Nero Seaglade and Kiel Taskel have both arrived at camp at the most inopportune moment: Faust pulls back from Ardiccioni, knife in hand and a startled look on his face, the ropes sawed away from the Rutilus' wrists. The rest of Ardiccioni's group are already free and are helping Faust's men, who are attempting to physically haul Jericho's stubborn taroch down the mountain trail Nero is now blocking.
For a second, they all freeze and look to Ardiccioni and Faust for their cue. When Ardiccioni jerks to his feet, rubbing his wrists, and Faust launches himself across the camp site to attack Kiel, they are jerked into action themselves.
It seems that Maaike's suspicions are confirmed: Faust has helped the intruders in their escape and is trying to steal the treasure! You must stop them if you have any hope of profiting from this expedition.
This is the final chapter of The Dionica Crucible. It ends on the 25th of February. The battle should take no more than 30 minutes in-character.
You are encouraged to post back/forward-dated threads separate from this, and not everyone will hear the battle or rush to help. Participants are expected to post at least once a week, with all their participating characters, to keep the plot moving. If a character misses a week, we will assume they have gone back to camp. If this happens during combat scenarios, we will assume they have fled the melee and hidden somewhere to avoid the danger. However, this could negatively impact their relations with the other characters from then on.
Treasure Hunter's Manifest:
Priest Nikandros Phadra ... Priesthood of Xanth
Vilfredo Faust ................... Faust's Gang
Erasmos Eugene ................. Faust's Gang
Kiel Taskel .......................... Hired Bodyguard
Aella Karakinos .................. Bodyguard
Maaike Sullivan ................... Hired Tracker& Bodyguard
Mortimer Jericho ................. Investor
Lazuli Kitay ....................... Treasure Hunter
Nero Seaglade .................... Support
Neal Jean .......................... Faust's Gang
Jason Underwood ............... Faust's Gang
Ilda Carine ........................ Treasure Hunter
Theodora Caito .................. Treasure Hunter
Benedetto Faucher ............. Treasure Hunter
Gratien de Filippis ............. Treasure Hunter
Marcellin Ardiccioni ........... Treasure Hunter
It is winter in the north and the mountains are cold. Camp remains in a leeward, sheltered groove in the mountainside. Expect snow and freezing winds, but the temple is slightly warmer.
Pets, mounts and personal NPCs are allowed, but you are responsible for them and any supplies necessary for them.