Gnarls suggests the party head to a certain abandoned warehouse along the docks.  The Orphans Guild operates out of it and jealously guards this territory from any encroachers.  Quite a few ignorant adults have come back from the warehouse with things cut besides their purse strings.

"When you get to the warehouse," Gnarls says, "stand just outside the east entrance and shout out that you want to speak with Henry.  Make sure to say you are with the Gambinis.  And don't do anything stupid that would make the Family look bad.  The last thing we need is every damn kid in the city trying to screw us over.  These bastards are small, but they don't play."

Seline would return to the tavern to meet with the rest of the group. "Sorry for the extensive delay there was a bit of work in getting us a starting point. The good news is I was able to locate the most probable head quarters for the orphans guild and way to attempt to make contact. With the orphans being a target I'm expecting that will be willing to part with information to help with our quest. I'm thinking we make contact with the Orphans and continue building the plan from. I was advised that we should tread with caution and respect the orphans as they in their own right can be very dangerous and I'd rather not get on their bad side. Thoughts?"

If there is time while those of the party, including Dreya, await information about finding Oswald or before our plan goes down, could Dreya quick stop at one place to buy something?  OOC: Let me know how much gold I should take off of my Character Details page.

Tugging the hood of her cloak around her face and making sure the hide scarf around her neck was SECURE, she would dart out into the bustling crowds of Rotter in search of a book store.  Her goal is to find two books.  Something like...

"The Debsters Dictionary: Common Words and Definitions"

And...

"An Anthology of Common Common Sayings and Phrases", by Erinstine Snoot.

Or something like that.  She would purchase such a finding, and try to make room in the confines of her small backpack to tote them around before she has to hand off her gear to whoever is going to hold them for her whilst she is being the bait.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:22, Wed 18 Jan 2017.

In reply to Seline (msg # 2):

"You're approach is a sound one.  I agree that we should let them know we're only there to help, and we expect no repayment.  Either Anthony or myself can speak wit them."

Anthony listens carefully and then nods. "If you trust your sources, then I will not argue. I am perhaps not the best person to speak with orphans but will aid you in the conversation as needed."

"At this time I trust them as there has not been a reason given not to trust them and there is no profit in my demise yet. " Sitting down Seline continues on "Sorry it was late night last night, my head is still reeling a bit. As soon as we are ready I'd say we should head down to the warehouse, I'd rather do this in the daylight so I can see my surroundings. I also think it would be wise if we leave our weapons sheathed during talks and try to keep an unthreatening posture. I haven't worked much with Orphans but I can't imagine them being anything but skittish. So unless there is an objection shall we gather ourselves and head to the warehouse?"
Seline folds her hands on her lap and patiently waits for the other's input.

Donning the gear of what may pass for the slavers seen about town, Cole stands next to Dreya.  Arms crossed across his chest, he nods his head to Seline, "Your slaver is here. Ready to depart at your command."

OOC: Cole will carry Dreya's extra gear. Also, if anything needs to be spent to assume the slaver look, let me know the amount and I will adjust his character details. Unless you don't want Cole looking like a slaver, then he will just be wearing normal stuff. I wasn't too clear what the final plan was.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:44, Thu 19 Jan 2017.

Although eyeing the chains warily, Dreya nods her head. With a big sigh, she says, "I am ready."

Then she offers Hugh a shaky smile. "At least I won't be alone as bait. Thank you."

Elwood hangs his mace on his belt and slings his new wooden shield across his back.  "I'm ready to proceed."

In reply to Cole Hiller (msg # 7):

Don't worry about the cost for ordinary in-town supplies (like a new slaver wardrobe).  But, are you sure you want to approach the Orphan Guild dressed like a slaver?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 10):

If those aren't the plans Cole will go dressed as himself. I am unclear as to what the final plans are, so Cole will be in whatever gear suits the plans decided on.

Dreya will tag along with everyone, and will be prepared to pose as bait when the time comes.

Anthony actually changes into less-dressy-than-normal clothing and goes with the others.

Seline looking around at the group watching them get their gear together "it looks like we are ready to head off to the warehouse let's see what information we can gather." with that as soon as everyone is ready Seline would lead the group to the Warehouse and announce herself, her ties to the Gambini family and request to speak with Henry.

The party wends its way through the twisted streets of Rotter toward the docks.  You pass a small troop of orcs marching through the streets to a remarkably vulgar tune about the secret desires of human women.  A palanquin carried by dwarves runs past you.  A veiled face peeks at you around its curtain for a moment before the dwarves head around a corner.  The mouth-watering scent of fish stew drifts across the street as you work your way past the legendary Golden Eel tavern.  A couple would-be thieves casually lurking at the entrance to an alley take one look at you and walk away, clearly seeking easier prey.  A crier shouts out the news of the day, "City elections to be held in 2 months' time.  All landowners are required to register to vote.  Followers of the Pain God announce the building of a new temple on Old Cobble Road.  Skilled and menial labor needed at fair wages.  Lightning has continued to strike the wizard Hyrumph's tower.  It has been condemned by order of the Buildings and Grounds Department.  The City Guard has been instructed to impose severe sanctions against trespassers.  Lord Axeton offers a reward for information leading to the recovery of certain items of value.  A parade for the Festival of ..."  The crier's voice trails off as you pass out of hearing.

The warehouse is not difficult to find.  It is flanked by lots filled with the charred ruins of burned buildings.  The warehouse itself is scorched in numerous places.  Its escape from the fire was miraculous given the devastation to the adjoining lots.  All of the entrances to the warehouse are boarded up except for one doorway near the northwest corner.  It is apparent there was once a door there, but it is missing just like most of the lower windows.  The building is shadowed by other warehouses across the street so that it is impossible to see inside the building without entering.

When Seline announces herself, there is a pause, then a child's voice shouts out from the darkness.  "What does a Gambini want with the Orphans?  This isn't your territory."

Anthony takes in this neighborhood with a pretty good poker face, though one can tell from his stiff demeanor that he is not quite at ease here. He looks to Seline to carry the conversation when addressed by the child's voice. (He had seen and heard too many illusions to assume it was, in fact, a child, however probable that was.)

Well, Dreya thinks the source of the voice is of course from a child. Leaning out from behind the cleric and ranger, she peers into the shadows.

Ooh! She liked younglings!

With a beaming smile, she waves toward the darkness from whence the sound came.

Standing within the middle of the street, her hands in plain sight, Seline replies, "I wish to simply talk with the hopes of reaching an outcome that will benefit both of us. My friends and I wish to make the city a safer place for all including the children, those with and without families. I'd rather not announce the details to the whole city, though, so if we could speak without me shouting at a warehouse, I would appreciate it."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 01:09, Mon 23 Jan 2017.

Elwood waits patiently for a response to Seline's request.  He is ready to lend his hand in the negotiations if Seline requests it.

Silently, Cole stands by waiting to see where the negotiations go.

A girl's voice calls out, "Step inside.  No weapons in hand or we'll gut you."

Anthony bows at Seline. "Ladies first," he says politely.

This situation brought back bad memories for him. He tried to suppress those as he followed Seline in.

Dreya will follow everyone else in, her hands void of any weapons.

Elwood steps inside, hands empty and at his sides.

With her hands not on her weapons Seline heads into the warehouse first advising her group to follow at a short distance in case there is an issue. Stepping in the warehouse Seline would stop to look around and if seeing no immediate threat she would motion to the rest of her companions who are standing outside it's safe. As she proceeds a bit further into the warehouse Seline in a calm voice would say "Please keep in mind that we mean no harm and would much enjoy just a peaceful talk."

Hugh plays the role of slave to a tee, remaining silent, passive and submissive.

Weapons sheathed, Cole silently follows his comrades into the warehouse, keeping a watchful eye around the area during the negotiations.

You step inside the doorway and find yourself in a narrow hallway built by stacking crates along both sides and over the top to form a low ceiling.  The passage quickly turns to the left.  As you turn the corner, you find a lit candle on the floor.  It is otherwise quite dark.  The crates are not all flush, leaving gaps in places that look like they could be effective improvised murder holes.  Staring into some of the gaps you can see eyes reflecting in the candle light at a distance.

You follow the winding path deeper into the warehouse.  It is very difficult to maintain a sense of direction with all of the twists and turns.  Eventually, you reach what appears to be a makeshift elevator.  A large crate stands on its side at the end of the passage.  Looking up you can see it is at the bottom of a shaft lined with crates above you.  A child's voice calls from above, "Get in."  The crate is large enough to accommodate the entire party.  You can see ropes lashed to the "ceiling" of the crate to allow it to be hoisted up.

You all squeeze into the crate and it begins to slowly rise in jerks.  It is hard to gauge how high you go up based on the irregularly sized crates you pass, but you are pretty sure you have risen at least a story when the crate stops at an opening.  You exit the crate and proceed down another winding corridor.  This time, however, there is not a ceiling.  Looking up, you can see the path is lined with children staring down at you.  All of the children appear to armed with some sort of weapon, many with short bows or crossbows.

The children take no action against you as you weave your way through the crates.  You finally come to a large "clearing" where you find a small gang of larger children waiting for you.  One of them, a boy you guess is maybe 14 years old, is sitting in a gaudy chair with the others standing in front and to the side of him.  The child in the seat is dressed in a motley assortment of cast-off clothes, is fairly dirty, and only appears to be armed with a long stiletto.  The other children standing in front of him are also quite dirty and wearing a hodge-podge of miscellaneous and mismatching garments.  They are all armed with nasty-looking melee weapons -- cleavers, small morning stars, short swords, and the like.

All of the children in the clearing stare at you with hard, merciless eyes.

The boy in the chair says, "We don't see Gambinis down here very often.  I'm Henry.  Why do you want to speak with me?"  His tone is pleasant, but the vibe in the room is very wary and tense.

Anthony takes in the room carefully. He had always expected to go underground a lot with a group of adventurers, but this was something else entirely .

He reviewed the "king" and his honor guard stoically. He kept the idea of offering them gifts as a back-up just in case this went poorly.

With an even, calm tone, Seline takes a position slightly ahead of her comrades and answer's Henry's question. "For the sake of saving time, Henry, we are here to see if you have any information regarding Oswald. My friends here take offense at anyone willing to enslave another person, and some take an even larger offense at those who are willing to enslave children. We wish to rectify that situation, and to do that we need information on Oswald.  We are hoping that you would be willing to acomodate us."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:16, Thu 26 Jan 2017.

Inwardly, Elwood marvels at how the children, abandoned and left to fend for themselves for various reasons, managed to form their own community - a 'family' of their own making.  Deep in his soul he senses that Flyspamon would be greatly displeased at the abduction and exploitation of these young ones, and Elwood reaffirms his resolve to put a stop to this horrid Oswald and despicable clients.

Outwardly, Elwood lost count of the number of arrows and crossbow bolts aimed at him, and makes sure his hands are in plain sight.

He waits to hear Henry's response.

Not sure what she should do until it is time for her to pose as bait, Dreya waves and smiles again.

Cole is silent,taking in the surroundings as he listens to the negotiations.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:48, Fri 27 Jan 2017.

Henry tells you, "If by 'rectify', you plan to kill that bastard, then you've got my attention.  We don't know much about Oswald.  Timmy!"

A ridiculously small little boy steps out from the shadows and stands by the throne.  Henry gestures for the boy to speak.

"Gee, misters, we was down by Mean Betty's meats stall looking to snag us some breakfast and her dog kept growling and that dog is SO mean and Billy said to go around back so the dog couldn't watch everybody and I said I didn't wanna 'cause I always have to go around back and Billy said he didn't care and I should shut up because I'm the littlest and I said he should shut up and then he hit me in the arm and that hurt so bad so I told him his momma was a troll and he get really pissed but he deserved it so I don't care and then I ran around back because that's what I wanted to do, not because he told me to, I'm not afraid of him and anyway I slipped down the alley and got behind the shop and started going through the trash and I found a whole apple that was only a little rotten and a jewel rock and that was way better than anything Billy ever found so I went back around to the front but he wasn't there but I heard a yell from in the back so I ran back there again and I saw this big guy with tusks stuffing Billy into a burlap sack and another guy was there and he was really ugly and smelled like that cop who keeps hassling us orphans down by the Pigeon Street Park and I'm going to get that guy someday because it's not right that he keeps picking on us orphans he'll see what a jerk he is when I'm big and important you can bet that for sure and anyway this ugly smelly guy tells the big guy, "By the Pain God's furry nipple, will you shut that brat up already" and the big guy swung the sack so it smashed into the wall and Billy stopped yelling and then the big guy, Oswald, he says to the ugly guy 'where's the other one?  It likes the little ones" and I'm smart I knew he was talking about me so I hid in some trash while those two biggies looked around and they sure was mad when they couldn't find me but I hide better than anybody no matter what Lisle says she's just jealous that I'm better at sneaking candy from Old Jane's Shoppe this one time I got 3 suckers and some taffy without her catching on at all just ask Maxter he'll tell you just like he told Lisle-"

One of Henry's bodyguard whacks him on the of he head and Timmy finally stops to take a breath.

Henry says, "Just tell them where Oswald and the ugly one went."

Timmy starts up again, "They looked and looked for me and then the ugly one said, 'Damn it!  We're going to be late.  Let's get the hell out of here.' and they started down the alley toward Center Street and I followed real good because I can hide better than any of the other kids just like I told you and they didn't see me or nothin' so I just kept sneaking and sneaking and they finally ended up behind this big building that isn't built yet but some of it is and they banged on this door in the back and it opened up and the two guys took Billy inside and down the stairs but then the door slammed shut and I couldn't get in but I'm smart so I went around to the front and took a look to see what the building was and there's this sign and I took a stick and scratched the letters onto my arm so when I ran back home one of the big kids read it and said it said Temple of Pain and I was like what's that because I ain't never heard of that and they just told me to shut up because only someone dumb could be as small as me and I --"

The bodyguard smacks the back of Timmy's head and he shuts up again.

Henry continues, "That was two weeks ago.  A bunch of us have been snatched up, but Timmy's the only one who's seen anything.  We've kept an eye on this new temple, but we haven't seen Oswald.  No one has seen him for sure, but we've overheard people talking about a half ogre in the area.  That might be Oswald.  You kill him and bring me his head and we will be more than grateful."

Elwood mutters "The new temple being built on Old Cobble Road."  He tries to recall what he knows of the Pain God and his cult.

OOC:  As someone theologically inclined, would Elwood have inherent knowledge of the Pain God, or would this require a SEIGE check?

Anthony smiles. He leans in to whisper to Seline, "Tell him we'd be happy to oblige him. This is precisely the kind of opportunity we're looking for."

Dreya moves, drawing closer to Hugh's side, eyes of gilded amber turned up at the man.  Once his gaze looks her way, she says to him, "I think we just found out where we will be taken.  Where we need to be 'bait'."

She knew the role the two of them would soon be playing was not an easy one for either one of them.

Then she lays one dainty hand on his forearm. "Together.  We'll stick together.  No matter what."

It was a promise she intended to keep, regardless of what would happen as the next part of their plan began to unfold.

"Well, Henry, you are in a bit of luck as I have a few aquintances that want nothing more than to detach Oswald's head from his shoulders.  In fact, it's only been by luck I have managed to stop them from tearing apart the city. Now I've always felt slavery was the weak way out, but just killing Oswald is only a temporary solution.  We need to stop the reason he is collecting you." Seline pauses and looks at Timmy. "We will need to deal with this Pain Guy or god or whatever they feel like he is. As for delivering his head, that will cost a fee, it's not easy to just walk through town with a half oger head in our bag. I'll make a deal with you, if we deliver his head to your warehouse, you owe us a favor."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:53, Sun 29 Jan 2017.

In reply to Elwood (msg # 35):

Elwood has definitely heard of the Pain God, but has not encountered any of its followers or temples.  The Pain God is new to Rotter. Although the Pain God sounds sinister, its theology is pretty similar to Flyspamon's.  The Pain God takes people’s pain away.  It seeks out the emotionally damaged among a city’s population and does outreach such as soup kitchens and therapy sessions.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:38, Sun 29 Jan 2017.

The monk has remained silent for a while, but breaks his silence to respond to Dreya.

Hugh nods at Dreya and whispers, "That I promise Dreya. Our fate will indeed be the same. And, I have no intention of this becoming anything more than a ruse."

Elwood speaks quietly to Seline "Timmy mentioned something about one of the men smelling like one of the city guards.  Is this an avenue we should look into before checking out the Temple of the Pain God?  Could this guard connect us with Oswald?"

Henry says, "One head, one favor.  Deal."

Time to come up with a plan.

Anthony nods to Seline. "Let's talk more. But not here," he whispers to Seline.

"Yes, we should find a more secure area to discuss our plans."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Thu 02 Feb 2017.

Assuming no one wants to speak with the orphans further, consider yourselves back at the Filthy Unicorn where you can presumably speak freely.

"Well that was a fun escapade into the warehouse. If I remember right our initial plan was to try to get into the inner circle of Oswald by posing as slavers and using Dreya and Hugh as bait?"
Sipping on a glass of mead Seline continues on " I still think that part is good just getting to him and talking our way in that will be difficult, I will gladly let someone else step up and do the talking I'm more skilled in the silent actions than the talking ones."

Dreya shifts in her seat at the table between Cleric and Ranger, gaze flicking around the table at those that were becomming...friends?

"Could Sir Hugh and I, well I mean is there a way," she continues, gesturing at the wizard in their group with a weird sort of wave  "What I mean is...let me try again."

Drawing a fortifying breath, the Druid forges on.  "If Sir Hugh and myself go out and let ourselved get taken, is there a way to follow us? I am not very familiar with arcane magic. Or pay someone to find us? Locate us? Then...uh...come to where we go?"

Dreya seems to deflate a bit, knowing she always tends to butcher what she is trying to say. Wasn't the common tongue supposed to be easy??  "Hopefully that...made sense."

Anthony leans back. "There certainly are ways to do such a thing with magic. I do not possess such an ability at this stage of my development, however. We are more likely to be able to follow you with simple stealth."

Dreya flops back in her chair, smacking a hand against her forehead. With eyes going wide, she exclaims, "Stealth!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:33, Tue 31 Jan 2017.

Elwood considers Dreya's proposal. "They seem to be interested in young children, the smaller the better, so they may not take you.  If you are taken, you and Hugh will be bound in ways that won't allow easy escape, plus the there's a risk that we'll lose you, although it looks like you'll be taken to the temple to the Pain God that's being built.  But it will still end up that the two of you will be held inside while the rest of us are stuck on the outside.  Dreya, I greatly admire your bravery, but I do fear for your and Hugh's safety."

He pauses a moment to collect his thoughts. "We can still stick with the original plan.  Maybe wait around the temple for Oswald to show up.  We can then approach him, with Anthony explaining that we've heard about Oswald's undertakings - Anthony's a great wizard, they have ways for knowing these things." Elwood says with a wink towards Anyhony.  "Anthony can offer Dreya and Hugh, but we'll need to see the main guy to get paid."  Elwood takes another sip of wine.  "Anyway, those are my thoughts.  Others may beg to differ."

"I come up to here, Simply Elwood," Dreya states, leaning to her right a bit. With one finger, she pokes the cleric in the center of his chainmail covered chest, shaking her hand with a grimace from jabbing metal links a tad too hard.  "I am kind of kid-like, or not much taller anyway, if you all need it. But Sir Hugh and I could get out...like...at the cabin when...Flyspin, Flysp-, Fl-Fly-Fly, oh for pete's sake!  Flyspawn...ahn... got us out from under the cabin."

Then she shrugs as she leans back.  "Just one idea.  But first plan is good too."

Seline walks over to Dreya, pauses for a brief moment and looks at her as a slight smile cracks her lips. "My dear beautiful Dreya, Elwood meant no harm nor offense to you, it is that he has the upmost concern for your wellbeing in mind. We would be all greif stricken if anything were to happen to you that we could have prevented, and left utterly devastated if we lost you forever. You see you provide a youthful bright shine to the group showing us the brilliant beauty of life. Plus the fact that even you are short the children they are abduction come to about here on you." Seline gently places her hand flat and horizontal on Dreya's chest about half between her boobs and shoulders.

Anthony strokes his beard. "I propose that we try the original plan, as Elwood suggested and, if that fails, we subdue them and discern this half-ogre's location from our prisoners."

With an odd, startled squawk over having a hand suddenly plastered against her chest, Dreya flings herself backward in her chair, her momentum tilting the chair backward on two legs for a harrowing moment before that momentum continued, carrying her, and the chair, right on over to crash against the inn floor.  In a mad scramble, Dreya surges to her feet feet, brushing tendrils of dark locks that had fallen in her vision.  That's when she freezes, realizing her precious hood is no longer cloaking around her head!

No!  Reaching up, she half spins around in place until she manages to snatch up the edge of the cloth, yanking it back up over her head once more.  Maybe they didn't notice...

Dreya glances up to see all eyes at the table on her.  There was no way they didn't notice!  Instead of merely hair the color of a ravens wing, those at the table might take note that Dreya's hair is more than unusual.  It is more like...fur?  A long swath of midnight colored fur?

Frantically, her hand flies to her neck, feeling the absence of the fox hide she always keeps wound around her throat.  There, at her feet, her eyes catch sight of the treasured bit of animal hide.  Stooping over to snatch it up, she quickly winds it around her neck again, securing it a little more snuggly to help keep the hood of her cloak in place a bit more.

Oh no, did they all see it as well?  That wretched cuff, a thin yet wide band of seemingly seamless metal encircling her neck?

Dreya suddenly felt a strong need for a breath of fresh air.  "I...uh...just need to use the privy."  Stooping over, she quickly rights the chair back onto its four legs with a clatter.  "I will be right back."  Then with a succinct nod, Dreya darts away to find the bathroom or outhouse or whatever is used by patrons of the Filthy Unicorn.

Upon discovering that hoping the Filthy Unicorn had such facilities, like an outhouse, was a futile hope, Dreya takes a few moments to merely stand outside, drawing in a few lungfulls of non smokey air.

Bracing her shoulders, she ducks back into the din of the Filthy Unicorn and heads to the corner her adventuring friends are still claiming. Pulling out the last empty chair she toppled over in only moments ago, Dreya reclaimes her place at the table with obvious nonchalance.

She clears her throat. "So, when do we begin?"

Cole leans back in his chair, thumb and forefinger on chin as he takes in all the suggestions flying about the table.  "Elwood, Anthony, I find both of you have given sound advice. Let us stick to the original plan, offering Dreya and Hugh as bait.  But we only allow our "product" to leave our hands once we are able to show them to Oswald.  And if his minions will not take us to Oswald, do as Anthony suggests, take them on the spot and readjust our plans then.  Anthony, if you wish to act as the wizard who knows all, you may be our speaker if you wish, if not, let me know."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:49, Thu 02 Feb 2017.

"Off we go now!  As one of my mentors would often say,  'Butt kicking for goodness!'"

Seline chuckles at Elwood quoting his mentor, gathers her things and prepares to head out

I need a clearer explanation of the plan.  Are you going to stake out the Temple of Pain and wait until Oswald shows up (if ever)?  Are you going to knock on the back door and ask for Oswald?  Do you have something else in mind?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 59):

Cole would like to have the group stake the temple out first to gather more intel. If Oswald shows up, we can decide then what we want to do. Once we have gathered the intel than we can do the knock on the door "offer" the goods plan and tell them we will only give them "Dreya and Hugh" if we are taken to Oswald.

Anthony likes Cole's plan a lot and seconds it. "Those who are stealthy can tell us more if they go first. We can wait nearby to aid you if needed, but otherwise we should be smart about this."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:12, Sat 04 Feb 2017.

The party stakes out the rear entrance to the Temple of Pain (construction still in progress).  The Temple is only one story high at this point, although scaffolding is in place to build the Temple much higher.  A small crowd is gathered around the Temple during the day watching the construction take place.  You don't see anything interesting during the day, certainly not an appearance by a tusked ogre.  Routine deliveries of foodstuffs and the like take place with a human accepting shipment at the rear entrance.

Work on the Temple ceases at dusk and the crowd disperses.  It becomes harder to watch the Temple inconspicuously without the crowd for cover.  A few of you take tables outside a tavern down the alley while the rest snuggle under blankets in the alleyway like many of Rotter's homeless population.  Shortly after full dark settles in, you hear the rear door creak open and a couple figures dart outside.  One is large enough to be the infamous Oswald, although you cannot be sure in the dim lighting.  The other appears to be human-sized.  The pair hurries down the alley away from you.

Do you want to keep watching or chase after the two sneakers?

"I don't think we have much time to mull this over. Seline, why don't you sneak after them and the rest of us will follow behind at a further distance. If they get on to us we can always fall back with offering up Dreya and Hugh as product if they take us to Oswald, if he's not one of those two sneaking off."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Mon 06 Feb 2017.

Elwood concurs with Cole's plan.

Dreya, huddled beneath one of the blankets, nods her head quickly too.

Anthonly also agrees with Cole's plan, assuming Seline does.

Seline, with a silent nod of her head, crouches down and begins to move silently, following the two figures she saw leave as close as she can without raising too much suspicion.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:52, Tue 07 Feb 2017.

Seline silently trails the two sneakers while the rest of the party hangs considerably farther back.  The two figures lead you on a fairly long hike through town before finally stopping behind a dark shop, clearly closed for the night.  They approach a rear window.  The big one wraps his giant fist in some sort of cloth, then quickly smashes the window.  The cloth muffles the sound of glass breaking.  Although the noise is quieter than you expected, the shorter sneaker looks around carefully to make sure no one heard anything, then he scampers through the open window.  Seline can hear a muffled scream, then the shorter sneaker thrusts a squirming, gagged child through the window at the big one.  "Oswald" quickly stuffs the child in a big sack as the smaller man slinks back out of the building.  The pair start to retrace their steps.

Seline crouches in the shadows as the two villains approach.  They walk through a shaft of moonlight and Seline can finally get a clear look at their faces.  She is confident the big one is the Oswald the party has been looking for.  His ogre beard is pierced by a pair of dull yellow tusks.  Oswald's companion is a human with a vicious scar across his forehead.  He wears spectacles of all things (sissy!).  The party holds its collective breath as Oswald and his companion walk right past Seline without noticing the thief.

The party must decide whether to confront the pair or move away to avoid detection.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
07:38, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Seline, rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Sneaking after the sneakers.

---

Feeling the time to enact her role as a slave....shudder...is drawing nigh, Dreya mentally prepares herself to do what she must do, and hope like crazy nothing goes wrong and she only ends up in a cage. Again. She will make her new friends proud.

"Maybe now is a good time to make our introductions as fellow slavers looking for clients" Elwood whispers with a hint of anger and disgust in his voice.

Mutely, Dreya tries to tug her hood further around her face and holds out her hands so someone can lock the chains and cuffs on. Knowing they are tweeked chains does give her a modicum of comfort, no matter how small.

Cole signals his companions to ready their weapons.  Thinking on his toes, a new thought comes to mind.  Whispering in Dreya's ear, he says, "Run and be scared."  He shoves her out toward the nefarious duo walking past Seline.  "Get back here you wretch!  Don't let the slave escape!"  Cole runs out after her.

With a startled gasp as she feels a solid hand on her shoulder propell her roughly into the darkened alley, she stumbles out awkwardly, nearly stumbling to her knees.

Adrenaline and a bolt of fear at the sudden change from the plan spikes through her veins.

For a moment, her gaze flies wildly around as she starts to bolt.

Suddenly she becomes aware she is running toward Oswald and his goon!

With a frantic shriek, she comes to a scrambling halt and backpeddles before trying to sprint in the opposite direction, eyes wild and heart hammering.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:12, Wed 08 Feb 2017.

Seline remains hidden watching Dreya run from Cole, keeping a very close eye on Oswald and his companion to see how they react.

Elwood catches on to Cole's play.  He grabs Hugh by the back of the collar and whispers "I think you understand what Cole is up to." Hugh nods in the affirmative.  Elwood then follows Cole, pushing Hugh along.

Anthony strides out after the others, doing his best to act the part of an imperious slave representative or some such. He had some practice being imperious--he just hoped he had it in him to be evil.

Oswald and his compatriot stop for a moment in surprise, then hurry forward.  As Dreya turns to run away, Oswald shoves her toward Cole.  "Out of the way, scum!  Official business."  The ogre barrels forward while the human closely follows and keeps a rear watch.  They appear to intend to ignore the party and continue on their mission.

Since it seems Oswald does not want to bite their slaver ruse, the only option left is taking him down here and now.  Bracing himself for the druid's impact, Cole barks out, "Take him down!"

Anthony moves up and utters words of power. A bolt of magical energy flies from his wand and slams into Oswald. "Oswald, you coward, face us!"

That's a Magic Missile in his gizzard. Going to get his attention.

As the human with the half-orc Oswald is taking a rear watch kind of approach as Oswald and he storm past, Dreya locks eyes with that human man,purposefully gaining his attention. She gives him a huge smile, and Dreya even begins to look more radiant, a subtle luminescence to her.


(OOC: Guess Dreya is whipping out her other secret ability. Bring on Divine Beauty! See if she can stun the guy.)

Seline whispering to herself "Well this deteriorate rather quickly" with that Seline would then attempt to position herself to attempt a sneak on Oswald with her Dagger

With his comrades focusing their efforts on Oswald, Elwood channels his deity's power shouts the Command "Die!" to Oswald's compatriot.

OOC Casts Command

Everone in the party notices the luminescence around Dreya as she is suddenly staring down the human male traveling Oswald. It is an enchanting sight, her features seem radiant! Even the look burning in her eyes seems to smolder with an intent that calls to the souls of men. Her lips seem more plump and rosey than before. And her figure, even the missmatched hide armor can't seem to diminish the feminine gloriousness of it!

But, she seems to be focused on no one but the human male with Oswald, so the companions around her do not seem to be affected by the sudden, and very surprising, display from the usual meek druid. What in the two moons?!?

Seline though doesn't seem to see anything described above but the subtle luminescence radiating from Dreya.

Cole catches Dreya as she is thrust away from Oswald.  He yells, "Take him down!"

Anthony's reflexes are on fire today as he sends a magic missile flying into poor Oswald.  The ogre's gizzard sizzles for 5 points of damage.

Oswald's companion's head whips around at the sound of Cole's shout.  Expecting to find impending danger, he finds Dreya's heaving bosom and batting eyes instead.  His jaw drops and he is momentarily stunned by her beauty.  Which is unfortunate since that is when Seline sneaks up behind him and plunges his dagger into his back for 6 vicious points of damage.  His eyes bulge with betrayal as he stares back at Dreya.  Just about the time he would start to do something about the large knife carving into his back, Elwood commands him to "Die!" and he drops to the ground unconscious.  Thug life, yo.

Hugh rushes to Oswald and attempts to deliver a stunning kick to the monster's gizzard, but he misses as Oswald stretches up on his tip toes to avoid the blow.  All is not for naught.  Avoiding Hugh's foot causes Oswald to miss when he swings the child-filled sack at the monk.

What do you do?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
17:08, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 9 using 1d20+7.  Swing sack at Hugh.
17:06, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Hugh, rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Kick Oswald in the gizzard.
17:02, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC The Human, rolled 12 using 1d20.  Save versus command.
17:00, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Seline, rolled 3 using 1d4.  Backstab damage before doubling.
17:00, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Seline, rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  Backstab the Human.
16:56, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC The Human, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Save vs. Dreya.
16:53, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile to Oswald's gizzard.
20:23, Yesterday: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
20:23, Yesterday: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

---

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:22, Wed 08 Mar 2017.

The luminescense about Dreya cuts of as Dreya shuts that talent source down, and will try to bring her bow around and shoot at the big half ogre. She feels confident! The half-ogre slaver is a large target...there is no way she can miss!
This message was last edited by the player at 21:02, Wed 15 Feb 2017.

Anthony gapes at Dreya's unexpected display of beauty. He is rather shaken by it, in fact. The sudden eruption of violence from in front of him sobers him quickly, though. He raises his hand again and, uttering a word of power in a resonant tone, launches another bolt of glistening blue right at the ogre.

Cast Magic Missile again.

Seline seeing the human unconscious, Seline turns her attentions towards Oswald and will try to flank him and attack his rear.

Cole pulls Vera from her sheath and charges toward Oswald with the intent to strike, being mindful of not blocking Seline.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

This message was deleted by the player at 02:54, Fri 17 Feb 2017.

Elwood positions himself so that Oswald doesn't have an avenue of escape, then proceeds to bean Oswald with his mace, taking care not to hit the bag Oswald is holding.

Dreya whips her bow around and fires off a quick shot, but it sails wide as she rushed herself to take swift action.

Anthony sends another magic missle sizzling into Oswald's gizzard for 3 more points of damage. The ogre snarls in pain and makes a special note to make Anthony pay.

Oswald gets his back against a wall as Seline and Elwood try to cut off his avenues of escape.

Seline gets in an especially nasty poke with her rapier for 5 damage.  Oswald still seems angrier at Anthony.

Oswald's pain continues as Cole slashes him for 8.  Blood is starting to flow from multiple sources, but the ogre appears fierce and ready for combat.

Elwood takes a pitiful swing at the ogre as he says, "Oswald, you're wounded, surrounded and out numbered.  Yield and gently lower that sack!"

Oswald responds by swinging the sack wildly at Cole.  It only grazes the ranger, although the captured child within cries out in pain as it clanks against Cole's armor.  Seline is less fortunate.  Oswald's large hand covers the side of her face and smashes her head into the wall for 6 damage.

Before Hugh can try to find an opening to attack Oswald, the "dead" human wakes up and viciously stabs him in the back with a short sword for 8 points of damage.  Hugh cries out in pain and staggers.

What do you do?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
07:27, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Human, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Damage to Hugh.
07:27, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Human, rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Back attack on Hugh.
07:25, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 6 using 1d10+4.  Damage to Seline's head.
07:23, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 7 using 1d20.  Attack Seline.
07:22, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 4 using 1d20.  Attack Cole.
07:21, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Elwood, rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Bash Oswald with mace.
07:20, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 8 using 1d8+4.  Damage to Oswald.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  Chop Oswald with furious anger.
07:18, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Seline, rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage from rapier.
07:17, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Seline, rolled 20 using 1d20.  Poke Oswald.  Seline should have gotten a +1 for a flank attack, but it didn't matter since she rolled so well anyway.
07:15, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 3 using 1d4+1.  Magic missile damage to gizzard.
07:15, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Dreya, rolled 11 using 1d20+2.  Shoot Oswald.
07:14, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:14, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

---

Anthony shouts, "Fair note--this fellow is not a typical ogre. He is more intelligent than normal and quite light on his feet."

Seeing that the hybrid ogre has taken a dislike to him, Anthony raises his hand and unleashes another bolt of arcane energy at him--and then proceeds to duck around a nearby corner to get out of the big fellow's line of sight. Best to be pragmatic about these things.

Yet another Magic Missile.

Dreya hurries over to Sir Anthony, hovering just behind him so he is within an easy arms length, and poises ready. (Essentially she is ready to dimension door Anthony away from the not-quite-half-ogre half ogre to a spot further fown the alley should the big ugly beast act on his apparent interest in the wizard).
This message was last edited by the player at 17:10, Fri 24 Feb 2017.

Seline slumps against wall falling to the ground unconscious.

With a growl, Cole takes another stab at Oswald, careful not to impale the sack.

In reply to Dreya (msg # 93):

It would be more accurate to say he is a not-quite-ogre ogre.  He is not a half ogre, just an above-average ogre.

Deciding that Oswald must go down before Seline can be attended to, Elwood attacks Oswald with his mace.  He is counting that the human helper will turn tail and run once Oswald is finished.

OOC:  Add 3 luck points to Elwood's 'To Hit' roll.

My mistake...Dreya watched the ugly not-quite-ogre ogre, she is ready to get their only wizard out of there. Worry for the moaning sack, for Simply Elwood and Sir Cole getting up close and personal with the not-ogre ogre, and for the crumpled form of Seline all knife through her.

The party narrowly gets the edge on Oswald and the human.

Anthony fires yet another magic missile into Oswald's gizzard for 5 more anger-inducing points of damage.  The ogre glares furiously at the wizard.

Dreya steps behind Anthony and prepares to dimension door both of them to safety if the situation demands a hasty retreat.

Seline's face slides slowly down the alley wall as she slumps to the ground, leaving a trail of hair and ear mucus behind.

Cole stabs at Oswald, but the ogre nimbly sidesteps out of the way.  The ranger's white-hot anger glows even brighter with frustration.

Elwood tries to smash Oswald's skull in, but hits the wall instead, narrowly missing Seline's sinking face.

Oswald swings the child-filled sack again at Cole, this time making contact for 10 points of damage.  You can hear a brief cry of pain from within the sack, then silence.  The sack stops wriggling.

Oswald was so impressed by the effects of smashing Seline's face into the wall that he tries it again on Elwood.  The cleric's face absorbs 5 points of brick damage.

Meanwhile, Hugh and the human are wrestling around in a death embrace.  The monk jabs through the human's eyeballs with his thumbs as the human frantically stabs away at the monk's exposed neck.  They both turn their attentions from attacking to death rattles, then fall silent and limp as death spares them any further pain.

Situation Update:
Cole has taken 10 damage.
Elwood has taken 5 damage.
Seline is unconscious.
Anthony must surely be out of magic missiles (or close to it)
Oswald has absorbed 26 points of damage and is still ready for a fight despite his bloody injuries.
Hugh and the human are now happily married to each other in the afterlife.  Turns out they grew up in the same neighborhood and had a lot in common.  Go figure.

Things are looking grim for our heroes when their old friend Jack, the half-elf fighter, walks past the alley and sees the melee unfolding.  Perhaps he can save the day.

What do you do?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
07:27, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 5 using 1d10+4.  Damage to Elwood's face.
07:27, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 10 using 1d6+4.  Damage to Cole.
07:26, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 19 using 1d20.  Smash Elwood's face into wall.
07:26, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 9 using 1d20.  Attack Cole with sack.
07:24, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Elwood, rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Elwood SMASH!
07:23, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Stab Oswald.
07:20, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Sizzle that gizzard.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:19, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative.
07:18, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative.

---

"Sir Anthony, I will be back." Steeling her nerve, Dreya then skuttles out around the magic missile flinging wizard and darts for Selines form. Once she falls to her knees beside her, she tries to squeeze some goodberry juice into her mouth.

His eyes a mile down the road, Jack heads down the street, determined to find a caravan master looking for a guard. 'Time for another adventure' he muses.

The possibilities in his head are endless. Will there be a caravan heading north, or perhaps east this time? 'Been a while since I was out East' he quietly whispers to no one in particular.

Despite his far-away thoughts, Jack's hand subconsciously tightens around the haft of his axe as the sounds of a melee start to register in his half-elven ears. Passing the corner of the alley, he's brought back to a grim reality.

Knowing his friends, he's not entirely surprised to find them engaged in a vicious battle, but the sight of two of them fallen hits home quickly. "Ho, friends!" he calls out.

Turning on his heels, Jack moves without hesitation to intercept their brutish foe. "Hey ugly!" he shouts at the ogre-like thing, attempting to distract it from his friends as he prepares to unleash a heavy swing of his axe.

At hearing the sounds from the sack go silent when Oswald hurled it at him, white-hot anger fills Cole.  This ruffian would pay dearly if the innocent in that sack did not survive this fight.  With a growl more beast-like than anything a human would make, Cole stabs at Oswald again, being mindful of not hitting the precious life in the sack the Ogre is carrying.

(Cole will use 3 luck points toward hitting the child thief.)

Anthony sees Jack and waves frantically. "JACK! Help! We're trying to take down that ogre! Thank the stars you're here!"

With that, he leans around the corner and raises his hand and unleashes one more potent bolt of magic at the ogre before ducking behind the corner again, trying to stay out of the ogre's way.

One last Magic Missile at Oswald.

Elwood is momentarily confused as he sees his old friend Jack show up.  The blow to his head was surely greater than it seems,  and he must be seeing things. But,  he hears Jack speak,  and there's no doubt that their good friend arrived in their moment of need.  Elwood squares himself and swings his mace one more time at Oswald, again avoiding the sack containting the child.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Thu 02 Mar 2017.

Jack's arrival freaks Oswald out.  He is not a fan of party reinforcements.  The ogre takes off running down the alley back toward the temple.  Jack, Cole, and Elwood all take a swing at his back, but none of them connect.  Anthony, on the other hand, sends a magic missile right into the center of Oswald's gizzard for another 5 points of damage as the ogre hits full stride.  The ogre cries out in pain, but keeps running.

Dreya squeezes a goodberry's juices into Seline's mouth.  The juice is oh so slowly absorbed into Seline's cheeks and tongue.  This might be an effective method of healing if Dreya squeezes a bunch of the berries instead of just one.

Oswald is getting away.  You can hear him shout, "You'll pay for this!!"  What do you do?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
12:57, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Elwood, rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Mace meet Oswald.
12:57, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 5 using 1d4+1.  Sizzle that gizzard.
12:56, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 11 using 1d20+6.  Rage stab Oswald.
12:56, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Jack, rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Axe meet Oswald.
12:54, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.
12:54, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative.

---

Dreya lets Seline's head plunk back down against the alley floor as she looks up, mind completely wrested from the thoughts of Goodberries at the moment.

Instead, she tries to cast Entangle at Oswald.

Elwood shouts out "I'll tend to Seline. We'll try to catch up when we're able."  Elwood then kneels before Seline, puts a hand on her forehead, and incants "In nomine Flyspamon, IV Ringer's Lactate." Casts Cure Light Wounds

Anthony moves out to where he can see Oswald and tries his best to throw a dart at the fleeing ogre...

Cole rushes forward in an attempt to get ahead of the ogre and block him off, keeping mind to avoid Dreya's entanglement should it succeed.

"Ugly lout, stand and fight you coward!" shouts Jack as the party's enemy starts to flee.  Instinct takes hold and Jack gives chase. With his earlier swing missing his intended target, Jack lets frustration get the best of him and hopes to catch up and land a solid blow on the ogrish opponent.

"You want payment, well turn around and collect from the sharp end of my axe!"

OOC: Jack tries to continue to chase engage Oswald. If entanglement takes hold and he notices it, Jack will hold up and draw a bow. Otherwise he chases for a while, hoping the ogre slows or gives some sign as to his destination.

Oswald is already ahead of you.  Do you want to chase after him like Jack?

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 111):

Cole will chase after him.

Dreya starts to cast entangle, but notices there is insufficient vegetation growing in the alley for the spell to be effective.  No action for this round, but she doesn't lose the spell.

Elwood prays over Seline's limp form.  4 points of healing surge into her body.  Her color improves immediately, her brain matter squirms down the alley wall and into her ear, and she wakes up.

Anthony hurls a dart at the fleeing ogre and hits for three points of damage.  The ogre keeps running with the projectile sticking out of his back.  You can hear his voice shouting in the distance, "I know where you sleep, wizard.  You will rue this day!"  Yes, Oswald actually says "rue".

Jack and Cole sprint down the alley after Oswald.  The ogre is annoyingly quick on his feet, darting around and over rubbish and obstacles like he was born to it.  It's an exciting race at first, but Oswald is gradually pulling away.  He appears to be heading straight for the Temple of Pain.  He is going to get there a little before our heroes.  You might be able to catch him as he opens the back door, but it's going to be close.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
07:33, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Elwood, rolled 4 using 1d8.  Claw Seline.
07:31, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 3 using 1d3.  Damage from dart.
07:31, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Throw dart at Oswald.

---

Cole rushes forward with the intent to yank the ogre back or slam the door in the ogre's face, whichever he has a better shot of succeeding at should he catch up.

(If Cole is able to use his remaining 2 luck points toward this endeavor, he will.)

A quick hop here, a deft sidestep there, and a bit of 'pouring it on' brings a sweat to Jack's brow as he attempts to keep pace. Another turn in the alley and the Temple of pain comes into view.

His taunts not working, he let's out a disappointed sigh as his prey outpaces him.

When it becomes clear where Oswald is heading, Jack begins to slow down, thinking to stop and wait for the others. As Cole surges on ahead full speed, Jack redoubles his efforts to keep up and have his friend's back.

Jack will follow Cole's lead. If Cole grabs the Ogre, Jack will attempt to close or get in front of the door. If Cole can get the door first, Jack will attack Oswald.

Dreya's mind is in a bit of a panic as fear swirls through her, seeing as how Oswald looks like he is getting away.  Choking that fear down, she whips out one of the daggers strapped to a thigh, and then grips the hilt tightly in both hands, sharp point facing out away from her.  Then, with the blade held just so, she focuses on the spot just before the door the not-ogre-ogre is heading for.  Specifically imagining her back to the door, she then wills herself there, using her not-so-secret-anymore ability.  At least, if Oswald's momentum barrels himself into her, he will get a dagger driving into his gut.  Hopefully.

[OOC]: God, low level druids suck, besides the fact that Dreya is, you know, wimpy.

In reply to Dreya (msg # 116):

The Temple of Pain is a considerable distance from the site of the party's ambush and well outside the range of Dreya's "secret" ability.

Cole may use his luck points for a desperate CON check to see if he can unleash a surge of speed at the last moment.  Jack could get to the door at the same time as Oswald by spending a hero point (so could Cole if he has one left).

She still sees Oswald, right? Can she just dimension door right on front of him?

If not, she will return to Seline and Simply Elwood and shove a handful of goodberries at her.

In reply to Dreya (msg # 119):

Oswald is out of sight (or at least well beyond her ability's range at this point).  He got more than 100 feet ahead while Dreya was working on her entangle spell.

Can she burn a hero point to do it? She has two yet...

In reply to Castle Keeper (msg # 118):

Cole will use the Luck Points. He wasted his hero point saving Khaaven.

Seline gasps awake blinking her eyes trying to force herself awake and alert to assess the situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:02, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

Elwood feels the divine power of his deity flow through him and heal Seline's wounds. "Although we've inflicted a multiple of wounds on Oswald, he's managed to have the stamina to quickly make an escape."  he informs Seline as she looks around.  "Cole, Jack and Anthony have made pursuit, and it looks as though he's headed for the Temple of Pain.  You look like you can take care of yourself now, so I'm heading after them."

Elwood's eye's fall upon the lifeless body of Hugh, and a pang of grief shoots through him.  Nevertheless, there are immediate needs of the living that have to be attended to, and he fears the fate of the helpless child, wounded if not dying or dead, inside the sack Oswald still carries.  Elwood knows what his departed friend would want - nay, expect, for him to do, so Elwood gathers himself and starts running towards the Temple of Pain.  "Don't worry my friend.  I will come back and return your body to your master" he says to himself as he races off.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:00, Thu 09 Mar 2017.

Digging deep, Jack finds some hidden reserve to drive himself on at a blazing speed as he closes the gap and readies his axe once more. 'Better to end this on the street than enter the depths of that temple.'

Jack will spend a hero point, trying to keep the ogre from opening/going through the door.

Anthony watches the others race ahead, trotting along with those who remained behind. He looks a little green, as Oswald's threat was, to him, not hollow...

In reply to Dreya (msg # 121):

Oswald is out of range and the Pain Temple is waaay outside range.  I advanced things a bit narratively which puts Dreya at a disadvantage when deciding actions (i.e., this might have been possible if I hadn't fast forwarded to the point Oswald was out of range).

Here's my proposed fix: Dreya can use her two hero points and transport herself to the back entrance of the Temple of Pain well before Oswald even gets there.  This will burn out her ability to teleport for a week as well.  However, Dreya can position herself however she wants in order to ambush Oswald when he arrives.

Let me know whether you want to do this or take a tamer action.

Dreya will just trot along with the others then. She probably needs those hero points to survive at some point, considering how wimpy of a character she rolled up to be.

Jack and Cole desperately pursue Oswald as the Temple of Pain rapidly comes into view.  Despite his best efforts, Cole just can't keep up.  Knowing he is the last option, Jack makes a heroic effort for a last burst of speed and reaches the ogre's back a good 50 feet from the Temple's back entrance.  Jack takes a mighty swing with his axe, but the ogre could hear his boot steps coming up behind him and lunges to the left just in time.  The axe slices through the air where Oswald used to be.  Before Jack can react to the shock of the ogre's spectacular dodge, one of the ogre's fists slams into his face for 11 points of damage.

Cole staggers up out of breath, but ready for action, at end of round.  Elwood and Dreya are working their way down the alley while Seline find herself lying on the ground alone wondering what the heck is going on.  Anthony lags a little behind Elwood and Dreya.  Running to his certain doom is not an inspiring way to live.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
08:10, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 11 using 1d10+4.  Damage to Jack.
08:09, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 17,8 using d20,d20.  Attack Jack.
08:06, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Jack, rolled 7 using 1d20+6.  Axe attack to Oswald's back.
08:05, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative.
08:04, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
08:03, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Con check to catch up to Oswald.

---

Seline having collected herself she stands up remembering what Elwood said about the temple of pain she begins to head that way a good jog, listening for the sounds of battle on her way.

Anthony follows the others further, pulling out a dart and staying well away from the rather scary-looking ogre.

Momentarily staggered by the strength of the Ogre's blow, Jack starts to regret successfully getting Oswald's attention. Back in his woodcutting days, Jack once saw a man get struck by a falling tree. 'Well, I guess now I know what that felt like.' he thinks to himself. As the stars start fading from his vision, Jack is relieved that Cole is arriving just in time.

Hoping his friends can take down this creature before long, Jack raises his axe in front of him and tries his best to avoid damage while keeping the ogre occupied.

OOC: Jack will do an Evade maneuver against the Ogre.

Royally peeved at how annoying Oswald is proving to be, Cole rushes forward once again and will attack Oswald, keeping mind to avoid the bag the Ogre is holding.

As Dreya is huffing and puffing alongside the Cleric, she gives Simply Elwood a sidelong glance.  In a last minute decision, she suddenly throws her arms around him. "For Flipsping!" Dreya decrees, then dimension doors her and Simply Elwood as FAR as she feesibly can to make up more ground faster, and less ground to have to run.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sun 12 Mar 2017.

Elwood is slightly disoriented with whatever magiks the druidess used to move the two of them closer towards the temple.  However, he quickly gains his bearings and moves towards Oswald.  If he can make it in time, Elwood will attack the ogre with his mace, using his two last luck points to his attack roll.

Round 7-ish

Seline begins trotting after her friends, feeling pretty damn good for someone who was dying a few minutes ago.  Anthony is jogging ahead of Seline, but lagging behind the others.

Cole takes a mighty whack at Oswald with his mace, but the ogre just bats the weapon aside.

Dreya grabs Elwood and they vanish and materialize 100 feet farther down the alley.  They can see Oswald, Cole, and Jack up ahead.  Dreya and Elwood should arrive at the end of the next round if they keep running toward danger.

Jack tries desperately to avoid the ogre's attacks, but Oswald unleashes hell on Jack's face with the back of his enormous fist for 14 points of damage.  Jack goes flying across the alley and lies crumpled on the cobblestones unconscious.  He is severely wounded.  Maybe Elwood will be able to save him?

Oswald's other arm is busy swinging the sack with the presumably dead child at Cole.  The rageful ranger takes the full brunt of the swing for 12 points of damage and drops as well.  Unlike Jack, he is only a little close to death.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:59, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 12 using 1d10+4.  Damage to Cole.
16:59, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 16 using 1d20.  Whack Cole with Dead Kid Sack (TM).
16:56, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 14 using 1d10+4.  Damage to Jack.
16:55, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 11 using 1d20-4.  Attack Jack with fist.
16:52, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Cole Hiller, rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Attack Oswald.
16:50, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Oswald, rolled 3 using 1d6.  Initiative.
16:50, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC Party, rolled 6 using 1d6.  Initiative.

---

As he drifts into oblivion, Jack makes a mental note to wear even heavier armor in the next life.

Dreya continues sprinting down the alley. Throwing a look beside her at the cleric, she huffs, "You take...uh...that strange guy? I take Sir Cole?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:11, Thu 16 Mar 2017.

Anthony moves up and, seeing the scene, lobs a dart at Oswald, hoping to fell him sooner or later, bit by bit!

Elwood nods his head to Dreya's suggestion and rushes forward to Jack.  When he reaches Jack, he'll cast First Aid to stabilize the fallen fighter.

Dreya scurries over to the ranger, digging out a handful of goodberries. This time, she crams a handfull of the berries into the ranger's mouth, hoping his unconscious state doesn't choke on them and cause more harm.

"Come on, Sir Hiller! Come on!" Dreya mutters.

I'm going to go ahead and update without hearing from Seline since she's too far back to take action.

As the ranger and fighter are out of action and more heroes are running up, Oswald takes off running again and disappears into the back entrance to the Temple of the Pain God.

Elwood and Dreya reach Jack and Cole in time to stabilize them.  I was going to rule Anthony's plan to toss a dart at Oswald is a valiant one, but he is too far back to strike.  But what the heck.  The Rule of Cool should always apply.  I'll let him hit on a natural 20.

16:50, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Throw dart heroically at Oswald.

Um, well that wasn't expected.  Just as Oswald starts to duck into the back entrance, a heroic dart arcs down from the heavens and sticks into his head behind his ear for 2 more points of bleeding head wound damage.  "Damn you, wizard!  You will pay forever!!!!" Oswald shouts on his way inside.

All hail Anthony Ogre Biter!

Meanwhile, Seline eventually jogs up.

What next?  You are out of combat, Jack is a hot mess, and Cole is unconscious, too.  Oswald is out of sight in the Pain Temple doing goodness knows what.  You are around 50 feet from the back entrance, so reinforcements from the Temple coming outside would be bad thing at the moment.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:51, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 2 using 1d3.  Dart damage to Oswald.
16:50, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Anthony, rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Throw dart heroically at Oswald.

---

I had posted this above, but I will repost it.

Dreya scurries over to the ranger, digging out a handful of goodberries. This time, she crams a handfull of the berries into the ranger's mouth, hoping his unconscious state doesn't choke on them and cause more harm.

"Come on, Sir Hiller! Come on!" Dreya mutters.

With Jack no longer bleeding, but still unconscious, Elwood starts to lift him up.  "Seline or Anthony, help me carry Jack away from here, and get out of sight as quickly as possible.  Once we're out of sight, we can find some place that will let me attend to Jack in relative safety."

OOC - Although not prime ability for Elwood, he does have a Strength of 13, which should allow him to dead lift 195 lbs according to the PHB.  I'm envisioning having one of Jack's arms draped over Elwood's shoulders and the other arm draped over Anthony/Seline

Jack sees a light in the distance which grows closer by the second. Suddenly, a shock hits him and then moments later he feels as if he's slowly being dragged away from the beautiful light.

Anthony gapes in abject shock as his dart hits the ogre. And then starts shaking a bit at Oswald's threat. "Ohdear. Ohdearohdearohdearohdearohdear." The wizard is now rather beside himself. He manages to pull it together to try and help the others get Jack out of this place and to somewhere safer.

Cramming goodberries into Cole's mouth seems to be working.  He rouses with one hit point above zero.  Jack is an awful shade of grey, but is hanging in there with rapid shallow breaths.

The party looks around frantically for a place to hide.  Cole rasps, "There's an abandoned inn two blocks to the west.  It's unstable from fire damage, but the basement should be secure."  The ranger swoons and doesn't do much but groan and stay limp for the time being.

The party shuffles over to the abandoned building and sneaks in through a gaping hole in the burnt wall.  Much of the ceiling has collapsed revealing parts of the second floor and numerous holes in the roof letting in starlight.  A few seconds' search reveals a hatch in the kitchen floor opening onto a stairwell leading into the basement.  The fire appears not to have damaged the basement.  The cellar shows signs of looting.  Several casks of ale and beer are smashed and a couple wine racks have been pushed over.  The only signs of recent occupation of the cellar are numerous cobwebs.  You listen carefully for the scuttling of giant spiders and other insects, but all you can hear are the desperate breaths of Jack.

You close the hatch behind you and can make use of whatever light sources you wish.  Your best guess is dawn is still a few hours away.

What do you do?

Seline casts Light to illuminate the cellar. "Let there be light, I'm going to look around maybe we can find something to staunch the bleeding and take care of the wounded." Seline would then do a detailed search through the cellar looking for any fabric or first aid material.

Elwood casts Cure Minor Wounds on Jack.

Anthony sits down next to Jack, seeing if he can help somehow. He had studied some minor medicine as an apprentice, but only the theory of it. He had never had an opportunity to apply such to something as practical as first aid.

Seline's Light spell illuminates the cellar with a clear, white light.  She performs a careful search of the cellar and finds some burlap sacks with a few rotten potatoes in them.  You could potentially use the sacks for bandages, but the rotten taters have no doubt contaminated them.  However, both Jack and Cole have stopped bleeding, so bandages are not an immediate necessity.  The cellar is dry and musty.  The overall dimensions are around 30 feet by 40 feet.  The only exit is the stairway up to the hatch in the kitchen floor.

Elwood casts Cure Light Wounds on Jack, healing the fighter of 5 points of damage and bringing him to total hit points of -5.  He looks more green than grey now and his breathing has steadied.

Anthony tries to be helpful as Elwood prays over Jack, but there isn't much an amateur can do.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
16:14, Today: Castle Keeper, on behalf of Elwood, rolled 5 using 1d8.  CLW on Jack.

---

Dreya has a few more berries in her pouch yet, and can cast that spell again. She will even burn a hero point to make super powerful berries of epic proportions, borne of the mightiest might nature can provide. Keeping one berry aside, she rushes over to the new stranger and gingerly crams the remaining berries into the new stranger's mouth before fleeing back a few paces to watch and see what happens. But in dread or anticipation, you can't quite tell. Cupped tenderly in one palm is the remaining epically potent goodberry.

"This is all I can do for Jack right now,  as my power to draw on Flyspamon's divine energy is exhausted except for a few very simple spells. If I can get some rest and mediate,  I'll be able to heal him some more.  Another option would be waiting a few hours until everything is clear,  then we could maybe carry Jack to the temple."

Jack gurgles a bit and mutters something about "more armor" while drifting back and forth in various states of unconsciousness.

Seline after examining the cellar sits down by Jacks head, gently brushing his hair out of his face, in a calm even tone just loud enough for Jack to hear she starts recounting simple stories from her childhood detailing out the colors of the fields and skies of the country side she would wander.

Anthony nods. "I propose we do as you said--wait a few more hours and then carry Jack to the temple. We must be careful in dealing with Oswald. We gave him all we had and could not fell him. This tells me we shall need more help to stop him."

He shudders, thinking of the poor child who died as Oswald's weapon. This steels his sagging resolve a bit, but only a bit, as he was not sure how the party would manage to defeat such a foe.

Cole looks grim at the mention on the dead child.  "I agree, recuperation is what we need most now." Leaning back, Cole tries to rest his weary body, hoping he has enough left in him to make it through the rest of the night.

As Dreya waits to see the effect of her boosted berries, she also agrees.  "Yes, go we should...ack, I mean we...should...go to Flipspring's temple. We can rest. And, uh, maybe plan new? I mean, make a new plan."

Dreya's super-berry does the trick.  One hero point later, Jack is back up to 5 hit points and conscious once more.

About an hour before dawn, the party hears noises from above.  Heavy boots are walking across the floor and muffled voices speak back and forth.  It's hard to make out what is said through the heavy hatch door, but you catch snippets:

"... Oswald said..."

"... pain..."

"... could be anywhere..."

"... Brian said... this way..."

"... pay... wizard..."

"... cellar?"

Footsteps walk across the kitchen floor above you several times.   They don't appear to have found the hatch... yet.  What do you do?

Quickly, Dreya gives the remaining super-berry she held on to to the ranger. Whispering to him, she says, "Here, Sir Hiller. It worked, and did not kill our new friend here."

Turning, she mouths SILENTLY to the rest of the group. "Now what do we do?"

Anthony leads into the others and mouths, "Fight our way out," he says, trying to look brave.

Cole swallows the super berry. As quietly as he can he finds a large crate he can hide behind.

Jack looks around in a daze after he regains his grip on consciousness. After sizing up the location and his nearby friends, he slowly looks to those tending his wounds and gives a nod to everyone, quietly saying 'thanks'.

"So, apparently Ogres hit pretty hard. Who knew? I'm thinking that if I ever fight an ogre again and it runs away, I may just let it get away."

As time goes on, Jack studies their current location a bit more. When voices are heard overhead, he becomes immediately still and quiet, his hand resting on the shaft of his axe, as he waits in anticipation.

OOC: Jack tries to remain still and not make a sound, hoping those above give up and move along, but ready to attack if necessary.

Elwood quietly gets behind a crate, and silently gets out 2 flasks of oil, uncorking them and creating wicks from pieces of a burlap sack lying around.  He gets his Tinderbox ready and gets out his 2 hammers, ready to throw.  He looks around, trying to judge if they're in a fire trap.

OOC: If Dragon Mark once cast on a door would affect both sides or Seline thinks it would she would take this action
Seline walks up the hatch placing her hand on their side of the hatch speaking the incantation as quietly as possible she traces a dragon head with her hand on the door casting Dragon's Mark on the hatch. Once this was done she would retreat to the other side of the room and hide and begin to prep color spray.

OOC: If Seline knows Dragon Mark doesn't affect the other side of the door  she would do the following action"

Seline would position herself and attempt to hide as best as possible in a position or spot across from the bottom of the stairs and ready the spell color spray with the intent to cast it as soon as a foe steps off the last stair onto to the floor of the basement
This message was last edited by the player at 19:13, Tue 28 Mar 2017.

Dreya shuffles close to the Cleric and where her friends can hear her without having to speak loudly.

Whispering as loud as she dares, she says, "Simply Elwood, I will hop outside in the alley and draw them away. Fast, I run. I mean I can run fast. I can meet you all at that inn we ate at before. Or...I can hop myself and one other person with me..." She points toward the ranger, worry evident in her gaze.  "We cannot have another fight. You and I could go?"

The druids amber eyes are wide, fear glimmering in their depths. But whether it is fear of being found down here, or fear for the two very wounded men, one cannot tell amidst the murkiness of the basement they all huddle in.

The party braces for incoming enemies.



The boot steps get closer to the hatch.  You're fairly certain they stop right next to it and the metallic clank you hear is the handle being lifted by someone starting to open it.  However, just when the tension becomes almost unbearable, you hear a new voice begin speaking and then footsteps quickly leaving the kitchen area.

You spend a few minutes nervously listening for anything at all, but all is quiet.  It seems you have caught a lucky break.

What do you do?

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
17:14, Today: Castle Keeper, for the NPC GM, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Die of Fate.

---

(I could have burned my last hero point to do it, no? No matter, they seemed to have moved on.)

Dreya turns to the others, ready to hear what new plan they want to make. "Do we stay here longer?"

To help move things along, if you want to sneak back to somewhere safe (the Filthy Unicorn, the Temple of Flyspamon, etc.), that is an auto-success at this point.  If you want to attempt something riskier, just let me know.

Hell to the no onthe risky. We sneak back to the Filthy Unicorn, helping their wounded limp along as quickly as possible.

Anthony sighs silently in relief as the fight--which he thought might be the last of his life--passed them by. He turned to the others. He retreated quickly back to the Filthy Unicorn with the others, though he suggested that one of them go to the Temple to fetch a cleric.

As he hears the footsteps of the searchers retreat, Elwood silently offers a prayer of thanks to Flyspamon.  He then joins the others as they make their way sneaky-like back to the Filthy Unicorn.  As Anthony suggests, Elwood heads over to the Temple of Flyspamon to report his findings regarding Oswald, and to see if any clerics would offer their assistance in helping his wounded comrades.  As he heads back to the Filthy Unicorn, he makes a brief stop at Hugh's master to inform him of Hugh's fate, the circumstance of his death, and where Hugh's final respite is located (also explaining the circumstances that prevented Elwood from bringing back Hugh's body back himself).

A few minutes after the last of the noises up above have passed, Jack lets out a long sigh of relief. He motions a suggestion to everyone that they wait a few more minutes before heading back up.

Jack lets the other, more stealthy members of the band proceed first to make sure the way is clear and follows closely behind, helping the other wounded where he can and leaning on a few of his friends when his own wounds start to flare up.

Jack's tongue loosens up a bit when everyone is safely away from the Temple of Pain and closer to the Filthy Unicorn. "Thanks for patching me up back there friends, I thought I was a goner! I never had time to ask before, but why exactly were we chasing down a terribly ferocious ogre in the first place?"

"He has little regard for the life of a child.  There was a precious innocent in that sack he was carrying, a precious innocent who is most likely dead now...  And more innocents suffering because of him."  Cole grows silent as he follows his comrades back to The Filthy Unicorn.  The gravity of his injuries barely registering as he tries to tamp down the rage boiling within him.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:00, Wed 29 Mar 2017.

Elwood's trip to Flyspamon's Temple is somewhat fruitful.  The cleric on duty (Sherry) is quite alarmed to hear about an unusually ferocious ogre kidnapping children and returning to the Temple of Pain.  This does not fit what is commonly known about the Pain God's followers and ways.  Flyspamon's Temple is not in a position to intervene directly.  Sherry suggests Flyspamon appears to have designated Elwood as his champion on this issue.

While the Temple's refusal to provide manpower is disappointing, Sherry does offer some material support.  She provides Elwood with 3 potions of extra-healing and a potion of neutralize poison to help the party in its efforts to combat Oswald.

OOC: An extra-healing potion can be consumed in one giant gulp to heal 3d8 hit points, or sipping 1/3 of the potion can heal 1d8 hit points.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:35, Wed 29 Mar 2017.