the child wrestles against the shield....

In reply to Narrator (msg # 1):

Kirpich finihed his speech while watching the door...

"The child is a vampire spawn. It is reversible if the master is killed before it kills, but otherwise a danger. The mother, who has been bitten, is likely to become one as well, hence they both need to be restrained until we deal with the master.

Since the master is here, he can control the spawn. If we had of blocked his exit from the keep as I wanted to do, he would not have been able to control it, and I suspect we would have had a much easier time, but you all knew better...now we need to disable both and deal with the master, but unlikely we can do that from here. We shall see, but I suspect we will need to return to it's coffin to kill it. Or trap it in sunlight..."

In the middle of combat there simply isn't time to listen to lengthy monologues, so on hearing '..The child is a vampire..' Hannatti acts accordingly and strikes twice.

[Private to GM: OOC: I don't know the effects of the vampiric child being retrained by the shield but two rapid strikes with a silvered rapier:
15:37, Today: Secret Roll: Hannatti rolled 13,10 using 3d6,3d6.  Silvered rapier rapid strike 17
Two potential hits.]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Sat 15 Jan 2022.

Bali does his best to keep the child pinned against the wall, but he is a slippery little fellow with a surprising amount of strength.

OOC: 10:05, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 17 using 3d6.  str roll (14).
I rolled 17. I believe that is a critical failure since I don't have 16 strength.

I gather the bright light has no affect on the child or his Mother?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 5):

sunlight level brightness of light isn't full spectrum sunlight, you need light plus colors for that, or sunbolt.

The child pushes Balir over, and while crouched atop his shi er ld, Hannatti strikes twice with her rapier!

roll damage,balir roll ST+2 to get up from under the child, who while supernaturally strong, is not any heavier than a 6 year old, and in their current position, has no leverage.


something is tearing at the door...
This message was last edited by the player at 19:29, Mon 17 Jan 2022.

OOC: WIHTOUT OPening the door can we tell  (in passing) if it's a four legs (wolf etc) or two legs (zombie/vampire spawn etc)?

Edit: 11 & 13 impaling damage. Silvered weapon so Wounding Multiplier x1.5 after DR.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Mon 17 Jan 2022.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 7):

the child should be badly wounded, but shows only the entrance wounds, with barely any blood...


no way to tell what is outside

======
OOC: So no silver vulnerability, ok

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 9):

that depends on the placement of the injury and the circumstances

He draws sword and readies his shield to deal with whatever comes through the door.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 11):

a voice calls "Let me in"

In reply to Narrator (msg # 12):

the child answers

"Come in."


the door splinters open

"Guess we're killing the child then," Balir says as Hannatti stabs the little one twice, and follow up with a hard swing of the axe towards the boy.

OOC: Balir hits with a 16 (even if there is a -1 for size vs vamp). He does 9 cutting damage (silvered)
18:35, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 16 using 3d6.  Axe vs mini-vampire (silvered axe: skill 18 (probably 17 as vamp is small))
18:36, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 9 using 2d6+3.  damage vs vamp (silvered axe).

In reply to enfant terrible (msg # 13):

Standing at the remains of the door. eith a look of glee is a pale creature dressed in archaic finery, with an overly toothsome grin and glowing red eyes.

It carries a broadsword.


behind you the child screams, and the woman throws herself on Hannatti.

In reply to Tower Courtier (msg # 15):

Chunky was holding the widows hand...as he was directed to restrain her...she will have to break free first, no?

In reply to chunky (msg # 16):

Kirpich will fling his stone missile at the creature at the door as soon as it appears...

[Private to GM: Attack, rolled 10 under skill, damage, 8 cr from a magical stone.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 17):

chunky critically fails to hold on to her, and falls over into a supine position as she stumbles forward into Hannatti.

there is a crunch as the boulder strikes the vampire.

He immediately thrusts at the vampires Heart after the boulder strikes.

[Private to GM:  14:27, Today: Aethul rolled 8 using 3d6.  Shortsword Thrust to vitals.  Skill 16
14:28, Today: Aethul rolled 0 (1) using 1d6-1.  Damage - Silvered Shortsword. FILTHY WORD!!! Everytime! ]

Hannatti tries to stab the female vampire twice in the heart.


[Private to GM: One potential impaling hit to vitals, one miss, but defense has -1 penalty, 10 damage bfore mods, silver, Wounding Multiplier reduced from x3 to x2.]

OOC: I don't understand what is happening. Is there a new turn? Did Balir hit? What happened with the hit?

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 21):

Balir hit hard. the child, injured badly, still stands...

Hannatti strikes... the widow defending her child? roll that damage!

Aethul still does some damage (minimum 1, in this case 3.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:31, Thu 20 Jan 2022.

=====
OOC: Already done. It was 10 impaling damagae before DR. Wounding Multiplier recuded from x3 to x2 (silvered) with silver vulnerability on top..

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 23):

the widow collapses, bleeding heavily from her chest wound and her mouth and nostrils.

this maddens her child, who flings back Balir's shield, and fastens his mouth on the wound as Hannatti  withdraws her weapon.

IQ roll
This message was last edited by the player at 19:55, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

Aethul tries again, stabbig for the vitals on the vampire at the door.

[Private to GM:  11:54, Today: Aethul rolled 11 using 3d6.  Shortsword Thrust to vitals; 16- 3 =13 so made by 2
11:56, Today: Aethul rolled 1 using 1d6-1.  Damage - Silvered Shortsword. another pinprick.]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 25):

"Don't kill the woman! Chunky, I told you to restrain her! Focus on the beast at the door!"

He creates another stone missile as he surveys everything, looking to see if there were any more beyond the door.

OOC: Where is everyone located? Can I reach the new arrival in this turn with a step and attack?

Well Aethul is facig the door opening but off to that side slightly and his right arm is working his short sword hard, stabbing at the vampire in the doorway. Most of the wounds don't seem too big though.

"Shit, she isn't one," exclaims Hannatti noting the difference in blook level and flow.

[Private to GM: 09:48, Today: Secret Roll: Hannatti rolled 10 using 3d6.  IQ 10.
Success]

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 29):

the child shrieks again. and backs away vomiting and crying blood as its mouth sizzles!


at the door, the pale grinning courtier laughs...

In reply to enfant terrible (msg # 30):

Kirpich steps close enough to touch the courtier and casts a different spell at the courtier... drawing on the power in his power item he had charged in town.

[Private to GM: Flesh to stone, Regular spell, rolled 10 under...]
This message was last edited by the player at 20:50, Mon 24 Jan 2022.

With the Courtier slightly distracted, He risks a determined swing down with his silvered sword against the courtiers right shoulder, hoping to get deep into it's chest.


[Private to GM: 14:13, Today: Aethul rolled 9 using 3d6.  Sword swing to right shoulder.  Skill 16
 14:14, Today: Aethul rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Shortsword Damage.]

======
OOC: Pausing to know the outcome of the IQ check in case that materially affects something or other..

OOC: I have no idea if I have missed a turn now. And I still don't know the layout of this fight. Can I reach the vampire at the door?

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 34):
you have been moving away from the child and past the woman, and are heading past the horse to the door. you are level with Kirpich  and ymtwo yards behind Aethul, who is in the doorway.


Hannatti realizes the woman was NOT undead, and that there is something about her blood that has injured the child.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 35):

Aethul is at the door way, but not in it, as Kirpich has just sent two stone missiles into the door way.
Aethul is lined up with the left door jamb pretty much and a step or so back so he can fight with sword and shield. His sword can hit anything in the door way.

-| door|-
 X

In reply to Aethul (msg # 36):

Kirpich last spell was NOT stone missile! Any sign it took effect?

OOC: I did not say I wanted to do that. I asked if I could reach that vampire at the door. I was weighing my options. It is very hard to make decisions when there is no map.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 38):

sorry about that


you can reach either the child or the creature at the gate with a move and attack.

Kirpich's spell fails to work on the
unliving target.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 39):

And Aethul's attack?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 40):

Aethul's cleave does visible damage. and there is a small amount of bleeding, but the blood creeps back into the wound.
glaring down at his ruined outfit, the vampire claws at Aethul with his other arm, for 5 points crushing damage before DR.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:57, Thu 27 Jan 2022.

In reply to Tower Courtier (msg # 41):

Of course. Would Kirpich have known that was needed?

"WAAARRGGHH!!!" Balir recklessly charges the creature at the door, and swings his axe, letting out a warcry ... of sorts.

OOC: Balir makes a move and attack vs vampire at door/gate. He hits and does 10 damage (with silvered weapon).
08:30, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 8 using 3d6.  move and attack (attack roll of 9).
08:36, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 10 using 2d6+3.  Damage roll vs vamp (silvered).

So, was this something I did last turn then? Do I still have an action this turn? I still would like a tactical map and also a turn counter.

As the little vampire sucks on its former mother's blood Hannattti moves behind the creature and tries to despatch it.

[Private to GM: ======
OOC 1: 00:03, Today: Hannatti rolled 7 using 3d6.  Rapier impale vitals 20-3=17 00:13, Today: Secret Roll: Hannatti rolled 14 using 3d6-1.  Rapier damaage, thrust-impale Wounding multiplier x3 reduced to x2 for silvered weapon, so 28 impale damage before DR and silver. edit: 14 impale dam before DR, Wounding Multiplier of x2 and silver.]

======
OOC2: Not wishing to be intrusive, but I suspect the GM has a lot to do, comnsidering the volume of games running on here, so I'm happy to offer to run a tuen counter. GM can overrule at any point of course. If anyone objects, I'm equally content to not do this. How about something like:

Init order: What is your Basic Speed?

Hannatti  7.00
Balir  6.00
Kirpich  ???
Aethul  ???
child vampire  ???
adult vampire  ???
widow ???

Round summary (as it appears to me):
R1 (original thread):  Child vampire attacks Hannatti. Aethul makes a light. Balir pins the child vampire. Chunky holds the widow. Kirpich enspells the doorway. Hannatti tentatively slashes the child vampire. Widow holds. Adult vampire holds.
R2 (new thread): Child vampire fails to break Balir's pin. Kirpich talks a lot. Hannatti stabs the child vampire. Balir fails to maintain the pin. Aethul readies sword & shield. Adult vampire shatters the door. It's inferred that Chunky successfully grapples the widow.
R3:  Kirpich stone-missiles the adult vampire. Balir hits the chld vampire. (It's inferred that Chunkie was successful in grappling the widow.) Widow breaks the grapple from Chunkie.  Aethul stabs the adult vampire's heart. Hannatti stabs the widow. Widow collapses. Child vampire drinks widow's blood.
R4: Kirpich  casts a stone spell. Child vampire vomits. Kirpich casts another spell (which fails). Aethul stabs the adult vampire's shoulder. Adult vampire claws Aethul (5 dam). (Widow is out of it). Balir attacks the adult vampire. Hannatti backstabs the child vampire.
R5:  Aethul stabs at the adult vampire's vitals. Kirpich casts a stone missile. Adult vampire uses a short sword to try and stab Aethul (8dam but blocked).

This message was last edited by the player at 23:58, Fri 28 Jan 2022.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 43):

you got that in this turn, it may be a bit before I can get a tactical map up,

right now you are at the door beside Aethul, together you are blocking the way, and you just caused the vampire to release Aethul


Kirpich did not know for certain if this creature was still living, as might have been one of the blood enslaved servants encountered previously, or true undead... you have your confirmation.

In reply to Tower Courtier (msg # 41):

Aethul blocks the blow. Then thrusts forthe creature's vitals right after Balir's Blow.
[Private to GM:  12:06, Today: Aethul rolled 9 using 3d6.  shield Block.skill is 11.
12:09, Today: Aethul rolled 11 using 3d6.  Sword thrust to Vitals.
12:11, Today: Aethul rolled 0 using 1d6-1.  thrust Damage.  I obviously need to get a huge add for this stupid blade, which likes 1s. ]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 46):

Tired from the lesson, Kirpich creates another stone missile...

[Private to GM: Rolled 7 under skill]

OOC: Alright then. So are we in round 2 or 3 now?
Should I wait for the vampire before posting next action?
Balir's base speed is 6 - and thanks Hannati for the turn counter.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 48):

round 3. Vampre is faster, and did take damage from Aethul (minimum 1 from edged weapons iirc), and it whips out its shortsword to stab Aethul for 8pts impaling before DR unless dodged or parried.

He backs and blocks  the sword

[Private to GM:  15:42, Today: Aethul rolled 13 using 3d6.  All out defense - Block  and by the hair of his chiny chin chin too! Block is 11 +2 for the all out defense.]

======
OOC: So I think that including the previous thread:
 a)  we're now in round 5 (re msg #44),
 b)  the result of Hannatti's backstab (in round 4) on the child vampire is still to be stated,
 c)  Chunky didn't act in round 4,
 d)  Aethul, Kirpich & the adult vampire have acted in round 5.
 e)  Balir, child vampire, Chunkie & Hannatti have not acted in round 5.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 51):

Kirpich carefully sends his stone missile at the vampire, timing his shot to ensure  that path is not blocked by any others at that precise time...

[Private to GM: Rolled 15 under skill to hit, a natural 5 with a skill of 20, torso shot, so I think that may be a crit, even with interference! Skill 20, 10 cr damage.]

Balir feels uncertain if his previous slash even had an effect on the vampire, but he tries another - just to make sure.

OOC: Hits big vampire with 9 (vs skill 18) for 7 cutting damage (silvered)
16:04, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 9 using 3d6.  silvered axe vs vampire
16:05, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 7 using 2d6+3.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 53):

The impaling stike by Hannatti does not do extra for silver, but does considerable damage to the child just the same.

Undead lore anyone?

likewise, the adult vampire takes sizeable damage from Balir's Axe...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 54):

Kirpich knows a thing or two about undead...

[Private to GM: Rolled 7 under, used wrong name, sorry used Hograth, but should have been Kirpich. Rolled 8.]

"How do you kill these things?" Hannatti asks. "Is Chunkie just gonna stand there?"

======
OOC: Well, wow, child took anothere 28 damage Round 4 strike, for a total of something like 75 dam..

@GM - Did the woman's blood on Hannatti's rapier seem to do anything to the child? Like is the latest wound bubbling or fizzing?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 56):

its effect is likemonster drool, +2 damage per hit...the child explodes into a cloud of red mist, and starts drifting toward the door!


this could have been prevented if the vitals had been stabbed through with one of your stakes

In reply to Narrator (msg # 57):

"Chunky is meant to be restraining the woman. Let's deal with this thing, and then try to help the mother. The child is lost now I should think, but he has a coffin he is drifting towards?"

======
OOC: Are we allowed to act on the information about stakes?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 59):

"For the vampire, a wooden stake through the heart will kill it, as opposed to destroying its body and sending it back to its coffin..."

"Would an arrow work? It's mostly wooden!" asks Hannatti, as she shifts her attention nasty creature in the doorway.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 61):

"Maybe if you took the head off. Not sure though, to be honest."

"Aethul?" Hannatti asks, and steps closer to the door.

Yes?

Aethul again looks to step up and strike with his sword.

"Want to try the arrow thing?" asks Hannatti, ready to exchange places with the ranger.

[Private to GM: What skill & modifier would be used for trying to stake a vampire (in combat, such as here)?]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:14, Tue 01 Feb 2022.

Aethul steps back and goes to all out defense   Arrows? will they do anything?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 66):

stabbing with the stakes would use knife skill.

it would appear that they become mist if damaged to a certain point...

When Aethul makes a gap Hannatti fastdraws a stake and with a quick flick of her wrist tries to throw the stake to impale the creature in the heart. "Kirpich, my fault but the woman, the human woman, is about to die unless you can save her, please?"

[Private to GM: ======
OOC: 19:02, Today: Hannatti rolled 12 using 3d6.  Fastdraw Knife (stake) 16.
19:13, Today: Hannatti rolled 10 using 3d6.  Thrown knife (stake) 16-3(vitals; can't find heart)=13.
Apparently damage for a stake is thr(0.5)imp which I need to look up (don't understand it)
So it doubles the target's DR. Let's hope he doesn't have any!
19:28, Today: Hannatti rolled 2 using 1d6.  stake thr (0.5) impale; (Wounding Multiplier x2).

For transparency, not sure how exactly but I did inadvertantly roll while I was looking up target location penalties. It would have been a miss with the vitals penalty applied but fingers crossed the Narrator is feeling lenient. ]
This message was last edited by the player at 09:56, Wed 02 Feb 2022.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 68):

Did Kirpich' stone missile to the head do anything to the vampire at the door?

Edit: the (0.5) means any DR from armour is DOUBLED.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:34, Tue 01 Feb 2022.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 68):

I believe it is says it's ½ of your normal Thrust (with a knife I presume) ...  so 1 -3 impaling?


Obsrving Hannatti's attack, he understands, and sheathers his sword, lets the shield drop on it's sling and pulls an arrow from his quiver and works to unseat the head (with his knife if need be).
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Tue 01 Feb 2022.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 69):

the vampire is wearing light cloth armor, so this stake fails. the blow to the head, he shrugs off for now.

the red mist drifts out of the cellar past him.

the 0.5 doubles DR

"Over here you ugly thing," Balir says in attempt at provoking the vampire. Then he drops his axe and takes a wooden pick-axe from his belt. - It is basically a wooden stake with an axe-handle on it.

OOC: Since I don't have any fast draw skill, changing weapon takes 1 round.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 72):

Kirpich checks how chunky is restraining the woman before recasting stone missile.

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

Aethul mnages to get the tip off the arrow, drops it ina pocket and swings his bow around.

[Private to GM:  12:34, Today: Aethul rolled 7 using 3d6.  DX remove Arrow head quickly. DX is 13 ]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 73):

the woman is unconscious

In reply to Farm worker (msg # 75):

the Vampire stabs Balir Balir critically but fails to penetrate his armor.

In reply to Tower Courtier (msg # 76):

"Chunky, tie her up!"

He Knocks his wooden shafted arrow and draws aiming for the place where the vampaire would have a heart abd throgh the gaps balir's blade has made in the armor.

[Private to GM:  19:31, Today: Aethul rolled 14 using 3d6.  Bow Shot.  Skill is 17 and range should be close, like 6' or less
19:34, Today: Aethul rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage. reduced for being wood only, but still impaling ]

"HAHAHA! You pansy wimp! Is that the best you can do? PATHETIC!!!" Balir does the best he can to make sure the vampire is focused on him, and then swings his wooden weapon, aiming for the heart.

OOC: Well, RAW says -3 to aim for vitals (which includes heart), but I think when it is only the heart alone it is a lot less than -3. Maybe -8? Since I rolled a 13 vs skill 17 I am pretty sure I missed (though I would hit with up -4). On top of that there may be further minuses from using a weapon made of wood as the balance of the weapon would be off a bit.
Still I will roll damage. Maybe I can do some damage to the armor or something. I rolled 8 for normal damage, but since it is made of wood, I would assume it is less.

17:52, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 13 using 3d6.  Wooden pick axe vs heart (skill 17 minus modifiers)
17:55, Today: Balir Ironhide rolled 108 using 2d6+3.  damage with wooden pick axe. (I rolled with +3 as that is what I do with the axe. However normal damage would be 2d+1, so I removed 2 damage from the roll. My bad.)

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 79):

that counts as a torso hit, as the wooden weapons are -2 to hit. RAW says vitals, so only -3... total penalties are-5.

that was still sizeabke damage, and he is now stuck
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:35, Thu 03 Feb 2022.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 80):

The Arrow   [msg 78] do anything?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 81):

Kirpich will assess the situation before unleashing his missile...is the stuck vampire incapacitated?

How are Chunkies efforts with the woman going?

======
OOC: Paused to clarify "stuck"..

In reply to Aethul (msg # 81):

the arrow also did some damage, but as it wasn't in the vitals,not a lot.

chunky barely has thumbs, and has no rope use skill. the woman is bleeding out.

He just draws another arrow and nocks it.

"Hold on tight, Balir!" encourages Hannatti as rapidly pulls out another stake. She tries again to throw it so as to pierce the vile creature's heart but misses critically. "Will you save the woman, Kirpich?"

======
OOC: Some totally helpful comments by Ardenas & Jareth on 'weapon grappling' in the "Out of Character 10" chat thread! (For which, TY, both!
Seems to give it -4 to defend against our attacks!
19:09, Tue 01 Feb: Hannatti rolled 15 using 3d6.  Thrown knife (stake) 16
19:28, Today: Hannatti rolled 17 using 3d6.  Thrown knife (stake) 16-3(vitals)=13.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 86):

Figuring that the others have the Vampire, but needing to be rid of the stone missile, Kirpich flings his missile at the creatures head...it is a remarkably good shot and should at least distract it.

He then moves over to the woman to assist her.

[Private to GM: Rolled 2 under skill-7 for head, so hit unless dodged, 13 cr damage to head...stun?

Rolled 9 under skill, Minor healing, to stop her bleeding out.]

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 87):

the vampire is partially knocked back, pulling zbalir with it, as Hannatti's stake strikes the dwarf on the shoulder!

roll damage, Balir is DR5

Kirpich ia able to stop the bleeding,  the woman is still unconscious.

======
OOC: It's a (0.5) weapon, so his armour is DR10 against 1d6 dam. Not sure there's a point, but here we go:
18:15, Today: Hannatti rolled 6 using 1d6.  stake damage.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 89):

Balir feels the stake brush his shoulder.

He looses the Arrow at the Vampires heart, hoping the wooden shaft will do the trick.

[Private to GM: 11:45, Today: Aethul rolled 4 using 3d6.  Bow Shot to Heart.
11:54, Today: Aethul rolled 5 imp using 1d6+1.  Arrow Damage.]

Balir tries to take the vampire to the ground by pulling violently at his wooden pick.

OOC: I have no idea how to proceed with this as I don't know about Fantasy Dungeon grappling now weapon grappling.
Tell me what to roll please.

======
OOC: Paused for GM nod to continue (i.e. next round).

[Private to Balir Ironhide:
======
OOC: @Balir - I'd suggest you might want to clarify intent to the GM. e.g.  'Pulling vioelently on the pick' could be taken as 'tearing it free for extra damage (which the vampire heals pretty quickly) and thus ending the grapple'.  Or the other intent might be 'Holding on strongly to the pick so as to maintain the grapple (thus reducing the vampire's mobility and panalties to some actions)'.]
This message was last edited by the player at 11:21, Sun 06 Feb 2022.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 91):

as the arrow strikes the vampire in the vitals. it stiffens and collapses. Balir's pick rips out, leaving a bloody wound!



someone make an undead lore roll at -3

Now Let's pound that stake in next to my arrow. Come morning, the sunlight will permanently fix it.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 95):

Finally, Kirpich works out this Vampire stuff!

Critical success at Hidden Lore(undead) about killing vampires!


[Private to GM: Rolled 4, skill 14!]

Hannatti pulls out another stake and nods at Aethul, "Great shot. You always hit the target when it counts." [Private to Aethul: Yep, Hannatti's smirk suggests she's obliquely referring to their night together. ]
She looks at Balir, "By Odin's hairy toes, you're a strong fellow, even for your kind."

Just after Aethul mentions 'sunlight', Hannatti glances over her shoulder to see if Kirpich has any wisdom or insight to share (relating to vampires).

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 97):

Constant practice is how I keep my skills up.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 96):

sunlight will do the trick, but once staked, the head can be removed with a silver blade, and if moved to the other side of running water can prevent any regeneration unless they are reunited.
Holy water is treated as Acid.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:44, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 99):

And the woman? Any insight where the red mist boy is headed?

Do we know if there's running water near here?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 100):

the woman is still unconscious.
the mist headed out of the place into the night past the now impaled courtier.

there was a stream a few hours walk away to the west.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:14, Tue 08 Feb 2022.

"Hey, Kirpich, have you been able to save the woman? I feel so guilty," asks Hannatti. "And can this red mist see or otherwise somehow know what we're doing?

======
OOC: Does Kirpich share the wisdom about vamps?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 103):

Kirpich shares all he knows.

"I am not sure we should leave here. The stream is a few hours walk, subjecting us to further attacks. This was not the vampire lord, but one of his subjects, so he will now be aware of our location and presence. Why you all refused to allow me to ensure the keep was sealed is beyond me, but what is done is done, and not only do we have no surprise but we must now spend the night fending off these bastards as a consequence of your decision.

While the woman lives, she is the owner of this home, and she must invite in any but the Lord, so I think we are safe enough here while she remains unconscious and unable to invite any in. But we will see soon enough."

We made the best possible decision as a group, complain one more time about it and I walk away.

Balir looks at his wooden pick axe and wipes it clean on the clothes of the vampire. "Well, that kid probably went to the castle now. But we will attack at dawn and have a whole day to clean up that place. This fight here was a bit chaotic, but none of us got hurt. So I would say we have a good shot against those creatures - especially if we manage to be a bit more organized."
After cleaning the pick axe he looks through the pockets of the vampire - both for possible loot and for something that can help them in the coming fight. He then also looks at the woman. "For good measure we should probably leave her out in the sunlight too ... just for a while. But for now we need some sleep before the attack on the castle."

"Thank you for sharing that wisdom, Kirpich," responds Hannatti with a grim smile. "Might I share with you an insight I've found through experience?" She shoots a look at Aethul. [Private to Aethul: The 'look' and hidden hand gesturte are intended to say, "Look, I know he's carping on and moaning but give me a chance to quieten him down."]

Acting on the information receeved from Kirpich, she says, "Would some one give me a hand to get this body outside making sure the stake stays in place? Maybe roll him onto the side and drag." The idea here is to cut the head off the body with her silvered sword and put it in a sack. The fiddling about is to ensure the stake stays in place and keeps the vampire paralysed and to allow the cutting to be done outside so that it doesn't mess up the lady's household. hannatti feels guitly enough already.

When that nasty job's done she suggests, "Maybe we keep the body inside and separate from the head. What do you think? Hey, Kirpich, have you managed to fix my terrible mistake? Is the woman still alive?"

"Well, I guess we could put the head outside, but frankly I would prefer if we kept it all where we can see them. Just for the night. That would be my vote. Otherwise I can carry the body outside," Balir says while rummaging through the pockets of the vampire.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 107):

Kirpich frowns at the unwillingness of some to own their mistake, shaking his head at the implication that he was part of the decision he so strongly opposed, but speaks only of the injured woman.

"She was bitten, you did your best. We should put the whole body in the sunlight in the morning, but for now, let's not go outside. He is not likely the only one around. Balir is right, we need to rest and hit them hard tomorrow. Perhaps we can cut his head off though, and put it in a bag to effectively blind him just in case."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 109):

Hannatti decapitates the immobilized corpse with her silvered rapier.

Balir finds a silver signet ring, ornate personal basics and a good quality ornate shortsword.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:50, Thu 10 Feb 2022.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 110):

Kirpich will put another 4 points of healing into the woman before binding her by shaping earth, then turning it into stone.

He will then recover his energy, explaining that it will only last 24 hours s before she will be free again.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 111):

"What did you do to my baby?"



btw I had forgotten  Snorri and Marlena

In reply to Farm worker (msg # 112):

"I had cast sense life one each perspn onse the fighting broke out. Your child was not alive, nor was the man at the door."

Balir looks away as the woman begins to speak. Apparently he is not supper happy about what happened with the child. He looks at the the stuff he pulled up from the vampire to assess it's value.

OOC: I have merchant and Armoury/TL3 - but it is for body armor - if that can help me asses it's value and usefulness. Also, what is personal basics? Toothbrush and soap? For a vampire :)?

Hannatti nearly jumps out of her armour as a voice appears from where she wasn't aware of anyone being present.

======
OOC: Pardon me, not meaning to be rude in any way, but shpould Hannatti have been aware of Marlena? (And are there any others of whom she should have been aware?)

LoL... Yes, Snorri is a fighter and Marlena is a mage. Both have been with us all along but quiet [they are NPCs and the GM hasn't had them do anything].

"After bagging off the head can we bind the stake in place in the vampire's body? Like drive it through and tie both ends? Or is that unnecessary?" asks Hannatti, concerned at the implication that the beast can still regenerate. "Does it do the thing harm if you put aholy symbol in its mouth?"

With their newly realised colleagues the group can have two persons on watch at a time [OOC: PC+NPC].

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 117):

Snorri is Kirpich's bodyguard, more or less and has taken watch with him, he was more active when dealing with the Beast,  and at the Tower. Marlena is a mage with basic utility spells and sleep related magics, and also was a big help with the Beast.


personal basics in this case amount to a nail file, a small goblet, a fork, and a comb, and an embroidered handkerchief.

ornate doubles the basic value of an item, so the engraved shortsword has a list cost of $800, but would sell for 40% of that, or $320.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 118):

So we wait out the night without further incident? Kirpich is an optimist, so that would be his preference.

"Yes, we need sleep now, so we can make our assault in the morning."

Agreed, but still keeping watches.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 121):

That is a given!

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 122):

is anyone taking further precautions?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 123):

Such as trying to revise the door, or with the woman? We will try to close the door, and the woman is restrained.

Do we know to what level the headless vampire, or the bodiless head itself, can regenerate or move?
e.g. willsuch regeneration remove foreign materal (such as an arrow), like a human's body may reject a splinter?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 125):

The presence of a stake arrests regeneration.
The door is closed and barred again?

Yes, makes sense, so yes please.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 127):

Agreed, as well as we can.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 128):

and the beheaded, staked body is outside or inside?
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:50, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

I think inside

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 130):

the body stirs not. nor the head.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 131):

Yes, the body is definitely where we can guard it.

"I think we can handle one person on guard for the rest of the night, so we can get some sleep in. We should place the vampire ... away from her," Balir nods at the woman. "Not sure I trust her fully, after we just killed her son. But let's sleep now. We need the rest."

Body and head separated and the woman restrained*, Hannatti setles down to sleep.

======
OOC: *Was she gagged?

I'll stay up for a bit, I am too wide awake to sleep just now.

OOC - i do not remember anyone gagging her.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 134):

Badly wounded, and in a state of emotional shock the woman mosns occasionally,  and struggles feebly at her restraints.

In reply to Farm worker (msg # 136):

No, she was not gagged, but she was injured then healed several times. Kirpich tries to talk to her, saying he is not sure what happened to her son (true, he was last seen drifting out as a red mist), but he has grave concerns.

He will recover his energy and get some rest.

Hopefully, after cleaning her sword and settling doen to sleep. Hannatti doesn't snore.

[Private to Aethul: She share a private nod and smile with Aethul before she closes her eyes. He seems a nice fellow, what her mum would probably have called 'the right sort'.]

OOC: Is this thread dead or what are we waiting for?

Hannatti was hoping to wake up and find it's morning and that nothing untoward has occurred.

Yeah, Aethul will kick someone to take over the guard in a couple of hours and go over to get some sleep himself in the corner.

[Private to Hannatti: And you have company spooning up.]

When woken for her watch Hannatti checks her blade for clenaliness and nicks, checks the woman and the door.
For lack of anything beter to do, she then spends the next hour or so practising Grip Reversal with her sword.

Again checking the woman and the door she then again spends the next hour or so practising Grip Reversal with her sword, repeating the cycle until it's about the end of her watch.

[Private to Aethul: Hannatti checks who's doing that and then relaxes and snuggles in.]

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 142):

the morning rolls in, and mostly bleary eyed, you espy the rosy light through the cracks in the door.

the staked out body begins to smoulder.

Aethul helps the Lady (Farmers Wife) outside into the sun. He checks her bandages and tries to make her comfortable, warm and dry.

[Private to GM: While fussing around, he casts minor healing, assuming she shows no ill effects fom sunlight.
11:26, Today: Secret Roll: Aethul rolled 12 using 3d6.  MinorHealing for 3. Success, dead on ]

Balir looks at the ashes from the vampire. "Was there a creek or something nearby? Would it makes sense to scatter the ashes in rnning water? Or am just being paranoid?"

When the door's open Hannatti asks, "Hey! If it's all clear outside, please will someone give me a hand getting this outside?" She indicates a leg of the beheaded vampire. "Making sure the stake stays in place! Someone guard the body, please. Back shortly; I'll do this bit first." And she takes the sack out and then carefully empties the head out of it into a sunny spot outside.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Wed 02 Mar 2022.

Balir grabs the other end and starts pulling.

When Balir tals about putting ashes in the creek Hannatti says, "Well lets get the ashes done thouroughly first. Beyond that, I guess you should ask Kirpich."

Let's not foul the waters. The ash will dissipate quickly enough, where it is.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 149):

"Putting it in the sun should suffice. Then we need to assault the castle."

"Alright. Let's spread the ashes to the wind then. And we need to plan the assault. How are we going to attack the tower?"

"How do you mean? Don't we just get there, find a way in and deal with what we find? Or do we have a map of the place?" asks Hannatti.

Just leave what few ashes remain, be... they are disapparing on thier own.  Is everyone rested enough to go at this castle? 

[Private to GM: I assume I have had enough time to recover my energy]

Hannatti nods, then adds, "What about the woman, Kirpich?"

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 154):

"We should leave her here for now.

Last time we entered the castle by a tunnel, which appears o have been re-opened. We should enter by the same route. It may be guarded, but lets not make more ways into and out of the place. This time, we should seal it properly when we leave this evening."

"That makes sense, Kirpich. Thank you," says the woman with a smile. She likes it when she can work well together with folks. "How would we seal the tunnel? Just fill it with earth? Or is there more to it than that?"

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 156):

"I will use magic to close the earth, turning it to rock if needed."

"Can you do that permanently?" she asks, eyebrows raised. "I thought all such magics only lasted for a day or something."

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 158):

"I do not create the earth...I just move it. The stone part only lasts a day or so, but the earth will stay in one place until moved...it is not magical in and of itself."

"I see, that sounds like a plan. Do they need to be sealed in magically somehow too?"

"I mean, we can always just storm in mindlessly, and sometimes that does work. But in my experience, people who have an actual idea of what they will do and how they will do i, have a much greater chance at achieving victory. This does not need to be a super advanced plan. It can be something as simple as 'trying to hold the vampires while Aethul shoots it in the heart' or 'Balir stands in front while someone behind him throws holy water at the enemy'. Anything that means our efforts are coordinated with a common goal in mind, so everyone knows what they should do to achieve that goal." Balir looks at the others, but they don't seem too interested. Instead he bows down and lifts some ashes up, and throws it up into the wind, trying to spread the ashes over as large an area as possible, walking around a bit and waiting for some good wind to take the ashes to make the area larger. "Can't be too careful," he mutters too himself.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:59, Fri 04 Mar 2022.

Balir makes a good point, he should lead and I will back him with bow and sword. Snorri might also do well in front while Malena and Kirpich are in the middle, Hannatti can you cover our rear? Silvered weapons seem little better than regular steel, will holy water do any good Kirpich?

In reply to Aethul (msg # 162):

the body burns in the sun, and the breeze blows the ashes away.

Undead lore roll

the woman vlinks in tbe sunlight and cries, but seems otherwise better.

"Well, I see," acknowledges Hannatti. "I presume you've fought in wars before, Balir. I haven't. Only trained a lot and some skirmishes. Well, what you say, Balir, seem to be sound, and valuable as diamonds!" She pasues, looking for some moments before continuing, "Well, how about an inventory? They need those in war, don't they? So, how much holy water do we have? And do we know what effect it has on vampires? How many stakes do we have? Hand held as well as ones for Aethul's bow? Hmmmm.. And do we have any sort of map of the place? Or information on how many of what type of inhabitant?"

Aethul uses a stick to sort through the ashes for any rings, coin or othr things of value that was not consumed in the Vampire's burning up.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 165):

Kirpich possibly knows something more...

[Private to GM: Hidden Lore (Undead), rolled 2 under]

"Yeah, inventory might be a good idea. I have two of these wooden pick-axes, two wooden stakes, 1 vial of holy water, and 1 bushel of garlic - which I will be carrying over my armour to keep off the vampires."

OOC: Is the undead lore skill the hidden lore skill? (It has no defaults)

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 167):

Yes, Kirpich has that hidden lore skill. No default needed...

"I have 3 wooden stakes. No holy water," says Hannatti.

I have a silvered shortsword, two vials of holy water, nothing more.

"Oh, right, silvered sword here also," adds Hannatti. "I thought that the silvering had a huge effect on vampires, but it didn't seem to be the case so far. Hmmm, Aethul, maybe you could prepare some arrows so that they act like wooden stakes?"

I tried one without a head on it, but it worked poorly; perhaps if a fire harden the tip it will penentrate some. Otherwiseit is a wooden stake of sorts, as long as it doesn't penentrate through and is in the heart.

"Good idea. Denifitely worth trying. Can we make a hot enough fire quickly?" she asks.

I presume so ... depending on the priests  desires to hurry.

"I'd wondered if anyone could do it with, you know, magic?"

Balir looks at the female mage of the group - whose name currently elude him as she speaks so little "Do you have a fire spell that could help harden a wooden arrow head?"

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 176):

"Ican prepare a hot enough fire to be sure, most of my magic is utility based and mentally focused, although I canbreak things, like the lich's crown"

"UUUhh? We're expecting to find a lich?" says Hannatti, almost having to collect her jaw from the ground.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 178):

"We dealt with one before. Hopefully we will not, but time will tell. Only earth magic here, but we do need to hurry.

Apart from the silvered pick and the holy symbol, I have 7 wooden stakes and 2 Holy waters on the mount. Feel free to take them to replenish supplies."

OOC: It is safe to move this thread ahead I guess. But I will admit, it would be nice with some sort of plan on how to approach the tower. Unfortunately I am out of ideas.

"So tell me about the castle, please," asks Hannatti on their way there. "How much of it have you seen and explored? Is there some sort of map? How many inhabitants are there? And are we going to leave the castle, assuming we may, while the sun is still up so that we can return to this place?""

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 181):

Kirpich will tell her what he knows. The intention is to return here overnight, sealing the exit when they depart.

"Thanks, Kirpich," responds Hannatti "Can you sketch for me a map of what you know about the place?"

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 183):

"We need to get moving..." he says as he quickly draws a map.

He just smiles and carries on with his getting ready


[Private to GM: Did I find anything after sifting thoughthe ashes of the last vamire?]

"Thank you," she repeats.

======
OOC: So where do I find the castle map?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Thu 10 Mar 2022.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 185):

as the vampire had been stripped before being given to the sunlight, nothing more can be found.

Marlena creates a fire that Aethul can use to harden his arrows- make an armory (missiles) roll with a +1 bonus

He hardens 5 such arrows fromhis stock of shafts.

[Private to GM: Well he made his default 12 - 5 = 7 and with the +1 he made it by one, but obviously I screwed up, he should have this skill, as he has the flecthers supplies to do that sort or work... how do you want to do this?]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 188):

"Ready to go now?"

Hannatti nods that she's ready to continue.

======
OOC: So where do I find the castle map? or don't we actually have one?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 190):

I have never seen one... Kirpich can only give what is his memory, but it would be limited.

OOC: TY

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 192):

There was a stable with the rui ed carriage and the skeletal horses, and stairs up the outside of the tower that led to an antechamber where a part vampire was slain.

"Is there any wood between here and there?" Hannatti asks Aethul. "You know, that we can make into pointy stakes."

======
OOC: @Narrator - TY!

Like dead and down? might be some along the way. although I can't reemember any specifically.

Hannatti keeps a lookout for wood that would serve as, or can be made into, wooden stakes.


======
OOC: Maybe a Scrounge check would be relevant?
18:07, Today: Secret Roll: Hannatti rolled 11 using 3d6.  Scrounge 10.
Fails unkless there's a bonus for it being obvious.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:09, Tue 15 Mar 2022.

He leads and observes ahead and to the sides as they move.


[Private to GM:  11:18, Today: Aethul rolled 10 using 3d6.  Perception - Surrounds and for dead and down.]

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 196):

there are some charred beams in the farmhouse ruins that would serve

In reply to Narrator (msg # 198):

"We have wooden stakes for now, and we do not have time to make more we may not need. We need to attack now, while we have the day ahead of us. We have already called too long."

He will finish packing up camp and head out.

Showing it to be the work of a few minutes Hannatti takes enough wood to make more stakes.

"Well, I agree. We need to leave now while it is still early morning. Let's get going."

We've gone.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 202):

by mid morning, you reach the ivy strewn wall with its chained wrought iron gates, sealed eith s triunist silver symbol
beyond tou can see the tower...

"That looks foreboding," mutters Hannatti. She looks at the place trying to guess its dimensions: width and breadth of the place, and height of the tower and walls. "So how did you get in last time?"

======
OOC: Plus or minus lots is fine - this is just to give me some sense of scale.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Fri 18 Mar 2022.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 204):

"Allow me to show you..."

He will lead them to the tunnel. What is the status? Is it inhabited/open?

"Please do. Thank you," she replies quietly.

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 205):

the tunnel under the gate seemed to have been covered with brush, butbit remains intact.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 207):

Does Kirpich need to re-open it, or is it able to be accessed to enter the castle?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 208):

it appears to have been reopened in a slightly different style than he had originally made.

Seeing Kirpich's staring Hannatti asks, "What's the matter? Is this how you left it? What's changed?"

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 210):

it looks like someone else can shape earth...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 211):

"Concerning. They had been holed up here all that time, and they had the means to get out all along, but never used it. Interesting, but that makes our task more important. Lets continue on, we need to find and deal with the spellcaster as a priority."

He leads them into the hole.

"Well, unless some sort of seal was broken, it may have been as simple as just having woken them up. But honestly, that's based on nothing," answers Hannatti. "Does this earth look freshly moved?" she asks, looking at Aethul. "Like last night perhaps?"

 he examines the earth quickly .

[Private to GM:   19:25, Today: Aethul rolled 13 using 3d6.  Tracking. by 2 ]

As Aethul is examining the earth around the hole, Balir decides to chip in "Well, as one part of our plan, we should make sure that whenever we find a barred up window, or maybe even a piece of the wall that looks fragile enough, we should take the time to clear it or make the whole bigger. We need as much sunlight coming in as possible. Even if we won't be fighting in that room right now, we can retreat to it later and take a stand there. All sunlight should help us.
Also if we can fight in doorways or narrow corridors, that could also be to our advantage, as there may be be more of them than us. If there are only a say 2 or 3 of them, then we perhaps we should push into the room and surround them to end the fight quickly. When reinforcements arrive we can then consider moving back behind the doorway.
If we are fighting in a room with sunlight coming in, we should fight with our backs to where the sun enters. Preferably with our backs right up against the wall.
And always stay close together. Be extremely careful about spreading out. Spreading out will only help when we know we outnumber them.
Oh, and I will take front. I am armoured up and tough. While it may be a bit annoying having to fight over my shoulders and head, someone tall enough could do it - especially with a bow or a stabbing weapon such as a rapier."

OOC: Balir is 4'5". A bit taller with a helmet. I am not sure how far it is from the top of a dwarven head to the shoulders, but let's say 8-10 inches. That means if one is a bit careful around Balir's ears, that should leave a clearance of about 3'7" to 3'9" - or most likely a bit higher as he is not exactly standing still, and he also has a large shield. In some cases we may be able to fit a person on each side of his head giving us a good position like that.

Hannatti listens to the robust mobile bundle of hair and metal and nods, "Good plan!"

In reply to Aethul (msg # 214):

numerous prints are present, some resemble the dead courtier's shoe prints,  one set is small and barefoot,  and one set seemed to be someone large wearing sollerets.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 217):

Kirpich will allow others to finish checking and talking, before getting ready to move on.

"Agreed Balir. Now let's finish here quickly and move in...please lead the way."

Did we say if the mule was with us or not?

Balir steps confidently towards the tower entrance, and as he reaches the door he looks to see if all his companions are with him.

OOC: Yeah, we need to tie up the horses and pack animals - preferably somewhere a little bit away from the tower.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 219):

Kirpich will be right behind him.

"Better the mule is with us, or at least grazing with a rope attached."

"Can mules climb? And be stealthy?" asks Hannatti amazed as the thought.
"Grazing peacefully free from us, fine, but I suspect the mule isn't going to stake many foes and may simply end up deceased."

Not likely inside the walls and out here in the sunshine.  He smiles

"Leaving it here then? Suitably restrained?"

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 223):

"Perhaps leaving it in the sun on a long rope is best then, with Chunky to gaurd her. Chunky should know to use the sun if any attack..."

He find a location some distance from the wall with minimal cover, but perhaps just one small tree to hide under, and instructs Chunky to watch the mule and the pack.

"Hey, Kirpich, I thought you said vampires can't attack anything in broad daylight. So won't our beasts of burden be safe enough here? Whereas your elemental friend might just be really useful, possibly the turning point, against a castle full of undead?" Hannatti queries. "Your henchman, so your call, of course. Just wanted to make sure you'd thought it through."

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 225):

"Oh I did. You see, the vamps have henchmen too. I think they use magic to subjugate some humans into doing stuff for them. So while the Vamps may not go out into daylight, they might send a servant..."

"I see. So they could. Why would they though? As in why would they do that when there are folks, us, invading their castle? It makes little sense. The extra help from Chunky would be more useful to us in there, I would have thought," Hannatti answers and then shrugs. Perhaps religious considerations cut across tactical ones. Sending one less combatant in was only a matter of degree less than sending folk in one at a time.

Having had her say she waits silently for the others.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 227):

"Logistics, my dear. No matter how big the force, cut off their supplies and you reduce their effectiveness. Sending a pleb to remove our supplys would be an easy way to reduce our effectiveness, over the long term. Vamps are intelligent, and they will know that."

Balir looks at the squabbling humans "Are you guys just about done? Just tie up the horses and the mule. If they want them dead, they will be able to kill them either way, when we are inside. Let's go in."

Hannatti follows Rend.

I think Balir has a point there, Chunky may keep a predator away, but I doubt he'll keep anything sentient away.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 231):

"Keeping predators away is sufficient reason enough. I can summon another earth elemental if we need one to fight. Lets go."

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 232):

"That didn't work out so well the last time,
 although that was wights we were dealing with, that drain the life outta ya by touch...
Chunky ain't got no blood to drink, so they might leave im alone."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:01, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 233):

"That was a rough day. still gives me the shivers."

In reply to Marlena DuBois (msg # 234):

"Tough day indeed. If the elementals are immune, then the ones I call will be as well. If not, I do not want Chunky turned, as the previous elementals were...he is safer out here to deal with predators, no?"

Hannatti muses that their cleric seems to be of the argumentative variety; not willing to listen to those trying to help. With a shrug she continues to follow Rend, pausing when he does, although she looks and keeps awareness of where Aethul is.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:02, Sat 26 Mar 2022.

He knocks an arrow and heads in behind Balir...  he keeps an eye on where everyone is, spending extra seconds on Marlena and Hannatti.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:39, Mon 28 Mar 2022.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 237):

The warrior readies his enchanted axe,and prepares to advance, peering at the passage, wary of traps.

In reply to Snorri Roslovich (msg # 238):

Hannatti did not have to deal with an undead elemental of her own creation...

She sees Kirpich looking and so smiles back before continuing.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 240):

the passage under the gate makes sense, as  you exit; the turned over pavers look to have had something scratched onto their surface, possibly there was a large ward ehich was disrupted by the prior tunnel.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 241):

"It would seem our previous entrance also disrupted a ward. We will need to deal with them now..."

He check the outbuildings as the group had done before.

He looks at the tower they had used to enter the first time, to see if the hasty made bridge was still there and if the door looked like it could be used.

Hannatti sticks close to Aethul.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 244):

Hey ! I am not sticky!

Balir sits down on the stairs to the tower, right in front of the door, waiting for the others to finish whatever it is they are doing. To pass the time he throws his axe up in the air, make it turn around and grab it by the handle again as it comes down.

So what do we ee in this area?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 247):

the area is mostly covered with dead foliage. much of which had been alive at your last visit.  there is a well, and a stables with a coach and the skeletal remains of horses.

the small bridge at the top of the steps is in place, and the door looks to have been repaired.

Are the horse skeletons smashed up bones? Or animated creatures standing there?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 249):

they were on the ground, but kirpich had the bones mostly scattered.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 250):

And they are scattered no longer?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 251):

still scattered and trampled as you left them.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 252):

Something at least...any entrances other than the one E used last time we can enter?

In reply to Kirpich Rockson (msg # 253):

you hadn't found any last time

In reply to Narrator (msg # 254):

Look again, or go where we know and are expected?

He moves up beside the door, then uses his metal mirror to shine sunlight through the door and looks in carefully.

As Balir sees the others finally getting ready to enter, he gets up and readies himself. As Aethul is shining light though the doorway he takes a step back to give him room, but also says "I doubt they would be this close to the entrance. Any ambush is likely to be a bit further in where they'd be able to surround us."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 257):

"True. Can you open the entrance?"

Hannatti looks around to check she's not missed anything: courtyard, stable, horse remains, big door (or gate) to the outside world and stairs leading upwards. She gazes around again looking for doors leading deeper into the castle, including from the inside of the stable.

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OOC: Sorry to labour this, just trying to get a clear visualization of our surroundings.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:27, Mon 04 Apr 2022.

OOC: I thought the door was open already. Is locked?

GM did say it had been repaired, so my bad ... perhaps you should knock Balir?

"Isn't knocking either pointless because they already know we're here or just stupid because they don't?"

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OOC: Still hoping to get a better appreciation of the layout, re msg #259. So please maybe we can hold off knocking on anything until then?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 262):

"Agreed. Let's just pick the lock quietly if we can, or open the door if it is not locked. Bashing the door down and knocking is letting them know we are here, although I suspect they already do."

Yes, i imagine they know we are here, who has lock picks?

OOC: We still don't know if it is actually locked. Maybe wait for GM?

OOC: And hopefully clarification as per msg #259

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 266):

the door is not locked, as the odd looking iron lock appears damaged, but it feels lke it may be barred.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 267):

"Unless magic can move the bar, we may have to bash it open..."

Is there a gap between door and frame we can get something thin, like Kirpich's patience,  through?   ;-)

OOC: I'm still unclear how many exits there are from where we are. Anyone feel likie advising on that, please?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 270):

I am at the only door we know of... there was nothing obvious during our first search.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 269):

Kirpich has the patience of a saint...now lets get this door open NOW!

Hannatti looks in the stable for another exit.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 273):

down in the stable, there is no other entrance beyond the double doors that lead to the yard.

the tower appears to be approacheable only from the door at the top of the outside stairs that wrap around the building.

And the door from msg 269? ;-)

In reply to Aethul (msg # 269):

the door looks like a knife blade could be inserted in the frame.  the door looks like you had never smashed through it, although the lock is still broken...

He draws his knfe and tries to lift the bar with it.

[Private to GM:  09:34, Today: Aethul rolled 9 using 3d6.  Knife. Skill = 14]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 277):

make a ST roll

In reply to Narrator (msg # 278):

He has to use two hands to keep the blade from twisting down.

[Private to GM:  10:26, Today: Aethul rolled 11 using 3d6.  ST.  ST = 12]

In reply to Aethul (msg # 279):

you are able to unseat thebar on one side.

there is a jangling sound

Ah, we have been announced!  Balir, can you put a shoulder to it?


Does the displaced bar allow us to force the door open? (assuming the bar is now at an angle with one ned on the floor and much less resistance to the door opening)

In reply to Aethul (msg # 281):

it will make using forced entry a lot easier

Balir politely puts a hand Aethul to indicate he should stand a bit to the side, and then takes a few steps down the stairs before storming the door, putting his shoulder to it.

[Private to GM: OOC: 08:13, Today: Secret Roll: Balir Ironhide rolled 9 using 3d6.  Forced entry (17) vs vampire tower door.]

Hannatti has a look at the stairs that Balir has been standing on. She traces with her eyes as to where they go.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 284):

Kirpich readies himself with a stone missile...

[Private to GM: Rolled 13 under skill, 2d+2 missile.]

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 284):

the stairs wrap around the towerand reach a doorway about 15 yards above ground., where there is a little platform. Balir has just run up , charged the door, and smashed it open.

Sword readied in front of her, Hannatti moves up to Aethul and Balir.

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OOC: I thought the door and the stairs were separate, unconnected entities. And no other ways to go, correct?

Aethul uses the mirror to shine sunlight into th room by the door.

Balir knows he should be a bit more tactical and careful, but he just doesn't expect the vampire to make an ambush this close to the entrance, so he just walks in shield first and ... then stops. "Oh yeah ... traps," he says, and looks around for something that hasn't triggered in his face yet.

[Private to GM: Balir has a helmet on and is not skilled in any relevant Perception skills. The closest is Scrounging (and maybe Prospecting)]
This message was last edited by the player at 05:27, Tue 12 Apr 2022.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 289):

Kirpich follows, catching up with Balir. His eyes adjust quickly to the low light [Private to GM:  night vision 9] as he looks around.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 287):

correct, the stairs lead up several stories to the door. There were arrow slits along the stair, for shooting any ascending,  but those have been blocked off,  allowing easier access up the stairs.   There had been a gap in front of the door,  which the inhabitants would bridge with a plank. but which Kirpich had formed a solid slab.


within, by the small spot of light Aethul is projecting, Balir can see a foyer, and a pair of double doors ahead,  along with a small door to either side.

Perhaps we should re-open those arrow slits if we can?

"Aye. I agree with Aethul. Since they know we are here, we might as well give them a bit of light in there."

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 293):

"We should open up all windows as we move through the building, as a standard operating procedure."

Hannatti tries to reach a blocked window..

As we noted from the outside, windows are few...

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 295):

the former arrowslits are about 8 feet above the stairs, and look to have been gilled in with new stone.

"I can't do anything with those," comments Hannatti and prepares to follow Balir.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 298):

Well Kirpich could, but i am not sure it is worth the trouble, as he can do the same from inside.

She nods and readies her weapon.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 300):

"Move on in?"

Sword in one hand, stake in the other Hannatti says quietly, "Sure. When you're ready, Balir."

Balir takes a few steps forward "I really don't like this," he says. "I have a felling I will step in a trap any moment. You guys remember to keep your eyes open. I can't see anything in this helmet." He continues to walk forward cautiously, trusting the eyesight of his companions.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 303):

Marlena had taken time to make her staff sunlight bright (although not full spectrum undead affecting sunlight), and illuminates the way.

Aethul keeps waving the mirror around until it is no longer useful, then puts it away, readies his bow and follows the group

Since there is apparently no traps, Balir keeps walking ahead carefully.

Hannatti looks arounf to asses what sort of size the area is into which they've now entered.
She looks up to see if there's anything like a gallery.

Kirpich, how hard would it be for you to create a window in this room?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 307):

the small 4yd by 4yd foyer you are in has a wooden ceiling that you know to be close to the top of the tower. there are single doors left and rigbt. and double doors ahead.

there is not muck space on either side of the door, but an arrowslit sized opening could be made on either side.

While the rest of the group considers making windows, Balir takes a change and opens the left single door.

Or perhaps a ceiling vent would be easier he says looking up.

In reply to Aethul (msg # 311):

Balir yanks the door open, revealing a small curved, roughly triangular room, about 3x4x5 yards. there are two recesses in the curved wall that might have been arrow slits. a weapons rack with 4 crossbows and a box of bolts are in here along with a bench

"Anyone need one of these?" queriesHannatti. "If not, cut the strings."

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 313):

Kirpich looks around, considering the request, before launching his stone missile at the roof to make a sunroof...

[Private to GM: Rolled 11 under skill to hit, 10 cr damage.]

"This seems like a good place to retreat to if we get overwhelmed. It even has a few crossbows. But of course then we might as well, just run outside." He snorts and walk across the hall to the other single door and pushes it open.

In reply to Balir Ironhide (msg # 315):

the second room is simile to the other, with a pair of mortared over arrowslits, but this room has a cloak rack and several pairs of boots in addition to tbe bench.

No other exits?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 317):

not in the small room. the foyer also has a set of double doors

In reply to Narrator (msg # 318):

Can we set this room up for camping?

Balir then proceeds to go the the double doors "OK. You probably want to take a step to the side in case something is waiting behind here." He makes sure everyone is reasonably well out of the way, and then opens the double doors.

Are the bolts for the crossbows wooden? And if so might one count as a stake for the purposes of doing over a vampire?

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 321):

the bolts are steel tipped, and would require an Armory: missile wespons roll to modify to pointed stakes with fletching-with -2 to hit due o change in weight/balance

In reply to Narrator (msg # 322):

What would be needed to make this room defendable at night? Also, the effect of the stone missile on the roof?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:05, Sat 23 Apr 2022.

"Anyone here any good at Armoury? For weapons?" asks Hannatti.

In reply to Hannatti (msg # 324):

the stone missile cracks the ceiling beam, you here slate tiles rattle.

the doors open inward, and there may be another bar on the door; youcannot secure it from this side, although you can vbar thr door behind you that leads to the steps

In reply to Narrator (msg # 325):

Seemingly lacking an armoured for Hanatti, Kirpich calls them all onwards, to test the door that may be barred.

"Are you any good with that, Aethul? Covertng the crossbow bolts to stakes; removing the metal heads?" asks Hannatti.

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OOC: Looking for 'Armoury: missile weapons'

I should be {but fouled up and failed to put the intended skillon my CS ... With GM's approval, I'll add Armoury Missile weapons.

Aethul shrugs    Not sure what is involved with out looking at them closely.

"Well, if you can, try a handful. Might be useful," Hannatti replies. "Is anyone here skilled with a crossbow?"

Balir shakes his head "Nope. I can throw an axe, but that is the extent of my ranged abilities."

Never felt much affinity for them myself.