Return To The Ruins (Warlords Palace)

[shaidar]

Xenos

"Agreed, it's unlikely to be the cannibal slaves. Most likely the queen's desert patrol or bandits. Let's gather together so they can't pick us off individually. They'll want to know why we are out here, what do we tell them?"

He looks at Sik

"Be calm, if they ask then you're mine, a bodyguard. Getting caught now will do none of us any good."

[Rex]

Drest

"Bad timing as usual, this is the worst spot to be. They may blame us for this. I will keep quite unless spoken directly too, otherwise this may go very badly."

He will move back to the others and ready his sling, which he will then conceal under his cloak.

[shaidar]

Xenos

"If it is a patrol then they are likely to speak to Ixians over others, and be easily offended by what is said by non-ixians."

[Rex]

Drest

Chuckling, "Everyone is easily offended by what I say it seems."

[silifi]

Sik looks warily at the approaching convoy, and makes a brief move towards his axe. But hearing Xenos words, he pauses, understanding the wisdom of avoiding a fight.

He lowers his head, and puts himself into the uncomfortable mindset of a slave, readying himself to play the part.

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus doesn't unsheathe his sword, yet.

"That they would blame it on us what exactly my first thought. But we aren't stained with fresh blood or anything like it, so it's obvious that it wasn't us.

About what we're doing here... I don't know enough of this country to give a proper answer. It's obvious that hunting down slaves it's not the best answer... that would give away that some of them are hiding somewhere.

Anyone has an idea?

[shaidar]

Xenos

"We could say we've heard the rumours of the abandoned warlords palace and decided to go searching for it. It's not far from the truth. The only other thing I can think of is we are searching for someone who has gone missing, our old companions perhaps, Snorri and Valkrina."

[Rex]

Drest

"Stick with searching for the palace, it is true enough. I have noted that most people miss the obvious when confronted with it."

[shaidar]

Xenos

"How about we are looking for our missing friends, who were following the rumours of the fortress."

[Rex]

Drest

"that is probably fine as well."

[hedgeknight]

Ceana

The Kelt follows Kain and keeps her bow ready. "I have a feeling this won't end well," she whispers to her companion.

[shaidar]

Xenos directs everyone to stick with Kain and Ceana

"We should stick together"

[Rex]

Drest

Drest stays with the party.

[Monsieur Rose]

Kainaxarthos

He nods at Ceana but his words are more confident. "Our group is large enough to discourage bandits, and the authorities are easy enough to deal with. Just remember your experience at the office, Ixian rules are different than others."

Kain reminds the non-Ixians "If it is an authority, don't speak unless spoken to, and even then let someone else speak."

"Before they arrive, anything we should know about this cult? Did anyone overhear you talking about it in town? How much could they know?"

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus

Akhilleus also stays with the party.

[The_Wanderer]

Kainaxarthos
"Before they arrive, anything we should know about this cult? Did anyone overhear you talking about it in town? How much could they know?"

Cyril
"The Snake Cult? Really the most important thing was that the Snakes running it operate using these shapechanging amulets to appear as human. The escaped slaves that were a part of it...or at least who were there at the same ruined palace had no idea that they were changing shape. They assumed the snake priests were human. The slaves did tell stories of snakes that came at night to feed on the slaves though...What a horrible place to live. Puts slavery into perspective doesn't it."

[OGRE MAGE]

Xambaala
Morning
The Zakath Desert
The Anthropophagi Camp

At the wisdom of Kain’s words, the group decides to stick together. They move away from the burnt stakes and climb a dune the horsemen will be able to see them on, where they may hopefully speak in peace once they arrive.

Crestos gets a better look as the desert travelers draw nearer. Ten figures on horses in all. All similarly dressed, but not in anything that resembles a uniform that might indicate their status. Their heads and faces are covered with cloths and wraps as normal, and all of them appear to have at least one weapon, not necessarily equipped, but at their disposal.

Actions?

Xenos (DS3) AC5 17/17
Drest (Sc4) AC7 22/22
Kainaxarthos (C2) AC6 11/11
Cyril (Pr2) AC8 7/7
Ceana (D2) AC5 13/13
Akhilleus (F3) AC4 32/32
Taibhse (Sh1) AC7 7/7
Belloc (M1) AC6 9/9
Sik (Ba1) AC5 12/12

[Rex]

Drest

Drest waits to see what they do next. If it looks like they are preparing to use magic or missile weapons he will take cover on the other side of the dune.

[Ahlmzhad]

Taibhse

Unsure about all this don't speak until spoken to instructions, but not really having anything to say lets it pass. He hangs to the back, and waits to see the new arrivals.

[Karaunios]

Akhilleus assumes a seemingly relaxed posture, but his fists are ready to lift the shield and draw his sword when necessary, and his legs to quickly move backward and use the dune as cover in case of a ranged attack.