Group 22

[Drainial]

The excavation site fairly stank of magic, amongst other things. Clearly the horned rat was a magic user of some considerable power but it was the glowing green rock which captured his attention even over such sights as rats the size of trolls. From the way it radiated mystic energy of the blackest nature and its general appearance Elysian knew it must be warpstone. He had never seen it before but sensei had talked about it. If nothing else it explained the presence of mutants in the sewers; the only wonder was that they were so uniform in type, not a tentacle to be seen.

Whether the rat men had been created by the presence of warpstone or whether they had been drawn here by it was a matter for another time. Of more pressing concern was the survivor from their recent conflict, if he made it to the magic user they would have another fight on their hands.

Vyrala suggested a quick withdrawal but Elysian was not so sure, either they killed the injured skaven or he would alert the others. Killing the rat man might well also bring down greater scrutiny but at worst they would lose moments and at best they could avoid pursuit altogether.

"Vash'nir is right, that rat needs a bolt between the shoulder blades before we move off.”

Someone would have to be informed about this Elysian supposed, as a city councillor Blackthorn would probably take an interest or at least know who to pass the information on to. For now though they had to focus simply on returning to the tower and getting paid.

Elysian suggests killing the messenger (big old hint for Phalx though he doesn't like to try ordering people around) before exiting as quickly as circumstances dictate.

[Layne]

They had followed the rat tunnel all the way down ; it was some kind of civic thing to do it, K felt the best thing was to get far away fast, before they were caught between two armies. I mean obviously there was one in front, and they knew there was one behind, so it seemed sensible to get moving.

They came to the end of the tunnel, and there was the army. And there, in the middle of the army, was a rat they had seen before. So not much time left to run.

Vash'nir wanted to shoot him.

O no, don't make them angry, I want to count them first...

or we run, before your crossbow tells them exaclty where we are?

[Kinslayer]

OOC - I was hoping you'd all agree on one plan of action but as you're still divided I'll have to try to run with both.

IC -

The six mercenaries crouched on the ledge above the hollowed out chamber that was overrun with skaven, the ratmen digging away at the rock to get to the glowing green stone beneath. There was another passage up ahead leading out of the chamber, but to get to it they would have to go down and cross the vast pit where the skaven worked. Thinking the better of this idea, their task in the sewers having already been completed, the group decided to turn back and try a different route before Lord Faulin could catch up with them. However, just as some of them suggested they go back, they spotted the skaven that had escaped them earlier running in the direction of the horned skaven leader. If they allowed the rat to reach him then he would no doubt inform them of their presence, and the last thing they wanted was being hunted through this underground maze by the rats and their captive monster.

Fortunately Vash'nir had an idea, and seeing that Phalx was still in two minds about whether he should shoot down the skaven or not, the other Shade took it upon himself to fulfil this task. Vash raised his crossbow and aimed at the scurrying ratman, holding his finger to the trigger but waiting for the precise moment to strike. Just as the skaven made to run past the rat ogre that was chained to one of the support pillars, Vash'nir sent a single crossbow bolt sailing through the air. The bolt struck the skaven in the back, and with a squeal of pain the skaven was sent crashing forwards to slide across the wet earth. The rat skidded to a halt before the chained ogre, and the beast leaned forwards and snatched the still squealing ratman up from the ground. The skaven was torn apart in a gory display, and those skaven heads that turned to watch suspected nothing other than the skaven had walked too close. The group slipped away back into the tunnels without the rats ever knowing they had been there.

The group headed back across the rocks that formed a bridge over the sewage, to the caved in part of the tunnel where they had been moments before. This time they scrambled up the fallen stones of the ceiling and tunnel above, not wanting to head back through the sewer tunnels in case they ran into Lord Faulin or more of the ratmen. They made their way into another skaven cut tunnel, this one leading them steadily upwards back towards the surface. Clearly the skaven had tunneled down here in search of the warpstone, cutting right through one of the Druchii tunnels as they did so. Quite how their efforts had gone unnoticed by the sewer watches they could only guess, but the fact they had not encountered one themselves told them either the Druchii were not doing their job properly, or the skaven had gone to great efforts to ensure the Druchii would not discover them. No doubt that meant the sewer watch were now rat ogre food.

The tunnel did indeed lead the group back to the surface, and they found themselves in another cellar, this one infested with rats and filled with old barrels of grain, most of which had been gnawed open. Quite where they were in the City remained a mystery to the group for the moment, but a small set of wooden stairs on the far end of the cellar led up to a wooden door to the building above. This door too had been broken, most of its lower half missing to create a skaven-sized opening. As one, the group ascended the stairway and smashed their way through what remained of the door. They realised they were in a large storage building, filled with similar chambers for the storage of the foods farmed by the common folk of Vikarh. They followed the route out, causing a few Druchii workers to give them confused looks, clearly not expecting to see the mercenaries there but unwilling to stop them after glancing at their weapons.

They emerged just as evening seemed to be setting in, the skies above darkening as storm clouds gathered over the City. They didn't recognise this part of the City, but they knew already it couldn't be far from the Nobles' Quarter.

[Drainial]

Relived though slightly disappointed to leave the rats without a fight Elysian took in their new surroundings impassively. It was not an area of the city with which he was familiar but finding their bearings shouldn't prove too difficult, they would be able to see a landmark sooner or later and then they could work their way back to Blackthorn’s estate. Eager to get paid and to report the presence of the Skaven Elysian was keen to get started.

Homeward bound, we must be able to work out where we are eventually.

[Raneth]

Though V shared Karonath's opinion on the situation, Vash struck without warning, and through his luck or skill the group remained undetected by the rats. Back out the tunnel, they soon shook off Lord Faulin's posse in excrement's maze, and made to return home safe and sound.

Will there be retribution? V pondered; though none of their number bore heraldry, she reckoned the more knowledged of Vikarh's residents could learn of their identities and allegiances should they so want. The death of an only son could well trigger such desire; V could but hope Faulin did not have the wit and resources to trace the deed back to Varin.

Then there was the small matter of a f****ng giant rodent army right below their feet. In her time working for Blackthorn, V had felt Naggaroth's very soil seemingly lose its security. As if Chaos worshippers and Asur traitors baying at the gates weren't enough, now mutated vermin were lurking within the earth itself. To one as defensive-minded as Vryala a major priority was the safety of home base; to her, Skaven presence was like a cancer eating away at that safety - the only solution to purge it with righteous flame.

Now where did I put that map...

Upon returning and reporting, tries to find out how to enlist with Vikarh Pest Control

[Khel]

Home was the obvious option, which the group seemed to be readily agreeing upon. Turning back to the group, he mumbled to whoever now had the shiz flecked head of their target.

Throw a cloak or something over that thing, will you? Last thing we need is to be discovered by the head itself, let alone the smell we've got stuck to us.

Paces to the north and quick march home.

[Dauricha]

Phalx patted Vash on the shoulder as they headed away from the mining stinking ratmen. Good shot, he whispered, impressed by his fellow shade. Half of him had wanted to head into them Deathspitter firing, horn dagger slick with the dark blood. The great hulking rat with slabs of muscle as big as he had given him some pause though. Thankfully the decision had been made for him. They were creeping away now ever upwards to the safety of the streets.

Phalx will follow the others out of the tunnels.

[Kinslayer]

The mercenaries left the granary and worked their way through the winding streets of the storage buildings, which they quickly realised were near the garissons of the City Guard. Realising their location at once, the group turned North and East and found their way to a major road, one that would take them back into the Nobles Quarter from which they had strayed. Here Vryala took Saldrimeks' advice and covered the head of the late Draco Faulin with the edges of her robes. The last thing they needed was the guards of House Faulin spotting the dead lad and attacking them, especially now that the guards were probably patrolling all of the nearby streets in search of them. Knowing the guards had no real information to go on however, they felt safe that they could make it back without a fight.

They took a slightly longer route around and first headed in the direction of the Nobles Market, before heading North and then turning back West in the direction of their Masters' estate. This way their return was inconspicuous, for it seemed the group were just returning from a trip to the markets. If anyone suspected a thing they gave no sign, for despite walking past several mean looking guard patrols, who perhaps had ties to Lord Faulin, or perhaps did not, the group quickly made it back to the estate. Guard Captain Sevro awaited them on the door, and he spoke a sharp order to one of the other guards to open the gate. The iron portcullis screeched up and granted them access, and one by one they strode purposefully back into the Blackthorn estate, some of them nodding their thanks to Sevro as they passed by.

Varin awaited them in his feasting chamber, sat at the head of his long table with his palms linked together beneath his chin. For a moment the Noble seemed lost in deep thought, and it was only when the door clicked shut behind them that his eyes turned their way. Their employer smiled in greeting, leaning back in his chair and laughing darkly as Vryala hurled the severed head of Draco Faulin onto the table before him. For the moment the group did not bother to take seats, for Varin himself stood up and moved around the table towards them. As he passed the head he leaned over and picked it up by a clump of bloody hair, turning it left and right in his hands and studying it as though it were some fine piece of art. When at last he spoke, he did so with what seemed like concern in his voice.

"I must say, I was beginning to have my doubts as to whether or not you were going to return. Lord Faulin can be a nasty piece of work, I trust that no clues were left behind as to who sent you? I can tell by the stench you made your escape, or perhaps your entrance, through the sewage tunnels. Tell me, did Faulin follow you down there? If he did there is a chance he is following you even now, and you have led him straight back to me, ever I have known him to be cunning and vengeful."

A few quick confirmations of how they had blocked Lord Faulins' path seemed to make Varin more relaxed, but when they got to mentioning the ratmen and their mining of the warpstone, Varin once again seemed more troubled than relieved by these ill tidings. The Noble sat them down and called his servants to bring them food, while listening to every detail of the events that had unfolded throughout the day, from getting into Lord Faulins' estate and witnessing his magical weapon, to finding Draco dead at the hands of the skaven and then uncovering their verminous nest at work beneath the City. When at last they were done, Varin stood from the table once more and casually picked up his new trophy.

"As I am needed in council this night already, I shall take such tidings to the Drach and see what course of action he deems necessary to follow. No doubt he will want to learn more of these rats before he sends his own men down underground on naught byt a whim. I suggest you use this time to rest and perhaps spend your well earned gold at the Markets. It might also be a good idea to shower, you Shades smell worse than the stables."

With that, Varin dumped six pouches each containing 200g upon the table, and strolled off in the direction of his personal chambers, tossing the head of Draco Faulin from one hand to the other as he went.

[Raneth]

Varin was most pleased as V casually tossed him the head of young Draco. Though it hadn't been easy the group had pulled through once again. The payment stood in no relation to the actual hardships they'd endured, but such was mercenary life. Also, the Skaven hunt would have to wait - V had nearly forgotten Blackthorn needed to consult with a higher power as of late. No matter. Could use the extra practice.

Eat, sleep, wreck some dummies

[Drainial]

So his first task was at an end, though it seemed that he would shortly be making his way back into the sewers. That Blackthorn considered the Skaven a threat was a relief but not a surprise, there was nothing about him which suggested the fool.

As his lordship left to mingle with his peers and superiors Elysian was left with several things to consider. First things first, he was filthy and in sore need of both a bath and a laundress. Sleep could wait, though their mission had been physically challenging it had not taken all that long. The third consideration was slightly more forward thinking; all most everyone in the group had some manner of ranged weapon, only the Khainites were without repeater crossbows. Although he thought that on balance he had done reasonably well in the mission just past Elysian was conscious of his lack of lethality amongst this group of accomplished killers. That said a repeater was not something he was keen on, they were too big, too bulky for his taste.

Considering his options the mage concluded that the list was short, throwing knives or a handbow such as corsairs often used, the knives would doubtless be cheaper but on the whole Elysian decided that he would prefer the more sophisticated weapon. With the money from this job added to his purse it was worth a look, if he could not afford one yet then he could at least find out how much he would need to save.

Picking up an apple from the table to munch as he went Elysian sought out the staff of this tower, if he was going to serve the whims of a nobleman then he would make the most of the perks.

Elysian will leave his clothes to be cleaned, assuming that this is a service which Varin's tower provides and will give himself a quick scrub down if there is time. That aside however he will go to the markets and find out the cost of a repeater handbow and buy it if possible. If he can afford one and there is time he will then try it out down the shooting range.

[Layne]

She knew as soon as she'd said it that he was going to do it anyway ; she could but watch and see and be ready to run. In the most ingenious way, Vash'nir managed to make it look like an accident. That was special ; whenever K killed something there was little doubt as to who dunnit. She had never really thought that far ahead.

They found a way out. They found a way home. They went by rather a long way round, and met with no suspicious vengeful types. They got home just fine. Blackthorn heard the news, and then said he had to go to one of his city council meetings. That was good - no chance of going back in the hole just yet.

K had been wondering what it would take to get rid of the things. There was a lot of them for sure, but they were all furry creatures and not all that bright. She knew one thing ; if she was to be going back down the hole, she was going with fire. The boss handed over gold. It would be enough to get some fire like V would do, without dipping into her savings. She had not yet any clear idea of what to do with the money, and now she thought of it, and what she could buy with it, it really was a great hell of a lot of money. She looked about the feasting hall.

No, it wasn't that much money after. More than she had ever dreamed of on the cold Naggarond streets, but still not so much.

To wash and bed, then to market to get a bag full of fire-bombs.

[Dauricha]

Once back up into the streets of Virkarh Phalx felt safe again. This world he understood with its open skies, high roofs and no rat men. The stink of them was still upon him, and a shower was most certainly calling him. They had been successful and the head of a elf was in their possession. Varin was reasonably impressed, passing them all small bags with two hundred shining pieces of gold. Phalx had come quite skilled in guessing how much gold was in a purse, and later as he made ready to sleep he figured out his rough estimation had been correct.

He had a lot of money now, and he had a few ideas of what to do with it. He would need to speak to Varin on the matter, hoping his boss would be able to help him out on the matter. He starred at the large pile of gold he had amassed grinning to himself, as it glowed a wonderfully deep yellow in the light of his room. This could all wait till tomorrow however.

Phalx will wash and sleep, and will go to speak to Varin if possible tomorrow morning over a business idea.

[Kinslayer]

Varin had other business to attend to for the moment, but he paid them the gold he had promised for completing their task and then left them to clean up and rest. It was still only early in the evening so the group had enough time to hit the markets if they wanted to. Sure enough, most of them had something to purchase in mind so headed straight back out to restock their gear before the next day. The rest of them went to change and hand their dirty gear to the houses slaves, or to wash the filth from the sewers out of their hair. Later that day most of them would reconvene at the training halls. It was here that Vryala travelled straight away, testing her sword arm once more against a host of practise dummies, one by one tearing them to shreds. Phalx instead went looking for Varin, but after asking Sevro discovered that he had already left for the Drachs' council. The Noble would not be returning until early the next day.

The Nobles' Market was only a short ride from Blackthorns estate, and those who wanted to purchase new gear made it there in time. Some of the stalls were already closing up, but the chance to grab a few last minute deals for the day meant the market was still teeming with customers. They fought their way through the crowds, splitting up to go searching for the items they required. Karonath found a stall where she could get the nifty little vials of flammable chemicals that Vryala was so fond of for 10g a piece. Elysian went looking for a ranged weapon, but the only repeater handbow he could find was a little out of his price range at 300g. He did however stop to look at a few sets of throwing knives, each set a pouch with five blades inside. The cheapest was 60g but was far from the best, there was another for 100g which had more finely crafted and better balanced blades.


OOC - If anyone else went to the Market let me know what you wanted to look for and I'll let you know what's there. My next post will be Varin returning so you only have this one oppertunity.

[Raneth]

Vryala had worked up quite a sweat in pummeling the training dummies, increasing her familiarity with the magic blade's properties. A different balance between power and speed had to be struck to use it to full effect, one she had by now grasped almost instinctively - though she knew more practice was in order. All of her friends had gone to the Markets though, V realising with a pang of disappointment she had yet to stock up on grenades. No matter, she thought, I'd better make the most of what I'm doing right now.

So reckoning, she went to the barracks to find Sevro. The Captain might lend her a couple of men to spar with; allowing her to assess Varin's troops' worthiness for herself and at the same time improve her own skill. Failing that, perhaps he would agree to another bout between the two of them - last time I scored a narrow victory, I wonder if he cares for a rematch?

Takes full advantage of what little time is left. BRING IT ON!

[Drainial]

Looking through the market Elysian was disappointed to note that the handbow was a little out of his price range; the throwing knives tempted him though and given that they were going on another mission almost immediately he decided to buy them. He would not forget about the handbow, hopefully he would soon have enough for one, but in the mean time the throwing blades would do.

With his purchases made Elysian returned to the mansion to get in a little practice before bed.

Elysian will buy the better throwing knives (100g) and return to practice with them.

[Khel]

Listening with a meagre earnest, Sal took himself off to the bathing area in Blackthorn's Estate. Only wanting to get the stink off, Sal quickly stripped down before slipping into the warm water. Making sure he kept his dagger with him as he sat motionless in the soothing water, Sal took time to clean his weapons while he was in the bath, using the same water to soak away the dry blood which caked his fingernails, as well as his weapons. Soon enough, Sal sat in a pool of dirt, grime and old rust coloured water.

Jumping out of the water with renewed vigour, Sal took his time with lacing up and positioning his robes and armour, feeling like a new elf after such a nice wash.

[Dauricha]

OOC: AH my laptop which i had repaired was broken in the repairing process. SO MUCH ANGER! so yeah having it sent off again so my access to the Internets will be sporadic again for about 10-12 days sorry guys

IC: Phalx was unable to find his boss and master, and so slightly sad he wandered out of the manor house, his gold unspent. What do to with his day. He had no reason to head to the markets really, and everyone else was off doing stuff.

Phalx will head out to climb the tallest building he can see, exercising his Shade like abilities and doing some good old fashioned exploring.

[Sidorio]

OOC - sorry, met a friend after work last night and have been sick :/

IC - Vash'nir was still content with his equipment though it wouldn't hurt to have a look to see what was around. Wandering amongst the crowds he looked for something that might catch his interest though really it was just a way to kill time before he returned to training. His mind still thought back to the tunnels and the fact that the rats had somehow ambushed him, the very idea of it unpleasant. All it meant was that he had more training to do still.

Right, looking for an improved crossbow, maybe one with a silenced shot or a magical one if there are any drifting about. Thats about all really. If he can't find anything he'll go somewhere to practice his stealth skills.

[Layne]

It took her a little searching to find a bloke who sold the grenades. K hadn't paid that sort of fellow much attention before so wasn't sure what to look for. But she got the thing done. It crossed her mind that really everyone should have the things, just to be super sure, but that no one else had come to get some.

She wanted to buy six each for the whole group, which was... So, me, V, Shades, Mr Khaine, Mr Magic, still six. And maybe a couple more for spares? Forty then.

She looked the merchant up and down. It was costy, and though she little cared for money she didn't particularly want to give it away either. I want to buy forty of these bombs. Make me a better offer.

[Kinslayer]

OOC - Sorry if some of you get more attention than others in this post, but with you all trying to do different things I can only type so much. I'm also responding to your posts in the order of who replied first unless two characters are together (in case you didn't realise I tend to this anyway). Sorry for getting all lovey dovey on you by the way Raneth!

IC -

By the time Vryala had finished cleaning up the others had already left for the markets, so instead of following them she made her way out onto the battlements in search of Sevro. After a brief search she found the guard captain hammering the importance of doing a good job into some guards in one of the corner towers. She stood in the doorway and watched him for several moments, before the eyes of the guards gave her away and Sevro turned to look at her. The guard captain dismissed his charges to another part of the wall, and walked over to greet her. Alone for the first time in many months, the pair took the time to walk slowly back across the wall in the direction of the training hall. It seemed Sevro had no guards to spare at this time for her training purposes, but the captain himself was off duty. They made their way down into the large training hall, casually stepping into the middle of one of the smaller combat circles without taking up any practise weapons. They were confident in each others abilities to use their proper weapons when they fought.

The last time they had duelled Vryala had scored a narrow victory, a fact which she reminded her lover as they were about to begin, causing Sevro to laugh and promise that this time he would not go so easy on her. This prompted V to make the first move, and she threw out a number of aimed swings with her enchanted sword. Sevro caught each on his own blade, then knocked her sword aside with his hook and lashed out in return. Her shield knocked the blow aside, and she retaliated with a quicker, heavier swing from above. Within moments the two were clashing blades with the full fury of two warriors at war, their feet continiously stepping in and back, their blades striking left and right, her shield and the hook that was in place of Sevros' left hand blocking and assisting as necessary.

Vryala suddenly saw an opening as Sevro misplaced a step to the left, and batting his sword away with her shield she threw herself at him, enchanted sword moving to disarm him. It was an expert strike, but the guard captain span inside her sword arm, his blade locking with hers and his superior strength forcing her sword away. In a moment the tables had turned, and Sevro stood inside Vryalas' guard with her sword momentarily pinned at her side. Before she could wrench her blade free his left arm swung up, and his needle like hook was at her throat. He pushed her sword back up and ducked under her sword arm, getting behind her with his hook still under her neck. In any other battle Sevro would have already opened up his opponents major artery, but instead he just stood behind her and whispered softly in her ear. Relaxing the pressure on her neck, he allowed Vryala to turn to face him inside his powerful embrace, and then proceeded to kiss her vigorously on the lips. It was the first time in their relationship the captain had made the first move, and Vryala let her sword and shield clatter to the floor.


***


Elysian wandered the markets away from the others and came upon the stall selling ranged weapons. He did not yet have the gold for the repeater handbow he desired, but he was content in the knowledge that he would be able to afford one soon enough if he continued to serve Blackthorn and get paid. Instead he purchased the better quality set of five throwing knives, after which he made his way back to the horses to wait for the others so he could return to the estate and try them out. Vash'nir was at the markets as well, and he joined Elysian at the ranged weaponry stall a moment after the Mage made his purchase. The Shade seemed to appear from the crowds without actually approaching, and Elysian was once more impressed by his new comrades ability for stealth. It was something he himself had spent many years practising, but without his magic to aid him he knew he was not yet as deceptive as Vash'nir. He realised that perhaps the Shade could teach him a thing or two, the perks of his new employment only seeming to grow.

Vash'nir ignored the smaller weapons and went straight for the larger repeater crossbows. He already had one which served him well, but it was of standard design and was nothing out of the ordinary. His skills with the weapon were slowly growing, and although he knew his shot was nothing on Phalxs', he was determind to improve his ranged capability if he was able to do so. There were no magical crossbows on sale, indeed Vash'nir was not even sure if such weapons were usually made, after all Phalx had drawn his one from the Chest of Forever when they had battled daemons in the realm of darkness. There was however several mundane ones on sale, many of standard design but variously altered for aesthetic purposes alone. A couple seemed to have been improved in more useful ways, one with the addition of three large bayonette like spikes for close combat, it was 400g. The other had a more unsual firing mechanism, and Vash'nir was glad to hear it was designed to make the shot faster and less noisy. This crossbow was 550g.

Karonath too was at the markets, though the only purchase the Khainite had in mind was a bag full of the volatile glass vials her friend Vryala had been finding such good uses for. The bombs were, the stallkeeper felt it necessary to inform her, actually made from lantern fluid and blackpowder, along with what he called his secret ingredient. When shattered, the two liquids contained within mixed and made contact with the air, errupting in a fiery explosion capable of vast amounts of havoc. Karonath was more concerned with the price, for she wanted fourty of the fire bombs but despite having little concern for money did not feel she should be handing over 400 gold for the little bag of bombs. It took a little pursuading, but eventually the stallkeeper offered to reduce the price to 300g since it was the end of the day and, as he put it, Karonath had nice eyes.

After making any purchases, those at the market regrouped at the horses and trotted back in the direction of Blackthorns' estate.


***


Phalx wandered the corridors in search of Blackthorn, but eventually found that his master had already left for the council and would not be returning until the next day. The Shade had wanted to speak with him in private, but he decided such matters could wait a little longer and, seeing that his friends had already left for the market and having no real need to buy new gear anyway, he left the Estate on his own. Wary of Faulins' guards, he headed in the other direction and started looking for something to climb. The Shade soon found a suitably tall building, the ground floors of which were a library, those above no doubt being reserved for the more secret tomes and treasures. The Shade found his way to the back of the building and quickly clambered onto a smaller building out back, using this as access to the high walls of the library. He spent the next hour or so scaling the wall, darkness taking over the City and cloaking him from the prying eyes of those in the street down below. When at last he reached the top, he simply stood and watched the people of the City moving about down below like insects in a vast stone maze. Only when the horizon turned red with the onset of dawn did he turn away to make his descent and return home to Blackthorns' estate.


***


The following morning the mercenaries were awoken by the smell of the morning meal being cooked by the house servants, and set about dressing themselves in their wargear. Most came down to the Feasting Chamber from their own rooms, but Vryala came from the direction of the guard house with a childish grin on her face, and Phalx strolled into the Estate from the main gate, clearly having spent the night elsewhere. For once the group were sat around the table eating before Varin appeared, and they had already eaten their fill when the Noble suddenly appeared in the doorway to the back of the room. Varin walked briskly across the chamber, picking up a bread roll from the table and taking a bite of it before waving his hand for the servants that were attending them to leave the chamber. Once they were alone, he took his seat at the head of the table and lifted a glass of water to his lips. He sipped at his drink, his eyes passing over each of them in turn, and then returned his goblet to the table and began to speak.

"My friends, I have only just returned from the Drachs' tower but I do so with word on the matters of this City. Kalius Bane and what remains of her Midnight Guard have led an expedition force to the coast, to help in the uncovering of the Asur scouting parties that have landed in Naggaroth. The Drach once more gives you his complements in helping realise this threat, and I have no doubt that with his warriors aiding the other Cities it will not be long before this threat is at an end. Of course, as one threat passes another always seems to arise. I have spoken to the dread master of Vikarh about what you claim to have seen just yesterday in the sewers. Of these rat people there are many myths, but none would offer themselves or their forces to investigating further until such myths are proven as truths. Even if the Drach himself beleives in these skaven, he cannot send his City Guard underground without proof of their existance. To do so would have him seen as weak and worriful in the face of so many non beleivers.

And so, as you can probably guess, I myself have offered my services and those of my men in bringing this proof to the council. Which means I need you six to go back there."

Elysian, -100g, + 5 throwing knives

[Drainial]

Hearing Blackthorn's announcement Elysian was far from surprised, the lord's demeanour the night before had suggested that this would probably be the case and whether they were scouting for proof or guiding a strike force he had fully expected to be making another trip to the sewers today. The nature of the task meant that Blackthorn would know little, it was their job to find out about this foe after all but none the less he had a few questions.

"Two things sir," he said, the others might feel able to be more informal but as far as Elysian was concerned their relationship was purely professional and Varin clearly outranked the mage.

"First, we know that we can get into the sewers the way we left them," or the way we entered them originally, he thought but that was obviously not the best idea
"do the owners and staff of those premises know that we will be coming? Wasting time with security guards would hardly prove fatal but if it can be avoided then things will move faster.

"Second what kind of proof will convince the council? Will some Skaven heads prove sufficient?"

With that he lapsed into silence and awaited answers to his questions, consciously not eating another sausage in anticipation of the hard physical work to come.

[Kinslayer]

Elysian was the first to reply to the news their master brought with them upon his return, and Varin seemed pleased with the Mages' enthusiasm. The Noble nodded and replied,

"Indeed, I am one step ahead of you there. I sent a messenger to the granary you told me about last night just a few minutes ago to inform them six mercenaries will be using their building to gain access to the sewers on the private business of the Drach. After we are done there the Drach will no doubt order the tunnel collapsed back in on itself. I would think he will also suggest the granary invests a little more time and effort in training its guards, but that is of little concern for the moment. As for what proof you will need, the body of a ratman or two will no doubt help, but I have the feeling the Drach will be more likely to act if he sees this curious warpstone you spoke of. I need you to bring me back a sample of the substance before I can go before the Drach once more, I will not risk wasting his time with what he may not deem worthy evidence.

Any other questions?"

[Khel]

Sitting silently at the table, Sal quietly devoured the food set before him. Gnawing away the succulent meat at one of the mutton joints, he watched his employer enter the room before he started to speak. Once again, it seemed, they would have to journey down into the foul sewers of Vikarh. First to sift through crap, then to deal with crap. Sal’s mind was already wondering about the Skaven’s Adepts. He had heard rumours that some Skaven assassin’s even rivalled those of the Dark Elves. Such a thought was ridiculous however, Sal shaking his head and muttering to himself.

Waiting patiently as everyone else asked the questions, Sal hurriedly gathered as much food to himself as possible, hoping to fill up before they were to set out.

No questions, will saddle up and leave when everyone’s done.

[Sidorio]

Vash'nir studied the varius crossbows with interest. He was not vain enough to purchase one modifed for aesthetics being far too practical in his tasks to see the point. The other two however he could see a point in; the first with it's additionaly bayonets would be handy should one favour combat without wanting to change from shooting. It was the second however that caught his eye. Now this is what I've been looking for.

I'll take that one good fellow, with the improved firing mechanism. Satisfied with his purchase he headed back toward Blackthorns to meet up with the others.

************

At the dining table Vash'nir ate quietly while their new task was told to them. The idea of having to face the ratmen again displeased him. The prospect that they might ambush or catch him unawares once more humiliated him not that he'd let the other know about it. This would of course be a good chance to make use of his new crossbowand work on his skills. None the less he was not pleased at having to return to the sewers.

Buy me a new crossbow for 550g and listen to the plan at the dinner table.

[Raneth]

To Vryala's delight, the Captain agreed to duel her once more. With the first strikes any doubts she may have had concerning his readiness for battle were obliterated, Sevro showing himself to be the teacher still. Not only that, his physical strength still outmatched hers - something that became embarrassingly obvious as he jerked V close after what was perhaps too bold a move, taunting her softly. She spun to strike him in the face for his audacity, but he merely parried and pressed his lips against hers. Why you...! Resolving to take the lesson to heart, she found herself quite able to accept this defeat and soon they decided to retire for the night.

Forgetting all about the rigours of mercenary life - even for a short while - had done a great deal to improve Vryala's mood, and she joined her friends in the Feasting Hall for breakfast with a broad grin on her face, ignoring the questioning looks as she was wont to. Fun's over; there was a job to be done, one they'd all expected. Elysian seemed eager to head back and settle the score with the Skaven, the others apparently less keen to reenter the sewers. V didn't mind. The fact that Varin hadn't even mentioned their pay didn't bother her either. Right now all she wanted was to improve her skills as a warrior - I'll show you yet, Captain! You won't get the drop on me again...

Keeps eating and listening.