Asphalt

Vindsval Rubs his brow, the irony of attempted to sneak through the city unseen is not lost on him. He removes his shield and stows it with his other gear. Other than my Stealth suit I can think of nothing else I could don to make me more inconspicuous. That spell may be of use on my bulk if for no-one else. OOC: what about my Ten Gallon Hat. Headwear, makes it impossible for anyone to take the character seriously.

That I have yet to learn. We are on our own here, we know only what we have seen. We lost any high ground when we killed those men for doing their jobs. If we go to the paper and there are more soldiers, what morality do we have to stand on if they attack. We are the criminals in this city now, they its protectors. And that will be the case until we are vindicated by these Returners, or we are victorious in overthrowing them and taking back our Hall.

We have tarried here long while our other friends travel to the gods only know where. We must decide and do so quickly. I can support a decision to protect this writer, but will that truly aid us in our quest or bring us more blood upon our hands. We killed many who were simply doing their jobs in order to bring these two from danger. If we are to do it again, all must agree to strike down any who stand against us. There can be no question of morality.

Vindsval lays a hand lightly on his companions shoulder. It is a righteous Path you plan to walk my friend, and you make my decision easier. If you will lend us your shield, I will lend you my blade. I will continue the Path of the Vindicator. I only pray that I hold the beast in check.

It is decided then, the temple will be out next destination. Vindsval moves over to speak more closely with the Fox. Master Fox, I fear I truly do not know which Path would best serve my companions and my adopted city. The Protection of the Paladin would aid us greatly, but our resources are low. The power of the Vindicator could tip the balance in a battle, but would leave us broken and bleeding. Tell me, you must have once battled without the magical protections of the hall. Which Path would you walk this day?

We all understand. Sorry to hear it.

The decision weighs heavy upon me. I cannot yet decide which path would prove the best for the people of this city. I agree that a direct assault against the founders would be a poor decision for any. Nor do I think that sending the Wolfgang to cause a distraction would be wise. It would seem our Path leads to two places, either this temple or the trail of the far one.

You speak true, I have great power as my Lord's avenging right hand. But the cost. IT pulls the Beast from inside me. That which I have kept in check for so long that I might be seen as man not monster. Every time I use the power of the seal, I find the red haze coming sooner and lasting longer. If this final fight is to indeed save the lives of its residents and the soul of this city, I must keep my own. I will walk beside all of you, this I pledge. But to do so I must have my control. Master Fox, Would you lend me your guidance once last time?

Life first man. We can wait.

Now that we have escorted our charges here, what is our next move? If the Paladin have one again become an oppressive force in this city, perhaps I would better counter them if I once again too up that mantle. Those not of the yellow need to know that not all would call them fiend and that there are Gods who would welcome them. He looks at his companions. Mistress Karie, my sword is once again at your side. How would you have us proceed?

Nothing good has every come from bringing the dead back to the mortal Path.

It is good then that this is open to our cousins. If these Paladins continue to rise in power it may soon become an inhospitable place for anyone of green skin or black eye. The one claiming to be the giant seems to favor conflict. The woman styling herself to be the Dragon acted the more level headed of the two. While it was she who claimed the authority of banishment, she at least spoke of patience and examination. Vindsval looks ascance at the two he held esport here, the two who were the cause of the spilled blood in the tavern. If we had not been forced to choose sides between the paladins and these two, it may yet of have a peaceful exchange.

Vindsval barely catches the laugh that tries to escape when he catches Karie's short joke.

A rare sentiment indeed, rare indeed. There are few through my years that have welcome those not of the yellow hue. How come you to be here? This is far from both your homeland and the hall. Well met fanged one, are you the Wolfking of whom I have heard much. Both of good an ill? We made it here with none upon our path but our own. What do you mean by remedy?

Vindsval extends his arm of flesh to clasp forearms with the ogre. It is good to speak with someone nearly as tall. I am indeed the Half-born, Scorpion Knight, Vindicator of the Wanderer, but I am Vindsval to those who would call me friend. He looks around the enormous room and its strange wolfed motif. This is quite the impressive lair. One could almost feel at home here, if it weren't far below the skies.

Vindsval, his head and shoulders bowed in the confines of the sewers narrows his eyes at ogre, but tries not to sound too out of sorts. Brownskin, we are covered in the blood of those whose only crime was to follow the orders they were given and the slime of city above. If you would simply allow us in we can move forward in this thing that we find ourselves mired in.

OOC: I haven't hit the site since my question yesterday. It is semester change and final exam time and my students are morons. I will try to look at the puzzle shortly, but please don't wait for me to submit an answer if the deadline has passed. I hate mid year.

OOC: I meant like a pause. N N E (don't move/pause one movement) E. E

I remember that heated debate.

OOC: the party must move correct? Stay put is not a viable option.

OOC: anyone have some good spare footwear?

Vindsval hands Throlar the Gloves of the Hipocratic Oath. Use them well my friend. They are powerful and have served me well. You can return them when we have finished this thing. He drapes the Mythril Mail over Toralds head. Keep your skin intact, and protect those who are in need.

You and I both Songsmith, he snorts, you and I both. Vindsval First equips his Multitool attachment, then Consumes a Mead, and inhales a Smelling Salts. He quickly uses two Grating stones to sharpen his wrath Lance and Two grating stones to sharpen his Bifrost Blades. Strapping the lance to his back and the daggers into his belt he LEAVES THE BUILDING.

Vindsval Reclaims and stowed his gear. You show the right in sharing what we have that is no longer of use to us. I carry much that may help some of you. Ask of me what you will. If you would do so quickly. If a dragon truly threatens, I would prefer not to be caught in the streets. OOC: If anyone can use anything from the following list feel free to ask to borrow it. Toxic Hood: (Headwear. The green hood worn by the Rosalia Pestilence. Changes the poisoned effect, to Blessed for the duration of the battle if poisoned while wearing the hood, Usable by all.)Ten-Gallon Hat: Gives the wearer the "Tourist" effect, causing no one to take them seriously)Gloves of the Hypocritical/Hippocratic Oath, Handwear, (Adds +10 to healing for characters with the Healing job trait and + 10 Poisoning for characters with the Wicked (or future equivalent) fighting style )Mythril Mail (SP:10; suitable to knights and barbarians only; bodywear)Anniversary Medal (Power +5, SP +5, Max Health +5, Max Ether +5. Values increase by 1 with each passing year; Accessory)Gauntlets of the Legionnaire (Power +5, immune to Petrified, Handwear) Xeno Whip (WP:4, poisoning the Xeno Whip doubles the poison output, whip) Witch's Hammer (WP 8, Poison 10, Hammer) Scroll of Poisoning. Can be cast on a weapon to give it Poison 10, for the duration of the battle at the cost of 5 Ether.Scroll of Frailty (Enables casting the Fragile effect to one target for three round. Each casting has a 50/50 chance of success and costs 1 ether.) Petaldan, you may find this of interest now that you have the powers of faith. He holds up a crooked staff. Renegade’s Crook (WP: 10, successful healing also poisons the target’s weapon by 3, staff)

Master Fox, you allowed us to become the men and women we are. It is only right that we help you in a small way upon your path. She sought no quarrel, I say we leave her that which was theirs. I have no reputation among the Wolfgang, but I feel the color of my skin would leave my companions at a disadvantage elsewhere. If you will have me I will go with you to meet with this Ulric of the Wolfgang. Be safe my young friends. May The Wanderer Guide you, and may your faith protect them all young Paladin. Vindsval smiles proudly despite the situation. That youngling will be no scourge as have been others who bore that title.