten food.

Evil GM: Spot rolls

The crowd is making fun of the man and throwing rotten food.

erus (Aikira): should drink more ale, my sense are on fire baby!

It's very clear, the man who is being escorted at sword point is Rand.

Rand sees Toryn come out of the inn and suddenly feels his rage lower and his shame grow

Aikira: what!!!

Toryn (Toryn): who saw this coming even before the spot check was made? :P

Vincent (Rand): not sure, not many i hope :)

Aikira: we must do something!

Petra (Evil GM): what was it Alan always said when he was late to a game? LOL

Toryn (Toryn): all right what did you guys screw up when I was gone? or something to that effect

Aikira does his very best to control his anger

Aikira: zek will be pleased ;)

Toryn: Toryn tries to push politely past the crowd... " Excuse me " " Coming through "

Aikira follows toryn closely

-> Ro: /em tyree smiles and helps Ro into the dress. "I must say, the color choice goes beautifully with your complexion.

Ro: /em turns read and stumbles something like she can't help it nor chose to be green

Evil GM: Toryn, give me a Diplomacy roll to wade through the crowd.

-> ro: /em Tyree gently puts her hand on Ro's shoulder. "Listen, it's time you embrace who you are and play it up. You're green...have you bothered to notice I have fur? (kind of a black and white stripped cat pattern) It's nothing to be embarassed about or hide.

Aikira yells at everyone to move out of their way

-> ro: I think it's a beautiful skin color and I think the dress is stunning.

Ro: /em bluses,'sorry'

Aikira: let's try a different approach brother

Aikira aikira takes the lead

Toryn (Toryn): I'm letting Aikira do everything from now on tonight look at his dice rolls :P

The crowd barely budges for Toryn, but as soon as Aikira shouts, it parts like the Red sea for moses.

erus (Aikira): who's you're daddy!

Toryn: " You're good at that " chuckles Toryn following Aikira

People cower away from Aikira as he passes.

Rand starts to let his head hang more the closer his friends come, shame coming over him

-> Ro: goes over to the table and looks at a mask that is laying there. "and this must be your mask!" She holds it up to reveal a bird shaped mask in the colors of a peacock.

Aikira stops just in front of the guards and adresses one of them

Aikira: where are you taking this man, and on what ground do you hold him captive

A man that is identified as the Captain of the Guard steps up to Aikira.

Evil GM: Give me a diplomacy or intimidate roll. Whichever you think will work best. ;-

Aikira looks the man straight in the eyes with a little touch of hostility

Toryn (Toryn): oh no ! :P

Petra (Evil GM): vince should tell you I'm chuckling my evil chuckle.

Ro: /em stares at it curiously

Vincent (Rand): i wouldn't do intimidate... bad for your faction.... then again, dark elfs have no faction to begin with

erus (Aikira): got a minus two on diplomacy, so I'm going for intimidate :)

erus (Aikira): craaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaap

-> Ro: the ball tonight is what is called a Masque Ball. Everyone there will be in costume and wearing a mask so you don't know who people are. /em smiles

Ro: oh, but well, they will know who we are with the fur and beeing green' Ro giggles

Captain of the Guard scowls at Aikira, not amused at his hostility.

Captain of the Guard: This man is charged with assult on the Royal Guard of Qeynos, murder of a guilds person, and disturbing the peace.

Aikira: this man?!

Sunfall gapes from the rear of the crowd

Aikira looks in disbelieve at rand

Aikira: brother priest! what has happened

Aikira shouts at rand

Captain of the Guard: When we went to subdue him, he was beating a very dead guilds person with his mace. He then turned on almost two dozen of my men, seriously injuring many of them. (points towards his own obviously broken nose)

Aikira: he's no warrior, he's a priest!

Toryn: " Forgive us " interjects Toryn " We're friends of this man, that's why my associate is so upset - he just can't believe this man is capable of such a crime, nor can I... Allow me to introduce myself - I am Toryn, paladin in service to Mithaniel Marr, Knight of Truth from Freeport "

erus (Aikira): damn!

-> ro: Don't be too surprised if nobody reconizes you. I think there will be a great deal of people using illusions to make themselves appear as a different race.

Rand nods at the story the captain tells, knowing it is not his place to speak up

Ro: /em jumps high into the air as Tyree takes Captain fo the guard illusion :P

Ro: /em looks a bit reassured with Tyree's last comment

Captain of the Guard: I can understand there being some...upset of a friend being charged with such grevious crimes. Perhaps you can help best by hiring a good advocate that will argue his case before the King on the morrow. Until then, he is headed towards the palace dungeons and possibly a very final deah.

Toryn: " Perhaps he was the victim of some foul magic ? We know this man, normally he is a peace loving soul ... And if you'll allow me, let me take a small step towards making repeations to you and your men - if you would allow me to call the blessings of the Marr Twins upon you?"

-> Ro: haha

Toryn (Toryn): bleh ! " reperations "

erus (Aikira): even without your wings you're an angel :)

Petra (Captain of the Guard): lol

Captain of the Guard: My men and I will be more than fine. We can handle a bit of a beating. However, the advocates and King will decide what caused this crime and judge this man before the gods.

Toryn: "Nonetheless I insist on at least a bit of minor healing " ... moving slowly Toryn takes off his sword and hands it to Aikira " As you can see I am unarmed - this is a ritual of healing known to my order"...

Captain of the Guard rolls his eyes and mutters something about paladins under his breath.

Toryn: Ignoring the comment Toryn casts Minor Healing

Aikira takes the sword from toryn, and thinks about for a brief second, the plant it between the captains eyes

Rand moves in and slaps Toryn quick enough that the guards cannot respond in time

Rand blinks at Aikira

Toryn (Toryn): cripes - I'd say this calls for an initiative roll !

Aikira sees rand blinking and nods at him

Rand has his mouth open, completely baffled by what Aikira did

Vincent (Rand): oops, misread

Evil GM: Sure, roll init

Vincent (Rand): ignore last two things rand did

Toryn sees Rand coming at him with an open hand.

Toryn (Toryn): roll initiative there Aikira ;)

Vincent (Rand): did you plant the sword between his eyes or not Aikira ?

Toryn (Toryn): actually I think Rand said he wasn't going to slap Toryn after all ?

erus (Aikira): no no, that was a thought

Vincent (Rand): kk, then i misread

Kenny (Ro): lkjwergh

Toryn (Toryn): ohhh You were thinking about doing it - it read like you actually did it Aikira ;)

erus (Aikira): what is with the disconnected

Vincent (Rand): wb Ro

Toryn (Toryn): anyways

erus (Aikira): no guys :)

Vincent (Rand): Guess Kenny is having a connection issue

Toryn (Toryn): Toryn rolled an "8" for the number of hit points healed using minor healing

Evil GM: K

Toryn (Toryn): evil GM ;) - any effect on the guard's nose ?

Rand: "I am sorry for my friend being his usual stuck up paladin, he has more common sense and control then i do though" Rand says, moving back to his spot surrounded by the guards

Evil GM: Some of the visable wounds on his face dissapear, but it still appears broken

Toryn: " Well that's no good " murmurs Toryn

Toryn: [1d10 = 2]

Toryn: [1d10 = 1]

Captain of the Guard rolls his eyes again.

Rand performs his own magic and heals the captain of the guard with a light healing

Toryn: Toryn gives up after the third casting " Er, it would appear the gods must be busy elsewhere " says Toryn looking embarassed

Captain of the Guard: Move on! We must get this man to the palace!

Rand: [4d6 = 18]

The guards push Rand forward, interrupting his casting.

Rand: "Bleh" Rand mutters

Toryn: " Can we accompany him there ? " Toryn asks the captain

Captain of the Guard: As far as the gate, but the public does not enter from there without a specific invitation.

Toryn: " Thank you " nods Toryn to the guard.. " What happened ??? " Toryn asks Rand as the procession moves forward

Sunfall follows somewhere behind the crowd

Rand: "I went to the warriors guild to see if i could join their ranks. So i asked the only man in their guild hall. He looked at me and laughed me away. After that i cannot recall exactly what happened, i do know i snapped out of it with the guy dead on the floor and half a dozen seriously wounded guards around me." Rand blurbs out

Toryn: " Sounds like foul magic " frowns Toryn " You're not the type to murder an innocent just like that, no matter how provoked you are ... "

Toryn: " I think you were the victim of a spell - we have an enemy somewhere who's after us "

Rand: "I don't think it is magic, i fear it is my destiny calling me the last month

Toryn: " The dreams " says Toryn snapping his fingers " This could be a by-product of them "

Rand: "I have felt this rage come up and unexplainable times and up till today managed to resist most of it

Toryn: " Always ? " blinks Toryn ... " Even before we first met you ? "

Toryn: " Captain, where can we find this advocate you speak of " Toryn asks the captain of the guard

Rand: "Not conciously... But now that i think of it, i may have felt the start of it before we met" Rand says

Toryn: " A curse perhaps " murmurs Toryn

Rand: "Maybe..." Rand says

Toryn (Toryn): evil GM does the captain say anything in response to Toryn's question ?

Kenny (Ro): getting disconnected constantly

Toryn (Toryn): Rand asked to join up with the local warrior's guild, they laughed in his face, he lost consciousness then when he came to a guard was dead in front of him

Toryn (Toryn): Rand says he's felt a rage welling up inside him for some time now possibly even before meeting the rest of us - Toryn thinks it's a curse of some sort

Petra (Captain of the Guard): sorry...didn't see that

Captain of the Guard: There are several offices around Qeynos. Those that are near the palace are probably the best money can buy, but be warned, their prices aren't for the stingy or the poor.

Toryn: " Understood " nods Toryn

Toryn: " You remember nothing else? " Toryn asks Rand

Rand: "Not really, except the shame when i got out of that rage, the shame of killing an unarmed man" Rand says

Toryn: " We'll hire the best advocate we can afford" Toryn assures Rand

Captain of the Guard: If there's no price too small, Zane is probably the best legal mind in Qeynos.

Toryn: " Zane" murmurs Toryn " I"ll remember that - again my thanks"

erus (Aikira): guys I'm in law school, let me help rand :)

Toryn (Toryn): " we'll get the best lawyer money can buy - why does this feel so 20th century ? :P "

erus (Aikira): forget about zane, take phil

-> Ro: after the tailor finishes the dress, Tyree leads her off to get her hair and face done

erus (Aikira): ;)

Ro: /em shows and feels excited!

Toryn (Toryn): Aikira the beserking lawyer :P " You're all wrong " screams the dark elf when he loses - going beserk he slaughters the judge and everyone else in the courtroom :P

erus (Aikira): but then again, who is going to argue when they're dead ;)

Toryn (Toryn): lol

Bobby (Sunfall): haha true

Toryn: " Where is this Zane's office? " toryn asks the captain of the guard

After a few more minutes, the gates to the palace loom before the group.

Captain of the Guard gives Toryn directions.

Toryn: " Again my thanks - if we were allowed to see you inside friend we would " says Toryn gripping Rand's hands tightly .. " Don't worry, I'm sure you'll be free soon - we're off to see this Zane person "

Vincent (Rand): peepee break

Toryn: " When is his trial again ? " toryn asks the captain gesturing at Rand

Toryn (Toryn): pee pee break for the evil GM or Vince ? Or both at the same time? And if so is there more than one bathroom? :P

Captain of the Guard: In the morning.

Vincent (Rand): just me Toryn... you dirty mind

Toryn: " Let's see Zane " says Toryn firmly ... " We shall have you free Rand" says Toryn squeezing Rand's shoulder... reluctantly, Toryn turns and heads towards Zane's office after making sure Aikira and Sunfall know how to get to Zane's as well...

Evil GM: Everyone going to Zane's office?

-> ro: spot roll

Toryn (Toryn): also what time is it evil GM ?

erus (Aikira): sure

About 7:30pm by now.

Toryn (Toryn): oops - any chance I can grab Rand's invitation from him to the costume ball before he's taken away ?

Evil GM: Give me a wisdom roll

Toryn: Wis bonus [1d20+3 = 5]

Toryn (Toryn): doh !

Sunfall: Wis bonus [1d20 = 8]

Toryn (Toryn): just watch what happens when Ro throws a pie at me and I duck - natural 20 !

Aikira: [1d20+2 = 6]

Toryn (Toryn): ignore the drool hanging out of our mouths and the "duuuuhhhhh " expressions on the PC's faces :P

Sunfall: The ball begins soon... and during this time of celebtration, and at this hour, I doubt Zane is available

Evil GM: Nobody thinks to grab the invitations.

Toryn: " If we're lucky he'll be at the ball - let's stop by his office at the least then head straight to the ball afterwards....

Bobby (Sunfall): Rand has all the invitations?

Toryn (Toryn): we each have our own invitation I think

Toryn (Toryn): was hoping to use Rand's to get Zane into the costume ball if necessary

Petra (Evil GM): Howdy...I should have warned you that the download is quite large by now.

Vincent (Rand): welcome Stylixxt

Toryn (Toryn): oh cool a new player !

Evil GM: Everyone....this is a possible 6th person who is observing the game tonight.

taa (Stylixxt): thanks for inviteing me to watch i stay quiet from now on to watch

Bobby (Sunfall): heya =)

Toryn (Toryn): yep no picture he or she is the man / woman of mystery ;)

erus (Aikira): hallo vreemdeling

Toryn (Toryn): or as the song goes " I always feel like.. somebody's waaatttchhing meeee.. Who's playing tricks on me ? Who's watching me now- the IRS? "

Vincent (Rand): don't go all flemish on the poor guy Aikira.....

Sunfall: I'm afraid I have an appointment at the inn soon, regretfully I will have to meet you at the ball

Toryn: Toryn gives Sunfall a puzzled look but nods " Very well - brother are you coming with me ? "

erus (Aikira): haad a bakkes joenge, en das me een accent, kijskop

Evil GM: So Toryn and Aikira are going to go see Zane?

erus (Aikira): sure

-> Ro: did you ever give me that spot roll?

Ro: sorry had bad tummy cramps and was on toillet lol

Toryn (Toryn): yep !

Ro: [1d20 = 5]

-> ro: a simple "wasn't feeling good, had to afk" would have worked.

-> Sunfall: heading back to the inn?

Sunfall: yes

It takes you about 10 minutes to get through the crowd and arrive at Zane's office. Just as you arrive, an extremely tall, blond haired elf in red velvet robes walks out and starts locking the door.

-> Sunfall: give me a spot roll

Ro: sorry :P

Sunfall: Spot [1d20+6 = 20]

-> sunfall: as you walk back to the inn, you're able to spot several of Rook's people shadowing you.

Sunfall: Raven's? o.O

Toryn: " Greetings - are you Zane by any chance ? " Toryn calls out

-> sunfall: oops, Raven's

Zane gives a stately nod.

Zane: I am, and you might be?

Sunfall: Ok, well I go on my way, keeping a nice distance between them

-> sunfall: k

Toryn: " Toryn, paladin in service to Mithaniel Marr and Knight of Truth from Freeport - are you going to the costume ball by any chance tonight good sir ? "

Zane: More than likely as I have the honor of being invited to our Majesty's festivities.

Toryn: " I apologize most sincerely for imposing matters of business upon you when I'm sure you seek nothing more than rest and relaxation tonight - but we may have need of your services if you'd be willing.. a friend of ours has been imprisoned"

Ro: who is 6th? :D

Toryn: Toryn explains what happened with Rand to Zane, adding " This is completely unlike him - I'm sure he was the victim of some foul magic that caused him to act against his wishes "

-> ro: another potential player. Just observing tonight to see if this is a game he wants to join or not.

Ro: sweet :)

Zane looks thoughtfully at Toryn

Zane: Well, I can more than certaintly help you but I will be up front. My legal fees are not cheap.

Zane: And I do not take trade in kind.

Toryn: " Understood - but we don't want to hold you up from your preperations for the ball - perhaps we can meet later at the ball and discuss it further ? "

Vincent (Rand): it's a masked ball... will you recognize him????

Zane: When will he be put infront of the King?

Toryn (Toryn): doh !

Toryn: " Tomorrow morning " says Toryn looking grim " To be honest we were given an invitation by a cat-woman, a bard of reknown in these parts - we were hoping to confer with both her and yourself at the ball tonight - a meeting of the minds if you will "

Toryn: " An invitation to the ball that is "

Zane: Ah yes, Mistress Tyree. Well, if he is to go before the king in the morning then we had best get working on this case now, if it is foul magic as you suspect. Investigations of this type of thing takes time that we simply are running out of.

Toryn: " How much do you charge good sir ? "

erus (Aikira): a silver coin

Zane: One hundred gold per hour plus five hundred the day of the hearing. I have yet to lose a case before the king.

erus (Aikira): hehe

Toryn (Toryn): lol - you wish !

Vincent (Rand): ouch... bye bye money pouch

Bobby (Sunfall): bye bye first born

Vincent (Rand): ... and to think Rand alone can hire him for 9 hours and the hearing...

Aikira: that's a lot of money

Petra (Evil GM): and the cost can be lowered with chocolate bribes sent to the DM....

Aikira grunts

Aikira: maybe a little cheaper

Aikira: +6 [1d20+6 = 25]

Toryn: " Damn " mutters Toryn " We have another associate who would have enough coin for us to retain you - but we won't see her until the ball .. I'd prefer not to retain you then find we are unable to pay you for the services rendered ... perhaps it might be best we meet at the ball after all? I know time is of the essence but I'd need to speak to our friend first, see if she's willing .. "

erus (Aikira): intimidate

Evil GM: [1d20 = 18]

Zane: Hurmph! Well, I see how it is. Good luck finding legal council at this time of night, I'm sure your friend's life now depends on it.

Toryn: " Brother ! " scolds Toryn " We're in enough trouble as it is, we don't need to aggravate any more locals than we have already ! "

Zane walks down the street mumbling angrly about the way he had been treated.

Toryn: Toryn slaps his head...

erus (Aikira): what the!!!! that was a good intimidate roll

Toryn (Toryn): forgot to detect evil - I'm sure he's lawful evil in alignment :P

erus (Aikira): with that kind of roll, he should have done it for free!!!

Toryn (Toryn): yep but he's a lawyer - I'm sure they have a high Intimidate score themselves :P

Bobby (Sunfall): and Zane must be one of the strongest willed people in the city xD

Petra (Zane): Well, lets just say that he rolled better than Aikira did on intimidate.

Toryn: " We'll speak to the king " says Toryn desperately " If Mystress Tyree can get us an audience that is "

Petra (Zane): Phil should know better than to get into a pissing match with a lawyer. ;-)

erus (Aikira): forgive me :)

Toryn: " Let's get to the ball " says Toryn urgently

It's about 8pm now.

-> sunfall: I'll assume you got back in plenty of time to dress and prepare for the ball.

Kenny (Ro): not the brightest light i tell ya, i told ya and i will tell ya :P

Sunfall: ok =)

Toryn: Toryn heads to the ball (hopefully with Aikira right behind him ;) ) and stands outside the palace quietly praying (meditating actually) for one hour

Rand: if only they thought of going through my bag :)

-> sunfall: give me a spot roll

Sunfall: Spot [1d20+6 = 21]

-> sunfall: while getting ready up in the room, you notice the invitations sticking out of Rand's bag by his bed

Aikira mumbles to toryn

-> sunfall: all 6 are there

Aikira: sorry brother, I had no wish to scare him off

-> sunfall: er, 5

Toryn: " It's all right brother you were merely trying to help - hush now, I must pray to the Marr Twins to intercede on our behalf..."

Sunfall: I will take all the invitations and head downstairs

Caelianna walks up to Aikira and Toryn wearing a gown that appears to be made out of fall colored leaves and vines.

-> Stylixxt: just to give you an idea of who's who...they're all 5th level now except for Sunfall. Rand is a cleric, Ro is a half orc bardess, Toryn is a paladin, nobody has figured out what Sunfall really is, and Aikira is a dark elven warrior.

Aikira: you look nice

-> stylixxt: Caelianna is a wood elf druid NPC that is currently travelling with their party.

Kenny (Ro): u lady killer :P

erus (Aikira): never convicted

Caelianna eyes Aikira carefully and remains a respectful distance before nodding.

Kenny (Ro): as ur mentally unstable

Toryn: " Brother explain to her what happened - forgive me, I'm praying for Rand " Toryn murmurs to the druid before closing his eyes and muttering prayers once again

-> sunfall: When you get downstairs, at 8pm sharp Sarah enters the Inn wearing a rather revealing dress of red velvet. She carries a bird like mask in her hand and a fan in the other.

Aikira: rand is hold captive, accused of murder

-> Ro: When the person doing Ro's hair finishes, Tyree leads her back to the bedroom so Tyree can get herself ready.

Caelianna: What!

Aikira: we are looking for a lawyer...but we seem unable...to find one

Sunfall: I make my way towards her and bow respectuflly. "Evening milday, you're appear as elegant as a swan this evening."

Caelianna: The priest...the one that can barely wack a gnoll?

Aikira: that one

-> sunfall: She makes a show of blushing and acting shy. "I thank you good sir."

Aikira: we think he was put under some kind of foul spell

Vincent (Rand): HEY HEY

Petra (Caelianna): I love you. ;-)

Aikira: or that he has some mental problems

Vincent (Rand): i killed 1 and seriously wounded a half dozen dammit

Caelianna: I would say.

Sunfall: I introduce myself as the one who left her the note, "Will I be so lucky that you accompany me this evening?"

Ro: /em goes sit on the bed not daring to move and beeing very nervous

Petra (Caelianna): brb...ggp since Vince decided to start torturing me

Toryn: After the hour of meditation (and hopefully recovering all his mana) Toryn nods at Caelinna

Toryn (Toryn): who now seems mysteriously distracted for some reason :P

Toryn: " If all doesn't go well with the king - I hope that advocate will agree to take our case" Toryn murmurs to Aikira " I don't think even the entire group of us could take on an entire garison of guards"

erus (Aikira): not an angel like you sissyboy

Vincent (Rand): Rand did a pretty good job at it Toryn, so why can't we all do it together...

Toryn: " We are taught " says Toryn slowly " To respect the laws of the land as well as the cause of Light within our order .. normally I'd be loathe to even suggest this .. but I owe Rand my life many times over thanks to the blessings of healing he's bestowed upon us all.. if I lose my paladin-hood saving his life so be it .. "

Toryn: " Having said that ... you, I, and Ro are each in possession of a smokebomb - throw it to the ground and it will create a large cloud of smoke

Toryn: " If all else fails - if we throw all three bombs to the ground at the same time we may be able to grab Rand and escape - we'll need to have our horses mounted outside and ready"

Petra (Caelianna): back

Ro: need to tank a mob

Toryn: " But first let's see what happens brother - for all we know Rand could be acquitted " says Toryn trying to look cheerful and failing miserably

Toryn (Toryn): Caelianna probably overhears the entire speech evil GM - Toryn gives it at 9pm after an hour of meditation while standing outside the gates )

-> ro: k

Petra (Caelianna): do you try to keep it from her?

Toryn: " And of course I owe you as well for healing me " toryn adds hastily looking at Caelinna, " It's just you're not the one possibly sentenced to death tomorrow, Rand is "

Toryn: Toryn murmurs low enough for just Aikira and Caelinna to hear

Toryn (Toryn): e.g. no not trying to keep it from her

Petra (Caelianna): k

Toryn: " You hardly need to make enemies here in town Caelinna - if you'd prefer to part ways with us at this point we'd completely understand "

Caelianna: Well, my advice is to wait to see what the king says before pulling anything too hasty. Perhaps your gods are with you and will intervene as they seem so keen to do.

Toryn: " It's an ' if all else fails ' sort of plan - not the best I agree but can't think of another one " says Toryn miserably

Caelianna: I have an agreement with this party. I will hardly run with my tail between my legs at the possibility of a bit of trouble.

Toryn: " Thank you " says Toryn gratefully " And there was never any doubt as to your bravery - I just didn't want to embroil you in troubles you hadn't brought upon yourself - but your assistance is, as always, most appreciated "

-> sunfall: I would love to show myself on the arm of such a handsome man. (beams a bright smile at Sunfall, revealing a row of perfectly straight and white teeth)

Toryn (Toryn): role playing those 10 ranks in Diplomacy ! :P

Toryn: Toryn stands at the gates, still quietly praying, until they open...

Sunfall: Crooks his arm happily. Before we exit I inform the innkeeper that I have the invitations for my friends, if they come looking I will meet them before the palace gates

People start gathering around the gates, chattering loudly, waiting to be let in.

-> sunfall: the inkeep nods, with a distasteful look on his face as Sarah walks by

Soon the gates open with flourish and fanfair of trumpets and jugglers that lead the stream of people towards the palace doors.

The lawn before the palace is decorated richly with ribbon and velvet. There are fantastic creatures roaming either side of the path such as lions and tigers, unicorns, griffons and winged horses.

Caelianna: The fountains before the palace stream with colored water and music can be heard from inside.

Toryn: Toryn lets the other partygoers move inside first then follows last, seeing if Ro or Sunfall is among them

Toryn (Toryn): " Hello Ro !" exclaims Toryn clapping the masked figure on it's back - the griffon rips it mask off and devours Toryn's head in a single gulp :P

Petra (Evil GM): those sneaky griffons

Evil GM: When Toryn, Aikira and Cael reach the door to the palace, an elegantly dressed steward stands blocking the doorway with his hand out. "Invitations please."

Toryn: Toryn produces his invitation and hands it over

Caelianna hands over her invitation and steps through the doorway with a nod from the steward.

Caelianna waits for Toryn and Aikira, putting her mask on of leaves arranged to look like a lion.

Toryn (Toryn): and Aikira does the same? :)

Toryn (Toryn): damn think we lost Aikira

Caelianna: The steward stands blinking at Toryn. "No invitations, no enterance. Sorry. I've heard of several parties taking place around Qeynos. Maybe you can try those."

Petra (Caelianna): ack...well, you get it without the black text

Toryn (Toryn): Toryn doesn't have his invitation ?

Evil GM: lol, no...Rand had them all. ;-)

Toryn (Toryn): I thought we each grabbed it from Mistress Tynne

Toryn (Toryn): man I need to start declaring these things when they come up in the game

-> sunfall: it takes about 20 minutes to get from the Inn to the Palace through the streets.

Vincent (Rand): i thought you had them all... oh well...

Toryn: Toryn smacks his head " Rand had all the invitations " Toryn groans looking at Caelinna " If you could - please, get to Mistress Tynee, let her know what's going on - we'll wait here "

Evil GM: I need to post all those logs.

erus (Aikira): gives his invitation to the steward

Sunfall: I walk a straight line from the inn to the palace, my mask off

Toryn (Toryn): Rand had all the invites

-> sunfall: Sarah makes small talk along the way.

Aikira gives his invitation to the steward

erus (Aikira): phone

Toryn (Toryn): evil GM Toryn gives Caelinna a little request (see above)

-> sunfall: Soon you're at the palace and walking up to the palace doors. Aikira and Toryn are standing outside, barred by the steward.

Caelianna nods and disappears into the palace.

Toryn (Toryn): and after seeing all this Stylixxt sends Petra a private e-mail afterwards .. " No offense but I don't play RPG's with morons, thanks for the invite though " :P

Sunfall: "Do you enjoy Qeynos life Sarah? It doesn't seems beneath a beauty such as yourself."

Petra (Caelianna): LOL

Sunfall waves to Toryn and Aikira invitations in hand

-> sunfall: "I do. There's something new going on every day. New people, events, new and exotic things.

-> sunfall: "And truely, our King is quite gracious and fair.

Evil GM: See....at least there's someone who doesn't fail his rolls...

Toryn: " Thank goodness " breathes Sunfall " You seem to be making a habit out of saving us - our thanks ! " says Toryn, pumping Sunfall's hand

Sunfall nods

Toryn: " If the gods are with us perhaps now the king will hear our plea "

Sunfall introduces the lovely girl who has accompanying him

Sunfall: Toryn, Aikira, this is Sarah, I am lucky enough to have her joining me this evening

-> sunfall: HAHAHA...you're one of those people who wear's a shirt saying "this is my costume" for halloween too aren't you?

Sunfall: only once or twice =)

Toryn: Toryn gives Sarah a courtly bow " Toryn , paladin in service to Mithaniel Marr, Knight of Truth from Freeport - and Aikira, the fiercest warrior I know "

Sarah nods shyly to Toryn and Aikira, fluttering her fan infront of her.

Toryn: " We have our invitations seems they were... misplaced " says Toryn to the steward

The steward holds out his hand for the invitations, impatient to get them gone off his palace steps

Toryn (Toryn): good point Sunfall we should probably say what our costumes look like - for anyone who didn't get the e-mail Toryn has white wings and a white mask covering the top half of his face over his armor and sword - " the avenging angel " - and Aikira is in a pink feather boa :P

Toryn (Toryn): seriously that's how Toryn is dressed at least

Toryn (Toryn): Sunfall give the steward the invites ;)

Sunfall gently tugs Sarah beyond the palace steps

Sunfall: "well, let's see what we can see" Sunfall says as he places his mask upon his nose

Sarah follows Sunfall into the palace.

Toryn (Toryn): evil GM there were four invites Sunfall had with him ?

Bobby (Sunfall): 5

Petra (Sarah): Now, did we decide that all Aikira was wearing was the feather boa??

Toryn (Toryn): yep, vote of 3 to 1 with one (Rand) abstaining

Ro: u see my dress description?

Bobby (Sunfall): we have an extra but I'm not pawning it off xD

Toryn: Toryn nods at the steward and enters, tugging Aikira along after Sunfall gives the steward the invites

-> ro: the one I wrote or did you write something else?

Ro: i put it in a note

Ro: but i guess u don't see the note

Ro: was trying to remember the one u wrote :P

-> ro: no I don't have it.

Ro: hmmm... how do i make it public? lol

-> ro: you have to share it

-> ro: there you go

Aikira: zek can kiss my ass, I'm gonna kill the tailor in a fit of pride and rage

Toryn (Toryn): Ro ? Standing within sight of Aikira and Toryn or sulking off in the distance beyond our sight ? :P

Evil GM: Sorry, give me a spot roll

Toryn (Toryn): oh no !

Through all the people that are milling about, Toryn is is able to see a woman wearing a yellow skirt and bikini top, dripping in golden jewlery, but with green skin.

-> ro: Tyree whispers to Ro as they walk through the crowd "We'll change into our real dresses later. The nice thing about being bards is we don't necessarly have to go with protocol"

Toryn: Toryn approaches her and then stops for a moment, smiling as he views the sight ... It's the pride and affection of a brother looking upon a beautiful, younger member of his family on the paladin's face...

Ro: oh, Ro says

Ro: he's talking to me?

Toryn: " You look absolutely breathtaking tonight sister " says Toryn when he approaches within conversation range

-> Ro: I believe so

Tyree smiles at Toryn from under her mask.

Petra (Tyree): half mask that is

Ro turns and smiles at Toryn

Ro: what drinks are beeing served actually?

-> ro: wine, ale, beer

-> ro: and non alcoholic stuff as well

Toryn: " I wish you could have met my mother - she would have liked you, no doubt she'd have wanted to adopt you - she's dead " adds Toryn a look of sorrow on his face... Collecting himself Toryn continues more seriously " There's trouble - Rand is in prison and may be executed tomorrow "

Ro: Ro is slowly sipping wine, veeerrrrryyyy slow

Toryn (Toryn): that conversation was directed at Ro

Kenny (Ro): we have the conversation now we had in mails? :P

-> sunfall: So, how long have you been in Qeynos?

Toryn (Toryn): oh no that took place a while ago, toryn chased you down in the city to have that chat with you ;)

Toryn (Toryn): so decide if you're still pissed or not ;) :P

Ro: 'why would i want to be adopted? I'm not a kid anymore you know' Ro whispers at Toryn

Kenny (Ro): need 5 mins afk

Toryn: " Granted - but we never outgrow our need for a parent " replies Toryn

Toryn: Turning to Mistress Tylee Toryn explains the circumstances of Rand's capture and imprisonment

Ro: I never had loving parents' Ro says seriously

Toryn: " He's a good man " pleads Toryn " He's not capable of murdering a town guard just like that - I fear that he's under the grip of some foul magic "

Tyree: That is quite unfortunate if I may say so.

Sunfall: Hardly a day and a night, my friends and I had just arrived when we were granted invitations from Mistress Tylee, would you happen to know her?

Toryn (Toryn): oh sorry, thought you were gone for 5 minutes Ro

Kenny (Ro): am partially afk

Vincent (Rand): stop about the foul magic dammit... it is no magic RAAAAAAAAAAA

Toryn: " Well you have a loving brother " says Toryn giving her a hug " And we can all do with having loving parents - they leave a lasting impression on us - the memory of my mother is where I get much of my strength from "

Vincent (Rand): bah, i cannot use that as my attack rioll :(

-> sunfall: Oh! Everyone knows who the royal bard is. I've never had the pleasure of meeting her in person, however.

Toryn: " Ro, Tyree - I'm hoping to get an audience with the king, plead Rand's case to him - I don't suppose you could help us with that Mistress Tyree ? "

Ro pushes Toryn away as he is trying to give a hug,' a loving brother that keeps seeing me as a clueless child, and keeps telling me around; Ro hisses

Toryn: " I already apologized for that " replies Toryn keeping his voice low " And I'll apologize a hundred times more if need be - I wasn't giving you enough credit and I'm sorry for that.. but right now Rand needs our help "

Tyree: I can see what I can do, however, I can not promise the King will see you tonight. I am his bard, though my influence even has it's limits.

Tyree slips away from Ro and Toryn discreetly, like the cat she is.

Toryn: " Rand may be executed tomorrow morning - you're sure you can't get us an audience? " Toryn asks Mistress Tyree desperately before she goes

Sunfall: "In that case, let me introduce you." Sunfall makes his way towards Mistress Tyree, introducing her at an opportune time.

Toryn: " Eh? You can get us to the king ? " says Toryn looking at Sunfall in confusion

Tyree stops infront of Sunfall and Sarah.

Sunfall: Apologies to interrupt such a serious conversation... Good evening Mistress Tyree

Tyree nods to Sunfall.

Toryn: " She was about to see if she could get us an audience with the king to plead on Rand's behalf " Toryn explains to Sunfall

Tyree: You're not masquerading as a coin tonight?

Sunfall nods

Tyree winks at Sunfall.

Sunfall: Coins are typically every other night I'm afraid *grinning*

Sunfall: Tonight I am masqeurading as a man with a lovely and witful date such as Sarah *nodding in her direction*

Sunfall: In the case of the King... I have heard it is not always the King that rules his kingdom, but the people who surround him. Do you truly think the King is the best person to speak to on Rand's behalf?

Tyree: Hmmm...I would be hard pressed to say whom is better. The King does have the final say on all matters.

Sunfall: but there must be someone of equal stature, with easier access, with a more adaptive disposition

Ro turns and walks over to the bar for some orange juice

Tyree: Of all the king's advisors, I'm afraid that I am probably the most approachable with the easiest ear.

Sunfall: I am glad to have you as a friend then

Tyree: As I was saying to your paladin friend before you stopped me on my errand. I can speak for the king on your friend's behalf, but even my influence has it's limits.

Tyree: The best I can probably hope for is a delay in the hearing before the king so you may find a suitable advocate and investigate the matter.

Tyree looks over to Toryn

Tyree: Have you spoken to Zane yet? He is probably the best advocate in Qeynos and has never lost a case before the king.

Toryn (Toryn): Toryn followed Ro when she left certain that Sunfall can handle it - it's Sunfall, he can do anything ;)