After chatting with Imbellem a moment to catch our breath, I return to the task at hand. "Adwonus is correct. We need to get to Kelden as soon as possible.

     Adwonus, can you tell me if Kelden's trail leads to that metal door? or to the stairs? I assume the stairs. Whichever way he went we need to follow. I would hope it is the stairs, because there is likely great danger behind that metal door."

     For a moment I continue on this tangent.

     "If Kelden did not go in the metal door, we still need to take a reference of it. It would be a notable location for further study in the future. {i.e. it is the door to a SIDE QUEST!}. I would think the missing gears are hidden amidst the rubble by the door." While I posit this, I stroke my short beard, considering this possibility, like a scientist.

     While I recap speaking with Imbellem I rest against my guisarme while waiting for Adwonus assessment of Kelden's path. "I was glad to chat with you Imbellem a moment, while we rested. We have been together for what feels like weeks, yet we all know little about each other's history, except what details seemed to be directly part of our quests, like Jacqueline and Marcus relation. We will have to talk more in the future. I encourage you to be fair with yourself, these Goblins's were obviously threatening you, you took necessary action, did you not? Them punishing you and your father for resisting their control is no more a crime than escaping death by the hand of your enemy. The guilt inflicted upon you is unjust. The Goblin's were the enemy, and they control you still with their guilt and threat, claiming you are responsible for the pain and wickedness they inflicted upon you and your father. Too often have I seen the innocent tricked into feeling responsible for the guilt of the truly wicked. You see, the malevolent do not feel the remorse that a good person would feel, they are light as a feather, though their sin is rank as the dead rotting in the sun. Remember that, it was a piece of wisdom I heard from a female warrior once, adept with the katana."

     Before we leave the room I consult my available knowledge and studies to give me more insight about the fascinating ancient chamber we had entered. "Anyone have any knowledge of places like this also? I am considering if I ever found such things in my studies." [Private to GM: {I am not sure what knowledges apply, so I thought I would let you do the same thing as before Ryan. Just roll whatever knowledges apply. Please do not show my actual roll bonuses, but feel free to share my knowledge checks with all about this in the next post}]

     Before we walk away, I cannot help but look over from where we are for the glint of other gears among the rubble and look around the room from where I stand to see if there are objects below or above us of interest, like more gears.

     "Before we go ahead, someone should listen at the base of the stairs to find if we are getting close."

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 39):

Trapper looked up at the party. " I don't think he wen't through the door. I suggest we come back to that later."

Lady Jacqueline quietly stepped forward and listened at the base of the stairs, pulling Marcus along with her. She motioned that he try the same, and then reported to the party what she hears.

[Private to DM Ryan: Ryan, can you roll for me? My phone is not working well with rolls.
Spot check.
Listen check.
Knowledge local/history/nobility on anything I hear.
Search check for traps.]

I see the stairs and let out a sigh of relief. "Finally we can start going up! We've been down here long enough. I could really use some open space and some fresh air."

I do my best to hold myself back from running up the stairs and wait for the others to give an all clear. In the meantime I grip my spear firmly with excitement knowing we may be out of here soon.

Mist from the waterfall dampened the walls of the chamber, which were moist to the touch. Green moss grew in patches scattered about the room. This was the only chamber of the Old Kingdom the adventurers had seen with life in it. The presence of water had changed much, bringing both life and destruction; allowing plants to thrive, and yet, slowly eroding and erasing the ancient civilization from history.

The adventurers conversed with one another, feeling themselves bonded by the shared experience of being here. As they touched on their histories and personal ambitions, they felt the ties between each other strengthen. Afterwards Herr Johannes walked beside Jacqueline near the great door, who had been studying it with keen interest. Large, metallic, and operated by strange mechanics lost to the ages, it held an alluring and mysterious power over them, the promise of something unknown.

Search {Herr Johannes; Lady Jacqueline} ~ Herr Johannes took a moment to look for clues around the door but found nothing of interest. However, Jacqueline's eyes were much sharper than his. Beside the door laid a pile of rubble which had fallen from the walls and ceiling, broken away by decades of erosion. She leaned over this and plucked something small and shiny from the rocks. She found a gear! It was the same size and shape as the one already in the door, and, as the adventurers had noted, there were three remaining empty slots for such gears. Wary of touching the door at first, she scanned it for traps of any kind but found none. Convinced it was safe, she took the gear and inserted it into an empty slot on the door; it was a perfect fit. Two empty slots were left. She thought about taking it with her but decided that letting it stay in the door would work just as well – it would be safe there.

Knowledge History {Herr Johannes; Lady Jacqueline} ~ Jacqueline asked Herr Johannes if he knew anything about the Old Kingdom and stuff like this, for she knew little herself. He was able to speak from personal experience, but beyond that, his knowledge was also limited. The Old Kingdom was a mysterious place.

Knowledge Dungeoneering {Imbellem} ~ Imbellem, too, was stumped by the secrets of such a vast and untouched dungeon.

Survival {Adwonus, Natural 20!} ~ Herr Johannes then called over Adwonus and asked if he could see anything in the tracks. Trapper's countenance was serious, for he intent on the mission at hand. Nonetheless, he examined the ground for what could be found; he could see them clearly and they readily confessed their secrets to him. The tracks told a story, which he related to the others. Kelden's party had indeed entered into this chamber from the same hall they did. Apparently, they too were distracted by the door and proceeded to check it out. The tracks revealed they had made a brief attempt to search the area around it, and Adwonus wondered if the gear already present in the door was the fruit of this effort. But they were ultimately unsuccessful and did not finish. Either due to the pertinence of the mission or simply being too difficult, Kelden's party gave up and continued on their route toward the castle, departing by the stairs on the opposite side of the chamber.

If there was any doubt as to which direction Kelden went, that doubt had vanished with this knowledge. It was clear that the stairs were the way forward. Discerning this, Adwonus urged the others to remain focused and continue in this direction with haste. The rest of the adventurers agreed with him and, leaving the great metal door behind, hastened to the base of the stairs.

Spot & Listen {Lady Jacqueline} ~ There was little to see at the base of the steps which ascended into the darkness. And over the noise of the waterfall which poured not far from them, there was little to be heard as well.

But arousing a sense of urgency, the adventurers ascended the stairs, the footsteps reverberating on the cold stone. As they returned to a higher level of the Old Kingdom, the sound of the waterfall faded away and along with it the incongruous humid air. Once again the walls were pristine and unmarred by erosion, characterized by the perfectionism of the ancient engineers. They followed level halls once more, guided by the lanterns installed by rebels.

They had passed by only a few lanterns when they encountered familiar sight – a double door with a large bronze-colored gear etched in the center. Unlike the one they had seen earlier, this door was still on its hinges and had been propped open with rocks. They passed through this. At last, they were now out of the Old Kingdom and back in the ordinary Aqueducts of the City. This was not necessarily a good thing, for so too did the smell of the sewers return. Here, the stonework was eroded and crude and very unlike the older halls below. But on the positive side, it was at least familiar.

The adventurers had passed by several more lanterns when they finally reached the last obstacle on their underground trek. They entered a wide and low chamber with a river of sewer water passing through it. The ceiling was low enough that Mikael could feeling his hair brushing against it. Over this river had been built a crude bridge of wood; there were no railings, but it was simply comprised of numerous planks attached together. It looked like it would have been easy enough to walk across, that is, if it weren't for the grime and puddles of water on top, splashed onto it by the sewer river {Balance Check Needed}. The river itself was seven feet in width, and although it moved fast enough to churn and break the surface, it did not have the force to carry a normal-sized person away. And across from this was a very comforting sight. It was another staircase, but unlike the last one, it was curved and ascending in a spiral, which was very unlike stairs found in the Aqueducts. There could be no doubt that it was a part of castle, perhaps an escape route built long ago and forgotten.

They were close now. So close.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:58, Sat 19 Sept 2015.

Imbellem dryly stated, causing the group to be alarmed. Thinking something was coming, many adventurers began to grab their weapons looking around, trying to locate the source of the Clerics distress. "What what where is it?!" A voice asked. Imbellem walked slowly forward, as if like a zombie passing though the group of confused adventurers, who made way as he walked up to the front of the group. "We meet again, my arch nemesis..." eyes lowered, looking at none other...


"Guys no..." He pleaded, "I hate this. Water is not my friend nor am I its. I dont think I can make it." The room fell silent. Suddenly a surge of energy errupted from Imbellem, "Know what? no, I am a man, And mama didnt raise her no cowards." voice raising in intencity, eyebrows frilling wildly. "I am the Master of my fate. I am the captain of my soul. This-hydrophobia wont stop me this time." he said with puffed chest. "Me first. Im getting this out of the way now." he said, turning to face the board. "You shan't have me this day..." he muttered to... the water.

With a large arching step, he began before across the board before anyone had the chance to stop him tongue extended as most of his mind was full of worry and prayer. An interesting combination. Before he began in his prayer however, he spoke a few simple words to his Lord, ""



>Herr Johnnas' post<

Herr Johannas outburst stopped the cleric, just as his foot was about to set down on the slipper plank of wood. "Oh yeah... The sand thing...." Feeling rather foolish, he retracted his foot. "They were pretty specific about that huh... That's why you're around. Never would have remembered that. Good call." Imbellem said, giving him a thumbs up. "Details are my expertise." Johannes proclaimed boldly with a smile, "As certain specialized combat units say boldly, 'Attention to Detail!' "

[Private to DM Ryan:
Imbellem Tueri rolled 12 Balance check, cross the planks of wood.]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:57, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 44):

Trapper looked at the rickety bridge and the river of filth beneath it. It would be very inconvenient to fall. Regardless, the half-orc stepped and watched imbellum cross, waiting to see if the priest would fall. He came up beside the edge, ready to throw a line if the need arose. He didn't like it here, being beneath the city and away from the glow of the sun. The air was too close and the smell to aged for his liking. There was no life here.

Lady Jacqueline rolled her eyes at Imbellem and smirked. "Lord," she whispered under her breath. "Thank You for favor." Her smirk hardened into concentration as she crossed the bridge.

[Private to DM Ryan: 18:03, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Balance Check.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:04, Mon 21 Sept 2015.

Distracted at first by the low ceiling and the stairs across the river of filth, I do not notice my fellow adventurers moving toward the bridge. A moment later when I notice them preparing to traverse it, after I have begun to examine it from a distance. I exclaim as fast as I can to them (without stepping too close), remembering well my burden and solution to this challenge!

"Wait! Do not cross that bridge yet! We are prepared for this!

I know, because I have been carrying 40 pounds of preparation this whole way, 40 pounds of sand that is! They gave us sand for the bridge, remember!

Whoever goes first ought to slowly pour it in front of them. Only use what we need and we will save the rest in case we encounter a second bridge. They may have overlooked this bridge if there is a much larger bridge coming up or something. There is no reason to make it harder than it needs to be.

Also, in case, we ought to have people stationed like Adwonus down stream, with a line ready to throw into the water to catch anyone who might slip. We can also use my quarterstaff or guisarme as a poll to reach someone, just hook them with the hook end of my guisarme like a piece of meat! (Just kidding) but we can actually use the hook to hook any backpacks floating down stream.

Do not get too close to the, uhh, ...shoreline? yet, either! The last 'bridge' we dealt with like this was not only slick on the bridge, but also the ground leading up to it. It was the same place I was befriended by this here intelligent Psittaciformes (Parrot). Do you remember that bridge Lady Jacqueline? The cursed plank of imbalance?"

{note to ALL:
1. I am now coloring other people's names in my post when I am speaking to them directly or indirectly.
2. I wanted to choose a color for the group as well. Any suggestions? I was thinking Aqua?}

I look to Imbellem with a bit of worry, "Please do us all a favor and don't fall into that wretched water again. I'd rather that smell not give us away once we are out of these sewers."

Imbellem's foot hovered above the plank bridge. Slowly, at Herr Johannes' warning, he retracted it and firmly planted it back on the stone ground. How embarrassing. Herr Johannes had, and just in time, reminded him of the bag of sand they had been carrying all this way. Imbellem laughed awkwardly at his forgetfulness. Standing aside, Herr Johannes moved past him with a smirk at his almost-shenanigans. He pulled out the none-too-light bag of sand from his inventory; cutting open the top with the sharp edge of his guisarme, he poured its contents out, most of it anyway, onto the bridge, though saving a little left for whatever other need might arise.

The sand rippled across the planks of wood and soaked up the grime and water beneath. It looked much safer to cross now.

Herr Johannes permitted Imbellem to have the honor of going first, naturally to preserve his dignity – though not without posting Adwonus as a safety downstream – and he buoyantly stepped up to the challenge. His courage waned slightly when he glanced at the sewer river below, filled with far too many, far, far too many memories of less successful crossings, but, deciding to close his eyes, he took the first step and began walking, and he never stopped.

Literally. Imbellem heard the cries and calls of his companions behind him, but he didn't listen, so determined he was. He kept going and going and it wasn't until he knocked his head into the far wall on the other side that he actually stopped. He opened his eyes and looked behind and saw that he had indeed safely crossed the bridge and was now right next to the ascending staircase. The fact dawned on him he was successful. Instantly, he fell to his knees and prayed, gracious for such a rare blessing.

While he played the drama queen, Lady Jacqueline took her turn and also safely walked to the other side; she was sure-footed, a feat made only more certain by the sand. She stepped beside the kneeling Imbellem and placed a hand on his shoulders. Now they only waited for their companions to do the same.

Jacqueline, to bide the time, looked lazily at the walls around her, which were entirely dark-colored stone, made dingy by the long years of being close to the sewer. The eroded rocks were spotted with patches of fungus and other colorations, the nature of which she decided not to dwell on. It was only while doing this that she noticed something upon the wall, not far from the entrance to the staircase. She walked up to it; it looked like writing, but half of it was covered by a dull-green fungus. She took out her knife and scraped it away until the inscription was fully exposed. And indeed it was writing, a note in the Common tongue that must have been scrawled onto the wall years ago. It read:


How enigmatic. She pondered this, allthewhile hoping not to hear the sound of a splash in the next minute or two.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:48, Tue 22 Sept 2015.

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 49):

Trapper, seeing the others cross, moved back towards the bridge and walked, slightly uneasily across the board.


13:43, Today: Adwonus Swillman rolled 14 using 1d20+2 ((12)).

Imbellem rubbed the now red spot on his forehead from where he collided into the wall and gave Jacqueline a comforted hand atop hers as it rested on his shoulder, giving her a smile as he stood.

"What'd I tell ya." He posed to the group. "Water? Pft. Aint no thing." he said in a cocky tone. Though transparent to the group, it was mostly for himself to congratulate himself. He overcame one of his greatest fears. This was a good day. Aside from the jail break and throat slitting and such...

"Well Dwalin? Do you know how far to the surface? or perhaps how close Kelden is? In either event, we best make haste up these stairs, wouldnt you all agree?" He asked, drawing mace and shield, loosening up his shoulders for swinging and taking impact, just in case something were to meet them atop the stairs. "Lets do this thing, yeah?" he asked excited and slightly nervous as he waited for conformation on what they should do. He was ready to sneak, as well as charge up the stone stairs, mace a-flailing. It was up to them now.

I ponder to myself a moment how I spread sand all across the bridge, yet never actually crossed it? Was the bag in Imbellem's hand? I am not sure, regardless I decide it is time for me to cross while Adwonus still guards downstream.

"Jacqueline, keep an eye on those stairs, peak up them and keep you ear open and ready incase someone comes down them.

Imbellem, easyer than you thought eh?"

I nod to Adwonus before I make my trip across the bridge.

I pray a moment to myself, "I ask Lord that you make my feet like hinds feet in high places..."

[Private to GM: {01:32, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Balance Check, to cross bridge; MQ.}] {Balance Check = NATURAL 20!}

It seems my prayer is, even, over-answered as I glide across the bridge with ease, I could have sprinted without a problem even, I think. I pray quietly to myself, "Thank you Lord for over- answering my prayer."

"Phuw, that was easier than I thought. Alright, Dwalin, Marcus you are next, Adwonus will take up the rear. Once we are all across, I want you all to take a look at something. If you could also check if Kelden's group continued this way, Adwonus, that would be helpful.

Let me see what you found here Jacqueline." I examine the inscription on the wall myself.

"What does everyone make of this?

I believe it is a sort of riddle like hint, sort of like a proverb. Prior to seeing this, I expected this staircase would lead up to the castle, but this really makes me wonder if there is a great many more rooms to walk through, perhaps even if it indicates something about this room. If this is indeed speaking of a room later in this journey to the castle, I would ask if it applies to a room with a sea like water in it, or perhaps it even speaks of a room with an aqueduct or sewer that runs off into the sea.
     Another possibility to consider is if this refers to this room we are in. If there is some sort of lever or hint/inscription or key or gear (for a door) at the end of this particular sewer river, when it dumps into the sea, or right up against this gate. \
     This inscription had to have been made by modern man, because this is in a part of the sewers that did not exist before the Old Kingdom.
     It also could have been left in reference to the passage we just came from, and speaking of entering the Old Kingdom at this particular gate.
     Things like this are always important to take note of for the future, like the bag of sand here for example.

Who is taking notes and who is keeping a map?
Whoever is, needs to write this down and take note of the door with the gears missing in the last room. That door could be important to explore at some point.
     If Alldyde proves to be far out of our league, perhaps some secret of the Old Kingdom will be down there which would contain the power and secrets necessary to defeat him. If nothing else, it would confound him if we led an automaton into the castle from there."

I consider my studies a moment, if this connects in some way to them. "Everyone consider your various expertises and studies in reference to this ...verse?"
I do all relevant knowledge checks on this inscription. Everyone else should also do this. {can you roll the relevant ones Ryan?}

"Alright, is everyone safely across and ready to go up the stairs? Weapons at the ready, shields up, slow and steady, scout and tracker take point. We need to keep doing our best to not be noticed."

When everyone is ready I proceed with them up the stairs. "Scouts first (Jacqueline and Adwonus), I go next, then the heavies. Imbellem should not be last, perhaps second to last. Someone needs to take the rear. Keep it steady and quiet. Let's move out."

Lady Jacqueline nodded and obeyed Herr Johannes, motioning her brother to do the same. She pondered to herself a moment. "Do you think we'll need water? We were given sand, so... I thought water might help. Or salt." She blinked. A few times. "Okay, just a thought. I'll keep thinking."

She pondered to herself. "Hmmm...."

[Private to Herr Johannes: 03:11, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Knowledge Local. About the riddle.
03:10, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge Nobility/Royalty. About the riddle.
03:10, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge Nature. About the riddle.
03:10, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge History. About the riddle.
03:09, Today: Secret Roll: Lady Jacqueline Raynelde rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Decypher Script.]

The river of sewer water moved at a gentle current beneath the plank bridge, though fast enough to break the surface and splash droplets on the near stone. But, thankfully, the bridge itself was now covered in sand and made for great traction with the soles of boots.

Balance {Herr Johannes; Dwalin; Marcus; Mikael; Adwonus} ~ As Herr Johannes took his first step onto the wood, he could hear the grit of sand under his firm footsteps. He smirked, for this was going to be even easier than he thought. Whether it was to display his courage or simply to boast, he decided to do the unexpected – a  cartwheel; with hands over feet, he wheeled over the bridge with dexterous ease. The sudden display of acrobatics stunned his fellow adventurers, and inspired those yet to cross. Marcus, feeling emboldened, made his turn; and although he did no cartwheel nor flip, he nonetheless walked to the other side without any trouble. Dwalin was more hesitant. He gave the bridge wary glances, with a clear concern as to whether or not it would bear his weight. He inched his way across, one foot at a time, and the plank groaned and complained as he did so; but in the end, he too stepped safely onto the other shore. Mikael and Adwonus were the last to cross and did so without any difficulty nor concern, confident in every way.

At last the final obstacle in their underground trek had been beaten, and all that remained was to ascend the staircase and enter the Castle itself. The adventurers huddled at the base of the steps, and, while there, examined the odd inscription that some unknown person had scrawled onto the wall.

Decipher Script {Lady Jacqueline} ~ Lady Jacqueline could discern that it was indeed written in the modern common tongue! But this fact did not astound the others, for they, also, could read!

Knowledge, History {Herr Johannes, Natural 20!; Lady Jacqueline} ~ The short passage did not remind Lady Jacqueline of anything she had learned of in the past, nor Herr Johannes, at least in regard to anything specific. But, from the circumstances Herr Johannes developed a theory. The dungeons of Castle Herrod, which were no doubt just above them, were once often used by the previous Duke. However, their usage ended with the ascension of Duke Steyus, who took to putting all such prisoners, no matter who they were or their status, into the Underground Prison located outside the city, built into the northern cliffs. Perhaps this inscription was a note left by an escaped prisoner from the dungeons, from back when they were in use; but, this was only a theory!

Nonetheless the true meaning of the inscription still remained hidden to them. They supposed, perhaps, its meaning would become clear in due time, from something seen or heard. There was only one way to find out. Their business in the Aqueducts had come to an end. It was time to sally forth.

Keeping close together, the adventurers hustled up the stairs. The stairs were made entirely of stone and ascended in a narrow upward spiral, following a great pillar around which it curved. These were certainly a part of the Castle's foundations. They must've risen fifty feet or so before the staircase came to a sudden halt, stopping them before a solid wall of stone. Initially, the adventurers were overcome with fear that they had taken a foul turn, but Adwonus was not deceived.

Survival: Track {Adwonus} ~ Adwonus placed his hand upon the ground and examined it with his experienced eyes, a hunter's eyes. He related to the others that a large group a men indeed went this way, and their footsteps disappeared beneath the very wall in front of them.

He pushed upon the stone, and lo! with the sound of some unseen mechanism, like a pressure being released, the wall popped from its place and slid into the wall itself; and in front of the adventurers, as it were, was now a gaping entrance into the bowels of the Castle. Inside they could see an old dungeon hall. Cells lined both sides, six in number, not unlike the ones the adventurers had escaped from mere hours ago; though these appeared empty and unused. Spiderwebs crowded the rocky corners, insects being the only inhabitants to be found. Ahead at the end of the hall was the glimpse of a chamber, mostly out of view, and lit by a unseen torch; which revealed this place was not wholly forgotten. Aside from this, the only other illumination was a narrow ray of sunlight, shining through what must be a lone, narrow window in the middle right-hand cell. All was quiet save for the faint crackle and popping of the distant torch.

They were now inside Castle Herrod. The route here proved true. Recognizing the danger afoot, Herr Johannes partly turned to beckon Dwalin to come to the front as their shieldman; but no response came. He turned fully, as did the rest of his companions, and discovered to their utter shock that their dwarven friend was not with them. Without a sound or witness, something had happened: either Dwalin had suddenly learned art of stealth, or, he had vanished by means not of his own doing. They could not decide which was more unlikely. A dwarf had disappeared; nothing like this had ever happened before.

Yet forward awaited their goal. And time was a dire factor.
_{{Dwalin has entered an RQ. Note: Only Dwalin can liberate Dwalin; if the character is successful he'll rejoin the main party of his own accord, wherever they might be!}}


This message was last edited by the GM at 17:39, Sun 27 Sept 2015.

[Private to GM: I realize, this may have been the prison within which Kelden and his fellows (and Lady Elora) were kept within.  This inscription could have been made by him or one of his friends.  Or even by Alldyde when he came to kill them.  This must have been the secret entrance by which he entered! Foul devil, seeking to accidentally kill my cousin.  Too bad for him, my cousin proved to be a greater tactician than he estimated, and all the better for my family.  My family will return to their former glory, the disgrace will be wiped from our name yet!  Today could be a major part of that,]

...we must reach Kelden before it is too late.  God watch over him and protect us.  May we arrive at the right time to the right place.

"Gaa! That is the last thing we need right now! Where could Dwalin have gone to!  This is the time he was waiting for, was it not!?  Combat may draw nigh... Perhaps he took a wrong turn, was he last in the marching order? Imbellem, whisper for him down those stairs in case he is close."  I whisper in a harsh tone, yet in the most quiet way I can while working to hold back my expressing frustration.  "Did anyone hear him trip?  I would send Mikael back for a short distance, but I don't want to lose him as well.  Time is pressing us forward."  "God Help Dwalin to find us again and soon."  I briefly pray.

"If any of you have concerns or thoughts on Dwalin's whereabouts, please express them concisely now.  We have to keep moving forward.

Adwonus should continue tracking in the front.  You know the castle best and you can track Kelden's group.  Do you recognize any of this part of the castle.

Lady Jacqueline be our eyes and scout in the front, always watch for traps.  In an old dungeon I would not be surprised if we found some.

Mikael you are our new front line, you have the best ability to dodge.  If we come under attack, you must move to the front to cover Lady Jacqueline and Adwonus.  Adwonus can dish out the pain, but he cannot dodge like you can.
I will be right behind you there, to back you up with my reach weapon.  I would take point, but I am just not as quiet as Adwonus or Lady Jacqueline.

Imbellem, stay close, any prayers you want to pray before we move out?  {Any longer Buffs you want to cast especially, that is things that last hours as opposed to minutes or rounds}

Marcus, either take the rear or switch with Mikael if you think you can block better than him and want to be near Lady Jacqueline.

If we take fire from the front I want Mikael up there with you and I will back you up, Lady Jacqueline will take range and Adwonus can flank and deal damage while being guarded by the formation.  If you cannot hide or take cover, DO NOT BREAK FORMATION.  The shield wall and formation is your protection. Even without shields, we provide each other cover, remember the crossbows earlier?

     The further we go into the castle, the more likely we are to find people we don't want to run into.  Adwonus and I must be ready to talk down our respective forces if the need arises.
     Stealth is important, but I think speed is more important, since we have the diplomatic option, however avoiding them all together would be fastest."

As I direct individuals for the possibility of combat and their marching order I motion with my hand where I mean.

"Now, as we proceed forth, watch our flanks as we pass through these cells and by corners and hallways, I want Adwonus and Lady Jacqueline to keep point to check for these things first, before we alert anyone with our less practised stealth in the back.  The rest, briefly look them over for goodies and any residents, especially around those corners hard to see.  Lady Jacqueline and Adwonus, check around that corner ahead, with stealth.
     Give us favor and Blessing please, Lord, Abba Father {with reverence} in Jesus name." {Note: Small format normally indicates words spoken quietly, reverently, and/or to myself in my post.}

"Let us proceed forth, in His Name!" I directing the group to begin moving forward, with the marching order specified. I have the rest of us wait until the scouts have gone given us the 'all clear' to move up.

[Private to GM: {To Ryan: I now have access to my steed as being a level 5 paladin.  I was going to definitely make it showy when the time arises to summon him forth.  I was going to make him the steed I rode as a child. That little did I know growing up, unbeknownst to me, but God had ordained that we work together, that he was actually from the celestial plains. That is why I will recognize him when I call 'for a miracle.'}

869 Words, Also, did you want me to let you know how many Words my post is when I check?]
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Mon 28 Sept 2015.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 55):

Trapper scanned the area and looked back. "I don't like that this dwarf has gone missing. We may be hunted. I would have us go back for him, but we can't afford it. We need to get moving into the castle."

Lady Jacqueline quietly searched for traps and kept her eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary. "Maybe that clue means we should follow the water..." she murmured to herself.

Lady Jacqueline quietly searched for traps and kept her eyes and ears open for anything out of the ordinary. "Maybe that clue means we should follow the water..." she murmured to herself.

As the adventures quietly made their way along the corridors and into the secret door, beneath the castle, Imbellem tightened his grip on his shield, and the leather straps on his morningstar. At least they were in the light now...  "Psst" He whispered, leaning over his shoulder, "Dwalin, you should head in front, you're like an iron wall with the arm of a cannon, we need up there." Silence was all the he got in response.

"Dwalin?" Imbellem turned looking down the line of his friends, left to right, up for some reason, and finally down toward his own feet. The dwarf was gone.

"Woah woah woah" Said the cleric, waving his hands and taking a few steps back in disbelief, surprised and confused, "How did we lose 300 plus pounds of flatulence, muscle and other loud sounds? we need to find him!" Darting by the side of the steps looking down a hand grabbed his shoulder. "Theres no time," they said, "Perhaps he found a shortcut. Dwarves are built like stockades, he'll be okay." Imbellem struggled for a moment... It had only been within a minute. How could you lose a dwarf so quietly? If he was grabbed or fell, he would have made a sound. It was uncharacteristic of him to be silent... Something must have happened.

"What if we're being followed and someone picked him off? I dont want to stand in the back of the line anymore, someone swap with me... and keep an eye in the back of the group for all of us..." Imbellem kept glancing into the stairwell they just came up from, hoping to see a breathless dwarf hobble up behind them, or perhaps and upcoming attack... Either way, Nothing would make the cleric happier than to go back and find him, but time was not on their side... He couldnt do it alone. Dwalin would be okay, Kept in the priests thoughts and prayers...

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 55):

"Im sorry Johannes, The blessings I have been given are not suited for events not out of combat, or healing, perhaps detecting the poisons and magical influences in a beings blood or surrounding area... The Lords gifts are better for during combat. My apologies."

Marcus nodded to Johannes. "I'll keep the rear, make sure that if there is someone responsible for our dwarven friend, that the same doesn't happen to us." He took up the rear guard, drawing his sword. He walked sidelong, off-hand on the shoulder of the person in front of him to keep himself from running into them while his eyes were elsewhere as well as to keep them aware of his presence, or lack thereof, if it came to that. The tip of his sword was pointed behind the party, for safety as well as being quite fortunately aimed in the direction of any would-be stalkers. "Ready when you are."

I look to Johannes and nod in agreement to his thoughts. I stay closely behind Marcus and Jacqueline keeping an eye out for any danger. Gripping my spear in both hands as I walk, ready to take the front if any foes appear. "I don't like the dwarf missing while we are underground like this, what could have happened?" Pausing on that thought for a moment, "So you think we're almost there? We have been down here for quite long enough."

A mouse scurried across the hall from the nearest dungeon cell and headed towards the opposite confinement, making a few squeaks as it did so. It followed the cracks in the stone block floor, just as a wagon or wanderer would traverse the valleys of a mountain range. It then noticed it was being observed, and not far from the band of adventurers; with a loud squeak of fright, it hastened its pace and finished the journey across in a frantic dash. The mouse vanished behind an edge, but an occasional squeak or shifted grain of stone could still be heard.

The adventurers wish they heard more than this. Their dwarf was gone, and the fact that such a large and noticeable person – and much louder than a mouse – could vanish; it unsettled them. Something had happened to Dwalin, and the ignorance of what was more worrisome than anything else.

But they were here for a purpose, to save the City of Herrod from a dire fate, and time was of the essence – Dwalin knows this too. Although leaving a companion behind went against the very nature of their being, there was no choice except to have faith, faith that Dwalin was capable and strong enough to conquer this trial, whatever it might be, on his own. After all, he might; he was a dwarf; and dwarves are notoriously stubborn. Nonetheless they held their faith close, and prayed he had merely stopped for a bathroom break.

Persevering, they pressed forward.

There were six cells in this dungeon wing, each enclosed by a locked set of iron bars. It was obvious they hadn't been used in a long time. Cobwebs crowded their corners and draped the bars and walls; cots were in each of them, but all had become rotted, and several had already collapsed in a heap. Surprisingly, however, the air was fresh here, lightly scented with the salty ocean. They saw how this was possible as they passed the middle of the hall, where on their right hand side within a cell was a small, barred window through which they could catch a glimpse of the Tigryn Sea; it was a lucky prisoner who got this cell, having the only window.

They continued to the end of the hall until they reached a stone, square room. They immediately recoiled as they turned the corner; and they felt the vitality drain from their faces. There were eight bodies of slain men strewn across the floor, from a very, very recent battle. The sight was unexpected.

Shivers jolted like lightning through the adventurers. And like thunder, the unspoken thought arose between them, 'Was this Kelden's party!?' Frantic and uncertain, the adventurers hastily set to identifying the slain. A number of them had had their equipment and clothes stripped away, which made identification all the more difficult. But from appearances, five of the fallen might have been Castle Guards while another three were Rebels, no doubt of Kelden's party. To their relief, Kelden was not among them. The adventurers didn't recognize any of the fallen rebels, save for one, and it was Imbellem who did so – lying still upon the ground was Grao, the orc. There was a sword in his chest. Imbellem went livid.

The remnants of battle before them were terrible, but they did not lose sight of being aware of their surroundings; in fact, the miasma enhanced this. The room itself was not very large. At the farthest corner was a short, ascending stair leading to a wooden door with iron bands. And at another corner, nestled between the perpendicular walls, was a table, surrounded by a number of barrels to serve as seats. A deck of playing cards had been scattered in a great mess over everything. And two candles laid fallen on the table; they were still burning.

Heal {Imbellem} ~ As they concluded taking in their surroundings, Imbellem gave a sudden cry of delight. He had placed his fingers upon the neck of Grao and now gazed at his companions with the widest grin. "He's alive!"




This message was last edited by the GM at 17:03, Thu 01 Oct 2015.