The mansion, just as the old man described, is an 'H'-shaped building, very long and low. It seems to be built of granite.  The exterior looks like it has stood up to the elements better than the temple.  Unlike the temple, all the exterior windows have solid-looking, if rusty, iron bars across them. It looks as though it was made to be defended, though it's no castle.

You can see the orcs and goblins at opposite ends of the manor. There is a cluster of orc-guards in front of the entrance to the northwest wing, and a trickle of orc traffic between there and the barracks, a little north-west of the manor. There is a somewhat larger cluster of goblin-guards in front of the entrance to the southeast wing, and a corresponding trickle of goblin traffic between there and the stables, a little to the south-east.

The terrain around the manor is rolling, with great patches of grasses and weeds and scrub growing all over. Keestake points out another topographical feature - a depression, some sort of little ditch or break in the ground - which starts a few hundred feet southwest of the manor and runs almost to the southwest wing.  "That's how I'd creep up on the thing," he says. "Along that ridge. We couldn't go in the door there, we'd be spotted in a second, but there's a window on the west wall near the south side where the bars are loose. Imagine we can get in there."

Without saying anything, Jory starts to crawl over the ground towards the little ditch that Keestake pointed out.
He tries to move as silently as possible and uses the 'great patches of grasses and weeds and scrub' as cover.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 2):

Following Jory, Sal thinks this is an OK plan.
Moving as quietly as he can through the scrub.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 3):

Agreeing with a shake of his head. Lam directs the group to go in order as described motioning to keep low, quiet and a quick show of a prayer and then follows Jory in assigned position as quietly as he can.

Daniv grips the bow and three of the arrows in his left hand.  While familiar with the basics of archery, he had never had the inclination to practice.  As he moves slowly and carefully into the declivity, he wishes he had.  He moves cautiously across the uneven ground, using his empty hand to brace himself, and to assist Rebeccah when she needs it.

(Everyone roll 1d100)

11:55, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 82 using 1d100.  d100 at GM's request.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 7):

Sal's hands are pretty much full.  Bow over his shoulder, and daggers kind of resting in his waistband.  A good trip or push could mean certain impalement so being as careful as he can he keeps the Bardic low to the ground and crawls bet he can through the tall scrub.


15
06:15, Today: Sal Warth rolled 15 using 1d100.  DM request.

Watching as the others made their way across the open stretch toward the ditch. Tath waited with Kerkin for their turn to try and sneak across.


OOC: 12:10, Today: Tath rolled 3 using 1d100.

In reply to Tath (msg # 9):

OOC - Wow, never rolled this one on the dice roller (till now)  I guess the goddess either favors Lam bunches or really hates em.

21:34, Today: Lam Durus rolled 100 using 1d100.  DM request.

Rebeccah eyed the ravine nervously as Keestake started the group down it.  All that water and mud looked real slippery.  To make it a little easier on her, she tucked the hem of her dress up into her belt.  Now she wouldn't have to worry about getting her legs tangled up in a wet and muddy skirt.

"Goddess help me," she muttered to herself as she climbed down into the ravine.  The icy cold water sent a shiver up her spine, but it still wasn't as bad as the day before.  She used the spear to help keep her balance and was happy to make it all the way down the slope without falling.  Following the example of the others, she crouched down and carefully made her way to the manor, praying the whole time.

20:13, Today: Rebeccah rolled 25 using 1d100.  stealth.

OCC:

01:04, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 6 using 1d100.  Hide.

01:04, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 35 using 1d100.  Move Silently.

The natural cover of the ravine keeps everyone out of view, but staying quiet in the wet and muddy ravine is another matter altogether.  The cover decreases as they get close, becoming little more than a shallow depression.  Someone displaces a large rock, making a loud rustling noise as it rolled down and hit the ground with a wet thud.  An orcish voice grunts.  "Who's there?  Better not be one of you shifty goblins."  The sound of his footsteps in the wet grass gets louder as he approaches.

Jory lies unmoving in the grass, behind some cover (rocks, or scrubs) and looks carefully whether the orc is coming towards him.
If the orc is coming directly towards him, he'll wait till he's 20 feet away and then he'll try to surprise him with an attack.
If the orc is not coming towards Jory, then he remains down on the spot.

Rebeccah grips her spear tightly,  Her last battle didn't go to well.  She was deathly afraid of a repeat performance.  She looked at the others for some clue to what she should do.

In reply to Rebeccah (msg # 15):

Keeping quiet & continually moving forward, as slowly as possible so the Orc doesn't see him.
Trying diligently to keep the Bardiche low, close to the ground, and in front of him.  So if the Orc does charge Sal can lift it upward, in an attempt to impale the creature.   Tactics like this are new to Sal, so he isn't quiet sure if it will work, but its better than lying down and dying easily.

Cursing their luck silently to himself Tath flattened himself to the ground behind some scraggly brush, clutching one of the spears and hoping the Orc would go away.

Reaching for a small rock, Deniv knows that they rain could easily have loosed the rock and caused it to slide.  So, he tosses the rock back towards the manor in an effort to distract the orc guard.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 18):

Lam crouches real low trying to stay concealed stopping where he (looking cruelly at the rock that just gave way under his foot) is in hopes the Orc show his true bravery and moves back.  His spear is set low at his side at the ready to take the Orc on if he attacks while in his mind a few tactics are played out.

He glances at the group to see how everyone fared this far then he tenses not moving as he hears more then sees Daniv's rock land beyond the group.

The orc creeps up a little closer and stops.  His breath can be heard, but there is no indication that he is doing anything.  After a few minutes, he mutters something under his breath and starts walking away.

Jory waits till the orc has gone and then continues crawling towards the ditch/gully which leads towards the manor.
He tries to find a place where he can enter the gully without displacing rocks.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 21):

Finally exhaleing after the orc leaves, Sal sits insolence a little longer.   Nerves tense, and his heart eating he tries to calm down.  If that orc wold have attacked one of us, or more would have been dead.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 22):

In wordy sighing with relief, outwardly sneers at the rock by his foot.  Lam motions for all to continue and continues crawling towards the ditch following Jory.  As quiet as he can.

Though Tath relaxed slightly when the orc finally turned and moved away, it had been enough of a scare to make him jumpy. Sticking close to the ground he all but crawled across the remaining distance as he made his way to the ditch at the back of the building.

Rebeccah creeps after the others.  She barely breathes in fear of the orc hearing her and coming back.

Daniv continues on as carefully and slowly as before, testing each placement of hand or foot before applying any weight.

The depression ends a few feet away from the depression.  Keestake rushes over to the nearest window and yanks out a couple of loose bars.  He motions for everyone to follow and climbs through the window.  Everyone else is quick to follow.

The room appears to be a small dormitory, roughly 10x30.  The remains of smashed furniture litters the room.  A single door on the opposite side is the only way out.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 27):

Approaching the door and getting ready to open it.  Bardiche in front of him in one hand, and other hand grasping the door handle.
"Everyone ready?"

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 28):

Lam climbs up and through the window, then helps others get into the room.

He takes a quick look about then moves to the door.

Lam holds up his hand at Sal, Showing a sshh sign, he points for Jory to listen at the door.

his own hand resting on the spear as he awaits Jory's word.

Rebeccah puts an arrow to her bow.  "Is there anything in here?  Do the orcs and goblins come in here?"

Daniv slips in with everyone else, but stays a distance back from the door.  He has the bow ready, with anarrow nocked, but his hands are less than steady in his nervousness.

Hearing no sound, he reaches for the door when Keestake pushes past and runs out into the hall.  He turns to the right and runs into the next door.  Everyone can hear him loudly complaining and whining about all his stuff.

Outside the room is a long hallway that runs North/South.  There are numerous doors on each side.  This part of the hall seems to be roughly in the middle.  Although there appears to be signs of recent activity, there is currently nobody else in the hall.

Joey enters as last ome and signals that hè is ready too, heguards the back.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 33):

Gripping his Bardic tightly, as Keestake runs past.
"Well no time to die like the present!"
Moving along shortly after the crazy old man!

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 34):

Almost jumping back in surprise Lam quickly recovers and motions everyone to order up and follow him and Sal (who advanced first after Keestake ran through).  Everyone line up and in we go, Last one out keep an eye on the window we came in. Lam follows Sal and Keestake out into the hall way.  Sal move down a bit and give us room ino the hallway you are point, I'll see what Keestake is a upset about, turns to the rest, Daniv and Rebeccah move up behind Sal and ready your bows to shot down the hallway - Kerkrin amd Tath keep an eye on the nest set of doors up, Leoraren and gunnar watch this door (opposite the one Keestake went into) Einlan and Edward stay in the middle between the doors and be ready to support either side, Melisana and Jory, you got the back. I going in with Keestake   and goes into the room with Keestake

Keestake, what happened sshh you do n want to alert the Orcs, can I help?

Daniv follows the others as Keestake runs off screaming, stopping to stand with an arrow nocked.  That old man is going to get us killed, he mutters.
Ready.  If I yell, "quack," hit the floor so I don't hit you.

Rebeccah nods and grips her bow tighter.  She hoped she could use this thing properly when the time came.

Lamo follows Keestake into the room and finds the old man fussing over the mess.  The room appears to have been lived in for a good long while, but now every piece of furniture is smashed.  Every item has been cast about the room.  Lam figures this is where he must have lived all these years.  Keestake goes on and on about the mess.  He's seems to be severely distraught over it.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 38):

Seeing how distress Keestake is Lam tries to talk calmly to Keestake,

Keestake, easy my friend, I see the Orcs got here, think my man, good thing you were not here when they came looking.  Easy, quiet or they will come back and finish the job.  Now, Keestake, what can I do to help?  Is there a special item you are looking for?  Our time here is getting shorter and we must move on with your help to succeed, easy calm down and take this one step at a time let me help you.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 39):

Following Lam, Sal sees the disaster.
"Keestake, it is ok.  Grab what is essential and come off this island with us."
Sal looks around for things that might be sentimental or important to the crazed old man.

As stealthy as possible Tath moves up and crouches against the wall. Watching the next set of doors and the hallway ahead.

Keestake doesn't seem to respond to the calm approach.  He continues to whine and cry over the destruction of his room.  It's almost like dealing with a petulant child.

Daniv, lowering his bow while holding the arrow in place with the same hand, walks over to Keestake ans places his free hand upon the old man's shoulder.
You need to give it a rest, Keestake.  If you keep this up, you will attract attention, and you will be in the same predicament in which we found you.  And we may end up right there with you.  Then we all end up in their cook pot.

Jory at the back of the group doesn't enter the room with Keestake, but tries to open another door in the hallway, to see if they can hide there when orcs come looking for the noisy man, Keestake.

Keestake doesn't respond to any calm words.  He just keeps getting wound up.

Jory ducks into the room across the hall from where they came in.  He finds it to be nearly identical.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 45):

Calmly Lam says to Keestake, Hey, how about we make things better, say we go get some beter shinier things and he snickers we ge them from the dirty orcs that did this,  laughs softy say would that work, we can get better stuff and then you can put them where you want and even in a bigger room and smiles at Keestake.  You know I am sure your stuff plus a the new stuff we can get wil fit nicely in a larger fancier room of importance.  But well, you do have to help us find the stuff and clear out the Orcs from getting your new room.   what do you say?  Help us?

And smiles reassuring.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 46):

Listening and waiting patiently for Keestake to snap out of it, Sal is losing patience.
Quietly whispering to Jory, simply stating what he is going to do, and not asking permission.
"If he doesn't quiet down, I am going to knock him out.  All of our lives hang in the balance, and cant have him being loud and attracting attention."

Keestake is still not responding to the gentle touch.

The sound of a closing door coming from the North alerts those still out in the hallway.

Tath moves a short distance along the hallway north trying to find a good spot to hide.

Daniv tries to get through to Keestake again.  You're going to get us caught and killed.  Then we won't be able to help the goddess.
He glances over to see Tath move to hide.  Manure, he mutters as he moves to find a place of concealment and cover by the doorway.  I think we have company coming.

Jory tries to hide in the other room, across the hallway, where he went in.
There's a lot of smashed furniture in this room (like in Keestake's room), so it shouldn't be too hard to hide.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 51):

Having no affect on Keestake hearing the door shut down the hallway, Lam states to Keestake not loudly, enough, time to man up for your goddess and be still then moves to the hallway and motions for the group to hide in the room Jory is in or this room, whispers if it is just one, try to hide but if seen then possible close the door then jump em once in the room - if either room hears the attack, react to support the other group.    Once he sees the group organized into hiding spots he goes bac into Keestakes room and closes the door notices Daniv if the Orc come in here and noticed us, close the door behind it.  If it is more then one, sigh and they see us get the other group in here. If you hear battle in Jory's room, welp you know what to do   Then moves to the side of the room picking a good hiding spot motioning for Keestake to do the same and anyone else in the room with them.

Melisana walks up to Keestake and slaps his face.  "Shut up before you get us all killed, old man," she growls menacingly at him.

The old man holds a hand to his reddened cheek with a look of surprise.  He mutters something and goes off to sit in a corner.

Meanwhile, the sound of approaching feet and goblin voices nears them.The crook in the hallway keeps the two parties from easily spying each other.  Two people positioned at the corners may be able to get a look without being seen.



--|*|
  |*|

(Does that help)

OOC: I don't understand the drawing: are the * asterix meant to depict goblins? Is the _ sign where Keestake and some of the others are?

I should have previewed that post.  It didn't look anything like that when I put it together.
Everyone came in at 18.  Jory hid in 23.  Keestake is grumping in 19.  The goblins are coming from the North.

OOC: Sam announced that he would knock Keestake out. That was before Melisana slapped Keestake in the face.
The goblins heard something, probably the noise of Keestake's ranting. So now the goblins are probably going to check the rooms
till they find the one who's been making the ranting noises. Everyone of us knows this. So it's either fight the goblins or deliver
Keestake to them while hiding ourselves.

In Character:
2 possible lines of action, depending on whether Jory has found a good hiding place in room 23.
- If in a good hiding place, he waits till the goblin(s) have looked in this room 23, and then tries to surprise them by attacking them in the hall (10) at their backs.
- if no good hiding place was available in 23, Jory will try to surprise them as soon as one of them looks into the room 23 and try to hit one with the broadsword. This could be done by standing behind the door and swaying his sword at the first goblin who enters.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:15, Thu 08 Feb 2018.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 57):

In the room with our grumpy companion, who is now a little quieter, thank goodness, Sal prepares for a fight.
Positioning himself at the bottom square, against the wall with the door, in room 19.
Bardiche pointed forward.  (I know I use the Bardiche word often.  It is simply I have never had one on a character so want to get the most use out of it as possible.)
Bardiche pointed forward at the door, preparing for the attack.
Whispering:
"Melisana, Keestake should we make some noise & bring the goblins to us in here?
 Might give the others in the other rooms, time to attack from their rear."

(Sal did announce his intentions, but never followed through.  If you want to make sure something happens before you can post again, just give me an if/then statement.  )

(You guys have the surprise round.  Just announce your placement and when you launch your ambush.  Two can fire bows from cover.  Anyone else will have to step out into the open.)

Assuming that the goblins passed the door of his room (23), Jory sneaks up to them from the rear while they're in the hall 10.
He attacks the goblin at the back of the group.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 59):

Hoping to avoid the fight, Sal waits in the room, for the goblins to open the door.
When they open the door he will spring into action.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 61):

OOC - Just want to confirm who is in what room (sorry I forgot where every one went just so when I post I know who Lam is talking to):

Room 23 - Jory,

Room 19 - Keestake, Lam, Sal, Melisana, Deniv


???Edward Einlian  Gunnar Kerkrin  Leozaren  Rebeccah  Tath
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Sat 10 Feb 2018.

OOC: Well Tath was out in the hall when all this happened. So he will try to take a peek around the corner before falling back to 18 if they don't spot him, if they do he will retreat south past 19 hoping they follow him.

In reply to Tath (msg # 63):

OOC dang Tath missed your action up the hallway I hope we can react to help you if attacked.

He knows Tath is still in the hallway and he hopes he has sense to retreat into a room and hide.  Also part of the group is in Jory's room so not a good situation if timing goes bad in a fight.


Standing in the room Lam surveys who is with him.  Seeing Sal and Daniv by the door ready to pounce, Keestake standing in the middle with Melisana and himself off to the side (pus any others in his room).

Lam, moves toward the door whispering to Melisana and Keetake (and any others) as he goes squat under cover and wait either to jump em when they come in or follow us out ready to fight, then moves close to the door, whispers to Sal and Deniv if they attack Jory's group we run out, not sure about Tath being alone but we should help him to if we can and if they skip everyone and open here we jump em, then moves to the door and listens for noise ready to fight.



If Lam hears Tath being attacked and knows it is Tath in need of help he will indicate for those in his room to follow him out and open the door and rush out to attack.

If Lam hears the Goblins open/attack Jory's group he will indicate for those in his room to follow him out and open the door and rush out to attack.

If he hears the goblins start to open his door he would stand back against the wall opposite how the door opens (using the door as cover and jump them once they enter say the second one in).

If Lam hears the Goblins in the hallway get attacked by Jory's group he will indicate for those in his room to follow him out and open the door and rush out to attack.

If he hears nothing he will wait and keep listening ready to react accordingly.

(OK, I think I got this straight.  I left a few people out in the halls who have not given any movement.  They are at the corners out of sight.)

A trio of goblins walk down the hall without caution.  The slapping of their feet on the hard floor makes them easy to locate.  Jory hears them passing by his door.  Kerkrin and Einlian are hidden around the corner when they walk past.  They spot Edward and Rebeccah across the square (don't know what else to call that wide spot in the hall) as they near the middle.  Caught by surprise, the goblins squawk and fumble for their swords.

(Everyone post their action.  Yes, you can move out of a room and make an attack.)

Jory sneaks on to the last goblin, attacking with the broadsword from the rear with surprise.
Jory misses (because of an evil die-roller)

OOC: 14:42, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 1 using 1d20.  To hit roll with broadsword, on goblin from the rear with surprise.
How many 1's have I rolled for attacks in this game? 2 times for 4 attacks total!!!

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 66):

With the sound in the hallway, Sal is confident there is a fight ensuing.
Charging forward bardic out in front he lunges past one of the goblins.


Miss
09:43, Today: Sal Warth rolled 5 using 1d20.  bardic attack.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 67):

Hearing the Goblins out in the hallway squawk and the sound of leather and metal fumbling Lam indicates to Sal an the other to charge out after him.

Lam, opens the door and stabs out at the first Goblin he sees nest to him - and misses.

14:55, Today: Lam Durus rolled 7 using 1d20.  lam attack.
OOC I think the dice roller rally wants us to work over time to win any fights :(
This message was last edited by the player at 19:59, Sun 11 Feb 2018.

Waiting in the hall Tath attempts to skewer a goblin as soon as they round the corner.

20:02, Today: Tath rolled 2 using 1d20.  Attack with spear.
OOC: Okay we may need an exorcist to purge the evil spirit that has taken up residence in the die roller.

In reply to Tath (msg # 69):

Maybe if we all die we could take over some goblins.  We would be a party of goblins fighting against the orcs, trying to survive and take over the island!

Daniv has to admit to himself that he is scared, fear coursing though him.  After what had happened to him when they were fighting the drunken pirate, he finds himself worried about hurting himself again, or one of his companions.
However, when it comes time, he will either peak around his cover to shoot at the goblins, or, if they come into the room he occupies, he will attempt to shoot one in the back.

09:13, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 5 using 1d6.  Shortbow damage.
09:13, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 7 using 1d20-2.  Shoot with short bow.
18:56, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
18:55, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Shoot with short bow.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:16, Tue 13 Feb 2018.

Rebeccah drops her arrow as she prepares to shoot one of the goblins.

18:10, Today: Rebeccah rolled 0 using 1d20-4.  short bow.

(Holy cow.  Fortunately, you still have another surprise segment.  Don't forget bows fire twice.)

The party comes out swinging, catching the goblins completely off-guard.  They pull out their shortswords as the party continues their ambush.

Jory almost lost his sword in the first attack, but held on to it so that he can try again.
He now has better aim as he swings his broadsword at the last goblin's back.

OOC: to hit 14, damage 6 with broadsword.
15:19, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 6 using 2d4+3.  Damage broadsword.
15:18, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 14 using 1d20-1.  Attack goblin from rear, -4 +1STR+2Rear.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 74):

Surprised the goblins didn't counter attack, yet Sal swipes again with his weapon.
going wide, again, he misses.




If no adjustments and Thatco 20...hit AC 10

08:37, Today: Sal Warth rolled 10 using 1d20.  next surprise round attach.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 75):

Lam shifts his Spear and tries a different angle and ... skewers the ground at his feet - Dang this fighting stuff is hard these Goblins keep moving (though the Goblin was standing still when he poked the ground).

17:13, Today: Lam Durus rolled 5 using 1d20.  Lam attack.

Tath tried again hoping to at least scratch the goblin in front of him. But it wa a usless act as the spear just bounced of the wall.

21:31, Today: Tath rolled 3 using 1d20.  Attack with Spear.

Rebeccah grabs more arrows and keeps trying to shoot a goblin.


21:22, Today: Rebeccah rolled 8 using 1d20-4.  attack.

21:21, Today: Rebeccah rolled 6 using 1d20-4.  attack.

21:19, Today: Rebeccah rolled 10 using 1d20-4.  attack.

On behalf of Kerkrin
Kerkrin wields his best weapon and attacks the first goblin. His aim is good and he smiles as the goblin may be hit.

To hit 14, damage 3; still need to add modifiers.
13:31, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 3 using 1d6.  Damage.
13:31, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 14 using 1d20.  On behalf of Kerkrin.

(I'm also adding in modifiers as needed, so if you're not rolling a straight d20, list the modifiers you are using.  I think most of you are already doing that.  Some of those misses down there became hits.)

Rebeccah fires her arrows, putting two in the back of one goblin.  Kerkrin puts a bolt into the throat of another goblin.  As two of the goblins are going down, Jory beheads the last one from behind.

Jory takes the shortsword from the last goblin and checks quickly if it has a money pouch on its belt, and he takes the pouch if it has.
Kerkrin does the same for the first goblin.
"Bring Keestake and let him guide us to the catacombs," Jory whispers.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 81):

"Great job!  Sorry I missed all the action.  Anyone want a Bardiche?"
trying to hand the weapon over to Tath.
"Maybe you will have better luck with it than me."

Deniv stands disappointed at not having been of much use in the battle.  He had never been much of a combatant, but he did not think he would be this useless.
He lowers the bow as the others dispatch the goblins, even Rebeccah hitting the mark with at least one shot.  He moves to see if he can retieve his arrows, even as he kicks a stone on the floor dejectedly.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 02:15, Mon 19 Feb 2018.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 83):

Sighing at doing nothing more then blocking a Goblin Lam quietly directs the group - OK, good job, yes, take the dead Goblins and hide them in one of the rooms, let's not leave them out n the hallway. 

Knowing how low they are in supplies and gear, Take what we can find on the bodies that is useful. 

Lam then goes and get's Keetake, (leads him by the arm if he must) time to get moving - we need to go before more Goblins or Orcs show up.

Once Lam has Keestake, OK, everybody back in a marching order, Jory take the lead again, I have Keestake.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 82):

Tath nodded to Sal, "Sure I'll attempt to use it. But if it's anything like my experience with this spear I have no great hopes."

In reply to Tath (msg # 85):

Chucking at the exchange of weapons and what to try next, yea this spear thing does not work for me, I'll have to try this Battle axe or even just a small dagger if that is what it takes.  Though maybe a bow would work next time. hmph, weapons are so fickle in how you use them.

I, myself, am not skilled in the use of a bow, Deniv says quietly, adding to the conversation.  But, it seems to me that the dagger, while I am skilled in its use, may put me in greater danger of death than I already am.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 87):

"Daggers do put you in harms way, but I think I will fair better with one of them."
Now holding out a dagger in each hand.
"Lets press on to get off this beast infested island."

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 84):

Jory takes the lead and moves as silently as possible in the direction that Keestake indicates.
If Keestake refuses to direct them, Jory heads north.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 89):

Lam whispers, OK guys, enough chatter, daggers are good for now, lets get moving.  And follows Jory with Keestake in tow.

Keestake leads the group North.  A door marks the end of the hallway.  The lock and a portion of the door frame are broken.  The other side of the door is more hallway.  To the North appears to be where the Sea King and his family had their living quarters, if the size and richness of the hallway is any indicator.  Keestake looks sadly down the hall for a moment and turns to the East.  "It's this way."

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 91):

As they move past the hall way leading North, Lam indicates to the group to watch as they go past the intersection by pointing two fingers to his eyes then points down the hallway. He continues following Keestake weary of any more surprises.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 92):

Dagger out, and now another in his off hand.
"I just feel better with two."  He mutters under his breath, in reference to his daggers.

Passing the hallways in disarray.

"Some creatures you simply cant teach respect to."

Jory answers Sal softly : "Indeed, this is savage behavior. I wonder what their plan was; you don't find a hidden treasure by smashing every piece of furniture, do you?

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 94):

Lam whispers - _{Golbins and Orcs are not the friendliest beast I heard nor by the looks of things that smart,Keestake how much further?}

Deniv follows along, debating his ise of the shortbow, debating his own usefulness in this endeavor.
As he follows the others, he supposes he could drop the bow and use his daggers to carve up an enemy like a roast pig.

Einlian felt like he had been walking in a daze this whole time, helping where he could, staying quiet the rest of the time.  Now though, the disaray of the rooms made him think of home.  A Sharp intake of breath and his head cleared as he thought of his father, the father that beat him when his bed wasn't made or he hadn't cooked enough food even when there wasn't sufficient.

Quietly but with venom "My father would have blown his top at this.  This may not be perfect being out here, but at least I'm not back home.  His hand went to the marks on his body, covered slightly but still a reminder of harder times then to the daggers at his belt, open palms resting on the top of the handles. This aggitation hadn't been seen before by the group but it seemed he wasn't the only one.

He caught himself and relaxed.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:02, Sun 11 Mar 2018.

Moving along, following the others as quietly as he could Tath looked around at what was left of what had once been a beautiful place. Wondering what it might have been like when people lived here.

Keestake leads the group down the hall to the East and turns North.  He stops as if to ponder the doors.  "Oh, this one.  It has been more'n 20 years since I've gone down into the catacombs."  He points out a door and leads the group inside.  He points to a bookcase.  "It should be under there, If I remember correctly."

This room looks to have once been used for record keeping.  What remains of the records is a rotting mass of parchment.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 99):

Moving into the room, to get out of that hallway.
"The chest is under here, or a tunnel to the catacombs?  I thought we were going to simply walk in and find the gifts, not disturb graves to get at them."

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 100):

Ushering the group in and indicating to close the door and be quiet sshh Lam then asks Jory can you check out the bookcase and see what you can find for a trap door or entry way down. Turns to Sal I hope it is not as bad as that fishing among the catacombs graves for magical items.  But let's first see what we have to deal with when we get down there.  We will need some torches too

Deniv turns to Rebeccah.  I think I prefer searching catacombs to having to take them from orcs or goblins.  Don't you?
He turns to face the door they had come through, not wanting any wandering denizens to catch them unawares.

Jory starts to remove the rotting mass of parchment from the floor in front of the bookcase.
He then searches for a trapdoor on the floor in front of the bookcase.
If there's no trapdoor, he searches for a way to move the bookcase away and looks if there's a trapdoor behind the bookcase.

Having 'woken up' again to the reality of the situation, Einlian helps Jory move papers, being careful to put anything like a book to one side.

In reply to Einlian (msg # 104):

Sal starts searching around for something to make a torch with.  Papers, wooden sticks, anything.

Once everyone was in the room Tath closed the door. Standing quietly against the door he listens for any sign of Orc's or Goblin's approaching while the others searched the room.

Jory searches the area and finds a switch on the wall.  He activates it, but nothing happens.  Keestake just shrugs.

There are old chair legs and old upholstery aplenty for torches for all.

Jory says: "Perhaps the bookcase turns on a pivot, making it sway forward so that one can enter a secret passage."

Jory searches for a pivot at the sides of the bookcase, and removes all rotting papers which would hinder the bookcase from turning on a possible pivot. he then activates the switch again.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 108):

Seeing what Jory is doing, Einlian slowly goes around the adjoining wall, carefully looking & feeling for changes in temperature, noise and cracks. He'd imagine Keestake would possibly know where the passage, if that is what it is, would be though.

He even closes his eyes for a moment to see if he could sense anything, cold from a long unused passage or a breeze not from the door they came in.

In reply to Einlian (msg # 109):

Sal joins in the searching fun.
On his hands and knees searching the floor for some type of door.

Search for doors  15%   I really just wanted to roll.
09:20, Today: Sal Warth rolled 15 using 1d100.  search.

Rebeccah looks away from the crack in the door to answer Daniv.  "Well, uh, do you think there could be zombies down there?  Goddess!  I think I might prefer orcs!"

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 111):

Seeing Einlian try to sense the air about Lam lights a torch and holds it up against the book shelf, top, bottoms and sides and see if the torch flickers outward or even in ward. If there is a draft, maybe this will find it.  keep clearing out the stuff around the book case.   We may need to force the bookcase to move.

Keestake my freind this is the way down? 

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 112):

Einlian nods at Lam's words, watching the flame carefully then clearing the area around the bookcase alongside Jory and Sal.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 111):

He shrugs at Rebeccah's question.  I have no idea.  I just hope we can find what we need and get out of here quickly, and get off this island.

The hidden entrance is there.  The means to open it is there plain to see, but it is not working.  The bookcase blocking it will have to be forced somehow.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 115):

"Looks like this bookcase is stuck."
Looking for a way to grab or wedge or leverage the bookcase somehow to push or pull or slide it.
"Help me move this, everyone."

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 116):

Einlian looks at the battleaxe, then a spear, then at the furniture.

If someone can pass me a chair leg or something, I could put the edge of the battleaxe into the tiny gap between bookcase and wall then lever over the chair leg. That may work. Failing that,
smashin it with the battleaxe could work too.

Deniv sets aside the bow and arrow, taking the quuver from his shoulder, so he can move to assist the others in tgeir attempt to move the bookcase and open the secret door.

18:18, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 4 using 1d6 ((4)).

Jory picks up a chair leg and passes it on to Einlian.
He then tries to get a good grip on the bookcase, wedging a piece of wood at the backside, and tries to pull in concert with Einlian.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 119):

Lam puts the torch up out of the way or hands it to one not helping and goes over and takes hold of part of the book case near the rest and helps to try to force it open, commenting, stand back if it crashes down in front of us and be prepared to move quickly if it makes a big bang for the Gobs will be on to us.  Shakes his head, thinking, This bookcase will go down hard and once in the catacombs we will have to find another way out or fight for our freedom, I hope there is enough magic to aid us getting out and off the island in one piece.

22:40, Today: Lam Durus rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Bookcase push.

I think Lam helped get it to open with that roll - eek how far who knows?
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Tue 20 Mar 2018.

Daniv struggles on his own to no avail.  Jory and Lam move to help with broken furniture as wedges. With the combined strength of the trio, the bookcase comes loose with the squealing sound of old nails and wood coming apart.  The whole thing comes crashing to the ground loud enough to alert anyone who may be nearby.  Now revealed is a narrow shaft heading down into utter blackness.  Kerkrin, Jory, and Sal can see the bottom with their sharper eyes.  (And anyone else non-human I may have forgotten.)

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 121):

Jumping out of the way before the case falls.
"Well that wasn't ideal. Lets head down there, quickly before the entire place comes here. Lam, lets slide stuff in front of this door while the others start heading down"

Starting to stack up junk in front of the doorway, as quickly as he can, before descending down the passage way.

Jory throws Four handfulls of junk to barricade the door and then starts to climb down the hole.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 123):

Puffing with the added effort, Lam just shakes his head a moment after the noise settles and he looks into the hole and then away to help block the door.

Sal, great idea, Lets gather some broken furniture and barricade the door"  Those with better vision go first and clear the way down, the rest of us will follow with torches.

Sal, looks like you and I should be the last down in case we have company back here and defend our group plus you better vision will help if i have to make it dark in the back.

Jory, take the lead with Keesteak, and Kerkrin, everybody else follow suite taking torches and be ready.

Why don't we just slide the bookcase in the way?  It is a simple question, punctuated by Deniv kneeling down and trying to push the heavy piece of furniture towards the entrance of the room.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 125):

Lam, will help if it is possible to slide the bookshelf over as part of he blockage.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 125):

This is what I was thinking as he stands next to the bookcase he helped move from the secret doorway; then gives Daniv a hand before following down the passage.

I'll take an unlit torch so we can have light later rather than burning them all now.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Wed 21 Mar 2018.

The group can hear noise down the hallway as they barricade the door.  It sounds like doors down the hall are being kicked in as the pirates search for the source of the noise.  As the last people are crawling into the chute, something hits the barricaded door.


(More when I get back to my books.)

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 128):

Lam being one of the last down the stairs into the darken hallway below, takes a couple of loose chair or table legs or spindles and tries to set them on some of the steps down sort of as a slowing technique and or a way to know the pirates/Goblins/Orcs have started down the steps.  Maybe this will slow them down enough to give us that valuable seconds to escape from here.  Quickly guys, they are at our door now.  Keestake I hope there is another way out.

With the bow unstrung and put into the quiver with the remaining arrows, Deniv takes the spear in hand as the others begun filing down into the tunnel.
This is not good. they will be coming for us.  We will have to fight at some point.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 130):

Towards the rear, but not last, that position is for Lam, Sal has a dagger in each hand, ready for a fight.
Assuming the tunnel is too small to help Lam stack up debris to slow down the pursuers.

As the group moves down and along, Einlian turns the unlit torch over and starts whittling away at the tip, making a rough point.

Jory was going down into the dark hole and looks around to see if any creature is visible down there.

You're in a dank chamber with rough stone walls and a damp, oppressive atmosphere.  This large chamber seems to have been partitioned off into three storerooms, each piled high with crates and jars; each storage area is about 20 feet broad and 40 feet deep, and the areas are separated from one another by walls of red brick.  To the south, a low shaft leads deeper into the catacombs. There is no noise except for the distant drip of water, a faint scurrying, and the burning of your torches.

Keestake looks around until he spots a lever in the wall.  He shows no hesitation as he grabs it and pulls hard.  A loud rumbling noise echoes through the halls followed by some screams.  A dust cloud flies down the chute to fill the room.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 134):

Choking form the dust cloud, Lam emerges into the area the group is in, What happened, cough, a wall of dust descended upon me and the cough lights went out above.  cough,

He looks about, where to cough down further or shall we quickly check this area first?

Deeply breathing in to catch his breath and gain a bit of himself again, cough, Lam points to the south where the low shaft leads deeper into the catacombs Jory scout into the lower passage area but not too far, Daniv, support him if he runs into trouble.

looks to Keestake, that was great what you did - i hope, but Keestake, is there any value to searching these storage rooms here or shall we go on further into the catacombs right away?

As he awaits Kreestakes thoughts, Lam turns to the rest of the group, Quickly, Edward, Desmond, Einlian, Leozaren, Melisana and Rebeccah,  spread out and search the three storage rooms one room at a timehoping the 6 of them can get through the areas quickly he turns to Tath and Sal can you two keep a watch one the group as they search. then points to Gunnar then the hallway/stair way they came down from Gunnar, stay near the way we just came down from in case anything does gets in  here as our rear guard .

Moving to be next to Keestake I'll stick here with Kreestake until we are ready to move on and keep an eye on the whole affair best I can.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 135):

Covering his face up with the cloak wasn't good for the smell but at least it meant he could breath air instead of dust. It appeared the dust cloud had caught everyone by suprise but what actually happened, were they now trapped or secure down here?

With the orders given and torches just about burning the dust that doesn't start to settle, Einlian started to search.

In reply to Einlian (msg # 136):

Sal takes it all in, and looks around to see if he spots anything interesting.
Keeping watch as Lam suggested, however if he does see a box of food of some sort he will grab a quick bite.

Tath nods to Lam and moves off with those searching keeping an eye out for any dangers that may preset themselves.

Do we have a torch we can take with us?  Daniv asks his question as he joins Jory to scout ahead.  He feels himself better suited to tactics, perhaps, rather than scouting or front-line combat.  However, his own time directing others does not seem, to him, to have worked out very well.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 139):

Holding his up I have this one that's not lit, for later

Keestake looks happier than he's been since the group rescued him.  He grins with glee and begins to speak without seeming to address anyone in particular.  "Well, we made it. Knew we would. Haven't been down here in a while."

"Remember the worst trip I ever had to make down here. Right after them first pirates left, 60 years ago. I had to do right by my sovereign, don't you think? I couldn't leave him lying there, hacked up and stripped down. Had to prepare him right and fine for the afterworld.

"So I hauled his body down here. Hard work that was. Dressed it up in some clothes and goods that the pirates missed.  Laid it in a crypt near his son. Hauled his queen's body down, laid it between her husband and her son. That was grisly work. I was sad. Never been so sad since.

"Himself had a ring, something he'd found adventuring. Made things happen, if you just wished for it. But they'd
stabbed him in the back before he got a chance to do any wishing.

"I took it off him and prayed that they'd never decay, they'd always be in one piece when it was time for the dead to rise up for the afterlife. Knew I'd done right; it always seemed his eyes followed me after that. Year after year after that, he never decayed.

"He's in as good a shape now as he ever was, likely. Don't know for sure. Haven't been down here in a while.  You need to get used to your quarters, you know. You're going to be down here a piece. You're not leaving, you know. No
more so than me.  Y'see, I really couldn't let you wander off with the Sea King's treasures and pretties.  Can't let you profane the tomb of his son. What kind o' servant would I be if I let that happen?

"I wanted to get down here and shut up that shaft when the orcs first landed, but they got me. You've done me a favor. Got me down here so that I could shut it off.  Sorry to say you won't be leaving. You're not going to find the entrance to the tombs.  Going to die here, like me. Say, that's a pretty good idea."

The crazed old man pulls a dagger out from under his tunic and launches himself at the party.

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 141):

Hearing the old man, Keestake, talk, showed how mad he had become no matter how clever he had been.

Einlain turns the torch back around and bops the old man on the head with the thick end.

ooc: 20:20, Today: Einlian rolled 9 using 1d20.  Bop Keestake on head.
Can't see that hitting but hey ho

After reading Jory's post...
To clarify, Einlain was to "bop Keestake on head", this means to knock out
This message was last edited by the player at 09:35, Wed 28 Mar 2018.

Daniv sees the old man pull his dagger and charge at them.  Without really thinking about what he is doing, the young man shifts his grip upon the spear, draws back, and attempts to fling it at the codger.

16:04, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 3 using 1d8.  Damage.
16:03, Today: Daniv Jensen rolled 10 using 1d20-2.  Spear chucking.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 143):

Sal is astonished at the turn of events.
Not wanting to hurt their "friend"  he simply stays in the back.  Stays in the back waiting for the zombie family to come surprise them from the rear.

In reply to Sal Warth (msg # 144):

Lam curses silently as Keestake goes into his rage thinking how could he have missed it, Pivots and stabs at Keestake holding his spear two handed in an attempt to get a better grip on his spear and maybe a bit more of a solid hit. of course as he defends himself he yells at Keestake, Keestake, no, we plan on bringing the word of your god and sacrifice out into the world and not blindly steel from them.

OOC - Not sure if you follow the rules on 2 handed spear use, it does 1-8 vs 1-6 for damage. That is if Lam hits.   I would have set i for his charge but that rules is for someone or thing actually charging you full speed form a distance :)

19:15, Today: Lam Durus rolled 2 using 1d20 with rolls of 2.  Self defense attack against Keestake.

OOC Sigh, the dice roller is laughing at Lam really really loud right now with that roll.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Tue 27 Mar 2018.

Jory understood what Keestake was saying about protecting the tomb,
but he thought it ridiculous, as the island would be destroyed by the goddess.
So he concluded that Keestake must have gone mad.

"We can't have this idiocy any longer", he said to Keestake and the others.
As Keestake came near, Jory chose to swing his make-shift club, cause he was proficient with clubs.
Hoping to knock the old man out.

OOC: 09:56, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 7 using 1d6+3.  damage.
09:55, Today: Jory Ranglore rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  attack with make-shift club.

Tath held back ready to defend himself or anyone else from the old mans attacks. With several of the group already engaged with the old man another would just make things more difficult.

Jory puts the old man out of his misery.  Keestake was completely insane from his isolation.  It's doubtful he could have been saved at this point.

(Everyone will be leveled up here as soon as I get everything together.)

In reply to Man in Black (msg # 148):

OOC - Bummer in one respect for Keestake.   Cool for leveling and getting our classes :)

Lam sighs, looks to Jory, Well done, too bad he ended up that way.   I guess cooped up alone and dealing with all the trauma sent it over the edge.

Slides Keestakes body to the side and crosses his arms.  If we find this king of his, we will set his body next to it.  Rest easy Keestake, your job is done.

Lam then searches Keestakes body He mentioned a ring, so let;s see f he had anything on him that may help us out of here.

OK everybody, now we have to search this place to find a way out, Jory continue scouting down the passageway, the rest of us will need to finish our search here and also lo into how well the cave in sealed us up down here.

Sal, care to help and moves to the now covered up passage out.  Lam will look for any signs of light or air movement.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 149):

Saddened by the crazy man's outcome, Sal helps move things but does so quietly.
"Ashame it turned out this way."

Searching as he moves things for any sign of treasure or doorways.

Jory said: "I don't kill old men usually, but in this case I had no choice; he was attacking us and raving mad, it seemed. Yes, it's a shame, but we should honor his memory for the good things he's done for us."

Jory starts out into the hallway that leads away into the catacombs.

The young man closes his eyes and lowers his head.  May he find the peace, with Athena, that he sorely needed but could not find here.
Collecting a torch, and his spear, Deniv sets out with Jory to scout the passage and seek out other potential troubles.

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 151):

Looking at the old man, so frail from his time in isolation and madness.
Jory, I also aimed to knock out like you, it seems he was just too frail. It is a shame, I would have like to hear his stories, maybe since he moved everything of value down here, there may be books, pictures, alsorts of things we could use.

Maybe then we can decide what we are really going to do once we get out of here

Einlain hadn't thought about that last part since being taken, it had almost put him off being a ships hand, he needed to find a way out, to help these others whom he felt could one day be call "friends"

In reply to Einlian (msg # 153):

OOC- Keestake is really dead correct.  Lam would have known if not dead with him moving him, setting his arms at rest and searching him.  Just checking.

It doesn't matter.  He turned on us and attacked, Deniv says.  It's sad that he went crazy, but we don't have the time or luxury to worry about what just happened.  We have to find these artifacts and get off this island.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 155):

Einlian remembers the book from the temple, he hadn't read it, he had still been in his withdrawn state. He didn't know why he had thought of it now. Is there anythin in that book that can help us? With it having been in the temple, it may hold some secrets or stories about the wear about of the artefacts

In reply to Einlian (msg # 156):

Moving things out of the way, and to the rear, to slow any pursuers.  "Lets go, quickly.  I will grab Keestake's body once everyone is through.  We are losing time, and I don't want this island to be my tomb."

Jory says: "We all want to be out of these catacombs as soon as possible, but we should be careful nevertheless, that we don't get lost. I think one of us should map our progress through these underground tunnels. We need to find a few magical items and the boat!"

In reply to Jory Ranglore (msg # 158):

Unless there is already a map!

The book won't help, Deniv says flatly.  It's neither ship's log, nor journal.  It hold won't help us.

Tath continued to watch and listen to the others as he searched through the boxes and barrels, on the off chance there may be something of value.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 160):

Disappointed that the shortcut doesn't materialise, Einlian shrugs and starts to search, checking the floor for loose stones and walls for something that just doesn't 'fit'

In reply to Einlian (msg # 162):

Seeing nothing of value to dig the group out in this first area, OK, let move further in, Sal Great idea grabbing Keestake body as we go. Shakes his head about the book.  It is a spell book by what I devised out of reading it.


Looks toward Jory,
Jory, lead the way further in , we have to find anything we can plus a way out of here. Guys lets go, keep an eye out as we go.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 163):

"Spell Book", interesting.
Thoughts crossed his mind as he searched and moved further in.

Yes.  I have already started to copy it.  Let me complete it, or, if we can find another journal, perhaps we can copy it at the same time.  He gives a shrug, knowing little of arcane matters for now.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:43, Tue 10 Apr 2018.

In reply to Daniv Jensen (msg # 165):

Einlian nods at Daniv's words and continues on.

In reply to Einlian (msg # 166):

As they go further into the catacombs, Lam mentions, keep a little space between each of us and pick a partner so we stay in touch with someone else, chuckles heavens knows what could be down here besides us.   then coughs from the settling dust and holds his torch up high  Keep a sharp lookout Jory, no need for any extra fun before we get off this island.

In reply to Lam Durus (msg # 167):

Following towards or at the rear.
"Got it."

(Please continue in the next thread.)