Action is the sole medium of expression for ethics.

[Kayla]

Dakkon smirks at Cirrus. "I brought myself back from the edge of death not more than a few hours ago in the tavern after running into these bandits alone. This time there are others with me." he adjusts his grip on his longsword, "Not only can I defend myself, I can heal those who may become injured."

[GM-Brad]

"Um, right," says Grymthor, "Alinar, you'll do."

"I thought I recognized you," says Bregolon. "you're our ambassador with Haven, or the other way around..." He stares at Alinar almost in awe.

Grymthor clears his throat. "Someone with more brains than me needs to write the message back to these bandits." He points to the wax tablet. "Kaylan, you want to, since it's your plan? Just so I got it straight, one group distracts while the other goes down the elevator and frees the hostages? The group that's distracting...we want to meet the bandits at the entrance or inside? Have them bring the hostages and our other group attack them from behind, or convince them to leave the hostages behind? And should we scout ahead or could that ruin the bluff if the scout gets caught?" He scratches his head. 'And where would you like me and my few men? And him?" He points to Bregolon.

Bregolon helps Lhaewan to his feet. "I have taken an oath to assist my master, and I wish to stay with him, if that is not a problem. He often needs an assistant." Lhaewan smiles down at his servant's kindly attentions.

Nellie finishes repairing the elevator, and you're able to split your group to prepare for action.

[Alinar]

“Given we may send them a total of two messages via the tablet, I see little flexibility. The first message – ‘We are ready’, would be followed by the terms of hostage exchange as dictated by the bandits. The second message – ‘We are on our way’, would then break the tablet post transmission.”

“Attempting to communicate with them another way – say, by messenger – would likely only prompt a costly rebuke and another message over the tablet to follow prior directions.”

“Negotiations of the terms of exchange cannot be accomplished. We will simply have to adapt to the instructions they provide.”

[GM-Amanda]

Cirrus settled back in her stance, feathers puffing up just once as her eyes narrowed on the tablet.

"Alinar's right. We're not gonna to be able to alter the terms of their deal from here, playin' by their rules. So either we gotta figure how to win within their rules once we know what they are, or make the decision to break 'em ahead of time."

"I dunno what their game here is, but Kaylan and Nell at least should know my policy towards traps." She grinned widely.

"Grymthor, for my vote, I would say you stick up here and watch our backs. A show of force ain't gonna help us down there, we need them to believe they're in control until they... aren't. Anyway, someone needs to keep an eye on Kaylan. Beyond that, I ain't gonna make a call, I'm no good at the "doing it right" schtick."

[Kaylan Chargeender]

*Kaylan chuckles twice at Abaddons comments, then turns to Kami to pose his question*

"Good lady Kami, your aid with the invasion group may prove invaluable for them and any captives. Will you go with them. I will see that you have a guardian if that will put you more at ease.?"

*Kaylan turns a confused and surprised scowl at Abaddon when he mentions he will be going in disguised*

" I am forced to inquire what would prompt you to put yourself in danger in such a manner? I do have a concern that the bandits know what these elves look like, since they seem to be trying to draw them in. Can you make yourself look like someone specific? If not, Nell has stated she may know a way."

*Kaylan ponders Alinar's words a bit before responding*

"I thank you for standing in my friend. I have seen you in a fight, and I am more confident in your skills than I am in the elves that have been asked for as ransom.
On the other topic, I ask simply because it strikes me that the elf would not be likely to refuse return, he was asked for specifically, and when you pull people back you have to be able to tell one beings energy from anoth...so it seems logical the same could be done from the other side. The possibility of that assertion being right makes me think he may be in on the assault and may have been killed under the understanding he would be raised by those inside, and is resisting you because you are not his conspirators.
Its all wild conjecture mind you..."

*The weathered dwarf turns with a sad sigh to respond to Bregolon*

"Possibly, but if he gave you one of these coins, you may have been swayed into it taking that oath without being aware. This is however a conversation for after we get the captives free.
"Lhawean, I suggest you rest, if you can, in the woods unseen. I have no intention of sending you in there as drained as this day has left you. I will ask if you have another such orb, if we can find a way to make someone look just like you, we can use as window dressing should we find a way to make the stand in look just like you."

*Kaylan steps over to Galdahorn, and ponders his words for a moment before replying*

"Would Ruinor show if he were to be informed, either you are Lhawean, had volunteered to go in?

Nell, tell me about these visage altering tools please.

Cirrus, are you looking to descend the elevator shaft, before the rest join you, in an effort to scout it? I will defer or your skill and experience on who you take and what directives you give, since my talents and training are the antithesis of yours. It does seem as you have several able combatants at your disposal"

*The dwarf knight reaches for the tablet from Grymthor, looking at it a long while before speaking to the group.*

"Cirrus is right, we need to alter the rules we are playing by. It seems to me the best option would be to have the bandits bring the hostages up and out, under the guise of ensuring they are still alive and well before turning the elves over. If it works, we will be shrinking the number that are in danger to three, give the other half of the group time to get behind the bandits, and place three skilled allies in the midst of some, hopefully, unsuspecting bandits. All in all that would place us in a MUCH better position for capture of any of them to get more answers.
Once we are prepared, I say send them the message once we know the other group is well on its way down. It should state they need to bring the hostages out and the elves are here and will remain so until we know none of the hostages has been harmed.
Since the noise will likely be from the machine here on the surface, I do not think those below will hear; and we need them to be almost to the bottom when the brigands mobilize to come to meet us so that the incursion team has as much time as possible. My only other desire would be a way to communicate with the group going in.
Grymthor I would like you and yours here for support should things skitter sideways of the cart track, and to escort the hostages back once we have them, since once we do....I'm headed inside to crush the truth juice out of the villains.
I am open to other suggestions."

[Faust]

Faust nods,
"I think that's a fine play. Let's do it."
He strides to the platform, the silent Janus no doubt it tow.
"On your command Lord Chargeender."

[Alinar]

Alinar ponders Kaylans' words.

"To no small surprise your conjecture does possess merit, Captain. Should Ademon have been in league with the bandits, we then have motive as to why they might now wish to obtain his remains - and why Ademon may have refused resurrection at this time. There are theories suggesting that a called spirit may briefly be aware of the corpses' situation directly prior to returning. Perhaps the enchanted coin on his person compelled him to fight against his comrades. Perhaps it was that incident that caused the bandits to alter their demands."

"These bandits may well possess information we would do well to acquire before any physical altercation is engaged."

[GM-Amanda]

"I *can* go down there and scout it out, but I'm not sure if that's the right play. I'm not used to having backup, 'specially the heavily armored kind. More means more chance for'em to spot somethin' untoward their particular predicament, and you folks are dare I say a bit more vested in this turnin' out well. I've hardly interacted on the heroic side of a hostage negotiation, and honestly, the whole thing is really kinda sloppy. Bargainin' for what you want? Tch. It's desparate. I can handle it, but you gropos got me in a mindset of *enlightened* self-interest."

"I agree we should get 'em to bring the hostages up here. If'n they don't, I'll go down and... hmm... utilize my skillset. But the noise from that winch, unless Nell brought some super awesome lard, is gonna echo like the Cataclysm down in those tunnels. I was considerin' takin' a rope down, or if it init that deep, lettin' gravity do the work. I'm thinkin' we shouldn't use that thing until we're ready to let 'em know we're comin'."

[Kaylan Chargeender]

"Faust, I will be trusting you to follow Cirrus' lead if and when you go down there. You are going to be the might to her moxie and guile."

*Kaylan grows a furrowed scowl and nods slowly when Alinar suggests the coins possible connection. A small smile crosses the warriors lips when he glances at the agent of the elves*

"Alinar, I know I am playing in your toy room with my theory, so please feel free to share any information that may apply...no matter how odd a connection my seem. Any clue, at this point, could be critical.

I will have to say, however, that while we NEED to know more before we engage them, I do not think they have given us the means to indulge in such a search. I wish it were otherwise."

*With a heavy sigh Kaylan turns to Cirrus, folding his arms and drawing his lips into a tight line.*

"Its your feathered hide if you go down and get in a stew pot ya cannot escape, so you can get down there as you like. If you get killed, and I have to explain it to the King...I will be doing it wearing a headdress made outta your best feathers.
If you can get the elevator to drop without power, and therefore no or little noise, that's the method I would think would serve you best. then take the team and leave em behind you with orders to only follow if they hear ya squawk.....?"

*With a shrug of uncertainty, Kaylan turns to the others to get the parts of the plan moving forward."

[Alinar]

“Our clues are nascent, and most connections ethereal at best. Perhaps Ademon did not refuse to return, but was prevented. Perhaps enchanted coins are an element of a sinister plot to enslave the sentient species of Phanterra, or merely a means to obtain higher profit. Perhaps the bandits are actually working for the Elves - or a rival merchant camp. I could argue convincingly for or against any of these theories as well as a great many more over the next fortnight.”

“However we are unlikely to ascertain the actual truth of the situation without actual conversation and interrogation of those who possess more intimate knowledge of it.”

“I’d advise that we now tell the bandits that we are ready. Include suggestions on how to proceed, if you like, in the content of our message. Once we have the bandits reply and hostage exchange instructions, we will then be able to plan more precisely on how to garner the greatest advantage during the forthcoming interaction.”

[Abaddon]

"There was some suggestion that they might recognize alinar since, this fellows did. They will not recognize me." Abaddon says. "I found a beard in the tees. I cam not skilled enough to be a specific person. if Nell has something that would be super."

The old Man draws a fresh circle in chalk. Inside a severn pointed star. Valkyn'vi glyphis mark each line.

He enters the circle and then kneels.

White spiders with no eyes burst forth from nothing. In a few minutes they have completely covered the old man in ephemeral silk. The sound of flesh ripping like dry paper can be heard.

After a few more minutes an elf arm rips through the silk. Inside in a young elf man with dusky skin and long brown hair. He tucks Abaddon's mask into his satchel. He steps out of the webs that blacken and burn away. He had no trace of the old man's limp.

"Are we ready to trigger this trap?" He asks in a new voice that matches the body.

"I can force the information from anyone we need. No one can keep their secrets from me."

[Zydana]

The female Valkin’Vi continues to remain silent with her gaze fixed upon the ground somewhere directly in front of her feet. She briefly watches Cirrus twirl her necklace, somewhat fascinated with either the object or the motion created.

Her head is down when Kaylan mentions his idea to separate her from Abaddon to have her accompany the larger group. She makes no motion to respond. At Abaddon’s response about Kami being able to decide for herself, she turns her head slowly towards him and gives him a bit of a sideways glance, but offers no reply.

She remains disinterested in the conversations at hand, often watching the place in front of her feet, looking up to Cirrus or Abaddon or looking back down the road.

When Kaylan mentions to her a second time, separating herself from Abaddon – this time with the promise of a guardian, she again stands silently near Abaddon, watching the ground.

The female Valkin’Vi watches as spiders engulf Abaddon in spider silk. As Abaddon emerges from the cocoon, she continues to watch unmoving. Those who have spent much time with the woman may detect a hint of amusement behind her often sad-looking expression.

[GM-Brad]

[I apologize for taking a few liberties here to move the plot along, but I think this will synergize everyone’s ideas. Time to continue the adventure!]

Bregolon covers the dead body with a cloak. Lhaewan agrees to wait in the woods. His orb lights up: “I have a spare Orb.” He pulls one out from a pocket. “My servant, Bregolon, can take my place. He’s the most familiar with my habits, should they be well known even to those I have not met.”

When Abaddon transforms, Grymthor stands back, frightened.

“Ah,” says Lhaewan,“I fear he is right. Ambassador Alinar, you may be too recognizable, though we’d be happy to have you as our spokeman. Perhaps this Valken’Vi' should pose as Ruinor instead.”

Grymthor listens. “This whole thing is a bit of a gamble, but darned if I can think of a better plan... I do have one tweak, though. Captain, if you don’t mind-” He grabs the tablet and writes a message agreeing to the exchange if the bandits bring the hostages to the mine entrance in a half hour. “This’ll give us time to get the elevator team in place, if the bandits agree. Now, let’s see what they have to say.”

A few minutes later a reply magically appears on the tablet:

We will come.

“Well,” says Grymthor, “short and to the point. But they’ve taken the bait.”

Nellie is able to tinker with the elevator so it won’t make too much noise, if the descent is slow. The drop is nearly 200 feet, and the old gears can’t handle too many trips, so you decide to send the elevator group down all at once, then have Cirrus scout ahead at the bottom. The team for the elevator descends. If you are part of that group, go to the thread “Down the Elevator” now: http://www.finalhavenlarp.com/phpBB2/vi ... f=6&t=6605

Everyone else, stay here and read on:



For those staying:

It takes some time for the elevator group to descend. During the wait, the elves put Bregolon to work. Lhaewan has him fetch water and stoke a fire for tea, then mend Galadhorn’s cloak. Only after that do Lhaewan and Bregolon switch cloths. The servant plucks at the rich attire, clearly uncomfortable. “I shouldn’t be wearing this. It’s yours…”

Lhaewan shakes his head, his orb replying, “You’ll be fine, Bregolon. You can return it to me later. Now help me into the woods.” The two go a ways into the trees. Bregolon returns alone holding Lhaewan’s orb, delicately, as if it were alive. Then he and Abaddon take their place next to Galadhorn to pose as the ‘elven’ merchants.

You wait. At some point, Kaylan does something odd, returning to the elven body on the ground (I will let him describe what happens). You stare in bewilderment, until a noise pulls your attention away:

The bandits have appeared at the mouth of the mine entrance. You see six of them: fur clothing, deep hoods, swords in hand pressed tightly against four hostages, which they roughly push forward into the light, then hold tight. There is something odd about the hostages, however. They seem unusually stiff and unresponsive.

“Sylvia!” Bregolon shouts, seeing his sister. “What have they done to you?”

“We have four hostages,” says one of the bandits. “You should have three greedy, high born elves and a body. An even trade. Where are they?”

The bandit scans your group, noticing the elves. His eyes linger on ‘Abaddon the elf’, but he says nothing. He scowls. “They are not tied up? Why? If this is some trick, I make you a promise: We will burn four bodies, one way or another.” One of the bandits lights a torch, and it sputters. “I will give you a piece of advice, though doubtlessly you’ll not listen. You never do. Empty your pockets of gold. You’ll be happier that way. Now, send forth the elves. After you have done so, we will send forth your kin.”

Read only if you have Spot

---

The hostages do not appear to be breathing.

Read only if you have Improved Spot

---

The bandits are wearing disguises. They are not humans at all, but wood elves!

Read Only if You have Sense Magic

---

There is some spell over the hostages.

Read only if you have Disenchant

---

From a distance you are able to dispel an illusion. The four hostages are not hostages at all, but four dummies made of sticks and straw. Describe this to everyone else.

[Alinar]

"I appreciate the offer, Grymthor " Alinar replies before the plan gets underway, "But should these bandits despise Elves as the situation suggests - at least on the surface - then I would make a poor spokesperson, indeed. In truth, this is more a security matter. The Captain had best take lead."

When the Bandits arrive, Alinar leans toward Kaylan and speaks without taking his eyes off the foe.

"While the captives are not breathing, there *is* a spell upon them. Let us hope it is a form of Stasis. This also indicates our opponents have access to significant magic."

[Kaylan Chargeender]

*Kaylan nods at Alinar's words*

"I agree that this dead elf and that coin are twisted into the tangled plot we are trying to unravel in some unseen manner, of that I am sure."

* Kaylan arches a brow as he watches Abaddons magics worked, slightly shaking his head before speaking to the Abaddon elf*

"That's just disturbing on many levels, have you ever been told ...you should rethink this entire creepy spider based magic. It could hurt your popularity with the commoners..."

*Kaylan glanced over at Kami, with a small smirk*

"Kami, please, such extensive oration isn't required to convey that you are disinclined. You could simply have shaken your head no and saved the verbose monologue..."

*Kaylan watches as Bregolon covers the dead elf, before the man servant moves to tends to the whims of the elves; seeming to become almost transfixed on the body. He stares at it a long while, his hands slowing moving from pouch to pockets.
Its as if they searching for something, then occasionally re appearing for him to glance at what they found before his gaze swings back to the body and his hands vanish again, as if what they held was wrong or insufficient. Each search of himself brings him one step closer to the body, until a hand draws the coin out again and he is standing next to the slain elf. His eyes dart back and forth between coin and corpse and he slowly starts to kneel.
When he is half way down until a kneel bedside the body his lips sneer and Kaylan grows, low through clenched teeth, which slowly becomes louder and deeper as he struggles to stand as if under a massive weight.
With a roar he turns and hurls the elven coin into the soil many feet from himself, then looks to the gathered Havenites and speaks in a graveled tone.*

"Whomever among you has the skill to examines that to find the details of its magic, please do so...then...myself...and then ...."

*The knights angry gaze swings to the half elven servant.*

"HIM ...if you please. That coin is incessant and nefarious. Check to see if there is lingering magic on myself and Bregolon."

*Kaylan raises a hand to stop anyone trying to comply when the noise announces the bandits arrival. He turns slowly and stands to square himself to the thugs with practiced military posture.

When the brigands inquire about the elves, Kaylan gestures to Galadhorn, Bregolon, and the disguised. As Alinar leans toward Kaylan to speak, Kaylan nods with a sour scowl on his face.*

"I had noticed...and hope it is simply containment magic.."

*Kaylan returns his seething glare fully back to the raiders.*

"...they aren't tied as we have no distrust of them and we assumed you would understand the workings of...rope.
I will also offer you an oath, my solemn oath as a dwarf and a knight of the Crimson Aegis. On my honor if you harm any of them or even treat them roughly at this point; you will count your remaining life as a number of breaths less than you have fingers.

Also, as I am no fool, there will be no exchange until I know they are alive and well, as it seems they aren't even moving or breathing. IF the healer has ensured they are well, we exchange a captive, for elf...one at a time. If not, your family will miss you at the next communal meal. Try to flee back into the tunnels before the captives are free, and your fate is the same."