Amongst the Flames — IC

Post by **Namelessjake** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 1:15 pm

"One-of-a-kind? That's not normally the sort of thing I tend to deal in, but if I can pick something up for a good price I'm not going to say no," the merchant replies. "Most of the merchants who specialise in that sort of thing are long gone from here."

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Aug 10, 2016 4:09 pm

Were she a cat at the moment her ears would have perked up. Instead, there is simply a twinkle in the young tenant's eyes at the merchant's words. "Well," she says, in a hushed tone, "I came across something unique in my travels recently. If it's something you think you can sell, I may be willing to part ways with it."

She rummages through her bag, digging deep into the bottom where she'd carefully arranged her Golden Spearheads. She grabs one and produces it from the bag, making sure it is not clear she has more. She holds it forward with cupped hands, an attempt to shield it from view should anyone be watching the exchange.

"It is a spearhead. A golden one. But not just a spearhead that happens to be made of gold. Based on the markings in the ruins I just came from, this appears to have been used by a Golden Spear." She keeps the item close enough for the man to see, but not so close he could reach for it before she'd have time to react.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 2:01 pm

"Interesting," the man replies, adopting Cleo's hushed tone as he leans in for a closer look. After inspecting the spearhead for a moment he looks back up to Cleo. "I don't know what a Golden Spear is, but I'll give you 35 gold for it," he says.

Post by **Fialova** » Thu Aug 11, 2016 6:00 pm

Cleo fails to prevent herself from grimacing in response. "The Golden Spears were only the most famous warriors of the Age of Myth. But, if you don't know them then I don't think you could fully appreciate this rare, one-of-a-kind artifact," she says, stuffing the spearhead in her bag and turning to leave.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Fri Aug 12, 2016 4:56 pm

The merchant sighs. "Forty is as high as I'll go. You'll struggle to get more than that here," he says. "This isn't Crescent Bluff. There's no antique dealers or rich patrician collectors."

Post by **ratwizard** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 5:39 pm

"I think you should take the offer, Cleo," Shira'stasa whispers to her companion. "I don't think we'll be able to get more out of the scarce merchants here." The Tenant checks over her shoulder at Geral and the others, gauging if they have finished resupplying or not.

Post by **Fialova** » Mon Aug 15, 2016 6:53 pm

"No deal," Cleo says without turning back to the man. She walks further down the road and when out of ear-shot, whispers back to her friend. "It's alright, I can save them for later. I have a few left, and as he said, Crescent Bluff should pay a decent price." I should have known no one here would be appreciative of history.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 9:53 am

"Suit yourself," the merchant says with a shrug as Cleo turns and leaves.

"If everyone has concluded their business, we should set off now we're resupplied," Khaled says as the tenants rejoin the group. "It's a day to Bravais, but if this has been any indication of life under the new Rakh, then there's no reason to stop there. My vote would be to skip it and head straight for the camp.

Post by **ratwizard** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 10:09 am

Disappointed at being unable to find her mother, Shira'stasa nods along to Khaled's words without listening much. Perhaps I can try again on my way back from our task at hand. She has to be here...

"Unless we need supplies, there is little need to take our time in the city. We should pass through quickly."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:18 am

"Yes, let us be off," Juliette says, agreeing with Khaled. "The sooner we do, the sooner we can put those bandits to the grave."

Post by **Fialova** » Tue Aug 16, 2016 4:28 pm

And the sooner I can get back to my cozy room in Crescent Bluff. "Yes, I am all for leaving as well. It seems there is little point in sticking around in this city." Cleo looks to Shira'stasa, noticing the worry in her friend's face. She is tough, she will be alright. Her mother too.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Thu Aug 18, 2016 1:31 pm

You gather your things and leave the city behind, setting off into the desert once more. The next day passes relatively uneventfully. The route between Azkahir and Bravais is well patrolled by soldiers loyal to the Rakh, a few of the patrols ask for your papers but give you no trouble.

After camping by the roadside for the night, you veer off the road, headed for the location the bandit marked on Shira'stasa's map. The Malachite Blades ride ahead, acting as scouts to try and spot the camp.

Around midday one of the riders returns to the group with news of the camp's location. Having observed the camp for sometime, he describes it's layout and the men there in great detail, allowing you to plan your attack.

The camp is constructed around two small buildings. The bandits have installed spikes to act as a defensive wall, leaving two entrances, one to the North and one to the South. They have also erected two towers, one by each exit. Due to the openness of the dunes surrounding the camp, men on the towers will likely be able to spot you from some distance.

[SHOW]

Post by **ratwizard** » Fri Aug 19, 2016 11:35 am

Based on the Blades' description of the camp, Shira'stasa forms a mental image and begins to plan. "Perhaps we could strike from the west? We could take cover from their towers by the building on that side, and even scale it if necessary. I'd imagine we could get a height advantage over them if we get atop it. Besides, the two entrances are well-fortified chokepoints." She looks to the others, seeking their comments.

Post by **Fialova** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 3:54 pm

"I agree that the buildings are our best bet. If you all go to one of them, I may be able to sneak up on the other and set a fire to cause confusion and panic. I'm really good at sneaking into places," Cleo says with a grin. No one will pay any mind to a cat. At least not before I've had a chance to set their tents or a tower on fire.

Post by **ratwizard** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:01 pm

"Two fires, even," Shira'stasa comments as she holds her hand forward, palm upwards. A small burst of flame crackles into life, floating just an inch above her skin. She seems to smile slightly for a moment before she closes her hand into a fist and the flame disappears. "There's nothing like having a fire on both sides of you."

Post by **Scratcherclaw** » Sun Aug 21, 2016 4:57 pm

Juliette smiles at the plan the tenants have begun formulating, saying, "I doubt they'll be able to focus well on fighting us while they're surrounded by flames." Recounting the scout's description of the camp, Juliette adds, "Careful not to burn those captives to a crisp too, though."

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 12:34 pm

"Sowing chaos should aid our attack," Khaled says. "Where should us Blades attack from?" he asks, mostly at Geral, although his eyes dart to the more vocal members of the group too.

kalis5 · Post by **kalis5** » Tue Aug 23, 2016 8:18 pm

Geral crosses his arms, picturing the encampment. He looks pensive, for a small moment, before nodding to himself.
"To the south. Once their formation is focused on the west, and on putting the fires to the east out, you can strike through the southern gate. Cleo, can you set the archers towers on fire as well?"

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Aug 24, 2016 6:07 pm

"I can try," Cleo responds to Geral. Turning to the others, she adds, "If that's the case, you guys should head to the western building while I get the eastern one. Then the Blades can come up from the south or whatever, like Geral said." I cannot wait to see them burn. This will be so fun. We can't be rid of them soon enough. Cleo's eyes glimmer with a sadistic glee at the thought of the havoc her flames will cause.

Post by **ratwizard** » Thu Aug 25, 2016 7:43 pm

"Be careful, Cleo," Shira'stasa warns, putting a hand on the shorter Tenant's shoulder. "Don't let yourself get surrounded. And call for me if things go poorly," she advises.

Post by **Namelessjake** » Tue Aug 30, 2016 10:39 am

With a plan in place, you split up and approach the camp from 3 sides, leaving your horses behind. Crawling behind the low dunes, you get as close to the camp as possible without being spotted, before lying in wait for the plan to be put into action.

[SHOW]: Initiatives will be rolled once the enemy are alerted to your presence. For now you can take any actions you wish, however if they result in a change in the status of anything then your other actions may be interrupted.

[SHOW]

Post by **Fialova** » Wed Aug 31, 2016 1:19 pm

Now out of sight of her companions, Cleo takes the opportunity to use her cat form. Slowly transforming into a small feline, she races across the sand towards the nearest of the buildings. Once there she hugs the wall, trying to stay out of sight as best as she can.