26 Eleint
Location: Bryn Shander

Dalgura, Ellie and Morgrim bid farewell to the companions they befriended on the caravan up from Luskan and elect to remain in Bryn Shander. The yeti attack yesterday at the gates, seemingly orchestrated by a woman wearing a crown of elk antlers, followed by the warehouse fire last night, in addition to what appears to be a sustained protection racket run by some Luskan tough going by the name of 'Slim' and rumors of a gang of wererats running through Ten Towns...all of this is enough to keep these three adventurers' interests for the time being.

During their previous conversation with Mithann, the priestess suggested the party meet with Dunavan, to help secure the silver weapons that Aarun, her Harper contact, is supposed to pick up tonight and/or to meet with the hunter Algonell, whom Mithann says has been accosted by Luskan thugs outside Bryn Shander.

Dunavan can be found at his remaining warehouse, the other having been burned out just last night. Algonell is staying at Geldenstag's Rest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:03, Wed 15 Feb 2017.

Morgrim suggested the group begin with Dunavan and see how the rest of the morning progressed. "Hopefully we'll have time aplenty to meet with the both of them," he commented as he led the way through Bryn Shander's chilly streets.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 2):

"That is sound advice dear brother but we do need to make arrangements for lodging also.  We hadn't planned on staying longer than one day so that needs to be changed and we'll need one or two rooms at that."

"Lodging-smodging," Morgrim replies merrily. "There's no shortage of inns and its still morning. We can sort out beds after lunch."

Ellie grinned a bit. She had a feeling she would have a lot of fun deciding who of the two siblings she felt like siding with at what points, they seemed so likely to bicker at one another on the smallest of things; all playful of course she knew, and Ellie had a chance to get in on it.

"Morgrim is right; I had a horrid enough of a night as it was, I'd rather not plan for the next one. Let's pay our condolences to Dunavan."

Dal knew when she was out voted, not that it ALWAYS stopped her from carrying on her argument but this time she backed down...a little bit.

"Alright.  It is a good thing to do and we have to do it sometime anyway.  BUT, big brother, almighty clan head, if we only get one bed rest assured that it will NOT be your body who will be in it."

Dal had a big grin on her face as she said it and gave Ellie a wink.  "Now lets find Dunavan before our collective stomachs start to rumble for food."

The party sets out towards Dunavan's warehouses, just northeast of Market Square. One of his warehouses burned to the ground overnight, so finding it is of little consequence. The second of his buildings, this one still intact, is located just across the street from the charred ruins of the first. Dunavan, a middle-aged man of considerable girth and less than spectacular grooming habits, is found in a small adjoining office.

Dunavan looks up from his desk as the door rattles open, the party spilling in from the cold exterior. The man's face is lined in worry, the source of his troubles not too difficult to guess.

He studies the adventurers for a few moments, perhaps trying to remember if any of them were among his clientel coming forward looking to recoup on losses incurred overnight. Judging this not to be the case, he offers a greeting:

"Well met. Dunavan at your service. What can I do for you?"

"Actually, Mr. Dunavan, sir, we're rather wondering what we might be able to do for you," Morgrim explained. "I had a word with the priestess who tends the shrine of Amaunator this morning, and it sounds like you're in a hard way. Are you still looking for someone to watch over your wares today?"

Dunavan's tenseness visibly subsides as Morgrim's declares the reason behind their visit.

"Indeed! I am!" he says.

He continues, "Frankly, I am concerned for Aarun. I was not successful in contacting Aaarun yesterday after the caravan arrived and, well, you saw what became of my other warehouse. I can ill afford another loss like last night, special cargo or not."

Dunavan says he will pay the adventurers 50 gold pieces if they agree to stand guard over his warehouse tonight, when he hopes Aarun will arrive to accept the crates of silvered weapons.

"What time would you have need of us?" Morgrim inquired, exchanging a look of concern with the others over the apparent disappearance of Aarun. "And where would we seek out Aarun if we had a mind to do so ourselves?"

Dunavan suggests he needs help after the sun sets and he is skeptical anyone would attack his warehouse in broad daylight. He goes on to say he normally communicates with Aarun through an intermediary, a seamstress by the name of Terestia who dwells near Northlook. He provides directions to Terestia's workshop, should the adventurers wish to follow the lead.

"We may just do that," Morgrim replies. "We will meet you back here before sundown, unless my friends have anything further to discuss?" he asked, eyeing Dalgura and Ellie.

Ellie bowed respectfully, shaking her head in response to Morgrim's query.

"Good. We shall see you shortly, Dunavan," Morgrim announced. He offered his hand to the merchant and then turned back out into the cold. "Lets follow up with this seamstress first. We'll check with the huntsman after."

Ellie nodded; "I agree. We have such a good rapport with cloth merchants after all."

Dal didn't have any more questions so she just shook her head when Morgrim asked.  She bowed her head to the merchant and then followed Morgrim and Elle to the Seamstress.  After they had left Dunavan.  "Hmmm.  Perhaps she has something that we could buy from her.  It always helps to loosen the tongue and get information if one buys products or is generous with their purse."

Following their meeting with Dunavan, the party makes their way through town toward Terestia's worshop. A short walk later the trio arrives upon a small wooden building with a slate tile roof. A handpainted sign over the lintel reads: Terestia the Laundress and Seamstress.

A plume of dark smoke rises from the central flue and the area smells richly of detergent. Within the workshop, a friz-haired woman with an angry scar from ear to chin is busy stirring some clothing in a large vat of steaming water. She looks up from her task and to the adventurers' arms, perhaps expecting to see a bundle of laundry or clothing to be mended.

The tools of her trade litter the workshop in addition to a few racks of items to be mended and and or cleaned.

"Morning! Be right with you..." She ceases stirring the vat and continues by exchanging greetings with the adventurers and making a zealous pitch for her services, "...cleanest clean you'll get in all Ten Towns and fine stitches for finer britches!"

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 17):

"That's good to know since we'll be in Bryn Shander a bit longer.  Before I leave I wouldn't mind seeing some of your work if you happen to have anything around.  My brother has a birthday coming up and it would be good to see him in something besides what he always wears."  Dal pointed towards Morgrim when she said her brother and grinned.  She'd let him do his speechifying since he was good at it.  She could give speeches but hers were more religious oriented or "picking on Grim" oriented than finding out more information.

Ellie dips respectfully to the seamstress; "Like Dalgura here, I'm also curious. However, I do believe in honesty so I must say that your skill and talent as a seamstress is not why we visit; we believe we have a mutual friend, a Harper by the name of Aarun. Dunavan sent us your way, we were hoping to check in on Aarun to make sure that he was safe."

Morgrim smiled and nodded in kind before turning somewhat more sober and serious. "Aye. Mithann and Dunavan both fear for his safety. He has not checked in as expected."

Terestia's face grows concerned upon hearing the true cause for the adventurers' visit. Tossing a tunic back in the steaming vat she responds, "Indeed. I too am concerned. He was to take shelter here last night, but he never came."

The woman claims Aarun had been using her workshop as a base of operations to watch those coming and going out of the Northlook, just across the street. "He hasn't come back for his stuff and I haven't seen him in three days."

"Might we look over his effects?" Morgrim inquired. "Perhaps we can piece it together?"

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 22):

Dal gave Morgrim a quick look and rolled her eyes.  "His effects" were words that her order used when they didn't want to refer to the stuff from dead bodies.

"Might we have permission to go and look through what is there.  It might give a clue to what is going on."

Terestia nods in agreement to the dwarves' request and shows them to a ladder leading up to the loft above her workshop.

The loft is cluttered with supplies but tidy nonetheless. A bedroll and a large backpack are situated along the side of the loft nearest the street. Terestia suggests these belong to Aaarun. "He used the window over there," she says gesturing toward a nearby small vent window, "to watch the street." She suggests she isn't sure what, or who he might have been looking for, but he spent quite a bit of time engaged in this activity. Looking through the vent offers a great view of the Northlook.

Aarun's pack consists largely of travelers supplies in addition to a small briefcase filled with various dyes, fake mustaches, wigs, etc.

OOC: Explorer's Pack and a disguise kit.

Morgrim looks over the contents of the pack briefly, and then turns his attention to the room at large. If only Aarun had left a note, or a journal, or something...

Searching. 22:58, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

Morgrim sifts through Aarun's pack and finding nothing, sets it aside before turning his attention elsewhere. The loft is jam-packed with Terestia's belongings and nothing obvious leaps out at the dwarf as not belonging. Looking back at the disguise kit, which is now lying just beside the pack, Morgrim notices what looks like a folded bit of parchment between two of its compartments.

Drawing the parchment free of the compartment and unfolding it, the following short note is are written in the common tongue of Thorass:

Aarun

Problems have arisen. Please meet me
at the Northlook to discuss. Soonest.

                              Mithann

This message was last edited by the GM at 07:16, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

Dal let Grim look through the pack.  She sat by the window and looked out, trying to see what Aarun would have seen.  She moved a little bit but took note of any side streets plus how far she could see.  How much of an advance notice might Aarun have been given?  How far and wide was his vision?  What stores could be seen as well as what back or side entrances could be seen.  One could see a lot, sometimes, by just being quiet and watching.

Morgrim pocketed the note and resolved to ask Mithann about it shortly. Stepping over beside his sister he followed her gaze out onto the street and watched the traffic of people for a few quiet minutes. Like Dalgura, he had no one of knowing what it was they were meant to be looking for.

Why the Northlook? And why would Mithann ask to meet him there of all places?

Unless something of credible interest caught their attention Morgrim at last turned back from the window and suggested to the others that it was time to leave.

"Lets go find this huntsman. We can speak with Mithann after."

Leaving the Explorer's Pack and disguise kit for now.

"Remember, if something has happened to Aarun, then Mithann could be in danger too" Ellie said, thinking back to her previous 'episode'. She was, however, ready to go as Morgrim suggested.

"This note is at least three days old," Morgrim replied. "And we've seen Mithann since. Although I suppose you're right, there are no assurances that anyone is safe at present, ourselves included."

"Keep an eye about ourselves."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:19, Tue 21 Feb 2017.

Following their meeting with Terstia the Seamstress, the party heads to Geldenstag's Rest to meet up with Algonell the Hunter. As it turns out, he is out about town running various errands and several hours pass before they catch up with him.

Eventually, they meet up with him in the common room at Geldenstag's. Algonell has just returned from checking on a line of traps he set outside town, all of which have apparently been tampered with. The half-elf appears quite sour over this point and mentions as much.

"Been like this for weeks!" he scowls.

"Been like this how?" Morgrim asked once he had introduced himself and explained their reasons for being there. "Are animals stealing from your traps? Or something more clever?"

"Yes. Animal's missing from my traps, whne they did not remove themselves. This much I know."

Algonell further explains this has been happening for several weeks now. He was also recently accosted by three thugs outside of Bryn Shander. He was hauling an elk back to town when he was robbed at sword point.

"I reported the robbery to the sheriff, but he said there was little he could do because he had already committed his guards to other activities in town."

He further says he went to Mithann after he got no help from the sheriff. "Mithann suggested I meet with a man named Aarun, and supposedly arranged a meeting. He never came."

"Something has to be done," he laments. "Already too much food has been lost with winter already biting at our heels."

"We've been trying to locate Aarun ourselves," Morgrim grumbled ominously. "What can you tell us about these men who accosted you? And how far away are your traps? I would be willing to have a look, however I'm not sure we can do so today with our commitments as they are."

A dark, concerned look flashed across Ellie's eyes when the hunter mentioned the sheriff being unhelpful. She bit her tongue however, satisfied with the way Grim was handling things thus far.

In reply to Ellie Dovehand (msg # 35):

It didn't come as a surprise that the law in the town was not exactly helpful. She personally thought it was wrong but she didn't live here and many would take exception to outsiders interfering.  She smiled at the thought that  they might not be exactly pleased with Grim.  Of course all things that upset the law would be Grim's fault.  It was a matter of principal of course.

"Did Mithann give a suggestion on how Aarun would be of help?"

"They were three. None locals, judging from their thick Luskan accents," Algonell says. He goes on to say the men were lightly armed and seemed to be laying in wait along the game trail. After the ambush andf his subsequent encounter with Sheriff Markham, Algonell did some reconnaissance of his own, to try to put an end to his traps being tampered with.

He continues by claiming his belief these outlaws may be operating out of a cave about seven miles north of Bryn Shander, near Maer Dualdon, about halfway between Bryn Shander and the village of Termalaine.

"Sure enough, they slip in and out of Bryn Shander," he says in a conspiratorial whisper, his eyes darting from face to face.



"She suspected the men who accosted me might be in league with some Luskan by the name of Slim. Up to no good here in town. Aarun was apparently working to root these men out of the region and thought my knowledge might help."

Ellie pursed her lips, and gave a "Mmmhm" sound. Everything was matching up, this was bigger and more dangerous than anyone cared to admit.

"I'd suggest staying away from the sheriff and his men, unless you trust them absolutely, Algonell. You might do best to make yourself scarce in general; if they find out you've been looking into things then you could wind up in trouble. Would you be willing to lead us to the cave you spoke of?"

She looked at her two companions, and shrugged. "I don't know if we can go now, but perhaps? It is not far, we could certainly be there and back before it got too late, although it would depend on the size of the place. If it's just three men it wouldn't take long."

Morgrim shook his head. "That's a four hour journey there and back on a clear road. We'd never be back on time for Dunavan tonight. But tomorrow we can take a look."

"Speaking of," He continued, addressing Algonell. "It may not make up for your lost game but we could use another steady hand tonight, and you may get a chance to push back against some of these Luskan bastards if you're interested," Morgrim offered, explaining their commitment.

Algonell nods in agreement and says, "Thanks for the offer. The last few weeks have not been very bountiful and any work I can get will help."

Alogonell claims he is skilled with the bow and spear, "but hopefully I won't have to prove it and the night will be uneventful, save for the metallic clink of coin at the end."

"Excellent. We'll meet you there. In the meantime we should probably go and have a word with Mithann." Morgrim got up to leave, offering a nod to the huntsman.

"We shall look forward to meeting with you again and in the meantime may Sharindlar watch over you."

Dalgura smiled at Algonell and then turned to her companions.  "Let's go see Mithann so that we can get back in time and perhaps even have a chance to rest so we will be awake during the whole night."

Ellie shrugs, conceding the point to the druid, and was ready to follow along to see Mithann again.

Dalgura, Morgrim and Ellie conclude their meeting with Algonell, having secured his aid in the task of watching over Dunavan's warehouse later this evening. The trio still have a little bit of remaining daylight to make one more trip and this they choose to spend with Mithann.

The doors to the modest shrine are thrown open as they arrive and a few townspeople are within paying their devotions. Mithann spots the adventurers as soon as they enter and moves toward them, eager to know what they have learned.

Determined to make the most of their remaining daylight hours, Morgrim produces the paper note after exchanging greetings with the priestess. "Aarun has failed to make contact with anyone these past three days. We found this amongst his belongings," he explained with a questioning look.

Mithann takes the note and reads, her forehead creasing as she takes in the short note.  She shakes her head once and lifts her head to met eyes with Morgrim.

"I did not write this note," she says flatly. "The only letter I sent to Aarun was the one asking him to meet with Algonell."

She hands the note back to Morgrim and comments, "Somebody else must have been watching him and knew he had been regularly visiting me. It wasn't a secret or anything, but still."

Morgrim watched the priestess's expression for signs of subterfuge finding her difficult to read in the moment. Still, he remained nonetheless disposed towards trusting her.

"I believe you," he said after a moment. "Aarun was watching the Northlook for some reason. Do you know why?"

"I will make sure to speak with the innkeeper once we've settled our affairs with Dunavan. Perhaps someone will remember seeing him there."

21:50, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 5 using 1d20+3.  Insight.

Mithann shakes her head in the negative. "I don't know for sure, but I suspect it was because some of the ruffians and thugs that came up from Luskan have been frequenting that inn."

Morgrim nodded. "We spent the night there last night. Can't say I noticed, but then again I can't say I was looking for it either."

"We've spoken with Algonell as well, so's you know. We'll follow up on that lead in the morning."

"Are you safe here, or would you care to join us this evening? It's a shame we can't be everywhere at once."

Mithann flashes a brief smile and replies, "Yes. My faith is all the protection I require." A retired adventure herself, Mithann can handle herself reasonably well and would give the average ruffian cause for reflection should they cross her. Though one might not initially get this impression on first glance, the cleric carries herself with quiet confidence won through years of dedicated practice of her faith or optimism and hope.

"I am glad that that is the case," Morgrim said with a smile. "If there is nothing else, we should probably make our way to Dunavan's. The afternoon is drawing long."

"Unless of course we think we could pick up another trusted hand from amongst Master Hugglesward's caravan guards?"

Do we have time to pick up some extra muscle from the Northlook? Does the group think we even need it? Are we being paid a lump sum of 50gp split however many ways? Or is each PC receiving that amount?

"Well said Mithann.  May both of our Gods watch over us tonight."

Dal smiled at Mithann knowing from her own experience that Clerics usually received some combat training and this Cleric had been a adventurer herself.

"We shall check in with you some time tomorrow.  I am not sure if we'll be up in time for your morning service but don't worry about us."

Dunavan agreed to pay the group 50 gold pieces for their services, so that money would need to be divided among the group equally. It is possible for the party to inquire at the Northlook, or any other inn for that matter, for possible mercenaries wishing to earn some extra coin.

There is only about an hour or so remaining before nightfall, so there is not that much time to really canvass the town.

Morgrim resolved to stop in at the Northlook on their way back to Dunavan's. An extra strong back might come in handy, and the depleted pay as a result was not a great loss.

The group should know the caravan guards from the trek North. If there is one in particular Morgrim feels to be reliable, he'll offer him (or her) to come join for the evening. Split 5 ways everyone still walks away with 10gp. Split 4 ways we'd only pocket an extra 2.5 gp each. I think its worth it.

(( Agreed. A good strong arm/back would be a welcome addition for the minor loss. ))

Dal knew that Morgrim would want to hire a guard and it would make it easier on them.  She would go with his plan since it made sense.   "An extra person on guard with us wouldn't hurt.  I can chip in for part of his pay."

"Well that settles it then, lets go see who we can find," Morgrim said with a smile.

Dal nodded and looked over at Ellie.  "Are you in agreement?  We should go and see if we can get somebody else to help us?  I hope that you will voice your objections if you have any since being in the company with 2 Dwarves, let alone from the same family, can be hard.  We really don't mean to talk over others or ignore them.  Sometimes it is just second nature to us."

Dal grinned and then nodded at Morgrim.  "This time I thought he had a good idea but if he does it will be up to you and not him if you'd like to contribute to the extra persons wage."

Ellie gives Dalgura a disarming smile; "No, not at all. The more strong arms and stalwart shields we can put between myself and any potential foes the better, and well worth the."

Morgrim and company visit the Northlook and scour the common room hoping to track down a caravan guard by the name of Rolo. Morgrim had befriended the man on the trek north and found him to be a level-headed and dependable man, just the sort of fellow one might want for tonight's activities.

It takes a little asking around, but eventually the party tracks him down in the adjacent stables, talking to one of the stablehands.

Rolo agrees to hire on for the night, 10 gold being a more than fair wage for a night's work he reasons.

"I'll just need a bit to get my things, but I'm your man," he says. "Thanks for thinking of me, sir."

"Of course," Morgrim replied, now that everything was settled. "We should hurry though. Dunavan is expecting us shortly."

After having secured the hunter and guard's services for the night, Morgrim, Dalgura and Ellie return to Dunavan's warehouse. It is already dark as the adventurers arrive, with only a few merchants remaining in Market Square, these quickly shuffling their wares away.

Dunavan meets the adventurers outside his office, thanks them for coming, and gives them a quick tour of the facilities.

The warehouse is a squat, rectangular stone and earth building with a sharply pitched slate roof. There are two points of access to the 50x70 warehouse: a large double-door used to ferry merchandise in and out and an interior door which allows access from Dunavan's office and private residence, which is attached to the warehouse.

Inside the warehouse, orderly stacks of crates, barrels and sacks line the walls, with a broad aisle running through the warehouse free of obstructions. Cargo netting secures these valuables, creating room-like partitions.

The double-door leading outside to street is quite sturdy and seems to have reasonable security measures (cross-bar, lock, etc.) in place to prevent easy access. It would take some serious skill to get through the door, not that any of the party is knowledgeable of wuch things.

The door leading to Dunavan's office also seems quite secure and is affixed with a sturdy lock. Beyond this warehouse door is Dunavan's office (this is where the party first interacted with Dunavan). The office itself is about 20 foot square and has a single door leading to street and a couple of windows looking onto the same street. A staircase runs along the backwall, this leading up to Dunavan private apartment.

"Of course, I will be upstairs at my residence. The door downstairs will be locked and I trust not bypassable, save at great expense," he says with a faint smile. He further explains his other warehouse, the one that burned to the ground last night, was first found with the double-door rammed down, fire blazing within.

"Great expense," Morgrim echoed the merchant. "I assure you."

"Now what of us?" he asked his companions and their new found assistants. "Assuming a repeat of last nights events, would we do better to take up watch from within the warehouse and catch them as they enter? Or just outside the door where they'd have to wield the ram?"

(( OOC: DM, what's the general layout of the building? Is it square or irregular? Standalone or connected to another building? How large? If it is square and standalone, we could each take up watch at one of the corners outside, with one person right at the door as well. We'd each have line of sight on eachother and we'd be covering the whole building. ))

I think some of that is above:

The warehouse is a squat, rectangular stone and earth building with a sharply pitched slate roof. There are two points of access to the 50x70 warehouse...

The door leading to Dunavan's office also seems quite secure and is affixed with a sturdy lock. Beyond this warehouse door is Dunavan's office (this is where the party first interacted with Dunavan). The office itself is about 20 foot square and has a single door leading to street and a couple of windows looking onto the same street. A staircase runs along the backwall, this leading up to Dunavan private apartment.

Bottom line I think we could take watch at the four corners and door, however we'd be pretty spread out if they massed for an attack. I think we're better off guarding the main door, or setting an ambush inside the warehouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:13, Tue 07 Mar 2017.

(( OOC: Whoops, my bad. And fair enough, I'm good with either of those. Especially ambush. ))

"Well Dunavun?" Morgrim says after a brief conference amongst his companions. "Would you accept some damage to your door if it meant we'd have a better chance at putting the bastards out of business once and for all? Or would you rather we keep watch outside? They might decide not to try anything at all in that case, in which event you'd have to decide if you want to hire us on for an additional night or longer anyway."

"Might be cheaper to just fix the door."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 67):

"If it is not too broken, I can fix it brother dear, like I did with the wagon spoke."

Dal smiled at their employer and waited for his input.

Dunavan indicates he cares little how the party protects his wares, just so long as they protect them, at least until Aarun comes to pick up the special cargo.

"I do hope that will happen tonight...he will show up that is," he adds. "I don't know what could be keeping him."

"Whatever you deem best," he finally adds in.

Dunavan admits he hadn't thought of long term protection prospects, but indicates perhaps he could turn to Slim and company, "if it means an end to this nonsense. Damn well can't count on Speaker Duvessa Shane to do much these days!"

"Lets hope it doesn't come to that," Morgrim replied. "I think we're settled at least. Lets go inside and warm up. If the bastards come we'll catch them in the act and drive them off."

Lets proceed with setting an ambush inside the warehouse.

Dunavan paces nervously while the adventurers, and hired help, examine the warehouse and discuss protection strategies. In the end Morgrim suggests riding the night out from within the warehouse. For his part, Dunavan says he will be in his private residence above the office, "hardly able to sleep a wink, I'm sure," he says.

He further suggests the adventurers listen for Aarun's arrival. The Harper will announce his arrival by knocking and stating the following phrase, "Truth be among us, the fox flushes fair." Should he arrive, Aarun is to be let in and Dunavan roused before passing the weapons crates to the Harper. Dunavan shows the adventurers the crates, this being their second viewing of them, the first occurring during the yeti attack at the gates.

Eventually Dunavan takes his leave of the adventurers are retires to his residence. Thus begins the party's vigil. Presumably watches are established and the party takes up position within the warehouse.

Before anyone really has an opportunity to drift asleep, the party hears scuffling and perhaps whispers on the other end of the warehouse door...

Morgrim raises his hand to alert the others, and strains his ears to hear what is happening. He does not call out for fear of giving away their presence. Instead he brings his shield to ready and draws his scimitar.

Dice roller is not my friend today.

10:21, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

Morgrim cannot really make out what is going on outside. He can occasionally hear what sounds like muffled voices and perhaps scratching, but that's about it.

'Lock picks?' Morgrim wondered. 'Certainly the quietest ram I've ever heard.'

The dwarven druid put his fingers to his lips and waited. Aarun would knock, and probably had no one with which to whisper in the first place, and anyone else would make themselves known in good time.

In the meantime he tried to hide himself in the shadows of the warehouse floor. It was not a skill that came naturally to him.

07:41, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Stealth.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 74):

Dal stepped into the shadows when Morgrim signaled them.  She hadn't really fought beside Morgrim or Ellie before so she was content to let them take the lead over her.  She made a note to herself to talk to them about making it sound like there was a lot more people on guard next time.  It was a small spell that her Goddess granted her that she seldom used, except to annoy Morgrim at times, but it could stand to be useful here.  Later, if there was a fight, it still might be useful if she could do it then.

While Morgrim seemed to have some trouble hiding, Ellie had no such problems, which was odd as she had no more skill at it at all. However, darkness seemed to welcome her at that moment, and she blended into the shadows very well.

---

^{10:05, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Stealth.}

The party takes up position in the shadows of the warehouse: Morgrim to one side of the large warehouse door and Dalgura to the other. Ellie stands a bit further back, near the corner of the warehouse. Algonell draws his bow takes cover behind a stack of crates about 20 feet distant from the warehouse door and Byron keeps his club at the ready while standing to Dalgura's left.

The five of them wait, mucles tensed, for a few moments. Perhaps even a minute, for time seems to stand still with only muffled noises to punctuate the passing of seconds. Eventually the group hears a sizzling noise followed by a loud metallic 'pop'. Then, both warehouse doors come unhinged and fall inward!

Fortunately nobody is standing on the other side of the doors as they come crashing down. Following the loud bang, a gruff voice calls out, "A'right boys. Get in 'der an fin' 'dem crates. An' fast!"

Four men begin to stream into the warehouse in a hurry, unaware of the adventurers and hired help awaiting on the other side...



OOC: Surprise round. PCs are up!

Four Thugs
AC: 11
HP: 32/32, 32/32, 32/32, 32/32


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   10/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   11/11    0      13


NPCs:
Algonell (AC 14, HP: 10/10)
Byron (AC 13, HP: 8/8)

Dal had her mace secured in it's wrist strap so that she could easily grab it when she wanted to.  Her first instinct was to call upon her Goddess' help though and so she cast her Sacred Flame spell at the second person coming through.  She would let Grim get the first and Ellie can pick her own target since she wasn't sure of Ellie's abilities.


Sacred Flame:  range 60'  target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no beenfit from cover for the saving through.

11:25, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 1 using 1d8.  sacred flame damage if miss saving through. (oh dear.  At least it would be for damage and not to hit or something--LOL).

Morgrim steps out of the shadows and calls forth a host of grasping vines from the ground to ensnare and trip the robbers. "These crates are spoken for lads," he remarks. "I'd turn back if I was you. The guards will be here any minute," he lied. Amazingly it sounded rather convincing coming from his lips.

Action: Casting Entangle to include all 4 thugs if possible. DC 13 Strength check to resist. See below.
Deception: 15:30, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 19 using 1d20.  Deception.

quote:

Entangle

Casting Time 1 Action
Range 90 feet
Components V, S
Duration Concentration, up to 1 minute
Grasping weeds and vines sprout from the ground in a 20-foot square starting from a point within range. For the duration, these plants turn the ground in the area into difficult terrain.

A creature in the area when you cast the spell must succeed on a Strength saving throw or be restrained by the entangling plants until the spell ends. A creature restrained by the plants can use its action to make a Strength check against your spell save DC. On a success, it frees itself.

When the spell ends, the conjured plants wilt away.

This is going to be some fight. 128 hp to whittle down to our 49. Its been nice knowing you guys ;)
This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Sat 11 Mar 2017.

Ellie seemed to come out of nowhere, glowing in the shadows. Her eyes flashed red for a moment as she chanted in a strange arcane tongue, her fingers drawing a hexagram rune with red energy in front of her. She clapped her hands when the hex was complete, and it disappeared, suddenly appearing on the chest of one of the thugs. She then clenched her fist, red energy once again building in her palm before she thrust it out, and a blast of magic jumped out to strike at the mark she had put upon the criminal.

---

^{Cast Hex on any thug not entangled, or any at random if all entangled. Disadvantage on STR ability checks.
Cast Eldritch Blast at same target.
10:10, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast Attack Vs. thug. HIT.
10:13, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 10 using 1d10.  Force Damage.
10:13, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 2 using 1d6.  Necrotic Damage.}

Four thugs begin to stream into the warehouse, urged on by a fifth voice heard somewhere outside of view.

"Get in there boys, fond what we're after, and quick!" the gruff and vaguely unhuman voice calls out.

At that moment, a flame-like radiance descends on the first individual to enter the door. The man cries out in alarm, but he is more startled than injured from the spell.

Moments later, Morgrim calls on dormant sedge and lichen to burst through the snowy ground. The plants' grasping roots snake around the four men, effectively entangling half of them, while the others breaks free of the grasping roots.

There is a lot of shouting and panicking as the four men stumble into the ambush, wide eyes searching the darkness for the source of their attackers. Eventually, one of the men in the threshold makes out Dalgura and perhaps Morgrim, but definitely the cleric.

"Boss!" one of the un-entangled thugs calls out, "they be spell-slingers in heres!"

"Then eliminate them!" the gruff voice calls out. None of the adventurers can presently see the source of this voice, as it is coming from somewhere outside of view in the adjoining alley.

Algonell and Byron fire a volley of arrows at the thugs, one of which strikes its target.

"We gotta get out of here!" one of the entangled thugs calls out.

Things are not starting out so well for the would-be silver weapon snatchers. What they hoped would be a smash and grab operation just became a little more complicated with the entrance of pesky do-gooders.



OOC: Two thugs are entangled, as indicated below. I applied the sacred flame damage to the one Ellie hit with the eldritch blast. The hex went on the other unentangled thug.

Four Thugs
AC: 11
HP: 19/32, 32/32 (hexed), 24/32 (entangled), 32/32 (entangled)


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   10/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   11/11    0      13


NPCs:
Algonell (AC 14, HP: 10/10)
Byron (AC 13, HP: 8/8)

OOC: PCs are up!

"Focus your efforts! One dead ruffian is worth two wounded! We only have to hold them off until the guards get here!" Morgrim stressed, reiterating his lie. Surging forward Morgrim positioned himself along the enemy's front line and banged his scimitar against his shield. As the blade struck it unleashed a rolling wall of sound that cracked like thunder from the heavens.

Action: Casting Thunderwave, at least trying to hit the ones that are not entangled
DC 13 Con save or take 8 damage and be pushed back 10'. On a successful save take 4.

20:02, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8 using 2d8.  Thunderwave.


This message was last edited by the player at 00:04, Mon 20 Mar 2017.

"You have it Brother."

With her off hand, Dalgura clenched her holy symbol and quickly cast her Sacred Flame cantrip on the thug that had already been wounded.  "Dear Goddess, please let him not dodge."


Sacred Flame:  range 60'  target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no beenfit from cover for the saving through.

15:52, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d8.  radiant damage.

If she can also swing her mace then she will.  If not, ok and ignore this part.

With a quick swing of her arm, Dal had her mace in hand and swung.

6:49, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 24 using 1d20+6 ((18)).
 mace hit.   It should have been +3 not +6 but even with a +3 it would have hit.

16:51, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 3 using 1d6+1 ((2)). - Damage from Mace.

Sorry, apparantly I didn't realize I was supposed to post... anyways, I'm attacking with hopes that we are all focusing on the one I Hexed?
18:01, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast Attack.
18:01, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 6 using 1d10.  Force Damage.
18:02, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 6 using 1d6.  Necrotic Damage.

The adventurers continute to hit the thugs hard as they attempt to force their into the warehouse. For their part, Algonell and Byron pepper the enemies with arrows. One thug is dropped in the process, one is hexed and badly wounded and two are entangled.

The two entangled thugs attempt to extract themselves from the grasping vegetation but are unable to do so. The hexed thug stumbles into the warehouse, oblivious of his surroundings, and begins randomly tearing into crates. "Weapons...must find them," he mumbles in a state of shock.

A fifth foe emerges from the shadows beyond the entangled entrance, this enemy garbed in a hooded cloak and armed with a bow. He takes a bead on Morgrim and looses an arrow. The arrow flies well right of the dwarf. Cursing to itself, the hooded figure shoulders his bow and draws a long sword. His hood is thrown aside in the process, revealing the enemy to be a hobgoblin.

"Damnit! Quit fooling around and find the crates!" he exorts of his companions. "I'll take care of these guys," he says while smiling cruelly.



OOC: Two thugs are entangled, as indicated below. I applied the sacred flame damage to the one Ellie hit with the eldritch blast. The hex went on the other unentangled thug.

Four Thugs
AC: 11
HP: 0/32, 6/32 (hexed), 16/32 (entangled), 24/32 (entangled)

Hobgoblin Leader
AC: 15
HP: 71


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   10/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   11/11    0      13


NPCs:
Algonell (AC 14, HP: 10/10)
Byron (AC 13, HP: 8/8)

OOC: PCs are up!

Morgrim conjures a ball of flame within the palm of his hand and hurls it back at the hobgoblin leader.

"If ye think ye can, big boy," the druid taunts from behind his shield.

Action: Produce flame, spell attack hits AC 24 for 2 fire damage
22:00, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d8.  Damage.
21:59, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Produce Flame.

From the shadows Ellie gathers the dark power she finds at her fingertips once again. She unleashes it in another torrent of eldritch might, blasting the foe she had placed a bit of her own curse on. The eldritch blast did little more than sting the man, but then the hex on his chest began to glow brightly, flaring, and the skin around it began to instantly decay as if he was a weeks old corpse, before literally disintegrating a bit of his chest cavity and killing him outright.

---

^{22:49, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Eldritch Blast Attack Vs. Hexed Thug. HIT.
22:50, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 3 using 1d10.  Force Damage.
22:51, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 6 using 1d6.  Necrotic Damage. KILL.}

In reply to Ellie Dovehand (msg # 87):

Dalgura didn't have time to tell Ellie that she did good for she wanted to work on the other opponent (16/32 HP).

"Thank you my Goddess but I need to call on you again please."  With those words, Dalgura cast sacred flame and prayed that it would hit.  Just in case though, she also swung her mace and hoped she would do as good as last time.

Sacred Flame:  range 60'  target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no beenfit from cover for the saving through.

07:31, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d8.  radiant damage if fails saving throw.
07:32, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 15 using 1d20+3 ((12)). - hit
07:39, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d6+1 ((6))- damage from Mace.

Dal, as much as I love that you're rocking these rolls and raining down righteous wrath, you can only do one or the other :) Sacred Flame and Attack both use your action.

Ellie dispatches one of the thugs and Algonell and Byron take care of another with a series of well aimed missile attacks, leaving just one entangled thug and their very displeased (and dispirited) hobgoblin shot-caller.

The thug struggles against the bonds of the entangling vegetation but is unable to extricate himself from his predicament. Sensing he is outgunned, but perhaps not outmatched, the hobgoblin weighs his options. Not liking five on one odds, he wisely chooses to shoulder his bow and hastily flees into the night. The cloaked hobgoblin doesn't even spare a glance back for his restrained goon.

"Marek! Don't leave me here! MAREK...You Bastard!" the entangled thug cries out to no avail.



OOC: One thug is entangled. Three have been dispatched. The hobgoblin leader fled on foot into the night, disappearing down an alley.

Four Thugs
AC: 11
HP: 0/32, 6/32 (hexed), 0/32, 24/32 (entangled)

Hobgoblin Leader
AC: 15
HP: 69/71


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   10/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   11/11    0      13


NPCs:
Algonell (AC 14, HP: 10/10)
Byron (AC 13, HP: 8/8)

OOC: PCs are up!

p.s. Morgrim is right. You can either cast a spell or take an attack, barring any special ability which allows you to do either as a bonus action.


This message was last edited by the GM at 04:34, Wed 05 Apr 2017.

Dal wasn't sure what being hexed exactly meant so she went to the entangled person instead.

"Ellie, I'll let you finished the one you hexed.  Then want to come and join me on this one."

It was evident that Dal needed help, or more practice with her mace, because she seemed to have missed.


20:09, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+3 ((7)) on the entangled one.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Fri 07 Apr 2017.

Morgrim conjures up another ball of flame in the palm of his hand. "'fraid so, buddy boy. Marek left you for us. So why don't you do yourself a favor and start talking? Maybe we'll cut you some slack."

"Who wants these weapons and why? And who does Marek work for? Is it Slim?"

Readied action to attack with Produce Flame if the thug doesn't suddenly discover a cooperative streak he didn't know he had.

Persuasion 8. The readied attack misses if its triggered at all.

22:56, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Readied attack.
22:55, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d20.  Persuasion.

The entangled thug readily concedes to Morgrim's demands. "Look, I'll talk. Just don't do anything rash. I didn't hurt nobody or nothing," he says in the most convincing tone he is able to muster.

"I don't rightly know what they wanted with the weapons. Marek hired us to help him find them. We tried last night but I think we went to the wrong warehouse. So we come back tonight." The man glances around in the gloom of the warehouse, studying each of the adventurers' faces, perhaps looking for a friend.

Pulling his attention back to the present. "Yeah. There's a guy called Slim. I seen him at the camp a couple of times, but I don't know who works for who, if you know what I mean."

"Tell me about the camp," Morgrim said, holding onto the flame in the palm of his hand but taking no further aggressive actions. "Where is it, and how many of you are there? If you don't know who's in charge, who pays you at least?"

"Slim and Marek got a camp about two to three hours north of town. Nothing much to it, just a cave in the shadow of Kelvin's Cairn." He further explains he estimates anywhere from a half dozen to twenty men might be found at the hideout, though these days most are shacked up at the Northlook.

He claims he's been paid by the hobgoblin, Marek. Morgrgim senses no evasiveness in the man's answers.

Morgrim glanced back at the others. "Aarun was watching the Northlook."

Returning his attention to the ruffian once more, Morgrim inquired as to whether the man knew what had become of the Harper, and what Slim and Marek's plans were now.

The captured thug knows nothing of the Harper and claims he was simply hired muscle, "...did a few jobs around town, leering at folks hard to get them to pay protection money, and the like. Then this job. Snatch and grab. That's all. Nothing more, by the Gods."

As to what their plans may be, he claims to not be privvy to such information.

He finishes with, "But I do know that fellow named Slim seemed intent on Marek finding these weapon crates, for whatever reason. He's likely to be pissed that aint happen."

"Right," Morgrim said gruffly. "I suppose one of us should wake Dunavan and let him know what happened. I think its safe to say that they're unlikely to try again tonight."

"Byron, do you mind?"

Byron wordlessly agrees to Morgrim's request and departs to rouse Dunavan. The thug turns to regard each of the adventurers and shrugs. "So, I told you want I know. You're going to let me go, right?" the man asks hopefully.

"Freed on my own recognizance, or something or another?" he adds in with a smile.

"Its not for us to say, my friend," Morgrim replies with a grin. "We're hired help much like yourself. Make your pleas to the master of the house. It's his property you've trespassed on."

"He seems a mercantile minded sort of man. Perhaps you can convince him that you can guard his belongings, and you'll do so on the cheap after all the trouble you've caused him."

"Its far better than the sort of justice you can expect from Sheriff Markhamm, believe you me."

Byron returns a few minutes later with Dunavan in tow. The man enters the warehouse and assesses the adventurers' handiwork. Several incapcitated thugs are sprawled across the floor and one very cooperative and conscious man bears witness to the successful defense of the warehouse.

"I did well to retain your services," Dunavan states matter-of-factly while examining the scene. "Too bad one of them got away," he says when this news is related to him.

As to the fate of the captured man, Dunavan says that will be determined by the Sheriff. Finally, he asks to speak to the adventurers privately, outside of earshot of the captured thug.

Some distance away he asks the adventurers if they would be willing to take the crate of silver weapons for safekeeping, until such time as Aarun comes to look for them.

"Aye, that I think we can," Morgrim said, nodding. "It will paint less of a target on your warehouse to have it safely gone."

"And let us worry about the runner. I have a feeling we'll see him again soon."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 102):

Dal snorted softly at her brother's words.  To say that they would see the runner soon was probably an understatement.  She didn't add anything else but just nodded in agreement.

Dunavan reveals the contents of the two crates, though they kind of already had a sneak peak during the yeti's attack on the caravan just outside of Bryn Shander. Inside both are a small selection of silvered weapons: swords, hammers, axes, arrows, bolts and daggers. Whomever packed these items were intent upon equipping a company of warriors. Aarun could likely shed more light on the subject, but he seems to have mysteriously turned up missing. Last known whereabouts: across the street from the Northlook. Conveniently enough, the Northlook is also where the party has learned Slim's accomplices have been operating out of when not in their encampment a few miles outside town. Then, compounded with the criminal problems in Bryn Shander there are the rumors of wererats from Luskan. Perhaps too many coincidences to be chalked off as merely that, or are they?

The thug is eventually turned over to Sheriff Markham, his disposition to be determined after Markham has an opportunity to interrogate the man.

At any rate, it's been a long day for the three adventurers and their two hired hands. Dunavan readily pays the agreed upon 50 gp, to be divided as the party sees fit, and the party turns in for the night.

OOC: What's the plan next?

Morgrim sees to it that the reward is paid out in equal shares, ten gold pieces to a man or woman as the case may be. He also makes sure that each of them is equipped as best suits them from the newfound armoury before proposing that the remainder be safeguarded with Mithann. Prior to dispersing for the night he makes arrangements to reconvene with Algonell in the morning. As dawn breaks the dwarven druid excuses himself to run a quick errand on his own, paying a visit to Terestia to retrieve the last of Aarun's belongings thinking that the supplies may do them some good in the days ahead, then doubles back across the city to rejoin his sister and newfound companions.

Retrieving the Explorer's Kit and Disguise Kit. Lets follow up on Algonell's lead. I assume you would have told us if we'd leveled up after that fight?

27 Eleint
Location: Bryn Shander
PCs Present: Dalgura, Morgrim and Ellie

The companions arise early the next morning after only minimal sleep the night before. They have had little downtime since arriving in Bryn Shander, their arrival marked with unexpected excitment and intrigue from the outset. In any event, the adventurers meet up early the following morning and attend to their business before meeting with Algonell.

The half-elf hunter tells the adventurers how to reach the bandit's camp outside of town but seems reluctant to get personally involved in any potential conflict with the group. "I'm just a hunter and would just as soon keep to my own than go making enemies," he explains.

"I suspect they are keeping camp in a large cave on the southwestern slope of Kelvin's Cairn. It's not too far from town, a couple hours walk in fair conditions..."

Glancing at the sky, it is a clear morning yet cold. Barring any random encounters or terrain hazards along the way, both of which may never be discounted in Icewind Dale, today would classify as a fair day.

"Can you lead us there at the very least?" Morgrim asks hopefully. "It may be a couple hours walk for you, but it could be days wandering the wilderness for us if we don't know the trails."

"After that, we can manage ourselves I should think."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 107):

Dal listened carefully to the directions they were given and nodded when Morgrim asked the half elf if he could lead the way.  She walked up to the half elf and looked up at him with her big eyes and friendly face.  "Please.  It would mean much to many if you could show us the way.  Many lives might even be saved."

She hoped her look was her hopeful one.  She was still developing some of the looks that Priests used to get their way help their flock see the other side of the problem.

Algonell considers the siblings' request for a few moments before committing to a response, "Very well then. I will lead the way to avoid just that."

"The way is not difficult, but not knowing the land it could be troublesome without seeing it first," he reasons.

Algonell agrees to set out as soon as the adventurers are ready, pending any other business in Bryn Shander.

Morgrim was quick to express his gratitude. The druid had no further business to attend to prior to departure.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 110):

Dal smiled at the Algonell.  "Oh thank you so much.  Your assistance will saves lives.  I feel it."

Dal looked over at her brother and Ellie.  "I think I have everything.  We haven't been in town long enough to have extra stuff.  Think we will need more supplies before leaving?"

Seeing that none of the companions have any business to attend to before setting out, Algonell suggests departing at once to take advantage of what limited daylight they have to work with. The sun is only above the horizon for about 7 hours of the day this time of year. Even then, it hovers low on the horizon before Auril forces it to flee from her icy embrace.

Algonell leads the party along what appears to be a well worn footpath. Several inches of snow cover the trail, but blazed trees here or there make the trail fairly easy to follow. Especially for Algonell, whom has lived and explored these lands for many years. In truth, the party could not hope for a better guide.

The group travels for about 3 hours when Algonell stops behind a stand of stunted trees. Pointing to the distance he says, "The cave lies just beyond that rise."

Following an imaginary line extending from the hunter's finger, the party sees a lump of hills at the edge of Maer Dualdon, an azure lake under the great shadow of Kelvin's Cairn. To the left of those hills, on the other side of the lake, a huddle of buildings and a few docks at the western end of the lake are seen. "Bremen," Algonell states matter-of-factly.

But the party cannot help but notice the fact the wooden walls along the lake's southern shores. "Targos," Algonell says by way of explanation. The walled town lies about 3 miles east of the hills.

The trail the party has followed leads directly toward the hills and there are numerous other tracks along the trail, making it quite unlikely they will be unable to find it from here. There are a few saplings here or there along the trail, but the mostly stumps of older trees. Walls don't build themselves.

Morgrim thanks their huntsman guide and promises to check in with him again once the present business has concluded. In the meantime he rallies his comrades to him and starts off along the path. "Coming Dal?" he says, using a walking stick to scramble over the drifting snows.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 113):

Dal looked in the direction that their guide and said the names and murmured them to herself, trying to memorize them.  She looked over at her brother and nodded.  "I'm coming.  Lead on brother.  I've got your back."  She was more than ready to let her brother break up the snow with his stick.  She did contemplate picking up some snow and hitting her brother in the back with it but decided it would be better to wait until they broke for camp.

Morgrim leads the way along the path, stopping every now and again to search for possible lookouts. Finding none along the way, the trio makes their way toward the mouth of a small cave set into the side of a low, snow-covered rise. The party hunkers down behind a line of low scrub about 100 feet distant from the cave's entrance and observes.

A thin veil of smoke drifts out of the cave's mouth and the tunnel leading into the cave is illuminated by a flickering light. Just outside the cave's entrance are several snow-covered crates and barrels, most of which look to be little more than refuse and rubbish. There are numerous tracks leading into and out of the cave, many of which go to and and from what looks to be an outhouse located about 30 feet to the left of the cave's entrance.

A man in heavy furs stumbles out of the cave and heads toward the outhouse, opens the door and noisily bangs it shut. Presumably, he is now inside, taking care of business.

A devilish grin spreads across Morgrim's lips as he watches from afar. "Lets give that fellow a welcoming committee when he finishes up his business," he whispers, beckoning the others to follow as he sets his shield and hastens across the craggy path.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 116):

Dalgura couldn't help but think he'll need to use the outhouse again after he sees Morgrim in his element.  The thought brought a smile to her lips and lightened her steps as she followed her brother with her weapon ready.

Morgrim leads the party toward the wooden outhouse to the left of the cave's entrance. Approaching slowly, the group hears a man humming, quite badly, a tuneless tune of unknown origin. Unbeknownst to the hummer, three interlopers await just outside the rickety door.

The cave's entrance lies some 30 feet distant. Faint tendrils of smoke waft out of the cave, carrying the scent of burning wood, but little other activity is observed in that direction. One might expect a lookout, but perhaps that fellow is presently indisposed within the outhouse.

Morgrim looks to his companions to ensure that they are ready. Drawing his scimitar he counts down on his fingers.

Three.

Two.

One.

Then he opened the door and struck without warning, punching out with the basketed hilt of his blade in an effort to subdue the sentry without killing him.

Surprise attack hits AC 12 for 4 damage.

17:18, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage.
17:17, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 12 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  Surprise attack.

Ellie nodded silently in agreement, silently sliding the dagger from the sheath at her hip. She followed behind Morgrim with a stab at the man's nonvital areas.

---

^{21:43, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Dagger Attack.
21:44, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Piercing Damage. Nonlethal.}

Dal saw that Ellie and Grim were all ready.  She held her action until she saw if theirs didn't work.  No sense in wasting all their moves only to discover they might have needed another one. She had her weapon in her hand and her spells readied if needed.  She didn't think she would since very few got past Grim and somehow she felt that the same might be said about Ellie.

Morgrim flings open the outhouse door and rushes in to strike the defenseless and suprised man hovering over the raised chamber pot, trousers ungloriously at his ankles. The man looks up, eyes shooting wide, as the dwarf brings down his scimitar, striking the man in the noggin. Ellie manages to wriggle her way into the tight confines as well, bringing her dagger roughly up against one of the man's tender nether regions.

The battle, if one could call it as such, is over before it begans, the man effectively incapacitated.

The man holds his hands up in innocence and flashes what would be a toothy half-smile, were it not for the wreck of diseased gums in his mouth, "Don't kill me. Not like this..." he says, gesturing with his eyes at the less than noble circumstances.

"Who said anything about killing you, you miserable bastard?" Morgrim said, grabbing the man roughly by the collar.

"Start talking and you can walk home. Otherwise you can drag yourself back through the snow on two broken knees, because I'm not carrying ye. Understood?"

Morgrim paused a moment for this to sink in.

"Marek and Slim. Where are they? And how many more of you louts are in there with them?"

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 123):

Dalgura kept on the lookout for anybody who might have heard Grim's growl.  She knew better than to interfere Grim when he spoke like that.  She was more use sending people peacefully on their way into the beyond or keeping an eye out for those who wanted to interfere.  She did give a little shiver when she had seen Ellie go into the outhouse.  She hadn't thought there was that much room.  Perhaps the guy who Grim was talking to didn't stink up outhouses as much as Grim did occasionally.

The half-dressed man swallows hard and then glances down at his exposed lower half and says, "Fine. But how 'bout you let me see to a couple of things, right?" He grunts uncomfortably as his eyes dart back to the women standing behind Morgrim.

Once this situation is dealt with, the man responds to Morgrim's questions.

"Slim's not here. Hasn't been in a couple days. Reckon he's back in town or some such," he says irritably.

"Marek came through early this morning. Didn't stay long. Headed eastwise, toward Kelvin's Cairn."

OOC: Everyone make a Perception check...

"You didn't answer my last question," Morgim prompted. "How many others are inside?"

Hopefully I can use Morgrim's passive perception (15), because that roll was a wash...

10:42, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

The man's mostly toothless mouth hangs agape a few moments before he musters a response, "Gah..I don't know?! A dozen or so. I never had no reason to keep score or count 'em as such."

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 127):

Dalgura looked around thinking they were taking too long but knew sometimes you couldn't rush things. She kept her weapon at the ready and hoped she wouldn't need it.


10:09, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Dalgura's Perception roll.

Morgrim looked over his shoulder questioningly at the others. "Think we can handle twelve men, assuming the rest of them aren't using the privy also?"

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 129):

Dalgura grinned.  "I think we could handle them better if they WERE using the privy.  That would be too much to ask for though.  On the other hand, if they come out in force, I might suggest we set fire to this privy and roll it towards them or something."

Morgrim nodded.

"Well, we can't have this one telling his friends," he replied, reaching for a length of rope.

^{22:09, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Perception. Did he have the herpes?}

While the party discusses their prospects against perhaps 12 bandits, Morgrim hears footsteps and a low whistle coming from the direction of the cave's entrance...

"Yer fellows are whistling for you," Morgrim said quietly. "Give him a whistle back or holler to let him know you're alright or whatever it is that'd assure him and keep in mind yon miss over here has a dagger pressed against yer nethers and a quick wrist."

"Wouldn't want anything untoward to happen to yer wedding tackle."

The captive appears to be mulling something over in his mind for a few moments before finally acknowledging Morgrim's request by attempting to whistle. He has difficulty effectively whistling, but after a few attempts whistles back in response, two short upward chirps followed by a single, drawn out descender.

Morgrim grunts. "Smart man. You'll go far."

The dwarven druids finishes tying up his captive and then nods to the others. "Are ye both ready? Come on."

"Just waiting on you brother.  Are you tying his mouth up too or leaving it untied?  There are merits to both."

Dal hadn't paid attention to how Grim was tying up the man so she hadn't seen if he had or had not tied up his mouth too.  She was just waiting for her brother to finish.

Morgrim cocked his head to the side as he eyed Dalgura. "I can't think for a moment what the merits of letting him go without a gag might be, dear sister. We don't want him calling out."

Binding and gagging the captive to clarify. Then heading into the cave.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 138):

Dal grinned at Grim, not taken back at all by his answer.  "In this case the only thing that I could think of was if he needed to answer a whistle call.  Since now he can't I say let us make haste."

After dealing with the man in the latrine, the party advances toward the cave's entrance. The entrance tunnel is littered with refuse, mostly food scraps, and the smell of roasting meat drifts out from the tunnel. The group can hear voices (common tongue) echoing off the wall inside and judging by the nature of the conversation and the occasional tell-tale metallic clink of coins on a table, the men inside sound to be engaged in some sort of gambling activity.

The tunnel leading into the cave is about 10 feet wide at the entrance and it curves away to the right as it descends deeper into the hill. The voices sound close, perhaps no more than 100 feet distant.

Morgirm checks the straps on his shield and then draws his scimitar, the silvered blade flashing in the half-light of the tunnel. "Stay close and keep your wits about you," he whispered to his fellows.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 141):

Dal grinned at Grim's words but didn't say anything.  He often thought her little comments and such were her going off tract when they were about to go into combat. Quite the contrary.  It helped her gather her thoughts and able to see more clearly.  This time she be quiet and let her mind go through the spells that were available to her.  Of course she always had her holy symbol and her weapon at hand.

Morgrim leads his companions into the cave's entrance, following along the right side of the tunnel as it gradually descends deeper into the hill. It is noticeably warmer within the tunnel, winter's bitter edge warded off a well-lit hearth somewhere beyond sight. The party continues slowly onward and does their best to remain as quiet as possible so as to not alert anyone to their presence.

The tunnel eventually opens into much larger cavern, the floor of which is littered with at least two dozen sleeping pallets. Interspersed within, the presence of various crates and sacks suggest the hideout has been in use for some time. A low fire licks up from a bed of glowing coals in a large firepit at the center of the cavern. Beyond the firepit a group of six men, the lot of them rough and seedy looking, are seated at a large wooden table. Here, the men are seemingly preoccupied by a hotly contested gambit of Three Dragon Ante.

Further within the large cavern and beyond the gaming table, an assortment of cloaks, sheets and furs hang from clotheslines, obscuring the cavern's far reaches.

None of the six men look up as the party peers around the corner into the cavern. The party is presently about 60 feet distant from the gamblers.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Thu 15 June 2017.

Morgrim looks back at his companions not especially liking the odds, and then returns his gaze to the game in progress. Six against three. Even with the blessings of the gods it didn't seem promising.

Are the men armed?

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 144):

The men at the table have weapons nearby or on their person.

Dalgura pointed to the table and then at her cleric symbol before making a gesture of blowing up.  She figured she could target the table and hopefully scatter or heat up the table/weapons so the other two could get into melee.

She readied herself and cast her cantrip.  The results weren't as good as she hoped but it should still act as a surprise to the enemy.


10:53, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d8.  Dalgura - radiant damage from spell.  I would have put the description and name of cantrip but it's my normal one I use.
  I'm at work so don't have that data available.

"Here goes nothing then," Morgrim said, reaching for his holy symbol.

Grasping vines immediately rose up around the card players, snaking up their feet and snatching at their arms.

"In the name of Sheriff Markham, lay down your arms!" he bellowed.

Action: Cast Entangle. DC 13 strength save to avoid.

Entangling vines break through the ground around the gambling thugs, causing all six to cry out in alarm as the table and chairs overturn. sending coin, cards and drink tumbling to the earth. Four of the men spring free of the grasping vegetation coiling in the area, while two remain firmly rooted to their chair, each effectively grappled for the moment.

Dalgura sends a sacred flame into the ensuing chaos. It scorches one of the men and he screams out in terror as glowing, searing light descends on him from above. Meanwhile, Ellie summons an eldritch blast and violets rays fan out to consume the same man, effectively ending his struggle.


OOC: The area arround the six bandits is now entangled. Three of them made their save and are not affected by the spell. The other two are presently caught in the spell's grasp. One is dead.

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11 (entangled), 11/11 (entangled), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   10/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   11/11    0      13


PCs are UP!

Morgrim conjures a ball of flame and sends it hurtling towards the nearest, unentangled bandit but the projectile drifts wide and crashes harmlessly into the wall.

11:39, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Produce Flame.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 149):

Seeing that some of the enemy was entangled but not all.  She targets one of the bandits that was not entangled and clutching her holy symbol called upon the might of her Goddess.  "May Sharlindar's Flame enlighten you and show you the folly of following the dark."


Sacred Flame:  range 60'  target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no beenfit from cover for the saving through.

13:16, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d8.  Let the Goddess provide flame(please).

Ellie sends another beam of crackling energy at one of the men. The man convulses violently for a few moments then collapses to the ground.

OOC: DM post

Two of the bandits leap free of the entangling vines, drawing their weapons as the bound toward the trio of spellcaster interlopers presently making their lives quite miserable. In little time, Morgrim and Dalgura each stare down a very irate bandit, both with malice in their eyes as they look to silence their foes. A couple of jabs later, Dalgura and Morgrim are drawn into melee and struggle to ward off their foes' blows.

One of the entangled bandits manages to break free of its bonds, while the other remains firmly in place.

Meanwhile, all of the adventurers become keenly aware of a snarling screech-like sound emanating from somewhere beyond the line of hanging blankets, sheets and cloaks toward the rear of the cavern. Whatever manner of beast just made that sound is definitely not a mere bandit!



OOC: Morgrim took 7. Dalgura too 6 points of damage! Morgrim: Do you need to make a Concentration check to keep that entangle spell going since you took damage?

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: 11/11 (morgrim), Dead (dalgura), Dead, 11/11 (entangled), 11/11 (broke free of entanglement), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   04/10    0      13
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   04/11    0      13


PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 23:37, Mon 19 June 2017.

Morgrim grit his teeth and held on. "Get away from my sister!" the dwarf bellowed, ignoring his own attacker so that he could stab back at the bandit menacing his sibling. His blade drew blood but it was little more than a scratch.

Concentration check succeeds.
Attack hits AC 17 for 2 damage.

19:28, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Damage.
19:28, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Attack.
19:27, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  Concentration, DC 10.

"Yes, as he says," Ellie whispers before sending another volley of cackling eldritch flame at the bandit Morgrim just wounded.

It's enough to take him down.

OOC: DM post

Dal hadn't been hurt like that since...well she couldn't remember and she certainly didn't have time to think on it now.  One of those sneaky bandits had injured her brother and THAT pissed her off.

"Get away from my brother!"

Dal held onto her holy symbol.  "Mighty Sharlindar please guide my strike against those who strike against us.  And if it wouldn't be too much to ask for heal Grim please.  He's the best brother."

Dal could feel Shalindar's approval flow through her.  She was tired and didn't notice of the bandit dodged her bolt but Grim was more important and she could feel healing energies go out to him.  She smiled and took a big breath, hoping that nobody would hit her but if they did, she'd meet Shalindar in person to thank her for saving Grim.

1st - Cantrip - Sacred Flame:  range 60' target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no benefit from cover for the saving through.

07:31, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 6 using 1d8.  Quit picking on my brother - d8 radiant damage.

2nd - bonus action, hopefully healing Grim.  Healing Word - 1 bonus action, range 60 feet, duration instantaneous.  creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier.

07:36, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d4+5.  Mighty Shalindar please heal Grim.
(d4 +3 (wisdom ability mod) + 2 (domain of life)

One moment Dalgura is raining down divine fire onto her foe, the next wielding her deity-granted power for restorative purposes. The sacred flame is not enough to take down the bandit who had just wounded Dalgura's brother, but it definitely got his attention.

The seared bandit recoils as flame sears flesh but still has enough presence of mind to lash out again at Morgrim, once again roughing up the druid.

Meanwhile, the bandit who had just broke free of his magical entanglement darts to the side of the cave and deftly produces a dagger with a practiced flick of his wrist. The thrown projectile strikes Dalgura in a particularly vulnerable, painful location and she loses consciousness...

Meanwhile, the third bandit struggles to free himself from the magical entanglement, growing ever nervous as the cave is filled with the sound of the ensuing combat and the strange animal-like noises coming from somewhere beyond the area obscured by hanging rugs and tarps...



OOC: Dalgura takes 4 points of damage and is now at 0 hp and must make Death Saves. Morgrim takes 7 points of damage.

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: 5/11 (morgrim), Dead, Dead, 11/11 (entangled), 6/11 (about 20 feet distant from PCs, throwing daggers), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   00/10    0      13      Unconscious (Successes: 1, Fails: 0)
Ellie     12   11/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   04/11    0      13


PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:01, Wed 21 June 2017.

Ellie narrows her eyes while focusing her attention on the dagger-throwing bandit near the side of the cavern. She channels her energy and unleashes another volley of eldritch power.

OOC: DM Post. Hit for 5 points of damage
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:46, Tue 20 June 2017.

Dal's Death Save:


18:07, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 19 using 1d20.  Will Dal see her Goddess or her Brother.

May not be one or the other, Dal. The way this fight is going it looks like it may be both.

Morgrim shouts in pain, though whether it is from the piercing blow or from having witnessed his sister collapse in battle is impossible to say. With a wordless cry he stabs at the bandit still menacing him, and though again he draws blood it is not enough to fell his attacker!

Concentration check failed
Attack hits, 2 damage

19:47, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Damage.
19:46, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Attack.
19:46, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d20+2.  Concentration, DC 10.

The surly bandit strikes Morgrim again with his studded club, causing the druid to lose focus on the entangle spell and those magical tendrils to recoil into nothingness. The bandit swings again, but Morgrim parries the blow away.

The dagger-flinging bandit sends one flying at Ellie, a glancing wound nicking the warlock.

Meanwhile, the bandit who had been rooted to the chair is now free and drawing his own dagger...


OOC: Ellie takes 2 points of damage. Dalgura is still making Death Saves.

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: 3/11 (morgrim), Dead, Dead, 11/11, 2/11 (about 20 feet distant from PCs, throwing daggers), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   00/10    0      13      Unconscious (Successes: 1, Fails: 0)
Ellie     12   09/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   04/11    0      13


PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 00:14, Wed 21 June 2017.

Quicksand. Dice don't appear to want to help us out :) Hopefully Ellie has some spells up her sleeve.

Despite his mounting desperation to reach his sister, between the blood and the pain Morgrim cannot seem to keep a firm grip upon his blade and he flails wildly and uselessly at his attack.

Not like this, mother, he prays. Not like this.

20:08, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Attack.

Ellie remains keyed in on the dagger flinging bandit, hissing away the pain of the grazing blade that just sliced into her arm. She redoubles her effort and sends eldritch fire his way...

OOC: DM Post. Hit for 4 points of damage.
This message was last updated by the GM at 00:14, Wed 21 June 2017.

oops!


10:32, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 3 using 1d20.  second death save  for Dal.

The wounded bandit remains engaged with Morgrim, the two locked in battle, both hoping to not be the first to fall. The bandit bashes the dwarf again, the force of the blow almost enough to take him out...almost.

Meanwhile the dagger flinging bandit continues to lob missiles at Ellie. Missing, he cries out in frustration to his cpmpatriot who had just freed himself from the entanglement, "Get on that damn wizard!" Ellie is no wizard, but the Luskan brute is not knowledgeable about such distinctions and lumps them all into the same broad category.

Nodding in agreement, the bandit draws his sword and rushes forward to engage the warlock. Ellie dodges aside from the slashing blow and attempts to keep her pursuer at bay.



OOC: Morgrim takes 2 points of damage. Dalgura is still making Death Saves.

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: Dead (morgrim), Dead, Dead, 1/11 (ellie), 2/11 (about 20 feet distant from PCs, throwing daggers), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   00/10    0      13      Unconscious (Successes: 1, Fails: 2)
Ellie     12   09/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   02/11    0      13


PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Tue 27 June 2017.

11:11, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d20.  Dal's 3rd try to live.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Fri 23 June 2017.

Ellie stumbles away from the sword-wielding bandit and catches herself on a nearby stalagmite before unleashing another wave of eldritch energy. "Back! Back with you..." she hisses.

The powerful blast takes the man to his knees and he struggles to remain conscious.

OOC: DM post

Finally finding a hole in his enemy's defense, Morgrim drives the tip of his sword through the man's chest and kicks his lifeless body aside. "Dal! Hold tight! I'm comin'!"

Attack hits AC 18 for 7 damage. Bandit dies.

13:45, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Damage.
13:44, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Attack.

His head swimming in a sea of nausea from the eldritch blast, the bandit disengages from its attack on Ellie and stumbles past her before fleeing down the tunnel toward the exit. He has to steady himself against the wall as he goes, but he has no desire to die today and does his best to put distance between himself and the adventurers.

Meanwile, the knife throwing bandit sees his companion fleeing the scene...and four of his compatriots now laying lifeless on the ground and starts to have the same idea. Except, he turns and flees behind the hanging pelts and cloaks, yelling as he goes, "Frizko! Where the hell are ye, you rat-bastard!"

TOne bandit is fleeing toward the exit, but still visible. The second bandit disappears behind the hanging garments, but his footfalls are still audible.

Morgrim and Ellie have been wounded in the brief, but bloody conflict. Dalgura is on the death's door...



OOC:

Bandits, 6
AC 12
HP: Dead, Dead, Dead, Dead, 2/11 (fled), Dead


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   13/17    1      13
Ellie     12   09/11    0      13
Morgrim   15   14/19    1      13


PCs are UP!


This message was last edited by the GM at 03:34, Wed 28 June 2017.

Morgrim drops his knees beside his sister, his silvered scimitar clattering to the floor. "Please mother, tell me I'm not too late..." he whispers. Reaching into his satchel he produces a sprig of mistletoe and begins to pluck berries off the stem, placing them gently on Dalgura's tongue.

Casting Goodberry. Morgrim creates 10 berries. Each restores 1hp of health.

Narrow her eyes in focus, Ellie unleashes another wave of eldritch energy at the fleeing bandit, sending him crashing to his knees as he succumbs to darkness.

OOC: DM Post

Five slain bandits are sprawled throughout the cavern, one having fled behind some hanging pelts calling out to one "Frizko" and the other safely secured within the outhouse.

Dalgura regains consciousness, her brother's face the first things she sees when the light returns to her vision.

It looks as though the adventurers are safe...for the moment.

Tears fall down Morgrim's cheeks into his beard as he waits in tense silence for Dalgura to open her eyes. When she does at last the relief is almost palpable. "Thank the Gods, Dalgura Ironhammer. I thought I'd lost ye."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 172):

"Why Morgrim Ironhammer.  You can't get rid of me that quickly!  I guess it just wasn't my time.  I had to take the hit Grim.  I couldn't let them kill you off."

Dal was ignoring the tears that were falling down her own cheeks as she hugged her brother.

"Since it was not my time, thank you brother, let me get back to work and see how badly you injured yourself.  I fear that we are not out danger yet."  Dal stops talking for a bit and tips her head to one side.  "Did you give me one your berries?  How many more do you have?"

Dal looks over at Ellie.  "Ellie?  How about you?  Are you injured?"

Dal knew she needed more healing but, as was her nature, she'd want to try and see who was hurt the most and tend aid to them.

Morgrim looked down at the collection of berries in his hand as he held tight to his sister. "Nine more," he replied after a moment. "Enough to get you back on your feet."

Ellie had been keenly concentrating on locating additional threats, unconvinced that they had gained a brief respite from battle. Dalgura's voice brings her attention back to matters at hand and she takes stock of herself and quietly responds, "I am well." She then suggests the dwarves use whatever healing powers they possess while they have a chance to do so.

OOC: DM post :\

It's now been about four weeks since Ellie has made a substantive post in this game, though the player has logged in several times in that period.

All this to say, I am going to drop the player from the game due to inactivity/lack of communication.

OOC: I am going to reward Inspiration to both of you, for good roleplay.

You may use it at your leisure

:)

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 176):

Thank you!   I still need to get us healed up but I think I get to use an extra first level spell now which will be helpful.  Can't wait til I get home to check it all out.  :)

Morgrim takes four of the remaining berries for himself and hands the rest over to his sister. Letting go of her shoulder he reaches for his fallen scimitar and rises. "Come on, Dal. Lets finish what we started."

+4hp to Morgrim. Sheet is up to date. Thanks for the Inspiration :)

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 178):

Dal stayed where she was as she ate the goodberries.  She watched to make sure that Grim ate his and then she closed her eyes and prayed to her Goddess.

"Mighty Sharlindar I thank you for giving aid to our cause and helping my brother.  Also please pass on my thanks to Grim's Goddess for the Goodberries and for giving him the strength to carry on without me reminding him to either hit harder or duck faster.  May both your names be blessed for ever more by House of Ironhammer."

Dal then stood by Grim and slugged his arm with a smile.  "Love ya Brother.  Let's get this finished so I can heal some more.  Some of those shots HURT!"

For more HP I took the 5 plus con mod option so 7 more HP.  I have updated my character sheet correctly but if not let me know.

The hideout contains what looks like the personal belongings of perhaps two dozen men scattered about the cavern: bedrolls, clothing, and the like. Additionally, a deck of Three Dragon Ante cards and numerous coins of various mint litter the ground near the now overturned table and chairs near the center of the cavern. Additionally, a substantial larder consisting of several casks, crates, and sacks of various provision can be found in the cavern.

Beyond the hanging pelts, hides and cloaks, the party finds tunnel leading up a natural staircase.

Morgrim continues up the tunnel, shield at the ready, determined to ensure their foes have well and truly fled before he returns to the hideout.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 181):

Dalgura put a hand on her brother's arm and pulled him closer just as he was starting to move forward.  "Do we need a distraction?  I can still do my thaumaturgy to make it sound like more of us if you want me too."

"I don't know that its necessary," Morgrim replied. "One of them ran that way. He saw how many of us there were. Besides, I think they're gone. I just want to be sure."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 183):

Dal nodded and braced herself for another battle.  She thought she had heard an animalistic sound or something before or was it somebody yelling for somebody else.  Of course it could have been her imagination as she listened for the Gods to determine if it was her time or not.  If she was right, though, she'd have a good night drinking and saying to Grim "I told you so".  Life was good when you were with family!

Weapon - check; Holy symbol - check; brother in front - check.  Yes Dal was ready to battle.

Morgrim leads the party up the narrow natural staircase. Shortly after beginning their ascent, the staircase widens and the party sees what looks like the dagger-flinging bandit trapped beneath a large slab of stone up ahead. The bandit's lower half is buried under the sheet of stone and he is not presently moving, the man's arms thrown out wide, a dagger within a few inches of an outstretched hand. A pool of blood surrounds the bandit's open mouth.

Moments after the party first takes this scene in, the bandit begins to convulse violently, its head taking on the form of a rat while fine gray fur begins to cover its flesh!

Question: Is the way forward blocked by the deadfall?

Morgrim makes a peasant sign to ward off evil. "Foul creatures. It looks like the rumors have some merit after all."

"Aarun was right to seek help."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 186):

"Burn it Grim.  It's not dead yet!  It could escape if it finished transforming.  Burn it!"

Dalgura didn't like mice let alone larger versions of them like rats.  If it were a ratwere, or a wererat, that was even worse!

Dalgura gripped her holy symbol and almost before she knew it she was letting loose with her cantrip, hoping that radiant damage would work.  She couldn't help but hear the words of the enemy come back to her.  "You rat bastard you".  Perhaps that was why her spell seemed to be more of a flicker than a heavy burst of radiance.  It was either that or her Goddess didn't mind furry things.  Yes it could be the furry thing.  AFter all she was used to Dwarves and many of them were, well, kind of furry...especially after the weekend.



Sacred Flame:  range 60'  target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no beenfit from cover for the saving through.

14:38, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 1 using 1d8.  you rat bastard you..

The natural staircase is not completely obstructed by the rockfall; the path continues upward a few more steps before ending at a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands.

Dalgura summons sacred flame on the trapped wererat and Ellie follows suit with another invocation of eldritch power. The wererat shudders in response, convulsing violently as blood continues to issue forth from its contorted mouth. Eventually, the beast ceases its tremors and lies motionless on the stone steps, caught between two forms: human and rat.

The party then hears the low growl of what sounds like a large dog on the other side of the heavy door...

The natural staircase is not completely obstructed by the rockfall; the path continues upward a few more steps before ending at a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands.

Dalgura summons sacred flame on the trapped wererat and Ellie follows suit with another invocation of eldritch power. The wererat shudders in response, convulsing violently as blood continues to issue forth from its contorted mouth. Eventually, the beast ceases its tremors and lies motionless on the stone steps, caught between two forms: human and rat.

The party then hears the low growl of what sounds like a large dog on the other side of the heavy door...

The natural staircase is not completely obstructed by the rockfall; the path continues upward a few more steps before ending at a heavy wooden door reinforced with iron bands.

Dalgura summons sacred flame on the trapped wererat and Ellie follows suit with another invocation of eldritch power. The wererat shudders in response, convulsing violently as blood continues to issue forth from its contorted mouth. Eventually, the beast ceases its tremors and lies motionless on the stone steps, caught between two forms: human and rat.

The party then hears the low growl of what sounds like a large dog on the other side of the heavy door...

Morgrim looks back over his shoulder at his sister and Ellie and offers a resolute nod. "Ready?" Barring any objections to the contrary he steps up to the door and kicks it open, ready to face the foe head on.

Morgrim steps up and kicks down the door, sending pieces of wood shattering inward as it jerks violently to the side and nearly detaches from its hinges.

Unbeknownst to the adventurers, standing within the private quarters on the other side is none other than Marek the Shank, still smarting from their encounter in Dunavan's warehouse on the previous night. The swarthy red-skinned hobgoblin stands ready with his trusty shortbow, an arrow drawn and aimed, a second at his ready disposal in the fold of his boot. At his side, his trusty wolf Ripper, its fur hackled and ears pin backed for action.

But none of the adventurers gets much of a chance to stand and gawk, because two arrows fly straight at Morgrim in a flash, one striking the dwarf and the other whizzing harmlessly by his cheek.

Marek narrows his eyes as he makes out the intruders, "You! Again!" the hobgoblin stammers. "You got lucky at the warehouse...your luck's done run out now!" he sneers.

"Sic' em, Ripper!" he says, urging the wolf to race forward.

OOC: Morgrim takes 2 points of damage. Marek and the wolf are about 30 feet distant.

Marek the Shank
AC: 16
HP: 21/27

Ripper the Wolf
AC: 13
HP: 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Ellie     12   19/19    0      13
Morgrim   15   12/19    1      13


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:06, Thu 29 June 2017.

Ellie glances over Morgrim's head and spies the waiting hobgoblin. Narrowing her eyes, she responds to his boasts with a whispered refutation, "I don't think so..."

Ellie conjures a beam of crackling blue energy that lances from her outstretches palms and jets toward the hobgoblin in the adjoining room.

OOC: Witch Bolt. Hit for 6 points of lightning damage.

04:01, Today: Ellie Dovehand rolled 19,6 using d20+3,d12 ((16,6)).

In reply to Ellie Dovehand (msg # 191):

As Ellie and Grim go for the hobgoblin, Dal went for the wolf after hearing "sic em".  She cast her Sacred Flame not sure if it would hit since wolves were pretty quick but at the least she hoped it would give her time to heal up Grim more.

1st - Cantrip - Sacred Flame:  range 60' target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no benefit from cover for the saving through.


07:46, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d8.  can wolf hair sizzle - sacred flame.

2nd - bonus action, hopefully healing Grim.  Healing Word - 1 bonus action, range 60 feet, duration instantaneous.  creature of your choice that you can see within range regains hit points equal to 1d4 + your spellcasting ability modifier.


07:47, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 8 using 1d4+5.  Heal thy Brother - he's the only one I got. (d4 +3 for wisdom ability mod +2 for domain of life).

Morgrim roars and surges forth, ready to meet 'Ripper' head on. Midway across the chamber and in midstride the druid launches himself forward, leaving the ground on two feet and landing on four. The beast that reaches the far side resembles a wolf, if wolves were the size of horses and had teeth as long as knives.

Seizing the smaller wolf in his jaws, Morgrim tears out its throat and sends it hurtling against the stone wall of the cavern with a heavy thud!

Bonus action: Wild Shape. Direwolf.
https://roll20.net/compendium/.../Dire%20Wolf#content

Morgrim's new AC is 14. His new HP total is 37.

Action: Attack. Critical hit against Ripper for 19 damage.

09:21, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 19 using 4d6+3.  Damage.
09:20, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Bite.

Seeing his beloved wolf, Ripper, get shaken about and tossed aside like a rag doll, Marek draws his sword and charges into the fray, his eyes burning with hatred and vengeance.

"Damn you!" he roars while racing forward, sword at the ready. "By Maglubiyet's fiery eyes, you will pay for that!" he shouts while thrusting his sword at the Morgrim-wolf.

OOC: Morgrim takes 7 points of damage.

Marek the Shank
AC: 16
HP: 17/27

Ripper the Wolf
AC: 13
HP: DEAD


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Ellie     12   19/19    0      13
Morgrim   15   19/19    1      13     Dire Wolf form: AC 14, HP 30/37


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:14, Sat 01 July 2017.

In reply to DM Shard (msg # 194):

Dal saw that, once again, somebody was trying to skewer her brother.  She really did take those type of things seriously.

"Hey!  Pick on somebody your own size!  Better yet.  Let Sharindlar show you the error of your ways!"

Dal sent another Sacred Flame at her brother's attacker.  She hoped, even if he dodged it, it would give Grim the chance to attack him.  She loved to tag team with her brother.

1st - Cantrip - Sacred Flame:  range 60' target makes a dex sav throw or take 1d8 radiant damage.  Gains no benefit from cover for the saving through.

10:16, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 2 using 1d8.  quit picking on Grim-That's my job!

Morgrim snapped his jaws at the hobgoblin but was rewarded only with a mouth full of metal. Still, he interposed himself between Marek and his companions, determinedly keeping the bandit leader at bay.

14:09, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Bite.

Crackling blue energy lances out from Ellie's outstretched hands, jetting across the cave toward the burly hobgoblin. The witch bolt strays wildly as it approaches, missing the intended target.

Possessed now by a single-minded rage, the hobgoblin ruffian throws himself into his swordplay, convinced of his superiority. He strikes Morgrim-wolf again, a glancing blow, but enough to at least draw a bit of blood.

He seems to gain confidence when he notices the spray of dark blood on his blade.

OOC: Morgrim takes 6 points of damage.

Marek the Shank
AC: 16
HP: 17/27

Ripper the Wolf
AC: 13
HP: DEAD


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Ellie     12   19/19    0      13
Morgrim   15   19/19    1      13     Dire Wolf form: AC 14, HP 24/37


PCs are UP!

Possessed now by a single-minded rage, the hobgoblin ruffian throws himself into his swordplay, convinced of his superiority. He strikes Morgrim-wolf again, a glancing blow, but enough to at least draw a bit of blood.

He seems to gain confidence when he notices the spray of dark blood on his blade.

OOC: Morgrim takes 6 points of damage.

Marek the Shank
AC: 16
HP: 17/27

Ripper the Wolf
AC: 13
HP: DEAD


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Ellie     12   19/19    0      13
Morgrim   15   19/19    1      13     Dire Wolf form: AC 14, HP 24/37


PCs are UP!

Frustrated at her inability to take Marek the Shank down, Ellie calls up another eldritch blast. This attack is likewise ineffective, narrowly missing the wily hobgoblin.

In reply to Ellie Dovehand (msg # 200):

Dalgura getting the idea that Sharindlar wanted her to get more practice in with her warhammer that Dalgura always kept on a loop.  With a quick flick of her wrist, Dal's warhammer was in her hand and she was attacking.

"IRONHAMMER!!!!"




17:55, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Dal - Warhammer attack.

No wonder Sharindlar said to practice more!

Morgrim snarls and gnashes his jaws but even with Dalgura by his side to distract Marek his teeth fail to find flesh.

Action: Attack, 14. Misses.

11:37, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 14 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Pack tactics.

The sword-wielding hobgoblin advances with a brutal overhead strike, but Morgrim parries it away. On the recoil, the hobgoblin jabs his sword at the dwarf, but it is a clumsy, ineffective attack.

OOC:

Marek the Shank
AC: 16
HP: 6/27

Ripper the Wolf
AC: 13
HP: DEAD


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Ellie     12   19/19    0      13
Morgrim   15   19/19    1      13     Dire Wolf form: AC 14, HP 24/37


PCs are UP!
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:46, Sun 02 July 2017.

Ellie blasts the hobgoblin with eldritch power again, this time her aim is true.

OOC: hit for 11

Morgrim lunges at Marek's legs, sinking his teeth into the hobgoblin's shins and trying to drag him down to the ground.

Attack hits AC 20 for 8 damage.
Marek must succeed on a DC 13 Strength saving throw or be knocked prone.

11:51, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8 using 2d6+3.  Damage.
11:51, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 20 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Pack tactics.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 205):

Dal growled and attempted to hit Marek again.  "Hold still you silly thing.  Accept your fate."


11:10, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Dal's attempt to hit-Hold still so I can hit you!

Morgrim knocks Marek down, sending the hobgoblin tumbling roughly to the earthen floor, his head striking a large rock. A loud crack later and the battle is over. Marek the Shank has been defeated!

Morgrim sits back on his haunches, chest heaving. With a quaver he stands, shedding his fur and regaining his usual stocky countenance.

"I'm glad that's over," he said breathlessly. "Come. Lets have a look around."

Searching this room and the one prior

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 208):

Dal shook her head as if to clear it and looked at Ellie and Grim.  "For such a little guy, he was hard to hit!  Everybody ok?  Anybody need healing?  I'm much better at that then hitting the thing."

Dal got up and started to help search the area.

"No need to fret about me, Gura, I'm fine," Morgrim said with a smile half-hidden by his long beard.

"Yeah, I've heard THAT before."

Dal quickly went to another section of the area to search so that Grim wouldn't see her grin.  No matter what he said, she'd still worry over him and knew that he would worry over her.

The party searches the hobgoblin's lair and the adjoining chamber and amidst the ruffian's personal effects, finds a leather bag beneath a sleeping pallet containing two flasks of an unusual green liquid and a small locked chest. On a nearby table, the group finds a crumpled sheet of parchment. Written in a flowing back script is the following missive:

Slim,

I presume the 'slight problem' you mentioned in your last report has been dealt with. We can't have any surprises interfering with the speaker's public audience--those not of our own making at least!

Duvessa has been doing a better job of courting public opinion than I anticipated. Bring a score of your best into town and come see me. We will need to act more decisively if I am to be assured of claiming her seat at the head of the council of speakers.


In place of a signature at the bottom of the note is a strange symbol, an arcane mark.

Morgrim gently smooths out the parchment and reads it with a furrowed brow.

"We have to alert the Speaker," he said worriedly before handing the note across to his sister. He knew she would have no more knowledge of the wizard's mark than he, nor Ellie for that matter.

"Something is rotten in the city of Bryn Shander."

I assume if the bandits or Marek's personal armaments were of any particular quality you would have said? I can't recall what Marek was armed with.

Collecting:
- Note
- Leather satchel with unidentified potions
- Three Dragon Ante cards
- Assorted coins

Morgrim will open the chest if he is able to do so.

Morgrim will also inspect the larder for any worthwhile portable acquisitions.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 213):

"Saying that something is wrong in Bryn Shander is an understatement dear brother.  Are we going to try and head back now or go forward and see if there is anything else here?  Do you remember the way back?"

Marek was armed with a long sword and long bow. Both were serviceable but not of unusual quality. The same can be said of his armor, scale mail.

The strongbox is locked and no key is found on Marek's person or during the cursory search of the premises. The lock looks like it could be picked.

In total, there are about 20 gp of loose coins, mostly silver and copper, around the overturned Three Dragon Ante game. Morgrim gathers the cards while scooping coins into a waiting sack.

The larder is considerable, containing several weeks' worth of rations to feed a company of men. Hauling all of it back to Bryn Shander might prove problematic however, especially given the party consists of three adventurers and their lack of any sleds or beasts of burden to aid in the task.

OOC: DC 15 Dex check to pick the lock

"Feh!" Morgrim grunted, having tried and failed to unlock the bandit's chest. "Have a go, Dal. Maybe you'll have better luck."

Any good bottles of brandy, wine or the like in the larder?

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 216):

Dal sat down and looked at the lock for a minute and then pulled out her cloak pin.  She put it in the lock slowly turned it.  She wasn't sure who was more surprised when the lock clicked open, her or Morgrim.

She took back her cloak pin and refastened it.  She tried to keep her smile to a nice neutral smile and not a smirk as the point out her success to her brother.  "There you go.  You must have loosened it up."

She stepped back to allow big brother to open it up.  "Be careful opening it please.  It could be trapped.  Perhaps you want to open it up away from you.  I'm just going to be over here in this corner for a bit."

Dal, not that she didn't trust her brother, went to a corner that the front of the chest wasn't facing.


20:16, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Dal lock pick attempt.

Morgrim smirked but he waited until Dalgura was well out of harm's way before trying the lid, and when he did so, he did it with caution.

Dalgura manages to pick the lock. Opening the strongbox reveals a small cache of 200 gp of Luskan mint.

Morgrim searches the larder and finds a cask of wine. Smelling and tasting the wine, Morgrim judges it to be of good quality.

Morgrim's eyes go wide at the treasure. He carefully closes the lid once the others have peered inside. "Luskan coin. It may be important to show this to someone."

"Lets get heading back!"

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 220):

"Hey!  Don't be stingy on that wine.  Let us have a drink too. It was a thirsty job to miss the hobgoblin."

Dal grinned at Morgrim.  "So what are we taking back?  We should split it up a bit so nobody has to cart it all by themselves."

"Cart it all by themselves?" Mogrim said with a whimsical grin. "I'll be doin' all the carting, missy. You two will be riding on my back. Unfortunately I left my saddle in my other trousers, so you'll have to hang tight. We've got time to make up in a hurry."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 222):

Dalgura looked over at Ellie.  "See what I have to go through?"  But she did wink and grin.

"Well then we had better get going."

The party finishes up in the bandit's hideout and makes their way back toward the exit. It is now near sunset, the trip here having taken 3 hours and a couple of hours having transpired since the party first arrived and began scouting the place out. Getting back to Bryn Shander with the benefit of daylight still present will be quite a challenge and require a hasty march over snowy ground. Not impossible, but challenging.

There is also the issue of what to do about the bound bandit in the outhouse, assuming he's still there and has not escaped...

As soon as the trio are out beneath the setting sun, Morgrim pitches forward and arches his back, growing at an alarming rate until he stands above the height of most men. Taking a knee, the towering Clydesdale waits until his passengers have climbed over his shoulder before plodding off through the drifting snows. Hooves the size of dinner plates ought to have little difficulty grinding down the miles, whatever the conditions.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 225):

"You ARE handy to have around dearest brother.  Thanks for the ride but do be careful."

Dal turns to Ellie and grins.  "He's always full of surprises."

As Grim carries them towards town, Dal will keep her eyes out for any ambushes or bad guys.  They do, after all, have a tendency to find them.

Borne by Morgrim, in massive Clydesdale form, the three adventurers bound effortlessly over snowy ground, weaving their way through the game trail back toward Bryn Shander. There is no evidence of Algonell along the way: he either already has returned to the walled town or is out elsewhere checking on his animal traps.

In any event, the journey back to civilization is uneventful and the party soon is welcomed by the sight dark smoke rising from the chimneys of homes and businesses that make up the walled city of Bryn Shander.

Morgrim took a knee before the walls of Bryn Shander, and once his riders had dismounted he resumed his normal guise. "We need to speak with Duvessa Shane at once," he said, brushing himself down. "We can figure out lodgings after."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 228):

"Ok Grim.  Although don't let time go too far before we get shelter.  You know what it would be like out here without lodging.  Lead the way."

Morgrim nodded and set out to find the Speaker's official residences. He did not trust anyone else to receive the news.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 230):

Dal looked over at Ellie.  "You coming with us Ellie?"

Dal waited for Ellie to answer and then followed Grim.


ooc:  Not sure how long you're planning on keeping Ellie around so sort of set it up in case this will be an exit for her.

The non-stop travel since arriving Bryn Shander has not treated Ellie well. The young woman is quite physically weary and is overeager to return to her room at once to regain vitality. Upon entering town, she begs off for the night and suggests her companions consider waiting until morning.

"We haven't had one moment of respite since arriving, not that the journey up from Luskan was exactly restful," she offers with the hint of a smile. She's right. The party has essentially been going non-stop for over two weeks and all must certainly be weary.

Before departing she says, "I intend on treating myself to a hot bath, food, drink, and a good night's sleep. I will inquire after you in the morning..."

OOC: I am going to effectively write Ellie out of the game from this point forward.

"Go rest, Ellie," Morgrim replied. "The Gods know you have earned it. We all have. I must go a little further tonight, but that should not deter you. We will look for you in the morning."

After Ellie takes her leave and departs for Geldenstag's Rest, Dalgura and Morgrim push through their weariness for perhaps one more stop on what has already proven to be an eventful day. Their destination: the Speaker's Palace.

Daylight has all but faded as the dwarves make their way through the streets of Bryn Shander. Welcoming light filters through soot-stained panes and the smell of smoked meat wafts through not-too-tightly fitting windows, enticing the adventurers to see to their basic need for warmth and shelter. But they will not be deterred.

The Speaker's Palace is not at all difficult to find. Located on the south side of town, the "palace" as it is referred, is the only two-story building in all of Bryn Shander. The structures of Ten Towns ar largely sunk deeply into ground to avoid exposure to the punishing winds that sweep down from the Reghed Glacier.

Arriving at the palace, the dwarves take in its appearance. Possessing the tell-tale characteristics of dwarven construct, the palace is sturdily built of cut stone with a pitched slate roof. A functional but unadorned colonnade wraps around the front and side of the palace, a design feature which puts it largely at odds with the squat, rough wood dwellings that flank it on either side. Taken altogether, the Speaker's Palace appear as if it has been magically transported to this wind-blasted realm from some other far-flung region of Faerun.

As the dwarves approach the exterior gate, they see a man departing the Speaker's Palace, his large frame illuminated by the glow of light emanating from the front door. The man exchanges a few pleasantries with someone at the doorstep and then calls aloud, "Right then. Well met as always, honorable Speaker. I will do my utmost to find the one you seek."

Turning on his heel, the man departs and begins walking down the steps toward the adventurers, the palace front door closing shortly thereafter.

A heavyset man of medium height bounds down the walkway toward the adventurers, lost in his own thought and not noticing either until he draws to within 5 feet or so. Looking up, he excuses himself for nearly running into them.

"Pardon. Good evening," he comments while side-stepping to allow either to pass. He pays a second glance to both dwarves, seemingly intrigued by either.

Drawing his brown robe set with a fancy white mantle inward with one hand, the other gripping an ornate metal staff tipped with a glowing sapphire, the dark-haired man moves to continue on his way.

Morgrim spares a passing glance for the departing stranger and proceeds up the steps of the Speaker's palace, rapping on the door with his gloved hand.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 235):

"Take care then Ellie.  We'll get our sleep in a few."

While Grim knocks on the door, Dal watches the man who almost bumped into them. She smiled when he said pardon but was curious about him.  She would watch Grim's back.

Dalgura and Morgrim make it to the steps leading to the front door when they are intercepted by a pair of guards posted at either side of the colonnade. The men are armed with polearms and wear studded leather. The guards briefly interview the siblings to ensure neither has come looking for trouble and then allow both to proceed to the front door.

Moment after knocking at the door...

Dalgura and Morgrim hear footsteps approaching on the other side of the door and then the door swings open while a woman's voice comments, "Vael..."

The woman standing at the open doorway looks confusedly at the dwarven siblings, then to either side of them as though expecting someone else. "I'm sorry, I thought you were someone else," she offers in apology to her awkward greeting.

She looks past the dwarves again, her vision drawn to the walkway and gate. Returning her attention to Dalgura and Morgrim she says, "Well met and good eve. How can I help you?"

The woman at the doorway, Duvessa Shane, is of slight build, sparkling gray eyes and a short mop of tousled hair. She is functionally dressed in trousers and shirtsleeves, over which she wears a sable pelt.

In reply to Duvessa Shane (msg # 237):

"Good Eve.  I am Dalgura Ironhammer, follower of Sharindlar and this is my brother Morgrim.  We have some news you need to hear.  My brother can go into more details."

Dal smiled when she introduced them and would let Grim tell the tale.  He liked to talk and he had the note.

"So sorry to trouble you at this late hour, Speaker," Morgrim began with a self deprecating smile. "But we would not have done so were it not important."

"My sister and I were investigating a bandit camp at the foot of Kelvin's Cairn and we discovered something that may be of grave concern to you personally."

He unfurled the note and passed it across, casting a sidelong glance at the door guards. Until the Speaker vouched for them, he trusted no one save his sister. Morgrim waited while Duvessa looked the missive over.

"Perhaps, if you'd like, we can come inside and fill you in on the story in its fullness?"

The Speaker waves off Morgrim's concerns, takes the proffered parchment, and briefly examines it in the glow of light spilling out from her open doorway.



A few moments later she lifts her eyes to regard each of the dwarves, and responds in an even tone. "Yes. Please. Come inside." She then gestures to her guards to allow each to pass and pulls the door open wider, bidding each to enter the entrance parlor.

Once both have accepted her offer of hospitality, and brief introductions are completed, the Speaker motions for each to have a seat on a nearby bench. She then situates herself in a large padded chair near an open hearth, a log of pine glowing bright in its recesses.

Returning to matters at hand, "You came in on the caravan from Luskan, yes?" she asks, guessing the answer to her own question. The caravan's arrival had been big news in Bryn Shander and its crew did not escape the notice of even the Speaker herself.

Once her guess is confirmed, Duvessa continues, "If what you showed me is true, well, that bodes ill." She seems at a loss on how to mentally process the message.

"Who else has seen this?" she asks, leaning forward.

"There was a third with us," Morgrim explained. "She has gone to secure lodgings for the night. We've only just returned you see, and I thought it best to come here directly. No one else knows."

The Speaker studies the note again, turning it over in her hand several times. Finally, she comments, "Unless this has been forged, the mark belongs to an ally. A man who was just here before you arrived in fact."

She studies Morgrim dubiously for a moment then turns her attention to Dalgura. Then, her face softens and she lets out a low breath, "Trouble is what this is."

Duvessa explains the arcane sigil at the bottom of the letter belongs to Vaelish Gant, a Waterdhavian merchant who arrived about a month ago looking to establish a foothold in the lucrative scrimshaw trade. Vaelish has extensive contacts in Waterdeep and claims to be able to secure the best prices for carved scrimshaw.

"He has been a staunch ally these past few weeks..." she says, alluding to the recent troubles with Luskan thugs and beasts and the upcoming public audience to answer grievances made against her and to possibly call for a new Speaker.

In reply to Duvessa Shane (msg # 242):

"How long have you known this man?  When he left he wasn't paying attention to where he was walking and almost knocked us down.  After he gave his apology he stared at us for a moment.  Long enough that I wasn't going to turn my back to him while Grim was knocking.  Did you know him before the past few weeks?"

"About a month or so. After he came up from Waterdeep ," she says. She then claims to have never met him previously, though he has given her no reason to doubt his support or to suspect he was plotting against her. If anything, she suggests, Vaelish has been supportive of her and claims will have her back at the upcoming public audience.

"Are you sure he's from Waterdeep?" Morgrim mused. "And not from Luskan perhaps? Those bandits were well paid...."

Morgrim produced a fistful of coins. All of them bore the Luskan mint.

"If I had to guess, Mister Gant is trying to lull you in to a false sense of complacency before he tries to take the Speakership for himself at the coming assembly."

Duvessa nods indecisively when questioned about Vaelish's origins. Her knowledge of his past extends for only as long as he has been in Ten Towns and what she has been told by Vaelish himself. It's not uncommon for people from all over Faerun to end up in Icewinddale. It's a place people end up in search of new beginnings, free from the specter of the past, she claims.

When presented with the possibility of being upseated, she bristles and responds sharply, "Well, if that's true, he has another thing coming!"

Speaking now in a more subdued tone she thanks the adventurers for bring her this news. "Do you have reason to suspect anyone else in this plot?" she asks. She specifically asks about the Sheriff, whom she says has been less than effective in handling recent calamities.

Morgrim glanced at his sister and then shrugged. "He's given me no reason to doubt his loyalties," Morgrim replied. "A bit curmudgeonly if you ask me and I get the sense that he's struggling to keep afloat with everything going on at the moment, but when we confronted him with the truth of a matter concerning one of the Reghed tribesmen he did the honourable thing. He didn't have to, but he did."

"I trust him."

"In that case, I'd like to roll Sheriff Markhamm into the discussion soonest," Duvessa responds. "As Chief of Security, he should be appraised of these ill tidings..." Barring any strong objections, the Town Speaker intends to send a runner to gather Sheriff Markhamm so he can see the letter and hear the adventurers' tale.

"If wheels are already in motion, we need to act fast to gain the upper hand," she reasons.

In reply to Duvessa Shane (msg # 248):

Dal who had stifled a yawn while Grim and Duvessa were talking, went over to a corner chair and sat down.  If she couldn't sleep right now, at least she sit down and try to clear her thoughts and rest her feet.

"I have no objections," Morgrim replied with a shake of his head. He cast a kind eye towards his sister. "I don't suppose there's somewhere she can lie down? We've been on our feet since first light this morning."

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 250):

"No Grim.  I am awake.  I can hang in there if need be.  Besides you haven't gotten any more rest than I did."

Of course once she said that Dal quickly tried to hide another yawn but it was obvious that she wouldn't go quietly sleeping.

Duvessa motions for the adventurers to make themselves comfortable while she sends for Sheriff Markhamm. It does not take long for one of the Speaker's guards to return with Sheriff Markhamm in tow. The Sheriff noisily enters the parlor, bits of snow flaking off his boots onto the ground and nearly instantly forming small, sooty puddles. Sweeping his gaze over the room, he settles on the dwarves, now seated near an alcove by a fireplace.

Narrowing his eyes slightly he twists his mouth and comments, "You?! Again!?" There is no malice in his incredulous, almost mirthful tone.

"So, let's see what you've found..." he starts in, cutting immediately to the chase.

A few moments later, after examining the letter he confirms Duvessa's assessment of the arcane mark at the end of the letter. "No mistake about it. That's the mark Vaelish put on his office door." The Sheriff then states it's not likely any but the most skilled could forge a wizard's mark. Examining it again, he states his belief that the letter is authentic.

"It's enough for me to act on, Madame Speaker..."

Duvessa exhales a long, slow breath and crosses the room to peer out a window. Her back turned to the others, she says, "Very well. Do what must be done. Apprehend him and bring him in for questioning..."

The Sheriff nods his understanding and says, "Yes. Right."

The Sheriff then turns toward the dwarves and asks for their assistance in apprehending Vaelish. "I can bring out the militia, but Vaelish is a wizard and likely to be quite dangerous and elusive."

The Sheriff seeks to deputize the dwarves and will pay each 25 gp to lend their aid apprehending Vaelish.

Morgrim takes a seat and nods in and out of sleep as the trio await the arrival of Sherrif Markhamm. As the door opens with a gust of chill wind the druid eyes flutter open and he manages a faint smile, half hidden by his dark whiskers.

"Us again," he confirms. Exchanging a glance with his sister he waits while Markhamm reviews the missive and decides upon a plan of action.

"Do you intend to move tonight then?" he asks. "I am ready if you are, Dal," he adds, turning a questioning glance towards the younger Ironhammer.

Assuming a short rest. Morgrim is back to full HD.
19:18, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d8+2.  Healing Die.

The Sheriff considers the question for a moment, nods in the affirmative and replies, "If Vaelish is busy plotting to oust the Speaker, I'd just as soon see him under our custody than give the wizard the leisure of continued planning."

"Besides, we don't know if word has already reached him of your raid on the hideout. The longer we wait around there's more chance word reaches his ears."

Markhamm says he will roust four members of the town guard on the way to Vaelish's offices. Unless the dwarves offer a compelling reason otherwise, the Sheriff is ready to depart at once.

"Well, you'll have no objection from me," Morgrim said, rising from his chair. "What do you say, Dal? Ready for one more?"

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 257):

Dal had been resting while she could so she didn't hear Grim the first time around.  The second time she heard him though.  "Give me a second Grim.</blue."

Dal didn't wait but bent her head in prayer and meditation to her Goddess.  It never hurt to check in with her Goddess nor to ask blessing on what Dal and Grim would be doing.  Finally she kissed her holy symbol and got up.

"<blue>Ok Grim.  Let's venture forth one more time and THEN we'll get some sleep.  Ok?"

Wishing to seize the initiative and prevent Vaelish from learning about the raid on the bandit hideout and subsequent discovery of the missive in his hobgoblin associate's possession, Sheriff Markhamm quickly leads the dwarves through the town in darkness, stopping briefly at the armory to conscript the services of four loafing guards: Alan, Brent, Eagan and Randy.

Markhamm quickly whips them into shape, berating them for the state of their barracks room as they fumble while donning armor and grabbing weapons. Outfitted in chain shirt, shield and spears, the four town guards fall into position behind Sheriff as they march through dark, snow-crusted streets toward Vaelish's offices. The party draws a few curious glances along the way, though few people mill about outside as it is well into night and most are huddled inside their homes next to fireplace and hearth.

The party eventually draws outside Vaelish's demesne, a non-descript wooden longhouse across the street from Council Hall, both within view of Southwest Gate. Flickering light is seen through the cracks of the longhouse's closed, heavy wood shudders and a plume of sweet-smelling smoke rises from a central hearth. Save for the few shuddered windows, two doorways permit access to the longhouse: the main entrance foyer and a side entrance through an adjoining stable and workshed.

"You lot go to the main door," Morgrim suggested. "Dal and I will keep a watch on the side entrance."

Sheriff Markhamm nods and motions his guardsmen to take up position behind him at the front door as Dalgura and Morgrim proceed to the side entrance. Once everyone is in position, Markhamm raps heavily on the front door. A few moments pass and the dwarves hear the front door open and a brief conversation ensues. Markhamm asks to speak with Vaelish, the voice on the other end says he's not present. The Sheriff then asks to enter and look for himself. More discussion, this time more heated. Eventually, the voice at the door relents and the Sheriff and the four guardsmen enter the longhouse, the door shutting behind them.

Several tense moments pass as Dalgura and Morgrim wait outside in the cold near the side entrance. Then, a loud crashing thud is heard coming from inside the longhouse. Men begin shouting. Glass breaking. Wood splitting. Metal-on-metal. The sound of battle enjoined!

Morgrim bursts through the side door, shield at the ready. "Keep behind me, Dal!" he shouts as he goes looking for the source of the clamor.

The side door bursts inward, sending shards and splinters of wood flying as Morgrim steps into the threshold. The door leads to a kitchen and pantry, both currently empty. The muffled sound of furniture breaking and physical exertion is heard through an adjoining doorway, this partially open.

It sounds like quite a battle is taking place in the room beyond. Proceeding through the kitchen, the dwarves fling the door open and discover the source of conflict. Sheriff Markham and the four guardsmen are locked in battle with an equal number of enemies in a long common hall. The combatants scurry over and around a long table, kicking over chairs as they trade blows.

The Sheriff is at the head of his soldiers, locked in battle with a wiry human armed with a rapier. The rapier-armed man leaps effortlessly over the table and confounds the Sheriff with his elusive fighting style. The other men trade clumsy blows, hitting mostly furniture and walls. In short, the common hall is getting thrashed. The light shifts rapidly as an overhead candelabra jerks violently this way and that.

The lanky rapier-armed man leers at the militia-men and comments in a thick Luskan accent, "Yer bess run 'long now soon righ. I's yer lass chans. Yerv been wernd!"

The man's body begins contorting, his face elongated as tawny brown hair seemingly sprouts from his very flesh. Then, a long, serpentine tail swishes about madly. A wererat!

OOC:

Slim the Wererat Ruffian
AC 12
HP: ??/?? [Private to GM: 33/33]

Luskan Guards, 4
AC 16
HP: 11/11, 11/11, 11/11, 11/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   14/19    1      13
Markhamm  15   20/20    0      NA
Alan      16   11/11    0      NA
Eagan     16   11/11    0      NA
Randy     16   11/11    0      NA
Brent     16   11/11    0      NA



PCs are UP!!!
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:22, Tue 18 July 2017.

Morgrim charges through the kitchen and through the doorway, already drawing his scimitar.

"Hold yer horses! I cannae run that fast!" he shouts.

He never gets a chance to swing his blade however, immediately throwing himself to the ground on four swift paws upon entering the chaotic longroom. With teeth gnashing Morgrim lunges at the leader of the pack harassing Markham, dragging him roughly towards the ground!

Bonus action: Shape change, dire wolf
Move to engage slim.
Action: Attack hits AC 18 for 12 damage. DC 13 strength save or be dragged prone!

20:29, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 12 using 2d6+3.  Damage.
20:29, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 18 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Pack tactics.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:31, Tue 18 July 2017.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 264):

Dal nodded to Grim as he said to stay behind him.  That was ok with her.

"Grim!  Another rat!  We did get rid of that last one didn't we?  How many of them are here!"

With one hand on her warhammer in the ready position and the other hand on her magic symbol, Dal was ready.  At least she wasn't tired any more.

Morgrim grapples with the wererat, sending the man-rat creature toppling from the table onto the ground as teeth sink into flesh. The wererat shrieks in agony and attempts to both bite and plunge his rapier into the side of the wolf, but is at serious disadvantage while on the ground and unable to find purchase. The wererat then vaults back to its feet in a fluid motion and bounces from side to side, measuring its foe's defenses. The wererat narrows its glowing red eyes, thinking it has found weakness.

Meanwhile, chaos continues to break out across the hall, chairs sent flying this way and that, pottery shattering here or there, and metal on metal as Markhamm and his men attempt to quell Vaelish's guards.

OOC:

Slim the Wererat Ruffian
AC 12
HP: -18/?? [Private to GM: 15/33]

Luskan Guards, 4
AC 16
HP: 5/11, 6/11, 4/11, 5/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   14/19    1      13
Markhamm  15   20/20    0      NA
Alan      16   11/11    0      NA
Eagan     16   11/11    0      NA
Randy     16   11/11    0      NA
Brent     16   11/11    0      NA



PCs are UP!!!

Morgrim snarls and lunges, one shapeshifter against another, but his teeth fail to find purchase and he barrels past his foe.

07:48, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 9 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Attack.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 267):

Dalgura knows better to get close to Morgrim when he has shifted.  Even a sister/cleric doesn't want to get between two shifters in a fight.  So instead she helps take out the guards.

Dal turned to the closest Luskan Guards and swung with her warhammer.

Once again her aim was a little off but at least she let the guard know she knew where he was at.  That was suppose to be a good thing, right?

"Hey, you...yes you.  Stand still so I can hit you."


08:25, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  dal swinging on bad guards.

Sheriff Markhamm keeps busy commanding his militiamen against the Luskan goons. Aided by Dalgura, the Sheriff and his forces manage to neutralize two of their foes, though Brent suffers a mortal wound in the process.

Meanwhile, Morgrim and the wererat continue their chaotic battle throughout the common hall, ducking and diving over and under table, sending chairs scattering this way and that. Both are cagey combatants and have a difficult go getting the better of the other. The wererat tumbles backwards and lands with a rough thud against a stand-up screen that had been obscuring a far corner of the common hall.

The screen comes crashing down, revealing a a very surprised Vaelish Gant...the same man Dalgura and Morgrim saw earlier this evening outside the Speaker's house. The wizard scrambles to avoid being knocked over by the falling screen and swings his head wildly, seemingly in search of an avenue of escape.

Finding none, he narrows his vision first on Sheriff Markhamm and then on the adventurers, the interlopers that have foiled his plans.

"You may have bested my minions here in Bryn Shander, but this is just the beginning!" he rails in mustache-twirling bravado. "I've woven my plans throughout Ten Towns! Easthaven shall now feel my wrath! Farewell...until we meet again!" he coos in an exaggerated sing-song tone.

With that, Vaelish Gant gestures with his hands and is gone, the smell of ozone left in his wake!

Slim, his wererat henchman, snarls in derision and returns his attention to matters at hand. If he is to survive this encounter, he needs to keep his wits about him.

OOC:

Slim the Wererat Ruffian
AC 12
HP: -18/?? [Private to GM: 15/33]

Luskan Guards, 4
AC 16
HP: 0/11, 6/11, 4/11, 0/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   14/19    1      13
Markhamm  15   20/20    0      NA
Alan      16   11/11    0      NA
Eagan     16   11/11    0      NA
Randy     16    5/11    0      NA
Brent     16    0/11    0      NA



PCs are UP!!!

Dal wished she had time to a healing on Brent but there were too many to enemies still up.

Dal moved to hit the closest Luskan Guard next to her.  As Dal swung her warhammer she spoke a quick "please let me hit the bad guys".  Maybe if she said please her Goddess would like it better.


18:42, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Dal warhammer attack - please hit.

18:48, Today: Dalgura Ironhammer rolled 7 using 1d8+1.  warhammer damage.

Snarling and snapping, Morgrim sinks his teeth into the wererat's side and flings him bodily about with a sudden jerk of his muscular neck.

Action: Attack hits AC 24 for 11 damage. DC 13 strength save or be dragged prone!
20:11, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 2d6+3.  Damage.
20:10, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 24 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Pack tactics.

Morgrim drags the wererat to the ground, though the lycanthrope has yet to be really injured during the battle. Despite his lack of injuries, the wererat begins weighing his options. The momentum of battle has shifted. This, coupled with the fact his accomplice just fled, Slim begins thinking this is not so bad an idea. It will only be a matter of time before superior numbers figured out a way to best or capture and he would just as soon not give them the chance.

Vaulting back to his feet, the wererat carefull disengages from Morgrim, leaping atop a wooden table and then through a partially shuttered window, out into the cold.

The remaining Luskan toughs note the sea change and make a show of throwing their arms up in defeat and begging to be taken alive. They have no allusions of the romance of going down with the ship as it were.

Sheriff Markhamm commands his men to take control of the prisoners before striding across the disheveled hall toward the window. Once there, he peers outside hoping to spot the fleeing wererat.

OOC: The wererat Disengaged and then jumped through the window. The PCs can give chase if they wish, as he is just outside the window.

Slim the Wererat Ruffian
AC 12
HP: -29/?? [Private to GM: 4/33]

Luskan Guards, 4
AC 16
HP: 0/11, 6/11, 4/11, 0/11


PC        AC    HP    Insp  Spell Save  Conditions & Notes
Dalgura   15   17/17    1      13
Morgrim   15   14/19    1      13
Markhamm  15   20/20    0      NA
Alan      16   11/11    0      NA
Eagan     16   11/11    0      NA
Randy     16    5/11    0      NA
Brent     16    0/11    0      NA



PCs are UP!!!

Morgrim pounced through the open window and landed upon the icy cobbles, drawing in a deep breath through his wet nares. The scents of the city came to him on the night wind, a riotous bouquet with the hard edge of frost.

20:33, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 8 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 3,1.  Perception (direwolf).

Lots of smells to sort through clearly ;)

Slim is obvious presumably. Any sign of Gant?

Slim leaped through the window, bounded onto two feet and then immediately began scaling the side of the longhouse. The wererat is now pulling himself atop the low-slung roof.

Morgrim does not see or hear Vaelish Gant and the scents are too intermingled to be able to hone in on any particular quarry.

Morgrim circled back, getting a running start before bunching his powerful legs beneath him and vaulting towards the roof...

07:34, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 20 using 1d20+5 with rolls of 15.  Athletics.

DM: If Morgrim knows he can't leap as high as the roof, he'll use the jump to try to attack the lower dangling wererat instead. Let me know and I'll roll an attack as well.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:38, Wed 19 July 2017.

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 275):

Dal let the Sheriff do his thing and went after her brother.  "Grim! They surrendered.  I doubt you can catch any scents to follow the rat but he did say where they plan to strike next remember?"

The wererat pulls himself onto the roof, well away from the dire wolf's eager jaws, and vaults to his feet with acrobatic flair. Slim hazards a quick glance down at Morgrim, smiles, and turns on his heels to vault quickly across the roof, outside of Morgrim's view.

Morgrim hears the wererat scrabble across the roof, silence and then a secondary thud, somewhere further away. Morgrim has a sense of the direction Slim fled toward, but he is on the ground and the wererat is running and leaping across roofs in a bid to make good on his escape.

OOC: Morgrim jumped through the window last round and then used the remainder of his action as a perception check. The wererat was not within striking distance at that point, though it did not really matter because Morgrim had no actions to use.

Morgrim will need to make a Perception (DC 15) to attempt to narrow down where the wererat fled to, as he is now jumping roof to roof, parkour-style through the urban landscape.

Morgrim takes off running in the direction of the thud but quickly losses track of the fleeing wererat amidst the sounds and smells of the city. After a minute's circling he heads back to the longhouse, tail between his legs.

"Lost the damnable rat!" he grunts upon assuming his usual guise. "And Gant to boot!"

"Sorry Sheriff. We've done let ye down."

10:35, Today: Morgrim Ironhammer rolled 11 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only with rolls of 1,6.  Perception.

The dice roller does not appear to want Morgrim to catch slim. That's two consecutive lousy perception rolls on a check he has advantage with.

Sheriff Markhamm finishes up detaining the Luskan toughs and seeing to his injured men, eventually joining Morgrim outside. Peering into the cold night he responds, "Hardly. At least now we have a pretty good idea who's been whipping up all the anti-Duvessa sentiment of late. Likely behind the shakedowns as well."

The Sheriff spends a few more minutes briefly casting his gaze down each of the adjacent streets before pulling his fur-lined cloak around him and commenting, "Come on in out of the cold. Looks like the wererat and wizard are good and gone now..."

Once back inside the warmth of Gant's offices, Sheriff Markhamm prepares the prisoners for transfer to jail while thanking the adventurers for their assistance against dangerous foes. Fully aware they have already had a full day, he suggests the dwarves should take their rest and return for a debrief in the morning. The Sheriff then pays out the owed moneys, 25 gold to each, and bids each good night before leading his men back to the armory and jail.

And just like that Morgrim and Dalgura were left standing alone in the wreckage of Gant's former home and offices. "Well Dal," he said after a moment. "We should probably get some sleep."

He looked around the overturned furnishings and scattered effects.

"Of course... If Gant left anything behind that could help point the way forward, now's the time to find it..."

"You don't mind staying up a wee bit longer, do ya?" Morgrim winked.

Searching the offices/private rooms

In reply to Morgrim Ironhammer (msg # 280):

Dal looked at Grim and shook her head.  She knew better than stop Grim because he was already starting to search.  Her real choice was to either help him or fall asleep while he looked at stuff.  After putting her 25 gold away, Dal looked over at her brother.


"No no.  That's fine.  I'll help you search, but Grim?  CAN we get some sleep after that?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:04, Thu 20 July 2017.

"Aye Dal," Morgrim replied. "We'll find the nicest room in the inn."