PrP: Ill Met In Alexandria, Part 1

Log Info

• Title: Ill Met In Alexandria, Part 1
• Emitter: Albrecht
• Characters: Jibbom Level 4, Sonja Level 4, Angrid Level 2, Aenyn Level 2
• NPCs: Asham the Merchant, Haqim
• Place: Alexandria - A Caravan's Encampment, and the wilderness.
• Time: Jun 27, 2012
• Summary: A contract from a desperate Veyshanti caravan missing their leader turns sordid when intrigue is revealed involving warring clans of genies!
• APL: 3
• Encounter 1: 1x Young Djinni, CR 4 and 2x Small Air Elementals, CR 6

Our Tale

| Name | Race | Class | E Lev| CHP | HP | AC | For | Ref | Wil |

|Jibbom |HALFLING|Sor | 4 | 27 | 27 | 14 | 4 | 5 | 7 |

|Sonja |GIANTBOR|Pal | 4 | 41 | 41 | 17 | 9 | 5 | 9 |

|Angrid |MOUNTAIN|Ftr | 2 | 28 | 28 | 18 | 7 | 0 | 2 |

|Aenyn |HALF-ELF|Rog | 2 | 16 | 16 | 17 | 2 | 7 | 1 |

It's a balmy evening in Alexandria, at the camp of the mysterious caravan of Veyshanti that has set up about a collection of old houses two nights back, and the city has filled with people telling stories of the marvels that they've seen there, rare and magical trinkets, the whole lot. And some that might even actually be true, as well as talk about having met their oracle, fortune-teller, seer, whatever they choose to call her. But tonight is different. Tonight is the last night, and you are here for something altogether separate: A contract. The guild representative issuing you the assignment mentioned that the caravan's leader is missing, but that they must leave as well, and you are to go with them. And so a group of disparate individuals appear inside the tent of the woman, this fortune-teller.

Her voice is melodic, and there is something otherworldly about her as she speaks, "So you are our hope, then. Welcome, though the comfort of our tents shall not be long, as we leave as soon as we may. Are you ready to travel?"

"The Jibbom has long been known as a beacon of hope for those who have none." Declares the halfling, quite confidently. He hoists up his rucksack and beams at the fortune teller. "Ready anytime. Though if I might ask first... I was led to believe you needed help with a missing leader? Are we expecting to find him where we're headed, or...?"

Like all dwarves, Angrid is quite able with a heavy load. His armor clanks slightly as he shifts, absently tugging on his beard. "Aye, I was under the impression you'd not leave without him."

Sonja peers down at the fellow that less than half her size. "'The' Jibbom? Seriously, Jibbom? You're going to carry on like that?" She then shakes her head as she looks towards Angrid and grins, happy to see him. She finally sits down and chuckles a bit. "Yeah. I figured you wouldn't leave without your leader as well. Kinda why we're here...."

Aenyn shifts his backpack on his shoulders as he nods to the fortune-teller, "Ready as I'll ever be." He has his concerns about the missing leader as well, but keeps silent. No sense in bombarding the woman with the same questions.

The woman shakes her head, her veil shifting in front of her face, though her eyes studying the adventurers above it. "He.. Went missing on our way to this city, and we may stay here no longer. However, we are able to retrace our route for a time, and it is our hope that you will find him along the way. I fear he has been taken, and by what, I cannot say, but if he does not return, our company is doomed. Will you come?"

Sonja smiles a bit more at the woman. 'I don't need a contract to help someone in trouble, ma'am. You need only to show us the way." She then looks at the rest of the people with her. "So say you all?"

"The Jibbom is known by many monikers." Jibbom says with a chipper grin up at the giantborn. He looks back at the fortuneteller, looking at her curiously. "Of course we will. Is there anything else you can tell us about the manner of his disappearance? Any sort of tracks, signs of a struggle? Did he vanish during the day, or night?"

Angrid rumbles meditatively. "Veyshanti trade agreements have been good for the Khazad clans. I'm in." He lets Jibbom pepper the woman with questions, content to listen instead.

Aenyn nods in agreement with Sonja, "Yeah. Can't leave him to his fate and doom the company. We should do our best to find him." He doublechecks his gear while the questions are asked and answered.

The woman speaks, her accent heavy but very her speech impeccable. "He was not seen being taken, but instead his absence was noted when we made camp for the night. It stands to reason, then, that he vanished somewhere northwest of that campsite. His name is Asham, and he carried with him things of great value, that are said to be his secrets to hold, but I suspect were something of the mystical, though I've no evidence of my suspicions. I wish I could tell you more, but I know naught else, and we must be underway, they are readying to take this tent down. Please be ready to travel, if you would be so kind." And with that, she rises and turns, her long skirts flowing as she exits the back of the tent and leaves our heroes for the time being.

Jibbom frowns just a little, thinking for a moment before he shrugs. "If that's all we know, then that's all we know. Your plan of following along the route and keeping vigilant sounds like the best course of action to me. I'm ready to set off."

"It's not much," Aenyn comments, "but I've seen worse." He glances around the tent and then at the others, "Guess we should get out of here before we get packed up in a wagon somewhere." He's always happy to state the obvious.

Sonja says, "I'm ready as well." She says before looking to Angrid. "You ready for battle, Master Angrid?" She then chuckles at Aenyn. "they'd have a terrible time packing me away. Jibbom's a different story.""

"If battle awaits," replies Angrid. He follows the others out of the tent, half-unslinging his pack to fish out his pipe. "Curious though. I wonder if something lured this Asham fellow off. The people of the road aren't stupid, they're not going to go wander off on a lark."

Aenyn shrugs a bit as he exits the tent with the others, "He could've easily walked off to make water and ended up getting grabbed by someone, or something, in the bushes."

Sonja says, "We won't know until we get there. Come on." She says softly as she follows them out of the tent."

The Veyshanti of the dune seas say that all things are answered by time and the gods, and one of those will surely be true for these brave souls on the coming journey. The camp is packed away into a series of wagons in efficient manner, and the trading folk ready the caravan to leave, just as the sun is beginning to lighten the horizon. Whether by chance, or perhaps by design, the caravan has left Alexandria before daybreak of the fourth day.

The road is one used by merchants frequently, though the Veyshanti take frequent detours, though paths less trod, secret trading routes of theirs, no doubt, faster than the primary throughfares, or compelling for other reasons. It is nearing sunset when the halt is called.

Jibbom is, of course, as chatty as ever during the trip. He will spend a great deal of time trying to get the others to engage in games along the way, especially 'I spy'. The group might perhaps be grateful for a rare moment of silence from the halfling when it comes time to make camp, though he keeps his eyes peeled for surprises.

Angrid is, of course, less chatty, but still garrulous for a dwarf, happy to tell tales from his homeland, including one spine-chilling campfire tale of the haunted hold Koganusan. His pipe juts from his mouth as his dark eyes flick around in turn, watchful and wary.

Sonja is happy to be able to stand up after the long day of riding in a wagon. She stands up and stretches her arms over her head, then goes about stretching her legs out before offering her daily prayers while the sun is still up and praticing her martial prowess with her earthbreaker.

Aenyn is fairly quiet during the journey, though he does participate in Jibbom's games of 'I spy', actually seeming to enjoy it. Afterall, he knows there's no real furniture that isn't packed away in the wagons so no need to worry about that. Lots of hair around, though. That beard of Angrid's would be deadly if it suddenly came to life. As the caravan comes to a halt, he glances around the chosen spot and speaks to noone in particular, "I wonder how close we are to where the leader disappeared."

The Veyshanti get their camp established in short order, though the wagons are largely used for shelter, rather than setting up all of the tents, though there are a few. As the gloaming deepens, the seer appears, in the shadow of one of the wagons, saying "It is here that we noted his absence, so his disappearance would have occurred along the road ahead of here, perhaps. He was last seen about the third hour after the midday meal. We can abide in this camp for three days but no longer. The rest, I leave to you."

Jibbom nods to the words of the seer, then looks expectantly at his fellow adventurers. "Righto. I don't suppose any of you are expert trackers or anything of that sort?"

Sonja shakes her head to Jibbom. "I'm a Sunblade, not a tracker, Jibbom." She says softly as she hefts her earthbreaker onto her shoulder and begins to walk around the area, not having any real idea on what to do."

Angrid shakes his head. "I studied combat engineering, not tracking, laddie." He sighs. "Still... let's wander up the road a ways, keep your eyes on the ground and look for anything unusual."

Aenyn shakes his head, "Afraid I'm more used to the city than the wilderness." He stretches and looks in the direction indicated by the seer, "Nothing to be done but get to it, I suppose. We either find him or we don't. I prefer we do, of course, but he won't found here at the camp."

"Well, no time like the present! Let's get a-ramblin'!" And the Jibbom skips ahead to start doing exactly that.

GAME: Jibbom rolls perception: (9)+4: 13

GAME: Sonja rolls perception: (7)+4: 11

GAME: Angrid rolls perception: (14)+3: 17

GAME: Aenyn rolls perception: (20)+8: 28

The terrain around here begins to differ. Not one of the major trade paths, instead, this is high, rocky land, with a road that cuts through a deep gorge, with tall bluffs on either side, wind blowing across the bare, dusty tops. And above the northern bluff is a rock outcropping, tall and sloping, with a flat top, from which a strange, intermittent blue light is coming, swirling somehow, and visible at this distance due to the deepening twilight. May chance a clue?

Aenyn is walking along, minding his own business when he spots the strange blue light. He looks to others, "I know I'm not well-versed in the ways of the wilderness, but I'm pretty sure that's not normal." He points in the direction of the intermittent light.

Angrid squints, peering as he holds a hand up to shade his eyes. "Aye lad, I see it too. Might be nothing... but I think we should go take a look." He unhooks his helmet from his belt, fitting the steel cap to his head before checking the straps on his shield and starting to walk towards the outcropping.

Sonja looks towards where Aenyn indicates and tilts her head. "No. BLue lights in the wilderness at night is not normal. I'd wager a guess that may be where we find our missing Veyshanti Leader."

Jibbom is far too occupied attempting to start up another game of 'I Spy' until Aenyn draws his attention to the light. "Well, that looks promising! Better than searching the darkness at random, I'd saw. Let's check it out!"

Destination in mind, the crew must climb up into the high bluffs fron where they slope up, back before the camp, which takes a bit of back tracking, and it is a vigorous hike, but nothing truly challenging. The terrain up top is short grass and scrub, with loose, dusty soil that gusts with the wind, fine and gritty and getting into everything. The outcropping is perhaps two miles distant, and it takes until well past full dark to arrive, though the light remains as a beacon. Travel over the terrain is not overtly treacherous, though in the dark there are more than a couple of missteps. Eventually, though, the base of the sloping rock is reached. It is at a steep angle, though something that could serve as a path curls around the edge. Those less physically rigorous might not be able to climb the steep, craggy surface unasisted, however.

Jibbom eyes the slope with a dubious frown. "I don't suppose anyone brought climbing gear with them, did they?"

Angrid marches through the evening gloom, shadows no barrier to one born beneath the earth. Once he reaches the base of the rock, he hrms. "There's a path off to that side," he gestures, "or we can take the direct route."

Aenyn nods to the others, "It's as good a place as any to start anyway." He trudges his way to the foot the of steep slope and looks up. Pulling off his backpack, he begins to rummage inside before pulling out a climbing kit and a coil of spidersilk rope, "I have these."

Jibbom eyes the rope and grins. "Ah, that'll be handy! I don't suppose you could, uh.... secure that up at the top for those of us who are somewhat vertically challenged?"

Angrid grunts. "I have some rope as well -- might be a good idea to go up and secure a line down." He glances at Jibbom, and chuckles. "No worries, my friend. I'll just carry ye on my back when I go up."

"That works too." Jibbom chipperly agrees to the dwarf.

GAME: Aenyn rolls climb+2: (14)+7+2: 23

Aenyn nods and makes his way slowly up the slope, taking his time and uncoiling the rope as he goes to assist those coming up behind him. When he gets near the top, he stops to peek quietly over the edge without offering his full profile to anyone who may be up there.

SOnja is right behind Angrid after he reaches the top, thanks to her strength, and minimal knowledge of climbing. Once up top, and Angrid's up as well, she holds the rope for Aenyn.

There is a small overhang at the top of the incline that partitions the path from the top of the high rock, though it can be stepped around easily, providing some cover for Aenyn, and then, eventually the others as they reach the summit. The top is a long, fairly wide but not so wide as to be even with the length, and in the center is a weathered stone, above which is suspended a figure. Dark skinned and with the features of the Veyshanti, this is no doubt the missing Asham, clad in a wind-tattered robe and turban, his once-oiled beard and moustache now disheveled. His head hangs as if he is unconscious, his arms held out at his sides by swirling air that gives off a bluish glow.

Circling around that form in the center are a pair of indistinct forms, gusts of wind given shape and blustering around the high, dusty peak. Standing with its back to the observers is a humanoid form, bare chested, with a plumed turban, and a faint blue cast to his skin, with billowing white pants that whip around his legs as if pushed by an unseen cyclone.

Also, he is like 10 feet tall.

Angrid waits for Jibbom to latch onto his backpack, before starting to steadily climb up the slope. His arms flex under the stress, but the rope holds, and he reaches the top without incident.

Jibbom latches on tight as he is carried along, enjoying the brief respite from the hike. When the tall, mysterious creature appears in the middle of the glow, he speaks quietly to his companions. "I don't think that's the caravan guy." Observant as ever.

Aenyn ducks back into cover after taking his peek of what's going on up top. He looks quizically at the others, "I've never seen anything like that. Anyone have any ideas?"

Sonja says, "I'd bet the one who is pinned is though." She says putting her earthbreaker upon her shoulder yet again."

"We could challenge him to a game of 'I Spy' for the caravan guy." That's Jibbom's helpful suggestion.

Angrid scowls. "Somehow laddie, I doubt he'll play. Wonder what this Asham did to get this kind of attention." His brow furrows. "Maybe we ought to ask."

"Asking couldn't hurt, I guess," Aenyn agrees, "Whatever we do, though, we should do it soon. Asham looks like he's seen better days and this one's bound to get worse for him."

Sonja nods. "All right. I'll head on up and talk to them." She then loudly walks on up to the two tornado twins. "Uhm, excuse me." She says to the both of them. "Is there a problem here? Or a reason why you're holding this man?"

A voice, booming like thunder, yet blown as if from all directions echos out. "Begone, young mortals. Our quarrel is not with you, but I, Halak the Sirocco, shall brook no interference in matters of the clan. Your business is elsewhere." He does not turn from where he stands, arms crossed, though the winds pick up with a low howl.

Jibbom seems uncertain as he climbs down from the dwarf's back. "Eh... well, I've got a feeling that isn't exactly right, Halak old friend. If that fellow you've got there is named Asham, we're here on behalf of some friends of his. If you've got some kind of dispute, maybe we can find a peaceful resolution?"

Aenyn sighs softly at the very large man's reply, shaking his head. He joins Sonja and Jibbom, but remains silent for now. At least he hasn't drawn a weapon or anything. That's good diplomacy, right?

Well, that's a first. Angrid's yet to see Jibbom looking uncertain about anything. The dismissive tone of Halak, though, makes his beard bristle and his eyes narrow. He lets Sonja take lead in the conversation.

The genie turns, his eyes acrackle with glowing lightning as his voice thunders, "There can be no further compact with the oathbreaker and his allies. You wish peace? Twas Asham that destroyed the peace, and now all stands at the precipice of ruin! Begone, pawns." The blue figure draws his wicked looking scimitar from its scabbard and the wind about his legs goes into overdrive, creating a whirling, indistinct form where once his legs were.

GAME: Jibbom rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 13

GAME: Aenyn rolls initiative: Roll: 7 + Bonus: 4 = Total: 11

GAME: Angrid rolls initiative: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 0 = Total: 20

GAME: Sonja rolls initiative: Roll: 10 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 11

GAME: You roll initiative for Halak: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 8 = Total: 16

GAME: You roll initiative for Gust: Roll: 18 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 25

GAME: You roll initiative for Buffet: Roll: 12 + Bonus: 7 = Total: 19

Current Initiative Order ====

---

25 Gust

---

20 Angrid

---

19 Buffet

---

16 Halak

---

13 Jibbom

---

11 Aenyn

---

11 Sonja

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============================

GAME: Sonja rolls reflex: (2)+5: 7

GAME: Sonja rolls reflex: (18)+5: 23

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d4+1: (4)+1: 5

GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for 5 points. 36 remaining.

As the figures do not retreat when told to do so, the djinni shouts "Gust! Buffet! Remove them." At his command, one of the air elementals, the righthand most one, whirls faster and faster until it is a towering funnel cloud, swirling forward toward Sonja, surrounding her, where she is whipped painfully by the winds, but remains firm.

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d10+3: (4)+3: 7

GAME: Angrid rolls Reflex: (1)+0: 1

GAME: Angrid rolls Reflex: (10)+0: 10

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for 3 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Jibbom rolls reflex: (20)+5: 25

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for -3 points. 28 remaining.

Angrid's axe flashes as he immediately moves into combat, hacking at the air elemental assaulting Sonja. He's so pleased that good proper dwarven steel wounds the thing, though, that he gets caught by the elemental's partner, lifted up with an angry Khazad curse. "I'm going to REALLY hurt you laddie if ye scuff my armor!"

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+11: (9)+11: 20

GAME: Jibbom rolls will: (2)+7: 9

GAME: Jibbom rolls will: (6)+7: 13

The djinni floats forward, circling around where the air elementals engage the heavier warriors and looks down at the halfling, frowning as he reaches out and touches him, and the two begin to levitate into the air. "I warned you mortals to leave this be."

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6

GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for -6 points. 41 remaining.

Well, this is a new experience for Jibbom. The halfling doesn't care at all for being turned into a cloud. No siree. Struggling to gain control of his new form, he tries floating back down to the surface. A beam of holy light fires out of him and strikes the Giantborn, healing her wounds compeltely.

GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7: (18)+6: 24

GAME: Aenyn rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3

Aenyn almost appears caught off-guard as the elementals charge forward and then Jibbom goes misty and floaty, but there's only a moment's hesitation before he lunges forward and slashes at the whirlwind carrying Angrid. He's not entirely sure he hurt it, though. "You okay in there?" he asks the dwarf.

GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2-2: (7)+9+-2: 14

Seeing Jibbom getting carried away, as usual, Sonja sighs and goes after her dwarf friend in the whirlwind. However, she's well wide of the mark.....and she can't relaly tell either....it's air!

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+6: (5)+6: 11

The towering whirlwind around Sonja slides back behind her and resumes being a small, personified gust of air, trying to deliver a small, personified punch to her head, but misses. Maybe because it is air?

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+3: (2)+3: 5

Angrid really hates this, tumbled over and over. He wildly slashes out with his axe, missing, and he curses loudly at Aenyn. "No, I am NOT okay!"

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d4+1: (2)+1: 3

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for 3 points. 25 remaining.

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+8: (1)+8: 9

The giantborn paladin must be made of invulnerable rock, for as the other whirlwind tumps the dwarf out unceremoniously and launches a rushing attack with the flank, the attack fails to register on her.

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+9: (20)+9: 29

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+4: (15)+4: 19

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+9: (20)+9: 29

GAME: Albrecht rolls 2d8+4: (9)+4: 13

GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for 13 points. 28 remaining.

From the sky! Mighty Halak, swirling in to draw his wicked shamshir in a fluid, arcing cut across the Paladin's side, blood droplets actually flying upward into the air and being whisked around like a grim halo as the warrior djinni descends.

GAME: Jibbom rolls 1d4+2: (4)+2: 6

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for -6 points. 28 remaining.

The white fluffy cloud that was once Jibbom looks as alarmed as it is possible for a white fluffy cloud to look. Another bolt of light fires out of it, striking the dwarf and healing his wounds.

GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7: (19)+6: 25

GAME: Aenyn rolls 1d6+2: (1)+2: 3

GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6: (5): 5

GAME: Albrecht damaged Sonja for -5 points. 33 remaining.

GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2-2: (8)+9+-2: 15

"Didn't think so!" Aenyn calls back to Angrid before slashing at the elemental again. "Am I even hitting it? I can't tell!"

GAME: Sonja rolls weapon2-2: (17)+9+-2: 24

GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6+11: (9)+11: 20

Gust, the elemental, begins to dart away from Sonja's rear, to attempt to reinforce its companion, but even though it is an earthbreaker, that hammer breaks air elementals pretty well, too.

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+5: (5)+5: 10

Sonja seems to be having a rather rough time trying to even hit Malak. However, when gust tries to move away from her, she spins around and actually makes contact with something on the air elemental.....and dissipates it. "Now if you had explained things to us instead of attacking, this would've played out differently.

Angrid seems no worse for the wear despite getting manhandled by the air elemental, even as his return strike hisses past it. "And now you're in our warrens, laddie, and you might find yourself in a wee bit of trouble once we've squashed your flying fart-clouds."

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+6: (17)+6: 23

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d4+1: (3)+1: 4

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for 4 points. 24 remaining.

Jibbom has partially disconnected.

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21

GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7: (19)+6: 25

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+3: (1)+3: 4

GAME: Aenyn rolls 1d6+2: (4)+2: 6

With an angry ramming against the dwarf, the air elemental tries to fly away, but is pinned to the filthy earth by an axe, and is then stabbed into discorporating wind by Aenyn.

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+9: (12)+9: 21

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d8+2: (4)+2: 6

GAME: Albrecht damaged Angrid for 6 points. 18 remaining.

Spinning away like .. well, like the wind, the djinni lands a slash across Angrid's shoulders. Drawing up to a height the Djinni roars "Reasonable mortals, no doubt, come to free the man that would doom my clan to torment and slavery! I gave you your chance to leave in peace! I told you that you were but pawns, but some things even an honorable soul cannot risk. Enough of these games!"

At the roar, Jibbom resumes corporeal form, and the discorporating elementals swirl together, and join the one holding the caravan man.

"... And your mother! Her too! All of them!" Jibbom rematerializes mid-yell. He blinks. "... Hey! I can talk again. Fantastic." He looks up at the genie and shouts. "We didn't come here to fight, and we didn't come here to enslave or torment anyone! We'd never allow anything like that! Please, let's stop fighting and talk this through!"

GAME: Jibbom rolls diplomacy: (16)+5: 21

GAME: Sonja rolls diplomacy: (2)+10: 12

Advancing on Malak, Sonja grumbles at what Jibbom is trying to do. "Malak! This is POINTLESS! Jibbom is right! We should talk this through! You have my word as a Sunblade that if you sheathe your weapon now, we will not attack......IF you are willing to talk to us!"

GAME: Aenyn rolls acrobatics: (1)+8: 9

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d8+2: (8)+2: 10

GAME: Albrecht damaged Aenyn for 10 points. 6 remaining.

GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7+2: (12)+6+2: 20

GAME: Aenyn rolls 2d6+2: (6)+2: 8

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+7: (5)+7: 12

In a classic double-team maneuver, Aenyn and Angrid manage to finish off the fleeing elemental named Buffet. He then turns on Halak and starts to move towards him, but stops when Jibbom tries to talk him down. He waits, sword at the ready, while first Jibbom and then Sonja make their attempts. He can tell the genie isn't buying it, though, so he slips around behind him. His maneuver doesn't go unnoticed, though, and he takes a serious backhand to the chest that sends him stumbling, but he keeps his feet well enough to deliver a well-placed stab into the genie's back. He spits out a glob of blood.

GAME: Albrecht rolls 1d20+9: (6)+9: 15

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d20+7: (19)+7: 26

GAME: Angrid rolls 1d10+3: (7)+3: 10

GAME: Aenyn rolls weapon7+2: (17)+6+2: 25

GAME: Aenyn rolls 2d6+2: (12)+2: 14

Angrid, for his part, is forced to go on the defensive, his next axe swing going wide as the return stroke smacks off his shield. "Oh, laddie, you're not near so tough when you're not playing your little fart games, are you?" As the djinn tries to retreat, he lays into the spirit, biting a chunk out with his axe.

Halak makes a spinning cut at Angrid after the sting to his rear flank, but the slice goes wide, and he attempts a strafing flight, only to recieve powerful blows from the flanking buddies for his efforts, now apparently severely injured.

GAME: Jibbom rolls ranged: (20)+6: 26

GAME: Jibbom rolls ranged: (8)+6: 14

GAME: Jibbom rolls 4d6: (17): 17

Jibbom is obviously hesitant to strike at the man, despite the whole cloud incident. But seeing no other options left, he sighs heavily and points. "I'm sorry, buddy." A powerful ray of fiery energy blasts out, straight into the genie.

As the scorching ray rips through the body of the young djinni warrior, his eyes go wide in disbelief and regret, and the whirlwind that surrounds his lower body slowly comes to a halt as his huge form slumps down to the ground, unconscious and battered..

There is a shimmer in the air behind where Asham is hanging suspended, and another presence arrives. A great hand is extended, and the body of Halak becomes diffuse and cloudy. Emerging from some cloak of the air or trick of the light, a massive, older member of that same race that rules the clouds appears. A white beard and magnificent moustache curled upward, with a great turban, and a powerfully muscled chest. Where Halak's voice was thunder and angry lightning, this is the autumn breeze, ever blowing but with a hint of regret. "I see that I am too late to stop the violence. My grandson was ever the impetuous one, though his heart is good." His words seem to be to the wind and the rocks, as if barely noticing the adventurers who felled him, then he speaks after a pause. "Tell me, what are your names. And what do you know of the errand on which you were sent, that ended so?"

Jibbom immediately looks as if he feels somewhat guilty, even if circumstances required it. "I am sorry. We did everything we could to try to convince him to resolve this matter nonviolently. Will you allow us to attempt to give your grandson medical aid? Can you control him if he is saved?"

Sonja looks back towards Asham and smiles a bit. "Perhaps there isn't loss of hope." She says as she kneels over the warrior, lays down her earthbreaker, and places her hands upon the Djinni's chest.....uttering an obvious prayer to Daeus, or in the Dwarven tongue, True Metal......

GAME: Sonja rolls 2d6: (5): 5

Angrid lowers his axe, his own beard still bristling a bit. "What a mess. Dross in the whole thing." At the djinn-lord's question, he hmphs. "This man," he gestures to Asham, "went missing a couple days ago. We were asked to go look for him."

Aenyn is still clutching his sword with one hand while holding his ribs with the other. He takes a step towards the new arrival and speaks, "My name is Aenyn and, admittedly, we knew very little of our errand. We were hired to find this man who had gone missing from his people." He uses his free hand to gesture towards the Veyshanti man. "We were told nothing beyond where he was last seen."

As the healing power suffuses the body of Halak, not enough to render him hale, but enough to bring him to a more stable state, the elder genie floats forward and levels his hand above the now stable form of his grandson. The fallen warrior finishes becoming diffuse, cloudy, apparently that begun earlier, and now finished. "He will not awaken for some time, and he is in the embrace of the air now. He will live. I thank you." Turning his back, to look down at what has been wrought, he says "Ahhh, I see what is afoot here. Please do not judge Halak too harshly for his deeds. While I see that your intentions were good, and without knowledge of Asham's crimes, I fear that Halak was left with orders not to relinquish the oathbreaker under any circumstance, and was wary of mortal travelers. We have been betrayed before, you see, under a ruse, and the consequences were dire. I am Haqim, Vizier of the Southern Cloud clan."

Sonja bows to Haqim. "A pleasure to meet you Vizier, and I am glad Halak will live. I an Sunblade Sonja Brynhildr. Could you explain what was going on?" She says placing the spiked end of her Earthbreaker upon the ground and resting her hand upon it.