RPGWW

There were surrounded in the open area. Sparse grass wavered in the eastward breeze and the sand cushioned there feet. There were a few bushes clinging to the ground here and there but nothing but themselves and the demon guards.

((Official GM Note: Would a hexboard be helpful?))

(OOC: To at least see who's what and where? Sure. I like the periodic maps muchly)

Ignes growled, seeing how close they actually were.

"...we're going to have to fan out...if we split up, they can't possibly get us all. There's only three of them. Am I right?"

Zachary sighed, knowing there was little they could do now. I shouldn't even be here, he says to himself, what kind of monarch am I to my people? I only hope this is the right thing.

With that, the katana at his side speeds toward the demon's throat, hoping to silence any of the alarms it might raise. He prayed that this companions had the foresight to do the same.

Zachary's blade cut deep into the rotog's arm. The demon letting out a pained squeal but Champagne tackled him hard knocking the air from him. "Quickly, everyone!"

Rick needed no other motivation he moved in quickly and severed the life strings of the rightmost troll with a swing of his blade.

At that, Ignes lunged forward and thrust his spear at the throat of the remaining archer, in an attempt to end its life in one stroke.

The troll gurgled and died at the end of the spear. Champagne was busy trying to keep the rotog busy.

"Ignes, lead the others to the mansion," he said dodging a punch. "I'll catch up later."

Ignes nodded to his cousin, tearing the spear out of the troll's flesh with a grin.

"Right. If you need help, call. I'll be there as fast as I can."

The incubus-half waved a hand, motioning to the others, and dashed off in the direction of the mansion.

At this point, trying to plan an stealthy approach wasn't really a option. Zachary began to wonder if they might have rushed into this a bit swiftly. He also prayed that Ignes was smart enough to stay away from the front gates and any other places with a thick knot of guards.

With some luck, the mansion would have a proper service entrance, one that is properly overlooked. Ashura knew the Mirwellians back home never thought about them, even if they did live on the edge of the Black Woods.

As Rick ran with the others, he couldn't help but wonder if he had gotten himself in over his head...


no.


Probably not.


But it WAS possible. Depended on whether or not there was an army of guys with crossbows when they got to the mansion. THAT would be the indicator of whether or not they had bitten off more than they could chew. Sorta made Rick wish he had brought that hip-flask full of Franky's special brew. A drop of that would ease the bad feeling in the pit of his stomach.

There was a servant's door to the east side of the mansion and it was being guarded by a troll. Troll seemed unnerved by all the commotion and nervously held his post.

There was a loud bang behind the house and the troll took off to investigate leaving the door unprotected.

"That way!" Zachary hisses, as he heads for the door. The presence of a servant's door reaffirmed his belief that the isle had been stolen from its previous owners; though the idea of demonic servants wasn't too unthinkable.

Running to the door, normally he would have taken time to make sure no demons were lurking on the other side. But now was not the time for it. Thus he wasted no time in opening the door, then dashing in.

(Presuming it is unlocked, off course)

Rick paced himself with Zachary, unspokenly deciding that Zachary had the right idea at the moment.

Zachary noted that the door lead to the kitchen which was empty, dusty, and abandoned. The entire house was silent, he could hear nothing but the silent pall of a house stripped of life and smell nothing but the neglected dust. There was no light.

Zachary held up his hand as they walked in, and quietly says, "Let's rest here for now and gather our wits."

The danger had, for the moment, passed, and Rick's most ancient instincts revealed themselves. He was in a kitchen that, before its occupation, had been owned by a prominent, rich family.

With any luck, there was a magically enchanted ice-box somewhere...maybe some meats and bread? A sandwich would be good right about now...

and maybe a small cup of wine? Yes...that would certainly hit the spot.

Rick sighed as he checked about the room.

The kitchen utensils and such were placed around like they had been discarded while in use. There were canned goods in the cabinets, which were thrust open, but all perishable foods were gone. The ice box lacked a door and was empty and slightly destroyed.

Zachary simply worked to catch his breath. He said little to Rick at the moment, simply because his mind did not process that anyone could look for food at a time like this. Especially given that demonic food might not be platable to mortal palettes

(In other news, are we gonna wait for Will or what? He should be back next week. Also, may we presume that Reia is went other way to cause a distraction?)

(keeps going...)


Rick looked at Zachary.

"we should probably move soon. Only a fool wouldn't post guards after a disturbance like the one with the cerbie..."