In the middle of a sentence, Alchemist McNealy recognizes that some people are off the track, and tries to direct the rest of the group.  "Hey, looks like the tracks go over there.  Do you suppose that's the entrance to the alchemist's lair?  Maybe there is a magical pool of invisibility water or something.  Wanna check it out?  I bet if we send sparky here in close to the front we can see everything important in there.  I'll go with him to keep him company...."

"Holy Sister and I can produce lights without fire.  Can you, Emma?  Christine?  If so, let's share the load."  Evelina looks doubtful at the prospect of venturing underground.

She nods to the younger sister, and both stow their slings and loosen their whips.

[Private to GM: 'doh!  Sorry about the wrong dice, boss.  Wonder if the proprietors could make the dice roller do that automatically when a player changes characters?]

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 757):

Emma flicks her fingers. It takes a moment, but a small light does appear and float ahead of them.

[Private to GM: Rolled 2 under skill, Light]

In reply to Emma Wilson (msg # 758):

"Both of us can. it is not draining, and Crispin can also provide his own light, but I will not send him into a possibly dangerous location blind.."

She also flicks her fingers, and a small light appears. She wills it ahead.

[Private to GM: Rolled 3 under skill, Light]

Elaina takes the tent pole from the outside of her pack, speaks a clearly audible incantation and gestures broadly with her free hand.  The end of the pole lights up, bright as a torch, and she restows it so the lit end protrudes above her head.

Jednesa having gotten a look around at the top of the hill and then briefly looking around the area from up there realizes everyone is talking about a cave and tromps down to look at it.



OOC:  Boss, how big is this opening?  In terms of how many Jednesas will it fit... 2, 1, 1/2?

“Look: a cave-like opening!  Can I go first?  I just love cave-like openings: ask the ladies.” His eyebrows go full Groucho Marx.

"Valerie, let us know if you need to borrow a whip..."

Meanwhile, Evelina casts Lend Energy, so as to share the cost of the light equally.

[Private to GM: 17:50, Today: Evelina Grattan rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lend Energy (14) roll to cast. 1 FP.]

In reply to Elaina Grattan (msg # 763):

The barmaid narrows her eyes."I might take you up on that, but it might be something a little judiciously applied cast iron could fix," she says patting her frying pan.


The cave mouth is only two yards high snd wide, barely big enough for a hunched ovet Jednesa.

Jednesa puts out a hand to stop people from entering.

"Jednesa go first.  If Jednesa get stuck, no retreat past."  She unties the big iron wedge (crude one-handed axe/mace) and holds it towards Elaina.  "Light please.  Like coals when fire burn low.  Jednesa see fine, not alert cave dwellers as much."

In reply to Jednesa (msg # 765):

Christine moves her light deep inside the cave as she surveys the entrance.

Can it be made bigger by shape earth? How big is the interior, with the light moved in?

In reply to Christine Bjorn (msg # 766):

Emma will also send her light deep into the cave...

[OOC: The light spell creates a small light like a candle flame that can travel with a concentrate manoeuvre at move 5, and does not use energy due to high skill...]

Masugatan restates his offer to take a torch and head into the cave ahead of the rest of the party in a way that is more likely to be taken seriously.

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 768):

"Jednessa does have a point...if she gets stuck in the door, it could go badly for anyone trapped inside. Better let her try first, and if she does not fit, she can guard outside and we will take you up on your offer. Though to be honest, Jednessa, maybe you should stay outside anyway. I don't want you banging your head on the roof, and it is important that while we are there, no-one sneaks up on us."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:19, Sat 21 Nov 2020.

Jednesa nods.  "Okay.  Jednesa will bring cart over to cave and guard outside.  If it get's bigger inside, Jednesa will join you."

In reply to Jednesa (msg # 770):

"That sounds like a good plan, Nessi."

"Holiness, we haven't worked out tactics for close quarters.  How can be cover each other with our whips?"

"I think one of us must follow the other; the one behind will cover if an enemy gets too close."

“Just whip it good.”

In reply to Masugatan (msg # 774):

"Sure. Whip it real good, huh?" She frowns.

"You lead then, Masugatan"

"I think you have more skill with the whip than I, so I'll follow Masugatan and you follow me, Holy Sister."

Masugatan shrugs, then takes point, confident that his street toughness will keep him alive.  “Will somebody provide a light source, or maybe pass one up to me?”

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 776):

"Perhaps you ladies should follow Emma, Crispin and I, who are all a little capable with Melee weapons, and who are directing the lights...though if there are more invisible targets, the lights may only serve to illuminate us. We will follow Masugatan."

[OOC: There are two small lights floating ahead of you Masugatan, and a fire elemental beside you...]

"So, we'll be at the rear?  Okay, in that case, Holy Sister, you follow Emma or Valerie, and I'll follow you, at least until we're sure Jednesa can get in without getting stuck."

The cave opens up into a smallish 3 yard by 5 yard by 3 yards high. The back wall is worked stone. There is a pool of liquid against it.