Nodwin is nearly done with the consecration, Brodak, Crotchsniffer, Mellarill and Jocelyn are
looking through the gate at the young otyugh.

Brodak hands the creature the dried meat, staying just far enough away to allow it to reach the meat, but not to reach Brodak.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 2):

"Food!" The otyugh tosses back the fragment of jerky into a very large mouth, and slobbers noisily as it chews.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 04:33, Sun 12 Feb 2017.

Mellarule get back...bring dog.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 4):

The beast licks its tentacle tips, belches, and asks
"More food? Hungry!"

We go back ... see Nodwin

In reply to Brodak (msg # 6):

You all back away from the gate. Nodwin has finished with the ritual.

Nodwin stretches and has a gentle smile for a job well done.  He finishes cleaning up his supplies, then decides to look around to see what the others are up to.

We had a small issue, Nodwin ... but it may be a portent.

She explains what has occurred.

"Gracious, that sounds like an unusual creature, it was capable of speech you say?  Fascinating."

Nodwin pulls out a bit of bread and meat, along with a bundle of garlic and another bottle of holy water.  Separating a bit of garlic, he works it into the meat and wraps it with the bread, which he then pours a small amount of holy water onto.

"Let's go see if it has any issues with eating this, it may indicate how dangerous it may be, possibly, if not, at least it'll be less hungry, maybe even friendly...maybe." Nodwin chuckles lightly.

Nodwin asks them to lead him to where they encountered it.

Jocelyn leads him back ...

Brodak and Mellarill both tag along... Mellarill has Crotch sniffer on a rope now.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 11):

The gate rattles. There, Nodwin can see a strange creature, about a yard wide and high, on three stumpy legs, with two flabby tentacles  endibg in flat paddles, and a third one above  a wide gaping, drooling, mouth, that has a pair of eyes on it. Spying yoyr group's  return, is becomes animated,
Crying out "Hungry!"

Completely puzzled by the unusual creature, Nodwin stops a couple of feet from the grate. Crouching down, he studies it to see if there is anything about it that rings a bell in his mind that hr may have come across before in a book or lecture.

After a bit, Nodwin speaks up. "Hello, do you have a name?"

Laughing and joking with the two porters, Mario enters the house and leads the way down the basement ladder and then through the trap door to the space with the barrel containing the rot worm (and assorted pretty nasty stuff).

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 13):

Mario can hwar the voices  of the others echoing from below.
There is a voice  he does not recognize.


"Otty. Otty hungry"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:48, Thu 23 Feb 2017.

Following the voices, Mario goes further down the corridor, pulling out the light stone he's been carrying since Nodwin handed them out.

"Who's Otty?"
This message was last updated by the player at 00:28, Fri 24 Feb 2017.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 16):

Not having been encumbered by the barrow, Jareth arrives shortly after Mario,
despite his detour.

Jareth drops down the ladder into the basement and hears Mario down the tunnel asking about "Otty".

"Hoy, Mario, what going on with t'e Otyugh?"

It Very Hungry ... maybe too hungry

In reply to Brodak (msg # 19):

"We don't have to work with that thing xo we?"

As Jareth catches up with Mario and the laborers before heading down the tight spiral stairs, "Work with?  Nay.  Haul t'e dead bodies t'e pens of Otyughs?  Yes."

"That's an Otyugh?"  Mario looks through the gate's grate at the bizarre creature.

"Doesn't seem all that scary.  I thought they'd be bigger."

"This one is young."  Jareth steps past the group but not quite up to the bars of the gate.

"How did ya get out?"

"Should we try and lead him back to the pens? Would it be safe?"

Nodwin tosses the little wrap of bread and meat he had made, to the Otyugh.

"A druid could.  But no, not safe."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 25):

The creature makes a gesture that could be interpreted as a shrug.
"Otty hungry, orc no come bring food. Push door, door open, Otty come up"

"Umm, Jareth?  Would I be correct in interpreting that as a likely 'Uh-oh' situation?  Will my arrows kill these things, if need be?"

Jareth turns to face the Otyugh and makes a "shush" motion behind his back towards the group, "Ya go back to t'e pen an we bring two meals to ya okay?"





OOC:  20:58, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 9 using 3d6.  Gesture, 12:  Making a "shushing" motion, he's aiming for "Not in front of the creature that can hear you", but will accept getting across "Shut up that shuttin up" if necessary.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 27):

"The slings and arrows of aggression! The vicissitudes of fate!"

Mario looks toward the gate grill, eyes wide.

"Jareth?  Is Otty a lot smarter than he sounded at first, or was that like a parrot, just repeating things it's heard?"

Jareth shrugs and continues to focus on the Otyugh, "So, how 'bout it eh?  Ya go back to t'e pen an we bring ya two meals, yah?"

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 31):

"Otty get two food if go back to pen?"

"Yes, two foods.  Ya go back to t'e pen an we bring t'em."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 33):

The creature uncoils it's tentacles from the gate.
"For two foods Otty goes to pen, for two foods today, and tomorrow
And tomorrow and tomorrow."

"How many do we still need to dispose of?" Nodwin very quietly asks Mario.

In an answering whisper, "I think just two."

Continuing to face the Otyugh, Jareth speaks calmly over his shoulder back to Nodwin and Mario as though t his has nothing to do with Otty, "Sold twenty-two maces, two captives, an t'e necromancers didn't want any of t'e remainder.  T'e math be simple."

Then Jareth's voice brighten's, "Oh, Nodwin, I did find a buyer for t'em zombies upstairs an Brodak's worm in t'e barrel."


OOC:  In case the Players are just being forgetful, I doubt the Characters could miss the pile of bodies they've kept having to walk past (17 corpses, plus the two the Laborers had on the wheelbarrow they just brought back from the necromancers).  No doubt the smell of the bodies is what brought this wandering young Otyugh to the lower gate.

"Well, I guess the other Otyugh that stay at the pit will get the meals, since they are at the pit where the meals will be delivered."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 38):

A distant clang of metal can be heard past the gate.

"Thanks Nodwin, that's t'e spirit.  Now to answer Mario's question; some Otyugh are sharp, smart as you, or maybe even me, an others are little better than t'e parrot.  I suspect it's about what t'ey eat growin up.  Better fed Otyugh groes up smarter Otyugh... an t'ese have been bred down here for centuries.  This one seems to be a bit inbetween, probably learned some of it's Araliase listenin to t'em cultists makin with t'e anti-aristocracy rhetoric."

Jareth sighs.

"I'd a warned ya all about t'em... but didnay expect 'em to be out.  Is a bit worrisome.  If'n one be out, did t'e others get out?  T'e adults can be very dangerous.  Some o' t'e sewer workers swear t'ey can read minds.  I suspect t'ey is just smarter than t'e workers, but... ya never know with beasties like this."

He pauses.

"An gots maybe a problem.  Need to get t'e worm to t'e Undercroft in a short bit, get t'e zombies to t'e buyer just after dark... an now we gotta haul at least two corpses to Otty.  An probably t'e other ones, if t'ey ain't all loose."

He sighs again.

"An I forgot about findin a buyer fer t'e dead cultists.  Well, first things first, I say we haul a pair of cultists to Otty an see what t'e damage is.  Hopefully someone just left it's pen unlocked."

So these are just kept to clean up corpses left laying around?

"Let's start hauling then."  Nodwin looks at the gate with Otty beyond it.  "Maybe we should go via the streets to the pit, just in case there are others wandering about."

Jareth responds to Jocelyn, "An other garbage, an waste.  basically everything in t'e sewer.  But ya, t'ere's a brisk trade takin bodies an makin 'em disappear."

Then to Nodwin, "Not t'e good idea.  I'n not so sure on how to get t'ere from up t'ere.  From here we know Otty's pen just right down t'ere.  We keep a lookout here, an Brodak with us, an we be safe.  Besides, no matter how sneaky t'e Otyugh think t'ey is, or even if t'ey is really sneaky like, ya can smell 'em long before t'ey get up on ya.  Even though Otyugh got's t'e keen sense of smell, t'ey never notice how bad t'ey is smellin."

Jareth laughs for a second.  "Course if one of t'em figured out to bathe, we be in trouble.  But seriously, most of t'em are content wallowin in t'ey pens, eatin what t'ey is brought.  Every know an t'en one get's ideas, but t'ey is usually young like this one an not as dangerous or cunning."

Taking another look through the gate's grid to be sure the "little" otyugh is out of sight, Mario speaks softly to Jareth.

"Just in case, where would I shoot one of those for best effect?  Humans and pretty much anything that looks like 'em, animals shaped like a dog, horse, or bull, I know.  Even dragons, though I've never seen one -- every archery book has a diagram, where the heart is and where their armor is thinnest.

"But I've never seen anything like that.  It has to have a heart -- doesn't it?  And a brain?"

Just use fire and don't worry about it...

"Never cut one up, never had a need.  But I'd say go for t'e eyestalk an leg joints.  If ya can make shot down it's open mouth, take it.  Otherwise I dunno."

Jareth nods to the Laborers, "Go get those two brought back from t'e necromancer, we'll take 'em to Otty right quick an see about it's pen gate.  Mario, I suggest you stay here.  If we gots a run back here, good have you gaurdin t'e door.  An I'll leave ya Akimbo, I can hear him pretty far away an he'll make a racket if he smells any Otyughs coming.  An he can understand ya fine, even if likes to pretend he can't."

Jareth pulls the sleepy ferret out of his coat pocket, "Oy, look alive.  Mario needs ya as backup.  You smell any of them nasty beasties coming up on ya, make with the noise."

Jareth hands the sleepily protesting ferret over to Mario, "A pocket or your pouch, or even your shoulder, he can hang on fine."

Mario accepts the furry creature, holding it as he would a cat.  "Hello, Akimbo.  Since I don't really trust you with my coin, I'll let you ride on my shoulder for now."  He drapes the animal across his shoulders like a stole, and lets him get his feet under him before releasing him.  "Comfy?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 47):

Upon examining the gate, Jareth discovers that the key he has might not open the gate...

Jareth will try his key, if it fails he'll pull out the alternate keys, his lockpicks and get to work on it.



OOC:
11:58, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 15 using 3d6.  Observation 11 Traps 14, checking the Cultist gate for tampering.

11:55, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 11 using 3d6.  Lockpicking 12, the Cultist gate into the Sewers.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 49):

The lock springs easily, suggesting this particular lock has been well oiled. Likewise, the hinges are almost silent. Someone has been treating this gate.

"Gate be well maintianed.  Suggests t'e cultists went this way frequently.  T'ere might be anot'er cell down here."

"Sure you don't want me to come along?  We've got Jocelyn and Mellarill to guard the gate, and Nodwin with them."  Mario's right hand creeps up to stroke Akimbo.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 52):

OCC entering a strange area underground seems like a bad time to split the party. This is juniors, not the solo adventures of Jareth

"I'n expectin everyone but ya to come Mario.  Not that ya ain't wanted, just that we may end up runnin back.  An we really do need t'e exit well guarded.  But if ya come, I recommend rear guard."

Not Problem... I guard front.

"Of course we are all coming, this could be a dangerous venture, not a cleanup job.  If Mario feels confident enough to move with us, he is welcome, otherwise guarding this gate is also important."

Nodwin shoulders his staff and pulls out his small crossbow. "Until we know what is ahead of us, we need to be watchful."

"Jareth, how far is the pit?"

"Not sure, but based how fast Otty was shufflin an how long till heard t'e clank of I presume it's gate, I'd say no more'n a hundred yards imperial."

Upon seeing some of the crew's faces at this, he shrugs.  "Ain't never been down here."

"I think most of what we need to guard against is likely to be down that way.  I'll handle rear guard, if that's okay."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 58):

Your group advances, using one of Nodwin's stones as a light source, and
Soon comes to a small intersection.  The passage continues ahead, but there is a passage to the right, and a metal faced door on the left.
To the right, you can see a partially opened gate, and a metal faced door beside it.

Brodak Stops   That it Door?

"Probably t'e partially open gate.  But best we check t'e doors be locked as pass t'em."

Jareth will check the metal door on the left, first to see if it's locked, then inspecting it for signs of tampering or traps.


OOC:
19:21, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 6 using 3d6.  Observation Search 11.  Checking the metal door on the left for tampering (like is the lock plate all scratched up, etc).
19:21, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 11 using 3d6.  Traps 14.  Checking the metal door on the left.

Also did the tunnel go straight to here?  Did it meander?  And roughly how far from the 'cultist gate' have we traveled?

Nodwin loads the crossbow and keeps a close watch down the tunnel ahead, while Jareth checks the door next to them on the left. He motions to the next person behind him to watch the side passage to the right.

Mario watches the side corridor tensely, the light stone he kept still hanging from the upper nock of his bow.

"The cultists were disposing of bodies with the otyugh, too, weren't they?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 63):

From the gate, you travelled about thirty yards, the iron doors don't
seem to have been recently subject to forcing attempts, although the
smaller one next to the gate looks like it has often been fiddled with
 by someone impatient. The lock looks to fit your key.
The left hand door is fairly wide, and the lockplate looks slightly different from Jareth's key.  Up the corridor past the gate, the passage
turns again.

Running water can be heard from the open gate.

"I'd be much more comfortable if we at least lock that open gate before we go further."
This message was last updated by the player at 08:56, Mon 13 Mar 2017.

"That's t'e plan, just wanted sure this door locked before we put it behind us."

Jareth checks to see if it's locked.  And then if it is, if his key will unlock it.  Then if it does, he cracks it open and looks inside.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 66):

The small room revealed is a guarderobe, and it is occupied by an orc wearing the greenish brown uniform (or most of it, his heavy jacket is hanging on the back of the door, and his pants are around his ankles.
The orc is quite dead, his throat looking to have been crudely slit.

On the wall in a niche is a burned out stumpt of a tallow candle. Beside the dead civil servant is a rusty dueling bill, and a book lies face down and open on the floor.

"Dammit.  This requires attention."

Jareth opens the door fully and begins checking his clothes for keys, badges, etc, anything that might identify who he is.  Jareth will also pick up his book and mutter something about "savages treating a book like so".

What is the Book Jareth Dear...

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 69):

The orc had a pouch with personal basics, some jerky, and attached to his
 belt by a chain, and a large key, a little different from Jareth's.
The book is a folio of plays written in Aralaise.

Jareth pockets the key, and hands the book to her "This guy was a theatre fan, it's a bunch of plays."

Then he closes and locks the door, "Surprised they didn't him turn into a zombie," and then cautiously heads towards the open gate.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 71):

The gate leads into a damp room with foot wide pipes
Protruding from the walls  at about head height. The flooring
 is a series of grates. The back wall is also made of gridwork,
and there seems to be water flowing beyond it.  There is a partly
Opened grate in the flooe near the back wall.

If either of his keys fit, Jareth shuts and locks the gate, and then moves to check the door next to it*.  Again, quick scan for traps, then trying his keys, then taking a peek inside.




* If his keys don't fit he tries to lock it with his "unofficial keys", the lockpicks.

OOC: 01:47, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 8 using 3d6.  Traps 14, door by the gate.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:50, Wed 15 Mar 2017.

"Could be he was killed by someone other than the Saturnines?  As you say, those would likely have had him walking.

"But I'd guess he was supposed to watch and feed Otty and his folks.  I'm surprised whoever did him didn't take his key.  I certainly would have; lots faster than picking a lock."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 74):

The new key is longer and gas two faceplates; the first one matches Jareth's existing key, if he pushes that part through the lock, the second plate engages the lock.
The Orc looked more recently dead than the tenament dwellers above.

Would one of those Otty things have done it?

"Unlikely an Otyugh would use a knife.  Not impossible."




OOC:  Still waiting on results from message #73's actions.

"I wonder if someone released Otty, and if so, why?" Nodwin ponders while keeping watch.  "Possibly someone killed the guard to get into the pit, or release the denizens of the pit.
More may be out there, and whoever killed the guard could be inside.  Bit risky that though."

Mario looks a bit confused over Nodwin's definitions.  "Risky compared with dealing with demons and turning over your soul to get something we still don't know?" 

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 79):

While the front gate leading to the catchment room and otyugh pit was
unlocked, along with the pit gate itself, the rear gate of the catchment room leading to the wet tunnel remainss locked.

"Ain't been but few days.  Otherwise there'd been no bargainin with t'e young Otyugh.  Would'a tried attackin through t'e locked gate at ya all."


OOC:  So.... did Jareth lock the gate?  And what about the door next to it?  As per message #73's actions?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 81):

Gate is locked. Door to the side was the guarderobe. Larger door accross
From gate remains yet untried.

Then as said above, after Jareth locks the gate, he checks the other door, the one not yet checked, for traps, and if clear, tries his keys...


OOC:  Okay...  I misinterpreted the description earlier as there being a door at the intersection, which he checked first.  It's all good the way it's turned out.

Then going with the earlier action's still unused roll from message #73...

OOC: 01:47, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 8 using 3d6.  Traps 14, door by across from the gate.

The wider door accross the way is not quite flush with the floor, and looks to have a bit of an upward incline behind it
If the door were opened too quickly, something might roll downand slam it open.

Which is why Jareth will do as he did with the other door, crack it open a bit and take a peek.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 85):

There is a wheeled cart just behind the door, it seems to be straining against the door.



Ooc: ST check

OOC:  15:42, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 11 using 3d6.  ST 9, check against door/cart trap.

I knew I should've waved Brodak over to help hold the door before checking...

Brodak hears the creaking and sees Jareth being pushed back, he throws his shield and shoulder into the door.




[Private to GM:   14:01, Today: Brodak rolled 9 using 3d6.  ST.  By 6]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:46, Sun 19 Mar 2017.

Seeing the situation at the door, Mario goes to high alertness, standing as straight and tall as he might, and checking in every visible direction for movement.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 89):

Brodak is able to check the movement of the door and cart. If one were to step away from the side the door swings toward,it should be safe.

"Urk.  Dangit.  Didnay think it were gonna try to slam open so easily."

Jareth leans over and looks inside, making sure no one is dead and stashed in there (also keeping an eye out for anything interesting looking).

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 91):

A rough wagon with an iron frame and iron wrapped wooden wheels rolls
down and into the hall, stopping just before it strikes the opposite
wall. A thick chain attached by a hook to a rung on the back wall of the
room it rolled out of. The wagon has a hinged back that is held upright
by deadbolts, and looks to be able to hold two barrels, along with the shovel and broom which are socketed in the front like banners.
The front end has a pair of rods extending forward, which have one inch holes through them, so it could be pulled, or pushed if something was slid through the holes.

Up the shallow ramp into the small room, you can see additional  implements, a spare broom and shovel, a broad axe, and a mallet and
spikes.

Jareth gives the whole 'trap' the once over to see if it can be 'reset' easily.

Looks like a Janitors closet more than a trap... aye?

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 94):

The slight incline looks to be a way to avoid standing water in the supply room. The cart falling out is a complication.

Jareth slips into the room and loots the hammer and spikes, stowing all but two spikes in his backpack.

Stepping back out and brandishes the two spikes saying, "Brodak, ya push t'e cart back in, an I'll set t'ese to chock t'e wheels."

Unh Uhn ... Brodak again puts his shoulder to the wheel




[Private to GM:  13:30, Today: Brodak rolled 13 using 3d6.  ST.  by 2]

In reply to Brodak (msg # 97):

Brodak easily pushes the squeaky cart back.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:52, Sat 25 Mar 2017.

Once the cart is in place Jareth will slip the spikes under the fronts of the wheels to keep it from rolling back out wheel the door is shut and locked.  He'll then shut and lock the door.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 99):

That method works well. There is some scratching coming from up the corridor, doubtless attracted by the hammering.

OOC:  Hammering?  Who's hammering?  Jareth was just setting the two spikes down under the front of the front wheels likes chocks.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 101):

Ok! the closing of the door echoes enptily down the hall.

If there is still scratching, Jareth will point it out and turn to check beyond the gate and get ready to unlock it.  (If no scratching, he'll just move to the gate)



OOC:

Narrator:

Ok! the closing of the door echoes enptily down the hall.

Not saying there wasn't plenty of noise:  Clash of the chain arresting the cart's momentum, the conversation, etc.  Just... making sure there wasn't another source of hammering.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 103):

There is a faint, distant sound of scratching from a ways us the hall.

On Jareth's alert to the scratching, Mario turns his attention in that direction, right hand hovering near the fletching of his single arrow as his bow tilts into position to receive the shaft.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 105):

The sound is odd, a cross between the clicking of claws and blades being scraped against a wall in passing...

"Claws and blades -- doombrats?  Ghast?  Nah, we'd smell a ghast before we hear it, down here."

Meanwhile, Mario concentrates his attention toward the source of the sound.

Jareth unlocks the gate and steps into the enclosure to get a better look about, he makes room for the others to enter as well.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 108):

From behind you within the enclosure you hear
"Food?"

OOC - Unclear as to where otty is... is he behind a locked gate or about to join us?

Ooc I think Jareth just entered Otty's home.

Nodwin continues to watch down the dark hallway, especially now that there are noises approaching.  Pulling a lightstone from his pouch, he lightly tosses it about 10 meters ahead.

"Let us shed a little light on the situation."

"Yeah, we brought food, stay there an we bring over to ya."  Jareth waves the two laborers over to dump the corpses in the enclosure.



OOC:  From what I can tell:

When we arrived here the gate was unlocked.  Jareth locked it before examining the cart closet.

He just re-unlocked it and stepped into the enclosure.

I take the Narrator as meaning the "Food?" as coming from behind Jareth in the enclosure, which has an open grating further down in it (which I suspect is where 'our' Otty is).

I further suspect the scratching claws/blades sound is coming wither from other Otyughs gthat have been freed, or a some other creature freed or set out by our escaped cultist.

You are all currently in the catchment room, which contains the entrance to the otty pen. A tentacle with eyes is protruding from the open grate.
Several foot wide pipes empty into this room, and behind the grate is a gate that leads into a wet tunnel.

From outside you can heas a rasping scrape and an excited chittering, definitely not sounds made by a flabby, drippy otyugh.

Mario turns to threaten the doorway from which the twittering can be heard, bow raised to ready, right hand touching the fletching of his arrow.

Nodwin loads his crossbow and reaches towards the door to take a quick peek out.

/ooc Nodwin looks around in confusion, wondering how he got inside a room from guarding the hallway, lol.

OOC:

Narrator:

Several foot wide pipes empty into this room, and behind the grate is a gate that leads into a wet tunnel.

Behind the grate or past the grate?  In other words would we have to go through the grate to reach the gate, or past the grate to reach the gate?

Nodwin Zideqick:

/ooc Nodwin looks around in confusion, wondering how he got inside a room from guarding the hallway, lol.

Perhaps we should sound off as to where we left ourselves last to sort this out?

Jareth entered the catchment and urged the laborers into it as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:04, Thu 27 July 2017.

Jocelyn seems to pause for a moment in thought....




[Private to GM: She prepares her magic bolt skill for use ; is their a skill roll required other than innate attack?]

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 117):

Three ratlike creatures the size of large dogs, festooned with spiky quills round the corner.



Magic bolt needs no roll!

Jocelyn targets the lead rat and launches the bolt.





[Private to GM: 17:25, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 2 using 1d6-2.  Damage. Wow, that should hurt.... a wee little bit! but it all counts.
17:25, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 9 using 3d6.  Innate Attack.]

"Maned rats!  Poisonous!"


OOC: Do they look small enough to squeeze through the gate?

Mario fast-draws his arrow (instantly replaced by another in the quiver), nocks, draws, and releases, all in the space of a heartbeat; the arrow speeds true into the vitals of the next maned rat.

[Private to GM: 04:45, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 15 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow) (15).
04:49, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 13 using 3d6.  Bow-1 to ready arrow instantly (15).
04:53, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 14 using 3d6.  Bow, roll to hit, Vitals (-3), Acc (+3), net (16).
04:54, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Arrow damage (Imp).]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 121):

The rat things are over a yard long, with heads almost a foot wide. They definitely can't fit through the gate. The one Jocelyn struck seems irritated, wheras the one that Mario shot seems to be hurting badly.

"Get in here an we shut t'e gate!"

Jocelyn concentrates...



[Private to GM: 19:56, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 16 using 3d6.  Flames jet at lead "irritated" Rat.  And it's a Fizzle... 2 over... ]

Nodwin aims at the rat Mario hit and fires his crossbow.

[Private to GM: 19:58, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 11 using 3d6.  crossbow 12.
19:59, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 2 using 1d6.  damage - cut - .]

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 125):

The rat struck by the bolt hisses and charges the gate!

OOC:  Just to clarify:  Is everyone inside the enclosure or not?

Jocelyn again tries to concentrate on the charging rat  .... this time things click.





[Private to GM:  10:15, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 11 using 3d6.  Flame Jet  by 3
10:17, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 7 using 3d6.  Innate Attack.   by 6
10:17, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 18 using 3d6.  Damage.  Scorching a Hit!!]

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 128):

The room is three yards wide by four deep. Everyone is inside, but your barrel of worms is not.

Good, then as Jareth's next action he will commence to lock the gate.



OOC:

quote:

...but your barrel of worms is not.

Of course not, we left that "securely" locked * in our basement.  The two laborers were only bringing the dead cultist's to feed to "Otty" at this time.  That needed to be locked down before we went wander... err... moving with clear direction to the Guild's Undercroft.


* I really need to just put Absent Minded on Jareth.  The number of times he's meant to do stuff and forgotten as events have swept us forward is growing... it's at two things now**, and I'm sure it'll only get worse.

** Find buyers for the useless cultist corpses and better secure the barrel.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 130):

The rat things are close enough to the gate for their quills to protrude
through the gate. Nodwin, Jocelyn and Mario are all fairly close... and Jareth will have to push fairly close to get to the lock...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

Jocelyn's flame jet dd nothing to back them up?

Mario fires another arrow at the same rat he and Nodwin have already hit.

[Private to GM: 04:50, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow) (15).
04:50, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bow-1 to ready arrow instantly (15).
04:51, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 13 using 3d6.  Bow, roll to hit, Vitals (-3), Acc (+3), net (16).
04:52, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Arrow damage (Imp).]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 133):

The rat collapses! The other two seem more agitated.

Jareth backs away from the gate and aggressively pokes at a giant rat with his staff.



OOC:  12:56, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 12 using 3d6.  Committed Attack (Determined) +2, Telegraphic Attack +4, Staff 10 (16).
12:58, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  Damage, Jo Staff 1d+2 thr cr.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Mon 10 Apr 2017.

Mario once more nocks an arrow, draws, and aims for a pair of heartbeats before releasing, and one of the remaining rats receives an arrow in the eye.

[Private to GM: 19:37, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 10 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow) (15).
19:37, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 6 using 3d6.  Bow-1 to ready arrow instantly (15).
19:40, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bow, roll to hit, Acc +3, AoA Determined (+2), Aim 2 (+2), Eyes (-9) (net 13).
19:41, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Arrow damage (Imp).]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 136):

Mario drops the rat, and Jareth can feel bone crunch as he strikes the rat. It recoils, wounded.

Taking a step to one side to ensure a clear shot past Jareth, Mario takes another quick shot at the remaining rat.

[Private to GM: 17:52, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 7 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow) (15).
17:52, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 7 using 3d6.  Bow-1 to ready arrow instantly (15).
17:53, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 8 using 3d6.  Bow, roll to hit, Vitals (-3), Acc (+3), net (16).
17:53, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Arrow damage (Imp).]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 138):

The rat squeals and collapses.

Jareth shoves them back from the gate using his short staff, so we can all get out of the catchment..

He says to the laborers, "Haul those corpses over to t'e grate."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 140):

Frank goes to grab one of the rats, and catches his hand on a quill. His hand immediately  begins to swell, and he grimaces in pain.

Jareth sighs heavily.  Then points to the two dead cultists the laborers were carrying when they entered the catchment.

"Those corpses."  He shakes his head. "Nodwin, ya got anti-poison remedy spells?"

Then Jareth stops and holds up his hands.  "Wait.  Said it earlier, but say it again:  t'ese rats is poisonous.  Don't touch 'em.  Not even with t'e thick gloves on.  Unless ya immune to t'e poison."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:21, Wed 12 Apr 2017.

Mario keeps quiet, but shakes his head...

"Try using tools or weapons to dispose of the rats." Nodwin looks at Frank who is clutching a rapidly swelling hand.  "Hold still for a minute while I take care of that."

Nodwin touches his arm above the swelling and mutters a prayer to Vejovis. When he finally releases the arm, any discoloration and swelling have gone down.

[Private to GM: 13:13, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 12 using 3d6.  Neutralize Poison 14.]

Nodwin then moves to the corner and relaxes. "That spell sure takes a toll, I am going to try to rest up so I can be ready if anything else occurs".

"Just leave t'e rats t'ere for a minute, I'n thinkin whether t'ey of value or not."

Once the bodies have been drug over near "Otty's" grate Jareth will shoo everyone out the enclosure and call out to the Otyugh, "We brought ya t'e food."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 145):

A tentacle gingerly arises from the grate, as does the one with the eyes.
It picks up a rat by the tail and flips it over, and rips the soft flesh from
Its underbelly.

Jocelyn also rests...



[Private to GM: 15:00, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 7 using 3d6.  Recover Energy.  by 8]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Thu 13 Apr 2017.

Jareth leaves the gate open till 'Otty' gets all three rats over to his area, then he'll close and lock it again.

"Okay, that solves that."

What of the two cultists...?

/ooc  I think the cultist were thrown in to Otty, not the rats. Jareth wants to see if the rats are worth anything for their poison or something.

OOC:  I was actually going to suggest Otty come out and retrieve them to save us the risk of having to move them.  So... it's all good in the end.

"So, Otty's fed.  Onward to the Guild gate?"

"Not yet.  Brodak give me a hand with this guard.  You hold 'im up, I'll get 'is pants back on.  T'en Mario, we take 'im back to t'e basement an get t'e worm, an t'en on to t'e Guild."

Jareth adjusts his mask and heads over to the guardrobe, "Figure this guy got family, t'ey probably want 'im buried.  Or whatever t'ey religion says.  Try get some one deal with 'im tomorrow."

Unk... I help...

In reply to Brodak (msg # 154):

Somewhere, someone is resting better for not being found pants down in a guarderobe.

"Right, forgot the worm."  Mario moves over toward the exit leading back where we came from.

Once they are ready to go, Nodwin gets up and follows, crossbow ready.

Jocelyn takes her place... ready to assist as she can.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 158):

Which way now? The corridor you are in T intersects to the right.

Back to get the worm and drop off this orc guard secured in the catchment tunnel just outside our basement.

Mario waits for Nodwin, Jocelyn, Jareth, and the porters to pass, then follows, keeping watch to the rear.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 161):

You make your way back without incident. Where are you placing the sewer worker?

If the worm is still secure Jareth gets out a tarp and rope and directs the laborers to securely wrapping and tying the barrel, and then using some of the rope to bind the dead guard.

"Just in case t'ey left some delayed zombification on 'im."

Then while the laborers are loading the barrel into the wheel barrow, he'll consult his map.

"I suppose we ought to report the dead guard to the Hadereum.  Unless there is another group that he would have been working for.  Would he have been working for the Department of Sanitation and Aqueducts?"

"Probably a sewer worker, we should get someone deal with 'im tomorrow."

"Do you suppose he was also supposed to be feeding the otyughs?  After all, someone left the gate open, and apparently forgot to feed Otty..."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 166):

The orc was wearing gear typical of a sewer worker; he had the gaff and keys, along with the high boots, and was in a locked room adjacent to the catchment room and the cart storage.

"I do ken this be t'e orc young Otty referred to earlier.  Which mean t'ere are ot'er Otyughs goin hungry... an maybe on t'e lose.  An while Otyughs always claim to be hungry even if t'ey just ate, when t'ey go to long without eatin t'ey get really dangerous."

Jareth puts his maps away.  "Yeah, Nodwin, yer right, we need to alert t'ey sewer guild tonight after deliverin t'e worm.  If t'ere are more Otyughs lose, t'e workers are in danger."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 168):

François and Evain wrap and tie the barrel, loading it onto the
wheelbarrow.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:21, Tue 18 Apr 2017.

"If'n we ready; back to t'e intersection, t'en right."

Once more, Mario waits for the others, then brings up the rear, keeping good watch behind.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 171):

The corridor you are in is three yards wide, the one you are turning into
is for yards wide and has some pieces of decorative tile along the shoulder. The flooring is in large slabs.

"We lookin for anot'er stair leading up."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:19, Wed 19 Apr 2017.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 173):

The map would indicate that the nearest connections between levels is a distance away.

Then unless someone has to use the garderobe, we're heading off a distance away.

"I'm right behind all of you."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 176):

Thes corridor follows a path parallel to the wet tunnel, and soon you come to an intersection with another catchment room.

Jareth notes it and unless it seems relevant* or intersting** will try to move the group along.  If nothing else he will check to see if his keys work here... just in case.



* Should this be where the stairs up are?

** Unaccompanied loot laying around.  Or a stair room down.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 178):

The keys do work here, and nothing much going on here, although the otty here had been banging on the bars with a bone, and began bellowing for food when it heard the gate open.

If you continue down this corridor, by your map there ought be a way up soon, but you are not sure if it is a staircase or a ladder.

Jareth will shout that they'll be bringing food soon.

And he won't mention the notion about "not sure if it is a staircase or a ladder", no need to burn that bridge till we're on it.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 161):

"FOOD!"

"Not now!  You got some earlier, and you'll get more later!"

OOC:  It's a different Otyugh.  Even has a different NPC pic and the other was "Otty" where as this one is "otty".

We can only guess what the next slimy, stinkin', filthy corpse sucker will be called...

OOC:  So of no one has business to do here... let's move along shall we?

Jareth will make note, both mental and on his map of the presence of another hungry Otyugh.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 185):

You will probably see both icons repeated

Making sure to give the gate or grating from which the otyugh's voice emanates a wide berth (especially after seeing the "little" one drag the maned rats through the grating), Mario continues to bring up the rear.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 187):

There is one other door beside this catchment room, raised about six inches above the flooring. It looks like it swi gs out.

Unh... may be 'nother wagon

Jareth gives the door the once over before moving to see if his keys will work.  He'll motion for Brodak to get ready to hold it.


OOC:  14:15, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 15 using 3d6.  Traps 14, giving the door the once over.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 190):

The key opens the door easily. The doorway has a lip, to prevent flooding,
and once in, there is a half flight of steps to an alcove with a cot.
A spare set of sewer worker garb hangs on a peg, and an assortment
 of shelf like alcoves contain a lamp, spare oil, a jug of something, a few
stoneware jars and a pair of small books, along with a broken piece
of a statue.

Brodak puts his shoulder against the door and braces himself.

With Brodak set to stop the door from just sweeping open, Jareth eases it enough to peek in.  Seeing it isn't a cart room, he motions Brodak to step back and opens the door.

Jareth gives the room the once over.


OOC:  What is the broken statue of?  Small statue or large?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 193):

The statue is a small figure, about 8 inches high of a robed woman,
missing a head and one arm.

OOC:  Is this a religious icon or just art?

13:12, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 8 using 3d6.  Theology (Any-Default): 9; Connoisseur (Art): 11 - Recognizing the broken statue.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 195):

The statue is a very common cheap icon of the Roman household guardian tbe Lares. Most
human households have one.

OOC:  Thanks.

Okay, if nothing else, moving on?

Mellarill inspects the room carefully ... lets see if this asshole has anything of interest.





[Private to GM: 13:27, Today: Mellarill rolled 9 using 3d6.  Perception.  By 4]

"Unlikely.  This 'asshole' was just sewer worker.  Probably t'e dead guy we found." Jareth gestures to the clothes and then the broken statue, "T'e Saturnines didn't want Lares watching t'em."

Jareth hefts the statue piece, "Huh.  Ideas.... ideas...  Among t'ey repertoire, Lares was guardian of boundaries... of course that's a little known possibility.  Mostly t'ey's guardians of 'hearths' or homes an t'e fields, an if t'e worker considered t'e sewers his home an where his livelihood was earned, He'd have had vast capacities to watch an influence t'e goings on in t'e sewers around here.  It might be worth considerin findin priest or oracle of t'e Roma-Etrusc faith an seein if t'ey could intercede with on behalf of t'e slain follower in our favor against t'em.  He might have information on what t'e Satrunines were up to."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:27, Tue 02 May 2017.

People shove a lot of strange shit down the sewers ... the asshole might have hidden some nice stuff away for a bit later in life. Doubt there is big treasure or he'd been gone ... but a few silver coins ... perhaps.

"Few minutes lookin can't hurt."


Jareth will spend the time examining the shelf the statue was on and the two books.

"There wasn't a single idol of Lares in the orphanage where I grew up -- but then again, the Brothers wouldn't hold with anyone worshiping any way other than theirs.

"I'm glad to be away from them, no doubt about it."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 201):

The books are more plays. There is one about a king being assasinated
(Found before) Another about two young lovers, and the third one is some farce about fairies.

"Well, the Lares be peasant gods, they dinnay require ostentatious displays.  Just a statue kept in the most used room or put out on t'e table with the main dinner.  If a rancher or farmer havin trouble in t'e fields, they might put out shrine till t'e trouble pass.  In older areas ya can find t'e shrines at crossroads, but most times t'ey taken up with newer gods.  T'ey are part of t'e old Etrusc-Roma cults, before all t'e Olympian an Cthonic nonsense got started."  Jareth holds up the two books, "Either this where that dead orc lived, or friend that lent out his plays."

"Older than Christianity, too, then.  Still, must be something to it for it to have hung on this long.

"Plays?  What's the good in reading a play, unless you're an actor or director?  Plays should be performed, not read."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 205):

The writing in these folios is surprisingly good poetry, although you suspect they may be a translation.

Jareth shrugs, "Some people enjoy reading them.  Or maybe he was aspiring actor or director."

"Heh.  That's an old trick the Brothers used -- rhyme eases memorization.  Helps the actors learn their lines quicker, and keep track of which of a dozen plays they might put on in turn about they're actually performing at present.

"I always wondered if they weren't changing the meaning of the scriptures they were teaching, by making them rhyme, but they swore that no such thing could occur because the teaching was divine.  This from the same men who used to flog five year olds because they couldn't carry enough firewood in one trip, or starve older boys if they didn't bring back enough earnings from their so-called jobs."

Shaking his head, Mario returns to his rear guard position, watching carefully behind until the group begins to move toward the Guild again.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 208):

As you turn back into the main corridor you hear a faint clanking sound.

"Based on you, t'e Brothers did goo.."  Jareth stops, and cocks his head trying to determine if the sound is behind or in front.



OOC:  13:24, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 8 using 3d6.  Per 15.  Sound direction.

And does it sound like a gate or like something else?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 210):

The sound is like a chain rattling, with footsteps.

Mario raises his bow to cover the rear, right hand hovering by the fletching of his arrow, the light stone on the upper nock illuminating the area nearby.

Brodak just comes on guard

Nodwin reloads his crossbow with a fresh bolt.

Not knowing direction, distance, or heading Jareth urges the group on, "If it behind us we outpace it.  An if it be ahead, t'en we close on it faster."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:24, Sun 07 May 2017.

"Sounds good from here.  Let's step it up."  The first few steps, Mario backs, still watching behind, but once the group is moving, he turns to keep up and avoid stumbles, settling for frequent over-shoulder glances and an occasional in-stride turn to give a really good look back.

[Private to GM: 06:49, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 17 using 3d6.  Per for rear watch (11).]

"Akimbo, wake up an keep watch with Mario!"

A sleepy chitter answers him, but the ferret pokes his head out of Mario's pocket to watch his back.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 217):

A patter of sandals and the clank of chains becomes slightly louder as two orangy figures wearing zigzag patterened sashes and loincliths turmn into the main corridor, each has something hanging from a chain on their wrist.

OOC:  Any chance Jareth recognizes the heraldry of the sashes?

01:14, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 12 using 3d6.  Heraldry 11.  Goblins wearing zig-zag patterned sashes.

"Hello, who goes there?"  Nodwin calls out.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 220):

The two goblins look at each other and one quietly says "Mglw'nafh morguhl."

[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: that sounds like Dark One, mixed with goblin]

"Undying Black Magic?  Huh.  Not sure I'n gettin t'ey lingo.  Let's see..." Jareth rubs his hands and then responds, first in Goblin then in Dark One:

"Lorukọ oluwa rẹ ati awọn rẹ idi nibi.
Brōzi aōha meistr a'ch pwrpas yma."


[Private to Narrator: Name your master and your purpose here.]

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 222):

The dead eyed goblins stare at him a moment, then give the group the once over, somewhat
incuriously, and one responds with a very matter of fact tone.
"Ydym yn eu gwasanaethu gan ein bod yn rhwym. Bydd pob un ohonoch yn marw yma. Valar Morghules."

[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: "We serve as we are bound. You will all die here. All men Die" while I use welsh for elven, Dark One is more like a blend between High Valerian and Lovecraftian chant]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:05, Fri 12 May 2017.

"Valar Dohaeris.  Ao ooboshu n'gha va bisa oktion?"




[Private to Narrator: "All men must serve.  You visit death on this city?"]

"I can't make head of tail of that.  What are they saying?  What are you saying?"

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 224):

The goblin shrugs.
"Iku rin ninu ibi yi."
[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: death walks in this place."]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:31, Mon 15 May 2017.

Jarth turns his head back to the group, "Right now exchangin... eh... pleasantries.  I think.  T'ey ain't speakin a regular language.  An I think t'ey being deliberately cryptic.  Right now jus tryin to suss 'em out an avoid fight if don't need to."

Jareth turns back to the goblins, pauses for a moment speaks to them again, "Gaomagon ao-og hai-maghagon īlva morghon-agl?"



[Private to GM: "Do you-(specifically you) (at this specific moment)-bring our death-(at this specific place)?"

The dashes and (words) indicate R'lyehian modification words that indicate a greater specificity of subject.  Jareth is making this up as he goes along.

Also, he feels Charitable towards these goblins at this time, so is trying to not have to fight them, despite them sounding like they should be stopped for the Greater Good.]

Mario shakes his head and goes back to watching behind.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 227):

The two goblins glance at each other, then shake their heads.

"Gaomi daor, yn mēre ēza awakened qilōni bōsa ēdrutan isse morghon."

[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: We do not, but one has awakened who long slept in death.]

Jareth bows his head to them in farewell and steps aside indicating they may pass, "Kostagon aōha-n'ghaa māzigon rȳ se drēje jēda-yar se dīnagon-agl."


Aside to the group, "T'ey bear no ill will."


[Private to GM: "May your deaths come at (the proper most) time and (the proper most) place."]

"That's good to hear.  Were they from around here?  I don't recall seeing goblins that color before."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 231):

Most of the goblins in Northport are green to greenish gray, with a few rare greenish yellow types. These two are a dark red orange and orange, respectively.

"Kostagon ao morghūljagon ry se paktot jēda hae syrī"
[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: may you die at the right time also]

Having exchanged parting pleasantries (he hopes) Jareth leads the group past the two oddly colored, obviously out-of-towner, Goblins.

Mario pointedly lowers his bow as he passes the two orange goblins, and raises his right hand in a simple gesture of greeting, before returning to full ready once beyond them.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 234):

The goblins eye your group with a bland indifference as they pass.

Both wear sashes with a green and orange zigzag pattern, and they have near identical scars on the sides of their heads. Each looks to be handcuffed to a large key, the material of both cuff and key being a peculiar dark bronze that seems free of patina.

On getting a good look at the sashes, Mario asks in passing: "Jugger fans?  What team has those colors?"

"Looks more official, rather than sporting. The secured dangling keys were quite odd as well.  Maybe guards or clerks of some kind?"

Does Nodwin recognize the colors or any symbols?

19:32, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 12 using 3d6.  theology 11.
19:31, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 5 using 3d6. Area knowledge 13

"T'ey could be jugger fans, but doubt it.  When Nodwin ask who t'ey served t'ey responded 'Mglw'nafh morguhl' which I ken means 'Undying Black Sorcery'.  Hmmm.  Maybe Sorceror.  Not sure on that.  BUT that don't stop 'em from bein jugheads.  Grimbo'd know if t'e colors was jugger col..."


Jareth stops a second.  Looks back, then forward, cocks his head, then starts walking again.


"No, hang on, Nodwin, ya didnay say "Who do you serve", ya said "Who goes there?"  Think I was gettin my question mixed up with your question.  An 'Mglw'nafh morguhl', don't mean what I thought.  Hmmm, 'mg' is 'reversal of concept'... an 'lw'nafh' is 'life' or 'dream' or 'transmit non-physically'... hmmm.  An was confusing 'morghul' with t'e Black Tongue an not usin t'e Elder Tongue, totally different translations, stead o' sorcery or sorceror, it's just some form o' death, dying, dead, will die, yada-yada-yada."

Jareth keeps walking and thinking out loud.

"T'ey might have meant 'Dreams of Death' ... or ... ¿'Thought-speak of Death'¿

...

No, wait t'ey probly meant 'Death Beyond Death', like some metapconceptual death that claims even death, or that t'ere is death even after death.  Huh.  That changes some o' that conversation around a bit, but does fit pretty well with some o' t'e ot'er stuff t'ey talkin about.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 07:44, Sun 21 May 2017.

"Wait, so they serve Death beyond Death?  And they carry keys?  I don't know that I like the sound of that."

That sounds like those Saturnites we keep looking for ...

"Ah... no.  T'ey don't serve Death.  Least I doubt it.  T'ey was sayin that 'Death is here' already.  Kinda.  I got 'em to clarify that t'ey didn't mean no harm to us t'emselves, an t'ey was talkin about how death is already here an stalkin t'e sewers.  An some o' it I ken is more cultural assumption stuff an not literal stuff."

Jareth waves a hand airily about.

"Though t'ey did say somethin does want us dead, probly t'e global 'us' an not ya know 'us' us, an that it 'once slept in death but now awakes'.  Which I don think t'ey meant t'ey Saturnines.  Got t'e feelin t'ey meant somethin else.  But t'en again, t'e Devourer does have cycles o' activity what could be described like t'e sleep of death."

"Devourer?"  Mario's tone carries the size of his eyes, even to those who can't hear him.
This message was last updated by the GM at 21:24, Mon 22 May 2017.

"Yeah Mario, that's t'e ... eh... guess god is applicable word that t'e Saturnines worship.  We saw t'e Latin invocation to it back when whole affair started.  Remember t'e dead cats an squid?"

Unh... Orc Catfish stew ... good on cold night.

"I don't know enough Latin to bother, but I certainly do remember the cats and squid.  Phew!"

"Really?  Thought everyone knew Latin.  Well, next time ya see somethin ya can't read just speak up.  Happy to translate."

Nodwin scratches his head over the explanation and the body language the unknown pair had used, but then shrugs and tips one cupped hand like he is emptying his palm.

"We will have to keep a careful watch for anyone like them in the area in the future, maybe learn more about the death that stalks the sewers, or  whatever they may mean.  For now, let us continue with our chores."

"Yes.  Onward to the Guild."

Mario resumes his rear guard position, and will follow the group when they move out into the tunnel.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 248):

You carry on for a while, and then notice a strange moaning sound coming from a side passage.

If he can't see anything down the side passage, Jareth will step back and motion Brodak to take over at the front.

Brodak nods and moves forward carefully using his better vision in poor light and better hearing to find and identify the source. He is very wary, suspecting doombrats.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 251):

The sound is moaning, and thumping and rattling. Down the passage you see a door with chains holding it closed. You hear the thump and can see the chains rattle.

Jareth will examine the door from back a ways (basically as soon as he's close enough to give it a good look he stops) to see if it looks sturdy or if the bashing is likely to break it down any time soon.


OOC:  12:16, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 9 using 3d6.  Architecture 11.  Does the door look sturdy?

Is there any sort of opening in the door to use to look in?

Mario stops at the intersection, peering past Jareth for a moment, then turning to watch both ways along the corridor we've been following.  He keeps his bow up in ready position, so the light stone hanging from the upper nock is above his line of sight.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 255):

The chians are spiked into the hall and secured with a padlock that looks a little rusty. The door seems able to open only about an inch.

"Look sturdy enough, ain't gotta worry it."


Jareth makes to head back to the main passage and continue on to the stairs (or ladder, whichever it turns out to be).

OOC:  Unless someone wants to stay here and find out what's makin the noise?

Whut Inside?

In reply to Brodak (msg # 258):

When the door next slams, you can catch a peep through the crack.


Perception please.

Brodak is out of place and misses it...



[Private to GM: 20:00, Today: Brodak rolled 11 using 3d6.  Perception. missed by one]

Having pressed forward out of curiosity, Jocelyn manages a quick peek.






[Private to GM: 20:01, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 6 using 3d6.  Perception. made  by 6]

"Good question..."

Jareth heads towards the lock and tries his keys on it.

Mario glances down the side hall again as the door rattles.

[Private to GM: 19:08, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 9 using 3d6.  Perception, to glimpse what's behind the chained door (11).]

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 261):

Jocelyncan see a greviously wounded man, with knives, swords, a spear, and several arrows stuck in him. He holds a sword, and is otherwise nude.

Something is very wrong here, there is a nude wounded man in there, with knives, swords, a spear, and several arrows stuck in him. He is  holding a sword too. I suspect they may have confined him because he wouldn't die ... let's be careful.

OOC:  Jareth was trying his keys on the lock in msg #262.  Any luck?

"A man who cannot or will not die?  And, it seems, is trying to get out?  Can we help him, or must we kill him, or should we simply leave him locked in?

"Can he be killed?  Others would seem to have failed.  Let's speak to him before we risk unlocking the door."

"Hello in there!, Can you hear us?  Who are you and why are you locked in there like an oversized pin cushion?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 266):

Neither of Jareth's keys work here.

The man groans, his wounds still bleeding.

She casts a spell on the fellow






[Private to GM: 09:36, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 5 using 3d6.  Detect Magic. CRIT ]

"Hang on... Stop! Don't attack him!"

Jareth backs away from the door.

"Joc, ye said was full of weapons stickin in him?  T'ey's legend about that, thought was t'e bögge-men story.  Some crazy guy down here, cursed to get stronger t'e more he's wounded, lives only to fight."

So if he were healed, would he become weaker and more manageable?

"Only one way find out... but I'n inclined to dissuade that path.  T'e doors an chains be solid an holdin.  I advise be left to t'e imprisonment at this time.  We do have places to go an worm to sell an he still be here when we get back... if that be room, not tunnel."

Jareth backs up to Nodwin and pulls out his map to check it in the light.

"Yipe!  Let's not and say we, uh, say nothing."

Seems a cruel fate...

"I wonder, if he weakens as he heals, if fully healing him might set him right.  Could be dangerous to find out, though, if he lives only to fight.  I'm with Jareth -- let's leave this for the return trip."

"Does he appear to be conscious?  If he is awake and not responding to us, we should continue on our way.  If he is unconscious, maybe we might look into it more, maybe I could heal him up a bit and see if he responds."

"If he's bangin t'e door in his sleep... I'n fine leavin him be.  An yeah, pretty sure that be a room, not a tunnel or stairs.  Our stairs be just down this way."

Jareth gestures the back the way the group was going as he tucks away the map and starts to head out.

Mario waits in the main corridor, keeping watch behind, to be sure the rest of the group is following Jareth, then takes up rear guard again.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 279):

Jareth spues a vaguely familiar set of tiles over a locked, metal faced door.

Nodwin takes note of where they are, in case he decides to check again on the way back, then follows the others.

"Here we are t'en."

Jareth checks to see if his keys fit.




OOC:  Presuming this is the "stairs/ladder" room we've been looking for.

Also, how far is it from the room of The Wounded Man?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 282):

Yhe new key works. It is 30 yards from the wounded man room.
Within is a cylindrical space with iron rungs stapled to the wall, ascending into darkness.

Mario looks at the barrel, the wheelbarrow, and the ladder, and lets out a snicker.

"Huh.'

Jareth shrugs.

"Well, got rope.  Just have to haul it t'e hard way."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 285):

You can hear a door slam above

"Does anyone know how to rig this?  It'd be really bad to drop the barrel and let the thing out, and tying my shoes is about my limit."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 287):

"I am pretty good with rope. We have enough, right?"

"I've got twenty yards of three-eights rope right here."  Mario points to the coil hanging from his belt.  "The vendor said it would hold three hundred pounds -- is that enough for that barrel?  The brothers always said a knot would weaken a rope."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 289):

"I would have to use about five yards to make a harness for it, which would leave us with fifteen to haul with. That ladder looks to be about 8 yards..."

"Why'd y need to make harness?  T'e barrel is lashed up pretty tight with t'e tarp an rope already.  Can ya use some of that?"

"We can get it up through there, I have additional rope if we need it. If all but one or two of us climb up first and pull, the ones below can push it up.  I'll stay below and push."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 292):

"How about you get the dor or whatever up top out of the way first.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 291):

"I will be incorporating that, but most of that was to restrain the tarp, rather than hoisting it."

"Capital.  Mario, gonna borrow Akimbo back."

Jareth snaps his fingers, "Akimbo?  Which pocket ye sleepin in?"

A sleepy sounding "Glumpth-glumpth" comes from one of Mario's pockets.  With Mario's help they dislodge the sleeping ferret.  Jareth unwinds him and shakes loose a few of Mario's coins and other pocket goods then sticks him in an upper pocket on his coat.

"Gotta watch when he's in yer pockets.  Got t'e sticky paws he does."

Then Jareth ties his short staff to his pack and begins climbing.

Mario picks up the items Akimbo dropped when Jareth retrieved him, hands the coil of rope to Evain, then resumes guard, watching both ways along the passage.  "Let me know when you need my help.  I'm no muscle man, but I can haul my share."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 296):

At the top of the ladder, there is a screw top lid with a slack chain attaching it to the side of the well.

(The lid has a key socket that allows it to be unscrewed, the chain keeps the lid from being stolen)

Jareth will spend a moment listening... and then (unless  it sounds like someone is right up there) he'll quietly ask Akimbo to sniff around the lid.


OOC:  22:45, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 7 using 3d6.  Per 15.  Listening at the ladder top.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 298):

At the moment, all is silent at the top of the ladder.

Unless Akimbo smells anything untoward, Jareth will see which key fits the socket and begin unscrewing it.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 300):
It isn't  locked, just needs a key/crowbar/rod to turn it. The kid should just unscrew, provided you use some type of lever.

OOC:  Right, I was checking to see if either of his keys would fit and be usable...  like an allen key.  But no... Jareth has nothing even remotely like that (no crowbars or manhole levers).  No chance it's got holes he could slip fingers in and try to unscrew it?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 302):

The tip of one of the keys would fit for that purpose. They are iron after all.

Jareth calls down, "Anyone got a crowbar?"


If no one answers in the affirmative (I'm pretty sure we don't have a crowbar or anything like that) Jareth will begin using his older key as an allen key.

Once you get something loosely in the socket, you can spin the cover open.
It spins three times, then falls over ro the side, where it hangs from the chain.

"Sorry, no crowbar."

Jareth will push it up and out of the tunnel, and then peek out above.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 307):

The hatch opens into a small triangular door with a door to one side. The hatch itself opens out of a yard high well housing, presumably  to keep water from flowing down the shaft.

"All clear."

Jareth finishes climbing up and out, gives his arms a shake (he's not used to hanging about like a lesser primate!), and then he checks the door over.


OOC:  13:19, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 5 using 3d6.  Traps 14.  Checking door in triangular room.

Mario continues watching the corridor, but calls softly over his shoulder.

"Let me know if you need help with that barrel."

Brodak climbs up to the triangular room to help pull the barrel up...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Sun 18 June 2017.

Nodwin helps the workers lift the barrel up to the others up above.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 312):

The barrel shifts in its harness as you start to hoist it... then settles a bit.  The lid looks like it might be loose under the tarp.

Jocelyn starts casting

Hearing someone casting Jareth ducks back to the ladder and looks down, "What's goin on?"


OOC:  Msg #309 had a Traps roll.  Any results?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:20, Mon 19 June 2017.

The barrel becomes noticeably light and rises easily up the shaft...




[Private to GM:  11:45, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 7 using 3d6.  Apportation. Made it by 6 to lift up to 200 pounds.]

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 316):

The barrel hoists more smoothly. The door out of the triangular room seems locked with the standard lock, but not trapped.

Once it's up top, Jareth will check it over to make sure it's still fit to travel (and bung the lid back into place if necessary).

Brodak can help him put the lid back down and help tighten the fastenings