This will be a starting point for 125-135pt characters to meet up and head out.

"If I see Tarnan again, I'll have to have a talk with him about snagging the bets before the match was even over -- though I can't fault his accuracy.  Meantime, is there anywhere a fellow could get a cup of tea around here?  I need something to take the taste of JeanPaul's ale out of my mouth."

"if we can get a few additional people, the risk going underground may be worthwhile."


ooc: what time of day is it, how long did we stay at the bar?

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 3):

"I think one more might be enough, if we can get a mage with good offense.  Given your light stones and possibly a couple helmet lamps, I don't see any reason we'd need a torchbearer or porter.  Failing that, perhaps a slinger or another archer and someone with the strength to make a big sword or axe useful -- could even be the same person."

You say you'd like a Mage? I can do that ... and I have a good archer and a strong fighter with me...

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 5):

"Are the lot of ye gonta stand thar an clot up the
entrance, or are ye gonta peacebond yer pointy gear an come
 in? Ah ken ta lot o ye,, an holy o nae, Nodwin, ta battleh
ye be slining needs be checked. Tis enow Ah let Melchizidek
carry in ta fancy metal staff o his."

"Of course, of course.  No need to worry sir, rules are made to be followed.  By all means, here is my little pointy metal stick."  Handing over his staff at the door, Nodwin heads inside.

We shall peace bond our weapons... Brodak, Mellarill do honor Aemon's request.

"Pardon, Eamon, didn't mean to block traffic.  Let me get this knife peace bonded."

OOC: "Blade length" implies that a bow or staff is exempt; is that correct?  How about an arrow in a quiver?

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 9):

OOC: Knives seem to be Ok, per the "Guild Rules" thread. At least Aemon didn't call mine out.

Well so you can eat...

With knife tied, Mario reluctantly hands over his staff and bow to be checked, and proceeds inside.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 12):

"I dinna peanalize those wit a walking stick, but a blade longer an a cubit less a span needs ta be bonded."
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:05, Thu 17 Sept 2015.

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 13):

"Whatever, as long as I get them back on the way out.  Now, the lady said something about a mage who might be interested in joining our expedition to the undercity?"

Actually I said I was a mage... a journeyman mage, but still quite capable. Mellarill is damn good with a bow ... although a bit coarse in her speech. Brodak is competent with his Prodd and frighteningly effective with his axe. We work for one share of the spoils each, except for me ... I get 2 shares.

Raising an eyebrow, Nodwin speaks up, "And why would anyone have cause to claim more than a single share, especially before they have even been formally accepted?  Those who join and contribute to the group will all receive equal rewards."

In my previous expeditions, team leads get a double share... and I bring a team. I simply stated that up front so you can decide... it would be rude at best to drop that on you after you added us to the group.

"And we said lookin for a mage, not a team. Equal, and we can talk about tha others joining."

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 18):

"Seeking a modest practicioner of the magical arts,
 are we? Perhaps I might be of service to you. I am Ludlow
the Munificent, journeman wizard."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:58, Thu 17 Sept 2015.

In reply to Ludlow the Munificent (msg # 19):

A black clad goblin with a shield and peacebonded shortsword
steps up beside the gaudily dressed Ludlow.
"I am Razakeel, called Shadowcloak, and Offer my
 services as Necromancer in taining. I am always looking to
make new friends, no?"

"I see.  While I understand where you are coming from, we are not giving anyone special treatment. Everyone who goes on this expedition with us will receive the same equal share of the profits as everyone else. I don't mind having a larger group than we initially thought, since more people means the ability to explore more and bring back more loot.  But everybody gets the same payment."

Turning to the other newcomers. "Well met, yes we are looking for partners to assist us in finding profit in the undercity.  We have a fighter, archer and cleric so far confirmed as members."

Ooc: is grimbo a front line fighter or thief knife fighter type?

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 21):

OOC: Knife-in-the-back fighter. But no trap/lock skills.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:08, Thu 17 Sept 2015.

Jocelyn's face clouds... she grits her teeth... very well she hisses

[Private to GM:  14:27, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 14 using 3d6.  Temper Check.]

Looking at the black-clad goblin, Mario muses.  "Well, I did say something earlier about leaving me walking if I can still use my bow -- and here comes this one.  Razakeel, is it?  Can you help in laying undead if we find them, or only raise them -- or are you still studying to reach that level?  If the latter, what can you do that would help us in the undercity?"

"Basically we'd like to know what everyone specializes in and how they can help out the group."
Nodwin waves at himself.
"For example, I am Nodwin Zideqick, an Initiate of Vejovis.  I have some skills in healing, as well as close fighting with my staff and a bit of ranged combat with my little crossbow and what Vejovis provides to me. With his blessing I can create food and water in an emergency, and light in the dark places.  I can also sometimes find the lost or hidden.  I also have a license that temporarily allows me to recover items from the undercity free from the city tax.  This can be upgrades to a permanent license and can expand to cover the group that accompanies me."

Well I know something about alchemy and cartography… and I can do movement, including some missile spells, haste, fire, some detection, magelock, light and lend/recover energy

Mellarill is a fine scout and excellent archer, she can hold her own with short sword too

Brodak is an Orc Warrior… a strong axe and shield fighter who has and can use a Prodd as well. He speaks Orcish as well as Aralaise. We come as a team.

"I'm Grimbo. Good with tha knife. Quiet, too. An' Jugga star."

OOC: Henchman template with a race package doesn't leave much flexilbility!

"I'm Mario Crowfoot.  I've been improving my archery since I was old enough to pick up two sticks and make a bow and arrow out of them.  I can fire more arrows in a given time than anyone I know, I never run out, and my accuracy is excellent.  As backup, I'm also very good with a quarterstaff, and competent with a knife.  I can climb, sneak, and pick locks, when necessary, and I'm capable of making my own bows and arrows at need."

Yes, Mellarill can make arrows and bows too... although it is time consuming.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 29):

"I can turn the dead as well as animate them, and see spirits, and fight the living as needed, no?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 14:46, Sat 19 Sept 2015.

In reply to Razakeel Shadowcloak (msg # 30):

"My spells range from detection of enemies and life,
to Seeker, simple illusion, magelock, and ai can even raise
a fireball. My greatest spell is one that shapes its effects
directly according to the whim and need of the forces of
magic, sometimes surprisingly pleasant."

[Private to Jocelyn Lemru: make a thaumatology roll]

"Hmmm."  Mario counts quickly on his fingers.  "That's what, eight, with three mages and a cleric?  Sounds like a group that could start a minor war, but we'd be splitting the spoils pretty thinly.  Still, with no taxes on what we find..."

Letting magic have it's way could also do huge harm and damage...


[Private to GM:  18:26, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 9 using 3d6 ((4,3,2)). Made it by 5]

"I've heard of some pretty nasty creatures down there, having plenty of people in the party could be life saving.  Does anyone have a real problem going as such a large group?"

We just came back from one... had it been smaller we wouldn't have come back... ran into a hundred or so of those Saturnists holding some sort of summoning.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Sun 20 Sept 2015.

"Nah. So long as equal shares."

"Alright then, how about everyone grabs any gear or supplies they need and meet here early in the morning to set out.  We can enter the undercity through that destroyed street section near that bar."

Ooc: I've been assuming its late afternoon at least, since there were organized dart games going on.

How about we use tomorrow to preppare and leave early the day following? We can all get a two good nights sleep  to prepare...

OOC: How many days are people taking supplies for? 5 seem plenty?

Well if we plan on 5 days, I'd take a week of supplies.... things never go as planned.

"Does anyone have rope, or should I plan to buy some?  Do we have sacks to haul back anything compact enough to carry, or should we get some?  You mages need that stuff to replenish your power, whatever it's called?"

"Got a bit a'rope, a bit a'cord."

OOC: Jocelyn, I meant with a margin, not planning 5 days. But that's why it was a question.

"We have no idea what we are going to run into, so how about we plan on four days below, so bring enough supplies to last at least five or six, in case of difficulties.  If we have so many problems that it is not enough, I can supplement the food and water. We will need plenty of rope and sacks though.  I am probably being too optimistic, but if everyone brings two sacks, that would be good.  I will bring a couple of ropes, if someone else wants to as well, that would be great."

We have neither rope of Sacks .... don't expect we need everyone to bring rope, but we can buy a fair length and a few sacks...

"Okay, I'll grab a couple sacks, twenty yards of light rope (enough to hold my own weight, not the kind that'll lift a horse), and I'm covered for food."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:56, Sun 20 Sept 2015.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 45):

"Razakeel may come, yes?"

"Yes Razakeel, we welcome you in the group."
Raising his voice slightly,  "It is settled then, take the rest of today and all of tomorrow to prepare, then we leave at daybreak the morning after.  See you all then.  If any of you have questions, please just ask."

"Ludlow, you're coming as well, aren't you?  We may need all the help we can get..."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 48):

"Well then, that is splendid! I have a bit of instruction to engage with Madamoiselle Lemru. If I am not
mistaken, we shallbe proceeding to the site of this weeks
street collapse. I am familiar with the area, or at least I
 was before the incident..."

From the corner with a comfy chair comes a fluid Elven accented voice:

"Meistr Zideqick, ya sain to be the chef for t'is expedi'ion, bu I see no guider?  Who'ave ya contracted?

If yn ya have no, I offer fy service as guider an interpre'er."

The dirty blonde man does not raise his head as he says this.  Aside from his lips moving he appears to still be napping (as he appeared when you all entered).






OOC:  If the accent is off, I'll edit it later...
[EDIT]
Replaced terrible French accent with terrible Welsh accent.
[/EDIT]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:55, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

"Pardon, but what do you mean by guider? If you mean scout, we are going underground, not into the wilderness, unless you have a familiarity with the section of the undercity we are heading to."

"'es. I'na  Sage specializin y City Below.."

His hand reaches into his leather great coat and fishes about, then with a jangle, he produces an iron ring and keys... the iron ring bears the mark of the Department of Sanitation and Aqueducts.

"I'n also 'n possession des clés du royaume, as is said."

Tucking the keys back into the pocket they came from he stands, stretches, and removes his darkly tinted glasses.  He's tall (6'3" or so) but rail thin.  He reaches behind the chair, retrieves a leather wrapped walking stick, and approaches.

"I'as prepared to go tomorrow yn y morn an contracted pair a to accompan' me, the' are alread' paid, though I could pu' them off a day if'n so be.

As he approaches you see he isn't just a dirty blonde... he's a filthy blonde.  You steel yourself for the smell of unwashed homeless behind, but find instead he smells of woodlands and moonshine.



[EDIT]
Replaced terrible french accent with terrible Welsh accent.
[/EDIT]
This message was last edited by the player at 03:59, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

What the hell is a cles du royome and why the hell do we need it? Every frickin' elf thinks he's a wonder scout. SHIT!


OOC- Yes, she curses a blue streak... it's her DisAd... sorry if anyone is offended.

He leans towards her and bats his eyes, "Des clés du royaume", he repeats, "Means t'e ke's o' t'e kingdom luv."  A pause, "Yn 'olde' Araliase."

"As fer bein' a scout, nay.  I'n a sage."  He laughs, "Yn keen the diff' a scout an'a sage? If'n a scout say 'I keen me way aroun', 'e means 'I ain' ever been 'ere'.  A sage means 'I been 'ere plenty, an come back ever time'."

Deciphering the oddly thick accent, Nodwin raises his hands palms up a short distance, before turning them over as if pouring something out.

"Sage or scout, guide or sanitation specialist, it matters but little.  We depart for an unknown duration in two days, you already declared you have prior clients tomorrow, awaiting you to take them into the sewers and aqueducts.  It seems that you are already honor bound in any case."

"Nay clien's.  Hirelins.  A lan'ern bearer an'a guardsman.  I was fixin to go down an see wut was wut an map t'e damage so t'e masons an engineers ina Sanitation keen wut is broke an where.  Is kin'a fy job, but pay 'o 'nough t'e hire ona full crew I don get.

T'e gaurds t'e watch fy back, t'e bearer to carry anyfin I find.  T'ey alread paid, so t'ey no need a share."

Almost as an aside to himself he says, "I was waitin yer 'o see ifna anyone was gonna moun an expidi'ion.  Make fy job easier 'o join up with a good crew."

He pulls off his glove to display his tin Guild ring* and says, "I'na 'n good standin, so is no problems there. If needs, I can take a Least Share, but I claim First Right 'o Credit ya discover sometin new.  Publish er perish, aye?  Also I dinna need on ya Permit 'o Vigilante and Looting ya mention, so tha' save yer some coin when ya go an get everone o' yer crew name on it.  Bein a sanitation mapper 'ave some perks."




*Next to the Adventure's Guild ring is an old worn steel Sage's Guild ring, most of the gold leaf worn away, the small symbols looking a bit sad, two of them are enameled in black.

"Nodwin, it's never a bad thing to have someone along who actually knows what's there, or at least what was there before the collapse.  I'd say, let's bring him."

"Mario, that is true. I was merely concerned that he had a prior commitment that he was willing to throw away.  A misunderstanding on my part, but I feel a reasonable one since Vejovis knows that trust is very important when things get dangerous."

Turning back to the elf, Nodwin smiles.

"Good sage, we would welcome you to our group at the same rate as everyone else. As I said earlier, all of the group members will be equal.  However, I would like to know who I am dealing with beforehand, what are you called?"

"Ah!" He mimes lightly slapping his forehead, "Where fy manners!  I'n Jareth Mooncalled, and this is..." he pats a few of the pockets and pouches affixed to his coat and then frowns.

He reaches up with his staff and taps the rafters, "Ho, Akimbo!  Get down 'er ya lazy varmint!"

There's a scuttling from above, and furry face peeks over the beam.  Jareth points the leather wrapped short staff (it's clearly longer than a walking stick) over at him.  A furry tube scrambles down the staff and arm and resolves itself into a black-footed ferret.  It hunches on his shoulder and offers him the remains of a huge beetle.

"Nay, tis yer catch fair 'n square, 'esides I'n not hungry, thanks for t'e offer."  Jareth turns to the assembled, "This 'ere is Akimbo, he's a hunter and scout proper," Jareth winks at Mellarill, 'though 'e mostly just hunts t'e small stuff."

"Oh, an anyfing shiny ya may have... eh... 'mislain' as it were. He sometimes has, t'e 'sticky paws'."

The ferret squeaks indignantly.

"No, I mos dis'inc'ly did nay call ya a theif.  I jus' say yer good at findin lost stuff and don't clean yer paws enuff." "Squeak! Squeak! D'ook!"  "Oh I keen I got no w'ere to talk about bein dirty, but fy han's ain' sticky wit beetle juice. Now pip down, and make wit t'e lookin at yer fellow spelunkers."

"So, that makes nine, then?"  Mario counts on his fingers again.  "Yes, nine.  And only one healer in the bunch?  I'm pretty sure we could use another healer..."

"Well, I be a Physicker, but that nay something ya wanna be doin down ina sewers.  An I don' carry but t'e most basic o' stitcherys.  A rusty knife, a few used fishin hooks, some line, an clods o' dirt fer blood stoppage...  I kid, I kid.  T'e knife is no rusty!"

"Well, unless we run into an army and everyone needs healing without taking a break, I should be able to keep everyone healthy.  I also have a healers kit for slower healing."

"So t'en, since we got tomorrow to prepare, an so I can put fy guys off a day, an let t'em keen wut is wut... err...  Wut exac'ly be t'is mission?  I thinkin is goin down an smackin some Saturnine cultists for collapsin t'at street, but I'n askin jus' in case wrongly I'n readin.

An be t'is a formal or informal Guild contract?"

"Well Jareth, this isn't really a mission as such, more like a few of us saw an opportunity arise with the open street and tales of evil doers doing evil.  Our goal is to head down, explore, kill and doers of aforementioned evil, rescue and innocents standing by, looting the place to the bedrock, which shouldn't be too hard that far underground, and returning home with more knowledge, skill, money and appreciation of life lived without the doing of evil.

Grinning, Nodwin shrugs.

The original three or four person exploratory group just seems to have expanded a bit.  Not really surprising to be honest, after all, who wouldn't want to bring Vejovis' flames of justice down on the purveyors of dastardly evil, the veritably doomed denizen doers of no-goodness and unsportsmanlike slaughterers of bystanding victims. Simple plan really, the way Vejovis would want it done."

"Informal contract, okay.  Is cool... but I've been on few o' t'ese an t'ey always go smoother if figured out some stuff be first. Just a small hint o' t'e formal.  Like who be incharge of t'ey mission overall? Is no good to hold a votin if things start to change down t'ere. An if'n t'e nay be t'e same person, who t'e shot-caller when fightin?  When things go bad an three differn' voices calling out three differen' orders, it gets worse."


"Which is more important t'e smackin, t'e rescuin, or t'e lootin?  I be needin to tell fy guys t'e plan expandin, t'e might not go for it.  Fy contracted them only for a mappin job, no stormin t'e evil cultist's lair. T'e more they know wut may be about, t'e less chance o' they run back upstreets when things get rough."

Those three did the recruiting, but they seem inexperienced down in the under-streets. My team has been down there... not sure about the others.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 66):

Razakeel has been under the city, fighting ghulas
and undead slime."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:16, Wed 23 Sept 2015.

"I would not mind a more experienced voice taking the lead while fighting is going on."

Good plan, and I think fighting should not be a priority ... my last trip almost suffered a defeat because they charged into a large group of cultists summoning a demon.

I'n a luver an'a thinker nay a fightin man, to a more experienced warrior I'll bow.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 70):

"Perhaps charging in wasn't good tactics, but would they have gained by letting the cult complete the summoning?

"Still, my experience is strictly above ground, and I'm at my best with a couple sturdy sorts to keep the rabble off me while I distribute impaling wounds amongst the enemy."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 71):

A few moments of preparation and a plan would have been vastly better ... and yes, we probably did need to fight then, but with a plan!

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 72):

"I have nothing against a plan, so long as it doesn't take so long to make that you lose your opportunity."

Brief OOC check-in: I'm ok with somebody with relevant experience taking the lead

Jareth squints a moment at Grimbo...  then his eyes light up in recognition.

"Ah, some t'e fellows after ya joined t'e guild were talking ya up, t'e say ya were a fast juggler yah?  Some sport, organized, violent like?  Then ya might be t'e most experienced team player we got here.  I hear Meistr Ludlow is good with t'e magic and Meistr Razakeel is good with t'e undeads, but t'e ain' war-leader types," aside to Ludlow and Razakeel, "No offense guys."

"An I don' keen t'e rest o' ye, so fy vote go to Grimbo."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 75):

"I grew up mostly on my own, so I have little experience either leading or following, though I don't object to either in principle.  I'd find Grimbo a very reasonable choice for a leader, though given we're apparently going to be looking for a cult, it might make sense to let someone with religious training and knowledge (say, Nodwin) handle the strategy while Grimbo makes tactical decisions."

"Works."

OOC: Actually works very well -- I'm a tactical player, but don't enjoy leading groups in pursuit of goals

"Right so Meistr Zideqick is in charge of t'e overall, an Meistr Grimbo is t'e shot-caller for t'e fighin.

Good, now I'll ask again, what exactly be mission priority?  Killin cultists, rescuin any what's got taken, or lootin? I need to tell fy two guys t'e plan is changin an to wut.

Lastly, we need to keen wut we're goin into.  Feistres Lemru, ya faced a demon down there?  Anythin else we gonna face?  Anyone else hear about any other stuff?"

"Well, if we do run across any kidnapped victims, I would place them at top priority, otherwise loot would come first and killing the cultists last.  After all, we can always inform the authorities of exactly where the cultists are if there are too many to safely down.  Life should always be most important, that of innocents' and the party."

"Fy two guys will like that set up I'n thinkin, they prefer t'e lootin to t'e fightin.

Okay, so I was figurin the tunnels and underways may be broke up some, so I was bringin some rope, five man-days food an one man-days water.  Also my personal tools with which I can map, an have some keenin of finessin locks and ticklin traps."

"Chitter?"  "An five ferret-days food an water."



"What ye carryin, so we can figure out if'n we need anythin else?"

"Six days' food, two days' water, some cord, some rope. A big knife. Gonna pick up some sacks for loot."

Grimbo likes this guy.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 78):

Well we also ran into Slorn... they can be huge ugly things... lots of legs and a great big mouth with teeth and burning saliva...
This message was last edited by the player at 23:52, Thu 24 Sept 2015.

"I already have seven man-days of food in my pack, and a canteen that will last a day if it's not hot or I'm not running too much.  I'll bring twenty yards of rope and a couple sacks.  I've got a bottomless quiver, my quarterstaff, and a large knife, as well as climbing gear and lockpicks.  I don't have a light source, but it seems Nodwin has that covered."

"I have plenty of light for everyone. Some rope and grapnel hook, a healer's kit and a few leather pouches for loot.  Food for three or four days and Vejovis will provide me with more as needed, along with water for my wineskin.  My pointy metal staff and pistol crossbow with a variety of bolt types."

"Really?  Light an water creatin?  Radd eithaf!  I've a torchbearer comin, he brings his own torches some times, but I've also got lantern an oil for two days.  An not havin t'e clean t'e water down there if'n we gets stuck for too long will be good.

We may need a pick or a pinch bar.  Definitely some spikes if goin down we are.

Herm, yah, slorn.  Not much ye can do but fight 'em or bait 'em an hope they take t'e bait.

An since we going down lower than was expectin, we might want some bases for t'e slimes, at least to neutralize burns with, that help with the slorn too.  I can look inna that tomorrow, but I'n low on funds."

You mean like an alchemical base? I can buy some ... I know a bit about alchemy.

As he speaks he becomes more animate and excited looking, "Yes!  Something on t'e upper end o' t'e Brønsted–Lowry Register, maybe ammonic salt in some sort of sachet... Or basic ammonia, inna cask!  Yeah, that'd do.  Probably.  Already performed have I experiment with t'e upper and lower end of t'e Arrhenius Alkali Scale and that was ... violently reactive. Hah!  Not something I want to see again... bits o' dying slime everywhere.  Though did give me idea for Basic Grenade," he pantomimes shaking something, tossing it, and then makes a "spoof" sound, "use to scatter t'e slimes back.  But no one wants to make it, they say 'No, only use on one thing, is dumb'.  Bah!  Idiots!"

He stops and calms done a bit, scratches his head. "Hmmm.  I always want to try out some alaea salts or even kala namak.  Even though kala is acidic, t'e bisulfic nature should react to disperse t'e..." he looks up, "Ah, never mind.  They very expensive in t'e quantities needed.  We should stick to basic ammonia.


Ah, anything else anyone think of we need?"





OOC:  Anyone with Alchemy will know, base Ammonia is liquid ammonia.
Alaea salt is red salt (from Hawaii in the real world) and Kala Namak is black salt (from South Asia).
[EDIT]
Misspelled a name.
[/EDIT]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Fri 25 Sept 2015.

Liquid amonia is nasty to carry and worse to use in a confined space... some white bleaching powder might be enough ... [think borax] and it's cheap and plentiful, although not so strong an alkalai. but it is persistant too, so a slime isn't likely to cross it.

"Sure, sounds good."

"If someone is going to grab a few spikes, we might also need a hammer or mallet to drive them in to create climbing points, block doors, set traps. The mallet could also be used to break open doors or other obstacles. Other than that I can't think of anything."

"My climbing gear includes a small hammer, some climbing spikes, and some carabiners -- enough for a short pitch, anyway."

"Excellent, then if nobody else has any more suggestions, then everyone can have the rest of today as well as tomorrow to prepare.  I'll see you all here at daybreak the day after tomorrow."

Agreed.

"Morning after morrow, then.  See you here."

After spending the previous day and a half preparing and getting final supplies, Nodwin gears up and heads to the front of the guild house.

His armor peeks out from beneath his journeyman clerical robes, his pack and webbing festooned with supplies.  He has a cloth strap attached to his mail coif that has a bright lightstone tied to the center, showing why he prefers to polish stones to a more cylindrical shape that is narrower in the middle, perfect for tying into place.

Jareth is lounging about in some shade and gets up when Nodwin steps out.  His great coat is still dirty and smudged with mud and debris, stained strange colors anywhere the thick embossed leather shows through (the same with his pants and boots).  On the ground near where he was stretched out are two packs, one a mostly empty looking frame-pack (with rope, two full waterskins, a lantern and oil cask, and an odd covered metal pale hanging on the outside), the other a messenger's purse and a waterskin (both completely full).

"Aye, wasnay sure how early ya meant, so I be out here since jus' afore dawn.  Fy two oughta be along any time."

He stretches and stiff legged walks about for a minute, then makes a loud clicking sound to bring Akimbo out from wherever he's gotten off to mischief.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:38, Tue 29 Sept 2015.

Jocelyn shows up a bit later dressed for adventuring with a wood elf carrying a bow and a large armored Orc ... a strange group to be sure. All are prepared to go delving.

Mario arrives just behind Jocelyn and company -- looking a little the worse for wear, but with bow in hand, staff slung, leather armor freshly polished and backpack loaded.  His quiver, with its single arrow, hangs from his belt, balanced by a large knife in a scabbard next to his rather flat-looking pouch.

"Say, nice way to carry a light, Nodwin!  I wonder if I could tie one of those just below the grip on my bow without it shining in my eyes?

"Anyone heard from Grimbo yet this morning?  Or Razakeel and Ludlow, for that matter?"

Grimbo saunters up as his name is called. He wears a leather breastplate and his main armament seems to be his large knife with a gold-filigreed handle. He has a full pack, but it doesn't seem to bother the stout goblin.

"Right. Let's run down tha crowd again. Who fights front? Who's quiet? Who fights from the back?"

"I'n no a frontliner, but I can swing this about," he gestures with his staff, "if needs and stay out of t'e way otherwise. As for bein sneaky like, I'n no belled cat, but I'n no footpad neither.  You want quiet and sneaky let Akimbo do the scoutin."

Front... I lead.

I do best if I'm not be'in f**ked with

As do I, obviously.

"Vejovis teaches that a strong attack is just as important as a stout defense.  If needed I can engage in close combat, as the primary healer though, it would be best if I limit myself to ranged attacks as much as possible, by staying near the magic users.  I will defend them if needed."

"I don't much care where I wind up -- though I don't have the armor to act as a shield for the rest of the group."

OOC: Thanks, helpful to have it all in one place. I think that's everyone but Razakeel and Ludlow. Ludlow's an NPC -- Narrator? Do we still have Razakeel? Did I miss anybody?

"I have a some lightstones for those that want one.  I also have a few of these cloth bands that you can borrow to wear the lightstones as headbands or armband."

No need... too bright.

"Raz and Luddy are stalwart chaps, along any minute now they be.  Also fy two guys should be here.

Meistr Zideqick got spare two lightstones?  Tie one to fy torchbearer's lantern pole an wear one fyself I can."




OOC:  What level of Cont Light did you put on there?  Moon or torch?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Wed 30 Sept 2015.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 109):

A rough, unpleasant looking man with a shield and a pole with a lantern hanging from it approaches,

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 110):

A woman clad in leather and porting a spear and shortsword stands at the entrance to the guild, showing her badge to McCain and giving your crowd the once over. The lantern bearer exchanges a nod with her.

"These should last for a couple of days."
Nodwin passes over a pair of lightstones and cloth bands to tie them to.


OOC: They are daylight bright.

Jareth accepts the two stones with a warm smile, "Thanks, nay smell is very nice to nay draw down t'e snufflin beasties."

He then grabs up the packs and heads over to his hirelings.

Handing the framepack to the guy and the purse and it's waterskin to the woman, "Clarence, Charlene, these are t'e ones tell ya about t'e day afore.  An here," he hands a daylight stone to Clarence, "this save on t'e fuel oil eh?"

He leads them over to the group, while pocketing the second stone.

"This is Meistr Zideqick, he in charge of the overall mission and this is Grimbo, he t'e shot caller when things get ugly.  This is Feistres Jocelyn Lemru t'e Mage and her party Brodak and Mellarill.  This is Meistr Mario Crowfoot, t'e archer.

Guys, this is Clarence Montague, he's a steadfast torchman, an Charlene Le Poire is quick with her weapons.  They work very good together spear an shield."

He turns to his hirelings, "No change inna contract, things get too ugly an I go down you grab fy maps an skiddadle."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 113):

"And I am Razakeel Shadowcloak, necromancer, yes?"

In reply to Razakeel Shadowcloak (msg # 114):

"And I am Ludlow  the  Munificent, the...er, other journeyman wizard."

In reply to Ludlow the Munificent (msg # 115):

The guardswoman raises an eyebrow at the group.
"So in addition to you, myself and Clarence, two
archers(one elvish), two goblins, two mages, an orc soldier, and a... priest? This sounds heavier than our usual rat hunt."

In reply to Charlene Le Poire (msg # 116):

Montague dutifully pops the glowing stone into the lantern.
"Merci!"

"Well then, if we are all here, let us proceed."

Nodwin shoulders his staff and heads in the direction of the destroyed street.

"AH!  You snuck up on me! Good to see you made it!"



"Ya, is t'e cult of Saturnine got up to something.  So I map t'e damage an we all smack their heads an take their stuff.  Maybe find t'e people they kidnap."

As they set off Jareth scoops Akimbo up from the street and carries him on the shoulder.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Wed 30 Sept 2015.

Grimbo falls in with Nodwin. He's not too worried about what the rest of the group does at this point.

Brodak moves up with Nodwin No troubles, me here

Joclyn and Mellarill fall i the middle and follow along.

Since it looks like someone needs to bring up the tail, Mario will take that position, after a quick stop at the head to check if Nodwin has another light stone to tie on his bow.

Thinking better of trying to get it to stay on the limb below the grip, he'll tie it to the upper nock -- that should be enough out of his eyes, and still shine from over his shoulder when the bow is slung.

As we start to move out he makes a suggestion to the group.

"If I shout for folks to duck, it just means I need room to shoot over you taller beings.  If I can't see it, I can't very well shoot it."

"Here you go, Mario.  This one should last for three days.  Rather than your bow, you might want to fasten it to your arm or leg, so that the light doesn't distract you when aiming"

Nodwin hands him a lightstone and strap

OOC: Looks like Grimbo, Nodwin, and Brodak are leading the way

After a moment's consideration of Nodwin's suggestion, Mario ties the lightstone around his left wrist, with enough slack to catch the strap between his fingers -- it'll shine forward, but be shielded from his eyes when he holds his bow with that hand, yet can be dropped to hang from the strap if needed.

With Nodwin, Brodak, and Grimbo in front, Jocelyn and Mellarill following, then Jareth, Charlene, and Clarence, it looks like Ludlow and Razakeel will be just ahead of Mario.  Unless someone has reason to prefer a different order, we should be ready to head for the collapsed street.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 126):

Heading out of the guild precincts,you find your way quicly,
partly due to guidance from Ludlow, and soon find your way to the site of the collapse.

A number of the city guard is watching the perimeter, and within the pit, a huge ogress and several other laborers are bracing timbers and stacking stone. The pile looks to have
been disturbed  by digging, and a man in purple robes stands
by the guardsmen.

Approaching the robed man, Nodwin greets him. "Good morning sir, how is the work coming along this fine day?  We are here to map the revealed area, search for missing people and if we run across them, kill any of the cult of Saturnos still in the area below."

He pulls out the letter of marque and waves it.

Jareth moves up next to Nodwin his Sewer and Sanition key ring in hand and his writing board out.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 129):

"Hmm. That seems to be in order, but this area is full of laborers clearing the
debris right now. I don't want them disrupted."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 17:00, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

In reply to Guardsman (msg # 130):

The overdressed wizard clears his throat.
"It would seem to my recollection that an alternative entry point to this area could be
 found through the alleyway behind the pawn shop, as that was the rout my companions took upon
 our exit from the premises."

In reply to Ludlow the Munificent (msg # 131):

"Good. Let's do it."

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 132):

Ludlow leads you around the back alley near the construction.  There is a stone building with
barred windows, and an iron reinforced door, slightly ajar.

"Good work, Ludlow.  Everyone, stick together and call out of you need or see anything."

Nodwin moves to open the door. "Ok, Grimbo and Brodak, you are on point, Ludlow, since you were down here earlier and didn't see any of our quarry, please point out where we shouldn't go, if there are any branches in the path."

Jareth unfolds a small writing board, affixes a piece of parchment to it and hangs it from around his neck.  At this stage he'll just be noting any damage he spots and it's location markings, not actually making a map.

"Brodak will go first. I'll falla quiet-like"

[Private to Narrator: Dammit. 19:25, Today: Grimbo rolled 16 using 3d6.  Stealth 15.]

Mario will wait for Clarence and Charlene, along with Jocelyn and Mellarill, while keeping an eye over shoulder to be sure we're not being followed by anyone unwelcome (which is pretty much anyone, as far as Mario is concerned).

He shoves the door open and shield up steps into the middle of the door and looks around, his eyes adapting to the lower light of the inside of the building.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 138):

The small room hqs empty shelves on the walls, a barred
window in the front wall that overlooks another small room,
and a barred door that leads to the same room. Ludlow points
to a trapdoor with an iron ring.

"Mario, you good at finding traps? Light's ok here."

"If ya really worried at this stage o' t'e mission, Akimbo can start sniffin about."

Jareth pulls the limp tuberat out of a large pocket, "Time to earn yer grub little buddy."

"Always worry. Live longer." Grimbo cracks his knuckles, as if in emphasis.

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 142):

"I don't recall any traps below, aside from runes on the walls..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Wed 07 Oct 2015.

"Ah, ok."

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 144):

"Well, when it matters, I do know my way around traps a bit.  Should I let Mellarill bring up the rear and move closer to the front?"

"Akimbo and I have the keen of traps, he keeps a weather nose out while he's scamperin ahead."


"Though truth be tell, he's no as good at spottin 'em as I'n. Unless they be bait traps, then he sniffs 'em out just fine."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 146):

"Okay, no need to bollix up the order of march, then.  Just don't forget the tail is a good bit behind the head."

When Brodak is ready nearby, Grimbo gives the trap door a heave.

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 148):

A strong stench of rot rises from the trapdoor once it is
opened.  Wooden steps lead down into the sark.

Pulling out another lightstone, Nodwin tosses it down into the hole to light the way.
The stone has a different shape from the ones currently worn.
"I have a few of these, they can fit into one of my crossbow bolts to be sent down hallways, if needed."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 150):

The small stone room below has two arched doorways exiting. The smellis stronger from one.

"Hey little buddy, see if ya can smell anything besides something dead," Jareth sets Akimbo down near the trapdoor.

"Ludlow, which way did your group go?"

OOC: Is one of the openings leading in the general direction of the damaged street?

Brodak slings his shield and goes down the steps, at the bottom he goes back on guard.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:51, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 154):

The mage shrugs. "We had gone through both doors, but I am
No longer certain what lay beyond."
[Prvate to Jareth Mooncalled: Akimbo indicates that the bad smell involves both cats and fish]

"Cats an fish eh?  Doesn't sound too bad."

Jareth reaches around behind his head and tugs for a moment, pulling up the hood from inside his coat.  He straightens it and wraps the mask around his face and ties it off, then climbs down the rickety stairs.

Once down he sets Akimbo on the floor to scout around and points towards a doorway, "Broken up section should be that way."

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
09:20, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 8 using 3d6.  Area Knowledge (Undercity), needed a 12 without any modifiers.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 156):

At the base of the stepd, the odor is strongear.[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: This basement is near a major conduit, but might be closed off from it]
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 15:33, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

Grimbo, also being able to see in the dark, follows Brodak, dogslicer in hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:21, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

Nodwin follows them down, picking up the lightstone.  Pulling out his pistol crossbow, he pulls the string back and cocks it, but doesn't draw a bolt yet to load it.

Which way we go?

OOC: Jareth will point the way towards the connecting conduit, we'll deal with any blockages when we get there... it's all about the confidence. ;)


"This way," and he points towards whichever doorway he thinks is the quickest...

Umpf

Brodak goes to the doorway, shield up and looks both ways

In reply to Brodak (msg # 162):

Left or right (fouler) door?

ooc: Since we have no specific guidance in which direction was recently explored, that means they are both valid at the moment.  Maybe the smell is from rotting goods that fell when the street exploded. I guess we'll go the fishy direction.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:30, Fri 09 Oct 2015.

OOC:  I'm good with that!

Mario keeps his head on a swivel -- the group is spread out too much, between down the hole, inside the little building, and the tail end that won't fit inside.

Grimbo grunts, which could mean anything.

Or, "no opinion."

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 167):

The wall to the left is covered in runes, and a smashed barrel lies on the floor, black ooze pooling around it and the decomposing remains of a number of cats and what appear
 to be cuttlefish. The odor is foul.

There looks to have been liquid of some kind  splashed ov3r the runes and they are unintelligible.

Another door exits, but is choked with rubble.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:07, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

Jareth will give the runes a good look over (are they 'freshish'? I gather they're badly smudged but do they give a sense of what language they were in? Or were they just 'mystic' type runes? - Not sure what skill you might want).

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 169):

The runes seem to be an odd blend of Latin prayers to someone identified as the Devourer, mingled with alchemical symbols.
[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: roll for general theology at -2]

OOC:  Not one of the better skills... lets see:
00:46, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 11 using 3d6.  Theology (General) skill 9.

Nope.

IC:

"Eh, look like t'e Cultists make this, probably part o' whatever blowed up t'e street."

Jareth will scribble down what he can make out of the runes for later study.

"Right, Nodwin, move on na?"

Phew, I been in better smellin' out houses...

"Rotting cuttlefish and their ink is bad enough, but cats?!  Can anyone tell if they were poisoned, or something tore them up or such?"

I think the cult made this mess up, but i do not understand it's significance ... let me think on it for a moment.

13:10, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 10 using 3d6.  Thaumatology.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:11, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

"Jareth, can your little friend tell us what is beyond the rubble in the doorway?  If the destroyed street is on the other side, then it is possible that we need to go the other direction, as that may have been the escape route they took."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:49, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

"He might be able to squirm through, be there any gaps. What say little buddy?  Like huntin vineyard rabbits yah?" Jareth indicates the blockage and lets Akimbo do his stuff.

"But... that is a connecting line over to t'e street.  T'e short route.  T'e other way is longer.  Give Akimbo a minute now in case he find something important an we head over t'e other way."

OOC, Did Jocelyn's roll in Msg #175 do any good?

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 178):

[Private to Jocelyn Lemru: drowning a cat is often a grisly part of a sacrifice to a lower power. All of the cultists  you faced had scratches on their faces, and their hands and robes were stained with squid ink. You remember seeing plain undyed homespun robes hanging near a barrel of cuttlefish   ink near the temple]

The rubble beyond the barrel room completely obscures the exit from that room.

"Hmm, well let us go the other direction.  If it fails to pan out, we can always return here to dig.  Most likely this leads directly to the destroyed street and will be cleared by the workers eventually."

Yes... I seem to recall that Drowning cats is some sort of sacrifice for the lower Gods ... not sure the meaning, but now that i think on it, most of the cultists I saw had been scratched a good bit... the cuttlefish are likely just a dye source.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 181):

The small room the other doorway leads to also shows sign of
the collapse, but in this case, instead of the passage being
blocked, the wall has partially fallen through, revealing a
space there might otherwise have been no access through!

OOC: OMNINOUS!

"Akimbo, what say, give it t'e once over?" Jareth sets him back down and makes note of the broken wall area.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 183):

The opening in the wall is about a yard square.  Akimbo
Perches on the edge and sniffs.
[Private to Jareth Mooncalled: he smells dust and bones]

"Someone got buried in there eh?" Jareth pulls out his lightstone and shines it into the space, taking a look.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:34, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 185):

You can see scattered bits of bone, peeping out of the rubble.

"Fascinating, that looks like it could be an interesting route to take.  Does anyone have a better idea?  If not, let us be about it then."

OOC: What's in that general direction?  If I have any clue:

16:46, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 10 using 3d6.  Area Knowledge (Undercity) 11 to know what's in that direction.
16:45, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 10 using 3d6.  Navigation 10 to have an idea of what's in that direction.
/OOC


"It might not lead up to where t'e cultist's are, thus not where t'e captives are... however if it's a new discovery there be value in the keenin alone."

Jareth steps into the side space tying the lightstone to his belt and starts taking notes on the area, as well as sketching a map.

Mario tries to keep the tail of the line tight, encouraging Jocelyn's group and Jareth's buddies down the trapdoor and pulling shut the alley door behind -- as well as the trapdoor as he descends.

"Lemme climb through," Grimbo says. His infravision may give him clues the others would miss.

[Private to Narrator: Made Perception by 4.

18:06, Today: Grimbo rolled 7 using 3d6.  PER 11.]

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 190):

Grimbo peers into the opening.

[Private to Grimbo: the area is fairly large, about five yards by six, with a colder space at the far wall (an opening). The floor is uneven, but the room otherwise seems tobe of even temperature]

"There's an exit on tha far side. Should be safe enough to get to."

Hole small

"Brodak, if you think it is too tight to easily get through, Grimbo will go first and I will follow.  We will then help pull you through while Mario and Jareth help from behind."
Looking at the mages. "Unless one of you have magic that can enlarge the hole a bit?"

Not me honey... but I would be afraid to jiggle things too much as well.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 195):

"The bricks below could be moved without
disrupting the arch, yes? Has anyone a crowbar? I espy a beam
supporting the roof."

That makes sense...

Jareth slides his glasses down and gives her a look, "I wouldna think you'd fear jigglin at all," winks and pushes the dark lenses back into place.



OCC: Couldn't resist.

"Less flirting, and more moving along, if we can?  It's a little crowded in here with the doors closed..."

[Private to GM: 20:59, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 8 using 3d6.  Control Roll: Phobia (Crowds).]

"I can multi-task", as he continues making making notes and waiting for the frontliners to move up.


"Should scout a bit further, make sure three's nothing nasty just ahead before we make noise enlargin t'e hole."

"Good idea Jareth, check the next room while we get organized here, hurry back though."

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 201):

Jareth and who else climbs through the hole; who is attempting to enlarge?

Grimbo goes through with Jareth.

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 203):

The room is about five yards by eight, with a slightly  arched ceiling. The walls are brick, and theright hand wall
appears to be buckled inward. Dust and cunks of brick carpet
the assortment of bones scattered accross the floor. There
is an archway at the far end, toward the left hand wall.

Grimbo signals Jareth to stay at the hole and moves quietly toward the arch to peer through it.

[Private to Narrator: Made Stealth and Perception both by 1.

12:58, Today: Grimbo rolled 10 using 3d6.  Per 11.
12:58, Today: Grimbo rolled 14 using 3d6.  Stealth 15.]

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 205):

Through the archway, you can see a quartet of archways; the
one in front of you, a bricked over one to the right, one to the left, and one straight beyond.

Grimbo reports back to Jareth. "Lotsa passages and arches, more to explore. See if Nodwin wants ta bring tha rest through."

Jareth will crouch down and examine a couple of bones. He whispers to Akimbo, "Sniff stuff out with Grimbo, make sure he doesn't run into nothin nasty."




OOC:
14:50, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 10 using 3d6.  Physiology (Elven): 13.

Mostly I just want to know if they're humanoid or animal or other, and if they look to have decomposed gracefully or were gnawed on.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 208):

The bones are human like, and have been gnawed on.

Jareth sticks his head back into the previous area and looks at Nodwin, "Grimbo says it's clear, buncha ways to explore.  We going through or back?"

Lets explore this, if it looks untouched.

"Indeed, it looks interesting, let us move through and press onward."

Once everyone is into the room, Grimbo signals Brodak to move on through, following a couple yards behind.

OK

"Give me a moment to map this.  Feistres Lemru, maybe ya should map as well.  In case t'e party get split."

Mario steps up to cast light where we'll have to crawl through the rubble.

"I'm no miner, but I don't know if we can enlarge this without bringing it down -- might be easier to bring it down and then dig it out.  I can go anywhere Grimbo can, but, I'd be concerned about it coming down on us when someone a little too big tries to crawl through."  He cuts his eyes at Ludlow on this last.

Jocelyn gives Jareth a cold eye... I can do that... she takes out her implements and starts a map.

Ooc: How big is the collapsed wall opening, is crawling required?

GM suggested about 3' X 3', so for most, yes a bit...

OOC:  3x3?  Just duck your head and step through... unless your in heavy armor with a full pack...  of course it could get ugly if we jam up trying to flee.

Or 6 foot something....

In reply to Mellarill (msg # 221):

With a boost, most of you could step through, Brodak would have to take his pack off.
Rapid escape without applying a little forced entry would not go well.
The wall is less than a foot thick, btw.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Wed 21 Oct 2015.

"I'n not sure we got t'e tools to do that."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 223):

OOC:
 Default Architecture will let you know if it's likely to come down, otherwise only a
critically failed forced entry roll will.

"Ok, we'll go through one at a time, if you have a pack, hand it through or carry it in your hands."
Nodwin steps up and hands his pack to Grimbo, then cautiously crouches over and steps through while holding his staff.  When he is able to stand upright again, he accepts his pack and puts it back on.

All Jocelyn's group follow suit...

Mario, with slung staff, bow, and backpack to manage, leans the staff in a corner for long enough to remove his backpack, then loops the straps into the staff's sling, puts the resulting bindle down to free his hands for his bow, and waits for the rest of the group to clear the opening -- he'll be last through.  Meantime, he keeps a close watch on the trapdoor above to avoid surprises.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 227):

Occ
Per checks please

Broad, moving at the front, is alert

19:08, Today: Brodak rolled 10 using 3d6.  Per. made it and gets a +2 for hearing

Jocelyn is chatting quietly with Mellaril and misses her roll


19:10, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 13 using 3d6.  Perception.

Wholly spaced out in her chatting, Mellarill is unaware.

19:09, Today: Mellarill rolled 17 using 3d6.  Perception.

Jareth recommences mapping this room, once everyone is through the hole...




OOC:
22:29, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 9 using 3d6.  Perception 15.
 - Counting -4 for his goggles, MoS 2 for sight, 6 for hearing.

22:28, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 14 using 3d6.  Architecture 11, wall stability.
 - Jareth has no clue whether the wall is stable or not.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:34, Thu 22 Oct 2015.

Nodwin is looking around and listening, but he is also paying attention to the party.

18:23, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 11 using 3d6. perception (13)

Mario catches something at the edge of his senses, and redoubles his watchfulness.

[Private to GM: 05:13, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 10 using 3d6.  Perception Check.]

Grimbo is on alert while the party is strung out and vulnerable.

[Private to Narrator: Succeed by 2

05:49, Today: Grimbo rolled 9 using 3d6.  PER 11.]

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 235):

The noisy cluster of you gather in the chamber.
[Private to:Brodak; Grimbo; Mario Crowfoot; Jareth Mooncalled: there is some sc4aping coming from that 3 way intersection]

Grimbo signals for quiet, then starts directing people in the crowded room. The goblin presses himself against the northern wall, out of line of sight through the arch, and draws a throwing dagger, moving his prized knife to his off hand.

If I understand the layout correctly, here's my rough plan: https://www.dropbox.com/s/lqaj...%2010.09.52.png?dl=0 Goodness, we're a huge mob.
[Private to Narrator: Made Stealth by 1. sigh

10:07, Today: Grimbo rolled 14 using 3d6.  Stealth 15.]

Mario slips through the opening after the last of the others and takes the position Grimbo points out, bow in left hand, right hand on the nock of the single arrow in his quiver, and staff with attached backpack standing near the hole in the wall.  No more loudly than an exhaled breath, he whispers "Ready."

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 237):

Close...
The hole in the south wall is in the easternmost corner.

The entrance in the north wall is one square from the western corner....


A faint meeping sound can be heard f4om the three way intersection . ..

Brodak's brow furrows at the sounds... has he heard that before?


19:13, Today: Brodak rolled 8 using 3d6.  Heard this before? Made It by 1

OOC: Minor tweaks: https://www.dropbox.com/s/1wxo...%2010.30.30.png?dl=0

I didn't figure I'd get it precisely right, but wanted to give a general feel of the tactic in such a crowded space, with so many ranged folks.

Nodwin moves up towards the entrance, his crossbow in his hand. Pulling out the lightstone he used earlier, he lightly tosses it through the archway.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Fri 23 Oct 2015.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 242):

Two greyish emaciated forms are caught in the glare of the
lightstone before it  skips further  down the 2ay, silhouetting them for a moment.
They have long claws, and doglike hind legs.

Broad advances to block the door way, so they have to come one at a time and will hit the first one with his axe, when close enough.

19:37, Today: Brodak rolled 7 using 3d6.  Swing.
19:38, Today: Brodak rolled 9 using 2d6+1.  Damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Sat 24 Oct 2015.

In reply to ghula (msg # 243):
OOC:  What roll do you need to identify them?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 245):

As Brodak cleaves into one of the things, Razakeel calls out,
"These things, ghouls they are! Ware their claws, they inflict paralisis!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:53, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

Mario pulls the arrow from his quiver, leaving a single shaft behind, nocks it to the string, draws, and looses at the second silhouette, seemingly in a single motion.  The arrow strikes home in the creature's torso as Mario's right hand drops to the fletching of the single arrow remaining in his quiver.

[Private to GM:  07:26, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 9 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
07:28, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 8 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
07:30, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 9 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer).
07:33, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.
07:34, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 11 using 3d6.  Hit Location.]

Grimbo swings out to have line of sight and throws his dagger at the nearest ghoul. Another dagger appears in his hand.

Assuming it's within 5 yards. If not, Wait until/unless they are.

[Private to Narrator: Step and Attack. Throwing for torso. Skill 16 before range penalties. Hit for 1 impaling.
Fast-Draw another knife.

09:04, Today: Grimbo rolled 7 using 3d6.  Fast Draw Knife 14.
09:03, Today: Grimbo rolled 1 using 1d6-2.  Imp damage.
09:02, Today: Grimbo rolled 7 using 3d6.  Thrown Dagger, 16 before range.]

"Razakeel, what are their weaknesses?  Are they alive?  Do they breathe?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:19, Sat 24 Oct 2015.

Mario once again pulls, nocks, draws, and looses with almost inhuman speed as the arrow in the quiver is replaced by another.  This arrow impacts beside the last, a couple inches closer to the center of the chest.

[Private to GM: 20:22, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 13 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
20:23, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 14 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
20:26, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 11 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer)  Called Shot to Vitals -3.
20:27, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 250):

The first of the things stumbles into the door frame, two
arrows and a dagger protruding  from it, and black ichor oozing from its ribs where Brodak's axe struck it.

In reply to ghula (msg # 251):

The necromancer draws his sword.
"They are the hungry undead, and exist in nightmare.
 Once we dismember them, have a care to leave no two bones
stacked atop eachother,for they leap between worlds, to
emerge from charnel heaps. Fire and weapons can defeat them."

Jocelyn moves forward and when close enough to see the second Creature in line cast CREATE FIRE on it's location.


18:32, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 12 using 3d6.  Create Fire. made i by 1...

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 253):

Flames burst onto the creature.
The wounded one staggers forward.

In reply to ghula (msg # 254):

Ludlow chants, and begins to raise a fireball, but only
succeeds in producing a puff of smoke.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

Nodwin begins chanting for three seconds, and a brilliant light forms on his fingertip.   As he stops the words, a beam of light and heat flies from his finger and impacts the one not on fire.

"Drat, that wasn't as effective as I hoped it would be."

20:00, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 8 using 3d6.  Sunbolt.
20:01, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 8 using 3d6.  Innate Attack.
20:03, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 4 using 3d6-3. Damage.

Jareth waits to attack any ghula that come within reach (reach 1 with the jo staff).

Mario fires again at the wounded one; he fumbles a bit with the arrow as it clears the quiver, slowing the shot, but the arrow sprouts a bare finger width from the previous.

[Private to GM: 06:12, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 16 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
06:13, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 6 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
06:14, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 9 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer)  Called Shot to Vitals -3.
06:15, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp. Maxed!]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 258):

The greviously wounded ghoul collapses, the flaming one
closes with Brodak.

Meanwhile, Charlene steps in front of Jareth, her spear at the ready.

Not sure how easy it is to hurt these things with precision shots, Grimbo takes a risky throw, but his dagger glances off the thing's skull.

[Private to Narrator: Went for the eye with an AOA and missed. Oh, well. Needed to free up that hand.

09:20, Today: Grimbo rolled 10 using 3d6.  Dagger AOA-Determined vs eye 8.]

Brodak swings at the flaming creatue, but misjudges slightly, doing minor damage (in his mind anyway).

Today: Brodak rolled 3 using 2d6+1.  Dmg.
08:41, Today: Brodak rolled 8 using 3d6.  Swg Axe.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 261):

The wounded thing rakes Brodak with its filthy claws.

[PRIVATE to Brodak: defend successfully  or take two points cutting =3 po7nts, and make a HT +will roll]

Broad twists slightly putting his shield in the way of the claws...


10:34, Today: Brodak rolled 8 using 3d6.  Block.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 263):

The burning thing attacking Brodak is joined by others, but Brodak is now providing  cover for them.

Occ:-4 additional on missle attacks, with an additional  -2 for range. Miss by 4 or less and you may hit Brodak   

Grimbo moves in and hacks at the clawed hand of Brodak's foe.

[Private to Narrator: Hit ghoul hand for 1 cutting. I really do much better from surprise with that Striking ST!

Defense: Retreating Parry (12)

14:33, Today: Grimbo rolled 1 using 1d6-1.  Cutting damage to hand.
14:32, Today: Grimbo rolled 7 using 3d6.  Attack Brodak's foe's hand.]

Broad takes a swing at the one infant of him, connecting solidly this time.

14:05, Today: Brodak rolled 8 using 3d6.  Sw Axe.
14:05, Today: Brodak rolled 14 using 3d6.  Dmg. --- Wrong # of Die

Created dmg roll -
14:08, Today: Brodak rolled 11 using 2d6+1.  Dmg Cutting
This message was last edited by the player at 21:09, Sun 25 Oct 2015.

In reply to Brodak (msg # 266):

Brodak's axe cleaves deep, as did Grimbo's  knife, but the ghoul still stands.

Mario pulls an arrow (which is instantly replaced) once more fumbling slightly and slowing the ready; nocks, draws -- and pauses for a few seconds, taking careful aim before he looses.  The arrow transfixes the ghula's exposed neck.

[Private to GM: 20:05, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 16 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
20:06, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 11 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
20:13, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 11 using 3d6.  Fire with aim +2, called shot to neck -5, -4 for cover -2 for range; AOA Determined +4.
20:15, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.]

Nodwin pulls out his staff and steps closer to the combat, ready to catch any leakers that get past or manage to start flanking Grimbo and Brodak.

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 269):

As black ichor oozes out of the ghoul's throat, Charlene
slices at its gut with her spear., spilling some oily loops
of bowel, and it stumbles, collapsing to the ground.

OOC: Up in #264 you said "The burning thing attacking Brodak is joined by others", how many are left facing Brodak?

"Brodak! Step back, give us clear shots!"

As he shouts, Mario readies an arrow to the bow (leaving a single shaft in his quiver), but waits to draw in hopes Brodak will clear the line of fire.

OOC: Are Mellaril and Jocelyn lost?

No, Just blocked like you are...

Brodak step sto the right, clearing an area a bit over 2 ft wide, so his shield is protecting his side and swings at the nearest Ghula in range.

19:14, Today: Brodak rolled 5 using 3d6.  Swing. .... A Crit!!
19:15, Today: Brodak rolled 7 using 2d6+1.  Axe Dmg.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:16, Thu 29 Oct 2015.

Mario targets the nearest ghula uncovered by Brodak's move, draws, and looses.  The arrow strikes home in the center of the creature's chest.

[Private to GM: 05:15, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer)  Called Shot to Vitals -3.
05:16, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.]

Jocelyn targets the same creature as Mario with a Flame jet

07:02, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 7 using 3d6 ((2,4,1)).

Mellarill picks anoth, behind these first few and send an arrow towards it's head


Today: Mellarill rolled 14 using 3d6.  Head shot ... should do it
Today: Mellarill rolled 3 using 1d6+2 ((1)) Impaling
This message was last edited by the player at 14:13, Thu 29 Oct 2015.

OOC: Given everybody's success, waiting on a GM update on opponent/fight status, please.

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 278):

Ghula number 3 (1 & 2 are down) takes a deep hit from Brodak
But is still  standing on its twisted canine legs.

Ghula number 4 takes an arrow to the vitals, and  needs for
Jocelyn to roll flame jet damage (1d+1 I believe)

Ghula number five just took an arrow to the face, but is
still in play.

In reply to ghula (msg # 279):

OOC: Thanks

Grimbo keeps in the fight with Brodak.

[Private to Narrator: Hit G3 hand for zero. sigh I can't remember if cutting does a minimum 1, or if that was just 3rd edition.

Defense: Retreating Parry 12-

15:38, Today: Grimbo rolled 0 using 1d6-1.  Cutting damage to hand.
15:38, Today: Grimbo rolled 6 using 3d6.  Attack Brodak's foe's hand 14.
]

In reply to Grimbo (msg # 280):

The injured thing claws at Brodak, and is cut by Grimbo on its other hand.
[Private to Brodak: roll for defense, if not take 2hp and make a Will roll]

Mario sends an arrow into the vitals of Ghula number 5 while waiting to see the effect of the last arrow and flame jet on number 4.

[Private to GM: 20:04, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 13 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
20:04, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
20:05, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 15 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer)  Called Shot to Vitals -3.
20:06, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.]

In reply to ghula (msg # 279):


17:36, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 12 using 3d6.  Flame Jet Damage.

Sorry, wasn't close to my book and wasn't sure what to roll... 3D6 for 3 yard and damage. Cost is 3 points

In reply to ghula (msg # 281):

17:39, Today: Brodak rolled 13 using 3d6.  Block. Failed Block but Armor will likely stop the damage

17:39, Today: Brodak rolled 13 using 3d6.  Will Roll.  Failed

Jareth steps up next to Grimbo and and swingsat his foe, then steps back out of the line of fire.



OOC:
01:35, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 7 using 3d6.  Committed Attack Determined; Skill 10+2.
01:36, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 7 using 1d6+3.  Damage 1d+3 cr.

Mario wings another arrow into the vitals of number 5, just alongside the last.

[Private to GM: 05:17, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 7 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Arrow).
05:17, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Bow -1 to nock/draw instantly (Heroic Archer).
05:18, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 12 using 3d6.  Fire w/o aiming Bow -1 incl. Acc (+3), AOA Determined +4 (Heroic Archer)  Called Shot to Vitals -3.
05:18, Today: Mario Crowfoot rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage, Imp.  Max!]

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 286):

Brodak feelscold seep intohis bones and discovers that he
can't  move!


Ghula  number three bursts into flames and collapses (after
 clawing  Brodak).

Mario and Jareth  take down ghula numb3r four.

Ghula number 5 turns to run.

Seeing the creature strike Brodak, and recalling the warning about their claws, Nodwin says a short chant and brings his staff close to Brodak.

08:07, Today: Nodwin Zideqick rolled 11 using 3d6.  Neutralize Poison.

Mellarill looses another arrow at the Chest of Ghula that is turning away...

Today: Mellarill rolled 8 using 1d6+2.  Arrow Damage.
08:12, Today: Mellarill rolled 14 using 3d6.  Bow Shot.

In reply to Mellarill (msg # 289):

The fleeing ghula takes an arrow to the back, but keeps running.
 Despite Nodwin's spell, Brodak remains rigid.

Grimbo looks at Brodak. "Does this just wear off?" he asks nobody in particular.

He picks up the dagger he'd thrown in the room. The one in the corridor can wait until he's sure the ghula is gone.

"It should wear off on its own soon.  I was taught a bit about paralysis in my studies, but have not yet learned the counter to it.  The spell I cast was an expensive, long-shot to attempt to get him ready sooner.  If someone could start destroying the bodies, I would like to rest up a bit to be ready when the next trouble hits."

Nodwin leans against a wall and starts to meditate.

Mario steps up and starts dragging the bodies into the center of the room.  "Razakeel?  Should we just dismember them?  Or do they burn well enough we could burn them without choking ourselves on the smoke?"  He slings his bow and pulls a large knife from his belt sheath while waiting for a reply.

Jareth moves to Brodak and examines his wound, applying First Aid if needed.

"Clarence, Charlene, keep an eye out for that things return.  May try to sneak back while were helping Brodak here."


OOC:
01:56, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 10 using 3d6.  First Aid 15 (+1 for First Aid Kit) on Brodak.

Is there anything I can do to speed his recovery?
01:57, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 12 using 3d6.  Diagnosis 13 Brodak's paralysis.

02:00, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 15 using 3d6.  Poisons 13, Brodak's paralysis. Nothing useful here.

Long shots as I don't have a Healing Kit or Alchemy Kit.
01:57, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 9 using 3d6.  Esoteric Medicine (Alchemical) 13, Brodak's paralysis.
02:03, Today: Jareth Mooncalled rolled 6 using 3d6.  Pharmacy (Herbal) 13, Brodak's paralysis.

I have some skill at Alchemy, but no agents to use...  which does make it a bit useless...

While waiting for an answer on whether we can get away with burn the ghula corpses, Mario gets to work trying to dismember them, cutting into the joints as if breaking down a turkey carcass.

"Anyone have an axe?  This is going to take hours with just a knife..."

"Gotta better knife." Grimbo starts sawing away.

Brodak has an effing axe he isn't using... see if you can take it from his effing hand

In reply to Mellarill (msg # 298):

"It is not their intact bodies, it is any bones stacked together, but it might not hurt to decapitate them."

Brodak begins to feel pins and needles everywhwere.

In reply to Razakeel Shadowcloak (msg # 299):

"Well, that can be managed with an ordinary knife in a reasonable time.  Grimbo, you get those two, and I'll get these two."
This message was last updated by the player at 00:13, Mon 02 Nov 2015.

"Meistr Shadowcloak, when ye say 'stacked together' do ye mean touchin at all, or actually stacked on one another?  Cause while I don't keen ghouls, there are two hundred ten bones in t'e adult Elven body, an that's a lot o' seperatin."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 301):

"I have seen them do it with the merest  handful of
 bones, maybe part of a ribcage and a humerus, but not with
their own bones."

"Hold up Meistr Crowfoot.  If'n I'n keein ya straight Razakeel, they need other creatures bones?  So if'n we drag 'em out into t'e other room an make sure they ain't got no other bones touchin 'em, they'll stay dead?"


What if'n we burn 'em to ash?"

"As I understand Razakeel, it's more a matter of other ghulas jumping to this plane through bones not their own, when even a small group of bones touch, than of these bodies rising or giving rise to more ghulas.  That would mean it's a waste of effort to burn these bodies; beheading them is just a way to be certain they're truly dead."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 304):

"The Crowfoot speaks the truth. Without a gate of
 bone, other ghulae cannot come."

In reply to Razakeel Shadowcloak (msg # 305):

"What remains to be seen, is whether that last one that
fled has departed by such a tactic, or merely gone to seek
to garner reinforcements."

"Then we should drag them out into t'e other room, an clean t'e bones out o' this one, so they be no waitin for us on t'e return."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 307):

"We might also want to see if we can spot the bones these came through and scatter them to prevent more using the same gate.  Seemed like they came out of that doorway."  Mario points with his knife, then gets back to cutting.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 308):

The bones  in this room are easily scattered  in a minute or
so.  Are you dragging the bodies out past the darkened archway, or back to the hole?

Brodak is starting to get sensation back, snd can wiggle his
toes and clench his hands.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 309):

"If we drag 'em back to where we came from, when t'e rubble get cleared someone will drag 'em to a catchment.  But, t'e bodies might draw scavengin beasts in t'e meantime."

Brodak attempts to move what he can...

In reply to Brodak (msg # 311):

"I'm not sure there's anything to be gained dragging them back to the hole as opposed to leaving them here.  I doubt a few scavengers will be a big deal either way, unless they draw something like a slorn."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 312):

"Not much will eat a ghula except for ghasts and
gugs, but they are not native here, I think."

Jareth shrugs.  With nothing more to do for Brodak he finishes mapping this room, and moves over to the exit and looks in the next (to begin mapping it too).

Jocelyn goes over to Brodak and begins to rub his limbs to get the circulation back and see if she can get him moving again.

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 314):

Brodak is finally moving freely.

Ugh...What was that?...feel creepy...

In reply to Brodak (msg # 317):

"Brodak, I think if we see any more of those, you'd be ahead to hunker down behind that shield and let the archers and mages take them down."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 318):

"Mario is right. Hold them back, don't give them any openings."

"Brodak, are you injured?"

Brodak shakes his head... just scratch...

In reply to Brodak (msg # 321):

There is a distant rustling noise, and a faint meeping coming from beyond the intersection.