Imbellem quickly removed his fingers from the massive orcs neck and tossed his shield and weapon aside, quickly removing his cloak and rolling up his sleeves as best he could, pulling his hair aside to get a good look. It was indeed Grao, the friend he made in the midst of hand to hand combat earlier, his Chain Shirt was testimant to his victory.

Beginning to sweat, the cleric opened and closed his hands into fists repeadedly, eyes darting at the the sword, the location it pierced, the loss of blood... it was not good. Now on his knees next to the hulking orc who lie unconcious, imbellem looked up quickly, "I cant do both, we need to remove the sword and then quickly apply pressure to the wound. As of now, the sword is acting as a cork, keeping most of the blood in him... If i were to pull it out, it could be an almost literal guizer of blood..." Imbellem looked down, "I dont know what this blade hit. I need someone to help me either pull out the sword, or quickly press on the wound. Adwonus, would you be willing? Please, this guy is a friend of mine... and you sort of owe me one... or two..." He said with a smirk. Once again hiding behind humor as his true emotions ran wild in his head.

"One of us grab the sword and pull it straight out, no wiggling... And the other apply pressure on the wound. Easy peasy yeah?" He said in a rather convincing tone. Though it was unclear as to who he was trying to convince... the others or himself...

Imbellem took a moment to himself to pray for the wellbeing of his wounded friend as time was running thin...



While the events transpired, Imbellem took close note of the sword in the chest of his friend. What type it was, any markings, most likely a guards sword... But maybe it was a pirate sword? Rebel? It never hurts to make sure there was no trap or fake comrade who now could pose a threat among kelden and the rest of his men

[Should our attempt to stabilize fail, I cast Cure Light Wounds (Imbellem Tueri rolled 8 using Cure light wounds, Grao) in place of Guidance to return our large green friend to the land of the living]
This message was last edited by the player at 16:25, Thu 01 Oct 2015.

Channel 3 Chat, 1;4;IV

Plus additional post, at the end of this chat post.

     {Imbellem's eyes dart left right up and down} "Okay seriously? How do we lose a dwarf? They're loud super heavy and strong. Why did he we hear nothing? Quick can we or a few of us dart back to find him, maybe he... tripped? Maybe we're being followed and picked off by elite in stealth... either way we lost a heavy hitting axe just now and I'm freaking out."

     "We need to keep moving. The dwarf is either slain or perhaps found a secret passage."

     "Neither of which he would keep quiet or to himself."

     "Dying is real quiet
if done proper."

     {*resists the urge to comment*}

     "Well, I'll take your word on it, I'm less versed in it, but knowing him he would be harder to take down than a fully alarmed bull moose.
     {raises an eyebrow at Marcus and redirects his attention to Adwonus again} Should we try to find him? Ive grown rather fond of the little fellow. Even though hes like 100 years older than me AT LEAST... Is nobody else worried about this?... What if we start getting picked off by like. Ninjas."

     "It pains me to say so, but  we simply do not have time to spare. We've already been slowed up by having to track their party, and searching for a lost dwarf in an old sewer is a really good way to lose a lot of time. If he's dead, we won't be any help to him. If he's not, then with any luck he can get himself out. We've got a mission, and I intend to stay on task. We will just have to keep an eye behind us, in case. Otherwise, our goal is unchanged."

     "Oh dear.. I dont like being picked off or keeping secrets. Especially Dwalin. We need a heavy shielded frontman, and now we have one shield- Mine. And its rubbish, so I am in no condition to lead the helm... that little stinker better not be dead."

     "Yes, normally I would say no man gets left behind. I still believe this, but I also believe he is fine and will catch up soon. I have an intuition there is nothing we can do for him either, that only he can get himself out of where ever he has gotten himself to."

Chat is above, below is additional conversation part of my post:

     Then again on second thought, it is not that far up the stairs, we probably ought to quick send a runner or a pair down the stairs to check it out. It is not that far, and then we could be better sure. Even with this intuition, I wish to honor my values and creeds. They have a purpose, they were lessons learned in blood. For Dwalin's sake and the fallen's sake, I will hold fast my convictions and do this. It is on my honor. To a knight, his honor, is as good as his life.

     At this moment our scouts discovered the wounded and dead in just the next room, and our attention is pulled in multiple directions, wounded in need of immediate treatment ahead and the disappearance of our comrade behind. {The chat of this conversation is found immediately in the next post: Channel 3- 1;4;V}
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:31, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Channel 3 Chat:
1;4;V

Plus additional post, at the end of this chat post.

     "How in the world could someone stab this monster... and how is he alive... Adwonus! Help me get this sword out! Please he's a personal friend! I gotta stop the bleeding!"

     "You think you can save him?"

     "I sure hope so.. I can't do it myself though... The sword is still in. Its acting like a cork, holding some of the blood in... I need extra hands. I don't think I can do it myself.
{cant**}
     The next question arises... What do we do when we stabilize him?... Hopefully we can make him conscious and he can come along... I wouldn't wanna leave an unconscious man lying in a room strewn with bodies.."

     "I can help but I fear we must move as soon as we can."

     "Deal. We need to be fast for this anyway. Thank you for the assistance... but now we've got to hope we don't accidentally make it worse..."

Chat is above, below is additional conversation part of my post, mixed with the chat, situating and giving the chat reference:

     "Don't remove that sword unless you are going to pray, it is likely the only think keeping the blood in him! Then again, you do have surgeon's hands. Do what you think is best, you are the medical professional here."

     As Imbellem goes to work and Adwonus has helped him, I ask Adwonus about his findings from tracking, seeing these men from what I would think is Kelden's party.

     "Adwonus, When we were tracking Kelden's group, could you tell aproximately how many men there were? 10? 25? 50? More? Less?"

     "Minus these 3... hopefully soon to be 2."

     "You got this Imbellem, wait even better, God has got this, we are here as his instruments doing His will and seeing it come to pass. Grao is going to make it!
     Have we checked any of the others? Perhaps they live as well?!"

I begin to look at the other men here, "Adwonus, and anyone else skilled in combat live saving techniques, the ways of healers, help me check these other men if them live!"

{20:47, Today: [Private to GM: Secret] Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 20 [Private to GM: using 1d20+2].  Heal Check, check condition of casualties; MQ.}

     "I think this ork and his life are worth the delay, not only for his life now, but also for the greater goal. He would likely aid us in our quest to find Kelden and Steyus after we revive him. He looks like a strong one, hopefully he is also a well practiced fighter." I instinctively go to ask Dwalin, and the realize I must check and I must ask Dwalin later.
     {The orc may be worth a cure light wounds, or a spontaneous cure light. Depending on how many you have and what happens when you level up, that is if all your spells are immediately restored. How close are you to leveling on that note?}

     "I'm praying Just in case we mess up, don't worry, he'll be okay.
Oh yeah. This guy is definatly worth it. Aside from being a friend, he is quite the fighter. We could use his arm in future fights... especially with the strange disappearance of Dwalin..."

     Imbellem prays, and I take a moment to agree with him in seeking the Lord's assistance, in seeking the Lord's guidance, in seeking the Lord's mercy, in seeking the Lord's hand.

     "...in Jesus name, Amen." I repeat after Imbellem's prayer.
     "I recognize now that Grao is not the only one in need of assistance here." I place my hand on Imbellem's shoulder and speak quietly to Imbellem, [Private to Imbellem Tueri: while I look directly into Imbellem's eyes, being a direct emissary of what I feel ישוע (Christ) is telling me, not that I try to pressure this onto Imbellem, but merely that I deliver what I interpret the message to be. I imagine this is similar to certain other miracles, perhaps like 'aid' or 'owl's wisdom,' as a certain insight of Imbellem's need becomes clear as the sun burning away fog on an early fall morning.] "You never need to apologize for asking for help from God to save a life. Preserving life is our job. God is our God and He knows we have nothing apart from Him. He is our source of everything. As Jesus did at the Well, so the Father delights to give to us, brother. I release this guilt from you brother."

     "I know... Makes you feel guilty sometimes, only asking for favors. I havent had much time to simply sit and Speak with him... Personal thoughts, I'm sure He understands. But its like only talking to your parents when you want something from them you know?

     "Yes, sounds like you feel obligated, like you have a burden you can never repay.
Salvation was so expensive, He had to give it to us, no one could ever purchase it. {Pauses}
     -Ponder this, What else do I have to offer to Him, than my need. Just like the greatest miracle, my admission of my need for salvation and my acceptance of His gift. It is my nature to have needs and His nature to give. And He gives, that we not have to feel the weight of debt on our conscience any longer. Now we have a new, better covenant, that our conscience may be free from guilt, because of Christ. I pray this does not strike you as a rebuke, but rather a gentile guidance, or offer even, brother."

     {Smirk} "Anyone who doesn't accept guidance from their peers is a fool. Thank you for your insight... I suppose your biblical upbringing was less... Harsh than mine. Its comforting to hear differing opinions on the matter."

     "This was not solely from my upbringing, but from life experience and from those that saved my life, certain members of my Paladin Order. I learned that true leaders do not force things like this on those in their charge, they offer them as a line of hope to those caught in the mire. They are concerned more with the well being of their men, than the performance of their men. Results and performance are important, but consideration for my men as people, as valuable, comes first. Though I may not be your senior officer in an official sense, I still feel a desire to lead and serve from my experience."

I begin quickly directing people [Private to GM: upon my reminder from my own words of my gifts- gifts to lead]

    "On that note, Mikael, I need you to go back quickly and check the stairs, do it safely as well, see if you can see what happened to Dwalin by the bottom of the stairs, watch out for cave in's. Watch out for traps, enemies, and collapsed passages. If you cannot find him by the bottom of the stairs, look out the doorway and then return. We need to do this for Dwalin, even if it reveals nothing. Take Marcus with you if you think it necessary."

     Lady Jacqueline, check that forward stairway for traps and listen, look, and smell for anyone up the stairs or approaching.

     Adwonus, when you are through checking these fallen here with me for if they still live, prepare to continue forward tracking. Help me check the room breifly while we wait for the others to check for Dwalin, it shouldnot take longer than the time Imbellem needs for Grao. We would not want to miss a key on one of these here.

     Lets move with expedition people!"

     I continue to check the fallen until I am finished, if I find any alive I immediately let Imbellem know and may pray or do a heal check on them dependently. If I find none alive, I search them and the surrounding area for keys, or other items.

*I pick up the candles which fell over on the table, taking a moment to examine how long it looks like they have been burning and how close they were to setting the table on fire. However, before I touch them, I motion Adwonus over. I set the candles down before we leave in a way that they will NOT set this place on fire.*

     "Adwonus, can you tell how long these have been tipped over, how long they have been burning? Thought your tracking skills might extend to this."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

In reply to Herr Johannes (msg # 65):

"Wait!" Imbellem shouted, extending a pre-bloodied arm out and turning quickly before mikael darted toward the stairs. The cleric looked up at Johannes. "Mikael can't go alone. Marcus or Jacqueline needs to go with him so he can safely run back if something bad is found I think... like pirates. two versus who knows how many is bad news. Bring them, if enemies are the cause of the dwarfs disappearance, up to us to be harshly dealt with. Even the odds."


The cleric waited for Adwanus, this needed to be quick. Grumbling a few words of encourgement, the priest cracked his neck and prepared to apply pressure after the sword was drawn from the chest of his friend, fingers wriggling in preparation...
This message was last edited by the player at 03:08, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Jacqueline did as she was told and searched for traps.

In reply to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde (msg # 67):

Trapper scanned the area, using his tracking abilities to determine what had happened when.

12:01, Today: Adwonus Swillman rolled 22 using 1d20+9 ((13)).

Sweat trickled from the brow of Imbellem as he crouched over the unconscious body of Grao. Adwonus knelt close beside him. Together, they gave their full concentration to the task at hand, which did not allow for the slightest mistake.

It was shocking to see Grao like this. Before, he was the picture of health and strength. The orc possessed a well-muscled and hulking body, and was nearly seven feet in height; even unconscious, his visage did not fail to appear fiercesome; although appearances can be deceiving, for as several members of the party knew, Grao was actually a really nice guy. His green skin, which once resembled the shade of a summer leaf, had become pale and dull, as though autumn had come. Tusks protruded from the two corners of his mouth, slightly prying it apart and allowing him to breath gently; so gently that it hardly looked like he was breathing at all. It was small wonder that Kelden's group had left him behind; for by all accounts, he appeared dead to the untrained eye. Only a more experienced healer, like Imbellem, would have caught such an oversight.

Search {Jacqueline} ~ While Imbellem, aided by Adwonus, focused intently on their surgery, Lady Jacqueline positioned herself by the stairs which continued upward into the Castle. Jacqueline's eyes followed the stone steps up to the banded, wooden door about ten feet above, but she didn't see anything, traps or otherwise, that would give rise to caution.

Heal {Herr Johannes} ~ Meanwhile, Herr Johannes went from body to body, checking for any other survivors, but did not find any. It was perhaps by Grao's constitution alone that the orc was able to survive this long. Johannes marveled at the orcen resilience {Johannes estimated Grao's Health at -6, with a 56 hp total... and a -14 hp death limit.}.

Search {Herr Johannes} ~ He then sought for items. Many of the bodies had already been visibly searched and looted; and he could not help but notice how thorough Kelden was in this regard, a characteristic which reminded him of someone else! -a family trait perhaps! Nonetheless, he did find a selection of things left behind, probably due to haste:



To his dismay, there weren't any keys. Kelden would not likely have missed such a thing. But there were a number of things left on the nearby table:



As Johannes concluded his tally of items to be found, Imbellem and Adwonus reached the pinnacle moment in their work. Slowly, with as much care as they could muster, they slid the sword out from Grao's chest.

Heal {Imbellem; Adwonus} ~ And then they made a mistake. As the sword came out, the motionless orc began bleeding again. Panic surged through them. Hastily, Imbellem started praying, for there was no time to lose, and he needed a miracle; but to his horror, the feeling of power he usually felt, faltered; it waned and fell apart, crumbling at the seams {Spell: Guidance (Level 0) cannot sustain spontaneous Cure Light Wounds (Level 1); Spell Failure! - Spell: Guidance (Level 0) used up}. And Grao's bleeding did not stop. Now, things were tense. Grao, their friend, was about to die.

[Private to Herr Johannes: It's perfectly fine to give directions outside of combat, but just note it's still important that the player carries it out themselves; for remember, Game Orders per se are specifically an in-combat thing. Sometimes I'll have them do something if it's very commonsense, but I want to give as much opportunity as possible for people to do their own thing.]
[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Level 0 spells can't be used to sustain a spontaneous Level 1 spell; only by sacrificing a Level 1 spell could a spontaneous Level 1 spell be casted. Otherwise, it results in Spell Failure!]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:48, Sat 03 Oct 2015.

Much to his surprise and dismay, blood began to flow from Grao's chest, Imbellem froze, this had never happened before... What seemed like minutes was in reality only a few seconds and he quickly pressed down on the wound. He raked thought his mind as to why his prayer didnt work... Perhaps he mispoke? Perhaps God was angry with him? No... That was not the case. Simple panicked thoughts rattled what he meant to say, and actions he meant to take. He would not give up. The Priest tried again, pressing down on the gushing wound and lowering his head in prayer... sweat dripped from his nose and chin, and though his prayer was in his head, his lips moved at a blinding speed just to keep up.

[Private to DM Ryan: "Abba father, I come before you yet again with head bowed with a request. My friend is injured, and as it is stated in your living word, 'come to me all who are weary, all who are sick and injured'. Though he can not come on his own, I come on his behalf. Let this man live. Help his wound to not be his demise, allow me to speak to him of you once he has been healed, as I know my request has met your ears, and perhaps he will turn to you, if he has not already. You are the master surgeon, I am merely your tools. Allow our attempt to help him succeed, if our mortal hands fail us, I ask you place your hand on the wound, calming the bleeding, easing the pain, and removing the shadow of death from him... I ask much of you, I know, I am sorry and will speak to you on less requestive terms as death of others no longer looms above my head. I thank you for your blood, and blessings you have given us. In your holy and ever lasting name, amen."
Using cure light wounds for 11hp in place ENDURE ELEMENTS (ugh). ]

Imbellem Tueri rolled 15 Heal Grao, stabilize

As though desperation had strengthened his resolve, Imbellem muttered prayers old and new at a blazing speed, his voice scarcely above a whisper. And for a minute, he even thought he had uttered things never heard before; which was strange. But then again, the world works in strange ways, for at that moment, Grao opened his eyes. The orc breathed in a deep and lively breath, and the air itself seemed to rejuvenate the color of his skin. His eyes glanced everywhere in a hurried attempt to take in the world, in addition to the simple and surprising fact that he was, very much, alive.

In reply to DM Ryan (msg # 71):

Trapper, seeing the priest weave his prayer, rushed to the orc, placing his hands on the wound to apply pressure, hopefully buying time before the prayer took.

15:27, Today: Adwonus Swillman rolled 24 using 1d20+7 ((17)).

{*Note: All my actions and words are not intentionally loud. I talk in a harsh whisper here if it would normally appear I am yelling. This is just Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for me in stealth operations like this.}

     I size up Grao's (1) combat abilities and (2) combat effectiveness in his current condition.
     [Private to GM: {(1) 17:44, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Knowledge (Adventure), Grao; MQ.
(2) Ryan: Do I need to roll a check for this?}]

     I also (3) examine his equipment, if he has any. I look at what he is wearing or has on his person.
     [Private to GM: {(3) Examine Check}]

     I also consider any relevant Knowledge I have to Grao from my other studies: [Private to GM: Ryan: I was just doing what I asked before, if that is ok? From what I know, none of these might apply, so it thought I would just ask you with ones are relevant. {Knowledge (Arcana +1, Religion +4, Nobility Royalty +1, History +1)}]

     "Mikael! Marcus! What are you doing?  I needed you to quick check for Dwalin!  He could be in trouble and need our help!  Have you just been standing there? Life hangs in the balance, Dwalin's life could be hanging in the balance!  We are going to have to move out very shortly here.  Go NOW and look!  Do it before we have to move out!"
{Not trying to be mean here guys, but I realized (1) My character would never just move on without checking on Dwalin, it is part of my code or credos 'never leave a man behind...', so I realized even with Ryan's tip to us of his condition, I still cannot move on without role playing this, (2) It might actually still reveal knowledge to us about his whereabouts.  (3) If your character really just stood there at a time like this, I would react like this. Just role playing here guys, but I do still want you to go look.}

     At this time I realize Grao is alive and I speak to him with fervour, exuberant that he lives!
     "Grao! You are alive! Thank God the Almighty, Who rescues us from death!
     In case you did not remember, we are fellow supporters of Kelden's cause, or pursuers of peace in Adwonus' and Marcus' case. Regardless we are here as friends and are here to fight the pirates. We have urgent news that we must get to Kelden as soon as possible. His life and those with him, the whole revolution itself even, may be in jeopardy and we must inform him of the information we have. I understand you have taken some serious hits, and it is not my place to force you to go further, but your help would be greatly appreciated. The actions you take today, could have lasting consequences upon all this city, its people and even the surrounding kingdoms. What you choose to do today could make the difference. You have already given much. I will not force you to go further with us, but I invite you to take place in the battle which awaits us ahead. I tell you because you decided it worthwhile to choose to join Kelden's cause. If those convictions still reside within you, you are welcome to join us. We could use the additional arm, especially with the battle we may have ahead of us.
     I hear tell that Orcs' long for battle. Perhaps it is merely a false rumor, but I also hear their skill in combat is to be feared, is it true?" *{I offer my hand to help him stand and motion for others to help me, since I hold in my other hand the sword I found in this room. If he stands, I offer him the sword (if he has no equipment).}

Chapter 1; Part 4; Channel 3: Chat VI; Grao is Alive!
{
     {To Imbellem:} "That was close eh? Grao, you feeling better?" {Imbellem, was that a cure moderate?}

     "Oh, more good news all, I found equipment Grao can use." {I display the long sword and small shield} "Does he still have any of his equipment?"

     "Too close... let's all make a group decision to not get stabbed eh?" {It was the light wounds. I got like 6 more}

     "Welcome back to the land of the living Grao.  Kinda embarrassing for you to see me here huh. Ya know. After our little scuffle earlier." {cocky grin}

     "Did you find anything about Kelden's party and what happened, from your tracking skills Adwonus?"}

Jacqueline knelt down next to Grao and gripped his shoulder. "Can you remember everything...?" She glances around carefully, keeping an eye out for anything out of the ordinary.

"You've got to stop picking fights with people my friend," Imbellem said in a playful yet condisending mannor. "It never really ends well for you does it. Can you walk?" He asked as he grabbed the garments of a dead guard to wipe the blood off his hands "My apologies sir, Requiescant in pace"

"Grao, What happened here? Please tell us what you remember... We seem to have misplaced one of our own and are growing more worried about his wellbeing... especially after finding you like this" said Imbellem, looking at the wound on the green flesh.

[Private to DM Ryan; Herr Johannes; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Marcus Larlben: Imbellem leaned in to whisper to Grao, who was still gathering his wits, "The orc with us, Adwanus, works with Styus. It seems our paths cross however, and we find ourselves on common ground. Now it seems you owe me two favors. Please do not attack him, or speak outwardly ill against him or Steyus. We dont want fights among friends, of which I consider him to be. Will you do this for me?"]

"Mikael! Marcus! Whats going on? Any traps or large dwarf to report?" he shouted to the two men at the far side of the room "Hang here a second, ill take a peek, Direct your questions to myself or Johannes here," pointing out the paladin, the cleric stands and walks toward the steps, looking over the edge, keeping a keen ear out, as well as eye for movement from those apart from his party. He also looked for the small glimmer of metal, or rope. Any sort of trap mechanic to be aware of, should they need to run back

[Private to DM Ryan:
Imbellem Tueri rolled 6 Survival, track Keldens group, what direction did they go, and how many?
Imbellem Tueri rolled 10 Spot check, traps ]

{Imbellem offers his services to Johannes to carry the smaller objects. Plus he always wanted to learn how to play poker and had an eye on the deck of cards...}
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

Marcus seemed unperturbed by the calls. "I said once already: I will watch our flank. I also told you that I will not spare a moment to check for the dwarf. We have prciois little time, and we seem to be hellbent on getting distracted by everything." he looked over the wounded orc. "Worthy distractions though they be."

I take Johannes' words to heart and realize I have been too distracted by everything else around us. Where IS that dwarf? I think to my self while walking a  few paces out try to see any signs of him.

After returning back to the group I take a moment to look over the things scattered across the ground. "What's this?" Kneeling down I pick up the note and my head turns slightly while I open it. "This is elvish!" I read the note to myself before telling the others what it says.

Torchlight illuminated the room, gently crackling as it burned its oily fuel. Two candles, and slightest ray of daylight from the dungeons, aided it, brightening the gray lower chamber of Castle Herrod with a myriad of warm color. But this warmth was contrasted by the battlefield therein, a scene of slain men which chilled any thought of being comfortable. From being once a member of this this scene, Grao awakened.

Grao wore only brown trousers, held up by a wide belt, along with a pair of hide boots on his giant feet; his muscular green chest was fully exposed, though it was not clear whether this was simply his preference. Blinking his eyes as consciousness returned, he accepted Herr Johannes' hand and lifted himself onto his feet. Although he was a towering seven feet high, he was visibly weak; but exhibited an inspiring inner strength to hold himself upright. He spoke; his voice was deep and full, but had a diction that evidenced he was raised among humans, "Well, I didn't 'spect to see your faces here. After you missed the boat, thought that was it for knowing you; thought you might'a run off. Lucky for me you didn't, an' were only late. My thanks."

Herr Johannes related the situation in reply, beckoning Grao to aid the adventurers in the task at hand. Grao nodded resolutely to show he heard, and answered, "Urgent news to get to Kelden? Count me in. I'm not gonna fool you fellers – I'm hurt – I prolly won't be much help like this. But I came here ready to die if it called for it, an' I ain't leaving while my pals are still here neither. So my minds made up. Even if you guys didn't come along an' I woke up, I'd still be going up through those halls, by myself if I had to." This answer pleased Johannes, in more ways than one.

Imbellem then conversed and asked questions of him. Grao was pleased to see Imbellem again, and there was no doubt his fond opinion of him was even fonder now; from this point on, they were friends for life. He spoke jovially, "This little guy! First you do me in at wrestling, an' next thing I know your saving my life. You're a big man for being so little – an' I mean that in the good sense. But, yea; Kelden and us had come up through the tunnels, prolly just like you did, and into here. This old dungeon was supposed to be abandoned we thought, a safe spot; but it turned out some guards were using it as a break room. So here we walk in past the corner, an' hell! there's five guards just sittin' there! There were eight of us then, so we outnumbered 'em; but they took down a couple of us still – poor fellers. An' me, took a sword straight through an' thought I was gone. Kelden prolly did too; I don't blame him for thinkin' so. Can't imagine that was long ago now, or I'd be a dead man."

Survival: Track {Adwonus; Imbellem} ~ As Grao related his tale, Adwonus examined the room and nodded as he did so to Grao's telling; that's pretty much what happened. There were a number of tracks going up and down the stairs, made messy by the traffic of guards and rebels alike; but the most recent was a bunch of footprints going up. They were on the right trail. Imbellem stepped beside Adwonus and also tried his hand at tracking. He concluded something like a unicorn came this way. Adwonus snickered.

Heal {Adwonus} ~ Adwonus then helped Grao touch up some of his wounds. The next time the orc rested, he would feel a little better the following morning.

Knowledge Adventure {Herr Johannes} ~ Johannes noted from Grao's physique that he was no doubt a fighter of moderate difficulty; but beyond that, he couldn't pick up on the orc's skillset. Perhaps he might see it for himself at some point.

Meanwhile, Mikael and Imbellem had gone back through the cells and taken a brief look at the spiral staircase which led back to the Aqueducts. They only walked a few steps down, but there was no sound of the dwarf's heavy, familiar steps; only a faint hum from the sewer river some distance below echoed up the curved passage. Where could that dwarf be? The thought haunted them. Not seeing what else they could do, they returned to the group.

Grao did not have any weapons of his own, having likely been salvaged by Kelden's party. Seeing this, Johannes gave him a newfound longsword and shield; the orc accepted them. He smiled and wielded them with adept hands. Few things gave an orc more joy than the thrill of battle, and battle there would be. They were ready to advance.


The adventurers ascended the stairs and departed the dungeon. They entered a long, wide hall which was much nicer in appearance than the previous dusty chambers. It was well-lit by torches and extended to two intersections at both ends. However, Grao directed them instead to a door opposite them. "This door over here is supposed to be a servant's stair. Should take us up to the next level." He gripped the knob and turned – but the knob didn't budge! "Dammit all," grunted Grao. He tried again but to no avail. "Kelden and the others have locked an' barred it from the other side. Guess they didn't want guards seein' their dead an' following 'em." He frowned, a countenance enhanced by his tusks. "We might need to find another way up..."


[Private to Mikael Vaeltaja: Mikael took a look at the note. It was definitely written in some kind of Elvish, but to Mikael's dismay, it was not Galian! Some of the characters were similiar to Galian, or at least related, but their meaning was not readily apparent to him. If he had to take a guess, it was probably Estraen. Interesting...]

[Private to Imbellem Tueri: Spot is not used to find Traps; that's a function of the Search skill. However, your search skill is low enough that even a high roll wouldn't find most traps! Better leave that to Jacqueline. The same goes for Tracking. In fact, without the track feat, you couldn't track on stone floors 'at all'.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:36, Tue 06 Oct 2015.

Imbellem stood in silence as the group sat in thought. Standing next to Grao, Imbellem looked like a child, standing roughly two feet shorter and a surplus of pounds lighter. He knew this, looking Grao up and down as he noticed his entire body as smaller than the entirety of his one leg. He looked down, feeling slightly desmasculated... Making a silent promise to himself to start working out a little more. When Grao looked down at the PERFECTLY AVERAGE SIZED cleric flexing, he stiffled a laugh.

Imbellem cleared his throat. and suddenly, his eyes widened and he slowly turned his head tilting up toward the massive orc. "So Grao... Scale of one to ten, how are you feeling? Do you think with the help of our strongest, perhaps Johannes or the other orc, Adwanus you two could pair up and kick down this barred door? Ive seen what you can do to people... Think you could do that to a door?" Imbellem then looked to Adwonus, who he knew had a strong sword arm, "What do you say? would you pair up with him and attempt to take out the door? We have nothing to lose. The rest of us could stay and guard your backs, or check the corners? Up to you, but you may agree, this is the most direct approach."

"There are six other options," The cleric posed to Johannes, pointing both directions as well as looking at the doors, "This would be the quickest route. Besides, we have no idea which way to go... Though castles have a basic architecture that im sure wouldnt be hard to navigate... Being in a few castles myself, I have a slight idea... But if anyone has any other knowledge of the building or alternate routes, please speak up." Looking back up at Grao again, he planly asked. "Just how strong are you anyhow? Do you think you and another could break it down? The rest of us could cover your backs."

Looking over to Mikael, who mentioned the elfish letter earlier he asked, "Miakel, Can you read it? Is it in your language? [Private to Mikael Vaeltaja: he whispered as he walked by the elf, "If it has any important information about Kelden, dont speak it aloud. Adwonus doesnt need to know if its important to our cause, do you understand? make something up if you have to"] "Marcus, Jacqueline, could you swiftly check the two other doors to make sure they are either locked or unlocked. We dont need to be jumped at this close a range right now... you seem to be the fastest... a suggestion of course, but perhaps peer through the crack and see if there is anything important within them? if not, lock them if you can... or break the handle or something if youre sure its of no help. Ill watch your back, Jacqueline if you decide to."

While he spoke, he listened intently to his surroundings, listening for any scuffling feet, clatter of weapons on armor... as well as sounds of battle from above. Perhaps the sound could help them. He also studied Grao and his phyical health. Wondering if he was up to to the task or not... Orcs are stubborn. Surely he wouldnt want to miss a chance to kick in a door.

{suggesting Grao and Adwanus, or Johannes team up and attempt to break down the stair door to save time}

Imbellem Tueri rolled 9 Survival, Track others who may have had the same block as us, which way did they go?
Imbellem Tueri rolled 24 Heal check Grao, health status.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 18 Knowledge local, most likely path to upper levels. (aside from the stairwell)
This message was last edited by the player at 02:39, Sat 10 Oct 2015.

A look of disappointment comes over my face as I lower my hand with the note. "Ah shoot, this note is in Estraen. I mean who even still uses this dead language anyways?" I look over to Imbellem, "Heh, Imbellem can you read it? By now Clerics are probably using it for all of they're healing terms." I flash the note to Imbellem just in case he happens to know the language from his travels as a doctor.

A look of surprise comes across my face hearing Jacqueline might be able to read the mysterious note. I walk up next to her and hand her the note. As I out stretch my hand I say, "Alright, is it something useful or is it just someones market list?"
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Thu 08 Oct 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 81)Trapper looked to Johnnas, "We can try to move the door, but I don't think it'll budge..."

Invigorated by Grao's response, I feel compelled to speak forth a glimpse of my heavenly vision, my calling as one may say. To communicate a small fascite of the glory I have been gifted with viewing of the greater glory of my Heavenly Father. "You sound as one after my own heart. I am honored to stand with you in battle this day and I will see to it that it is not your last day to stand in battle, to die in battle for your brothers is noble, yet to fight and live to fight by their side in this life is nobler still. I would that I stay on this side of the veil, in the land of the living that I may continue to aid the cause of God see his will be done. I wanted there to be no doubt, that if you serve with me, I will not ask you to throw your life away. I seek not an honorable death, but an honorable life. I SEEK VICTORY! I CLAIM VICTORY! WE HAVE THE VICTORY!"

[Private to GM: Journal entry to myself: This ork demonstrates the characteristics of honor, loyalty, duty, and selfless service. I would guess he is a lawful good and his purity of heart inspires me to greater acts of purpose and righteousness, indeed, quite refreshing.]

I am glad we can confirm that all the tracking we have been undertaking is as we suspected, and we were not somehow tracking another party mistakenly.

"Imbellem, feel free to take all the items that are light (everything that is not the sword and shield. You can split up the items and gold accordingly. We do not want to forget them." {Make sure to specify what you grab}
to ALL: {We can do it right now, in an in person quest I would push it off to the end to be more equal, and because it is not the time to do it while questing. However, due to the nature of our method of posting (being we have ample time between posts) we ought to split it up now, lest we forget. When in person, putting it off to the end of the quest, means hours, and at most 1 week. In this method of Forum, it could mean weeks or months. Thus, not only do we have more time to do tasks like this between posts, it behooves us to do it right away, lest the items become forever forgotten, or forever misplaced, or never divided properly.
     Remember all, you must pick up your items in your post. If you do not the remain on the ground and likely someone will be assigned to pick them up for general inventory purpose. You need a battle buddy to do it for you if you are unable to post, else we need to appoint 1 person to always take care of that, like a quartermaster. Have one person in charge of gear, another cartography, another history of posts, another in charge of the treasury (gold and experience points) etc.}

{I would think we would want to post it like this:
Inventory Post 1:
Grao: Longsword x 1, from beneath the body of a fallen Guard.
      Small Shield x1, stashed beneath the table.
Herr Johannes: Pouch of Tobacco x 2.
               Candles x 2;
Mikael: A Note, written in some form of Elven! From the body of an Elven Rebel.
Imbellem: Deck of Playing Cards x 1
Money: 12 gold pieces, 20 silver pieces, 37 copper pieces;
Split Evenly (among 5 people): 2 gold pieces + 4 silver pieces + 7 copper pieces with 2 gp and 2 cp left over (to the general party fund). Someone will have to carry Dwalin's share for now...
I pick up any items so one else takes at this time (that is the coins mainly this time).
Always specify who picks up what, and how many the gold is split amongst. Double check your math on the gold. Always have a last safety line specifying that you pick up any pieces not picked up by absent or busy characters, to save for them later. }
This message was last edited by the player at 03:51, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

     "I am curious about our choices as well.  If we break down the door, guards, and other worse enemies (servants of Alldyde) would then have a straight shot to Kelden.  Then again, I suppose Adwonus would be able to talk to the guards, so they have a much lower chance of being a threat or an adversary, but they still might cause us trouble, or at least delay.  I keep forgetting that we have that option with Adwonus, that the guards will not necessarily choose to fight us or cause a problem."  I consider to myself a moment, until I see Lady Jacqueline nearby.
     "WAIT! I am amazed I did not think of this before. We could have Lady Jacqueline pick the lock and then lock it behind us! Aha! The helpfulness of a skilled rogue, especially in a city such of this should not be underestimated! As much as I would like to explore every inch of this castle out of curiosity sake, I agree that we should take the most direct route to Kelden.
     I will cover you Lady Jacqueline, while you pick the lock. Keep your ears and eyes perked for anyone coming.
     Mikeal, you keep an eye out as well while she works!
     Imbellem, I wonder if we should pray for Grao more before we move on?" {Did you use a cure moderate wounds on him?}
     {Since we play in a free world environment, no longer is the castle conveniently filled with clear solutions to problems or precious loot or shimmering quest items, no longer do peasants decide the safest place for all their coin, copper necklace and healing potion is a barrel on the side of the street lol. Thus we must think what we would actually do in this situation, as opposed to what would I do in a game in this situation.}
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

"You guys, I could just pick the lock." Jacqueline studied the note carefully. "My dad was Red Jack... a kind of Jack-of-all-trades, if you will. Pun somewhat intended." [Rolled an 18 on reading and understanding the note.] The lady then folds the note carefully in her sleeve while she pulled out her picks neatly tucked into her hair. When they were drawn, her hair flowed elegantly around her shoulders. "When I was little, I was exposed to many a transaction which required knowing about the different languages within the different Isles.... So.. Which lock would you like picked?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

To Lady Jacqueline:
     "Excellent, let us know about the note. The door we need picked is the barred door across the hall.
     Oh, and oil those hinges before we open the door, I will let you use some of my oil!"
I draw an oil from my pouch to oil the hinges.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:56, Sun 11 Oct 2015.

Distant voices from around the corner of the east intersection caused the adventurers to freeze. Tensely, their eyes fixated on that end of the hall, wondering whether or not they would soon be interrupted. But then to their relief, the voices faded; it sounded as though two servants of the Castle had passed by through a near hall. The adventurers released an anxious breath. Honestly, they did not know what would happen if servants or guards came their way.

Feeling confident they were alone for the moment, they turned their attention back to the barred door. Imbellem asked Grao if he felt fit for the task of breaking it down. Grao looked at the door for a moment in pensive thought and answered, "Prolly not. Not if it's both barred an' locked anyway. Feels like there be something stacked against the other side."

Heal {Imbellem} ~ And Grao was still quite injured; Near Death {5 hp}, as Imbellem discerned. The orc continually strove to maintain a dignified and strong appearance, but this was merely a guise. In reality, his internal wounds were taking a serious toll.

Such determination was inspiring to Herr Johannes who felt compelled to praise it. With enthusiasm, Grao replied, "You would make a fine orc, friend. There is great honor in battle. Greatest honor in victory! 'All for the horde!' the elders would say. Though I have not an orcen horde now, I have a new horde. This City is my horde. Though I'm not sure if a human of your land understands this meaning for orckind."

Although there was still question as to whether or not to break down the door, Herr Johannes nonetheless took oil from his backpack and oiled the hinges, in the offchance they could find a way to open it.

Knowledge: Local {Imbellem} ~ There was a series of main chambers to the Castle's throne room which went from the front gate to there. This most people knew, for it was entered by all the nobility during the grand balls; but, no doubt this route was covered by Castle Guards. Most Castles however had many passages leading to the different levels. This stairs couldn't be the only one.

While they were discussing their next move, Mikael had been examining an interesting find – a note written in Estraen, a language he could not read! When Jacqueline offered to try reading it, he looked at her incredulously. How could this native of Herrod possibly know such an old and unused elven language? She smirked slyly and professed only a basic knowledge. With an eyebrow raised, he gave her the note, seeing as no harm could come of it.

Language: Estraen {Lady Jacqueline} ~ But Mikael's face then became as red as an apple when she read it, in nigh perfect Estraen no less. In the beautiful elvish language, rolling her tongue accordingly, she read it in the original wording; and then translated it for the others:



Jacqueline concluded reading the note, which gave the adventurers much to ponder. As they contemplated these affairs of distant lands and people they knew not, they heard a sound. The sound brought their attention back to where they were. Behind them, from behind the unexplored door along the southern wall, a noise echoed through it – rustling and footsteps! And there was no time to hide!

The adventurers readied their weapons, and felt their bodies become tense. Something was definitely coming. The knob turned. With a sudden swing, the door burst open, and what the adventurers saw come through sent shivers of fear through their being – it was a ghost dwarf! Its whole body pale-white, the specter entered the hall with a terrifying axe in one hand and a barrel under the other arm. The adventurers were on the verge of attacking it, but then the ghost did the oddest thing – it coughed. A cloud of dust drifted off its face and chest. Suddenly, it struck the adventurers that this was no ghost at all – it was Dwalin! And he was covered head to toe in dust and cobwebs. It looked like he took a wrong turn at Albuquerque.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:29, Sun 11 Oct 2015.