resuming from Tavern Part 3
link to a message in this game

At the end of the hall, you see two men in chainmail and shield, holding swords and wearing orange cloaks


make a streetwise roll or Area Knowledge: Northport

In reply to Guardsman (msg # 1):

Aine has no idea who they are, but the seem like the guard...

In reply to Guardsman (msg # 1):

Thorg looks at them carefully in the poor light [these guys are back by the door we opened magically?]

In reply to Thorg (msg # 3):

While the bluecloaks of Sergeant LeFleur patrol Dockside and redlight,
 the orangecloaks of Captain Justin patrol the Artisinal district. There always seem to be more of them than fit in their headquarters, so perhaps it extends this far down.

Hmmm, they is the Artist area patrol, must be above us.

At this, Aldous turns back and whispers "R'treat!  Le's go!" then resumes heading for the wedged-open door, now at a faster pace.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 5):

"Did you guys lock this area up?" She asks them.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 7):

she asks Throg or the guardsmen?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 8):

The guardsmen...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 9):

"Hey how did they get in here- ring the bell!"
This message was lightly edited by the player at 16:11, Thu 15 June 2023.

Aldous breaks into a full run, ready to skid to a stop at the door and work the spike loose so the door can close.

Throg lets everyone pass him, then goes on guard and backs away toward the gate Aldous is holding.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 12):

the second orange cloak ducks to the side, and you can hear a bell ringing, and distant shouting.

He just keeps moving back as quickly as he dares, while watching the corridor they are leaving.

Aldous stops just beyond the doorway and puts his lantern down outside the swing of the door, then gives the door a good kick to unwedge his knife before wiggling it free.

"C'mon, c'mon!"  He tosses the dagger alongside his lantern and puts both hands on the edge of the door, ready to slam it shut.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 15):

the two onange cloaks head towards you, one with a torch the othercwith sword drawn.
"Stop right there I say!"

Not Ta Day, I fear.

Thorg gets through the gate.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 17):

"How impolite. Time to go."

She races back for the door...

"Thorg, Aine, de' guys nev' wen' in."  If there's no one else running from the guards, he slams the door shut and wedges his knife under it again from this side.

OOC: haven't seen Sven, Nana, or Sparky in a while -- we lost Sparky's player, IIRC.  Who else was with us besides the necromancer and his two stooges?

No, I am pushed by Thorgs player... Thorg just monopolizes the scene

In reply to Sparky (msg # 20):

"As Sven and Nana's player left with their character sheets, they are full time back at the inn, beyond  the reach of even my necromancy."

Once Thorg, Aine and Sparky are past the door, Aldous closes it -- HARD -- and wedges the same knife underneath.

"Sed w's bad idee.  Le's git."

OOC: okay, so it's just us four -- Aine, Thorg, Sparky, and me, plus Dagon and his, um, servants...

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 22):

"The magic that locked it was just suspended. So that should hold the muddles. Lets keep going."

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 23):

The guards make it to the gate and give it a had rattle, but you are quite a distance from them by the time they arrive (they are wearing chainmail and leather and aren't moving too fast.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 24):

So continue down the corridor?

Yes, back to the last intersection.  Aldous will remember (it's been what, ten minutes?) but the player has forgotten the last turn we took.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 26):

you head east until you come to the intersection with a downsloped corridor(your passage is slightly elevated. you had come south from the north passage. and had not been south or east.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 27):

Aine shrugs. "Head east?"

"W'r headin' east b'for.  Dunno wher' th' whisp'r guy wen', tho'."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 29):

you can head south (and down) or continue East (as well as return north and down)

Aldous point his smallsword to the east and raises his lantern.

"'S go."

He leads on to the south

In reply to Thorg (msg # 32):

Aine follows with the light...

Aldous, left standing with his lantern as the others head off in a different direction, shrugs and follows Thorg and Aine.

OOC - I read your previous post " 'S go " and went South ;-)

In reply to Thorg (msg # 35):

you head down the short ramp and to the southern side of the intersection.

the tile on the walls here has been almost completely stripped, leaving a rough surface with raised groutlines marking the  spaces where the tiles once were.
the flooring has gutters about a foot wide on each side, and there is a grate set in the gutter.

Aldous works his way to the front of the group again, behind Thorg.  He furrows his brows at the grated gutters.  "Mi' needa watch f' wata'."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 37):

Aine follows, oblivious to the discussion...

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 37):

you come to another intersection, where your mild slope levels out- there is a set of grates at the base of the slope, with a gutter beneath that links to the side gutters, as though it was built to keep water from pooling.

Aldous looks down into the grating.  "Mus' g' wet 'n here a'times."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 40):

Aine moves the light over and looks down...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 41):

the grate looks moveable and she can see something shiny about a foot down...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 42):

"Guys, can we move this grate?"

Is there water below? She pokes her lit jo down to look.

"Thorg?"  Aldous moves to one side of the central grate, sheathes his smallsword, and sets his lantern down, then hooks his fingers around the bars, arms spread shoulder width apart for control; he waits for Thorg.

OOC: Two Handed Lift is 192 lb.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Sat 08 July 2023.

He sighs... rests his shield and spear against the wall and squats down to assist.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 45):

roll again each of you

Aldous lifts in concert with Thorg.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 47):

rolling against combined  ST!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 48):

it was a matter of unsticking something stuck

Combined ST seems to be 22 ... I assume the roll(s) worked then?

In reply to Thorg (msg # 50):

yes  you yank up the grate, which you find to be chained to the edge of the gutter. the chain is a yard long though.

"'Is way."  Aldous indicates with a head tilt which direction to shift the grate before lowering it to leave room for someone to get into the space below.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 51):

Aine holds the light down to see what is there...but not too close!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 53):

there is a silver bracelet lying in the gutter amid the vileness and ordure.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 54):

Nice. But it could be bait. Is there anything else down there?

"Wha's 'at doin' ther'?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 56):

"Waiting to be grabbed..."

Thorg uses a Javelin point to try and lift it clear.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 58):

success! you have a silver bracelet.   slimy but worth $171

He rinses it off a bit with a little of his water.

Aldous lifts a thumb toward Aine.  "Nice goin'!"  He then turns to Thorg as he bends to the grate.  "W'sh'd put't back."

The Bracelet?  with a stupid grin on his face.

He'll put the bracelet in with the other stuff found and help put the grate back.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 61):

"Lets just see if there is anything else down there. How deep is this water?"

She holds her light down to see.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 63):

the gutter is barely a foot deep. the grate slips back into place with a clang.

Aldous picks up his lantern, unsheathes his smallsword, and continues toward the south (having followed Thorg after the earlier misunderstanding).

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 65):,

you continue southward, where you see that the corridor continues toward an intersection where an open gate hangs out from an opening in the west wall.

Aldous slows, moving to the side of the corridor to try to see as much of what's behind the gate as early as possible.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 67):

a shape stumbles in the darkness beyond the gate.


the hallway is 3 yards wide, this gate is open a yard into the corridor.   you can see through it but would have to step around.
the locking mechanism looks mangled, as if by crowbar.

He gets his shield ready and drops his spear point to about 4 ½ feet above the ground.

"Easy, mi' jus' b'a burgl'r."  None the less, Aldous raises his lantern higher and brings his smallsword to guard as he slowly advances.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 70):

Aine lets her light be seen...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 71):

you hear a high pitched scream from within, and a head flies out to slam against the gate!

"'Nother 'un?  'N this'n's loose!"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 73):

as the chittering head rolls at the base of the gate, the thrower stumbles into view.

it is a headless corpse, carrying a Sickle like blade and wirh two more heads hanging from its belt.

What the ... Thorg comes on guard and judges the distance.

Aldous slashes his smallsword back and forth with a whoosh, and stands his ground.

"Sa'one b'fore, b'hin' lockt door.  Heds prolly bite."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 76):

the headless thing shrieks, with a diturbing high pitched sound.

make a fright check, +1

With the lights close by, Aldous continues to stand his ground even against the scream of the headless corpse.

He needs all his training and strength of Character  to stand, his knees quake slightly... but he stands.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 79):

Aine resists easily enough, and creates an icy sphere to return to it!

Is there gaps in the bars that would allow a 1d icy sphere? If not, she will use a flame jet on the head...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 80):

the gate has openings about 3 inches wide,  missile spells are sufficiently large that this is a small target- -5 to hit through it unless the spell is cast with hands through the bars... as it is, it head is -4 to hit on its own.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 81):

Aine tries to burn the head, but it is small, and she misses. She considers other options...

Aldous advances, hilt high and point down, with his lantern held above his left shoulder.

He edges forward, but if Aldous slides in front of him, he lets him go.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 83):

is he stabbing for the thrown head, which is rolling about near the base of the gate, or advancing past to strike at the headless corpse?

btw Aine's targeting does subtract her SM as a bonus

Unless the head moves on its own, Aldous passes it up and moves on toward the headless corpse.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 86):

Aine finds it easier to hit the head, and casts another jet of flame at it.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 87):

the head, now in flames, chatters in a silent scream... the shreik-whistling corpse advances with sickle in hand toward Throg.

He stabs with his spear at the creatures vitals (or where they should be)

In reply to Thorg (msg # 89):

Aine will send a jet of flame through the bars at the headless one.

Aldous also thrusts at the standing corpse.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 91):

the burning screamer swings at Aldous, being the closest, and cuts for 5 pts to the torso before DR unless dodged.

In reply to headless corpse (msg # 92):

Aine once again uses the jet of flame to hit the creature, more effectively this time!

Aldous dodges away from the corpse, but not quickly enough to avoid the sickle's blade.  He cries out as the blade slashes through his leathers.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 93):

Despite some twisty and suggestive language, jet spells are a one time blast and not a continuous spell. They last a second and apparently you can parry with them as well as strike.

the dead thing is burning merrily now, and is taking a moment to ready its sickle.

Aldous, unwilling to give up the attack opportunity despite the shock of his wound, closes again and thrusts.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 96):

the burning body takes a swipe at Adolus 'throat, but misses, catching his cloak with thr tip of the sickle.

Aldous holds his ground and slashes at the corpse's sickle arm.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 98):

Aine will continue to attack it with jets of fire, aiming for the torso near where the heads are held.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 99):

the thing draws back its arm to seing again. it is burning brightly now.

Aldous prepares for a retreating All-Out Defense.  "Thorg!  Git'em!"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 101):

While it continues to burn, it takes more damage, so Aine draws back as well to let it keep cooking...

Thorg steps forward and thrusts. As the creature moves, thorgs spear is deflected.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 101):

The burning dead thing ignores the near spear thrust, but instead swings its blade at Aldus' throat - missing easily.

He thrusts again.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 105):

"Step back and let it burn..." Aine suggests

In reply to Thorg (msg # 105):

The burning, headless thing stumbles forward onto the shaft of the spear, and drops its sickle.

IT is still standing, but mostly because Throg is holding it up!

In reply to headless corpse (msg # 107):

"Drop it in a burning heap, Throg. Let it burn."

Aldous gingerly kicks the loose head toward the burning corpse.

Thorg jerks his spear out of the creature and steps back, shield up.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 110):

the burning head bites Adolus foot for 3 points crushing before DR!

the burning body shuffles forward and falls to its knees

In reply to headless corpse (msg # 111):

Aine tries to use another flame jet on the head, hitting it... hopefully.

"Ow!  Stercore!!"  Aldous stumbles back from the head and thrusts at it with his smallsword.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 113):

being nearly the same size, Aine blasts the head with her flame jet, this time killing it. The sword just misses.(sm-4)

"'M hurt pret' gud.  Bes' git s'm healin'."  Aldous points with his sword tip at the teeth marks in his shoe, with blood seeping out, then clamps his left arm over the slash in his side (incidentally lowering his lantern a good bit).

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 115):

Aine will try some first aid while the body burns away quietly...if anyone has a kit, she will do it better.

He puts his pack down, leans his spear on the wall and digs throughh the pack  to find his First Aid kit, which he gives to Aine.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 117):

Who immediately puts it to good use...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 118):

Aine make a second roll for wound #2; Adolus you get a point back for the first injury and the bleeding stops.

"Than's, Aine -- ow!.  Foot's sowrer'n th'ribs."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 120):

Aine is not so good this time...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 121):

the kit gives +1 to rolls; you staunch the bleeding and return 1 hp.

"Than's ag'in, Aine."  He flexes his foot, raises and lowers his left arm, and frowns.

"St'll oughtta git s'm mo' he'p.  B' bust'd afta, tho'."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 123):

Has that burning corpse burnt up yet?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 124):

it is no longer moving, but may take several hours to be burned up.

In reply to headless corpse (msg # 125):

Can Aine add to the burning? Create fire?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 126):

without something like Flaming Death or Incinerate it takes until -10HT is reached at a rate of 1d-3 damage per second to obliterate a body with fire. it isn't a quick process.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 127):

No worries. Aine will keep the progress going then until that is complete. In the meantime, healing for some is in order?

"Th' c'thedr'l's got healin'."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 129):

"That is a long way to go back. Do we need to?"

"'M not gud.  Thi's a week 'n bed, 'r few coin a'th' c'thedr'l.  'Less y'know wher' Zeelzeel hangs."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 131):

She turns to the Necromancer who is with them.

"Don't suppose you could help? Or would you be willing to wait back at town if we return to get healing?"

I got some Brandy if that'll help. Think it was made from old Prunes.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 132):

"Healing isn't my kit really. Are we hunting this wight still?"

"Nah so's t'be one a' yer guys."

In reply to Dagon (msg # 134):

"We are, but we may have to return to heal on the way, it seems." she says to the necromancer.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 136):

"If I am not mistaken, the inkeeper's wife does concoct some healing potions."
This message was last edited by the player at 16:41, Fri 25 Aug 2023.

Aldous looks dubious.  "On'y bin 'n hour 'r two."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 138):

"Seriously. She posted advertisements, and the hired Lucian the crier... which surprises me considering the state of the rooms upstairs. Gotta get the business rolling, I guess.  Supposedly her soup has healing properties. "

"Soup?!"  Aldous breaks out with a grin.  "Le's go!"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 140):

"Are you coming for some soup, Dagon?"

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 141):

"If you are buying..."

they will charge youthe price of a potion- $120 for 1d6 hp.
you might be able to trade that bracelet.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Sat 02 Sept 2023.

In reply to Dagon (msg # 142):

And for normal soup for those that are fully healed?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 143):


you make your way back upstairs, bypassing the goblins and taking the ladderwell up to the basement level and then up the stairs.


Hetty offers less fortifying soup along with bread and a shot of potato liquor for $2, the oing price for a meal.

just to refresh the value- it is good for a round of fortifying soup for the woounded, and lunch for the rest.

iirc 2 of you needed healing.

Thorg goes for the healing soup while looking around.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 146):

Since your last passage through, the place appears to have been swept up a bit, and the walls whitewashed.  You aren't sure what the upper floor looks like, but the Yurick family has been busy restoring the first floor of the Mug and Tavern, at least.  Dagon enjoys the regular soup, but was asked to keep his hooded minions in the basement while folks eat...

Aldous also tucks into a bowl of the healing soup.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 147):

Not MUG AND FLAGON?

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 148):

the goodwife clicks her tongue.
"A growing boy like you needs more soup!"
she puts another ladelful of restorative broth into your bowl.

She smiles a Throg, and points withthr ladle at the mug in front of Throg, and then at the large soup pot.
"Mug...and Cauldron."

In reply to Hetilda Yurick (msg # 150):

Aine enjoys a suitable meal for her size, which should cost less given how small she is!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 151):

unless your statblock has "reduced consumption" your meals cost the same as everyone else's.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 152):

You mean this?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 153):

yes! that's it exactly! typically it costs $2 for a simple meal, you take 1/4 portion.  unfortunately we havent got $.50 coins.

In reply to Hetilda Yurick (msg # 150):

Throg smiles and nods, Of Course!  he Cauldron be important in your doings.

With a look of concentration on his face, Aldous speaks before starting on his seconds: "Thank you, Mama Hettie."  Then he concentrates on the excellent soup.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 154):

Then Aine can have a double meal for copper!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 157):

She is stuffed and sleepy!
the rest of you are feeling rechaged and ready to return to the depths in search of the nameless one.


you did leave the barrel in the basement btw. (the one you were going to stuff the wight into)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:10, Tue 05 Sept 2023.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 158):

Yawn. Ready for a nap...

"Aine!  W'k up! Needa cuppa?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 160):

"Me and the boys are still under contract for a bit. Shall we go below?

In reply to Dagon (msg # 161):

"Oh, yes. Let's go..."

She fights of the desire to sleep and the head below to look for the target...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 162):

Fed and healed, you make your way down into the basement, and out the corridor accross, with Dagon's minions holding the barrel.

Aldous relights his lantern before descending into the basement, and once he has both feet on solid ground, draws his smallsword.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 164):

Aines staff remains lit, but she casts no further spell...yet.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 165):

you use your key to open the gate to the ladderwell... in the relative silence of water drips and the distant sound of something scratching.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:16, Sun 17 Sept 2023.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 166):

"Now if someone could lead us to Mr Wright..."

"Wha's scratchin'?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 168):

reminds you of the sound of quills rattling against stone.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 169):

Aine tries to create an Icy Sphere, but failed (rolled ANOTHER 17, yes, she does have WM)

Aldous quickly sheathes his smallsword and draws one of his small knives -- then frowns and mutters something unintelligible as he reaches back and feels with a couple fingers at the two empty sheaths on the back of his belt before scowling and readying the knife into a throwing grip.

Thorg steps to the front (if he wasn't already there) with shield up and spear point lowered.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 170):

it begins to snow in a 2yd radius, and small snowmen begin to form

In reply to Narrator (msg # 173):

Aine tries to befriend them...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 174):

the small snowmen (a foot high) are repelled by her size and back off, gabbing smaller balls of snow and flinging them at her!

Aldous frowns with a cocked eyebrow at Aine, before returning his attention to the direction of the rattling quills.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 175):

Aine squeals with laughter, grabs some snow and throws it back at them!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 177):

the snow creatures start rolling up more snow spheres, which they stack into more snowmen - some of them are a little disturbing looking...

OCC picture Calvin & Hobbes attack of the snow goons!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 178):

"Ok, time to go" she giggled and ran away down the corridor...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 179):

you are back (after descending through the step well) in the corridor that leads to the north toward the rust monster and imprisoned headless, and south toward the intersection where you turned to right the other one.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 180):

So this time head left?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 181):

your call

In reply to Narrator (msg # 182):

Little Aine does not want full responsibility for all the decision making!

Aldous points to the left.  "'Is way, 'is time."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 184):

Bearing to the left, you hear the scratching sound again.  How bright are your light sources?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 185):

Pretty sure Aine's staff had continual light at daylight strength...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 186):

ahead of you you see a long sloping corridor and a couple ordinary rats trying to eat the remains of a maned rat.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 187):

Aine will stop, and create an icy sphere., this time actually doing it...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:26, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

"Rats.  Le's git'em."  Aldous moves forward, watching all around, well aware that rats almost always have reinforcements.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 189):

"Wait. Rats are better than manes rats. Let them kill the nastier ones unless they turn on us..."

Aldous shakes his head at Aine.  "Mane's down.  Rats di'n't kill't."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 191):

"I wonder what killed it. it can't have been the one you seek, or it would have reanimated by now..."

In reply to Dagon (msg # 192):

"Good to know. But there are a lot of other adventurers here. I suspect any hungry critter would have eaten it. Or maybe it just got sick and died..."

"Gobl'ns'd've tuk th' pois'n."  Aldous advances toward the dead maned rat, watching for other movement besides the two rats.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 194):

upon closer observation you do see an arrow in the dead things ribcage.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 195):

"There is an arrow, confirming that probably adventurers..."

Aldous moves closer, hoping to check if the arrow is the sort commonly sold above ground or a more "homemade" sort.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 197):

The arrow is stone tipped and the wood twisted like a tight spiral, marking it as trollish in origin.  Who knows how far the maned rat had travelled before succumbing to its injuries.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 198):

"So maybe the threat is not immediate. Should we keep going?"

"Aight."  Aldous waits for Thorg to take the lead again, pointing onward with his smallsword.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 200):

the rats scatter as Dagon and company advance past the remains of the maned rat.

as you head that way, you become aware of  horrible stench- per rolls!

Thorg takes the lead but soon wrinkles his nose  Whew, what stinks?

In reply to Thorg (msg # 202):

Aine's sensitive little nose has the idea...which she tells all.

"Stink!"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 204):

no offense to Dagon's minions, who smell of Mhyrr and cinnamon, but it smells like something long dead and rotting. whew! HT rolls please

In reply to Narrator (msg # 205):

This does not agree with Aine's delicate constitution!

Aldous makes a face and snorts, then starts breathing through his mouth.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 207):

 Aine is at -2 to all rolls due tovretching.

the source of this stench oozes into view on the far side of the dead maned rat, a fat slimy grey worm a foot wide and over three yards long!

the normal rats flee past you.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:41, Wed 11 Oct 2023.

In reply to Rot worm (msg # 208):

"Mstr w mst fl bfr w r tn!"

In reply to Dagons minions (msg # 209):

Aine has no idea what they are saying, but seeing the source of the stink, she flings her icy sphere before her vomiting causes her to drop it!

"Horrible....bleach....beast"

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 210):

the foul leathery creature recoils slightly as it is hit..
  It rears up briefly as if sniffing the air, and changes its course from
a straight line toward the remains of the maned rat into a curve that would bring it
to the feet of Dagon's minions!

"Thorg!  Kill't!"  Aldous's voice is a little choked by the stench as he advances toward the worm, sword point first.

He seems unaffected by the stench, perhaps from prior battles and the clean up afterwards. He takes the front, with spear tip down and shield up advancing slowly, when in range he thrusts one handed with the spear and recovers.

Aldous thrusts as Thorg recovers.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 214):

Dagon beats on the thing with his staff, flattening it.

"I fear we must burn it, for these do not stay dead long

In reply to Dagon (msg # 215):

Aine responds by creating a jet of flame which she uses to burn the putrid thing up. Very well...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 216):

Roll some damage!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 217):

Ah, we still in combat? It is still moving? Rolled 3 BBQ (Fire) damage

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 218):

that is enough to get it smouldering

In reply to Narrator (msg # 219):

Can I maintain the flame jet to cook it properly?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 220):
It will cost you fatigue to do that; hight casting skill pays for the initial expenditure, but doesn't reduce the cost of maintainance,

OOC: Is that a change for DF/DFRPG?  M5 specifically says maintaining a spell "costs more energy, unless you have high skill."  M10 makes it explicit: "Energy cost reduction for high skill also applies to the cost to maintain a spell."  And you've allowed multiple characters to maintain spells for hours at a time in the past under this (Chou-Zhen and Ulo at least that I've seen).

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 222):

I stand corrected!  Blaze away!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 223):

Indeed she will, cooking the thing to a cinder!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 224):

The stench of the burning rotworm is quite foul, but the thing does not stir again.  There is something in the ashes...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 225):

Aine will take a closer look...

He slides it out of the ashes with the tip of his spear if he can.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 227):

Once it is out, Aine will pick it up for a closer examination.

Seeing that Aine and Throg have the worm under control, Aldous watches both ways for other, um, traffic.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 228):

in the muck and ashes is a human thighbone, polished like ivory.

Unfortunate, but only a thigh bone. I presume the shiny look is due to the worms digestive juices. I wonder where the rest of the leg  and being are.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 231):

"But bones would normally burn...there is something about this one."

"Burn 'r worse.  Dogs don' shit bir' bones."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 233):

"From what I hear, these worms don't digest bone at all. perhaps this has been alchemically treated ."

In reply to Dagon (msg # 234):

"Which would make it...different. Worth keeping to check it out."

"Yeh."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 236):

A bit big for her to use, she lets another pick it up.

Aldous will nudge the bone out of the worm's ashes with his smallsword, then sheath that weapon to free a hand to pick up and stow the bone.  He finds he needs to unclasp his belt and slip the bone through against the small of his back, and puts down his lantern long enough to do so before retrieving and readying his lantern and smallsword.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 238):

Aines lit staff will provide light as he does so.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 239):

"I would recommend having a mage or a necromancer take a look at that. "

In reply to Dagon (msg # 240):

Can Aine detect anything with the bone? What would she roll?

"Yeh.  Gotta git't outta her' firs'."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 242):

it would require touch and a roll vs IQ+magery but at the moment the ctew is on the move

In reply to Narrator (msg # 243):

Ok, I guess we are moving then. Later...headed where now?

Aldous points forward, the same direction we'd been going before coming across the dead maned rat (and subsequently the rot worm).

"For'ard."

OOC: Still looking for the wight, that's why we have Dagon and his crew along.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 245):

"We might be able to rule out the wight being in the direction the worn crawled from"

Aldous looks at Dagon, one eyebrow raised and head tilted.  "Eh?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 247):

"Those worms eat the dead and are immune to many of their special attacks."

Thorg nods Yup, not likely the wight stuck around in that case

Aldous nods as well.  "Oh, yeh."

Given this new information, he selects the opposite choice at our last option.

He again moves to the lead.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 251):

You head toward the region where you encountered the wightstricken goblin and head eastward.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 252):

"So this wight we are chasing - I seem to vaguely recall hearing that it spoke to you..."

In reply to Dagon (msg # 253):

"I don't remember he had much to say..."

"Yuh.  Talk'd, b'not clear."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 255):

"ws t hrd t ndrstnd r jst bscr?"

Aldous gets a look of concentration for a moment, then shakes his head.

"Nah, I 'memb' now, talk'd better'n me."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 257):

"I am always interested in what they have to say.
Horde zombies, for example mostly cry out for what they want to eat.
I  hear vampires usually hav quite a bit to say."

"This'n thre't'n'd us.  'The end of your days,' 'e sed."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 259):

"Rather fatalistic. I wonder if they had a plan or were just spiteful."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Wed 29 Nov 2023.

"Dunno."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 261):

"Don't actually want to wait to find out, either."

She continues on in the direction of the critter, her lit staff held high (around chest level for humans).

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 262):

"It would have been good to know... oh well."

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 262):

The light reflects from some water pooling in the gutters, and in the distance, you can see where you had fought the goblin wight.
 all traces of the conflict are gone.
a
Further down the barrel vaulted corridor your light diminishes,
but you can make out a set of greenish openwork bronze gates
on opposite sides of the corridor.

"C'mon, Thorg."  Aldous moves forward cautiously, smallsword at the ready and lantern held high.

He leads as usual, shield forward and spear leveled out in front, just like the taiught him in the Guard levies.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 266):

Aine makes her wat in the middle, lit staff held high...

there is some movement behind one of the gates- something  starts to swing the left hand gate towards you.
it is a man shaped figure, withabout 50% cover from the gate.

He comes on guard, spear leveled and prepares to deal with anything violent

Aldous steps to Thorg's spear side and brings his smallsword to high en garde.  "Who go'?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 270):

Aine stops and holds up her light...

a figure in leathers with a short bill hook stumbles past the gate and into the corridor.

Aldous exhales loudly and lowers his sword point.  "Vivus."

Aine will keep quiet after last time...holding a light.

He moves the point away from the Sewer worker but stays on guard.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 275):

The leather clad sewer worker's eyes glow, which is not unexpected for an orc...
Make Per rolls!

Dagon quietly tells his minions to put down the barrel.

In reply to Dagon (msg # 277):

If the Sewer worker is close, Aine will cast flame jet, else Icy Sphere. She does not like the look of this worker...

He sees something amiss…


Made his perception by 4

Aldous raises his sword tip once more and shouts "'Ware!"

It is a little clearer to you now that the glow in the orc's eye sockets exists without the benefit of eyes
and his skin, unusually dry and leathery, with the bone structure showing through the taut skin much more predominantly.

It emanates cold, and its expression is one of unmitigated spite.

as Adolus raises his sword, it seizes its billhook in both hands and brits its teeth, showing darkly receded gums.

A dead un no doubts.  He thrusts toward the creatures vitals

16:38, Today: Thorg rolled 8 using 1d6+3.  Spear Thrust Damage. – 8

16:38, Today: Thorg rolled 9 using 3d6.  Spear Stab. – 9

In reply to Thorg (msg # 282):

Aine throws her Icy sphere at him...

Aldous sidesteps to clear Thorg's line and likewise thrusts at the creature's (presumed) vitals.

the triple hit staggers the undead with impact, but it feels no pain. it swings at Throg  with its billhook, and does 12 pts cutting if not defended against.

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 285):

Aine creates a jet of flame to shoot at the creature.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 286):

you could,but make an IQ roll first

As the "worker" attacks Thorg, Aldous tries a tip slash the the near (right?) leg, but fails to compensate for the attack step.

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 285):
He misses his Block and his dodge... but makes his health check to stagger back out of contact.

12 cutting is 18 Damage?  If so Thorg is in deep trouble.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:17, Fri 26 Jan.

Rolled...

In reply to Thorg (msg # 289):

Throg is hearing heavy quilted armor - DR 2. so he took 10 cutting post DR, which became 15, so he is at -4, not -7.

Aine recalls that they were to be paid more for an Intact wight.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 291):

Aine holds off...

"Can we capture this one?"

Aldous glances between Thorg, who's just taken a massive wound, and Aine.  "Sh' pro'lly run!"

Going against his own words, he steps between Thorg and the being, and goes to All Out Defense, smallsword at high guard and lantern above his off-hand shoulder.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 293):

the dead civil servant still has both hands on its weapon,
and readies its bill hook.  it could be parried, but the smallsword might break

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 294):

Aine looks to see if the undead is standing in water...

"Can anyone disarm him, so the barrel can be brought to bear?"

"Busy, Aine."

OOC: Aldous has a plan for the undead worker's attack: he'll make a Retreating Parry (gets +3 due to fencing weapon) followed by a Retreating Dodge if needed (also at +3).

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 295):

there isn't more than a faint slick of misture on the ground, as you are adjacent to a drain in the gutter.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 297):

Right. So creating water will be equally fruitless...

the necromancer gestures for his minions to put down the barrel, and tells them quietly  to circle behind the wight.

He steps back some more, struggling to not pass out.

He steps forward and casts Flame Jet for 2D, but when he attempts to use it his swing is wild.



13:07, Today: Sparky rolled 10 using 3d6.  Flame Jet (2d). – [roll=1707854831.85591.335743 skill is 13 ]

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 298):

Seeing what is happening, Aine calls out

"Fall Back".

She hopes that she can draw the worker back to the barrel to aid the minions.

Aldous backs away from the undead worker, one step at a time, remaining on All Out Defense in case of an attack with that bill hook.

oblivious to the flames and the creeping dead,
the dead thing stabs at the retreating swordsman
doing 5 pts impaling before DR if not defended against.

it seems to be intent on attacking whoever last harmed it...

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 304):

Is there water in the drain/gutter we can draw him into if he is focused on one individual?

His defense ready for the expected attack, Aldous backsteps and deflects the bill hook enough to miss his body -- but the blade of his smallsword breaks in the effort, leaving him holding a hilt and stub which he promptly drops to reach for a knife.

"Stercore!"

He tries another tact and casts , then swings his staff at the Ork's weapon hand.

In reply to Sparky (msg # 307):

there is not enough water in the area to do more than create bad footing if it is frozen.

the burning blade just misses the orc's hand as he once again readies the weapon.

the minions of Dagon are now behind the wight.

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 308):

Aine stays back, keeping the light as Dagons minions get ready to grab the thing...she is worried her fire may kill it.

Aldous draws his large knife and raises it to a ready position.

He readies his flaming staff, ut does not swing, so that Dagon's minions are not threatened by his skill.

as the former civil servant readies its polearm, the two zombies attempt to grapple with it from behind.

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 312):

Aine gets behind the barrel to assist with the lid...

you get the lid off the barrel, and the two zombies frogmarch the wightvto the front of the barrel. they trybto stuff him in, but the polearm is blocking the attempt!

In reply to Dagons minions (msg # 314):

"Can anyone deal with that polearm?" she says, holding the lid ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:46, Fri 01 Mar.

"C'n try."  Aldous lunges with his knife, but fails to gain leverage on the bill hook.

 = 11)' class='helphover'>12]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 316):

the wight tries to swing with its weapon, but its arms are encumbered by Dagon's minions, so it fails to strike.

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 317):

Is the barrel more or less upright? How many gallons of water to fill it?

Aldous makes another attempt at the bill hook, with similar result to the first try.

08:32, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 13 using 3d6.  Knife (strike at bill hook to disarm) (14 -3 [against reach 2 weapon] = 11). – 13

He reaches out with his staff and touches the wight's hand, casting magical bolt as he does so.


12:40, Today: Sparky rolled 4 using 1d6-2.  Magical Bolt dmg.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sun 03 Mar.

In reply to Sparky (msg # 320):

The bolt strikes the hand with a crunch, and that hand loosens its grip on the polearm!

The barrel holds up to 55 gallons of liquid, but would be quite heavy with that.

Aldous tries once again to get the leverage he needs, hoping that the loosened hand will give him an advantage.

 = 11). – 11]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 322):

Aine will pause for a second to see if the weapon can be taken...

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 322):

ST check to disarm...

Aldous pits his strength against that of the undead worker.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 325):

The wight retains its grip, but the weapon is terribly unreadied.
it fumbles with its magically damaged hand to try and grab it with thebother hand, but the zombie behind t starts to pull its arm back.  You can see that individually the wight has greater strength than either zombie, but it is gradually being overwhelmed by them.

Aldous continues trying to separate the bill hook from the wight.

 = 11). – [roll=1709769798.34804.351650]]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 327):

Aine creates a flame jet, trying to burn the hand of the critter.

But she misses terribly with the attack...

The leprechaun's luck prevents any further mishap from their casting of flame jet than to produce a puff of smoke.

Sensing her luck just came in useful, Aine pauses to give others a better go...

He again uses magic Bolt and touches the creatures hand with his staff, however this time to less effect.


12:43, Today: Sparky rolled -1 using 1d6-2.  Magic Bolt.

the wight swings ineffectively with the polearm held by a single hand- it might be snatched from its grip if two tried, and has a wooden haft...

In reply to sewer worker (msg # 332):

As long as both who tried were bigger than Aine...

She holds the lid ready...

Aldous gives up on trying a knife disarm and grabs for the shaft of the pole arm.

He realizes he is none too strong, so used his staff again to tap the wight's hand

make a regular DX roll to grab it- btw the magic bolt has massive line of sight range and auto hits.

Aldous grabs and misses.  "Adhuc manere!  An' git in th' barrel!"

Sparky , frustrated seps forward and grabsthe hook and pulls stoutly to get it away from the Wight.


14:56, Today: Sparky rolled 4 DX using 3d6 ((1,1,2))

In reply to Sparky (msg # 338):

Sparky flies backward, the polearm securely in his hands.

Meanwhile the suddenly unbalanced wight falls face first into the barrel, where the minions try to stuff it.

He struggles to stay on his feet, which he manages to do...

13:46, Today: Sparky rolled 7 for DX using 3d6 ((3,1,3))

"Get the lid on, quickly!"

In reply to Dagon (msg # 341):

Aine shoves the lid on...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 342):

And your objective is nearly completed - now to tie your rope around the barrel and hoist him back to Bertrand the Sage!

"Sparky, Aine, git th' barr'l tied up."  As he speaks, Aldous moves to check on Thorg's wound(s), pulling bandages from his first aid kit to bind up the cut.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 343):

Aine will look for some rope to tie the lid on the barrel...not having any herself.

Thorg gasps that he has rope in his pack.