Waves rocked the boat as it sailed across the Bay of Andor. From here, the adventurers could gaze upon the city in a way they never could before, basked in the light of dawn. This was a moment of peace.


This message was last edited by the GM at 16:41, Tue 25 Aug 2015.

The adventurers chatted in the small skiff as they rode their way to the destination. By design, the hyrophobic cleric sat as close to mast that he could so he could grab it 'just in case' as well as near Zin and Mikael. Surely they could save him if they were to capsize... Or Imbellem ticked off the wrong person and was tossed overboard...

The "crew" traveled, told stories, asked questions, trying make light of this small respite, the nervous cleric cracked every joke he could manage, all while clutching his small wooden cross.

The point was dangled before him about possibly going to meet Styus. If the group were to split apart, Imbellem wanted to go with the elves and orc, just so he could meet the man, and learn as much as he could. Also being one of the most unbias at the moment, he stood the best chance of being told as much as possible from the current Duke.

Either way, when they hit land, the fighting may have started already... So beneith his jokes and nervousness, he shared worry for its people and the town. No more people needed to die for this stupid squabble... Another reason he needed to meet the Duke, just so he could have a solid idea on what was actually happening, and stand on the side of right... until then, he panicked on the tiny boat over the dark blue water... It would have been lovely to the others he was sure, but this cleric was more a fan of solid footing as opposed to the thought of drowning.

Marcuss sits quietly next to his sister on the boat, contemplating everything that has happened recently. It seemed to him that his usual demeanor had been wipedclleanly away , and he was uncertain if it would ever truly return. He idly touched the small scar on his jaw he had received the last time he had been on a boat.

Jacqueline peeked at Marcus out of the corner of her eye, and gently presses a fist into his shoulder. "Pffft. First time in a while?" she asked, and smirked.

Sunlight reflected off the waves rolling into the bay, creating streaks of blinding white that appeared and disappeared at random. Ahead the Castle of Herrod drew near. Its stone towers watched over the city in silence, even as plumes of smoke rose in the distance. Violence had begun. Several of the adventurers recalled the last time they'd been in the Castle, namely Herr Johannes, Dwalin, and Jacqueline; this is where their adventure began.

As they sailed closer to the northern edge of the bay, Herr Johannes took out Biff's Map, something that had been in his possession for a long time now. There was a marking near the top below the Castle that had always been a mystery to him, for there was no letter nor inscription to be found that would indicate its purpose – aside from a circle and three small dashes. But now he had an idea of what it meant.

He showed the location to Buddy who then brought the ship closer to the cliffs. There wasn't any harbor or place to dock along this part of the bay; instead there was only a rugged cliffside. This was a natural defense for the City of Herrod. Any enemy invaders from sea would have no choice but to enter through the Bay of Andor, like entering the jaws of a great beast. Though, it had been a long time since Herrod had endured such a thing.

As Buddy sailed the schooner along cliffside, the adventurers spotted something – a large, stone tunnel about five feet in diameter. Water poured from it in a small stream. It was a sewer! "This must be it," spoke Johannes. Buddy brought the ship beside the tunnel. The adventurers helped steady it with their hands and weapons against the rocky cliffside to keep it from smashing into the earthen wall. Imbellem was the first to leap from the boat into the tunnel, breathing a deep sigh of relief. The others began to follow suit. Immediately, they noticed not far down the tunnel was a closed, metal door along the side; it looked recently installed compared to the musty stonework.

"Buddy, will you be coming with us?" Mikael asked. "Heh – nope," he replied from the helm. The adventurers were somewhat dismayed at his response. He continued, "I thank you all for your help back in that prison - that was a tough pinch to get out of – and now I've done what I can to pay you back. But I've got no interest in risking my neck further, or going up against Alldyde. Besides, I got my own score to settle. I need to have a little chat with a 'friend' of mine." "Are you certain? This is important, and will decide the fate of the city," Johannes said, trying to persuade him. "Honestly I don't really care about that," he replied. "But I wish you luck all the same." "So be it," Johannes stated. "It was good meeting you, and we will count you among our friends."

Pyrra had also remained in the boat. She spoke, "Buddy, can you take me to the Inner Wall? I must get to the City Guard and tell them to not engage the rebels, no matter what. If the violence becomes any worse, there will be no end to it, and Alldyde will have his victory." "Sure thing. It's on my way," Buddy replied. Pyrra glanced at the others, "Zinvaris come with me. It won't be easy getting to the guardhouse and I'll need your help." "On it," he replied. He hopped back into the boat.

"What about Steyus?" said Adwonus, standing next to her. "If we try to get to the Castle overland, we won't make it," she ardently stated. "By the time we land and get through the gatehouses, Delcor will be there by then – with certainty – and it will be too late. That's why you have to stay with these people. Zinvaris and I can handle this, but you need to pursue the rebels and be there when the time comes. Steyus will listen to you, not them." "Ok," replied Adwonus, convinced of what must be done. "Will you be alright? The streets are full of rebels right now." "I'll be fine," she answered. "Just be safe, ok?"

She touched his hand. Then, she kissed him.

They parted, and Adwonus stepped from the boat into the tunnel. Imbellem, eyes wide and cheeks red, glanced between Adwonus and Pyrra repeatedly, enough to cause a kink in his neck. The adventurers then watched as Buddy sailed away along the cliffside accompanied by Pyrra and Zinvaris. After a few minutes, they were out of view. The adventurers were on their own now.


[Private to Lady Jacqueline Raynelde: You could hear Buddy muttering the name "Lox" as he sailed away.]

Imbellem stood silent as his friends walked passed him, seemingly unphased by the turn of events, leaving him standing with mouth agape, head still darting back and forth.

"Uh-b-whu-" Coherent sentences escaped the cleric. Nobody spoke. "Oh come on! You're all just going to glaze past that?? WHAT JUST HAPPENED!? WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT THIS!" "Yes, we are glazing past it, and no, we dont need to talk about it." Stated Adwonus as he passed the cleric, not even turning his head in response.

"What, Jealous?" Mikeal jokingly darted at Imbellem. "YES" He boldly stated without a moments hesitation. Picking up his gear, he quickly hastened to the trapper, "Hey! buddy! friend! pal! wait up!" He said, clumsily trying to catch up to him, "Teach me your ways! I want one!" One what? a voice asked from within the group, "A lovely elfish woman of course! how did he pull it off? I simply must know how a man with the conversational skill of a burnt piece of wood picked up that lovely piece of-"

A harsh thump was heard though the calm air and echoed as they were near the tunnel. "Ok yeah, too far," said imbellem, voice muffled by the firm grip on his nose as Adwonus had quickly jabbed at the inquisitive cleric's nose.



Humor. The way of this cleric as he worked though the nervousness of things to come... surely people would die, and he couldnt help all of them. At the time, it was best not to think about his failures that had not yet come to pass. Things could be okay for the group as well as the locals of the city... Maybe.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Sat 29 Aug 2015.

In reply to Imbellem Tueri (msg # 6):

A cool breeze rolled off the currents accompanied by the gentle roar of the harbor waves and the stench of the sea. The air was electric and the sky shone clear. The half orc stood and watched as the she elf and the others departed. A part of him worried for her now, it'd been a long while since he had personally cared for someone, now the fear of losing that began to wrap it's fingers on his heart. To fight this, he foccused on the present. In front of him stood the only resource he had left besides himself. Although their past had been shaky, the half-orc knew he would need them. Trapper stood still, mind clear. He focused in wards, and breifly addressed the group. "Allright, we all know what's at stake here. This means no fucking up. Iv'e seen all yall fight, and I now yer none to shabby, but we gotta be smarter than that for what's comin'. I'll get us to the castle, appeal to Steyus. But when we get there, You all gotta trust me to speak. These are my people. I know you may not agree with Steyus, but unless ya got real intel, keep yer mouth's shut and let me do the talkin'," his eyes directly landed on Johannas and Marcus before continuing. "We gotta remember what the real problem is, then we can deal with our personal garbarage after or go our seperate ways. I need us workin' together, the street's won't be safe, and we're stronger in numbers. I'll watch yer backs if ya watch mine."

{I am going to attempt to speak in 'old' english in my speech in this post.}

 After our conversation in the boat, I am glad to reach shore. It was a tad tense. I turn to speak to buddy before proceeding forth. "I Thank thee for the ride Buddy. I am glad we could be there to preserve thy life, and I appreciate thu coming back for us as you quoth. I respect a man of honor. I pray we see thee again. Doest thou plan to come back this way after thy business with thy friend is complete, in the event we be in need of passage on thy return journey? If not, Godspeed my friend, and keep safe in this providential, yet foreboding day."

I turn after Buddy's response just in time to observe the she-elf lay a kiss upon the half orc. I find myself confused for a moment thinking to myself, 'Did she not just seem to show affection for her other elven friend, Zin?' I do not dwell on it howerer, brushing the thought to the side. It is of little consequence I suppose, aside from Imbellem's great reaction and any effect it may have on Adwonus.

I address Adwonus, "I would say there is none here better suited to addressing Steyus than thyself Adwonus, that I do not contest. To remind thee of what I quoth only moments ago," now speaking to all present, "we all agree on this, that the threat of Alldyde must be stopped and in order to do that we must remain united and leave the internal political affairs of the lordship of Herrod to be decided later. We must focus on the task at hand. The situation will be volatile, between Steyus men and Kelden's men. We must do what we can to explain to them the truth that they must not fight, lest they all perish. We must get the information primarily to the leaders, Kelden and Steyus, then the men will listen to them. We must avoid conflict with all but the pirates, especially until we find the leaders. Adwonus, I will caution thee, after the conflict I know not yet how we would keep other from resume fighting. I would pray we could find a solution apart from violence. There must be some sort of trust between us for after the conflict as well, so that we may wholly focus upon the true threat of Alldyde. Can we trust thee in this? I would that we avoid fighting between thee and our group.

and I agree, I will watch your back. Let us all work together, we have already fought side by side, let us do it again this day.

Let us avoid other people as much as possible until we find the leaders. We can attemp to stop them, but they might not listen."

"Be on your guard men, move into position for this door. If it is as I understand it, we should be let in the door in peace..." After conversation and everyone is in position, I walk forth with my weapon in hand and knock sharply on the door 3 times. If there is no answer I try opening the door slowly.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:15, Fri 04 Sept 2015.

Marcus watched his mentor's back as they sailed away, realizing they hadn't exchanged a single word. It looked like he hadn't aged a day, so perhaps he didn't recognize the man Marcus had grown into. With a deep breath he swallowed his pride, and called out. "Zinvaris!" He held out both hands toward him, hands clenched, then brought them together, right over left with wrists crossing. It was a gesture he had been taught during his training, a sign of respect. He had no clue where it came from, he assumed the sell-sword had learned it on one of his many travels to other countries, but the only one who had to recognize is was his old teacher.

With that, and without comment, he turned back to his companions. "I have no intention of speaking with anyone other than Alldyde, if it can be avoided." He answered, to Adwonus. From there he let them lead the way with his hand ever resting near the hilt of his blade.

Jacqueline folded her arms and shifted her weight. "What's the plan of attack?" Knowing better than to comment on the boys' talk, she sighed slowly. This was getting intense.

Marcus stood at the entrance of the tunnel; the waves of the sea collided against the cliffside beneath his feet. As Buddy's ship sailed farther down the coast of the bay, he made a nigh forgotten gesture toward it in the hope his old teacher would see. He saw. Leaning by the railing near the rear of the ship, Zinvaris made the reply, the same movement with palms upward. The ship then disappeared around the bend. Although Marcus regretted not speaking to his teacher, he was contented by this. It meant he was remembered. He joined the other adventurers.

Gathering their courage for the difficult task ahead of them, they proceeded down the sewer tunnel and stopped before the metal door. The curved stonework around them was old and covered with grime, but the metal door alone stood without rust or sign of age. It had been recently installed, perhaps only in the past few months.

Herr Johannes, remembering the riddle of Biff's Map, knew what to do. He knocked three times. The sound of footsteps could be faintly heard on the other side, followed by a loud metallic screech. Some was turning a wheel-handle on the opposite side of the door. It swung open. The adventurers entered inside and found themselves in a square stone room of the Aqueducts. The chamber had been outfitted as an outpost. Several cots lined the right wall, and stores of food and goods lined the left. Lanterns had been installed on the ceiling and sides. It was clear that this outpost had been operating for some time.

In the center of the room stood two men donned in leather armor and carrying swords. When they saw the adventurers, they immediately jolted with surprise. It was apparent they were not expecting any more people.

"Are they on our side? Are they for the cause?" exclaimed one. "I don't know. I don't recognize them," replied the other. "But they knew the knock!" "Could've been luck!" "Quick, get them!" They charged with swords drawn.

"STAND DOWN IN THE NAME OF KELDEN AND STEYUS! WE COME WITH URGENT NEWS! IDENTIFY YOURSELVES LEST YOU DIE A MEANINGLESS DEATH!" I quickly shout, hoping to avoid bloodshed, and unconcerned with the volume of my voice. The waves easily camouflage the volume of my speech and the battle. "I am here in the name of Kelden, and this half-orc is here in the name of Steyus, if you ignore us all the city may be lost this day to the guile pirates. You must let us pass, lest our leaders perish in a secret coup lead by the pirates! Identify yourselves now or be faced with a force you cannot defeat! Stand down and let us explain. Let us talk!"
{Anyone remember my conversation about running passwords and challenges in a patrol base line, this is the time for these. I dont recall us being given one, but in the modern military this would immediately resolve the problem. My modern military training is quite useful for this B)}

"Everyone! DO NOT ATTACK! SUBDUE THEM ONLY IF THEY DONT STOP!"
{Orders/Advice:
Take total defense or help to trip them, grapple them, or otherwise stop them. Trip only if you have a weapon that can trip with no AoO. We want to talk them down if possible, but do not just stand there. take total defense at least. Only grapple/trip if you can do it without risking an AoO or hurting them with lethal damage.}
[Private to Dwalin Grayhammer: {DWALIN: do not forget to do a knowledge adventure on them}]

I stand ready for an assault, in order to avoid bloodshed I attempt to trip one of them, seeking for them to yield. (Unless they stand down)...CRITICAL on TRIP
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:
{16:19, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 27 (NATURAL 20!) using 1d20+7.  AR, melee touch on Guard closest; MQ.
16:20, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Strength Check, trip attack on guard 1; MQ.}]

I also keep on the look out as well as I can with them before me for any reinforcements or others behind them who would shut the door.
{Spot: rolled in response by Dm if necessary -see new policy for spot and listen
Ryan- we need to actually make a mechanics post about that if we have not yet. I still was hoping to discuss it a bit though before putting it into law so to speak. Especially the part about knowledge checks. I am mentioning this especially because of Isaac's presence again.}
I also (as well as I can) use my ears for the same purpose.
{Listen: rolled in response by Dm if necessary -see new policy for spot and listen}

I consider how powerful opponents these are and the equipment they are wearing.
{Examine check- for equipment, auto success? or do i need a spot/search?}
[Private to DM Ryan; Dwalin Grayhammer; Imbellem Tueri; Lady Jacqueline Raynelde; Mikael Vaeltaja:{16:13, Today: Secret Roll: Herr Johannes rolled 4 using 1d20+3. Knowledge (Adventure), 2 door guards; MQ.}]
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This message was last edited by the player at 05:02, Sat 05 Sept 2015.

Imbellem lowered his head, pressing on his forehead with thumb and index finger, rubbing intensely only to swiftly whip out his arms toward the guards, "Oh COME on!" He shouted, exasperated. "We literally went though this this morning with some of you other goobers! How else would we know to come here, as well as the knock if we were not on your side??" Hearing Johannes' shout orders to not attack, imbellem drew his shield with a huff. and braced for impact in case the over-zealous guards did not listen to reason. "We dont have time for this! The city is at stake here you idiots!" His mood suddenly shifted, "Although... they are doing their job and seeing as how things are with the city right now, i dont blame them for being on high alarm... and as for the idiot thing-" Imbellem peered over his shield and looked at the men, "Sorry about that! I understand the stress right now but we are friends! We will not attack!"

As he shouted, he braced his legs in as strong a pose as possible to deflect any attacks, maximizing his chance to deflect any blows that my come his way.

Imbellem Tueri rolled 19 Diplomacy check, reason with guards.
Imbellem Tueri rolled 8 Knowledge local, guards.
Imbellem Tueri rolled NAT 20 Sense motive, guards. Attack, or listen to our truth

[Private to DM Ryan: Imbellem Tueri rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Sense motive, guards. Attack, or listen to our truth]
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Sat 05 Sept 2015.