The companions are standing in Old Toms cellar having just opened up an old Selentine escape or storage tunnel and have dug out some Selentine, or older, artifacts from a hidden cache.

They have also rediscovered a lost companion; Finan, or as he is now calling himself Colm.

Kores seems set on following the corridor back towards the Castle Hill...and Old Tom just wants his cellar wall back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:44, Fri 07 Aug 2015.

In reply to GM (msg # 1):
"..Tom...  it seems that there is an extensive tunnel network, that might be the cause of rats or other...  'distractions'...  until we understand the nature of the 'issues' we can't say for sure whether you will have more 'visitors'..."

"However there is some archaeological value in this, my friends and I would like more time to explore this, perhaps you can accept this for your trouble...  ...Ten florins?  I'm sure we can find someone to repair your wall when we're finished."

"Oh and do you have any spare lantern oil?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:26, Sat 08 Aug 2015.

"Tough to say what is best, but indeed, there's a huge network of tunnel. If we do not explore them, you rat problem will persist." Brenar offered.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Sun 09 Aug 2015.

Tom perks up at the mention of cash and after some shuffling up and down stairs Kores has a leather wrapped clay flask holding two litres of lantern oil.

Tom takes the ten florins and wanders off upstairs to have another cuppa.

In reply to GM (msg # 4):

OOC:

Kores will hold one lantern.  As long as he's not in the front.

Recommended battle order single file


Rabbie
Brenar
Dann

Kores

Grwn
Colm
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:17, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

Brenar gives the 10 Florin to Tom, certain it was a good bargain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:17, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

OOC: Dann will prefer to be at the back of the line, if only to have Kores in front of him rather than behind.
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 7):

OOC: Sorcerors in front!



Rabbie
 Brenar

 Kores

 Dann
 Grwn
 Colm
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:18, Tue 11 Aug 2015.

"I can take the lead." Offered Brenar as he made his way to the entrance "Keep close and stay within the light." He advised.

"I have a crossbow which I can carry loaded if you want me to?  I have the ability to illuminate the party quickly should the lantern go out, among other things.  Perhaps I should walk behind Kores too." Added Colm.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 10):

Is that crossbow pointed at my back?

  Brenar
Rabbie

  Kores (Lantern)

  Colm
  Dann
  Grwn
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:05, Sat 15 Aug 2015.

Brenar leads the way followed by an uncharacteristically quiet Rabbie and then the four others.

The passageway leads towards the centre of the city on a slight upward incline, at points along it you see where other cavitys have been excavated these appear to have been well picked over or perhaps there was nothing there to begin with.

About 300m along the passage it stops suddenly at a dead end, looking up there appears to be a drop of about 10m from a wooden obstruction...possibly the floor, or a trapdoor in said floor, of a building above. The floor here is a mess of footprints but there is no visible means of egress..perhaps they lowered a rope or ladder from above....

"That explains the "rats". Any idea how to get up there?" He asked the others in a low voice.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:26, Sat 15 Aug 2015.

"We get out of here and track back to this place from above?" answers Dann half joking, half serious.

"Unless one of our more mystical companions has a spell that would help us do so, I seriously doubt we would manage to  figure it out...at least not in a timely manner." Replied Brenar as he started to look for potential hand or foothold.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 15):

"Might be locked from the outside.  See if you can find a rope up there."

Brenar determines that if someone boosted him he could probably make his way up with his back against one wall and his feet against the other.


OOC: Would require 2 Strength checks and 2 Ref checks.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:49, Wed 19 Aug 2015.

If Brenar asks, Dann will help him start his ascension.

"I have a shield!" cries Colm unslinging it from his back.
"Take one side Dann, and Brenar can step onto it.  You others can lift him up, shield and all to head height,
and don't forget to give him a rope!"

"Sounds like a good plan." Agreed Brenar, removing his pack to lighten the load.

OOC

Just to clarify, is it 2 strength and 2 reflex check per person involved?

In reply to Brenar (msg # 20):

Kores steps out of the way and coordinates...  he doesn't want to be a landing pad....

OOC: If you go with the shield option theres no need to roll just find a place to secure the rope and the others can easily ascend.

As Colm and Dann(?) get the shield ready, Brenar fishes his rope out of his bag, and slip one arm trough the coil. I'm ready. Are you ready?" He asked before climbing on the shield.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:54, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

Brenar is lifted into the air and keeps his balance on the shield, about 5m above him he can see a solid wooden trapdoor. He decides to risk trying to ascend the rest of the way....

He easily wedges himself in and is able to shuffle up the rest of the shaft with his back against one wall and his feet against the other. When he reaches the top he notes a recessed bolt is holding the trapdoor in place and attempts to slide it across with the point of his dagger.

He does so with exceptional ease, and fastens the rope around a support beam, letting it down to give his companions a way up.

Carefully pushing the trapdoor up slightly he wedges himself in securely and peers through.

The room above is dusty and unlit but some sunlight does penetrate the windows and gaps in the timbers...

Drawing his morning star, He give a good scan of the area, then (once satisfied he was alone), he quietly call out"All clear, you can come up...and don't forget my pack."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:21, Thu 27 Aug 2015.

Dann shrugs and tries to climb next.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 26):

Kores makes his way up.  When he gets to the top he glances around darkly with a furrowed brow.

Colm is next in battle order.  He'll unload and uncock his crossbow while the first Kores climbs, then climb up after him.  Once at the topt he'll recock and reload his crossbow.

The room you climb up into is a very old wooden building, the lower sections of the outer walls are built from solid blocks of local stone indicating at least part of this building dates back to the Selentine occupation of Glissom.

The floor is very dusty and there are footprints of at least two pairs of boots and drag marks leading across the room and to a door, there are also disturbed areas where crates or the like were sitting for some time.

The room is dark but there is enough light that you are confident there is no one here.

Dann cautiously walks to the door, and starts to examine it.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 30):

Kores looks around but finding nothing of interest, he stealthily creeps up next to Dann..

It is a a fairly well constructed and quite old wooden door, it is closed but not latched or bolted.

While the others were surveying the area, Brenar offered assistance to their two remaining companion that had not climbed yet.

Dann is tempted to open the door, as he thoroughly dislike constrained areas, but waits first for everybody to be in the room before doing it.

"My crossbow is loaded and ready."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 35):

Stands to the side, 5ft away to avoid any exploding things.  Conveniently behind somebody with heavy AF 4-5 armour....

Brenar assists the others into the room and Dann opens the door carefully.

Looking out he can see it opens into a small alleyway and surrounded by what appear to be converted Selentine era storehouses....it is likely one of the new merchant-class residential districts that cluster around the castle mound base.

There is no sign of those they sought...

OOC: On the map you are about halfway between the words DOCKSIDE and THE FORT

In reply to GM (msg # 37):

"Hm...  No rats here!  I think we should try to seal up the hole before anybody notices we broke their mirror and made off with their stuff!"

"Aye, I wonder who they work for?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 39):

"What a pity, I thought we might make some more discoveries.  I am curious as to what we have found.  Lets go back and finish that Cider!"

Colm examine the trapdoor, from the exterior view.  Can the bolt be thrown from up top?

"The trapdoor was bolted from the inside.  Can you leave this way AND bolt the trapdoor?  There could be another access which we missed?  Perhaps this was just an old smugglers tunnel.""
Colm asked these questions more to himself than anyone else...

"This tunnel could be useful to us, as it gets us half way across the city without being seen.  Lets conceal our presence here, close it up behind us , and go back to the way we came?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:34, Fri 04 Sept 2015.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 41):

"Good thinking!  Lets do that!"

Dann carefully closes the door and follows the others.

Rabbie looks down at the trapdoor and closes it experimentally.

" Friend Fina...uh, Colm. You are partly right, the latch is on the bottom of the trap door but see this gap in the boards? Someone could slide a thin object down there and open the latch from this side if needed."

" Looking at it now I dare say if there weren't all these footprints around it it would be damned hard to find if you didn't know it was there...."

"Excelent Rabbie!  Is there a broom or brush we can use to remove the footprints?  When we leave back down through the trapdoor, there should be no trace we were all here."

What is the time of day?  Is it night/dark outside?
"Before we leave - If it's dark outside, we could even creep out for a quick investigation.  We do want to find who has been coming through this tunnel don't we?"

Dann nods at not-Finan and re-opens the door, ever so quietly. He obviously is more interested by the outside than the dusty inside.

Brenar kept watch as the other were going about their task, making sure no one accidently suprise them.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 47):

The afternoon shadows are lengthening outside but it is not dark yet. There is little foot traffic in the nearby streets.

No seemed to be paying the alleyway or the door any real attention.

"Shall we wait till dark?  Either way, we don't want to march out all together in battle order!  May be we can sneak out in pairs?

What do you think we are looking for?"

"Alright, I will go with Rabbie." proposes Dann.

Dann and Rabbie made their way outside into the alley and headed across it to loiter under the eaves of a servants entrance to one of the larger Selentine villas.

A few folks passed on the street nearby, mostly local sorts dressed in somewhat cleaner clothes than were found down closer to Dockside.

Dann was watching a particularly rotund gentleman arguing with a pinch-faced old woman about wool prices when he noted a ring of iron keys lying in a hollow in the cobble stones.

OOC: Can Dann reach the hollow without being seen by the people on the street?
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:54, Sun 13 Sept 2015.

OOC: Sure

Dann carefully approaches the hollow and tries to grab the keys without making too much fuss.

Dann picked up the key ring and looked around, it seemed no one had seen him. Retreating back to Rabbie he looked them over.

It was an iron ring about the size of his palm with five large iron keys attached, there were no other markings.

In reply to GM (msg # 55):

OOC: So is anyone else heading out?

Dann looks around to check if there are keyholes in sight from where he is.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 57):

Kores will head out by himself....

There are quite a few doors nearby but most of them rely on the tried and true method of a heavy wooden bar and someone on premises than a mechanical lock. Only the most expensive properties and those belonging to nobility have mechanical locks.

It is likely some of the converted Selentine villas hereabouts have mechanical locks.

Kores heads out the door and does not immediately spot Dann and Rabbie until Rabbie makes their presence known with a light cough...

In reply to GM (msg # 60):

Kores coughs in an ever so fake fashion before heading over to see them...

Colm pulls his cloak hood low over his face and heads out, following the others not too closesly

09:55, Today: Colm Cernach rolled 1 using 1d20 (1). v PER 7

Dann puts the keys in his pocket, and hesitates on where to go next.

The four of them huddled in the shadows, the rest of the group seemingly not wanting to venture forth.

Brenar scanned both way, making sure it's clear before making his way out.

" Do you think our secretive friends dropped them?"

"Either that, or it is really poorly hidden..." Having said that, Dann moves out of his current position, not wanting to be taken as a regular burglar.

" Well, all this is getting us nowhere fast...", Rabbie quipped as he moved away from the wall and strode openly into the street nearby.

He went up to the first passerby and questioned them about the mysterious folks in the tunnel.

" Hi, My names Rabbie! Live around here?  You haven't noticed any dodgy sorts using that alley there? No, not that dodgy lot that are there now, others. probably mostly at night?"

The older man in the bearskin cloak and polished leather regarded Rabbie with bemusement.

" I am Grudde Killogsman, in from the country are we? My folk are from the south originally...haven't been back to the old holdings since I was a boy...."

He regarded the group in the alleyway dubiously.

" Aye, I have seen folks in and out of there at odd hours. My place is up here on the right. You can see my huscarls, Brionn and Tomin sitting on there arses outside across the way."

" I'm often up late doing the books and I like to have the window open for some air. Two usually, though there were three once. Sometimes they carry stuff in, sometimes out...too dark to tell what though."

" They head up the way and round into Castleside, where the nobs live."

In reply to GM (msg # 69):

Rabbie thanked the man and wandered back over to his companions, " See, no problem."

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 70):

Kores raises his eyebrows and acknowledges the great value of making enquiries.  Still, so far we've pinched their stuff and without good cause, apart from involuntarily rescuing Colm....

Only criminal deeds were performed by our party.  Better be careful in case they start investigating us....

"Right, so we know they come at night. Why don't we stay around until they arrive, so that we can have a better idea of who they really are?" asks Dann, piqued by the idea of unfolding this mystery.

" Assuming they come back...if their not supposed to be doing it they might make themselves scarce now they've been rumbled."

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 73):

"Maybe we can try to fix up the wall for old Tom.  That is a dead give away."

Dann looks at Kores for a while, then adds: "Alright, let's go back to old Tom, fix his wall, then come back here to see if we can spot anything." proposes the barbarian.

" So any masons amongst us? Well we'll make do.", Rabbie quipped as he headed back towards the warehouse door and the tunnel.

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 76):

Having come to a decision the group headed back to the door and inside, closing it after them.

They opened the trapdoor, rigged a rope and descended into the tunnels, closing the trapdoor behind them and retrieving the rope by sly knotwork.

After a long gradual downhill walk they found themselves back in Old Toms cellar.

" Not dead then?", the old man called from the top of the stairs.

" No. Now we're gonna fix your wall."

" Someone give me a hand with this block!"

This message was last updated by the GM at 00:02, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

Dann gives a hand, without zeal but dutifully.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 79):

The companions did their best patching the gap left with clay from the tunnel and straw and stones from the cellar...it was a very slip shod job but Tom sighed and agreed they'd done their best.

Rabbie looked dubiously at their repair work but conceded they could do no better without hiring a professional.

He turned to the others, " We have found things of interest and solved a mystery. And we still have more secrets to follow for it. Some of you wanted to hire on as merchant guards to Rosmulleun I believe? And Kores still has a hungry demon after his soul if I understand correctly?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 81):

Kores is deep in thought.  He momentarily widens his eyes before resuming his clouded, distant expression....

"I am for going back there at night, without too much fuss. Who is with me?" proposes Dann.

"Aye.  Leave all your noisy and shiny kit in a safe place.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 84):

Kores is not encumbered.  He'll come along too...  Maybe a few more flying pink seals might be useful....

" Aye, tonight it is. So what shall we do with the rest of the day? I'm a bit peckish myself.", said Rabbie breezily.

The companions made their way out of Toms cellar and up onto the street, finding their way to a small collection of stalls selling pasties and small beer.

Their were trestles set up nearby and a number of people sat on them eating and drinking.

Their were a small group of men who appeared and smelled as if they were sheep farmers, two city gate guards and an unusual looking foreign man sitting by himself near the cask of small beer.

OOC:

Is he deformed, disfigured, showing mutations or dismemberment?  If his looks are over 5 Kores will not be interested in even looking at him.



GM Edit: No.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:41, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

"Shall we have a meal before making our next move?" proposes Dann, as his appetite is rekindled by what he sees.

Trivel grunted. Beer. They called this beer.
Fine, he was going to play along. He looked for someone who would sell him one - preferably combined with some meat.

Guards made him nervous, though. Even at the best of times, the law around here wasn't likely to look well at someone from his people, he had found; and he wasn't sure these were the best of times.

He was also looking at the small group of people who had just approached. They seemed...familiar. In the same way that wolves and shepherd dogs are familiar to each other.
So he kept an eye on them, but made his best not to stare.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Wed 14 Oct 2015.

" Aye, so whos paying?"

" And who's that? He's not local...thats for sure. Not one of Yamousous folk either."

" What do you think Kores? Where is he from?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 91):


Kores looks irritated as he was thinking.  He gives a brief look...

"From the looks of it...  from the continent....  and if I am correct from the far east, well beyond what was recorded by the Selentine.  Quite a vast distance unless you have the right means of transportation."

Kores looks away and focuses on some far of distant object.

07:13, Today: Colm Cernach rolled 1 using 1d20.  INTEL 16.

"From the Steppes!?!  That is a long way to come by ay measure.

I'll pay for the pasties and small beer.  I'll get some for our visitor too."

Colm requests a pasty and pint for each of them, plus the same for the Steppe Warrior.
He pays in silver and hands the first hot pasty and cold beer to the foreigner.

"Welcome to Glissom! My name is Colm.  Please accept this meal in what I hope will be friendship."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 93):

"...I was thinking of Yamato or Khitai."

Kores suddenly opens his eyes and looks at the newcomer.

"You must have travelled a long way.  Tell me, are you a man of books?"

Kores will try to find a seat if he can....
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:49, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

Dann takes his mug and accompanies his companions to the table. He will let the newcomer talk before addressing him personally.

Trivel accepts with a small bow. Well, at least these people seemed hospitable...
"Thank you. Allow me to return the service, too", he flashes silver of his own. Then, looking around at them, he points the serving girl to them.
"A round of beer for everyone of these men!"
He turns to Kores upon hearing the question. His face elongates for a moment, but mostly stays impassive.
"Alas, but no. I've always loved the horses more than people, people more than weapons, and weapons more than books. My brother Omurtag is a man of books, and he tried teaching me to read, but he's far away, in the Khaganate..."
He smiles.
"I think he has learned my lessons better than I learned his, too".
He bows to everyone.
"It still makes my heart glad to have met people that know hospitality in this land, though", looking at the beer and pastry he has received.

In reply to Trivel (msg # 96):

"I always dreamed of travelling to those faraway lands, but I cannot venture too far from the Libraries of Ongus and civilization.  Even on horseback it must take a long time to get here."

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 97):

"It does, indeed", Trivel gives a crooked smile remembering the travel. Yes, it does indeed! Longer than he cares to think of, actually. "But as we say at home, when bad luck strikes, need shows you the way".

In reply to Trivel (msg # 98):

"It seems you thirst for more than an alcoholic beverage....  Glissom is an interesting city, scattered about are traces of the Selentium civilization.  It seems some traces of the past can be discovered in this region."

"I crave knowledge of these relics of the past, and the things the dead want to tell us...  ...it may be unpleasant at times but if the dead refuse to rest it is because of unfulfilled desires and extreme passions...  ...It makes for interesting conversations..."

Not interested by the way Kores is leading the conversation, Dann riffs off the words pronounced by Trivel. "So you are here among us because of bad luck?" he asks.

"Relics sound nice", Trivel agrees. "Knowledge does as well, but it's for someone else. What was that about walking dead?"

He turns then to Dann and looks him over.
"Well, yeah, it's bad luck. You know when your hand moves the right way when it really shouldn't? That kind of bad luck."

Dann sustains the gaze of Trivel but adds nothing, not knowing what to think of what he just said.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:55, Sun 18 Oct 2015.

Trivel moves his gaze away after the cursory look over. He's not trying to make it into a staring match.
"And the worst part is", he adds quietly, "we were fighting over a woman."
He doesn't clarify why it's the worst part. Obviously, all men would know that.
Right?

In reply to Trivel (msg # 103):

"...walking dead, are merely the simple animation of the shells of the deceased.  Not actually hard given the right knowledge.  But what is more fearsome are those with intense passions and unfulfilled desire.  Sometimes this forces them back to the world of the living to avenge themselves."

"And that is where you really want to be, between a dead man passion and the object of its fury?" dismisses Dann. "Sometimes I really think you are a sick man, Kores."

"Well, I'm yet to see a thing good steel can't cut down", Trivel shrugs while eating. "If it's dead, obviously it died once. What has happened once, can happen again. So, not seeing the problem. They were probably too weak in life, too".

In reply to Trivel (msg # 106):

"They cannot do much to influence the real world.  But if you help them fulfill their desires, they can impart much knowledge.  That which is intangible is often more valuable than those things that you cannot take with you in the afterlife...."

Kores smiles to himself and sips his beer....

"Help them fulfill their desires?", Trivel responds. "Isn't that, like, the responsibility of their heirs? I'm not even asking about risky."

" You'll have to excuse Kores, he is a walking dead man himself....with a demon on his arse and all.", Rabbie chuckled.

" Stranger, do you have work in Glissom? Would you like some? Me and the lads were discussing our next foray earlier."

"I've just arrived. No work, yet" Trivel shrugged.
"What foray is it that you'd need help with it?"

"Well, thats the question."

" We've some afterdark work tonight...can't promise any pay."

"Kores has his demon issue as mentioned."

" There was mention of merchants needing guards heading east...."

" Anything else I'm forgetting, folks?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 111):

"Sometimes the dead are lost and have no heirs.  Victims of atrocious crimes they refuse to depart our world and wander for all eternity.  It is good to set them to rest..."

"We have taken on a personal task of investigating some individuals.  Perhaps you can join us.  They seem to have connections with old Selentium artifacts, and one of our friends has...  recently returned to us...  We thought he was lost for good in an ancient tomb...  An interesting world ahead of us!"

Trivel thought for a minute, then looked at the sun.
It seemed to help him take a decision, because he nodded.
"I'm in. Of course, I assume you not being able to promise pay assumes you don't know if there would be any gain, not that you're not sure what my share would be. Who slays the dog in your group?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:04, Mon 19 Oct 2015.

Brenar simply sat quietly and listen along, keeping an eye out for trouble...which he always did regardless of where he was out of sheer habit.

"That's my job!" grins Colm without humour.  "If anyone gets possessed or goes mad (like Kores), or turns traitor against the group, I have sworn by the Hearthfire of Brigantia to end their suffering quickly.

Shall we get on?"

Trivel looked at the man.
"An oath like that is fit for the chief", he agrees. "Let's carry on... Am I right we need to choose our next step?"

" Aye, I was thinking we'd go back to where we were earlier once it gets dark and see if we could find the folk we disturbed this morning."

" What do you lot think?"

Trivel thinks for a while.
"What do we stand to gain by finding those people, and who would they be?"

Rabbies forehead creased, " They are exploring old Selentine tunnels, for what reason we do not know but they seem to be looking for something."

" Myself I wonder if they are part of the same group that Bael told me about...when Kores found his demon. bael said there were two...maybe one.. dead men in the old Selentine tunnels there."

"Were we to find them, could they be persuaded to talk?"

"That, we will discover when we find them!" says Dann, finding that Trivel is asking a lot of questions, even for a newcomer.

Trivel thinks some more, but finds nothing more to say. It seemed as clear as it was going to get.

Seeing no one else venturing any opinion Rabbie shrugged, " Well, I guess that'll be it then. Lets spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing here then head there when it falls dark."

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 123):

The rest of the afternoon passed without incident, indeed it was somewhat pleasant to sit back. The group related stories of their past companions and past adventures to the newcomer and he entertained them with tales of his travels across Selentine and Coradia.

OOC:

My next post will move you back to the trapdoor if there are no objections. Feel free to post any ' banter' IC you want in the meantime.

The group gathered together in the alleyway where the tunnel exited as dusk fell.

There were still quite a few folk about hurrying here and there at the close of the day.

Dann uses whatever mantle or cape he is wearing to cover himself then makes himself comfortable, his eyes and senses on the alert.

Trivel is leaning on his spear, but he's waiting for the others to take action. He's still new here.
So far, so good.

In reply to Trivel (msg # 127):

Kores falls silent.  It helps if he is deep in thought during this waiting time...

After almost an hour Grwn and Danns keen eyes spotted two men coming down the street in the twilight.

They had long woolen cloaks drawn tightly about themselves and were carrying rope and pick and shovel.

They did not seem to notice the group crouched in the shadows as they moved towards the warehouse door slowly, in truth they seemed to be checking behind them more than in front and they got to within 15m of the group before one of them spotted the companions and came to a sudden halt.

Seeing the cloaked figures, Dann turns his head their way but does not move.

Brenar was at the ready, his hand on his morning star, ready to draw it if the need was to arise.

He quickly glanced at his companion to see their reaction and tried to gauge the situation.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 131):

Kores was not inclined to stand during all this time.  He'd be sitting on the floor and looking very disinterested.

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 132):

" Who are ye?  Why you creeping abu't?", the taller man asked carefully.

"Who are YOU, and why do you go about asking questions?" answers Dann, in a way which is not overtly offensive, but showing that he does not want to give ground.

" WE are here on of....Öw!", said the shorter man before being cut off by a clip to the head.

The taller man nodded, " Fair questions....but I ain't gu'n answer em.", he grinned. " Lets be about our business, Rodney."

" Huh? But my names not..Ow!", squealed the smaller one.

The two men turned deliberately back towards the main street.

"Not the sharpest spoon in the cupboard." Brenar whispered once they were out of heading range."Hopefully, they presence won't interefer with our task."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:27, Tue 03 Nov 2015.

Dann follows the two awkward men with his eyes, checking if the leave in exactly the same way they arrived.

The men turned right into the street, not going back the way they had come.

As they disappeared around the corner the short one said, " But how are we going to...."...and then they were gone from sight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:15, Tue 03 Nov 2015.

"I take it those weren't the guys we're waiting for", Trivel concludes after seeing that nobody hurries to rush them. So he does nothing, either.

In reply to Trivel (msg # 139):

OOC: Time to disperse.  Wonder if Kores can manage to disguise himself as a barrel or something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:29, Wed 04 Nov 2015.

" Maybe? I think Kores got the best look at them last night."

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 141):

"I think they may be the people we are looking for.  They seem to be trying to conceal something.  Maybe someone can follow them?"

"Right. Who can be the more discreet?" asks Dann, considering his mail armor as probably making him a non-starter.

In reply to Dann of Clan Valin (msg # 143):

Kores decides to follow.  Being totally unarmoured, maybe they won't think he's a threat.  He's not a tracker but he will try to locate them and keep his distance, and throw up an illusion that he's older and much more frail.

Trivel allows himself to lift a brow. The way of the Northerners is weird!
"So, why didn't we stop them with arrows?", he asks, starting to sling his bow.

Rabbie grinned, " Uh, because murdering people in the street is a good way to be arrested and hung.....or burned....".

" I can be quiet when needs be but I'don't know this place and I'm better in the wild."

Kores followed the men his glamour apparently fooling them easily, they headed down the street and then ducked into a doorway.

Kores staggered about the street looking like a geriatric drunk, but his ears were keen.


" What are we going to do now?  You don't think that lot were the ones below yesterday?"

" Could as be.", muttered the taller one. " Could be independants or could be old Silver Face is running a few different crews and just didn't bother telling us."

" So they've got that gear we found at the end of the long run?"

" Aye, unless they're completely stupid."


" Scary looking bunch...."

" We'll check out that drop we found round Castleside, might be we missed something there.  Just be glad we didn't tell metalhead about that last lot yet.  We'll round up those three numpties we used to shift those shields...can't hurt to have numbers if they're gonna be poking around."

The tall man looked up and frowned at Kores, " Feck off, ya dopey old loon! 'fore we gut ya."

"That's why you threaten to shoot, instead, and they don't know if you mean it" Trivel grinned. "Though following them migh be better."
He concludes stringing his bow in silence and puts it on his neck and shoulder, string passing along his chest. He's ready to follow the Northerners again.

In reply to GM (msg # 147):

Kores hobbles off, head jutting forwards and looking around blindly as if his vision is not clear.  He raises his hand to his ear when they shout at him and pushes off back to the others.



....


"Castleside...  More artifacts and they have some idea someones robbing them."

Kores will then give them the long, detailed version in that post above....

"I know where castleside is. If we hurry up we might bet them to it." Brenar stated."I know a few shortcut myself." He added.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 150):

"All equipped for war?  They'd spot us even if you placed a castle between us.  Do you guys have any civilian clothes?"

"Maybe we have, but who wants to be completely unprotected in these dangerous parts?" asks Dann.

Rabbie chuckled, " Aye. For a Reaver the civilised parts are the dangerous ones!"

" I'm not dressed for war...so I doubt they'd give much thought to me. But Castleside is where the more.....them what have money...live.  They've got huscarls, I reckon our friends would pass as huscarls in a pinch."

" Kores? Can you make yourself a merchant? All fine looking and furclad?"

"Obviously I have regular clothes beneath my armor, but where are we going to put it? Beside, we might need it with tge shortcut I know." Offered the knight. "Finally, beibg the grocer's son will come in handy." He added with a smirk.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 154):

"Merchant?  Not reliably long enough.  You think that would work?  Allow me a little time to myself just before you need to talk to anyone."

"Right so let the armored ones be the guards, and the others be whatever big wig or clever guys you wish. But let's move quickly: these guys will certainly not wait for us." proposes Dann.

"I've been told I make a good guard", the foreigner shrugs, obviously agreeing to play his part.

"I wear my coinmaille under my clothes, and my robes could pass as a rich man in this light.

If things do get nasty, THEY will certainly come off worse..."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 158):

"You can be the merchant.  And I'll be your assistant."

The companions formed up around Colm, looking every bit the well heeled nouveau rich, and Kores, his older...advisor? scribe? accountant? with Brenar, playing the part of seneschal, leading the way into his old family neighbourhood accompanied by their Huscarls...though perhaps a little more martial and rural looking than most.


Brenar wanted to go to the left around the fort but Colm did not want to pass so close to the Temple of Flame and it was reasoned that it is unlikely the men would risk raising the ire of the druids by digging near the temple.  So the went to the right, passing Cierens Workshop on the left where they had received information about the gold artifacts many months ago.

The group wandered around for a while on the scant information that Kores provided, as they wended their way up the street towards some Selentine era villas that were in the process of being remodelled and may therefore have been attractive to their quarry, brenar saw someone familiar coming down the street toward them.  It was Hernam, they had sat guard a score or more times together in the long past but it seemed he was doing very well for himself now; judging by his dress and his three companions.

" Halo! Brenar? Is that you? Hold up lads, this is an old mate of mine."

Hernam still looked the same though he was obviously living a lot easier than Brenar, his plaid was clean and decorated with a silver clasp and he wore a polished leather vest and a rich blue woolen cloak. His three, much younger, companions were dressed similarly but brenars outfit was finished off with a blue and black checked sash with a sprig of lavendar in it.

Running into old acquaintance, was to be expected, but tonight was just bad timing. He made a quick sign to his companion to give him a moment.

Hernam! Brenar called out."I see you've been doing well since last we saw." He added with a smirk. He approches à bit and asked. "What have you been up to, you Old Rogue?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:53, Sat 14 Nov 2015.

" Working for the House of Maoilriain, Head of the House Guard.", he leaned back a little indicating his fine clothing.

Brenar knew little about Maoilriain, the house head had been a tailor when Brenar was coming up through the ranks but patronage by the Steward and the rest of the royal household had increased his fortunes greatly in recent years.

" We've a caravan going on a fools mission next week, ", he ran his eyes over the rest of the group, " Unless you've got yourself a permanent position?".

Dann smoothly moves near Brenar and whispers to his ear: "Maybe you can make your friends reunion and employment opportunity meetings at another time?"

Agreeing with Dann assessment. "I'll keep that in mind, might bring a few brother-at-arms, but for now I have a task to do and we are a bit in a hurry. We'll need to go for a drink later." He replied to Hernam.

" Very well.  I'm at the Hens Roost just up the way most nights after sundown if you need to find me."

He waved cheerily to the companions and set off down the street again with his lads in tow.

In reply to GM (msg # 165):

" Well, that was nice. Onward and upward? Where are we going again, Kores?"

"Will do." He replied waving back. At Rabbie's comment, "It's that way." He replied.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 167):

"Castleside.  Follow Brenar."

What does Colm remember of Clan Maoilriain? 11:24, Today: Colm Cernach rolled 12 using 1d20.  Int Recal.

Colm tries to remember Clan Maoilriain

OOC: Colm recalls the same information Brenar does. A very minor house risen in power through association with the court.

" Uh, Kores. Castleside is half the city....well, almost...did you hear anything else from them?", Rabbie asked, a little exasperated.

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 171):

"Two of them, were planning to meet another three who 'move things around'."

Rabbie sighed, " Well I guess we just keep wandering around then..."

" Unless anyone knows someone we can ask?"

I did brief you guys earlier.  Silver face?

"We are looking for a drop. And Brenar, do you know about anyone called Silver Face?" asks Dann, thinking.

"Silver face, lets see..." The the man started to mumble as he tried to remember.



OOC: well, my intelligence in 8 and rolled 09:10, Today: Brenar rolled 8 using 1d20.  Int recall.

In reply to Brenar (msg # 176):

"Think your friend might know?"

OOC: Though Brenar didn't have too much direct contact with the shadier side of things...well, within city limits, he is pretty sure he would recall someone with such an unusual moniker.

He does recall that there is a bric-a-brac shop, Lumpy's, near the north gate that used to buy items 'no questions asked'.

Regarding Kores question Brenar is unsure how his old companion would respond to such questions these days considering his position...
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Mon 23 Nov 2015.

Trivel follows the locals, hoping they would be able to locate their targets.

"Lumpy's you say? Probably closed at this time. Do you think it is worth checking if it really is?" asks Dann.

"Who's Lumpy?", Trivel asks while looking around.

In reply to Trivel (msg # 181):

"Maybe we should split up.  In this large crowd we'll draw attention before we notice anyone."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:15, Sat 28 Nov 2015.

" That might not be a bad idea. But who will go where and with who?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 183):

"Lets put the warriors together.  They'll draw attention whilst we make our way around."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:15, Sat 28 Nov 2015.

"Right. I will show you Lumpy then, if I can find the way to get there." proposes Dann to Trivel.

Branar informed them of what he had remembered.





"I don't know. It's a bit of a detour and could end up being a wild goose chase." He replied. "Quite a dilemma, wander around blindly and hope to be lucky or try a wild guess." He added.

"That would be nice", Trivel nodded.
"Wild goose chases are for novice hunters. I think it's better to try and predict their next move."

In reply to Trivel (msg # 187):

" Very well.  Dann, Trivel and Brenar head to the shop."

" Myself, Colm and Kores will see to these ruins....worksites...whatever they are."

Trivel nodded and looked to the others for directions to the shop.

Dann is on his way, following Brenar.

Brenar nodded at the plan and waved to his companion to follow him,

In reply to Brenar (msg # 191):

" Should we meet back at that pub that Brenars friend mentioned?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 192):

OOC:

Rabbie, Colm and Kores shall continue on in this thread.

Brenar, Dann and Trivel head over to the Castleside thread: link to a message in this game

In reply to GM (msg # 193):

Rabbie, Kores and Colm headed along the street looking up to their left at the tower and keep wall they made their way towards the half rebuilt villa and its attendant residences.

A rather large man with a shaven head sat on a pile of masonry outside the villa with a bored expression....

In reply to GM (msg # 194):

Kores with his passive and indifferent expression looked at the man, glanced at the others...

"Break time is it?  Has there been anything else to move apart from stone?"

The man looked up and then straightened up, getting to his feet.

" Finished for the day, they have.  Moved a lot of soil and stone and more than a few old roots.  Found ém som're of them old eagle coppers. Whose asking?"

In reply to GM (msg # 196):

"Eagle coppers...  that might be worth a drink or two... where did you find them?"

OCC - Kores readies some spare change...  do I have more than 10 coppers pieces?

OOC: Well according to your sheet you have 111 florins...so yes...

" Find 'em? Dunno, probably when they were emptying out the cellar.  Didn't catch your name, gents?"

In reply to GM (msg # 198):


"Varsus from Ongus.  Emptying a cellar?  Just curious as to where that is...  Would you care to join us for a drink?  We're interested in eagle coins from the past...  ...and other things from the past...."

He swung his arm vaguely towards the building sites, " This cellar, half the old villa had tumbled into it...had to clear the lot out to rebuild it."

" Can't go for a drink....got to stay here and watch the site. Folks steal tools and the like if you leave a site unattended.  Though if you've got any with you? Coupla nips couldn't hurt to keep the chill off...not that its too chilly this time of year..."

" If your wanting to look around I guess thats fine, just don't nick any bloody tools!"

In reply to GM (msg # 200):

Kores looks to the others for quaffable solvents.

"Yes, it would be good to look, if you don't mind."

OCC - Wonder if we'll need to borrow these tools to get through...
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:35, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 201):

Rabbie pulled a small leather flask rather self-conciously from his jerkin.

" How about you look after that while we have a look about.", he said amiably, handing the man the flask.

OOC: Figured Rabbie still has some of the grog from back home.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:37, Fri 11 Dec 2015.

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 202):

The man took the flask and waved them through, " Don't break anything either!"

The trio made their way onto the building site and noted that already much of the ruined structure had been reworked and supported with wood and stone and that the refurnished villa would be quite spacious once completed.

Rabbie noted a ladder poking up from a trench and they saw that it headed under the walls and perhaps into the cellar.

As they considered descending Kores spotted a heavily tarnished bronze coin in the mud which, once brushed of showed a mans head on one side and an eagle on the other...the script on it was too perished to read.

In reply to GM (msg # 203):

Kores briefly shows it to the others before pocketing it.

"More Selentine artifacts?  I wonder who else we might dig out of this place...  Old men with multiple personality disorders?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:37, Tue 22 Dec 2015.

" Old men with what?", Rabbie queried before shrugging and climbing down the ladder and into the trench.

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 205):

Arching an eyebrow at his two companions Colm descended the ladder behind Rabbie.

" Come along, Kores. We haven't got all night."

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 206):

OOC: Ok, time to go, 3rd in line...
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:17, Thu 24 Dec 2015.

Rabbie led the way into the cellar, there was some dim moonlight filtering through the scaffolding and they were able to see a little.

The space appeared to be of reasonable size and the floor was suprisingly dry and solid considering the amount of rubble that must have recently filled it.

" So what are we after down here?", Rabbie said poking at the walls with a piece of wood from the scaffolding.

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 209):

" Bah, I can't see a damn thing."

" Wait.", he took another piece of timber and breathed on it softly.

A flame sprang into existence on the end of the impromptu torch, illuminating the area.

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 210):

As Colms flame illuminated the cellar the stones sprang into stark relief, despite the many centuries they were still in place and the walls seemed solid and strong.

As Colm turned the flame about he was shocked to see a face looking at him.

The face was a strange sickly salmon in colour and projected out from the wall, though seperate from it, it was slightly simian in contenance but its eyes were black voids.

As the three men stared it spoke in a rasp, " Kores......you have an appointment to keep...".

In reply to GM (msg # 211):

Kores, for once looks anxious, he repeatedly brushes his hair back, eyes wide and pale, if possible, paler than he usually is with his nocturnal nature....



"...Yes....  So you are... ...?  I know...."


Kores mumbles, slightly less certain of himself and looking confused...

(occ, I can't be bothered looking through the posts for that guy that was trying to eat Bael...  The price you pay when you could've shoved your meatshield into the jaws of demons....  ...And damn, Kores actually had to force a smile for his wedding!  Friends are so demanding...)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:01, Fri 25 Dec 2015.

OOC:

09:02, Today: GM, on behalf of Kores Varias, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Demonic Lore.

Try as he might Kores could not identify the thing. Though he noted a slight similarity to the blueish horror that had called itself Artisan in the old tunnels....perhaps some sort of lesser demon sent to fetch him?

In reply to GM (msg # 213):

"....ah...  yes...  the passage of time....  of course!"

Kores looks more sure of himself.

"And so you are here to guide me?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:59, Fri 25 Dec 2015.

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 214):

Rabbie was shaking, he wanted naught to do with bogles or shades....fay were bad enough...

" You know this thing?"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 215):

Colm narrowed his eyes and glared at the apparition but he looked to Kores for guidance...this was beyond his ken.

In reply to Kores Varias (msg # 214):

" Guide....Retrieve....it is all the same...."

Its shark-eyes regarded the other two for a moment then swung back to Kores.

In reply to GM (msg # 217):

"Gentlemen, its best if I go alone.  I wouldn't want to take you with me...."

Kores gestures the others to step backwards.

"I'll see you....  You can find me at the Hens Roost tonight.  Or tell them where you went and I'll find you."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Sat 26 Dec 2015.

Rabbie was deeply afraid, but tried not to let it show.

" Kores!! We can't let this thing take you!"

In reply to Rabbie Brein (msg # 219):

" Well.....we could.  But should we?"

In reply to Colm Cernach (msg # 220):

"Just having to renegotiate a debt.  Keep an eye out for lost souls for me."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Fri 08 Jan 2016.

With the other two seemingly having no further objections the strange being reached a thin pink, simian looking arm through the stone and grasped Kores by the arm. An instant later he was yanked into the rockface and disappeared from sight.

In reply to GM (msg # 222):

" Right.....uh, so what are we going to tell the others?"

Kores felt the same strange sensation as he travelled at speed through the earth and stone and was deposited unceremoniously into the cellar he had left an hour or so earlier.

The other two were gone but there was some evidence that they had done some digging around and possibly found something.

As Kores looked around he tried to remember where they were supposed to meet.....Hens Roost? Something like that?

In reply to GM (msg # 224):

Kores glances around, with an irritated look he picks himself up and heads to the watering hole....

OOC: Head across to Castleside.