Plot Runner: Hernan (level 6)

Non death-consent

Dramatis personae:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Name | Race | Class | E Lev| CHP | HP | AC | For | Ref | Wil |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
|Isarinae |HALF-ELF|Mnk | 2 | 12 | 12 | 15 | 3 | 8 | 5 |
|Haiwyr |HUMAN |Art | 2 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 3 | 2 | 2 |
|Nasirri |LIZARDFO|Clr | 3 | 15 | 15 | 24 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
|Earth |WAR_GOLE|Rgr | 2 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 6 | 6 | 2 |
|Amaranth |WILD_ELF|Rgr | 2 | 13 | 13 | 17 | 5 | 6 | 1 |

Threats:
1 CR 2 Chime Foreman
2 CR 1 Gear Wrenchers
(Approximate EL is 4)

It is another bright and clear morning in Belltown, a small but prosperous primarily gnomish town in northeastern Alexandros. There is a slight haze in the air from stone dust, lingering from the mysterious destruction of the Dragonshead, an ancient gothic building from the time of Kulthian rule, now nothing more than a rubbled pile surrounded by later, wooden, buildings.
Mayor Yerbignog, a gnome with bright red hair currently slicked down over his darkened eyes, has invited 'dashing adventurers' to the Glass House, a cafe in the center of town with the interesting feature that the ceiling and walls are permanently invisible. The group shares tea, coffee, and small snacks as he meets with them.
He manages a smile to Isarinae and Haiwyr, then nods to the new members of the group. "Welcome, and thank you for, ah, answering my posting."

Haiwyr sits near the mayor with tea and a warm smile for the gnome. "It was our pleasure to help. Although I must once again apologize for the loss of the Dragonshead. Just most unfortunate." The young artificer sips at the tea then turns to see the new arrivals. . . and you might almost see the stars in his eyes. Is that a real, walking, talking, functional war golem!?!? "ooooooh" Family lessons about modesty and self-control are about the only things stopping him from jumping on Earth the moment the war golem appears.

Already seated and sipping slowly at a cup of tea, Isarinae smiles easily at the mayor and glances at her partner before nodding, "Always happy to help." As usual, the half elf doesn't seem inclined to say much. She does, however, seem alert to her surroundings despite her relaxed posture. Gaze flicking again to Haiwyr, the monk sighs and kicks him under the table when his attention wanders off.

Amaranth, the rugged wild elf, doesn't really appear as the tea-and-biscuits type. The ranger (who hasn't really specialized in hunting gnomes, honest!) settles the the gnome with a pointed 'get to it' kind of glare, offering a light nod in response to the mayor's words. "This is all... cozy, but I still wonder what need Belltown has of our services."

Earth looks distinctly out of place in the setting of a cafe. He's a little too large for the chair he is seated in, and he doesn't seem to do much other than stare at the tea, coffee, and snacks provided. He makes some brief attempts at polite conversation while waiting, but it seems a little forced. The obvious attention received from Haiwyr also earns a stare. "Greetings, human." He says in a perfectly flat tone before swiveling to face the mayor. "And to you, gnome. What is required?"

Haiwyr ouches as he's kicked, but swoons as the war golem speaks, to him!

Nasirri, sadly, was the source of at least part of the waiting. Feathers ripple as she slips in, moving to the table before dipping her head in long, fluting measure. "Apologies to you," she asks, eyes a bright delight. "But for such a morning as has come, I could not resist attending the duties of such a beautiful time. Joy and fortune, to all!"

The gnome stares at Earth for a moment, sharing perhaps a much lesser echo of Haiwyr's fascination. Then another stare at the big lizard. Dragon? Whatever.
Then he nods, to Earth and Amaranth, "Yes. Yes... well. As some of you know," a nod to Isarinae and Haiwyr, "we have been, ah, importuned by one 'Lord Bell.' This unknown man has demanded the fealty of our town, the ownership of the tin and glasswork guilds... he has had some support up until recently, as his men have funded and helped in numerous projects for the town. Enticements, as it were. But he showed his hand, recently, threatening us with an attack on our fair town if we didn't comply with his demands. We've interrogated Bell's men that Isarinae and Haiwyr here apprehended... they come from good families, mostly local, so have been ordered into house arrest and fined. They have yet to offer substantive information. Mmm."
Yerbignog rubs his large nose with annoyance. "So we're trying to find out more information, try to track down this Lord Bell and stop him. To that end... he has a secretive project up in the hills, supposedly a 'crop enhancement project.' Whatever he is up to, we want you lot to get up there and capture more of his people, materials, and plans. I doubt Lord Bell himself is there, but... well."

The artificer forces himself away from Earth to pay at least some attention. Fortunately he wasn't listening when mention of his and Isarinae's previous involvement was mentioned, so avoids blushing. "I see, Mr. Mayor. But how do you want this done? Just go in, smash and grab? Or try to move more quietly? Surely now at least Isarinae's face and mine is known to this 'Bell' and those working with him." Another sip of tea is taken, and Haiwyr almost seems to relax a little more. That's good tea.
It is difficult to read much of Earth's emotional state, given that he has little in the way of ordinary facial features, but the tone of his low voice shows a hint of what might be curiosity. "What manner of creature is this 'Lord Bell' believed to be? What are our instructions should we manage to locate him?" If the fascination he receives causes him any concern, it is not displayed. His head swivels to face the artificer. "Have you personally encountered the target?"

Curiosity draws silver fingers towards the selections of small foods, cut fruits, dried pieces. Nasirri listens, head tilted in silent fascination. Two slender cuts of fruit, stolen and eaten, swallowed with a whisper of motions. And a glance, back towards the Mayor after it is done.

Amaranth listens attentively as the gnome outlines the situation, offering a faint nod at appropriate times. "Certainly easier to accomplish 'live acquisitions' with the subtle approach. Unless the mayor wants a message sent, of course..?" The last bit offered towards Yerbignog. "What of this impending attack on the town though?"

Absently brushing a stray lock of hair from her face, Isarinae glances at Haiwyr to make sure the dratted man is listening, just as the artificer opens his mouth to babble some. Rolling her eyes, she turns her attention back to the mayor, head tilting to one side thoughtfully as she listens to the questions and comments brought by her partner and the construct. Her tea is forgotten as the monk slowly nods, her expression serious, "We can do what we can to find out more about this person, yes."

The mayor gives a pained smile. "Well, the Dragonshead was 'attacked'... Lord Bell used some means we haven't figured out to destroy it, as he had warned. As for who or what he is... nobody knows. He is very careful not to reveal himself. What I want is for you to go and apprehend his men at the Greening Project. If they do not surrender peacefully... well, use what means you have to, but it would be GREATLY appreciated if you didn't kill any of them. You may want to use, ah, covert means to reach the site. I will provide you with writs in case any regular townsfolk or guards interfere, and to demonstrate that you are officially charged, on the chance Bell's men are willing to simply surrender."
He thinks, then adds, "I expect there will be equipment and papers, so if you could collect them for examination, that would also be appreciated."

Nasirri's features are almost as still as Earth's nonexistant ones, though her eyes glitter with their own quick emotion. "I fear that I am... poorly made for stealth," she admits, raising a hand to her muzzle with laughter. The silver tail moves slowly beneath the sheateing of bright feathers, and she spares a nod towards the mythril-hued Earth. "But fortune may favour us. We can but attempt."

Isarinae looks over at Haiwyr as the mayor speaks and kicks the artificer under the table again, murmuring softly, "That means no flames, Hai." The monk wrinkles her nose at her partner before turning her attention back to the mayor, once more nodding in understanding, "I think gathering up papers and equipment shouldn't be a problem, sir. And..." She glances at Haiwyr again, "I think we can manage to not kill anyone if we're careful." There's emphasis on the word careful, the half elf still staring straight at the human beside her.

The artificer first ows, but regains himself. "Very well then. So we'll leave town in a direction that will lead us on a nice roundabout way to reach the project site. Then attempt to get into the place before confronting those there. With the right timing I'm sure it won't even come to blows!" Haiwyr sounds confident. Then looks at the elfling who keeps kicking him. "What? I put the flames on them out."

Amaranth nods to the mayor, shifting restlessly. He's well and good ready to head out already. This sitting around is... "Anything else we need to know? The less time we spent here, the sooner you will have your answers." He glances to the lizard with a thoughtful expression, almost as if calculating the odds of a glowing silver giant lizard can sneak up on anything. Then he nods. "We should not linger." the finally comments, simply.

"I was not constructed for stealth." Earth responds, to build upon Nasirri's comment. "However, I shall do my best to adapt to the mission set before us. I understand that a subtle approach may be best for the town and its denizens." His head swivels to Isarinae, then back at the gnome. "So we are to avoid killing even the servants of this 'Bell', are we? Very well."

Haiwyr oooohs for a moment thinking, "We could try and just walk in, pretending to be a supply wagon from the town or whatnot. The war golem can pull! Oh it'd be a good chance to test it's strength and load bearing capacities!" He looks to Nasirri with a bright smile, "How do you fancy being a 'pet' for a little while too?"

With a loud, exasperated sigh, Isarinae has to give into the urge to kick Haiwyr again...harder. Raising an eyebrow, the monk stares at him for a long moment before finally just bursting out with, "Hai, you just don't think. What in the nine hells has gotten into you?" Standing up, she moves away from Haiwyr before she's tempted to hit him again.

Earth turns his impossible to read face to Haiwyr, as if studying him for a moment before responding. "I was not constructed for transportation of heavy loads. However, I will attempt to comply if this is the best way to remain inconspicuous. I cannot gaurantee success."

Nasirri's head turns over with a *click* towards Haiwyr. STARING. She tilts her head as though considering the question, pondering this very thing very carefully, raising a taloned hand to examine oh-so-deliciously sharp claws... R
...And using a lithe, quicksilver tail to slap at Haiwyr's chair with a fierce measure.

"In Am'Shere," the Silver says politely, "You belong to the female." Said sweetly, eyes glittering with an undisguised mischief. She glances towards Isarinae, head curved. "Would you prefer a collar of leather for him? It could be made with lovely, small spikes, I am certain. And a loincloth? It is said those are quite suitable for north-climes and cold weathers..."

Isarinae blinks at the words from the Makar, her eyes widening for just a moment before a wicked little smile plays on her lips. Nodding, she comments in a seemingly off-hand manner, "Oh...there's a thought now." Her eyes flick to Haiwyr, that smile still written all over her expression.

The young man's chair and he rock with the tail-slap! Haiwyr's hand instantly slaps to his neck to cover the hickey. "How did.. wait what?" Wide-eyed he looks between the elfling and the Makar, swallowing hard once.

The mayor doesn't snicker at all, though he's having trouble drinking his tea.
THUNK! Another bird hits the invisible wall. A gray ghostly ring of feathers hangs strangely in the air.

Earth just looks from one person to another as they speak. "I do not think I shall ever fully understand modern society." He says, tone as flat as ever.

Nasirri just curves her head away, the smile in her eyes a glow of quiet serenity. "It is not to regret, Honoured Silver," she replies to Earth, voice a warbling purr as she steals another slice of fruit fromt he selections. "Not all can be as advanced as the soul of Am'Shere. One day, I am certain the smooth-skinned shall manage to tame their males properly.."

Oh, mischief.


The group travels through the foothills of some nameless mountain, a few miles from Belltown. While inhospitable-looking from below, as you travel up through a series of windy paths with a 'cart of goods,' each slate and gravelly ridge you ascend opens up into countless small farms. Root vegetables seem to be the primary crop -- yams, potatoes, parsnips, and the occasional beet. Interestingly, even the poorest farms with ramshackle huts have glass windows, something you've noticed throughout this area. Small faces press against the windows, watching the strange figures pass.
Eventually you draw close to the Greening Project. You know this because of a large sign emblazoned with 'GREENING PROJECT' and an arrow pointing up the path. There is a small stylized silver symbol of a bell with small writing next to it: 'Bell Industries'
Earth is doing his best to pull the cart. While certainly a great deal stronger than your average human, he's hardly as capable as a draft animal, and it is slow going at times. While there are no obvious signs of tiring or annoyance on his part, he does ask a question when the sign appears on the path. "That sign indicates we are close to our destination, correct?"

Haiwyr rides along on the wagon atop a sack labled, 'Special Maneur' and sighs. Well at least he's not wearing a collar yet. With a wince he notes that word, 'yet.' At least the artificer has had a chance to observe Earth with the travels, impressed at how well the war golem is holding up given the load. He nods once in answer to the question. "Should be just ahead yeah." Some of his enthusiasm is gone, but not all. "Everyone remember their parts to play? New supplies brought by hired help to ensure it arrives safely?"

Nasirri clearly enjoys the trip, relishing the gusts of wind that sweep along the mountainside from time to time. Curiosity moves her gaze towards the back of the cart, examining the collection of metal odds and ends, the small casks of light oil with a murmur. Nasirri's gaze moves to the sign with Earth's question, focusing sharply. "It should not be long now."
RShe pauses, eyes tracing back to the metallic warrior. "Are you certain you do not tire? I am certain than the Haiwyr would enjoy exchanging places with you, for even a shrot time. He is so very frail, after all; the training in strength would serve him well."

Amaranth, who has trailed along the sides of the path as much as possible, keeping a suspicious eye on the locals, draws closer to the drawn cart once the greening project sign is approached. "This should be it." he comments with a faint nod. "I suspect they would have guards watching the road if they are as cautious as we've bene led to believe." There's a slight pause. "Not that we have anything to hide, of course."

Isarinae was about to answer the golem when Haiwyr speaks up. With a sigh, the monk looks up at where the artificer sits, shaking her head, but not commenting...aloud, anyway. There's a flicker of amusement in her at the comments from Nasirri, but Isa seems more intent on their purpose for being here now, her quarterstaff held at the ready in one hand and all of her senses alert to what's about them.

Earth seems to consider Nasirri's suggestion, at least for a short while, before he resumes trudging on down the path. "While I see the merits in your suggestion, it might hamper our attempts to remain disguised. I shall not tire. We should move ahead."

Soon the group, and cart, reaches a large open area. There are several buildings that look to have been constructed recently. Two human guards, playing cards near the front of the camp, glance up, squint a bit at Earth and Nasirri. One points over to a clear area near the center of the camp, where several other carts sit.
At the far side of the camp are a series of small gardens, with a few gnomes tending.

One might actually see the sweat drop on Haiwyr's forehead with Nasirri's suggestion, though it disappears as soon as Earth speaks to relieve him of that fear. The artificer gives a smile and a wave at the two guards while where they are to take the wagon is clearly indicated.

"As you desire," the Silver Makar answers cooly, warm mirth never-ending in the gaze she gives Haiwyr. Any further words are forestalled by the turning of the bend, the first-sighting of the guards. She shifts absently, a ripple of glimmering feathers swirling behind her. Silver fingers brush the artificer's shoulder with a touch of confidence before she moves back along the side of the cart, moving with careful grace,

Earth tilts his head forward in a nod to the guards before he drags the wagon to the spot indicated, eager to drop the heavy load and remove himself from the straps. Once he is done he stands still, head turning to scan over the entire scene, watching the gnomes and their plants.

Amaranth keeps his hood up, but drawn back enough to reveal his face because he doesn't want to look conspicious. Just armed escort here. Nothing to worry about. "Quite a little setup they got here. I'm not quite sure I caught the second half of the plan." he remarks towards Haiwyr, keeping his tone low enough not to carry far.

Isarinae, never far from the body she is /supposed/ to be guarding, raises an eyebrow slightly at Amaranth's comment to Haiwyr, though she still holds her peace. Instead she tries to look like she is professional and knows what the heck is supposed to be happening. Well, she tries, but probably fails considering that she keeps sending frustrated little glances in the artificer's direction.

(DC 15 spot check to notice that Bell's men, inside the main building, have noticed and reacted to their presence)

GAME: Earth rolls spot: (10)+7: 17 (made it)
GAME: Isarinae rolls spot: (1)+6: 7 (HA HA HA)
GAME: Haiwyr rolls Spot: (7)+-1: 6
GAME: Nasirri rolls Spot: (11)+3: 14
GAME: Amaranth rolls spot: (9)+8: 17 (made it)

The wild elf and war golem notice some faces peering at them from a window in what looks to be the main building. They seem to be discussing something and one points several times at the group. Then the faces move out of sight.

===== Current Initiative Order =========
23 Amaranth
22 Nasirri
18 Isarinae
13 G2 (gear wrencher)
12 Earth
8 Haiwyr
7 G1 (gear wrencher)
4 C (chime foreman)
========================================

Earth looks at the main building curiously for a moment, then turns to face the group and extends an arm to point at one of the windows. "We are being observed." He states.

Amaranth glances towards the building and nods to Earth's comment. "We've drawn attention. Might have called our bluff, be on guard." he remarks, tightening his hold of the bow.

(Chime foreman uses this round to Inspire Courage, and the three prepare to confront the party)

Haiwyr almost jumps as those fingers brush his shoulder, but the meaning behind them sets him more at ease, if only a little. Then as the wagon comes to it's resting place he speaks in quiet tones just for everyone in the group. "Ummmm. . . find the person in charge and confront-- wha?"

Nasirri's head tilts, rising to Haiwyr with a curious pause. "Then perhaps we shall be fortunate," she murmurs, vice a vibrant burr. "And the one we seek shall come down to us..."

Isarinae's attention is drawn by the comments of her companions, her eyes narrowing slightly as she moves more into a fighting stance, looking alert, loose and ready.

There is a pregnant pause... ... Maybe it's cool, after all! Then the door flies open and two strange, short figures rush out. They have strange long brown snouts, big glossy black eyes, with brown and gray uniforms, black gloves and boots, with a small silver icon of a bell emblazoned at the right breast. Each holds a strange weapon in their hands, a long almost delicate instrument with a hammer at one end and a curved point at the other. Some may recognize these as gnome hooked hammers.
As they approach to about 15 feet away from the group, a third jogs out, similarly dressed though the bell icon has two dots underneath it but armed only with a small shortsword. In a brassy, metallic voice, as the figure points, it proclaims 'Surrender intruderzzz!'

GAME: Amaranth rolls weapon2: (15)+6: 21 (hit)
GAME: Amaranth rolls weapon2: (4)+6: 10 (miss)
<OOC> Amaranth says, "uh, -2" (for rapid shot, doesn't change the result)
GAME: Amaranth rolls 1d8: (5): 5

Amaranth hesitates for just a moment. As if briefing contemplating the pros and cons of surrendering. It's just a moment though, before he shifts into a more 'ah heck with it' kind of expression, raising his bow to rapidly fire a pair of arrows, one towards each guard. One arrow connects to the guard's shoulder with an audible 'chunck', the second arrow whistles past the other guard's head. "Afraid we can't do that!" he counters the order.

GAME: Nasirri casts Bless.

Nasirri's sigh is soft, a burbling as she shakes her head. "That shall not occur," she replies, stepping forward, a silvered palm rising as she tilts her eyes to the sky. It is not words that emerge next however, but a prayer evoked in song. Wind-carried, wind-borne, like a soul first unleashed with a fierce, bright hope.

"Be careful, my friends!" she calls to the others. "Alive if we can, but strike hard if you must!"

GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21 (charge, hit)
GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d6+4: (1)+4: 5

Isarinae doesn't hesitate, moving into a run as she sees an arrow hit one of the guards. Her movements are fast and decisive and she pulls her staff in closer to allow her to move as fast as possible. As she closes, she brings her staff up to swing it into the side of the uninjured guard, a tiny smile of satisfaction flickering on her lips as she feels the impact against her opponents ribs.

GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+4: (10)+4: 14
GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12

As the folks who have not already seen this guys notice, the 'snout' is actually a long mask, like a medieval plague mask, and the glossy eyes are goggles. Interesting.
The short figure before Isarinae does this whirling attack with his hooked hammer, in a maneuver familiar but a little different from the fighting style she is familiar with. Interesting. Ineffective, but interesting.

GAME: Earth rolls 1d20+8: (2)+9: 11

Earth is a little slower to react to the situation than his companions, but after a second has passed he has locked onto an appropriate target, the fellow with the arrow sticking out of him. He draws a pair of swords, one longer than the other, and charges forward to make a wild swing at his target. The blow looks to have a great deal of force behind it, but it sails harmlessly over the guard's head.

GAME: Haiwyr casts Daze.
GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+1: (3)+1: 4

Haiwyr whips out a small object from his coat pockets, looking like a cut-off rod but with a glassy end. "Here, let's see if a new intensity will get through!" The artificer's efforts are rewarded as the series of flashes made at the goggle-armed guards eyes dazzle him! "HA! The goggles! They do /nothing!"

GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+4: (1)+4: 5
GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+4: (8)+4: 12

The guard on Earth cocks his head, then lays in with a whirling pair of attacks more marked by gusto than skill. WHOOSH WHOOSH. The leader gives a mechanical sigh.


GAME: Isarinae rolls will: (15)+5: 20 (save vs. Hideous Laughter. Bah)

With a quick flourish, the leader produces a small feather and flicks it at Isarinae with a razzpy series of magical words. Aaaaabsolutely nothing happens.

GAME: Amaranth rolls weapon2-2+1: (19)+6+-2+1: 24 (hit)
GAME: Amaranth rolls weapon2-2+1: (11)+6+-2+1: 16 (miss)
GAME: Amaranth rolls 1d8: (6): 6

Amaranth reacts swiftly, almost instinctively, as the commanding boss type starts waving little feathers around. That smells like magic, and there's only one way to deal with magic users. Insert arrows in them! He quickly shifts his aim, two arrows leaving his bow in rapid succession, one striking hard, the other narrowly missing its' mark.

Nasirri's eyes curve away from the sudden combat unfolding to the fore, sliding back to the garden workers, the human guards passed but moments before. Curiosity raises an eyeridge as she watches them... Less than willing to interfere, a click of teeth and tongue within her lips. Nevertheless, she steps back to the end of the cart, movements smooth and precise; a prepare crossbow slides from beneath the tarp, the shimmering metal of a bright bolt locked into the crossbar, cocked back as she takes watch over the situation.

The gardeners are all pointing and wide-eyed, with one near the back ducking under a wheelbarrow. The guards are arguing with one another, one apparently trying to get the other to get involved.

GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 (hit)
GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18 (hit)
GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d6+4: (3)+4: 7
GAME: Isarinae rolls 1d6+4: (6)+4: 10

Moving in a fast, twisting motion, Isarinae swings one end of her staff up to connect with her opponent's ribs again. She waits just long enough to be sure the guard is still standing and then brings the other end of her staff low in a sweeping motion. Pulling the staff in from behind the guard, the monk sweeps the person's legs from beneath him, adding enough force that he goes down hard in a heap on the ground.

GAME: Earth rolls 1d20+5: (11)+5: 16 (hit)
GAME: Earth rolls 1d20+5: (14)+5: 19 (hit)
GAME: Earth rolls 1d8+1d6+6: (2)+(6)+6: 14

Earth dodges with surprising grace and speed, considering that he's made of rock and metal. Once the onslaught is evaded he counterattacks, cutting across the guard's torso with his larger blade. When the enemy is still standing, he follows it up with a stab straight through the shoulder with his shortsword. That brings down his foe, and the golem's attention snaps straight back to the leader. "You should surrender." He says, no emotion in his voice.

GAME: Haiwyr casts Daze.
GAME: Hernan rolls 1d20+4: (14)+4: 18 (DC is 15, caster resists)

Flushed with confidence at the success of his contraption, and also pleased to see the two guards drop fast, Haiwyr smiles. "Now then, for you..." Aiming the contraption at the third foe (of the moment) he unleashes that dazzling array of flashes and pulses. . . and grumbles as he only succeeds in getting the caster's attention.

The caster makes a few weird sounds, then he dips a finger into a pouch at his belt, makes a gesture and flicks some white gloopy stuff at Earth, chanting something in the buzzing voice. The ground under Earth's feet darkens strangely, then an oily sheen coalesces over the small stones and dirt.
(Grease, DC 13)

GAME: Earth rolls reflex: (10)+6: 16

GAME: Amaranth rolls weapon1+1: (16)+6+1: 23 (hit)
GAME: Amaranth rolls 1d10+4: (8)+4: 12

With the caster successfully isolated, Amaranth drops his bow and sets into a quick stride, cutting a wide circle around the war golem as he draw the large sword, comming in swiftly at the boss's side, steel flashing as he cuts down the last - obvious - foe. As the spellcaster drops to the ground, he whirls to face the next most obvious threat. The two passive guards in the distance.

The leader, mask off, is revealed to be an (unconscious) female gnome, her face smeared with tears.
The group tends to the wounds of Bell's men, flashing the mayor's writ when the two human guards finally find the stones to come over and ask what the hell is going on. The two guards are surprised and dismayed.
The party searches the camp. The main building has a variety of really strange glass and tin instruments of a design defying description, though Haiwyr sees a few vaguely familiar instruments that could be magitech of some kind. Papers are gathered, including a large leather-bound folio with the title 'Bell's Theorems' on the first page.
And with that, the group returns to Belltown, prisoners and what instruments can safely be transported in tow.