Arcos, Sesman. Aleksi and Ilmani arrive very shaken in what appears to be a barracks. The place has a disused feel to it although the six pairs of bunk beds have been freshly made. A tall, craggy Imperial fighter is sitting at a small table.

He introduces himself at once. "Welcome sirs to possibly the most dangerous posting of your lives. This building used to belong to the Imperial fort but since the rift opened any building not within its curtain walls has been abandoned. So it serves us. The fort is sealed and accessible only by telportation from Cyrodiil City. Do not attempt to enter it or you will be slain instantly. The magic of the most powerful mages of the province are used there so do not allow your falcon to overfly it. It is probably not visible from the air anyway."

He notices that you are all dizzy with the result of teleportation.

"I will try to be brief. The Fort is a top secret establishment and no one can say for sure what goes on there. The prison was also once part of it. There they held those who had perpetrated - or were thought to be about to perpetrate - crimes against the state. The site was chosen for it had a reputation among the locals of being 'evil' and none would come here. As certain aspects of what went on in the prison were of questionable legality this suited the ruling faction admirably. Unfortunately this was one of the first places to be affected when the rift opened suggesting that its reputation might have come from some definite cause. The prison was overrun by daedra. They came from inside and slaughtered AND devoured guards and inmates alike. Some of these were I am sure innocents who has simply irritated the ruling faction, but that is the way of politics. One escaped as the daedra broke the outer defenses of the establishment. He was a mage whose power, though slight, allowed him to teleport to the gate of the fort. He was dying of a terrible disease caught from Oblivion. Everyone was afraid it would spread so I was sent to deal with him. I am immune to diseases owing to - never mind that is another story. He told me what had happened before he died. But then my companions refused to let me back into the fort in case I was 'carrying' the disease. "

Rahlard grunts to show his frustration. "Nothing I could say or do would change their minds. They throw me rations daily but only enough for one. I trust you have rations with you. I understand they were plentiful where you have come from. Your task is to penetrate the prison to find out what it was that made the denizens of Oblivion choose it as one of their first offensives. And if you can to destroy the local leader who, from what I can guess from the description given, is a Were-Daedroth some monstrous mutation. Or perhaps he is just a Daedroth with werewolves in his entourage. The mage was rambling deleriously by now."

But you will need to sleep. "

He shows you the bunks and you know you must make use of them.

Nell, Antehelios, Diego and Oroka arrive from the Alit and hear the same tale.

Suddenly not one of you, even the bird, can stay awake. You crawl to the nearest bunk.

OOC> the thread will be locked now for an hour or so to allow some time to pass.

THE SECURE PRISON UPDATE 1

The group awakens completely refreshed feeling wonderful. The sensation lasts for a matter of seconds. Physically you are still fine but something is troubling your mind. You cannot tell exactly what it is but something is different. It will not take you long to discover that every enchanted item item, potion or scroll that helped you detect enchantment has been taken and those among you who knew any spell to that effect has suddenly forgotten it. Someone has been into your room. Who? And is stealing the items the only thing they have done?

The obvious answer as to 'who?' is the Rahlard Rich but when you go to find him he has been knocked unconscious. He is alive but weak, a healing potion or spell will revive him and perhaps he can tell you something of what happened.

As well as one of you doing this, everyone must perform such natural bodily functions as all creatures do (off the thread please) and then deal with such nuisances as hunger and thirst.

And so you do - or do you?

Nell awoke suddenly as if forced awake. He felt good, actually he felt better then good, he felt as if he could take on all of Oblivion himself. But the feeling of immortality quickly faded and gave way to the reality. Nell scratched his head trying to recall how he had arrived here. I slowly came back to him. He looked around for the others, they were still sound asleep, and it appeared that they were one man extra from when they first were transported here. Nell would make sure to find out more about him when he woke. Within the dormitory all seemed quite peaceful, except a growing feeling in the back of his mind said something was wrong. What was it? He checked his equipment. Everything was where it should have been. A lump formed in Nells throat as he realized something different about his companions. It appeared that each of their travel packs was a little less swollen. Nell checked his pack to find his dagger missing. Stolen? Who could have done this? Who knew of their arrival? Suddenly it came to him. Only one man knew of the party's arrival. Rahlard Rich.

Nell looked over to where Rahlard was sleeping. Nell expected to see the ruffian curled up next to the missing items; instead he was lying on his face, apparently unconscious. Nell noticed a small patch of crimson by his head. Who ever did this must have caught him by surprise. Nell carefully turned Rahlard on his back and placed him on his cot. Propping his up with a bedroll, Nell proceeded to examine the wound. He had only minor skills in healing; enough to tell that if he didn't do something soon, this man would most certainly die. All he could think of was to try and scrounge up the right ingredients for a healing potion.

Nell secured his sword and threw his hood over his head and stepped out of the dormitory. It was barely dawn and the night chill still lingered. Nell only had to trek a short distance off before finding the right ingredients. It would be a low wield potion but it should do the trick. Nell retrieved his alchemic tools from his pack and was then able to quickly mold the raw ingredients into a low wield health potion. This he administered to Rahlard. The potion would take some time for the effects of the potion to kick in, so Nell decided that he would wait until the others woke up, then, together they would check on Rahlard. And then maybe they could get some answers. Nell knew one though; they were going to be very upset finding out that some of their items were stolen. What else was missing besides his own dagger he wondered? That answer would have to wait.

OOC> Nell, you are not in a tent but a dormitory with 12 bunk beds in one room. Also the only enchanted items missing are those with the spell 'detect enchantment'

He had never slept so soundly or felt so good... Then Diego was fully alert. Diego remained motionless as he slowly opened his eyes and scanned the room. Athough he had slept soundly on many occassions, he had not gotten a full nights sleep since his love had gone to wind. Not to mention his body, he had gotten used to morning aches from old wounds and a lifetime in the field, but this morning he felt like a young man again.
He remembered being teleported here with Nell and Oroko and suddenly there was a 4th there with them being greeted by Rahlard. Antehelios he thought is name was from the tavern. Thats him there and Oroko only Nell was out of his cot. Diego was unsure if the travel had worn him out, or just the building anxiety within him. He hadn't felt alive or happy in some time, but he was beginning to feel content and willing to go on. Thats what the last few days have meant, promise of life again.
Quickly but quietly he arose, strapping a sword to his waist he strode over to Oroko and Antehelios "Wake up you two, though I sense no danger something is surely amiss."

Oroko sat up quickly and slammed his forward into the underside of the top bunk with a loud bang.

"Fetcher!" He grunted and hissed as he rubbed the small bump forming on his brow. Oroko hadn't had anything with detect enchantment upon it, so all of his items were still perfectly fine and untouched. He plucked his gondolier helm from a little hook on the side of the bunk bed and put it on as he stood up and stretched.

He looked down and saw Nell tending to Rahlard, who was very unconscious.

"Oh, fantastic. Hey! Old man! Wake up!" He gave Rahlard a nudge on the leg with the tip of his boot as Nell tried to help him. "I was rather hoping that enchanting little Bosmer might be coming with us. She's certainly a fe steps up from this old goat," Oroko sighs and turns from the unconscious guard to look around the dorm at the other occupants. There are five he does not recognize, which means Fairgoth must have sent somebody after them at the last second. He is idly wondering which one it is when his stomach growls.


"Uh, I don't suppose anybody happened to bring any food, did they?" Oroko had come plenty prepared to fight, but not to have a meal. No matter though. If there was food, that was fine. If not, his time in the Morag Tong had taught him how to go without food for days at a time. But water...that might become a problem pretty soon.

There were bigger problems at hand than that though. For starters, Rahlard had mentioned some kind of were-Daedroth, and werewolves. That sounded bad. What really concerned him was the so-called disease that the Imperial was apparently immune to, somehow. Oroko leaned against his bunk and waited for Rahlard and is companions to rouse themselves so they could get underway.

Sesmar was awakened by the sound of someone else leaving the barracks; although he felt surprisingly good considering the last few days, there was still something that just did not seem right. Glancing around the room, Sesmar realized that a second group, most likely from one of the two other camps, had joined them. Still with an uneasy feeling in the back of his mind, Sesmar checked his traveling sack and equipment making sure everything was there. While he was looking through his things, Sesmar also noticed that Fygge had apparently honored his request for a leather tunic. While Sesmar was strapping his new leather tunic on beneath his robes, he noticed a robed figure lying on the hard wooden floor near the entrance to the barracks.

As Sesmar hurried to the man’s side, the door, leading into the barracks, swung open. Suddenly, Sesmar realized this may be the very same person that had knocked Rahlard out. Taking up a defensive position between the unconscious figure of Rahlard and the newcomer, Sesmar asked, “Who are you and what business do you have with my companions?”


[OOC Sorry for the inconsistancy of my post, the last two posts had not yet been posted when I started working on this one.[/OOC]

"Oh please, do behave, beautiful Fairgoth..." Antehelios muttered as a Breton shook him awake. Antehelios rose up with a startle, nearly falling off the bunk bed. "By Akatosh's scales, that must have been one Hell of a trip," Antehelios thought to himself as he rubbed his eyes and got his bearings. A man in magnificently crafted Orcish armor was standing above him. He vaguely remembers the Breton being called "Diego" in one of the many conversations going on in the Alit, and he also recalled Diego was with others as well who offered their services to Fairgoth. He sensed that though Diego did not seem like the knave that Antehelios was, he could be a kindred spirit. He wished that the others in the group would be the same.

"...Food?" Antehelios heard a Dunmer wearing a gondolier cap who was also in the room. He remembers him as one of Diego's companions in the Alit as well. Then it occurs to him that another person was with Diego, another Dark Elf in leather armor. Antehelios peered around the bunk, but could see no sight of the 2nd Dunmer.

"Well, aren't we the motley crew thrown into the mix?" Antehelios muttered to himself as he got up. "I greet you all, though I wish I were doing so under more pleasant circumstances," he said as he dusted himself off and adjusted the Dark Brotherhood Armor underneath the black velvet cloak he wore. "I am Antehelios, a Nord with a bit of a memory problem, and a penchant for stealing the chastity of maidens, priestesses, and wealthy mistresses. I guess the fair Fairgoth sent me here to round out your group."

As Antehelios took stock of his belongings, he continued to explain himself to the others. "I'm not a bad shot with a bow," he said as he strapped on his Elven bow and the quiver full of arrows on his back along with his backpack. "And I can hack and slash with the best of them," as he hooked the scabbard containing his ebony short sword to his waist, and attached the scabbard with his katana to his back. He noticed as he did this that the katana he now had was different from the one he had before. It was now Ebony instead of Daedric, and Antehelios vaguely remembered Fairgoth saying something about "No Daedric items..."

"So that's basically who I am, more or less," Antehelios said with a wry smile on his face as he turned back to his companions. Of course, that was not the whole truth. He neglected to tell them of his magic ring, his aptitude for Destruction and Conjuration, though he rarely used his magical prowess, and the bone blade in his boot. Antehelios wanted to keep a few things about himself obfuscated, so that he might have some surprises in store for his companions, or anything else they might encounter.

"Here," he said to Oroko as he handed him some scrib meat he had taken from his backpack. "I believe I was able to procure some rations before I got whisked off with you. Tell me, what's going on? Where's the other Dunmer?"

Oroko took, the scrib meat, but before he could offer a thanks, he saw somebody standing over Rahlard in a defensive manner. Oroko rolled his eyes and turned from Antehelios towards the other man.

"Hey, take it easy there tough guy. Nobody here is your enemy. That guy there is Nell, and he's with me, Diego, and Antehelios here. We came from the Drunken Alit for the same purpose as i'm guessing you have: to fight the monsters of Oblivion and get a little cash. Well, a lot of cash really. i don't get out of bed for anything little. Anyway, just calm down and let Nell here do his thing, he's an alchemist and it appears as though he is attempting to heal our currently unresponsive 'host' from whatever felled him," Oroko said.

He turned to Antehelios and nodded at him. "Glad to see that you managed to pack some provisions. I was so eager to go out and fight something i forgot the basics. What a rookie mistake. I'l bet even moreton would have remembered..." he trailed off and sat down on his bunk as he chewed his food.

"Anyway, as far as what's happening now, i'm as much in the dark as you are. After Rahlard there explained the current situation to us about the fort, the prison, and al lthat, I went to bed, same as the rest of you. When I woke up, Rahlard was already unconscious," he rubs the bump on his head and looks to the side. "Also, it would seem that somebody may have tried to assault me in my sleep, but only managed to give me a mild thump on the head."

"As for the other Dunmer, Nell, he's over there along with our unconscious host and Mr. tough guy," Oroko jerked his thumb in their direction.

"Good morning Ante, hope you you don't mind the abbreviation," replied Diego to the newest member. "And' don't worry about provisions too much Oroko, I'm sure the country hereabouts can supply us wuth enough sustenance." Diego speaking in a calm voice though he wasn't sure he believed it himself. "I suggest we get to know our new companions until Rahlad awakens. It probably wouldn't hurt to do a bit of scouting also."
So saying Diego turns to the newcomer by Rahlad extends his hand and smiles. "I am Diego de la Verdad, former legionarre and currently adventurer. Oroko there," Diego points out to Orokos' direction, "heads our group. Who are you and your companions?" asked Diego.

Nell was attending Rahlard when someone barged into the barracks. However it was must have thought Nell was the assailant who had perpetrated this crime. Nell didn't pay much heed to the man but instead continued to monitor Rahlards condition; he was slowly healing and should regain consciousness any minute. Oroko had Nell?s back and explained to the newcomer who Nell was and what he was doing. Confident that Rahlard was on the sure path to healing, Nell decided it would be a good time to check on his companions.

First Nell extended his hand in greeting to Antehelios, or as Diego called him, Ante.
"Welcome friend." They shook hands. Nell nodded to the man who had burst into the room as if just realizing he was there. Nell then turned to address Oroko and Diego.
"Good to see you awake my friends. As much as I would like to get to know some of the other groups, I think our present situation deserves merit, would you not agree?" Nell folded his arms.
"So, Oroko, what do you make of our predicament?"

<<<OOC: It seems that there is some mild confusion. I was under the impression (and it seems Sesmar was too), that Rahlad was unconscious and in the barracks/dormatory along with the rest of us. I'm not sure if this is right, or if He is located in a separate building, as Nell seems to be playing at. Malchik only says "The obvious answer as to 'who?' is the Rahlard Rich but when you go to find him he has been knocked unconscious. He is alive but weak, a healing potion or spell will revive him and perhaps he can tell you something of what happened. " This is kind of vague, so for now, I'm just going to wait until Malchik posts again tonight (hopefully), and if/when he clears up some questions, i may have to edit my posts accordingly.>>>

OOC> He was in the barracks which is only one room but if you wish he could have been moved to a corner obscured by one of the bunk beds to give the impression he was separate. This would let Nell tend him and not see or be seen by all the others.

OOC>> whatever that means? I'm new to this. anyway it appers to me that Sesmar was kneeled over Rahlad and Nell came through the door? now we are at the greeting of sesmar and the other group?
Diego
P.S. I opened another board to iron out whats going on here
http://forum.gamingsource.net/index.php?showtopic=16619
instead of bogging down our story thread

Oroko looked down at Nell as he tended to Rahlard.

"I think what Diego says makes some good sense. We need to find out about our surroundings beyond these barracks. However, we can't just leave Rahlard while we go exploring. For now i suggest a small bit of reconnaissance, just to go out and take a look at our immediate surroundings. Diego, if you don't mind, i'd like you to come with me. antehelios, if you could perhaps stay with Nell and aid him if he needs it? As for the rest of you," Oroko nods at Sesmar and his companions. "No doubt you have your own plans or ideas to carry out, and so long as they do not trouble my companions or I, by all means carry on."

Oroko opens the door leading outside and steps out, one hand tight on the handle of his longsword.

Nell nodded in agreement with Oroko. As much as Nell would rather be out scouting the area, his priority lay with tending to the injured Rahlard. His wounds were healing nicely and his breathing had steadied. Nell took a damp rag and placed it on the haggard looking Rahlard and continued to administer the healing potion that Nell had concocted. There wasn?t much more to been done, all they could do was wait for Rahlard to regain consciousness. Since he had some time to spare, Nell decided he would use it to get to know the newest addition to the group, Ante.

"So, Ante, tell me a little about yourself. Why did you take up the call? Is it the lure of gold? Or is it the allure of adventure?"

THE SECURE PRISON UPDATE 2

Rahlard though weak is coming round. Before he does so all those of you who have eaten or drunk anything at all suddenly begin to feel very sick indeed and quickly collapse groaning. Rahlard looks on in dismay. "I hoped it was only me they were after. Listen quickly all of you. One of those here attacked me last night. Now I can see that you were attacked too. If there is a healer among you he or she should be summoned at once. Before you start accusing each other it is very possible that the perpetrator has no idea he or she has done anything. Oblivion's magic can control you without you being aware. It has tried it with me but Fygge has helped me learn how to harness the protection of Boethiah. I am very weak and need to rest for a little longer before I answer your questions. Please get the healers and help to find who among you has been affected by Oblivion."

Rahlard climbs into a bunk and passes out.

Diego nodded in agreement. "Just let me get my boots on," said Diego. After donning his boots and cuirass Diego nods to the remaining members and begins to follow Oroko out. "Hold Oroko! I believe Rahlad is coming around," exclaimed Diego.

" This bodes ill for all of us if what Rahlad says is true," remarked Diego struggling with the foulness of his stomach. "I say we should examine all the weapons present," so saying he unsheathed both his swords to search for signs of use, and examined his own hands for new marks of violence. "I see nothing on my weapons but anyone of you may examine them if you wish, for I'll wish to examine yours."

Arcos Aries, Hand of Almalexia, stood up from his sleeping place in the corner of the Barracks. He slowly wobbled to his feet, as sleeping in a sitting position had taken an toll on his back. But he wass revitalized and ready to do his job. "I can heal you all, if necessary," Arcos said. "Gather round so I may cast healing spells."

One by one, they lined up in front of Arcos to be healed, and Arcos focused his energy and cast the spell on each of the adventurers unfailingly. Arcos' strength seemed to have left him, and he collapsed again. "How much longer must we remain here?"

No one seemed to know. Rahlard was gone, or at least knocked out, so it seemed that they would have to remain longer in the musty ruin. Arcos put his head on his arms and could feel himself drifting away to a restless slumber.

~ ~ ~

"Arcos! Arcos! Save Arcos!" A dunmer woman (Mom?was shrieking through the flames that were beginning to consume the room. The heat licked at Arcos face, and he fell backwards to the only remaining safe corner of the room. He backed away from the all-consuming flame, which had torn away everything he had once owned as a child and now was threatening to take his very life.

A dunmer man burst through the door (Dad?) and looked at Arcos, with a brave look of love in his eyes. He gestured for Arcos to come. "Run through the flames! Arcos! Run!"

A nordic man with long blonde hair and a pickaxe strode through the door and chopped Arcos' father in the back. Arcos felt himself scream, but no sound came out. The nord looked at him with hate in his eyes and turned around. "We got anothuh one in hea, Rolf!" He shouted again. "Rolf?"

A man in shining armor ran through the door and slashed the nordic bandit to the side in one swift stroke. An Ordinator. Not just any Ordinator. A Hand of Almalexia. He rushed through the flame and held his arms out to Arcos, and through the smoke, Arcos thought he saw a little bit of himself. But his dreams faded away when someone pushed him awake.

Hastily Diego added, "Before you think I am accusing anyone, remember Rahlad said the perpetrator may not have known what he did. I simply wish to find out which one of us may be easiest to control." Diego also added "Whoever was controlled last night may be the one who is controlled next time. What do you think?" asked Diego of the assembled rogues.
Diego thanked Arcos for his healing and waited for a response to his question.

Indeed it seemed that Rahlard was finally coming to. Perhaps now they could find out what was going on. In the light of Ralhard's coming to, Nell almost missed Oroko cringe and clinch his stomach. Before Nell could give Oroko some assistance Rahlard spoke.
Nell listened intently as the man's raspy voice carried on. He told them that we had been attacked during the night and that the attacker could indeed have been one of them and that anyone with healing skills should try to discover who had been affected. But before Nell could ask Rahlard how they might accomplish such a thing he passed out. Nell looked apprehensively at his companions.

"My friends, I have only a limited knowledge of the healing arts. I am afraid that Deadric sorcery is beyond my skills, if someone has a suggestion I am all ears." All of a sudden Nell felt quite helpless.

Nell reluctantly turned over his weapons so that Diego might examine them; it was a rare thing for Nell to willingly turn over his weapons. But Nell trusted Diego and trusted his judgment. The sooner they figured out what was going on the better. But if either one of them could be the assailant, that meant that he could have been the one who had done it. But Nell didn't have any recollection of ever doing such a thing. But if what Rahlard said were true, who ever had done it, would not even know it. Their journey had defiantly taken a strange turn.

Arcos felt himself being pushed out of his dreams by a man named Diego. "Hmm," Arco mumbled.

As Diego informed Arcos of how Rahlard had been attacked, Arcos felt his heart sink.

"I will... check my weapons," Arcos said. He slowly drew Windscythe from his belt, and apprehensively examined the blade for bloodstains. "No..." Arcos said. "Nothing." He slowly took the Wakizashi from the shoulder holster. The pommel was stained thickly with red blood, and Arcos dropped it and stepped back in horror. It seemed as though the weapon might have been used to hit someone with.

The room fell silent. "I... suppose I should have known," Arcos said, feeling the blood drain from his head. "During the time before Dagoth Ur's death, those who were under his power often had strange nightmares... I have been having evil dreams as of late, and I have been quite restless." Seeing the shocked looks on everyone else's faces, Arcos stepped forward before Rahlard. He took one of the Exclusive Restore Health potions out of his belt and handed it to Nell. "This should help him." He turned around to face everyone else, and bowed his head. "I understand if you no longer wish for me to progress with you, and I humbly submit myself to whatever judgment you deem fit. Perhaps it was a curse from on high for disobeying the orders of the Tribunal. Whatever it was, I take full responsibility for my crime."

As Oroko was preparing to leave, Rahlard awoke and said his piece. Oroko grimaced and clutched at his stomach, and gladly accepted the healing offered by Arcos.

When the pangs in his stomach had ceased, he opened his travelling pack and removed his steel shuriken, then unsheathed his enchanted glass longsword to be examined by the group.

"Nobody get any funny ideas about taking my stuff okay? Even if I did do something untoward against Rahlard over there," Oroko grunted as he laid back down on his bunk. He pinched the bridge of his nose between thumb and forefinger and sighed.

This job was becoming a pain. Already he missed the simplicity of an assassination or a robbery. Forced sleep, possessed comrades, barely coherent informants, and this stupid lingering (though thankfully receding) pain in his gut.

There better be more treasure than I can carry at the end of this, or I'm going to wring pretty Miss Fairgoth's elegant little neck, he thought, and waited for the next inevitable unwelcome occurence to happen.

As Diego took the offered weapons he passed his on as well. Diego thenexamined the silver sword carfeully"Your weapons also appear to be unused Nell, and I appreciate your trust," said Diego as he passed the weapons back. Diego had thought some of them may not wish to have their weapons examined not because they might be the attacker but no warrior is willing to have his weapons in the hands of another warrior. He knew he didn't.

Nell cautiously retrieved the potion from Arcos and administered it to Rahlard. Nell placed his hand on Rahlard's forehead; his temperature seemed to be returning to normal. Although Rahlard was still unconscious, Nell had no doubt that the man would pull through. Nell then turned his attention to Arcos who stood in disbelief along with the others in the room. Nell stepped forward and addressed the others.
"You heard what Rahlard said. He committed this travesty unconsciously and against his will. He can not be to blame." Nell glanced back at the sleeping form of Rahlard.
"The influence of Oblivion is most powerful indeed. I believe we should now focus on trying to find a way to prevent this from happening again." Nell could see the relief on Arcos' face. They couldn't afford to turn on each other.

"I agree with Nell, though I'm not sure what to make of all this," said Diego with a reassuring nod to Arcos. Turning to Oroko and his group he said "I think it would be a good idea to try and keep two up at all times and vary which two are together and when. At least until we can find a way to prevent this."
"Arcos I have some aromorers equipment to attend to your Wakizashi if you need it," stated Diego




Off Topic "Arcos I woulddn't gasp and I am capable of healing myself please wait for me to accept your offer before you line me up Thanks Diego

OOC> Don't get tetchy guys. Confine those comments to off-topic if you please.

Arcos I'd love to know whose blood is on your wakizashi. Rahlard was knocked unconscious by a heavy blunt weapon. Perhaps the sword bleeds when a crime is committed nearby? If so we should be told that. And perhaps it is in your character to confess to any crime because of something that happened in your past. I have no problem with that but if that is the case you have to make it more obvious in the current post. Don't forget several of those present have never met you before.

To conclude, may I repeat that whichever one of you commited the crime (and one of you did) their in-game character does NOT know they did it.

[OOC] Sorry, mistake while typing (sort of distracted while typing). Previous post edited for error. Diego, corrected post error, sorry about that. Keep in mind I don't really know your character 100% yet, forgive any mistakes I make.[/OOC]

The pain in his stomach had finally subsided to nothing but a bad memory. Oroko sat up (mindful of the overhanging bunk this time), and began to pace up and down the aisle formed by the twin rows of beds, rubbing at his ragged stubble, eyes narrowed as he thought. He kept glancing over at his sword and shuriken, which were stil lwaiting to be examined by the others for any use. Oroko was pretty sure he hadn't done anything (certain, in fact), since old man Rahlard's injury seemed to be the result of something blunt, and all he had were bladed or pointed weapons. Still, if he had been i nthe grip of Oblivion, he could have struck the old Imperial with the pommel of his sword...no matter. A close examination would tell soon enough.

"We need to hurry up and examine everyone's weapons. anybody with a mace, club, or something that could inflict blunt damage should comeforward at once. This isn't a trial and I'm not looking to punish anybody, but we need to know who is susceptible to Oblivion's hold so we can all be wary. It's bad sense to go wandering off looking for a Were-Daedroth and his werewolves when one of our own could unwillingly betray us. also, If any of us have to go anywhere for any reason, I suggest it be in a group of three. That way, if one of the team is the unwilling traitor, the other two will not be caught completly unaware." Oroko glanced over at the remaining two members of Acros' party. "The sooner we resolve this, the sooner we can accomplish the goal we all came here for, so please my friends, if you wouldn't mind presenting your weapons for inspection?"

He smiled politely at them.

"Rest assured sirs, though I'm an accomplished thief, even I am not so brazen as to steal from my allies, even if one of them is under an outside influence."

Antehelios, or "Ante" for short, would have spun an amusing and elaborate tale about sleeping with the wrong kind of Nordic woman, but before he could do so, their host, Rahlad had come round, and then he saw his companion Oroko wince in pain. He then heard Rahlad's pronouncement regarding being attacked, and the possibility of the food or drink being poisoned.

"I guess I shouldn't have given him the scrib meat," Antehelios muttered as he rifled through his pack and inspected the rations. They still smelled and looked fresh, with none of the rank odor that comes with putrefaction when food spoils. He realized that there could be other explanations for Oroko getting sick: poison, or perhaps a spell triggered by ingestion. This does not bode well for the rest of the adventurers, for it might mean being wary of anything and everything being eaten or imbibed. He heard Diego's suggestion of having all weapons present examined.


"Sorry Nell, my lurid tale of wanton debauchery gone wrong will have to wait for a while, for it seems we have a villain among us," Antehelios said in a rather impish manner, with a sardonic smirk on his face. "Seems we were better off back in the Alit with the Atronachs," he said sarcastically as he unsheathed the Ebony short sword on his hips and the Ebony katana strapped to his back and handed them over to Diego for inspection. "At least with them, you knew they were out to dismember you and devour your carcass in the depths of Oblivion," he finished as he handed Diego his bow as well. He decided not to reveal the bone dagger nicely tucked away in his boot, because he did not feel comfortable at all being totally disarmed. He patiently waited for Diego's verdict regarding the guilt of his arms.

"Comrades, I think it would be more prudent if we inspected the barracks and surroundings for any clues, as we originally intended, and examine Rahlad himself," Antehelios said as he gently rapped his fingers on the wooden furnishings of the room. "I'm sure our host wouldn't mind, the poor sod's passed out anyway," he said with a slight laugh. In his mind though, Antehelios did not appreciate the fact that the events he awoke to today had some similarities to that awful night back in Morrowind that brought him running to Cyrodiil in the first place. "I may get blamed for this as well," he thought to himself. Of course, with his amnesiac background, there could be merit to that line of thought, unlike the incident in Morrowind. He knew this as well, and was a little bit frightened and irritated at the prospect of cleaning up another mess. He furrowed his brow as he contemplated his next move.

"Tell me Nell, does our host have any wounds or marks on him? Any cuts or bruises? How about the area he was found in? Any signs?" Antehelios asked, hoping that others would find evidence that would put his mind at ease.

OOC>>> No harm done did'nt mean to sound"tetchy"


"Well Oroko our groups weapons appear to be fine, and I agree with Ante about about searching our surroundings. Here are your weapons back." Diego paused perceptably before going on. "I'm not sure groups of three would work though." Diego looks over to the other group, "at least not till we know more about them. I feel good about you Nell, and Ante but..." Diego had more concerns than just the other group, but felt in the short time he had been around Nell and Oroko he could trust them, he wouldn't have teamed up with them if he didin't and though he hadn't spoken much with Ante he seemed willing to talk and likable. "I'll go along with what you 3 say though."
Diego then began a methodical search of the room.

Showing his age a bit, and the effects of the stressful travel, Aleksi was the last to wake up. As the others talked and exchanged weapons, he sat and watched, trying to catch up on the situation. Finally, he drew his rapier and dagger, holding them in front of the others. "As you can see," he said, turning them over, "I carry no blunt weapon. Any of mine would leave clear stab wounds, and the flat side of my blade is far too light to knock a man out. Besides," he added as an afterthought, "if I had tried to kill him, he would be dead. One thrust through the ribs and into his heart, not too hard."

Aleksi paused for a moment to think, studying the room a bit more. "It makes me wonder, why this man is still alive. Why leave him knocked out, instead of finishing the job? A helpless victim would have been an easy kill... was our assassin interrupted, or did he have some greater purpose in leaving a survivor?"

Oroko nodded at Diego, then smiled as the old man woke up. He listened to him and nodded again.

"Perhaps if the forces of Oblivion had their way, the Imperial would be dead. i think the motive for doing away with him is clear: He is here to aid us, and he serves the good Daedra. If the old man has been here as long as he says, it's no big stretch of the imagination to assume that the Were-Daedroth knows of him, and his purpose. however, whoever wa staken over, whoever was being controlled by Oblivion, perhaps they maintained enough of themse;f to refrain from killing the old man, but not enough to fight off the effects of possesion or whatever it was completely."

He tapped a finger thoughtfully against his chin as he studied Rahlard's sleeping form.

"I don't suppose any of you have any detect enchantment spells, do you? that could clear things up rather quickly, i'd imagine."

OOC> I know all the "detect enchantment" spells/items are gone, but as my character has none, he doesn't know that.

Diego paused from his search to answer Orokos' question"I don't use them much unless I'm in search of an enchanted item then I'll buy some scrolls." Diego was getting a bit frustrated at this mess and figured maybe he would scout the surrounding area. Regardless of what goes on they still have to find a way to penetrate the prison. "I don't really see anything that might be a clue maybe we should push on with our orders. I know I'm ready to stretch my legs and we've wasted half the morning already." Diego then moves to his bunk to collect his gear and see if anyone else has a better idea.

Aleksi nods in agreement at the suggestion. "It makes sense, though I wonder why our would-be murderer has no memory of the events, if he was so able to fight off the posession. And I'm not entirely sure about this posession, why rush to blame magic when mortal greed is enough? All of us are strangers here, who can confirm another's story, or whether they have hidden motives? Who knows, maybe one of us is a hired assassin, sent to break through this fort's impossible defenses..."

Aleksi looked around at the others for reactions, then shrugged. "Not that we'll know right now, unless one of you has a guilty secret to confess. But Diego is right, nobody goes off alone, and we'll sleep in watches. If nothing else," he finished, tapping his sword for emphasis, "whoever comes back without his partner won't live long enough to kill another."

Meanwhile, Ilmari perched on one of the bunks near Aleksi. Though the bird made no aggressive action, it seemed to always be watching wherever Aleksi wasn't looking. And not with a predator's hungry gaze, but with apparent careful study and understanding completely out of place on a mere animal.

Nell held his chin in thought, listening to his companions while at the same time struggling to understand the situation.
"Gentlemen, perhaps we are looking for the wrong thing. Now here me out." Nell breathed evenly and made sure to speak slowly.
"Diego, have you been in contact with any deadra since our arrival, no, you Oroko, no. As far as I can tell, there is only one person here who has been in contact with the evil of Oblivion and only one who has admitted it. He lies unconscious on the bunk, Rahlard. It is possible to render oneself unconscious, certainly if he were under the influence of the deadra. It isn't impossible." Nell let his suggestion sink in with the others. Of course there was no way to prove this, not yet anyway. Nell could only hope more evidence turned up.

Diego smiled at Aleksis' comments, "I have many guilty secrets to confess Aleksi but none that would affect the here and now. Unless your Laras' brother" Diego chuckled as he shrugged off his frustrations he hadn't really smiled or laughed in a long time and suddenly regardles of what was happening he felt happiness. To be again in the company of like men who would be as quick to draw steel and face the uncertainty that he would. "I had been a soldier near ten years Aleksi, but have been away from men such as yourselves here for sometime. I had forgotten what camp life and adventuring could be like. I don't know how many of you like to work alone, but I can see us as new legion squad getting to know each other. Of course I usually knew what was happening and the ground we were camping on instead of being lost like now.' Diego looked over at Aleksi again, "Maybe we should get to know one another before we go on."

Antehelios reequipped his weapons that Diego handed back to him. "Hmm, I suppose Nell might be on to something, but I don't believe that our host would go to all that trouble to obscure his actions," Antehelios said with a shrug. "Perhaps he'll inform us of any clues he might have once he's awake again."

"In the meantime, I'd like to look around the room and the surrounding vicinity and see what can be seen," he said as he as he squatted down. "Perhaps the assailant might come back to finish off our poor host while the rest of us are off scouting the prison and wilderness," he said with a trace of suspicion in his voice. "It's what I would do," Antehelios thought to himself smugly, "if my grim business was interrupted."

"As I investigate the barracks and nearby vicinity," he continued as he got up from the floor, "I'll see if I can keep watch for any suspicious activity."

"So who's going off with who, to do what and where?" he asked as he began to walk around the room. "Now remember, no monkey business," he finished with a chuckle. Antehelios was busy factoring in the reality of their situation. He won't be bedding any maidens and wenches anytime soon, that's for sure. The only companions he will have later in the evening will be suspicion and doubt, and perhaps Death as well, because he had a growing feeling that one of their group of adventurers and scoundrels might not be alive for long.

[OOC] Maybe Malchik the DM can determine if any of us find anything?[OOC]

[OOC]2nd edit. I didn't realize Nell replied, so I adjusted the dialogue. My bad[OOC]

"Ah, one of the experienced soldiers I had so little luck finding back in the nord's camp," Aleksi replied. "Good to see at least someone here has more than youth and desire for glory behind their blade. As for myself, over fifteen years as a scout, as well as a few other things. Of course things then were much simpler, at least the fatal arrow was more likely to come from an enemy than a supposed ally. I can do this job, but I'll be much happier once this traitor is dealt with..." As he said the last part, he waved in the direction of his bow, leaning against the bunk. "Call it simple, but I prefer the direct solution to all this lying and guessing."

"And stories, I have plenty. Of course if I told you I'd have to kill you..." Aleksi laughed, then continued much more seriously. "No, really, I would. There are things I've done, places I've seen, that will never go in the history books. I'd say half my life officially doesn't exist, and there are a lot of people who want to keep it that way."

"Soldier half your stories would be exaggeration and the other half boring," Diego laughed loudly. " I would know because I've probably told the same stories. "Most start out with 'She was a fair maiden' or 'Me and so-so were at this pub' but I'll take pleasure in hearing them again." Diego nodded slightly at Aleksi with a knowing look on his face.

Nell shook his head at Ante?s response.
"No, it would not make any since if our host was covering himself. But if what he said were true, he wouldn't even know that he had done it. Logically it just adds up." Nell glanced back at the form of Rahlard. The only way they could connect the crime with Rahlard or to anyone at that was to find the missing items. He had himself lost his dagger that he usually kept in his boot. It would stand to reason to check Rahlards belongings for anything incriminating, the same went for the rest of the group.

Diego pondered Nells' and Antes' arguments for a moment feeling both had merit. "I don't think we should rule out Nells' thoughts. Everyone here, including Rahlard, may have been susceptible."

Nell nodded at Diego in thanks but still he wished to elaborate on his theory.
"Rahlard even admitted being infected by the evil when we first arrived and again when he regained consciousness. If you remember he said he thought he was the only one, he assumed that it was one of us because he was the one who was injured. Let us assume that Rahlard is indeed the culprit, the deadra will want to use him again, but to avoid suspicion the deadra may have willed him to injure himself. I can make no other connection nor can I prove these allegations. But it is something." Nell had to admit that the idea seemed impossible but at this point they couldn't afford to ignore any possible leads.

"Regardless who is right between the both of us," Antehelios lamented as he crawled and tip-toed all over the room, searching for clues, "we have to be wary regarding someone attacking the barracks again, or any of us who go out to investigate." He still can't shake that ill feeling regarding the possible grisly fate of one of their group.

"I have a nose for danger," Antehelios continued, "And I know I don't very well appreciate surprises unless it's some voluptuous and scantily-clad maiden popping out of a massive cake," he said with a sarcastic tone and a wink to everyone else in the room. "Perhaps we should group ourselves in triads at least, so that we can go about investigating the rift to Oblivion, and the attack on Rahlad, while at the same time keeping an eye on each other, so that when one of us succumbs to possession, if it is indeed one of us who is possesed, the other 2 are nearby to restrain the poor bloke. We are how many here in total, 7?" he asked in all seriousness.

"Who's with me here? And who's going to check the rift?"

THE SECURE PRISON UPDATE 3

OOC> I will respond to the results of your search when those in the European time zone have had a chance to post.

On topic

An examination of the wound to Rahlard's skull shows a light dusting of masonery powder. He had been hit by a stone and probably one taken from the room they were in. There was very little blood. But the stone was not left beside the fallen man. Strange.

Rahlard suddenly grunts and sits up. "You need to be gone soon. Have you found out who hit me yet? I must tell you what I can of the prison. I can of course only describe the way it was when there were men controlling it. Imagine a very large square fence containing seven other square fences each successively smaller surrounding a relatively small central core. The first two fences are close together with a path between them wide enough for men and beasts to patrol. Some way further in is a similar pair of fences. The space beween the two pairs of fences is broad and competely empty. At the corners of each of the pairs of fences are guard towers perched five storeys up accessible only by metal ladders. These towers can hold up to five human guards though they seldom had so many. Inside the second double fence there is a third enclosing a much smaller area. It too has guard towers but lower and smaller. Between these two sets of fences are the living quarters for the prison staff and their families. The two outer pairs of fences stand about three storeys high and are tough metal chain constructions through which anyone is able to see inside (or out). The third pair are solid stone topped with iron spikes. In here are research facilities and the rooms for most prisoners. Finally there is a single reinforced solid iron fence inside which the dangerous criminals are held. Each fence has one heavily guarded gate with guard posts both inside and out and to either side of the gate. I fear you will need to get to the centre."

He groans. "I am by no means recovered but I will try to answer your questions. Fire away."

"Well well well," Antehelios started with a slightly amused look on his face. "So kind of our host to grace us with his being conscious again. Ask and you shall be asked."

"What were you doing last night? Do you remember anything at all? Is there a stockpile of silver or enchanted weapons that we can raid to use against the lycanthropes? How many monsters do you reckon are in the prison? Are the provisions we have safe to eat? Is nubile Fairgoth single?" Antehelios couldn't get the questions out of his mouth fast enough, warily scanning the others for their questions and response regarding Rahlad's awakening. He needed answers to ease his mind, as well as figure out whose back he should be watching besides his own.

[OOC]Seeing that there was some confussion and inconsistency since my first post here and the fact that I do not have as much time to keep up on the weekends, I have skipped over a little bit to try and stay up-to-date with the current happenings of the forum. I hope this will help tie my character into the rest of the story. [/OOC]

Believing Diego’s suggestion, to examine everyone’s weapons for any indication as to who may have attacked Rahlard, a sound idea, Sesmar laid his staff and bow out on his bunk for examination. While others examined his weapons, Sesmar also examined theirs only to find nothing conclusive. During this, Sesmar took the time to listen to the second groups stories and learned that they had apparently, been transported from the Drunken Alit. After taking in everything that was going on around him, Sesmar waited for a brief silence then decided to introduce himself to the others. “Greetings fellow travelers, I am sorry for my actions earlier, I was merely trying to protect those who could not protect themselves. I had a strange feeling that things were not right and when I saw our host lying there, on the floor, I assumed the worst. Again I apologize for my rudeness and hasty thinking, I am Sesmar Alaharnok, from the Brotherhood of the Mantis, I am well trained in the art of hand-to-hand combat, blunt weapons and I am an expert marksmen. On top of that I also possess an extensive knowledge of alchemy, and can perform some minor restoration.”

As Sesmar finished speaking, their host began to stir, and speak. When he had finished, Sesmar had quite a few questions he wished to have answered but decided to wait and listen to those of the others first.

Oroko shifted a trifle uneasily at Aleksi's comment about a "hired Assassin". Honesty wasn't really Oroko's area of specialization, but in this case, better they all find out straight from him and not by accident later.

"Well, I'm an Assassin, but I'm not currently under any employ, heh heh," he chuckled. He accepted his weapons back from diego with a murmured thanks and adjusted them on his back and side, their weight comforting.

He just listened to the others for a while, taking in the information. When he saw the dusting of powder on Rahlard's skull, he snapped his fingers.

"Everybody stick out your hands! Check and see if there's similar powder on your fingers, palms, or clothes. It looks like our man Rahlard here was knocked by a stone. Antehelios, keep an eye out for a stone in your search, preferably one with a tiny bit of blood. Especially, check under all the bunks that have been occupied. Our assailent may have hidden it under their bed," Oroko stopped as Rahlard spoke up, and relayed the layout of the prison. As Rahlard spoke, Oroko drew in the heavy layer of dust on the floor.

"Okay old man, so we have to get into the center, right? In all your time here, how far into the prison have you gone, i mean, how close to the center? Have you seen any daedra in the towers or guard posts, and do we need any keys to bypass the gates? Is there anything that might be useful in these "research" buildings, and do you have any idea what went on in there?" While Oroko waits for Rahlard to speak and everybody to hold out their hands along with him, he points with one hand at his drawing in the dust on the floor.



Forgive the crudity of my makeshift art. The lines are obviously the fences, the big circles are guard towers, and the little ones are guard posts. The larger rectangles represent the housing area, right old man?" He looks at Rahlard and continues, "next is the common holding area and research facilities, followed by the center. These little areas of tiny lines inbetween the guard posts are the gates. Our goal is here," Oroko said and jabbed a finger at the central area. "But i don't think we should just rush straight in. We need information before we act. The inner guard towers are much shorter than the outer towers. I suggest a few of us climb the five-story tall guard towers so that we have a good view of what lies in the center. This will take some extra time, but the information we get should be worth it. Of course, I suggest we do all this after we have examined our hands and under our beds for any sign of the stone that felled Rahlard. If there are no objections, i think we should begin."

Oroko seemed much different now, not at all the sly, gleeful, deviant rogue he was in the Drunken Alit. This was business now, this was battle. this was his life. the thrill of the hunt, of attack. His blood was beginning to boil but he kept it in check. Remain calm, thoughtful, but ready, do not let excitement overwhelm you, Oroko thought, harkening back to his teachings with the Morag Tong. He took a few deep breaths, and waited for the others.

Nothing is visible on the hands or UNDER the bunks. No one has left the room. A cursory glance shows there is no stone lying anywhere it should not be. There is nothing found on any of the weapons except the pommel of Arcos's sword and that must have been left from something he did before joining you. Where will you search next? Or do you give up?

Rahlard answers as best he can. "I only visited the prison to deliver prisoners so I have been to the centre but never inside the buildings. I do not know what 'research' was but I suspect we might use the word 'torture'. It seems different people have different definitions of that word for whatever hypocritical reasons they might have. Torture is only what others do. But I am afraid that is really what went on here no matter what the Empire chooses to call it. As for where the daedra may be lurking now I have no idea. I would doubt if they are in the towers. Most lack the ability to fly and their bodies are poorly designed for climbing vertical ladders. Also they prefer to hide away in the dark. I cannot of course confirm it but I doubt if you will find any before the third double fence unless inside the buildings. By the way your drawing is nearly accurate except that there are no buildings on the southern stretch between fences 2 and 3 and no building between gate three and the entrance to the high security area."

He glances at the falcon. "Provided your bird can understand the need not to overfly the garrison he or she might be able to give you more information. You are lucky in that we get no cliff racers here."

He turns to Antehelios. "I have a dull libido potion if it would help you."