"I am sure her Highness will give it due consideration, and will let you know her decision," Lurel replies as diplomatically as he can. "Meanwhile, our thanks for your information. It may indeed be the case that an excursion to Ratz may be in both of our interests... of course, we would need as much information as we can get - and you can obtain for us - before we could expose our young friend to such danger..."

'There is no way Midge is breaking into that mansion unless we know just what those Lindan Yar people are capable of... I'm sure these... art dealers.. could find help from some of the kids round here if they really wanted to... but they've probably all turned them down. Still, it would be good to know just why those people were following us and tracking us with that trained owl... and just where that leader learned to teleport! If only I could ask Zekic about magic in Levdia... he might be able to explain it.'

He looks at Siffli. "Your Highness, do you wish to leave, and seek information about arrows elsewhere?"

Siffli nods. "Let us try these warriors. And then perhaps we should simply find out exactly where these black slayers are. Surely someone here knows."

You move south until the next occupied tunnel.

When you knock a woman in very smart studded leather armour opens the door.

She looks you over casually then addresses Lisette.

"Did you want armour or weapons?"

"Might I see what you have available?"

OOC: What armor do I have?

Lisette glances down at her own armour - a sectioned skirt of alternate leather studded leather, studded leather cuirass all highly polished and gleaming, black leather walking boots.

The woman leads her across to a display cabinet where full sets of armour are available in chain mail, leather and studded leather.

"This is all we have at Witten. There's very little call for armour in Levdia but Flen does have some plate and other types. They are suitable for battles perhaps but not fighting off marauders. Our range of weapons is more comprehensive."

She takes you to another part of the tunnel where a wide range of melee and throwing weapons is available. There are only two bows. The selection of larger weapons, spears, lances etc. is also small.

"Again we stock only what is useful here plus a couple of extras to show what can be ordered from Flen. Was there anything in particular you wanted? Our rates are lower than most market traders."

Which is better, chain or studded leather?

"I'm not sure about armor, but do you have any arrows?"

"Ah arrows! I'm afraid we have none just at the moment. We never thought they would be popular in Witten as so little goes on outside the city walls. Smudge was looking for some for one of his clients - the Black Slayers at a guess. He was lucky but I doubt if you will find any more. We only have the bows as samples of two very different styles - an arrow is an arrow is an arrow."

She looks at Lisette. "Chain mail is superior to leather but very much more conspicuous. As you are dressed at present people need to look twice to realise it is armour. You are clearly someone who cares for their armour and weapons. Many treat them carelessly as if they did not need to be looked after. Allow me to give you this small bottle of oil. It is particularly efficacious on leather. We have plenty."

After a glance at the rest of the group she says about Ari. "It seems this boy has arrows enough. Why do you need more?"

"Thank you. Avi's arrows are ordinary ones, what we are looking for is an arrow or arrows that don't belong here."

"Really? I don't think there was anything special about the arrows sold to the Slayers. You could ask them as long as you are careful. It's best to get word to them first as they don't like unexpected visitors. I think they are either in the west tunnel here or the next level down. You never see them if they don't want you to. On the balance of probabilities they are on level two as there are already two other groups in the west tunnel, the Camereni Yar is one. I don't know the other but it isn't the Slayers. Ask the TonTon Yar; they stick their noses into everything. They're in the south tunnel. Now, did you want to buy something or have you anything to sell? Perhaps you'd like to replace that dull little dagger I see there."

She points to the magical dagger.

She then glances at the others. "Any of you for that matter."

"Dull little dagger?"

Lisette forms the dagger into a spear.

ooc> chain is better than studded by far and if you wear a baggy shirt over it is invisible and isn't that noisy unless you jump - one of my ooc geeky areas.

*Ari Gawks as the dagger turning into the spear*
after a brief goldfish moment "do you have any other tricks like that?"

would the tonton yar know how to get message to the slayers as well as know where to find them?

The woman is startled at the transormation of the dagger.

"I see! I doubt if we can match anything like that."

She glances at Ari. "I don't know what the Ton Ton Yar knows. They are nosy and may have found out; althought as I said, the Slayers tend to keep secret. Smudge knows where they are. Talk to everyone about the Slayers. I'm sure someone will be able to tell you where they are."

She glances again at the group. "So does anyone need anything?"

Ford looks at Lisette's spear trick and grins.

"Come to think of it..."

He approaches the woman.

"Could you show me your selection of spears please?"

Ari looks at the wares. "sorry nothing really suitable for me there."

"As I said, our spears are really hear as examples of what can be ordered from Flen but if you want one I can as easily get a replacement."

She places three in front of Ford.

"The simplest model is of wood and is really little more than a stake. Ideal for slaying vampires were we to have any in Levdia. It is very hard wood so will not easily break but is correspondingly heavy."

The spear is black with runic symbols carved on it.

"A more sophisticated model is of steel. It is a little lighter than the wooden spear and more dangerous. It is however rather conspicuous. The wooden spear can easily appear as a staff but the steel is obvious for what it is."

She moves on to a third model.

"This is very sophisticated and needless to say expensive. It is made of an alloy of metals that make it light and very sharp. It is also capable of being unscrewed into three separate sections. This has the advantage of making it easy to carry and easy to conceal. Of course you have to put it together before you can use it so it is not ideal a weapon for defence against the unexpected. You would need a second weapon for that."

She pulls out what at first seems to be a small spear but which she calls a javelin. "This can be used as a very light spear if necessary. It is the cheapest and lightest option. It is meant to be thrown, of course but it's not so light as to be useless as a hand held weapon."

The prices respectively are 30 gold, 70 gold, 150 gold and 10 gold.

(Ford can go to 70 without too much problem. 100 would clean him out but the others might be willing to contribute. He'll have to ask.)

Ford ponders for a moment.

"I think I'll go for the steel model. That third one is a little too expensive and we're constantly dealing with the unexpected!"

He passes the woman the 70 gold.

Lurel looks at the black wooden spear. "Do you know what those symbols on it mean?" he asks the woman.

looks to lurel "is it magical?"

"Theres no real point in me getting something like that i'd be more of a liability."

The woman shakes her head.

"Our weapons are collected for a small fee for those who no longer want them. Strictly, according to the law, all weapons must be handed in to the authorities who then on-sell them and pocket the profits. It puts decent weapons outside the reach of many. We miss out the middle man as it were. I can tell you the provenance of the weapon."

She goes to a ledger.

"It was found in a cave in the Bergen mountains and brought in here. We judge it to be very old, although it shows no sign of wear."

"I'll take it," Lurel says, and grins, somewhat ruefully. "Not that I'm any good with a spear... but you never know when a sharpened stake might come in handy."

While counting his money to make sure he has enough he uses his empathy skill on the woman. Is there a particular reason why she showed them that particular staff?

'Why did she mention vampires just there? Does she know about Anromainyus and his brothers, and the undead? Why did the Lindan Yar start following us just after we passed the spot that's haunted by one of them? Did someone want us to find this staff? Whatever it is, it looks as though it could be dangerous in the wrong hands... I must ask Thail about it as soon as possible....'

Lurel's empathy shows the woman to be honest and truthful in what she says. There is nothing hidden about her. She is clearly a fierce fighter.

"Please come back should you need more weapons or armour. In the meantime I had better send to Flen for some new spears!"

OOC> If anyone who has not posted wishes to buy weapons I can arrange for you to go back. Otherwise I will assume you have finished here.

You now have the following information on the sewers.

10 sets of occupants on two levels. (Smudge)

Level one north
Room 1 - Lipschitz Yar (furs)
Room 2 - Handan Yar (food)
Room 11 - Sorcerers

Level one east
Room 3 - Slavic Yar (objets d'art)
Room 10 - Demveni Yar (armour and weapons)

Level one south
Room 9 - Ton Ton Yar (?)
Room ? - treehuggers

Level one west
Room ? - Camereni Yar (?)
Room ? - Unknown, possibly the Black Slayers

Level two - one group, probably The Black Slayers

You are outside the door leading to the Ton Ton Yar.

Ford thanks the woman for the spear and exits with the others.

"That wooden one sure is interesting... maybe not so great for combat though... erm... we're not going to be going up against any vampires... are we?"

He grins jokingly, although there does seem to be a slightly nervous tone to him. He looks down at his new spear and ponders.

"Erm... now what do I do with it? I kind of need a sheath or something for it... maybe the Demveni Yar would have something?"

"You could wrap it up in something, like a blanket, for now," Lurel suggests. "Well, I suppose it's time we spoke to the Ton Ton Yar, and see if they can tell us anything useful about arrows.... though I wonder about that connection between the Black Slayers' numbered arrows, and the one on the corpse you found, Ford. Can you remember if there was a number or anything carved into the arrow?"

While waiting for Ford's answer, he knocks on the door leading to the Ton Ton Yar.

(Let's say that Ford actually remembered to buy a suitable halter for the spear and can strap it to his back. Lurel can carry his.)

Before Ford has a chance to reply Lurel has been yanked inside the door by an uncouth lout. There is a knife in his hand against Lurel's throat. You can see three other men. Two similar to Lurel's assailant are at the back of the room. The third, fastidiously dressed, is alone in the middle of the room.

Lurel runs through the list of spells at his disposal, in case the situation escalates. Meanwhile he remains perfectly still and waits for one of the Ton Ton Yar to speak.

The Ton Ton Yar appear not to have noticed the rest of Lurel's party.

The lout says: "I'll just slit 'is throat, eh boss?"

Lurel is pinned tightly and will have immense difficulty in getting free alone.

(OOC: Ok then. Forget what Ford said then, it is now strapped to his back! )

Ford jumps back in shock.

"Whoa!"

He grabs for his spear but sees the knife at Lurel's throat, and slowly lowers his arm. He attempts to compose himself and addresses the men.

"E-erm... why do you currently have a knife to my friend's throat? Have we done something wrong?"

He attempts to sound as diplomatic and calm as possible, however the calm bit is somewhat difficult.

if they haven't noticed me yet i'd like to try and sneak round the edge of the room try to flank the and get as close to the oone pinning lureel without making myseelf too obvious.

ooc: using parents machine mines bust again - anyone know why i'd be getting dns error. i've tried the xp winsock fix and have got the dns ip from my isp... last time reinstalling it fixed it but i'd rather not do that each month.

OOC I haven't posted here; with Switch and Gabbe away and Theta about to be and Arturius off line there seemed little point. However will add one post now to keep things ticking along. Don't expect much until Theta and Switch are back.


Siffli nudges Lisette.

"Hey Lizzy, they don't know we're here. If I create a diversion can you jump the man who is in charge. If you can get a knife to his neck it will even things up. You could help too Midge!"

So saying she hurries into the room wailing at ear-slitting levels.

Well, looks like I need to go in too!

Lisette charges into the room, here dagger(?) at the ready.

She yells "FBI, FREEZE!"

as Lisette charges in Ari will attempt to get to the side of one of them and try and get his knife to their groin.
(I hope they don't fight back, i'm so dead)

Amid the total confusion the man in charge, possibly seeing a reversal of fortune says:

"Please everyone, calm down!"

He frowns at the noise Siffli is creating, then says to Lisette: "Rather aggressive for Federated Beetroot Inc. isn't it? Since when did the production of root vegetables require armed escorts?"

Lurel is freed.

"You must excuse my men. We have suffered a setback recently and are very jumpy. I cannot believe you wanted the Ton Ton yar. Who were you looking for?"

Lurel moves away from the person with the knife.

"Well, the beetroot sector is getting rather competitive these days," he mutters, before addressing the one in charge.
"As a matter of fact, we have been given to understand that the Ton Ton Yar might be able to help us out with some information. We are looking for certain arrows - possibly those used by the Black Slayers..."

(OOC: I'm baaack. )

Ford holds back, waiting to see what the others are up to first. Once hostilities seem to be subsiding he sighs in relief.

'Oh sure, now they're friendly just because we might have the advantage...'

"The Black Slayers! You want to keep well away from them. They killed three of my best men because we had the temerity to try to explore the lower sewers. That's where they are by the way. If you want to visit them you certainly don't want to go in a group or on your own. Two of you should go. If you wish I will get my men to take you to the staircase that leads down nearest to their tunnel."

He moves into a part of the room where he can see everybody.

"I am Porcius Nilbar. I cannot help you with arrows. I am aware the Black Slayers use them but only in special circumstances. To judge from what they did to my men, razors to the throats and knives in the back are their usual weapons."

He looks at you all calculatingly. "I can tell you who else you will find on this level if you are interested or do you already know that?"

Lurel, attempting empathy, will find the man shielded. It is impossible to read him. The men are under his control and will do whatever he tells them.

Ari realises he has his hand to his throat and puts it by his side. He looks didtinctly uncomfortable!

"Are you guys sure these are the right people, i Really don't like the sound of this!"

Lurel shrugs. "We have heard bits and pieces, here and there, and we've met a few of the other groups, but I would appreciate it if you could tell us about the residents of this level. As for the Black Slayers - I don't think we have a choice, since everything we've heard so far tells us that they're the ones to talk to about 'arrows'. Why, though, did you suggest that only two of us should go? Some particular quirk of the Black Slayers we should be aware of? And there is one other thing - which is probably unconnected with our errand - that I was hoping you might be able to tell us about: the Lindan Yar. For some reason, they seemed to take an interest in us, and they seem to have some very ... unusual... abilities. Do you know anything about them?"

Reference to the Lindan Yar seems to amuse the man.

"Drug runners. They won't be interested in you unless you're intending to break into their racket or they thought you might be."

He considers the party. "I suggested two because one would be asking for trouble. No one to watch your backs. To go en masse as we did seems to upset them. Of course the choice is yours."

Now let me see. On the south side we have the Oddfellows and on the west the Camereni Yar and the - er - naturists. Which are you interested in?

"If you don't mind, we would appreciate information about all 3 of them," Lurel says politely. "Perhaps, in return, we might be able to help you - you mentioned a recent setback?"

I told you of our recent set back - at the hands of the Black Slayers!

So what can I tell you of these other groups?

Well the Oddfellows are into nature loving. They defend trees against those that would chop them down. They can get a bit cracked about it if you ask me.

The Camereni Yar specialise in providing common or garden utilitarian objects at prices the less than well off can afford. Things like ropes, torches, bowls anything really that isn't dealt with by the more specialised Yar. A lot of what they handle is 'second hand' if you take my meaning.

As for the naturists - well, they run around with no clothes on. If it's a cover story, or should I say an uncover story, we have never discovered what they are really doing. There are some strange groups in Levdia.

He eyes you thoughtfully.

"If you want to help us, two of you should go down to see the Black Slayers and either get them to leave us alone or slaughter the lot of 'em. The rest of you are welcome to wait here while that happens."

Ford coughs.

"Two of us against the whole Black Slayer force doesn't sound like a very bright idea. I doubt that they'd listen to reason, either, but I suppose we could try..."

He sighs and turns to Lurel.

"It sounds to me as though the Black Slayers are, unfortunately, our best lead... but... whoever went would probably end up dead. They did a pretty good job of shadowing us before, they're clearly very skilled at what they do."

"I really don't think only 2 people is a good idea, even talking to them, which is a far better suggestion than getting killed by them."

"As much as i don't like the idea of going down there, i recon you'll need my help as well"
*Looks dutifully glum ;p*

"Do you know who runs the black slayers at all?"

"We'll certainly try to talk to them," Lurel replies. "May I ask why you were exploring the lower sewers? I'm just trying to establish whether there is more to it than a territorial dispute so that we can negotiate with the Slayers on your behalf, I'm not trying to stick my nose into your business...." He looks at Nilbar. "Do you know, by any chance, who Smudge is working for?"

Porcius Nilbar seems amused at the question.

"We do not like to set up shop in an area where there are unknowns. We know this level and wished to find out just who and what is below. There have been rumours of strange noises. Presumably they do not bother the slayers!"

He scratches his chin, thoughtfully.

"We do not know who organises the slayers. There is a lot about them that is secret. Smudge works for anybody who wants him. I have seen him going to the lower level so he will have had some business with the slayers. Perhaps they did not feel threatened by so small a boy."

Suddenly he seems impatient. "If you wish to take my advice we can take you to the lower sewers now. If you wish to speak to the others on this level, come back when you are ready. We do have work to do."

The other members of the Yar jump to attention at the change in his tone.

"Thank you."

He considers briefly.

"We have a few things to organise before heading down there, so it might be best if we come back in a while when we're ready. We'll be seeing you shortly."


He nods towards the others. "We need to decide who's going down to meet the Slayers, for a start. Might as well talk to the other groups while we're at it, and take the opportunity to resupply if we need anything."

A few paces down the hallway he stops, and turns around to face the others. "So. Who wants to go to meet the Black Slayers?"

Ford grins slightly.

"Well I doubt any of us would actually want to... I suppose I could go if you like, I might be good at dealing with whatever their idea of 'traders' are down there. Although it's not terribly likely we'll have to do any trading, and Lisette can hold her own in a battle better than me..."

"I would like to go, to find out what they are up to," Lurel says thoughtfully. "Perhaps the magic I have will be useful there. But then - we all have skills which might be useful.... I really do not know. Should we follow the Ton Ton's advice, and send two of us, or should we all go, and risk being attacked?"

He shrugs, and looks at the others. "What do you think?"

"Theres unlikely to be enough room for a bow, and i haven't really fought with a dagger much..."

"i can sneak around but i don't know how much use stealth will be, that might be just as likely to get us killed!"

"if you want me along i'll go, i dont think i need to pick anything up. if not i'll wait and look after the beer till you're done"

"I'll go. I don't believe I need anything, so I'll stay too."

While discussing what you are going to do you have moved a little further on from the Ton Ton Yar. A tall, incredibly thin man rushes past you and into the door inhabited presumably by the Oddfellows (tree-huggers).

As he passes you he is muttering to himself.

"Damn those Lindan Yar. What the hell do they think they are doing."

As the door slams you hear him shout 'another five trees!'

"Lindan Yar?" Lurel repeats? "Interesting."

He knocks at the door the tree-hugger disappeared through. "Excuse me," he calls. "Could we have a word, please?"