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[color=tan]"Master Pox!  Master Pox!"[/color]

Pox had been approached by one of the brave volunteers of the towns folk.  He was still wiping the clownish paint that Marni painted on his face while tending to another patient when the panicked' man ran to him.  He pointed outside.  [color=tan]"There is some kind of carriage outside of town, but there are also some strangers in the northern stalks!  They are wearing robes, have weapons!"[/color]

"Are they the bandits?"  "Is it a dark guild!?"  "The bandits are here?"  "What hope do we have!"  There was a clammor of despairing voices in the town hall among the bed ridden patients.  Those of lucidity joined into the concerned banter.  The bandits have moved in, holding the entrances to the town.  They tried to remain hidden but they didn't do a very good job considering their darkened attire.  The belief was that they were casing the weakened town to raid it.  This was the first time they were so close.

It was part of the plan but with so many players, it was bound to be less than elegant.

Pox addressed them.  [color=green]"Calm yourself, the carriage may have been the Dragon Heart Guild I sent for."[/color]

"Dragon Heart?"  "Is it really them!"  "This is great!  They'll show those bandits!"

A simple word to bring some hope.  The Dragon Heart Guild proceeded itself.  [color=green]"Keep everyone inside for now, there might be a battle in store.  And maybe they can get that medicine.  Nala."[/color]  He addressed an unassuming girl, she modeled herself a nurse, and was known around town as Pox's assistant.  She seemed skilled and knowledgable if a little quiet.  [color=green]"Keep things running.  If its the Dragon Heart, they might need some medical assistance after the fight."[/color]

[hr]

In case the Spiders couldn't hold Dragon Heart, Phase 2 would take place.  Pox and Nala worked it out, get the Guildsman into town, where each of them had the advantage.  Hostages to keep the heroes busy with both of their insidious magics could take advantage.