The two robed and hooded men with the empty cart move past the fish stall, and towards an alleyway...

Ardenas continues what he was doing before swatting the imaginary fly, as he speaks in a very low voice while facing Aoife.

"I think the fishmonger signaled them off.  Should we follow them, or find a way to interrogate the fish guy?"

Quickly realizing the fishmonger had tipped them off, Mancini made note of the direction of their movements.  He would have to deal with those idiots directly.  Now how to get out of this deal?

"Well, good sir, I guess I ought to make my leave. I have lots of plans to finish.  Lots of product to buy.  Lots of important guests to invite. I don't know what I was thinking.  I have simply spent too much time here..."

(OOC: 21:22, Today: Mancini rolled 11 using 3d6.  Fast Talk (17).)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 3):

Aoife followed the general direction of the hooded men, looking at wares along the way.

"Kalima?"  Just in case she hadn't heard.  "Looks like we're going to follow the two men in robes with the cart."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 5):

As the fishmonger shrugs at Mancini's successful equivocation,  the two hooded men with the cart push their way into an alley, starting to fade from sight...

In reply to cultist (msg # 6):

Aoife moves quickly to keep up with them...looking for somewhere she can hide as well.

Ardenas waits for the men to turn into the alley, then sprints to the nearer of the buildings backed onto the alley and climbs rapidly to the roof before beginning to move along near the eaves to keep eyes on the hooded men.

[Private to GM: Basic Move 8.
05:03, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Climbing (14).
05:04, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 16 using 3d6.  Stealth (14).
05:05, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 11 using 3d6.  Light Walk (16).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 8):

Ardenas got to the rooftop, but knocked loose a roof tile as he got onto the roof.
They turn about,, and catch a glimpse of Aoife. One reaches into a pouch, and sprinkles something on the ground. The other takes what looks like an iron crowbar and lays it accross the path. They look at eachother and nod, before proceeding.

Ardenas moves soundlessly accross the roof tiles.

Mancini continued along, taking on an air of a petty bureaucrat about his duties.  He scribbled some stuff on a piece of paper, making it seem that he was doing some useful business, but in reality he was following the cultists.  He made sure to follow at an appropiate pace, but he scanned the area for any clues of traps for laid for him or his companions.  The last thing he needed was to die for some moron cultist.


(OOC: 20:44, Today: Mancini rolled 9 using 3d6.  Observation (14)--- to look carefully for traps laid along the way by the cultists.)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 10):

Aoife looks around...


[Private to GM: She is looking for somewhere to change into a bat. Is there anywhere nearby?]

Ardenas continues to follow.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 10):

There are small seeds scattered accross the alleyway, along with an iron crowbar. You are not certain as to the purpose of these items.

Ardenas can see them making a turn into the next alley.

There is a waste barrel in the alley that Aoife can duck behind, that would keep her out of view.

Mancini, make a stealth or shadowing roll.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 13):

Aoife ducks behind a barrel and attempts to change form...

[Private to GM: Ok, rolled a natural 18, critical failure. This could be fun...Shapeshift self, bat]

Ardenas continues to follow along the eaves, staying a few yards behind and moving as quietly as he can.  As he moves, he thinks about what sort of magic might involve seeds and an iron crowbar.

[Private to GM: 19:31, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 10 using 3d6.  Light Walk (16).
19:32, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 16 using 3d6.  Stealth (14).
19:33, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Thaumatology, for magic that might use seeds and a crowbar (11).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 15):

Aoife disappears from sight...[private to Aoife: you are very small now, colorblind, and your whiskers twitch. You smell some delicious seeds!]

Ardenas suddenly comes to a full stop, causing another shingle to rattle.

Seeds are usually scattered to distract ghosts and other undead that are compelled to count, iron of the right sort is supposed to ward off faeries, but the kind that is effective is star metal. These two idiots were trying to stop Aoife from following them and got their lore wrong.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 16):

Not seeing anything, Aoife figures something went very wrong. She cancels the spell...

Ardenas shakes his head in disbelief and resumes quietly following the two men.

[Private to GM: 04:57, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 10 using 3d6.  Light Walk (16).
04:57, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 13 using 3d6.  Stealth (14).]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 17):

Aoife can't shift back!


Ardenas makes it safely around the edge of the roof unseen. Below the men tilt the cart to block an intersection of alleyways, and head off together in lockstep.

The alley is narrow enough to leap accross.

Ardenas takes a couple quick steps and leaps toward the opposite eave on the side near the two cultists.

[Private to GM: 05:11, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 11 using 3d6.  Jumping, to cross alley (16).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 20):

The two men pause in front of a door and unlock it before enterring. They looked up as Ardenas landed, and slam the door shut behind them.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:36, Thu 18 Oct 2018.

Ardenas drops from the roof into the alley, approaches the door, and scratches a mark in the door with a shuriken -- four quick strokes to outline a goblet -- before running back along the alley to find Aoife.

Mancini continues to follow, making sure to keep a low a profile as possible.

(OOC: 19:24, Today: Mancini rolled 11 using 3d6.  Stealth (11). Roll passes.)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 23):

Mancini heads up the alleyway in time to see Ardenas approach.
There is no sign of Aoife...
[Private to Aoife: you are very nearly trod upon by Mancini's enourmous boot]
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Thu 18 Oct 2018.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 24):

Aoife is very glad she does not need to use words or hand signs to cast her spell again. She tries to do something else...

[Private to GM: Shapeshift self, Bat, rolled 12 under skill!]

"Ah, Mancini.  The two men in hoods went in a door back that way.  Where's Aoife?"

"I do not know. Did one of the goons manage to capture her?"

"I'm certain they were only two when they entered the building up ahead.  I marked the door.  Kalima, are you here?  Did you see what happened to Aoife?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 28):

The large, four armed woman reappears in a blink, and looking a little irritated." She went behind a barrel, I think"
[Private to Aoife: your shapeshifting has been curtailed for a full minute]

"Aoife?  Are you there?  We need to be after the men with the cart."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 30):

Since Aoife is pretty small, you may look down, but all that would be seen is a mole...

[Private to GM: In that case the spell may not take effect just yet, but she will wait until it does!]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 31):

A small rodent appears from behind the barrel... but there is no sign of the Leprechaun.

Ardenas steps behind the barrels.  "Aoife?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 33):

The creature twitched in a very annoyed fashion...

Manicini ponders a minute.  "Can't you change back? Do you think something those two morons threw down messed with your connection with the force or something?"

In reply to Mancini (msg # 35):

The creature twitters some more in a very annoyed fashion...

[Private to GM: That next shapeshift take effect yet?]
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Thu 25 Oct 2018.

Stifling a snicker, Ardenas reaches down.

"Climb on, then.  Hopefully this will wear off soon.  Until then, you can ride in one of my pockets."

In reply to Aoife (msg # 36):

you have about 40 seconds...

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 37):

The small creature accepts Ardenas' offer and climbs up.

"Kalima, Mancini, I marked the door the two men went into with a stylized goblet."  He repeats the four strokes in the air to demonstrate.  "Do we want to try to find the back door to that house, or just charge in the front?"

"I think we should take the direct approach.  We've already wasted enough time", Mancini said ruefully.  He did not want to fail in the mission, if only for the fact that it may reflect poorly on the Guild.  "But how do we get them to open the door?"

"By hook or by crook, we'll get the door open.  I can magically open locks, if needed, and we might be able send Aoife here under the door to remove the bolt.

"The real question is what we'll find behind the door, and there isn't a practical way to answer that other than to open the door."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 42):

The door does have space enough for Aoife to slip under. It also appears to be locked.

"Aoife?  Would you run under the door and remove the bolt when you're yourself again?"  Ardenas puts the mole down in front of the door, then straightens and looks at the lock.

"This will take a moment."  He begins an exaggerated series of gestures, combined with a clearly spoken incantation, taking a full twenty seconds, then frowns.  "Sorry, magic is hard."  He gathers himself, takes a deep breath, and starts again.

"That's better."

[Private to GM: 04:56, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lockmaster (11 +1 for extra casting time).
05:01, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Lockmaster (11 +1 for extra casting time).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 44):

Aoife heads under the door, pausing to try to detect what is on the other side.

Mancini waits patiently for the door to be unlocked. As he waits, he readiess his rapier just in case they should run into some cultists.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 46):

Aoife creeps under the door, and just in time, too! As Ardenas magically springs the lock, Aoife finds herself growing back to her full size, although a little short to reach the bar three feet up...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 47):

Aoife looks around, and double checks that she is herself again...and gets out of the way of the door.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:52, Thu 01 Nov 2018.

Ardenas puts his hand on the door, waiting for Aoife to lift the bar.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 49):

Aoife should be able to reach the bar with her Shillelagh, make a ST roll+1

In reply to Narrator (msg # 50):

Aoife can reach it, but has little chance of lifting it. She decided Bruce would be better equipped to do that, and tries to summon him.

[Private to GM: Summon Ally, Bruce the bear. Rolled a 9]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 51):

With a huff of musk the bear appears. The space is somewhat confined for him, being 8 feet high, two yards wide and two deep before opening on a yard wide archway to a flight of stairs down.

He growls, and flips the bar out of the way with a crash.

In reply to bear (msg # 52):

Aoife wastes no time in leading him away down the stairs.

Mancini follows behind, rapier in hand, but at a safe distance from the bear.

Ardenas glances up at Kalima.  "After you, unless you prefer to follow."

He looks around for a moment, frowning.  "Is Oly not back from the Guild yet?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 55):

Oly should have caught up....

The bear roars as it steps on the stairs, and jumps back.

Aoife, make a per roll and a ht roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:34, Tue 06 Nov 2018.

Oly says Here, Behind Mancini...

"Watch it, Mancini!"  Ardenas lifts an hand as a signal to Kalima, on the assumption she's still behind him.  "What's up with that bear?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 58):

"The bear belongs to the small one, yes? I think there may be a hazard on the steps."

"I presume the bear is hers.  She was leading it."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 60):

the bear roars again, backing out toward the alley way, away from the stairs.

Aoife feels faint...

"Aoife?  Your bear is going to flatten someone."
This message was last updated by the player at 10:12, Fri 09 Nov 2018.

In reply to bear (msg # 61):

Since he s clearly not comfortable, she releases Bruce and tries to work out what upset him.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 63):

Per check, and HT check. You feel weak...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 64):

Aoife looks around to know what is going on.

[Private to GM: 3 under perception. 1 over HT...if significant can use ridiculous luck to reroll.]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 65):

There are runs on the steps. You have lost 4 fp! (reroll that luck to just miss the runes)

In reply to Narrator (msg # 66):

She sighs tiredly.

"Watch the runes here. These are not nice folks..."

[Private to GM: She will wear it! It is not life or death. Portrait changed back?]

"We mostly knew they were not nice folks, but validation is good."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 68):

With Bruce the Bear returned to his world, the light from the door shows that there are runes on every other step down the stairs.

"Good grief!  They can practically fly down these stairs, knowing the runes are there, and while we discover them and regroup, they're getting further away.

"Can anyone make a flame to light my head lamp?  Or cast a light?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 70):

"Sorry, not my skill..."

She pauses and thinks for a bit, before trying a spell on a middle step.

[Private to GM: Dispel Magic, rolled 11 under skill, 1 step past the top rune.]

Upon Aoife's denial of ability to make a flame, Ardenas pulls out his tinderbox and begins the process of striking and catching a spark, growing and transferring the ember into a nest of fibers, then blowing and fanning the ember into flame in order to light his helmet lamp.

Mancini waits for Ardenas to finish lighting the lamp before continuing

Given it's neither raining nor excessively windy, it should take about a minute to get a flame, and a few seconds after that to light the head lamp, remount it to his helmet, and offer the flame to anyone else who wants to light a candle, lamp or torch, then a few more seconds to close the tinderbox and put it away.

"I'm ready.  I presume we need to skip the steps with the marks?  If anyone isn't able to do that, I could levitate you until you're past the stairs."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 74):
 The huge celestial has a glowing aura around her equal to torchlight.


The runes first step seems to flicker- they aren't gone, but seem to be suppressed.

Ardenas gets his light going... Any one else have torches?

In reply to Kalima (msg # 75):

Aoife checks the step that seems dimmer, before jumping over the rest if she can and the first did not cause any discomfort or fatigue.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 76):

For the nonce, the first step is acting like the evil runes writ on it are deactivated.







OCC where does that energy go when it is drained?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 77):

Can Aoife jump past the runes?

In reply to Aoife (msg # 78):

she can hop over the runes - they are on every other step

In reply to Narrator (msg # 79):

She will attempt to do so...

Ardenas watches closely as Aoife attempts to skip over the rune-writ steps.

Mancini, too, watches Aoife's attempt to hop over the curse runes. He will jump over the runes if it proves to be successful.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 82):

It takes one dx check to get down the steps cleanly, a failue is 2d fp, a crit failure is falling on two steps and takin 4d.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

Aoife jumps missing the steps by a hairs breadth...

[Private to GM: Failed first by 3, using luck rerolled, exactly DX!]

Ardenas watches as Aoife skips over the trap-written steps.  "You got this, Mancini?"

"I think so", Mancini said nervously. He begins to hop down the stairs. Mancini manages to get to the bottom of the stairs with no issues, before hitting the edge of a step and falling squarely on the last rune.

He looks up and sighs, "that felt like getting the wind knocked out of you."

(Ooc: DX roll fails by one; 9 FP damage.)

"Oly?  Do you want to go next, or follow Kalima?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 87):

The four armed celestial descends carefully, lighting the steps as she goes.

Oly Follows Kalima, admiring her backside as she goes down... but pays close attention to the stairs when he starts down.



[Private to GM:    14:53, Today: Oly rolled 11 using 3d6.  DX. made by 4]
This message was last edited by the player at 21:54, Fri 23 Nov 2018.

Ardenas takes the rear, closing the door to the alley before starting down the stair.

[Private to GM: 08:06, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  DX to avoid runes on steps (15).]

In reply to Oly (msg # 89):

Oly is impressed by her musculature,  if not her overall grace in movement.


At the base of the stairs is a storeroom that smells of old fish and rot.
A partially covered barrel is in one corner, next to a number of hooks in the wall, bearing some hooded robes. All but one are undyed homespun,  one is a deep brownish black. To one side is a door with a sigil marked over it

https://drive.google.com/file/...WA/view?usp=drivesdk

In reply to Narrator (msg # 91):

Aoife checks out the barrels...

Evil zign on da door  Oly points at the mark.

Mancini observes the situation with the robes and the opened barrel. He quickly puts two and two together and realizes the cuttlefish were being fermented and used as some sort of dye for their robes.

"This must be the room where they dye their robes. I fear we may have to dye the rest of these in order to progress any further in this den of iniquity. They'll allow us to blend in, at least for a bit."

After Oly mentioned the evil symbol, Mancini scratches his head. "Kalima, do you have any idea what it means, or to what demon these idiots worship?"

(Ooc: Observation roll passes.)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 94):

"Robes or not, I doubt I will blend in. Enough to drive me batty..."

She shakes her head, but as she does so, black hair grows, and she transforms into a bat!

[Private to GM: Rolled 7 under skill this time, Shapeshift (bat)]

Ardenas smiles as Aoife transforms.  "You'll fit in down here now, and you shouldn't need the lights so much, either."

Turning to Mancini, "I doubt dyeing robes would help us much -- they'll have other means of recognition like signs and countersigns or password sequences.  Only one way out, anyway.  Do we have any way to know which way when we come to a choice?"

In reply to Aoife (msg # 95):

In the barrels are rotting cuttlefish, and some uncertain looking dead furry creatures. the brine smells of decaying fish and flesh.

The goddess spawn looks at the pitifully small robes
"I may have to render myself invisable, though it does make my ears buzz.
 I know that mark! It is the sigil of Chronos, the Devourer of Time.  He is not of my
consortium of divinities, but something related to the gods the Hades Priests acknowledge,
 although something older, and best left forgotten.  The Hellspawn I hunt have some dealings
 with it, although his existence precedes Hell as it is known. He is a creature of the void,
 perhaps one of the very first that had dealings with the gods of this place."

"Is the sign likely to carry a magical protection or ward?  Or is it just for recognition?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 98):

"I can see if someone is possessed, and offer a shield against evil, but I cannot detect evil runes. Perhaps..."
She takes her spear and scrapes at the sigil with the tip, and flakes away some of the soot it is marked with without anything happening.

In reply to Kalima (msg # 99):

Batty Aoife flutters around and observes.

"That seems to suggest the sigil is just a marker.  There's only the one door; the longer we wait, the further ahead the two men will be, and the more likely they'll gather others."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 101):

The door has no lock, and there are supports for a bar on this side... but no bar.

Ardenas works the latch and pulls the door -- just enough to see if there's something else holding it shut.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 103):

Beyond the door is a largish space you can't quite make out, but there is nothing holding the door.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 104):

Once the door is sufficiently open, Aoife will flutter through and look around.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 105):

The room sounds to be about eight yards by twelve, with numerous alcoves or doorways, and an openwork gate at one narrow end...there is a trench running down the center.

Ardenas allows Aoife a few seconds to move around the room, then pulls the door fully open.

"I wish there were some way to make sure this door can't be barred after we pass.  This seems too easy, like there ought to be a hidden door the Saturnines used and this one is a trap."

After shining his headlamp through the door to be sure nothing is attacking (or waiting to attack), Ardenas examines the bolt brackets on the door and frame and their attachment to the wood or stone.

[Private to GM: No relevant construction or engineering skills.
18:49, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 8 using 3d6.  Percaption (10) examining bolt brackets.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 106):

Aoife flys around looking for anything that moves, or any exits.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 108):

The brackets on this side of the door seem to be quite old... there are none on the interior of the door.


Aoife can tell that there is an openwork gate at one end of the  long room, and four doorways or alcoves on each side, including the door you came through.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 109):

Aoife will continue to scout up ahead, flying through any openwork gate she can get through.

"Mistress Kalima -- is your strength commensurate with your stature?  Could you break or bend these brackets so they can't hold a bar?"

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 111):

"I may be stronger than any in our party, save perhaps the little one's hairy friend, but I doubt I can do that. Had I an axe, it might be so, but I wield a spear."

"Then there is nothing that can be done without taking too much time.  We must hope my feeling is wrong."

With that, Ardenas turns and enters the room, where bat-Aoife has been fluttering around.

"So, here we have choices."

Dere maybe udder wayz ... Oly takes out a knife and attempts to carve enough wood away on either door edge to allow a blade to be slipped through to raise a bar if one is emplaced. He then uses dirt to darken the carved areas so they are not too obvious.

In reply to Oly (msg # 114):

That takes Oly about thirty seconds with his fancy knife.


Btw if you have any unspent points, weapon bond is a good thing to spend it on
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Wed 05 Dec 2018.

"Ah, good idea, Oly.  If I can get a pinky through to so much as touch the bar, I can raise it magically -- might take a couple tries, but it's even possible if I can just see it.  First spell I learned."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 116):

"Are we ready to proceed?"

"Ready when Oly is, I guess."

Ardenas steps into the room with the trench in the center and looks around at the alcoves and gratework.

"Aoife?"

Oly follows, eyeballing things as well...

In reply to Oly (msg # 119):

[OOC: As far as I can tell, Aoife has gone up further ahead. Unless she could not fit through any bars or gates...I did not hear back.]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 120):

She would have had to land on the gate and crawl between the bars (4 inch openings)

In reply to Narrator (msg # 121):

She would do that then, and continue on a bit...

In reply to Aoife (msg # 122):

The room you all have entered is a long room with a number of doors set into the wall, three beside the one you are at, and four on the opposite side, and there is a bronze gate at the far end.  there is a sloped trench leading down toward the gate.


Bat-Aoife if now at the gate, and can sound out a hallway about three yards wide running at length along the short side of the large room.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 123):

Bat Aoife will continue down the hall until she detects something moving, at which point she will return, after identifying it if she has time.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 124):

Aoife can detect two dog sized creatures covered with spines. the corridor splits into an intersection soon after.

Mancini waits to hear back from Bat- Aoife. He paces back and forth, obviously irritated.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 125):

Aoife returns, and temporarily resumes her natural form.

"Two large creatures, about dog size, with spines up ahead..."

Without waiting for a response, she resumes her bat form and alights on the bars, waiting.

Ardenas frowns.

"Spines?  Sounds like those venomous rat creatures I've been hearing about.  Best we use missile weapons to drop them at a distance."

He pulls a crossbow bolt from the quiver at his hip.

"I wonder how the cultists got past them?  Or did they?"  He checks to see which of the alcoves in the room have doors.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 128):

This room has 8 alcoves with doors, including your own.
Aoife can smell some very old cheese on eeither side of the outside of the gate.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 129):

Aoife will wait until the spiney rat things Ardenas spoke of are dealt with before investigating.

Mancini scoffs. "I bet the evil wretches are using the rats as guard dogs, of sorts."

Since his contact is unavailable to give him information on the rats, such as good tactics in defeating them, he sighs, pulls out his dwarven whetstone and sharpens his blade.

"Any on(ooc: critical failure on contact roll.)

Ardenas approaches the gate and shines his headlamp through the gaps.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 132):

the rat things start growling and hissing. you can see short lengths of chain leading from each to the wall. Oneither side of the gate is a small firkin containing cheese rinds.

"They're chained!"  Ardenas looks for another exit from the rats' enclosure.

"I wonder if we can get them to behave by giving them some of that fish slop. Rats,like  dogs, seem to eat anything and keeping them distracted would allow us not to have to deal with them at all."

Mancini paused. "I only say that because I am suspicious of the integrity of the chains. Also, we truly do not know how much slack the evil goons have given. I would hate to be hit or bit from behind."

"We can probably find out how much chain they have.  Watch."  Ardenas suddenly lets out an inarticulate sound, halfway between a growl and a scream, while rattling the bars of the grate.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 136):

The rats lunge forward, reaching halfway to the gate. It looks like they could obstruct the passage. There seems to be some foodstuff right next to the gate...

Beyond them the corridor continues, and reaches an intersection.

In reply to Giant maned rats (msg # 137):

Bat Aoife keeps her distance...

"Right, I think I see it now.  They come down there, grab some cheese rind from the pots by the grate, and toss a chunk by each staple, then slip by while the rat things are eating.  As long as they don't get too full, it should work."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 139):

"I was just going to stab them with my spear, but that sounds like it might work."

Ardenas tilts his head while looking at Kalima.

"Your method is better for a quick exit, if one is needed, but mine leaves less evidence we've been here.  Presuming, of course, that it matters.

"Preferences, Mancini?  Oly?"

ME? I prefer leaving no Zignz we been here. I dink dadz a lozd cauze now.

"Me? I think we should feed the rats and get as far away from them as we can. The less effort we expend now the more effort we can spend eliminating those demonic worshippers," Mancini replies.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 143):

The gate is still locked, although simply.

"Okay, then.  Oly, ready to unlock the gate?"  Ardenas reaches into the nearest pot for a handful of cheese rinds.

OK, Gimme a minude ...  Oly kneels and uses two picks to work the locks parts. It takes only a few seconds.



[Private to GM:   15:41, Today: Oly rolled 9 using 3d6.  Pick lock.  made by 5 ]

Mancini readies his rapier.

Ardenas tosses a few scraps of cheese near the staple for one rat's chain, then repeats for the other rat.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 148):

The rats pounce on the rotted cheese, momentarily clearing the path, and the way is made clear.

In reply to Giant maned rats (msg # 149):

Aoife will fly past them...

Oly eases the door open, draws his knife and slips past the two Rats.

Keeping a watch on the rats, Ardenas holds back to let Mancini and Kalima pass.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 152):

The demi-divinity swiftly steps past the venomous quilled creatures.

Mancini steps by the maned rats as quickly as possible.

Ardenas checks to be sure the rat things haven't finished their snack before grabbing another double handful of the stinky cheese rinds and darting between the two creatures.  He stuffs the cheese into his pouch once he's clear of the rats.

"I may need a new pouch later, but this should let us get out without fighting them, if we come back this way."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 154):

Beyond the rats there is a T intersection,with turns left and right. The right-hand turn turns to the right after about six yards.

Zo diz righd hand one durnz back on idzelf ... led me look an zee where id goez.

In reply to Oly (msg # 157):

Bat Aoife will resume her scouting.

Ardenas turns his light down the leftward way, both to see what might be within the beam and to avoid casting Oly's shadow past the turn-back.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 159):

The leftward passage becomes a little irregular and rough looking;
The right hand turning  seems to run the length of the long room, before joining another corridor, and has an arched opening on its lefthand side.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 160):

Bat Aoife will continue exploring until she meets a threat or gets too far from the group.

He slips down the length of the hall with his long knife on guard.... he listens near the arch before approaching it to look left and right.





[Private to GM: 14:04, Today: Oly rolled 5 using 3d6.  Stealth. Way quieter than needed I suspect.]

Mancini wonders aloud if these connect to the already discovered parts of the Undercity. If so, he would have a map and some knowledge of use to the group.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 163):

Oly can faintly hear something,

Mancini thinks he can determine where this area is, under dockside, probably not tremendously far from the fighting pits that Vilgar the Ogrekin lost to the watch.
Make a cartography roll.

Oly motions back that he can hear something ... if anyone is watching.

In reply to Oly (msg # 165):

Make a hearing roll at -2.


[Private to Aoife: there are several people in the chamber beyond the archway. You need to transform to tell anyone.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 166):

Aoife returns, returning to her natural form before motioning for quiet.

"There were several folk in the chamber beyond the archway..." She proceeds to give details.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 166):

[Private to GM:  20:15, Today: Oly rolled 8 using 3d6.  Hearing. By 6 I think...]

Ardenas turns back to the group.  "Let's quietly move on up, then."

(OOC: 01:19, Today: Mancini rolled 10 using 3d6.  Cartography (14).)

Mancini stops for a motion and grabs a map out of his sack.  He says quietly.  "I know where we are , well sort of.  I think we are near the pits that Vilgar lost to the watch.  It would make sense especially with what Aoife said."

In reply to Mancini (msg # 170):

According to the map, if accurate, this should be a space about twenty yards by fifteen, with maybe a couple of exits.
The fighting pits, which are old Roman construction, with amphitheater seating, are about two blocks away... and it is now a guard station.

[Private to Oly: there are two tiers of voices; about three are in quiet conversation, and beyond them you can hear many people chanting something in unison. It obscures some of what the others are saying, and is echoing a bit. Something is bellowing off in the distance... the voices you can hear say something like "...followed...make ready..."]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Tue 15 Jan 2019.

Oly slips back to the group.

"Dey iz zum cloze, I dink waiding do ambuzh uz and den zum chandin' furder down.

Ardenas whispers.

"Then let's turn their ambush on them.  Oly, you and I can probably quiet them quickly, if we can slip up on them fast enough.

"Of course, just in case, let's watch for folks who aren't dressed in squid-ink brown, and not take them down without asking questions."

He unhooks his lamp from his leather helm and hands it to Mancini.  "Hang onto this for me, please.

"Ready, Oly?"

OK, Bud I dink dey iz wadchin' de dunnel.

"Then we'll need to approach quietly and make sure the light isn't behind us.  Mancini, can you turn that light the other way and stay behind the corner?  And Kalima, we'll need you to stay back, too, until you hear us engage the cultists.

"Once that happens, we'll want the light again, as soon as possible."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 175):

"Should I take bat form again to sneak up? I suspect I can do that just fine in my natural small form though..."

"We could use your help, I'm sure, if that won't tire you too much; either in bat form as a mouse like upstairs."

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 177):

"Lets see if that last spell has expired..."

She tries to see if she can once again assume bat form...[Private to GM: Sustaining spell if necessary...]

Mancini takes the light, doing as instructed.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 179):

Kalima and her golden corona of light step back behind Mancini.

Oly, Aoife, and Ardenas, make stealth rolls as you approach.

Oly slips his long knife out and slides quietly into the hallway.



[Private to GM:  10:33, Today: Oly rolled 10 using 3d6.  Stealth.  by 6]

In reply to Oly (msg # 181):

Beyond the arc is a large room, apparently consisting of a walkway around a large opening ringed with pillars supporting the vaulted and domed ceiling, and lit from below.

You can see the silhouettes of four figures, two of which are wearing hooded robes, and two that seem a bit odd.

Oly works to slip in behind them.

In reply to Oly (msg # 181):

Bat Aoife is almost silent and invisible as she moves into a spot from which she can see all.

[Private to GM: Rolled 4 under stealth, not including bat benefits !]

Ardenas slips along, following the faint sound of Oly's breathing with a hand on one wall as a guide.  He begins centering his chi as he goes.

[Private to GM: 19:03, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 8 using 3d6.  Stealth (14).
Starting concentration for Power Blow as he walks.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 185):

As they are expecting a foyr armed glowing divinity and not three silent shadows. You have surprise on them

Per rolls at penalty for darkness (except Aoife)

In reply to Narrator (msg # 186):

...because bat Aoife is very perceptive...can she find a way to fly around behind them unnoticed?

[Private to GM: Rolled 5 under perception, without modifiers.]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Mon 21 Jan 2019.

Oly pays careful attention to his targets as he slips around, trying for an attack from their blind side ...




[Private to GM:  15:20, Today: Oly rolled 6 using 3d6.  perception.   By 8]

Ardenas loses track of Oly in the darkness as he reaches the corner where the corridor opens into the room -- and, unable to see anything, or hear the two men they were approaching, stops dead.

[Private to GM: 17:53, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 8 using 3d6.  Perception (10 -darkness penalty) to find a target in the dark.
Continuing concentration toward Power Blow.]

Mancini continues to follow, waiting for the cue to flip the light on to the cultists.

In reply to Oly (msg # 188):

While you can see where yur targets are, Ardenas cannot quite make out who they are...
[Private to Oly; Aoife: two are robed cutists holding maces, two are nude, slightly lumpy humanoids with claws and small horns. Both are male.].

Occ: Pms included, let me know if you can see them as my html is shaky
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:33, Tue 22 Jan 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 191):

I can see them...

[Private to GM: Can she get behind them?]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 191):

Yes, got it...

OOC: no PM from you since May 2018.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 194):
Occ
That would be why I was uncertain about group messages.

 You three are in attack range, and undetected.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 195):

Aoife will flutter back and resume her usual shape and begin some odd movements.

[Private to GM: Cast Geyser, centering the spell where it will catch all the guards if possible...quietly. 8 under spell, somantic movements only. 5 seconds casting time...3d (rolled 10) within 2 yard radius. Radius 2, cost 10-1 = 9, 6 taken from the staff...]

Oly slips in and attempts a backstab with his Long Knife. He chooses one of the clawed creatures, the one on the left and aims for his back over his vitals ... he will withdraw with a lateral pull of the grip, in order to do cutting damage on the withdrawal and step back, coming on guard immediately after executing the stab.


[Private to GM:   19:23, Today: Oly rolled 12 using 3d6.  Backstab made it by 6
19:23, Today: Oly rolled 9 impaling using 2d6+1.  Backstab Damage.]

Given he knows where the target is, when Ardenas hears Oly's knife strike home, he channels the chi he's been focusing into a strike at the silhouette near him.

[Private to GM: 18:36, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 8 using 3d6.  Perception (10) to hear Oly's attack strike home.
18:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 3d6.  Power Blow (13 - 4 after 2 turns concentration).
18:41, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
18:44, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 13 using 3d6.  Damage, crushing (contingent on attack hitting).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 198):

Oly's opponent wheezes and coughs blood, before sinking down on the orichalcum knife.

Ardenas can feel the skull if one of the robed figures crack under his empowered fist, and the man falls over.

[Private to Aoife: 4 seconds. You can change the designated location during the last two seconds if need be]
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:14, Thu 24 Jan 2019.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 199):

Aoife continues to focus...

[Private to GM: She may well, with the focus on getting all remaining enemies and no friendlies, if possible.]

In reply to Narrator (msg # 199):

Well, if gravity still works, he'll sink off of it as Oly steps back and comes on guard.

"Mancini!  Kalima!"

Ardenas speaks in a whisper, hoping the two are listening.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 202):

While they have missed the quiet death of their freinds, the two remaining persons turn toward you as Ardenas whispers to the others.

On the other hand, Oly and Ardenas are faster than them, and go first, even though surprise is lost, Oly is still at the flank of the nearest oponent, and has that advantage.

Oly stabs almost instinctively at the mans exposed side targeting his vitals



[Private to GM:  11:16, Today: Oly rolled 12 using 3d6.  Thrust - Vitals  Made by 6
11:20, Today: Oly rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  Damage -impaling - strong. ]

Ardenas steps to intercept the approaching figure, and aims a punch at the shadowy form.

[Private to GM: 18:45, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 11 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
Pending that hitting: 18:46, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (contingent on attack hitting).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 205):

Oly's opponent goes down with only a gasp.
Ardenas feels his strike hit something scaly... that melts away in a puff of brimstone a moment after he strikes.

Three bodies are now on the ground, two cultists, and something else, along with a foul odor.

The room is large, and lit only from below a six yard circular opening ringed with pillars, and a pair of steps downward  to either side.

The sound of chanting is louder, and you can just make out a much larger room with a massed crowd of hooded worshipers and mingled strange beings, some with horns and sharp teeth, surrounding  a dias where three hooded figures read from a large book, and an armored man with a silvery greatsword is preparing to decapitate a huge horned and batwinged creature chained down with silvered chains within the confines of a pentacle.
Another pair of robed figures hold a silvered bowl to recieve the head!
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:57, Tue 29 Jan 2019.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 205):

Aoife continues with her spell...but moves the centre to the room where all the cultists are...
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Wed 30 Jan 2019.

Ardenas fast-draws a shuriken from his webbing and flings it at the center book reader.

[Private to GM: 18:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Fast Draw (Shuriken) (16).
18:42, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 13 using 3d6.  Shuriken roll to hit (15 - range).
18:43, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled -1 using 1d6-2.  Shuriken damage (cutting). sigh...]

Ummm dad could make id real ugly in a minude ...

In reply to Oly (msg # 209):

Mancini and Kalima are approaching the archway, as you can tell by the shadow he is casting. By her aurora, you can see that one of those slain by Oly was a nude scaled creature with small horns and long claws.

At the range (-5) Ardenas' shuriken misses, and catches on one of the robes of the cultists below. It falls, and makes a ringing sound as it falls onto the flagstones.

Aoife's spell is two seconds out.

Oly pulls out one of his cheap large knives

Ardenas shakes his head, and readies a crossbow quarrel, then begins a spell.

[Private to GM: 18:35, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 6 using 3d6.  Winged Knife, roll to cast (12).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 212):

Kalimas three eyes widen as she spots the crowd below, and cries out "Demons!

As she does this, two things happen: the chained demon looks up at her, and strains against his chains. There is murmuring in the crowd, and several of the lesser demons in the crowd begin to point at her and screech.

There is another puff of brimstone,  and the demon that Ardenas had punched in the head reappears,  screaming, and charging at her!

With only a cheap knife in his right hand, Oly thrusts at the demon's head with it in an all out attack (Strong) with it




[Private to GM:  11:11, Today: Oly rolled 8 using 3d6.  Knife thrust. Skill is 18
11:12, Today: Oly rolled 6 impaling using 2d6+1.  Knife Thrust Damage. ]

In reply to Oly (msg # 214):

The demon starts to fall, and Kalima grasps it with three arms and places her lips on its wound... it shrivels and collapses in on itself like an empty wineskin.


Below, the lesser demons are violently pushing their way through the crowd in an effort to reach the stairs. There is blood spilt.


The greater demon, on the other hand, rips the stone blocks its chains are stapled to out of the floor. This disrupts the pentagram it is trapped in!

In reply to Alshsharir (msg # 215):

Aoife works to finish her spell, targeting the nearest side of the crowd...

Ardenas, still concentrating on the humans he presumes initiated this mess, looses his quarrel directly from his hand at the same robed figure he missed with his shuriken.

[Private to GM: 15:17, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Winged Knife, roll to hit (15 - range -darkness?).
15:18, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6.  Damage (impaling, pending hit success).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 217):

The caster reading from the back reels and throws his hand to his face, blood spurting from his nose.

At the same time, there is a blast of steam in the center of the crowd, and the hooded ones are thrown back screaming.

The lesser demons reach the stairs!

In reply to Cult leader (msg # 218):

The large demon rips free of its chains, and flaps its wings, launching itself into the air!

In reply to Nymorz (msg # 219):

Mancini draws his rapier and heads to the top of the stairs, ready to stab the first demon that reaches the landing.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 220):

Aoife slinks back a little and resumes her normal form, maintaining her concentration and looking for somewhere with cover as she removes a potion from her belt.

"Stay up high, up the stairs. Let them come to us..." she advises those with her.

[Private to GM: Maintain Geyser spell, reminder, 3d (rolled 10) within 2 yard radius. Radius 2, cost 10-1 = 9, 6 taken from the staff...cost to maintain = 4-skill = 3 per second.

allow shape shift to lapse. Observe...if the Geyser fills the room below with water, will that effect us? How easy is it for the lesser demons to attack us?]
This message was last edited by the player at 22:58, Tue 05 Feb 2019.

Oly doesn't like the look of this at all ... he is a thief, not a fighter ... He hefts his long knife and backs toward the tunnel entrance.

Ardenas closes with the nearest of the approaching demons and lets fly with a punch.

[Private to GM: 05:05, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
05:07, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 223):

The demon reels as Ardenas strikes it in the head.
Mancini stabs another in the torso, and a third, pushing past Ardenas' victim finds itself run through by Kalima's spear. Black smoke hisses from its wound.
Below there is chaos as hot water sprays, and the demon smashes one of the cultists with its chains as it launches itself into the air.

In reply to Alshsharir (msg # 224):

Aoife will gulp down the potion, pulling another from her belt as she finishes the first...

[Private to GM: Can she reduce the diameter of the Geyser to a single yard? If not, she will have to stop maintaining the spell...]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 225):

Not in mid effect you can't.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 226):

Then Aoife will have to let it lapse, and skull the last potion of paut...

Ardenas, flush with success, unleashes another punch at the already reeling demon in front of him.

[Private to GM: 18:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 15 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
18:41, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (contingent on attack hitting).]

Oly watches for anyone/thing slipping past the first  line ...

In reply to Oly (msg # 229):

Ardenas knocks the demon down the steps into the one behind it.
  The greater demon flies up to your level and roars. He whips his chain out, and ensnares Kalima's spear!

In reply to Nymorz (msg # 230):

Aoife keeps well back. Tired, she stays with what is tried and works, and creates a lightning bolt, which she sends at the greater demon, in order to try to slow him down for Kalima.

[Private to GM: Rolled 9 under to cast Lightning, 11 under to attack with it, but just 3 burning damage, as 1d-1 per point. She is currently at 6/12 fp after her 2nd paut. Note the 2 rnds of 1d spray damage for a radius of 4 for the geyser, and the 3d damage for those in the 2 yard radius must have thinned out a few?]
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 231):

Kalima yanks the demon toward her, and begins to grapple with him.  He rakes her face with his claws, and grunts as the lightning strikes him, but he is not stunned.

Aoife feels her right eye start to dim.

Below, there is chaos and carnage, between the scalding geyser and the demons ripping through the cultists.

Mancini is about to be overwhelmed by two other demons.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Fri 08 Feb 2019.

Oly attempts to take one of those attacking Mancini out with a stab to the vitals.




[Private to GM:  19:53, Today: Oly rolled 11 using 3d6.  Knife Thrust. Skill is 18
19:54, Today: Oly rolled 6 impaling using 1d6+2.  Knife Thrust Damage.
FWIW, I have been told that I have been calculating damage all wrong; I have been adding the 1D6 knife to Oly's 1D-1 thrust.
This time I just went with his back stab thrust of 1D6+1 and +1 for a fine weapon. ]

Ardenas takes a step and lashes out at the other demon attacking Mancini.

[Private to GM: 05:01, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
05:02, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Oly (msg # 233):

Oly's demon collapses on his blade, Ardenas rattles the  next demon on his side with a punch to the face; he is stunned.

In reply to Alshsharir (msg # 235):

Kalima is grappling with the demon, its claws drawing blood from her back and arms. She raises one palm to its chest and chants,
"Kali-MA KALI-MA!"

In reply to Kalima (msg # 236):

Aoife is not having a good day. Not understanding what is going on with her eye, she tries again to cast lightning. It foes not go well...

[Private to GM: Rolled a 15 for alchemy, from default, rolled an 18 to cast lightning, skill 20, but still a critical fail...]

Oly turns and tries to stab the demon attacking Kalima in the side (Vitals). His effort is a bit clumsy, but does manage to strike the demons side under his arm(s?).




[Private to GM:   13:48, Today: Oly rolled 15 using 3d6.  Knife Thrust.  Sk is 18, so he JUST makes it
13:49, Today: Oly rolled 8 imp using 1d6+2 with his Orichalcum long knife. ]

Ardenas takes advantage of the stunned demon, delivering another silver-bearing punch.

[Private to GM: 18:45, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 11 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
18:46, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 237):

Aoife is momentarily stunned, and takes teo points electricsl damage as lightning wraps around her and raises her hair.
For a brief moment, everything arpund her appears to have subtitles in a runic language, and she can hear the cawibg of ravens.

Ardenas knocks the lesser demon cold.

Oly lands a solid blow into the demon's ribs, and is close enough to see as its chest opens and its heart floats toward Kalima's outstretched palm!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 240):

The demi divinity continues chanting as she grasps hold of the demon's heart, pausing only when she bites into it.
The demon shrieks, and collapses, falling over the rim and down into the temple. Kalima's spear is still entangled, and she goes over the edge after him!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 240):

Aoife sees lightning, and when she recovers, Kalima and the demon are gone. She gives a stifled cry, then calls for her Bear to protect her, cowering back for a moment, the marks on her skin charred badly.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 242):

Below, the demons charge Kalima as she starts to climb off of the dead and heartless demon.

Oly turns back toward the stairs and is unable to help when Kalima goes over the side other than to grab a few wisps of cloth in his left hand.
With his attention divided, he takes a step back and comes on guard.

Ardenas ignores the fallen demon before him, turns, and leaps over the side to land next to Kalima, twisting in the air with cat-like grace to land on his feet.

"I have your back, mistress!"

[Private to GM: Catfall: subtracts 5 yards from fall height for damage purposes, as if an Acrobatics success.  Also halves remaining damage on a successful DX roll.
18:29, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  DX to halve damage if any after dropping next to Kalima.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 245):

Ardenas lands free from damage in time to see two demons grappling with Kalima.
One she has bitten, and it looks startled.

Above, Mancini has engaged another, stabbing it in the flank as it turns back doen the stairs. Below the cultists seem disorganized, although at least two figures by the book are still chanting, as are the less traumatized cultists.

The one with the big sword is walking toward the tangle of demons and Kalima.

Shaken out of a stupor, Mancini looks around. He wonders how the hell did he get into a situation fighting demons. He should be in a corner , gathering information for the Guild.... Or better yet, letting Norman earn his pay. He It was almost as if he wasn't himself the last week. Mancini cursed himself for ever accepting money from 5he Haedereum, but what done is done. If they didn't finish the job, or die trying, the Guild would be a laughing stock.

He readied his rapier and launched an attack on the next demon headed his direction. Mancini gasped in surprise when it actually found it's Mark and actually struck the demon. " First time for everything, I suppose", he said under his breath.

((Ooc: Rolled 13 on skill 13. roll passes.
5 thrusting damage if successful.)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 247):

Norman, (forgotten about by the gm) launches into the demon with renewed fervor, stabbing it in the trso with his spear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Mon 11 Feb 2019.

Long action- Oly pulls out his other large knife and throws it at one of those chanting... his long knife is again transferred to his left hand for the moment. He takes it back in his right after throwing the knife.



[Private to GM:    19:41, Today: Oly rolled 10 using 3d6.  Thrown Knife. Made it by 6
19:43, Today: Oly rolled 2 impaling using 1d6-1.  Thrown Knife Damage.]

Ardenas positions himself and strikes at the second demon attacking Kalima (not the one she's biting).

[Private to GM: 05:00, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 14 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
05:01, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver, pending attack success).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 250):

The demon reels at is hit.
The other demon, looking quite pale, begins to try and pull away from the celestial.

A nearby cultist draws a mace.

Oly prepares to throw his knife.

Norman stabs the demon again, knocking it back onto one descending the stairs, causing it to fall down the steps.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:10, Tue 19 Feb 2019.

(ooc: is Mancini near anyone he can attack?)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 252):

Aoife, recovering a little, manages to cast a healing spell on herself...

[Private to GM: Minor healing, 2 points (free with skill), rolled 12 under skill.]

Ardenas strikes at the same demon again.

[Private to GM: 18:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 13 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters- 15 - darkness).
18:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 254):

Ardenas knocks the demon cold.

Mancini is a few steps above the fallen demons on the stair.
Norman descends, his spear preceding him, and he stabs at the demon trapped under the dead one.

Kalima casts off the husk of the demon she has drained of blood, and looks for a new opponent.

Only one of the original three leaders remain uninjured, as two are bleeding heavily.

Three cultists who aren't chanting  approach Kalima and Ardenas with maces raised.

A thick pulsing fog begins to form on the temple floor. There is an odor somewhere between ozone and acetone starting to fill the space. The mist seems to be faintly iridescent, as if it isn't quite sure what color to be, if any.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 255):

Aoife creates a lightnng bolt, and looks over at those who are chanting...targeting the leader with the book, she throws the bolt at him.

[Private to GM: 3 rounds, 10 under to cast, 6 under to hit, 4 damage.]

Oly throws his knife at one of the chanters (Closest most likely).


Die roll done as a part of the long action.

Mancini quickly takes a moment to sharpen his rapier on his dwarven whetstone while he waits for Norman to clear a path.

Ardenas steps forward to close with the nearest of the approaching cultists and unleashes another strike.

[Private to GM: 05:12, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 16 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15 - darkness).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 259):

Zeelzeel's blessing enables Ardenas to punch the cultist, who doubles over in pain.

Both l8ghtning and knife strike the cultist leading the chant...but something has been set in motion....
The mist begins to pulse and draw together into a swirling mass... the smell of acetone acquires notes of both rotting flesh and vanilla extract.


Kalima stabs another demon with her spear.

Norman gets to the bottom of the stairs, and squares off against a cultist.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 260):

Sensing it is too late to stop whatever has started, Aoife looks for another chanting cultist for her next lightning bolt.

[Private to GM: Rolled 11 under skill to Cast Lightning, 11 under to attack, 7 burning damage.]

Diz iz nod gud...

In reply to Aoife (msg # 261):

Aoife strikes and stuns one of the injured leaders. Another is stunned, all are bloody. The first one struck stumbles to its unsteady feet, bleeding heavily, and laughing maniacally.

Norman impales a crazed cultist with his spear.

Kalima swats another out of the way with the butt of her spear.

The mist is forming a vortex and solidifying  into a strange multi-limbed shape that is unpleasant to look upon.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 263):

Aoife moves slowly towards the exit, casting another lightning bolt as she goes at anyone that looks like they might be a threat...like the creature forming!

[Private to GM: Rolled 10 under to cast, rolled 15 under (natural 5, so crit with skill 16+?) to hit, but just 2 damage...taking a step towards the exit as she does so. 2 rnds.]
This message was last edited by the player at 04:55, Thu 21 Feb 2019.

"If that's not a demon, it's something worse!  Kalima!"

Ardenas moves to clear a path for Kalima toward the forming abomination, delivering a mighty shove to a cultist who's in the way.

[Private to GM: 19:36, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  Push, roll to hit (Karate, 15).
19:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 2d6+2.  Swing on effective ST 16, double for knockback only = 18 knockback]

Oly moves with Aoife

In reply to Oly (msg # 266):

As Ardenas flings a cultist accross the room,
Kalima sweeps another out of the way and sniffs
"You are right, that is no demon!"

Th mist is beginning to take an unpleasant form...

In reply to Kalima (msg # 267):

the fog still cannot decide on a color, but it forms nearly solidly into a huge and tentacled mass, which snatches up the three nearly dead cult leaders with its pseudopods and pulls them into the center of its mass.

In reply to Servitor of the outer gods (msg # 268):

"Any idea what it is, or how to kill it?"

She creates another lightning bolt, throwing it at the thing ineffectively...

[Private to GM: Rolled 10 under skill to cast, 7 under skill to attack, precisely 0 damage! (Minimum)]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 269):

The cultist she had previously struck twitches, oblivious to the horror that approaches.

Norman starts to back up the stairs, Kalima takes a swipe with her spear, and it seems to ooze ichor. One of the cultists is levitated off the ground toward it; it attacks the stunned cultist with a tentacle, and behind it, the cultist champion with the silvered greatsword is flung against the wall.

Everyone make a will roll or be confused.

He is confused as to what to do next...




[Private to GM:   12:26, Today: Oly rolled 14 using 3d6.  Will.  Will=13]

In reply to Oly (msg # 271):

The fighter pauses slack jawed on the steps, staring.

In reply to Norman (msg # 272):

Aoife once again casts a lightning bolt at the creature, wondering what is wring with the others.

[Private to GM: Rolled 5 under will, rolled 3 under skill to cast, 11 under skill to hit, 3 bur damage from lightning.]

Ardenas looks around the room as the thing snatches up and levitates cultists.

"If it bleeds, keep cutting it up!"

Ardenas weaves his way around the room at top speed, staying as far from the tentacled horror as possible while dancing around cultists as he goes, heading for the man with the silvered greatsword.


[Private to GM: 17:19, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 11 using 3d6.  Will to avoid confusion (10). Zeelzeel's blessing makes that a success, I believe.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 274):

Lightning crackles on the thing, making it twitch spasmodically.

Ardenas artives at the side of the semi-conscious swordsman and his blade.

Per check all.

Oly looks around, trying to figure out what exactly is happening...






[Private to GM:   18:05, Today: Oly rolled 12 using 3d6.  perception. by 2 ]

(Will roll passed.)

Manvini made his way to the ruckus, trying to figure out what was going on. His eyes opened with horror as he saw the strange forming tentacled creature and instantly regretted his decision to ever play adventurer.  Mancini took many notes of the creatures features to memory, figuring it would be useful to the Guild later, while trying to remember if he had heard or seen anything about such a creature before.....or at least anything useful in defeating it.

(Perception roll passed.)

In reply to Mancini (msg # 277):

Aoife notices the lightning cause it to twitch, and tries to figure if it did any damage, as she keeps stepping towards the exit, casting yet another lightning bolt as she does.

[Private to GM: Rolled 2 under perception.

Rolled 10 under skill to cast, 11 under skill to hit, 5 burn damage. She can't be far from the exit?]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 278):

You notice that the creature, stunned by the lightning and slightly charred where it was struck, and has dropped the cultists it was levitating, it has not been able to cross the pentagram inscribed on the floor!

Norman is still confused.
The champion is starting to come out of his confusion, and reaches for his sword...

The cultists stand transfixed, their sanity ebbing away.

The last petty demon is flabbergasted, and fails to see Kalima approach with her spear.

He snaps out of his stupor and quickly looks around.




[Private to GM:  10:26, Today: Oly rolled 10 using 3d6.  Fright check.  This roll + his +2 from combat reflexes should snap him out]

In reply to Oly (msg # 280):

"Oooh, lightning works!"

As she steps towards the exit, she once again creates and attacks with a lightning bolt, with a little extra gusto, targeting the creatures head this time...

[Private to GM: Critical success on casting...Rolled 5, 15 under skill, to cast. Rolled 8, 12 under skill (5 under with the -7 for skull) to attack...rolled 5 damage.]

"Kalima, what's the significance of that pentagram etched on the ground?", Mancini said. He took a piece of paper and quickly sketched it so she wouldn't have to disturb the tentacled creature."You're the expert on all things demonic, but it doesn't look like any I'veh seen."

Ardenas picks up the greatsword (or takes it from the rattled cultist), and begins a spell.

[Private to GM: 07:40, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  Per (10).
07:42, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 8 using 3d6.  Winged Knife, roll to cast (12).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 283):

Kalima, bracing her spear for a charge at the thing calls out
 "Pentacles either trap or repel magical beings. The demon must have been strong to break free."
Aoife's spell draws no energy from her, and lightning envelopes the thing, making it twitch and spasm!
Ardenas prepares to launch...

In reply to Kalima (msg # 284):

Aoife continues stepping towards the exit, but creates another lightning bolt to send on its way. Not as impressive as the last, though!

[Private to GM: 12 under to cast, 13 under to attack, head again if it has one. 2 burn damage.]

Ardenas releases the silvered greatsword to fly like an ungainly spear at the tentacled Thing.

[Private to GM: 22:09, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 10 using 3d6.  Winged Knife (Greatsword), roll to hit (15).
22:10, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6+3.  Winged Knife (Greatsword), damage (cr, silvered).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 286):

The blade, which has a sharp point,  imbeds itself in the creature,
 which lashes out blindly with psychic energy, flinging the podium into the wall

In reply to Narrator (msg # 287):

Can Aoife send another lightning bolt, or too soon? 2 rounds per bolt...:D

In reply to Aoife (msg # 288):

Need another second for that lightning bolt...

Norman begins to slip out of his stupor.
Unfortunately, so does the (now unarmed)
Swordsman. He is wearing scale armor and a hood.

Ardenas turns and punches the recovering swordsman.

[Private to GM: 18:26, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 10 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15).
18:27, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

Mancini makes copious notes for the Guild, as his instincts are that this isn't the last time the Guild or the citizens of Northport will have to deal with such crazy death cultists. He makes sure to keep an eye out for any way he can be more of an actual help, but for now it seems the others have got it.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:57, Tue 05 Mar 2019.

In reply to Mancini (msg # 291):

Normal charges at the creature with his spear, and manages to poke a small ichor spewing hole into it.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:44, Wed 06 Mar 2019.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 290):

Rattled, the armored man takes a swipe at Ardenad, which grazes his armor ineffectively. He has bare hands, and while bigger than Ardenas, he is moving a lot slower.

In reply to Norman (msg # 292):

Kalima stabs it also, a little deeper, the smoking seen when he has fought demon not being present, and the monstrous creature convulses, and fings her accross the room with one of her tentacles.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:11, Wed 06 Mar 2019.

In reply to Kalima (msg # 294):

The tentacled mass convulses, speqing ichor from numerous wounds, and then suddenly explodes in a bladt of slime abd an onslaught of psychic energy.

Everyone make a fright check

Oly is glad to see the thing blow apart... and is otherwise unaffected.





[Private to GM:  09:23, Today: Oly rolled 5 using 3d6.  Fright Check. Fright level is 13 +1 for Combat reflexes ]

In reply to Oly (msg # 296):

Aoife is more relieved, despite the spray of slime she does try to dodge...[Private to GM: Rolled 3 under will, 13.]

Ardenas startles for a moment when the creature explodes.

[Private to GM: 18:46, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  Fright Check (10).  Zeelzeel's blessing makes that a miss by 1.  "Heat of Combat" +5 would make it a handy success (B360).
18:53, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 10 using 3d6.  Fright check failure result (pending ruling).
18:54, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6.  Seconds to recover from Stun (pending ruling).]

(Mancini's fright check passes.)
Mancini looks on as the tentacled mass explodes. "Well, that was interesting." He returns to notating details of the fight and of the tentacled creature's demise for the Guild.

Once it's safe, Mancini will try and get a sample of the ichor for the Guild to analyze.

Ardenas takes another punch at the unarmed swordsman.

[Private to GM: 18:33, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 7 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15).
18:34, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 300):

An tired Aoife will look around to evaluate the situation as she summons another lightning bolt.

[Private to GM: Critical Success! Rolled a natural 3! Cast Lightning bolt...putting into it what energy she can without costing her!]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 301):
[Private to Aoife:
Whatever energy she planned to load in-it is free!]



Rolling with the punch, he takes aswing at Ardenas, but merely taps him.

Ardenas checks the barehanded swordsman for the cult's mark of Saturn as he feints a punch, setting the fellow up for the real thing.


[Private to GM: 20:21, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 12 using 3d6.  Feint (Karate punch) (15).]

In reply to Cultist champion (msg # 302):

Is there an obvious target for Aoife?

[Private to GM: Can we say she would load up until she felt a drain of fp, so up to 3d, or up to magery dice?]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 304):

[Private to Aoife: up to magery is fine.]You can see a handful of shell-shocked cultists, and one very bloody leader who might just be conscious.
Over in one corner, you can make out a petty demon trying to slink away.


The champion has a brand on his forehed which you can see as his hood slides back. He tries to dodge the punch, falling into your setup.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 305):

Aoife will target the demon trying to get away with her lightning bolt...

[Private to GM: Rolled 8 under to hit, measly 9 damage!]

Ardenas finishes the combination, punching where the cultist champion was tricked into dodging.

[Private to GM: 05:07, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15) (following successful feint).
05:08, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 2 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 307):

The armored man with the brand grunts, but still remains standing.
[private to Narrator: he is at 0 HT, and needs to roll vs unconsiousness at every hit vs his 13 HT]
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:43, Mon 11 Mar 2019.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 306):

The demon hops and howls

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gE-0JxMtUh0

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and grabs his charred tail!

"Will you just fall down!"  Ardenas punctuates the sentence with an overcommitted jump kick, teetering on one foot after the landing.

[Private to GM: 19:25, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Karate (kick), AOA Strong (13).
19:27, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 6 using 1d6+3.  Damage, crushing.
19:28, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 15 using 3d6.  Acrobatics (14) to land on his feet.  Zeelzeel's blessing makes this a success.]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 310):

IT must be some unearthy energy in this one's veins, as he is staggered, but still standing.

He swings at Ardenas, missing wildly, and visibly bleeding from some of the hits against him.

At a loss for something else to do, Ardenas swings another punch at the cultist champion.

[Private to GM: 05:02, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15).
05:03, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 312):

Aoife, by contrast, knows exactly what to do, and casts another lightning bolt, targeting the torso of the demon this time!

[Private to GM: Rolled 12 under skill to cast, 13 under skill to attack, 3 damage.]

In reply to Aoife (msg # 313):

The petty demon takes the hit, and vanishes in a puff of brimstone.

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 312):

Wobbly, but not own, and breathing raggedly, the cultist swings wildly and nearly falls over.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 315):

"And stay gone..." Aoife mutters angrily, creating another bolt of lightning.

"Say, where is Kalima?"

[Private to GM: Rolled 6 under skill to cast.]

Oly moves forward to the edge of the balcony where he can see what is going on... then moves down the stairs to recover his knife if nothing more. If he passes behind the guy Ardenas is fighting, he'll backstab him.

"Good grief!"  Ardenas wishes momentarily for a bo staff or even something heavier as he strikes the champion once again.

[Private to GM: 04:57, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 9 using 3d6.  Karate (punch w/ silver knuckledusters; 15).
04:57, Today: Ardenas Barehand rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Damage, crushing (silver).]

In reply to Ardenas Barehand (msg # 318):

With that strike, you can see his pupils change size before he falls over onto his face.

Kalima shakes off the stunning she recieved when the ectoplasmic tentacled thing exploded,and looks around for more demons, but finds none. She settles for grabbing a cultist.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 319):

Aoife looks for that lesser demon she hit before...or any other targets.

Ardenas also looks around for someone who isn't retreating.  If they're trying to leave, he'll let them go, but if they're still fighting, he'll oblige.

In reply to Aoife (msg # 320):

There is no sign of that lesser demon (who vanished in a puff of brimstone.)

Kalima smacks one of the cultists to the floor. Few are left, as those not dead or fleeing appear to be stunned, and. drooling, with nosebleeds.