The basement awaits...

Sven heads to where they left off....

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 2):

You descend into the mostly well lit basement. There are three exits from the explored area; two gates to the outer corridor, and the stairs behind the secret door.

"So, do we check the corridor gate, or do we go down those secret stairs..?"

The stairs I assume, are less traveled and more likely to have stuff.

"Fine by me. Let's go!"

"I 'gree, down's like t' be incognito."  He pronounces the Latin word carefully.

"There's the old tarp, some rope from the stables, and some worn out flour sacks, that'll be good enough for hoods. We should try and lure them into a place where they can be taken one at a time. Upstairs would be a good place to lead them..where we can kick them back down if they try to come up, and we'll catch 'em one at a time!"

"If there's even anymore (undead) down there... Those things are getting old now, they might be kind of rare.."

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 9):

Aine heads down the stairs...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Fri 03 July 2020.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 10):

After pulling the lever to reopen the stairs, you head down into the dark. The air is close, as if the space were small. One at a time...marching order.

Thorg will lead as soon as Sparky gives him a bright light source...

Sparky casts it on Thorg's buckler (Front).

[Private to GM:  13:55, Today: Sparky rolled 6 using 3d6.  Continual Light.  Skill is 13 ]

In reply to Thorg (msg # 12):

Aine has a staff with continual light (daylight) cast on it already...she offers the first spot to someone a bit more solid, offering to back them up with light...

Thorg advances, shining his light to the front ... Aine's staff provides light in all other directions I assume.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 14):

Yes, her staff is like an extra bright torch...

Aldous, lantern held high in his left hand, follows Aine down the stairs.  He pulls one of his small knives and readies it for a throw, then glances over his shoulder.

"Come on, we're likely to need all of us down there."

Both siblings are along, the parents are above minding the tavern, and ready to support with magic, lore, and medical treatment.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 17):

The stairs end in a small space, 2 yards wide, with a visible outline of a door in tne stone, with an iron latch and pin to one side.

does the area look like it's been disturbed recently?

And this pin holds the latch closed?

In reply to Thorg (msg # 20):

The flook is thick with dust. The pin appears to be holding the latch shut.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 21):

Aine will illuminate the area well...

Svendegard removes the pin, lifts the latch, and will push on the door to try and open the passage to the group.

"Hey, Sven, ef y' c'n see th' latch, it'll work better ta pull."

As he speaks, Aldous sheaths the small knife, and draws his larger one, with a fighting grip rather than a throwing one.

"Pull, Borscht-for-brains!"

Sven pulls, grumbling in Shevnian.
"Я тебя потяну!.. выдерни волосы..."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 00:49, Wed 08 July 2020.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 26):

The door creaks open. There is a damp smell from outside.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 27):

Aine will light the space beyond, from beside those near the front.

Aldous, leaning to the side to see around Thorg, angles his lantern to also cast light through the doorway.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 29):

And at this juncture, I need to review my physical map

In reply to Narrator (msg # 30):

The door creaks open into a modest sized chamber with a few enteances.  Three smallish figures seem taken aback by the blinding light shining out of the doorway,and perhaps by the existence of the doorway as well.

In reply to Tunnel goblins (msg # 31):

Aine will hold the light more prominently.

"Who the hell are you? What are you doing here?"

Peace! ... we mean you no Harm.

He drops the spear point some so it is not pointing at them.

Aldous similarly takes a non-threatening stance, though not going so far as to sheathe his knife.

"Okay..So, we have neighbors. Mom and dad would know what kind of people they are..I'll go get  Dad!"
Nana breaks off, running upstairs.

Sven stands fast, weapon readied, but looks on calmly.
"At least they're not orcs. Forsooth! We have ourselves a moral dilemma, methinks.."

"What's s' bad 'bout orcs?  'Side f'm that thing wher they was bustin' up goblin stalls over jugger, I got no pro'lem with 'em."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 37):

"Ki vagy te?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 37):
"Since you're not Shevnian, I don't expect you to feel any ire towards those swine...But they invaded our homeland, and raped our women, and if they think we'll call them relatives, I got something for 'em!"

Sven says with steel in his tone, and brandishes his axe for emphasis.

"Daddy! There's goblins down here, come quick! What should we do??"
Nana can he heard returning, speaking with her father, as their footsteps approach...

Sparky steps around so he can be seen, he points to the group and then points up, then makes a walking down motion with his fingers.

Kazimir enters the chamber with his daughter on his heels.
He carries his lute, along.
"I see we have neighbors, indeed... Hello. Do you speak Aralaise?"

They don't seem to ...

"Sounds t'me sumpin' like wot you say 'mong y'selves -- but Sven din't savvy."

23:15, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 9 using 3d6.  telepathy ~ 14.
"Hear ye, Hear ye, goblin's three! Have a mental conversation with me..."
Kazimir strums, and sing-songs a cantrip...
[Private to GM: to one of the goblins: "Hello, do not fear. My name is Kazimir, and my family and i have purachased the building above, and while clearing out rats, we've found this passage, which conencts with our basement. I dont speak your language, so I'm using telepathy so we can communicate."]

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 45):

One of them gave a sharp whistle whe Nsna first ran off, and by the time Kaz arrived there were seven goblins squinting at you and eyeing your weapons warily.

Telepathy requires a willing subject. Mind sendin or mind reading is -4 to the roll.

"Not a Pen'ecostal in th' place, eh?"

Aldous takes a deep breath and looks upward as he concentrates.

"Debemus te non, uh, malum."  He stumbles over the pronunciation, and Father Robards would cringe at his accent and grammar.

He mutters under his breath.  "I hope they don't speak Latin, or this could get ugly."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 47):

"So, friendly, or target practice?"

"Well, I can't get into his mind, and I can't understand them."
Kazimir says, frowning.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:25, Thu 16 July 2020.

Nana clutches her father's sleeve.
"We're not going to have to murder them, are we? We're not murderers.."

"We have to protect our secret, and defend our property.. This prevents us from involving anyone from the outside, like someone from the cathedral, that might be able to help us parley. I don't have anything against goblins, so I'm not eager to murder either... But what are we going to do?"

"We should try Shevnian hospitality. It's our way, to be hospitable to strangers, as long as they behave themselves. Why don't we bring them up, and give them some bread, soup, and some drink? If we show them goodwill, perhaps we can figure out something later. There's still alot of food left, from supper.."

Or perhaps bring some down here, where they don't feel exposed to tricks ... it also keeps a divider between our worlds.

Kazimir nods at Thorg's suggestion.
"Nana, go tell your mother what's going on. Transer some soup from the cauldron in the hearth, into a pot, and bring what's left of the knishes. Also, bring a bottle of table wine."
Kazimir smiles at the goblins, patting her shoulder, as he sends her off.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:13, Thu 16 July 2020.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 53):

Aine looks around for something organic to make into food...

Nana rushes off, upstairs.

Sven puts his axe on his belt, but retains his shield.
"This is going to seem like an invasion to them..How are we going to peacefully "explore" this area, now?"
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Thu 16 July 2020.

Aldous slowly sheathes his knife and looks around, trying to take stock of the room.

"'Smight be ther' home.  Ef so, ther' easier 'n most 'd be up top.  S'pose they got 'nother door?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 58):

The tension lowers as you sheathe your weapons. You note three exits, an archway directly accross from your door, and one to the right, and another to your left, from whence the dank odor and sound of running water is coming.

Common law in the city dictates that your air and ground rights extend as deep as hades and as high as the heavens,  within the bounds of your property.

An IQ roll, would help determine if these folk are in that framing. Direction sense or eididic memory a plus.

After some whispers are exchanged, one runs off through the door to your right.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 59):

Aine would roll, but she does not really care...it is not her property! Unless there was some financial incentive to care...

But she does start to get nervous about all these guys running off...

23:49, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 12 using 3d6.  IQ ~ 13.

The women return with the food, and bottle.
"We're back. What's happening, Daddy?"

"Lemme think a sec, we might be outta yer basement plot..."

Aldous looks up, concentration written on his face, and draws in the air with his fingers.

[Private to GM: 05:18, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 16 using 3d6.  IQ (11) to check Yurick property boundaries 2-3 levels deep (Absolute Direction in aid).]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 63):

Kazmir andAdolus come to the same conclusion; they are under the stable yard, which is outside of the inn's footprint. The door to the right would be below one of the neighboring basements.
  The goblin who ran off returns with another goblin, dressed in more conventional,  if worn, clothing than the tanned rat pelt patchwork leathers of the others.

In reply to Tunnel goblins (msg # 64):

The new arrival, wearing worn woollen clothing and a leatherapron with tools tucked into pockets, looks over the group of you and says
"Akik mind ezek azemberek?"
Then he points to his chest.
"A nevem Késélező"

Kazimir points to himself.
"Kazimir."
He looks at his family then, says:
"Introduce yourselves."

Sven raps on his chest.
"Svendegard."

Nana curtsies:
"Nana."

"Hetilda."
Hetty likewise curtsies.

Kazimir stands next to his wife, and says in Shevnian:
"Покажите нашим соседям, что мы им привезли."

The women produce the vittles and drink.
Hetilda unlids the pot, and opens the basket of knishes.
Nana holds out the jug of table wine.

I be Thorg

"Ah nivim Aldous."  He sketches a small bow.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 73):

"And I am probably the only group member smaller than you guys. Aine..."

She simply nods her head to acknowledge them, and holding the light and bowing would make the shadows dance...

The goblin nods at each of your names, and then gestures vaguely at your group, and then points down at the ground.
"Mitt csinálsz itt? Whatchus doin heer?"

His Arlaise seems very badly accented, almost broken.

In reply to Keselezo (msg # 75):
"We bought the property above, and we're claiming our legal territory. We run a tavern, up there."

Kazimir points upwards.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 76):

While they were talking, Aine stayed out of it and just kept watch.

Aldous frowns, but keeps quiet, and returns to looking up, darting his gaze around the ceiling, moving his lantern to one side and the other to fill in where shadows obscure vision.

Wonder if their law conflicts with your law as far as possession ...  maybe you could agree to work/share things...

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 76):

The goblin's eyes narrow,  and he pointsvto the doorway from which you hear running water, and shakes his head.
"A folyó a Fal. River be wall."

Aldous frowns, squints, and draws in the air with his fingers, seeming to trace a path down, then around, then down some more.  "Damnatio," he says under his breath.

"Past th' river's yours?  Or past th' river's his?"  He jerks his head at Kazimir.

"The official borders of our property, and all airspace above, and straight down, within those original borders. So, within those boundaries, we can explore and expand. When we crossed the wall, we must have gone out of bounds, and met our neighbors here."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:42, Tue 21 July 2020.

"Maybe they can tell us where we can find more walking dead."

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 83):

Unfortunately,the primary sewer system is considered part of the rivers, and rivers mark a fresh boundary...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 84):

"If you want walking dead so badly, kill the gobbos, take their land and animate them for sale..." Aine mutters to Sven...

"These are little people... Tinkers and craftsman so far. I'd sooner squash a june bug. They've a right to live here."
Sven replies, a bit surprised at the venom coming from the wee lass.

"Let's go back, we're the ones trespassing right now. We can operate within our boundaries, and secure them, now that we know where those are."

"Good plan.  Nothin' gain' startin' a fight y' c'n walk away f'm."

Aldous bows slightly to the goblin who seems to be a leader, and moves back toward the stairway to wait for the others.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 88):

The archway to the left may lead back to your property.

Kazimir leads his family towards their boundaries.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 90):

Aine will follow them quietly.

Once the family is moving again, Aldous joins up, lantern held high, and as he passes the arch, he once more draws on of his smaller knives and flips it to a throwing grip.

Thorg just recovers and goes along.

You know, it might be worth seeing if you could trade with those Goblins ... Not sure what sort o craftsmen he was, but wood or metal, he could be an asset.

"That's my intention! If we play our cards right, we'll never have a slow day again!"

"They could do our repairs, methinks."

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 96):

"Good for you. Anything else we can loot down here now?"

She continues on with her light...

19:59, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 8 using 3d6.  urban survival ~ 11.
Sven marks and maps their boundaries.
"Let's see how far we can explore, and what's within our property, and where that dead-ends."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 92):

Through the archway is a flight of steps leading a up to a narrow bridge that crosses a turbulent stream of rank water.
The ceiling is barrel vaulted, and ends abruptly to the right (in the direction the water is flowing) in a low bronze grillwork, through which it flows.
To the left, the tunnel continues, the far end having a floor to ceiling grillwork, and  beyond it you can see a grillwork catwalk and another similar wall of crossbars., and a door beyond that.

On the opposite side of the bridge and down a flight of steps (straight ahead) is another archway,
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:17, Sun 26 July 2020.

"how about we keep going forward and see what's beyond? Then we'll go back the other way?"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 99):

"Oook...Directions, folk?"

Sven frowns.
"Across the bridge, I reckon.."

"S'okay.  Th' grates 'r heavy lookin'"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 103):

"Well, I followin the leader with my light! Consider me the torchbearer!"

And indeed she does...

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 104):

The archway leads into a partially flooded roomfull of rats of various sizes! You can see a gate to the right, the flooded area is to the left,and there are rats all about!

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 104):

Aine creates an Icy sphere while she tries to think of a marine creatures she could create...

[Private to GM: 1d Icy Sphere, rolled 5 under to cast. Can she create either a SM 0 shark or a small crocodile? SM+2 shark from Basic is

ST: 19  HP: 19   Basic Speed: 6.25
DX: 13  Will: 10 Basic Move:  7 (Water)
IQ: 2   Per: 12  Dodge       10
HT: 12  FP: 12   SM: +2

Traits: Bad Temper (9), Combat Reflexes, Crushing Striker (Snout), Discriminatory smell, Doesn't Breathe (Gills), Enhanced Move 1 (Water speed 14, costs fatigue 2), Ichthyoid, Pressure support 2, Sharp teeth, Subsonic Hearing, Vibration sense, Wild Animal)

Would she know of Brown Bears or Crocodiles/alligators?]

"Rats!  Get 'em!"  Aldous lets fly his small knife at one of the larger rats, then starts to draw his larger one.

[Private to GM: 18:40, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 11 using 3d6.  Knife (thrown) (14 - range - SM).  Blessing of St. Pyr will hit SM+Range to -4
18:43, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 0 using 1d6-2.  Damage (impaling) .]

Sven takes his axe off his belt, and still holds his shield.

Nana readies her bow!

19:08, Today: Hetilda Yurick rolled 3 using 1d6-2.  magic bolt damage.
Hetty casts unerring bolts of pure destructive mana, at the same large rat that the knife was thrown at!

Given the reduced danger of causing a fire, Sparky creates a flame jet and begins swinging it through the rats.



[Private to GM: 16:21, Today: Sparky rolled 10 using 3d6.  2 d6 Flame Jet. by 3 ]

Kazimir readies a kite shield and old, longsword that he'd taken off the mantel upstairs.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 112):

Three separate swarms of rats have been hit; not enough to disperse (that thrown knife did 1 pt of damage)

There are 5 swarms, and 6 giant rats.

The light startles them.

How much damage on the flame jet? Unlike a missile it does damage immediately.

Sorry...
12:43, Today: Sparky rolled 6 using 2d6.  Flame Jet 2 Damage.

In reply to Sparky (msg # 114):

Aime throws her icy ball at a large rat...holding the bright light high...for her!

[Private to GM: Rolled 6 under skill to hit, 2 damage.]

16:06, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 6 using 2d6.  swing, cutting damage x1.5.

16:05, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 10 using 3d6.  axe/mace ~ 13.

Sven engages with one of the large rats, and hacks into it!

16:09, Today: Nana Yurick rolled 14 using 3d6.  fast draw ~ 13 (arrow).
Nana draws an arrow from her quiver, but isn't fast enough to nock and take aim, despite trying to be.

16:19, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 3 using 1d6+1.  thrust, impale x3 to vitals.

16:18, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 11 using 3d6.  targeted attack [vitals] broadsword ~ 13.
Kazimir thrusts at one of the large rats, in an attempt to pierce it's vitals!
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Sun 02 Aug 2020.

16:23, Today: Hetilda Yurick rolled 0 using 1d6-2.  magic bolt damage.
Hetty casts an ineffective, but pretty bolt of magic...

Aldous, also still holding his lantern high in his off hand, slashes at the nearest rat target (swarm or giant rat, don't care), then dances back from the rats.

[Private to GM: 19:14, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 9 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (13).
19:15, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 2 using 1d6-1.  Damage (cutting) .]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 120):

Adolus finishes taking out the large rat he started with.

Sparky fries a small swarm

Svendegard sliced through a swarm

Ainne annoys a large rat

In reply to rat bastid (msg # 121):

"Hmmph. I would call a cat to deal with mice, but I just can't bear them in the sewers...stand back, everybody!"

She waves her free hand and mutters a few angry words, and suddenly a much larger brown creature appears!

[Private to GM: Create animal, Cave bear! Rolled 5 under skill.]

Encouraged, Aldous moves in and slashes again.

[Private to GM: 06:49, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 11 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (14 - SM) .
06:50, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 2 using 1d6-1.  Knife damage (cutting).]

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 122):

That is a LARGE brown creature, Aldous, not sure how big this room is...

Sparky maintains his flame jet and slashes at any near by Rats, bigger ones first.


[Private to GM:
13:57, Today: Sparky rolled 7 using 2d6.  Flame Jet 2 Damage.
13:57, Today: Sparky rolled 8 using 3d6.  Flame Jet 2 .]

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 124):

No giant cave bear. See ooc thread about limits to create animal.

Sorry folks, but this is getting out of hsnd, the spell needs reining in and now.

The majority of you are 75 point neonates with absolutely no direct experience with bizzare or exotic animals. Just because a book has a stat line doesn't  mean you have access to it here.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 126):

Made the roll to make that a Brown Bear, which may be a better option anyway. Assume it uses the same stats as a Black bear, and is SM 0, if the GM accepts this.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 127):

They are slightly smaller and I will manage stats of creations.


Meanwhile another swarm ans a giant rat are destroyed by force or arms and flame jet.

Nana takes aim at a giant rat!

15:22, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 2 using 2d6.  axe dmg. sw cut x 1.5.

15:21, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 8 using 3d6.  axe/mace ~ 13.
Sven hacks into another swarm!

15:30, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 9 using 1d6+3.  longsword sw cut x 1.5.

15:26, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 9 using 3d6.  broadsword ~ 13 .
Kazimir advances upon another giant rat, slashing with his longsword!

15:34, Today: Hetilda Yurick rolled 2 using 1d6-2 ((4)).

Hetty casts a bolt at the swarm her son attacked, to lend some chutzpah to the assault.

Aldous makes another slash at any rat or rats within reach.

[Private to GM: 18:26, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 13 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (14 - SM).  Blessing of St. Pyr should make that a hit.
18:28, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 3 using 1d6-1.  Knife damage (cutting).]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 133):

Aine instructs the bear to kill rats. All of the rats...

She stays back and holds a light.

06:50, Today: Nana Yurick rolled 4 using 1d6.  shortbow arrow dmg, x2 impaling.

06:49, Today: Nana Yurick rolled 12 using 3d6.  bow ~ 13 (+1 aimed 1 turn) 14 or less.
After aiming, Nana looses her arrow at the giant rat!

He gets out of the bears way...

In reply to Thorg (msg # 136):

Variously: a swarm is dispersed,  a pair of giant rats go down, and a swarm attacks the bear, who makes short work of them.

This leaves 2 giant rats and two swarms.


Hetty has something on the stove, and hss to return upstsirs....

This adventure is for the hired help to do what she and her husband are too busy for, after all, although a more extended parley with the 'neighbors' may be in order

"О, нет! Мой плов!"
Hetty runs frantically upstairs. It's time to flip the plov.

Thorg moves up on a giant rat and stabs with his spear.

[Private to GM:  11:34, Today: Thorg rolled 8 using 3d6.  Spear Thrust.   By 5
11:36, Today: Thorg rolled 5 impaling using 1d6+3.  Spear Thrust Damage. ]

In reply to Thorg (msg # 139):

[OOC: ROFL, My wife actually makes nice plov. It is NEVER flipped...it is cooked by gently heating the rice with water and sealing it up for the entire time it is cooked. If the seal is broken, the rice will not cook properly. Of course, if you smell something burning, it means you have the heat too high...but need to go flip the plov? LOL]

Aine holds the light for the bear to continue smashing the rat swarm, eating as many as he can!

"Gobble them up, my cute cuddly friend!", just in case the bear needs encouragement to eat. As if...
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

A Pilaf is normally fluffed after it has cooked, in the middle east.

In reply to Oly (msg # 141):

A pilaf might be, but a plov definitely is not! I get told off in no uncertain terms if I open the lid!

I assumed they were similar dishes. The names are close...

In reply to Oly (msg # 143):

Sound like not. What is pilaf?

OOC lol i know. i just thought "gonna go flip the plov" sounded funny. the flipping part has no bearing on cooking, but that's how they served it up from how i've seen them make it in ubzbekistan. they flipped the whole pot upside down, and onto a platter.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:59, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

plov is regional pilaf, which is a term for any rice/meat dish, popular in many cultures across eurasia and into china. it's comfort food to them, as beef-a-roni, might be to americans.
"I sure hope ma didn't burn the bottom of the plov! (the bottom layer of braised lamb and onions, becomes the top when flipped onto the serving platter. shredded carrot, with raisins, and/or prunes with rice, in 2 layers.)"
Sven is thinking about food, even as he hacks at another swarm.
00:47, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 6 using 2d6.  axe dmg. sw cut x 1.5.

00:47, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 7 using 3d6.  axe/mace ~ 13.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:59, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

"We got plov-head mcChlodnik over here."
00:53, Today: Nana Yurick rolled 5 using 3d6.  fast draw ~ 13 (arrow).
Nana wisecracks, as she draws and nocks another arrow, taking aim at the other giant rat.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Sat 08 Aug 2020.

01:03, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  longsword thr impale x 3 (vitals).

01:02, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 13 using 3d6.  targeted attack [vitals] broadsword ~ 13.
Kazimir thrusts at the remaining giant rat's vitals, attempting to skewer it!

Aldous returns his attention to the rats, and makes another slash at an available target.

[Private to GM: 06:56, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 9 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (14 - SM).
06:57, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 3 using 1d6-1.  Knife damage (cutting).]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 149):

Hettie gets up stairs in time to flip the plov onto the serving platter without it adhering to the pan. (I have been watchi g peopke do this on Tiktok all month)

Kasmir slays a rat, and Sven clears a swarm
The swarm Adolus cuts into is not quite dispersed, and they come for him!

Kasmir realizes that the rat hunters accross the bridge may be interested in this bounty.

In reply to rat bastid (msg # 150):

And the brown/black bear manages to whack a whole lot?

"Hey, those goblins might be interested in all the rats we've managed to slay! why don't we find out...?"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

17:55, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 8 using 2d6.  swing cut dmg x 1.5.

17:55, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 11 using 3d6.  axe ~ 13.
Sven rushes to Aldous's aid, sweeping downward, into the vermin's midst!

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 152):
"$ay, that'$ a great idea!"
Nanas exclaims, her eyes lighting up at the notion of making some coin off their chores of post-battle disposal.

Hetty flips the delicious plov onto a platter. A large clove of garlic is baked into the center, protruding like a small cupola. She covers the platter with a steam lid, to keep the plov hot, until later.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Wed 12 Aug 2020.

Aldous slashes again at the attacking rat swarm.  "Have at ya, then."

[Private to GM: 19:08, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 11 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (14 - SM).
19:08, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 1 using 1d6-1.  Knife damage (cutting).]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 156):

And the bear?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 157):

The bear falls to two swarms, which gnaw at it a bit before it manages to disperse both, killing nearly a dozen rats.

In reply to bear (msg # 158):

Between Adolus and Sven, another group is cleared.

Two large rats charge for the bear, and another towards Sven.

Thorg stabs at one of the large rats headed for the Bear.


14:39, Today: Thorg rolled 3 using 3d6.  Spear Thrust.
14:41, Today: Thorg rolled 9 impaling using 1d6+3.  Spear Thrust Damage.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 160):

"Smash them, my furry friend! Smash them all to bits!" Aine encourages, holding up the light and looking around for other trouble...One bite from a rat might just do her in, so she stays well back!

Aldous stabs at the one going after Sven.  "Not so fast, you!"

[Private to GM: 06:33, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 9 using 3d6.  Knife, roll to hit (14 - SM).
06:34, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 4 using 1d6-1.  Knife damage (imp).]

15:33, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 6 using 2d6.  swing cut dmg x 1.5.

15:32, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 7 using 3d6.  axe ~ 13.
Sven meets the rat's charge, with his axe!

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 163):

Throg kills the rat, impaling it on his spear like a kabob.
Adolus does grevious damage to the rat, and Sven finishes it off.
The bear swats at the incoming  rat, and guts it with its claws.

"Is that all of them? Let's go find those goblins, while our kills are still warm!"
Nana exclaims.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 164):

"Good bear, well done! Anything left for him before he departs?"

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 166):

The rats, for now, have scattered out through the openwork gate to the right.


You have a fair number of dead rats.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 167):

With no more rats locally, she will say goodbye to her friend, and ask for some time to rest and recover while they go to get the rat-catchers...

"I c'n stick here, shun't leave Miss Aine alone."

"So, you two are staying here? Who's coming with us, and who's staying?"
Sven says, shaking some bits of grue off his axe, before putting it on his belt.

Father, son, and daughter assemble.

I'll stick with Aldous and the wee lady...

"Good idea.. Those rats might regroup and come back."
Nana says, looking over her shoulder.

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 173):

Aine cleans one of the cleanest sections of floor, and starts meditating...

Kazimir leads his children back across the bridge.

Aldous takes a position just behind Aine, lantern held high and knife, still gory with rat blood, at the ready.

"Thorg, you watch b'hin' me."

No Problem...

22:17, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 14 using 3d6.  lute ~ 15.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qn06W-iBfkQ

Kazimir slowly breaks into a shevnian folks song, as they cross the bridge, to herald their return...
This message was last edited by the player at 02:33, Sat 22 Aug 2020.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 178):

Within the L shaped room, you can see a pool of murky water extending i to one corner,  and some damp debris toward the other end. The flooring beloww is stone, above it seems to be partially  rotted.



Accross the bridge over fetid water, the goblins stand armed, but questioning.

00:45, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 12 using 3d6.  diplomacy ~ 16.
Kazimir parleys to inquire about the possible bounties on the rats they've slain.
"Hail neighbors! We've just slain a good deal of rats on our property, we'd like to negotiate for their removal/disposal. Interested?"

The siblings flank their father.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 180):

The tunnel goblins look back and forth at each other questioningly, and the one with the tool apron speaks up.

"Tárgyalás? What terms you propose?"

19:26, Today: Kazimir Yurick rolled 11 using 3d6.  merchant ~ 15.
Kazimir uses his skill in mercantile, to try and get decent bounties on the vermin...

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 183):

rolling 8 vs 14 merchant

"So, you wish to pay us to remove the carcasses. We would do it for the hourly rate per man $4 for each of my friends, and $8 gor me."

"No, we can handle that part, neighbor. We thought you might be interested in them first, since they're fresh. Otherwise, we can offload them to the guild, to use in their hot brown. I'm prepared to offer a premium rate for the whole lot of them, to save us the labor of hauling them up, and through the streets."
Kazimir gestures as he talks.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:55, Thu 27 Aug 2020.

With the negotiations coming through as just echo-distorted, unintelligible voices, Aldous shifts his feet for comfort, careful to avoid stepping on Aine.

He looks around the room, then sheathes his knife and switches hands holding the lantern.  He shakes out the arm that had been held high for too long, then returns the lantern to his left hand, now holding it low, but keeping the hot metal and glass clear of his leg.  He draws his knife once more.

"Thorg?  How'd ya wind up thinkin' killin' rats fer meals an' a few coins w's a better life?"

'Cause I get to decide if I wanna do it... instead ah someone else tellin' me I am gonna.

"Okay, tha' makes sum sense.  I ain't had that problem, but meals an' a few coins's better'n no meals an' no coins.  I don't min' sayin', I w's scratchin' purty hard 'fore I saw that sign.  Jus' today, I'm 'ready ahead."  He raps on the new leather covering his torso.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:09, Fri 28 Aug 2020.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 185):

"I think you want to use the stairs on our property to cross the river to yours.I think any rat meat and hide found is fair toll for that

"As neighbors then, or every time we need to cross?"

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 190):

"Let us tárgyalni, talk terms for the future then. You want us out of our hunting grounds, because you want to use your cellars, that is well.
We will need to fish from the bridge or go further afield to eat, and get hides.
If you want to come storming through our home to get to your basement, then there needs to be kártérítés- compensation"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

In reply to Keselezo (msg # 191):

"Kártérítés!"

"That makes sense, neighbor. Alright, then. Perhaps we'll open a second tavern below, to serve underground customers like yourselves, when we get situated.
You may take the kills, as you say. I suspect our presence will create new hunting grounds, as the rats find the path of least resistance."
Kazimir answers good-naturedly.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 193):

" That serves as a start." the goblin spits into his palm and extends his hand.

Kazimir hands his lute to his daughter and spits into his palm as well, and seals the deal!
"Urra!"

Ah! Spit brothers ! 

In reply to Sparky (msg # 196):

The goblin gestures, and the rest head over the bridge to claim the rats.

"Your place up from here...small house? The baker comes not this far"

"Yes. We live nextdoor to the baker."

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 198):

"You cannot mean the house of Ildrak....you are in the old inn then?"

"Yes, we've purchased the inn. Who were they? Who is Ildrak?"
Kazimir inquired.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Tue 01 Sept 2020.

Still unable to make any sense of the voices from the next room, Aldous looks around this one, taking stock of whatever exits there might be aside from the way we came in.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 200):

"Ildrak is a toymaker, lives on other side of bakers Pierre and Evangeline.
He has been there forever, and made my first playthings. I would hate to see him gone."

[Private to Narrator: Ildrak is a very old gnome who speaks fluent goblin, orc and elven. on a quiet note he has some position in the seelie court, but does not mention it.  He has low key enchantment, making and breaking and illusion and creation spells, along with high toymaking skills, but appears to be a simple craftsman and woodcarver]


The large room (shaped like a seven) has  to one side a bit of debris, in the other (southern end ) there is a great deal of standing water, and to one side a few steps that lead up to a heavily corroded metal plated door.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:53, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

"Have you seen many walking dead, down here? The baker's daughter was complaining about hearing them, from her basement room. There were four of them in our cellar we destroyed, before we were able to make it to the bridge."
This message was last updated by the player at 18:19, Wed 02 Sept 2020.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 203):

"Élohalott?  We see them sometimes in the outer corridor, in groups."

"We'll take care of them, to make it safer down here."

"The outer corridor? Which way would that be? We'll take care of them now!"

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 206):

The goblin points toward the openwork  bronze gate.
.......
For the lower room (currently having its rats collected)to be useable, that puddle may need to be drained, and the floor above fortified, as well as having the gate to the outer hall supplemented by a door, an another placed on your side of the bridge.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:13, Sun 06 Sept 2020.

In reply to Keselezo (msg # 207):

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

Great, if you have succumbed to google's prying ... but I'm not going there...

can't see it either.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 208):

Also no access...

OOC: Looks like you need to share the file or folder.

"Good business to you, neighbor!"
Kazimir says as he departs, back to the others.

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 213):
Link sharing now on. It is a map

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

Aldous looks into the pool at the lower end of the room, trying to determine how deep the water is, and whether it's at the level of the river, or higher or lower.  Is the water clear, or turbid from recent disturbance?

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 215):

Is everyone back? Also, how long were they away? Ie, how many FP recovered?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 216):

The exchange was under 5 minutes.

The pool is stagnant, and you cannot dell how deep without probinhmg it

"We could be on the trail of some undead, if we roam the outer corridor."
Nana announces.

"That's what the goblins told us, anyway."
Sven adds.

"Outer corridor?"

"This way!"
Nana points back the way they came, where the goblins pointed the way.

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 221):

There are exits to the outer corridor from both the goblins side of the "river" and your own.

The locking mechanisms are large and crude, and made of bronzed iron.

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 218):

Aine wants to keep resting another 15+ minutes, for a total of 20 minutes...much longer if called upon to shape the waters beside her...

"Go ahead and rest up. No hurry."

"Wh'n Aine's ready, I c'n prob'ly get th' gate open."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 225):

"Why don't you do your preps while I am resting? You can take your time that way to reduce the risk of problems..."

Thorg uses his spear to probe the water for depth and anything on the bottom, he stay out of the water for now...

[Private to GM:   13:50, Today: Thorg rolled 8 using 3d6.  Perception.   By 4]

"D'we wanna check tha door in th' puddle, or look fer walkers in th' hall?"

"I'm eager to roam the corridor. Maybe we can find a strategic spot to lure them to, where capturing them will be easier. A tripwire would be effective against them, methinks."

"I got no wire.  You?"

"Rope or cord?"

"Nope."  He lifts his nearly-flat pouch and lets it fall against his hip -- with barely a sound.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 232):

Apart from her tiny staff, Aine has very little. Rations, basics and a wineskin in her webbing sums it up.
No bag even...
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:32, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

Anything of interest in the water?

In reply to Thorg (msg # 234):

The water gets to be about a foot deep, and is lapping at the second step up to the door.
Halfway in, Throg notices something on the floor, something bulky that gives a little.

He will use the butt end of his spear to move it closer to the edge of the water...

Whatever it is is both heavy and wedged in good.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 233):

"I can part the waters, but I will need to rest more after I do. it will drain me further..."

"Hol' on, li'l one, le's see whut we c'n do first."  Aldous puts his lantern carefully down on the dry part
 of the floor, then wades in alongside Thorg to examine what he's poking at.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:47, Mon 21 Sept 2020.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 239):

Thorg did NOT wade in, he just used his spear to poke around...

"Won't learn nothin' that way."  Aldous continues to wade into the water, keeping to the side so the
light from his lantern shines on whatever Thorg was poking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

He reverses the Spear so that if anything attacks Aldous, he can respond with the point.

Sven comes closer to Thorg, since he has a long weapon, suited for prodding.
"Maybe it's a drain-hole cover, in the floor..."

Nana, curious, follows her brother. She stays out of their light however, so they can see...

No, feels like a bag or body... and maybe heavy, tied down or stuck.

Knife ready, left hand free, Aldous wades close to the object, still approaching
 from the side so as to keep as much light
 as possible where he's looking.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 246):

Wine holds her light high.

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 247):

The water is murky. But Adouls can feel a body, man sizzed and furry, with some straps...

"Let's heave it out, into sight!"
Sven approaches to help with the endeavor.

"Ack!"
Nana steps back a bit, getting out of their way.

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 250):

Aine also stays well back...

Aldous takes a good grip on the straps and starts backing toward the shallower water,
 where Aine and Thorg wait.

[Private to GM: 05:07, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 10 using 3d6.  ST to drag partially submerged body.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:31, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 252):

The ling you are pulling weighs as much as you, and seems to be stuck in something.

As it breaks the water,
you can see that it is man sized, but covered in wet, matted fur.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:33, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

"Hey, need s'm help here.  This's heavy, an' i's caught on sumpin.  Think i's a body."

05:27, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 7 using 3d6.  ST ~ 13.
The burly youth, lends his strength.
"Heave-Ho!"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:29, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 255):

There is a horrid gurgling asyou pull it free, and the water bubbles.  The body , wearing a leather backpack and swordbelt, has legs crushed in midthigh by a heavy metal grate that appears to have buckled slightly around the left leg, but the spaces in the grate seem to be two narrow for its foot or knee to have slipped through

"What a horrible place to end up. Did they get stuck, and die down here?"
Nana grimaced.

He pays attention to where the bubbles and gurgling is coming from, ready to stab two handed if necessary.

"Died here, n' doubt.  No accident, neither."  Aldous gestures to the body's lower extremities, caught in the grate.

"But whut sorta guy?  Too hairy f'r a goblin 'r orc.  Cat man?"

"Lets see what's in his bag, and if there's any objects in the water nearby."

"'N how'd he drown in shalla wata?  Sumpin' else killt 'im."

Mayhaps stuck in the drains ... a warning to us.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 262):

Some continues to rest, but does add.

"It looks like we want to be rid of that water..."

"There may be a sword, coin, or jewelry in there.. but we can't see, and it's icky...!" The girl frowns.

"Le's git it up on th' dry 'n look it over first, then look fer dropt stuff."  Aldous continues dragging the body toward the dry part of the room.

Sven helps.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 266):

The features are rat like, and you may need to pry up the grate to get him dry.

RATMAN  dada dada da RATMAN

16:52, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 3 using 3d6.  scrounging ~ 11 (something suitable to pry with). rolled a natural 3, critical
Sven looks around for something in the area, to serve his needs...

"Rat man, Cat man , do. If I ever get out of here, that's NOT where I'm going to."
Nana says with a chuckle.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:13, Wed 30 Sept 2020.

Aldous looks around, too.

"Thorg!  Git y'r spear ov' here, help pry th' grate."

Aldous, prying with it will bend the point, then it ain't no good.  if you guys can't pull him free, there's a bigger problem.

In reply to Thorg (msg # 272):

"What is the bigger problem?"

"'Think outside the box,' Father Robards'd say.  Never did figger whut box he meant.

"'N how'd this guy git 'is legs caught, anyhow?  Too big t' go through, 'slike he got bigger a'ter 'is legs was in the slot."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 274):

"Why not just cut his feet off? It is not like he needs them, is it?"

"It's not like he needs them...!"
Nana laughs.

Maybe sumpin' has a grip on 'em... maybe moving the water away is a better way, Aine?

In reply to Thorg (msg # 277):

"I can do that, but then I will need time to recover. Sure that is what you want?"

Seems like a good plan to me... ask those in charge tho.

"'Druther get 'nuff help ta move th' grate.  Three 'f us c'n prob'ly do it."

As good as his words, Aldous bends down to get a grip on one of the grate's bars, his glance going to Thorg and Sven.

He looks around for anyone else ... I'm loathe to put my guard down, case somethin' comes up...

Well, let me see if I kin help... he starts casting...


[Private to GM: 16:15, Today: Sparky rolled 11 using 3d6.  Apportation  4 pts.  made by 2... should add a 200 pound lift to the body. ]

In reply to Sparky (msg # 282):

A couple of ST rolls from those yanking?

Aldous is no muscle man, but he lifts with his legs...

[Private to GM: 18:54, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 15 using 3d6.  ST (10) to team lift the grate.]

21:12, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 6 using 3d6.  ST ~ 13.
Sven lends his strength.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 285):

Adolus feels a little sore, but Sven pulls forth thr grate, a fifty pound slab of corroded bronze. Along with the rest of the ratman. A whirlpool starts to form around the unblocked grate hole.

"Good!"
Sven smiles.
"I'll replace this, when the water drains."

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 287):

Her skills not needed, Aine continues to rest as she holds the light high and looks around.

[Private to GM: Rolled 2 under perception if there is anything to see!]

With the grate cleared and the water draining, and his legs and back sore, Aldous tries to examine the corpse.

"Let's get him turned over on his back."

Sven obliges.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 290):

The dead ratman, swollen, waterlogged, and foul smelling, has a sodden leather  shoulder bag
(a large pouch) and a swordbelt with a rusty long knife.  it shows no gross signs of wounding.


Diagnosis -6 or physiology -4 to identify the cause of death with this degree of deterioration.

"Ew. Open his bag!"
Nana grimaces

"I can't figure what killed him, Pa.
Ma will be able to take care of this foul mess, reduce it to bones, and keep the skull."
"Hey Thorg, wanna use your spear maybe, to get at his bag?"
Sven makes a jabbing motion with his index finger, towards the corpse.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:06, Wed 07 Oct 2020.

"Yes, we'll be able to clean it up down here, and make it something. Some architectural alterations, are in order."

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 294):

Aine just stays back and holds up the light, still resting.

I'd guess he got stuck, got tired and drowned ... Lemmie see if I can...

He tries to poke around with the spear point but can't seem to get it to do what he wants.

[Private to GM:  12:34, Today: Thorg rolled 13 using 3d6.  DX roll.  missed by one]

17:39, Today: Svendegard Yurick rolled 9 using 3d6.  DX ~ 13.
"Lets see if I can hook it with me axe, and pull it from around the shoulder, and over the head.."

"'Smatter w' ya?  Neva' touch a body b'fore?"

Aldous works his fingers through the sodden fur and under the strap.  "Lif' th'other arm, Sven, an' I'll pull 't out."

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 298):
"Sure! But with'uns this ripe...Not if I can help it!"

Nana watches the boys schlep the horrid thing, wringing her hands.
She starts tip-toeing in place. "ew." "ew." "ew."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:51, Wed 07 Oct 2020.

"Pssh.  'Swhat soap's fer."

"I'm the first one to jump into a hot bath, but somethings soap can't wash off... Right, sissy-boy?"
Nana gibes at her brother.

"Why don't you come over here and help us then? Princess-on-a-pea!"
Sven retorts.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 303):

The rotted bag rips, spilling a bundle of thin rusty things and a bunch of coins into the rapudly draining puddle.the creatures fur comes off in clumps and slime oozes out of the bare spots.

"Poor wretched, sod. Looks like they were a thief, in life."
Sven says as he watches the water finish draining.

"I see money!"

"I'll go see how your mother is doing, tell her what we found, and bring her back to decay this mess into bones, with her magic."
Kazimir goes upstairs to do as he stated.

"Naw much o' tha' t' do."  Aldous reaches out and picks up one of the thin rusty things.

"Wha's 'is, a lockpick?"  He pulls a small bundle of slim tools from one of his pouches, fans them out, and starts comparing the rusty ones with them.

13:05, Today: Hetilda Yurick rolled 12 using 3d6.  decay ~ 14.
Led by her husband,Hetilda wrinkles her nose, and grimaces. Composing herself, she speaks magic words, whilst gesturing in a tearing motion, with both hands, over the sodden remains... "Cпешить, и скорость, что отец время делает бесплатно!"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:14, Tue 13 Oct 2020.

In reply to Hetilda Yurick (msg # 309):

The flesh quickly rots away into putrescent liquid, which drains away, leaving only bones.

The femurs are shattered just above the knee,and without flesh to hold it, thee shards slide out of the grating.


The lockpicks are of a matching type, probe, torsion wrench, hook, and an assortment of bent ends. They are very frsgile.

There are 93 silver coins, or $1860

Hetilda with a twinkle in her eye, sees the money.
She gestures to the others to go ahead, and collect the valuables.
"Я буду примыкоть к таверне. Позвони мне, если я тебе нужен!"
With that, she returns upstairs, after taking the skull with her.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Thu 22 Oct 2020.

"Look at all this silver!"
Nana says excitedly
This message was last edited by the player at 01:34, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

"Buncha silver, a skull fer th' lady, and th' drain opent.  Goo' deal!"

He quietly pockets the rusty lockpicks.

"So, ratfoke down 'ere?  Nev' met one o' them.  'N howd'e git 'is legs in th' grate?"

"Maybe a beast of some sort did this...Anything sentient, would've taken all this."

Kazimir nods.
"Indeed..Nor would the undead. But, it is strange circumstances."

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 315):

The coins weigh under half a pound (there are 250 per lb)

If something affected it while it was in the pipe, they may not have been able to reach it.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 316):

Some continues to rest and recover, watching from above with her light. She keeps a lookout as much as she can from her vantage point.

"Maybe when he got good and stuck, something below tried to pull him through, but he just wouldn't fit through the drain!"
Nana says.

This message was deleted by the player at 19:23, Sat 24 Oct 2020.

"Mebbe so, b't why're 'is legs on'y broke 'bove th' knee?  Shoulda broke 'is feet 'n ankles an' all, goin' thru' tha' grate.  'Slike 'e fit thru, 'n then 'e din't."

Perhaps we should slide the grate back into place, but we do need to clean it some first.

Sven nods, and puts the grate back in place.
"These bones we can bury in potters field, or boot hill...for a silver, perhaps."
This message was last edited by the player at 01:35, Mon 26 Oct 2020.

"Seems lik' all we c'n do.  Not even a Guild tag on 'im.  Findin' 'is family'd be spendy, if 'e's eve' got people..."

"Mother already took the skull.. Why even bother?"

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 324):

His remains were a mix of rat and human features. It is doubtful that he could havee fit himself into the grate as was...

Among the bits of his harness and bag were s rotten scroll case., empty of snything but foul water.

Aldous pokes at the case, verifying that it is in fact empty of any valuable.

"Wunder 'f 'e w's a wizerd?"

"Mebbe..S'more likely he'd a map of the underworks, so's he wouldn't get lost."
This message was last updated by the player at 22:22, Mon 26 Oct 2020.

"OOOOoh!"  Aldous's eyes get big for a moment.  "I al'ys f'get folks git lost. Nev' had tha' prob' m'self.  If I got ther, I c'n git back."

"Got a knack for direction, have you? That's pretty useful..especially underground."

In reply to Nana Yurick (msg # 329):

As the room drains out, you can more clearly see the door above the step.

"Well, another doorway...Shall we proceed? Or shall we divvy up coin, and do some more preparing?"
Kazimir addresses the group.

Aldous retrieves his lantern and ascends the steps to examine the door.

"Lemme check this's safe."

[Private to GM: 19:02, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 12 using 3d6.  Traps (12) .]

I'm as ready as ever...

The siblings watch Aldous, as he inspects the door.

In reply to Svendegard Yurick (msg # 334):

Aine recovered yet?

In reply to Aine Walsh (msg # 335):

Aine has recovered 15 minutes worth of fatigue.

The door at the top of the step is locked, but so far, free of traps.

"Well?  D'we wanna op'n it?"

"Yes. Let's see where it goes..."

In reply to Kazimir Yurick (msg # 338):

Finally recovered, Some is ready to go.

Her light held high (well, waist height) she prepares to follow them.

"Sure. Let's go!"

"'Kay."

Holding his light to the keyhole first, for a moment's look into the wards, Aldous pulls a slim bundle of small tools from his pouch and begins probing within the lock, searching out by feel the moving wards, denial bar, and actual latch before selecting the correctly angled hook to lift the denial and slide the latch back.

After a moment, there's a clack from within the lock mechanism.

"Drat!  Gonna take a min'."

[Private to GM: 05:12, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lockpicking (11).]

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 340):

You can try again, with +1 as a long action.

Aldous lifts his light for another look into the lock, getting his face so close to the lantern's hot shell it seems he'll be burned.  Then he changes one of the slender tools for a different one, puts the lantern down, and resumes probing.

"Stercore!"  Even for those who known no Latin, the tone of voice carries a meaning.  He scowls and lifts the lantern once more, this time holding it on the other side of his face.  This time, he puts his eye so close to the keyhole that the door handle rattles from the pressure of his head.

He draws back, shakes his head slowly, and returns both of the tools he was holding to his bundle, selecting a different pair.

Another minute of probing, and he shakes his head once more, withdraws and puts away the picks.  "D'no whut's up, but w'ain't got all day.  Aine?  Sparky?  C'n ya magic it op'n?"

[Private to GM: 18:51, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lockpicking (11 +1 for long action = 12).
18:51, Today: Aldous Hack rolled 13 using 3d6.  Lockpicking (11 +1 for long action = 12).]

Well if I knew how to pick locks, I could improve my skill, not sure I can cast it on you though? ...

"Dunno. Try it?"

In reply to Aldous Hack (msg # 344):

If anyone knows continual light, casting it on the tip of the lockpick at candle brightness would give a bonus

Aldous reaches into his other pouch and pulls out the bundle of rusty picks, holding them up and looking at them next to his own reasonably clean set.

[Private to GM: Any tools in the rat-man's set that aren't duplicates?  And are they fragile with rust, or just on the surface?]

So if I were able to light up your lock pick, would that help?