resuming from: I smell silver
link to a message in this game

The liquid trickling from the carved lion's mouth
has the same mildly caustic properties as the liquid
 in the pool, although it seems less murky
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Sat 22 July 2023.

"Okay, this stuff prickles too."  Mario pauses a moment to rinse his fingertips with water from his canteen.  "I guess that means whatever feeds the lion fountain isn't the regular water we get from fountains and wells in the city."

While close by, he examines the wall the lion's head is mounted on, looking for mismatches, cracks, anything that might suggest a concealed door or trigger.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 2):

npc'd "Methinks ta pryin ta wall behind ta carving belike killing ta goose wha lay ta golden eggs."

"You're saying the lion, or something behind it, actually produces this silver?  Well, I've heard alchemists can create gold, so I guess it's not impossible.  But then, how do we get the silver from behind the wall without destroying the source?  We need the lion to 'roar'?  And how do we arrange that?  Something to do with fire?

"I wouldn't want to make much of a fire in a closed room.  The smoke would get intense pretty quickly."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 4):

npc'd
"only thing ta burn is atop yon  obelisks..."

Indeed, but where does the smoke go? We could choke ourselves out in no time.

"And if that thing starts spouting this same stuff, we might all be blinded before we choke."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 7):

"Or drown...we should make sure we have a way out."

"You blocked the door open, how much more of a way out would we need?

"If this was designed as a man trap, though, I'd be surprised if it worked with the door open.  What's the point of spewing a bunch of not-water if it just runs out into the next room?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 9):
npc'd
"Migh be a differn kin o trap, more liken tae a carrot an box than a kill trap."

"Okay, the silver is the carrot, and the room itself is the box.  So, who comes along to eat the rabbit?  And are they equipped if the rabbit turns out to have fangs and claws?

"And if we're in the role of the rabbit, what can we do to make sure the box doesn't drop?  Or should we just abandon the carrot and go look for something else?"

Mario frowns and returns to the watertight door, checking for any sort of mechanism that could force it shut (trick hinges, sliding levers, etc.).

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 11):

the door doesn't have any unusual features beyond the wheel locking mechanism- no springs or wires.

"Hmmm.  Jocelyn, you seem to have fire magic.  Can you make arrows into flaming arrows that Mel and I could use to light those braziers from outside the door?

"If not, it's the old rag and lamp oil, but I'd need to use one of my silvered arrows because I don't think we could set up one from my magic quiver fast enough -- if we can do it at all."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 13):

he doesn't have the spell but he can create fire or ignite it.

the top of the obelisks could be reached by someone with a torch in outstretched hand.

OOC: Sure, that's the easy way -- but it puts the rabbit firmly inside the box.

I was thinking it might be safer to light the braziers from outside the room, and an arrow is a lot more accurate than throwing a torch.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 13):

Yes, of course.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 16):

"Happy to try, but if it does slam shut, how can we get the silver?"

"I know how to get here now.  If the door slams shut or if we can't reopen it right after the flow drops off, we'll go visit Dockside and come back with a clam rake, or buy a cooking sieve in Little Sahud.  We can use that to drag coins out of the pool.

"So, Jocelyn, you cast your spell twice for Mel and me while we aim, then we'll shoot the arrows into the braziers, while Clarence stands ready to slam the door and turn the wheel before it starts to build up any depth.  I don't think it's a great idea to be wading in that stuff, we'd probably all need new boots and hose.

"And of course that's all assuming this works.  We can't be sure it will.  While it surely looks like someone set this up as bait, we can't make out the full inscription.  It might say something like 'don't set a fire in this room if you value your life.'"

OK, hold them up ready to shoot.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 19):

since this isn't flaming missiles, this is an extra -2 added to a -3 for target size

total of -5 to hit

"Give us a couple heartbeats to aim."  Mario readies the arrow from his never-empty quiver and waits to synchronize with Mellarill, then nocks, draws, and begins to aim.  After three turns of aiming, he mumbles "Go!" past the shaft against his cheek and holds aim for Jocelyn to cast.

As soon as the fire blossoms on the arrow, he releases.  The arrow flies true.

She aims with mario and releases a second after he does.

In reply to Mellarill (msg # 22):

Clarence does as directed...

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 23):
several things happen at once:

fire blossoms in first one basket followed by the other a moment later.
there is a great rumbling sound, and the water of the pool roils

then the lion vomits a stream of silver coins into the violently bubbling waters!

Jocelyn grabs the nearest shield and apports it into the stream where she attempts to deflect the coins onto the floor.  She moves back into the room and uses her strength to hold the shield until she has to release it due to fatigue approaching, then gathers the coins while watching the roiling waters.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 25):

Clarence will assist her in trying to deflect the coins out of the water.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 26):

a fair number of coins hit the floor instead of the pool, but the majority went into the water.

how close is Clarence to the pool?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 27):

Hard to say. He does not have an exaggerated sense of self preservation when finances are at risk...how close should he be to get most of the silver?

"Jocelyn, do you have magic to dry up this, um, water?"

No, nothing like that. We should look around for a rake or shovel

Are coins still pouring out?

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 30):

the coins poured out for two seconds...

as Clarence is grabbing coins, a number of tentacles lash out of the water!

dodge or be hit!

everyone else make a fright check
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Thu 03 Aug 2023.

Jocelyn doesn't manage to doge given her concentration on the coins, but reacts quickly and cuts/burns the tenticle with her Flame Jet.

Mario drops to a knee, left hand on the floor, and begins to vomit.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 32):

Clarence also fails his dodge...his shield is too small!

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 34):

a charred tentacle recoils from Jocelyn, two others wrap around Clarence's arm and leg!

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 35):
npc'd
"Ta be an elder thing o some as yet undocumented varietal! Now we ken what sets ta silver carrot."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 36):

Clarence will draw his knife to cut it off!

Mario, still retching, tries to rise and lift his bow.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 38):

spearless, Charlene leaps in to slash at a tentacle with her knife.

the creature is large enough for several to attack it.

Jocelyn gets clear, then casts Flame Jet again at 2 point strength to help free Clarence.

Mario readies the ordinary arrow from his never-empty quiver while trying (unsuccessfully) to suppress the spasm in his belly.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 41):

Clarence scratches a tentacle with his knife...

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 42):

one tentacle is badly damaged, but it lifts Clarence off the ground!

Jocelyn you created the 2yd 2d flame jet, make an innate attack: jet roll to strike and deliver the damage.

Anything from Brodak?

Nodwin prepares a crossbob bolt and aims...

Mario grits his teeth and readies his arrow to the bow, draws and releases all in one motion;

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 44):

Nodwin's bolt and Mario's arrow strike the large thing in the water.  Frustrated, the creature throws Clarence accross the room;he takes 4 pts crushing before DR.

"Bro -- ulp! -- Brodak!  Chop -- urp!"

Mario continues to fight the retching as he readies his ordinary arrow.

The flame jet would have hit if the monster hadn’t thrown Clarence…

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 47):

it is SM+1 so you hit!

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 48):

Clarence picks himself up and gets ready to go back to assist his friends...
This message was last edited by the player at 07:36, Fri 11 Aug 2023.

With Clarence free, she moves away togather hersel and recover a little.

Mario's now-empty stomach continues to spasm; he waits for a pause in the (now) dry heaves to nock arrow to bow, draw, and loose.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 51):

npc'd

Jareth calls out to the creature
"Ia IA Ch'tagn Myleh'thu Vrag'teh?

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 52):

as Mario's arrow strikes, the thing rears up, waving three intact and 1 damaged tentacle.

"Ph'nglui Grum'tha, D'sraal!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:44, Sat 12 Aug 2023.

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 53):

"Twer wirth a shot, nae? It wan'ts to eat yer brain, er all of our brains."

Jocelyn starts casting ...

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 54):

"Yeah, worth a shot. But I am partial to keeping my brains..."

He moves closer with his knife to protect those closer.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 56):

as Jocelyn raises her fireball, Two thrashing tentacles lay into Charlene!

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 57):

Is Clarence close enough to assist blocking them?

Mario once more readies an arrow -- this time a silvered one -- between retching.

Brodak hacks at one tenticle.

She doesn't think an arrow will be useful and moves forward, drawing her sword, which she uses to hack at the other tentlicle.

She adds adds to the growing Fireball. (now 2D)

Mario nocks the silvered arrow to the string, draws, and releases all in one motion...

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 63):

Broak cleaves through one of the tentacles on Charlene.

Mellarill critically hits, and cleaves through the tentacle as well-

the arrow strikes true...
This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Mon 14 Aug 2023.

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 64):

Charlene shrugs off the tentacles, which wriggle apout on the ground and sprout mouths at the place they were severed!

In reply to Charlene Le Poire (msg # 65):

Clarence will kick them away and stand guard against any more coming...

"Urp!  Burn -- ulp -- burn it!"

Mario tries a fast-draw of a silvered arrow, and manages it; he nocks, draws, and releases all in a heartbeat.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 67):

At the direction, Clarence will resheath his knife and try to draw a torch, which he will light...if he did not drop it! Ignoring the dropped torch for now, he will draw a second torch and light it. This, will, unfortunately, take time...

Jareth swats one of the writhing severed tentacles with his staff, squishing it.

the main body of the beast withdraws from the edge of the pool with its few good tentacles.

She has the fireball up to 3D size and seeks to throw it at the monster .

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 70):

the now burning thing retreats into the roiling water, steam and froth rise from the turgid pondd

"Charlene?  Clarence?  You guys okay?"

Is the lion's head carving still spewing coins?

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 72):

Clarence stands guard in case it re-emerges.

"I am good, though a bit shook up..."

I am very drained at the moment...

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 72):

for the last 5 seconds it has been spewing coins into the fountain. it looks to be slowing down.

Mario drops his bow, snatches a sack out of his backpack, and rushes to the edge of the pool, holding out the sack to try to catch as many coins as possible.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 76):

Clarence will continue to guard her as she does so...

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 77):

npc'd
"Are ye certes ta ye want tae get close like ta, wit yon thing still in tae pool?"

Mario skids to a halt.

"I was thinking we'd discouraged it, but you're right, maybe we ought to just wait for everything to settle down and then use the sack to get the coins out of the fountain."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 79):

something is still moving about in the murky water...

In reply to Thing in the pool (msg # 80):

Can Clarence see it? Can he attack it?

Mario returns to where he dropped his bow, still retching a bit.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 81):

the water in the pool is foaming and dark; per-3 to guesstimate a location

In reply to Narrator (msg # 83):

Then Clarence will stand guard, holding his attack until something comes out of the water...

Mario readies his bow, now prepared once more in case the tentacled creature returns.

"Uuurp."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 85):

we are getting on that point in time.

make an IQ-2 roll to guess roughly how much silver is in the pool.

Nope ...

Mario's retching starts to drop off and his color improves.  "Good gods, what was that thing?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 88):

Clarence thinks the pool is made of silver, or otherwise has no clue.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 88):

Mario suspects there may be between 3 and 4 lbs of silver... when the silver stopped, the bonfires went out.

"Anyone know what a pound of silver is worth?  Pretty sure there's three or four pounds in there.  How do we get it out?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 91):

"Just fish it out, no?"

"Sure, but first we need to be sure that thing is well and truly discouraged.  Or preferably dead.  And then we need a way to keep whatever acid is in that pool from eating us over the time it takes to fish the silver out."

And if the water were to leak out?

"That would solve the problem of the water.  I don't know if it would discourage that thing.

"Why, do you have a way to make the water leak out?"

She shrugs  Perhaps, lets see what the sides are made of ...

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 96):

brilliant! casting would be at -3 due to poor vision

Give me a minute or two ... want to try something.  She mumbles and does a funny jig ... then repeats it twice more.


There should be two bigger chunks of silver with a handle on them, everyone protect someone while they grab them... I'll try again in a minute.

Mario readies a silvered arrow to his bow and stands a few yards off.

"Clarence?  Are you hands okay after last time?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 99):

"Sure. Do you want met to grab, or protect?"

"If your hands are okay, probably best you grab; Mel, Brodak and I can discourage the thing if it comes back up.  Use this sack."  He pokes at the dropped sack with his toe, pushing it toward Clarence.  "We'll rinse it out when we get where there's cleaner water, so that stuff doesn't eat it up before we can get back home."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 101):

the acid is more virulent than before- it burns Clarence's hand for 3 points!

In reply to Narrator (msg # 102):

Nodwin rushes over to tend the wound, pouring water over the hand and wrapping it (healing 1 pt) before laying hands and healing it further.

Jocelyn sighs... Hold on a minute. She walks closer and then again mumbles and dances slightly ...

In reply to Nodwin Zideqick (msg # 103):

Clarence is taken aback by the stronger acid, thanking Nodwin for his quick actions.

He is more cautious than before...is he fully healed now?

"Wow, sorry, Clarence, what comes out with the coins must be stronger, or maybe it gets weaker as it sits.

"What have you got, Jocelyn?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 106):

Jocelyn has 3lbs of silver, or something in the area of  $15k

"Is there still more in the pool?  If so, we seem to be okay for you to rest up if you need to.  If not, you might want to rest before we head back anyway."

Some rest would be good ....

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 109):

excluding what you have retrieved, there is some in the pool and some, but not as much as before somewhere behind the lion head.

She informs everyone, then rests.

After resting, she will try to get more silver, first from the Lion's Mouth

14:17, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 11 using 3d6.  Apportation.

After that shewill try to getthe remianing silver in the water into a single ingot and apport it out.


Theshe wants to rest a little more before leaving.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 111):

Jocelyn gets the last of the silver from the pool, slightly less than a pound.

"Good job, Jocelyn.  Please, rest up, we may need your magic on the way out.

"Okay, I think we've gotten what we're going to get here; once Jocelyn has rested up, we should probably head back up to the surface.  I'm a little concerned that those guys we tied up might have gotten loose -- or been set free by their friends -- so we'll want to watch pretty closely when we go back past their spot -- unless folks want to risk trying to find another way back up.  I don't recall seeing a lot of options unless the Calorium has another exit or we find something on this level, this side of the pipe room and furnace room, but we should be able to turn left when we get back to that main corridor -- past the drain that had the maned rat stuck in it -- and avoid their territory altogether."
This message was last updated by the player at 17:30, Sun 03 Sept 2023.

After about 30 minutes, Jocelyn is quite ready to move on.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 114):

gathering the  silver, you make your way through the valve door, and keep an eye outvforvthe angry fireball tosser.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 115):

"Yeah, I am happy for the quickest way back."

He will help out carrying as much as he can.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 116):

you get out of the pool room, and head into the room below the tepidarium and up the stepwell to the tepidarium itself- are you locking the doors behind you?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 117):

That would be advisable... Clarence would if no special skill roll is required.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 118):

closing that is no problem.  the slippery floor upstairs though... everyone make a regular dx check

14:40, Today: Mellarill rolled 8 using 3d6.
14:39, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 16 using 3d6.  DX.
14:39, Today: Brodak rolled 9 using 3d6.  DX.
14:42, Today: Mellarill rolled 13 using 3d6.  Grab Jocelyn

Brodak and Mell a rill have no issues and Mell is able to grab Jocelyn as she starts to fall on her keester. She still goes down, but much more gently.

Mario manages to keep his center above his feet.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 121):

Clarence lands unceremoniously on his rear after skating across the floor...

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 122):

a bloated hand grips the edge of the tiles by Clarence, and something surfaces in the tepid waters.

it is by no means out of the water yet
This message was last edited by the player at 17:13, Tue 05 Sept 2023.

In reply to Rotting corpse (msg # 123):

Clarence will get up again and get ready to keep going...

Seeing the roiling waters, Jocelyn casts...

Mellarill keeps her upright during the casting.

Mario draws the arrow from his never-empty quiver, nocks, draws and releases in a single motion, aiming at the thing's skull.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 126):

the shot to the face drops it back but doesn't finish it.. Jocelyn  roll jet attack and damage, you might havr the end of it
This message was last edited by the player at 16:59, Thu 14 Sept 2023.

In reply to Rotting corpse (msg # 127):

Jocelyn?

In reply to Narrator (msg # 128):

Yes Dear, I'm here...

15:59, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 10 using 2d6.  Flame Jet Damage.
15:58, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 13 using 3d6.  Flame Jet (2d).

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 129):

the burning corpse sinks motionless into the pool.
 You head out through the doors into the hallway...

Which you find to be blessedly empty.

We are heading back up to Junior House?

I believe so; we have some silver to convert back to coin and divide up, plus a couple items we found along the way (like this gold ring from the drowned maned rat, we estimated it at $4200 on the spot when we found it).

Then we probably also need to decide if something needs to be done about The Plumber and that Flame Lord.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 131):

Yep, up to divide the loot. Have we heard about Christine killing the flame lord at the Abbey? I believe they are still in town, right?

Also, is Clarence order ready yet?
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Fri 15 Sept 2023.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 132):

Christine's group largely does not carouse, trying to recall if Masugatan or Aegis were with that group...

In reply to Narrator (msg # 133):

Not so sure about Masugatan, but Jednessa was...

Masugatan was with Christine's group, along with his barfly girlfriend, Valerie.

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 135):

word from the assortment of holyfolk and non-catausers has not returned from theAbbey... Masugatan was in the Vale and someone needs to make a carousing roll to garner rumors.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 136):

Clarence is not your best choice for carousing...

OOC: Marios' more likely to go look for a good cup of tea than anything you'd call carousing, but he'll do that as soon as the loot is divided up.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 138):

You hear that the blue haired elf Marie went south and charmed a dragon, slaughtered knights and a flame lord

In reply to Narrator (msg # 139):

If she is back, then she could be hired to deal with the flame lord?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 140):

you have heard a conflicting rumor that Marie was killed by an archer and scalped.

"I think there's something strange about this Marie beyond being an elf."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 142):

That does not sound good. When did that happen? When was she last seen?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 143):

Marie has been heard of in many places, particularly in bedrooms and bars.

You need to make an area knowledge Northport at -2 top try and locate her.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 144):

Can I just go to the Adventurer's guild and ask?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 145):

you can but nyou may need to carouse or pay for info from someone who has it.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 146):

Fair. Paying for info would be the best use of cash for Clarence. He will seek out those that direct missions, after asking the guy on the door when she or her friends were last seen.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 147):

"Well then Clarence! Is it the bard Marie you seek, or the witch Christine?"

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 148):

"The one who killed the flame lord. There is one under the baths that is troublesome."

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 149):

"I dinna ken. One set fire to the trollfolk and the other sets fire to passions with her song... Bunch a fellers goin by tae name o 'Sons o Marie' seemed confused as well One er tae other were here a few days ago..."

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 150):

"Righto. They still around?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 151):

"I kin tell ye if someone is in the guild, (unless they pay me not tae)
but wha they get up tae outside inna mine tae worry on"

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 152):

"True enough. Where were they last seen?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 153):

"One a tem an crew walked out ta door yesterday. Dunno where tae went, they dinna tell me."

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 154):

"Righto. Who else is in their crew?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 155):

The doorman taps a small sign Tips be appreciated


make a reaction roll (add in any guild rank, subtract any social stigma...)

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 156):

"Of course..." he hands him a silver.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 157):

neutral. social stigma criminal doesn't help with him, although Vilgar would approve of you.
"They were a right crowd of priesly women, looks tae hae been three, plus Masugatan an Val. Tae stone gnome McNealy had come with but dinna go back out."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:42, Thu 28 Sept 2023.

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 158):

Clarence will thank him and ask who is Val, almost as an afterthought. Has Clarence heard of Masugatan or Val?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 159):

"Valerie? Aye she be a proper adventurer, but at the start of things like yersel."

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 160):

"Just started? Where was she before she started?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 161):

he seems to be referring to her uh, point value

In reply to Narrator (msg # 162):

Sure, but Clarence is taking him literally. Because Clarence is like that!

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 161):

"Whae folks do afore they come ta tae guild inna any o me affair."

In reply to Aemon McCain (msg # 164):

"Ah, for sure. But you know much and you said it was a recent hanger, so I thought you might know. Or might that cost more?"

He thanks him and heads out.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 165):

Make an Area Knowledge, guild roll +1 (IQ-3 fif defaulting)

In reply to Narrator (msg # 166):

Yeah, Clarence is none-to-bright in that regard. Can he ask his companions?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 167):

ask away

In reply to Narrator (msg # 168):

Clarence will ask if anyone else knows of Val's life before she became an adventurer. Her name seems familiar for some reason.

The elder sister shares a glance and shrug with the younger.

"We'd never been to Northport before, we arrived just a couple days before we met you and Christine."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:49, Sun 01 Oct 2023.

In reply to Evelina Grattan (msg # 170):

belay that, you already left town

In reply to Narrator (msg # 171):

Clarence was successful in finding a tone who knew Val the few short weeks ago before she became an adventurer?

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 172):

successful how? it would be ak guild -2 or carousing -1 of ak northport-4 she is not a person of particular reputation.

I  am not trying to merge groups of differing power levels here.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 173):

Yeah get that. Just trying to work out how to deal with a critter that is beyond our capabilities...

But Clarence is not particularly well qualified to do the search, and the rest of the group is very quiet.

OOC:

I at least was letting you do this search -- Mario hasn't seen either Christine or Marie, as far as I know, and isn't all that concerned about the flame lord at this point. Don't forget the classic method of dealing with an enemy too powerful for your group: run away.  We did the equivalent (stayed away), found the silver (did we ever get a divided up value for the loot from that run?), and returned to the group house reasonably unscathed.

I agree, the flame lord seems too powerful for our group: currently you (and Lefty, when he's around), me, Charlene, Brodak, Jocelyn, and Nodwin if he's still active?  Jareth's player is on hiatus, and Nodwin hasn't said much lately.  Mellarill, who doesn't bring Crotchsniffer down the ladders and has also been pretty quiet (NPCed?).

With a really good plan, it's possible we could take down the flame lord, but I think we'd wind up with our collective tail between our legs.  Mel and I can't shoot him without being in range of his fireballs (if our arrows would even do anything to him), Jocelyn has little or no combat magic aside from fire (which probably won't do anything of consequence to the flame lord), Brodak and Charlene would have to get close enough to get badly burned just from proximity to attack him, and you'd have the same problem.

If we could lure him under the tepidarium and punch a hole in the bottom of the pool (no, don't know how we'd do that), the water (in that volume) might do him harm -- or it might not, and anyone else nearby would be in danger of being swept away, too.  We probably can't do that, though, because he's bound in the furnace that heats all that water.

Sheeit! I'm a player jus'like you ... least you ain't always tryin'ta pinch me or feel me up.

I wouldn't do that, Mel -- unless invited, of course...

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 177):

Clarence has been slapped often enough to know better...most of the time. He may need an occasional reminder though...he is not too bright or well brought up.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 178):

npc'd
"Ai dinna what we nee Marie for, tae flamelord no longer has wha we nee.
Let us gae tae Junior House an see abou fortifying an wha.  Benito should be finna wi tae ... reinforcements..."

"That's more or less what I was saying.  Let's get this silver either broken down into coins again, or sold for coin, along with this ring I got from the drowned maned rat at the clogged drain, and divvy up.

"Jocelyn, can you separate the coins again, or are they too joined now to do that?"
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:05, Tue 17 Oct 2023.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 180):

OCC she can return them to coins shapes with another casting

In reply to Narrator (msg # 181):

"Or better yet, form it into rough jewelry?"

Put it all together, better, lets wait till we are in the house and then do this.

"Oh, yes, surely.

"We'll still need to find a buyer for this ring, unless one of us wants to keep it."

First, we should see if it is enchanted.

"That seems sensible.  Can you check?"

I can likely tell you if it is magical, but not what it may be able to do.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 187):

"That would be a start..."

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 187):

that would be an IQ+magery roll

In reply to Narrator (msg # 189):

I was going to say even Clarence could try that...until I rolled! Not a critical fail, mind you.

Mario hands over the ring for Jocelyn to examine.

She takes it, rolls it over on her right hands index finger and mumbles something as she moves her foot and left hand in a peculiar mothing.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 192):

Unfortunately, there is nothing magical about this particular gutter ring.

She passes this information along.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 194):

Sell all we can for cash then?

"Seems like the way to go -- how many francs did we wind up with, and what can we get for the ring?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 196):

the ri g is worth about $115 on its own, and you halve just about 3lbs of silver- about 746 coins worth about $20 each,so just over $15k all told.

Well we should be able to eat for a few days then ...

"Indeed.  We've got, let's see, Jareth, Nodwin, Brodak, Clarence, me, Jocelyn, Mellarill, and was Charlene getting paid wages or a partial share?  And we owe Charlene a replacement spear, or at least a shaft and getting it remounted to the head."

OOC: 746 x 20 = 14920, plus $115 gives $15035. Did I miss anyone?  7 shares and a wage, or 7 1/2 shares, after replacing/repairing Charlene's spear?

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 199):

"I'd really appreciate the half share, it could free me up from having to get other gigs if you follow me."

"Well, you have my vote, you did a good job on that trip."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 201):

"Yes, I agree."

OOC: a common spear shows as $40, or $60 for a "long spear" (reach 2,3 so I think Charlene had the regular sort with reach 1,2).  $40 off gives $14990,  1/15 would make Charlene's half share $999, each of the rest of us would get twice that with $5 left over, if we agree on a half share for her.  I'd be inclined to give the $5 to Charlene, too.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 203):

Sounds good. $1004 for Charlene and $1998 for everyone else. Is Clarence orders ready yet? Also, any CP?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Sun 29 Oct 2023.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 204):

"Woot! gonna buy some armor!"

"Armor's always good, as long as it doesn't slow you down too much.  If I were made of money, I'd like to get something harder that's been lightened by magic -- but that won't happen any time soon.  This will bring me closer to getting a quiver like this one," he gestures at the quiver with a single arrow, "but with silvered heads, or maybe a magic arrow."

Mario excuses himself and goes to his own room briefly.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:03, Sun 29 Oct 2023.

I concur with Charlene getting a half share and the odd $5.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 207):

you all have returned to your lock of row houses, which could use some whitewash, roof tiles, bedding and locks.  The places are cleaner, thanks to Nodwin's collection of Vejovian  cultists doing upkeep.
The druid in the new grove behind the houses has increased the greenery in that yard, and Benito's shop on the corner is doing well.

Upgrades needed for the home place, eh?  Locks, definitely, roof tiles we should get (leaks are bad), and bedding is a very important luxury.  Whitewash?  Well, it does protect the building materials...

Let's ask around and see what the structure repairs/improvements will cost, and ask in a different place about bedding (mattress ticks and straw, rope and frame beds, blankets, pillows, maybe even sheets...

Mario doesn't remember sleeping between sheets, though he's well aware some folks do it every night.  Might be a nice novelty.

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 209):

Are Clarence orders all ready? I think I remember something about them being ready now...so Clarence will clamber off to get them, and sell the items he no longer needs.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 210):

Clarence can go collect his parcels, locks cost upward of $50 each, and outfitting the rooms should cost about $400 per person, less if you buy cheap.

Each point in base gets you one status higher from the -2 start; 2 points gets you an average apartment within the home.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 211):

Ok. Clarence already has 2 points in base. He will spend $450 to get a lock and outfit his room, selling the flail but keeping the rugged lantern. How much will he get for the flail?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 05:51, Wed 06 Dec 2023.

I'll drop the $400, but knowing how little good locks do against someone who's not just an opportunist, he'll go for a cheap lock ($25?).

Also, did I miss a point award recently?  Last one I have recorded is from April.  Regardless, I have a few unspent, I'll go ahead and spend the 2 cp on Base to bring up the status of my apartment.

She buys a good lock and spends up to $500 to fix up her rooms and the outside of the building.
She knows the lock is not perfect, but the thief who tries to pick it in her absence will not succeed regardless.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 214):

The Vejovians have been keeping the place clean, and whitewashed the fronts of the buildings, and some have even removed the bloodstains from the floors.


They report to you that there have been people with guards and fancy clothes inspecting the area.

In reply to cultist (msg # 215):

"Wha manner o swells? We hae tae deed tae this property.
Who comes tae 'inspect'?"

the Vejovians are a little uncertain, but describe well dressed folk in some kind of uniform
who are neither wearing the blue cl9aks of the local guardsmen
nor the purple robes of the Hadereum.

What color robes were the Cultists using? The ones who were worshipping Chaos / the Devourer/ aka the Saturnines?

"Those cultists were in dark brown -- I think someone said they were using dead squid and cats to dye the robes for some reason."

She looks at the Vejovians So a dark Brown color?

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 220):

The vejovians shake their heads and hash out a conflicting set of descriptions that involve
 blue and yellow stripes and lots of gold trim on ornate gear.
There were armed guards with them, wearing blue and yellow.
Most of all, they were kind of snooty and looked like they smelled something bad.

In reply to cultist (msg # 221):

Do we recognize any of the descriptions?

Character may well know but the Player is clueless.

In reply to Jocelyn Lemru (msg # 223):

Anyone have area knowledge: Northport ? If so, roll at +1, if not IQ-3.

npc'd

"Azure and Gilt? Sounds like the Merchant's Guild.  Seen a few tae came ta Dismal Tower for research like."

Ah, yes, that is correct .. thanks Jareth.

16:44, Today: Jocelyn Lemru rolled 9 using 3d6.  Knowledge of uniform colors. – 9

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 225):

npc'd
"Nae wha use tae Merchants guild hae got wi our likkle
corner o Redlight is a mystery tae me."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 227):

"My business is cracking. That may be some of the reason..."

This is where his shop is located, right? What percentage of his business is from Adventures, including this party?

In reply to Benito Drake (msg # 228):

A guy from the guild named Oren bought up a lot of the armor; he apparently hires out guards to caravans.
That was a good chunk of his trade;
he also made some locking hardware for a Shevnian innkeeper
a couple blocks up.
Benito was working in the basement when
the envoys came.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 229):

The Vejovians assist in installing the new furnishings.
They may need expanded quarters, and it might noot be a bad use for
the prior cult headquarters, especially as the Vejovians worship
underground.

Do we own that too?

In reply to Benito Drake (msg # 231):

"Hadereum hae gien us from as high ae tae heavans an ae low as Hades."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 14:33, Sat 17 Feb.

In reply to Benito Drake (msg # 231):

"That is a long way down...how far down do they own to give us?"

In reply to Benito Drake (msg # 233):
"Hae dinna ken wha tae inhabitants ae tae lower spaces think abou all o tha, but tae Hadereum seems tae think so."

"I guess one could question how deep Hades is, but I don't think we'll need to know any time soon.  As far as pushing any inhabitants down there out of our space, I guess it'd depend on what inhabitants.  I don't think I'd want to try to dispute ownership with that monster worm we saw down there, so big it filled the passage.  Nor, I think, with the adults of Clarence's friend Lefty.

"Then again, if they were to pay us a little rent..."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 235):

"I don't think spiders pay rent...but there are worse things than spiders in the deep places of the earth..."

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 236):

"Tae Saturnines din hae running water an facilities as needed..."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 237):

lefty and crotchsniffer have a brief staredown that ends with Lefty climbing out out of the little dog's reach, up by the ceiling.

In reply to Smol spoder (msg # 238):

Right. Separate rooms for those two...

So the rooms we have are kind of organised? Except for the giant cobwebs in Clarence room...

The Vejovians have been makig themselves useful in that respect, but you still need to spend to upgrade a little.

Nodwin has about 48 pts of allies, and Jareth might end up with a sort of unwilling follower, Pierre the one eyed.

Clarence was doing a little upgrading, according to what he needs. How much does he get selling the Flail to Benito, the local arms dealer?

You get 40% of its value.  Benito gets more, and he is his sister's ally, and not automatically getting the rest of you your higher value.

In reply to Narrator (msg # 242):

Yes, no problem with that. Just unsure how much it was worth with the rugged lantern removed.

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 243):

You all have made some upgrades... now what?

Not sure. Where to from here?

Mario looks around for strangers, then lowers his voice.  "There was the gateway down in the cultist area -- Jareth said it probably led to the Dreamlands?  Whatever that is."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 246):

"Interesting. Does anyone know more about that?"

Best ask him before we wander into someplace we best had not be.

"Ai ken ta methods of scrying and ope ta gate, as learnt from tae Ymid."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 249):

"Tae Dreamlands hae got many entrances, but tae one we have open intae Valley o Panath, full of bones, where tae Bhole came from.
Ah must scry tae other settings on tae gate tae see wha lies beyond each."

"It does not sound like a nice place to visit..."

"From the glimpse I've had through that gate, I would tend to agree, but at the least we should determine whether it's practical to close the gate permanently or dismantle it, for the protection of our world -- at the least, prevent it being opened from the Dreamlands side."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 252):

"Now that sounds smart..."

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 253):

"Dismantle? Nay I say. Control, command, utilize - Yeah , and verily!"

"Okay, and how are we to prevent others with knowledge of such things opening the gate when we're not around?  Or from the other side?"

"We need tae secure our properties agin incursion from our side;
I ken tae close tae gate with tae methods taught me by tae Ymid, inna name o Iotsototh."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 256):

"That is a start. Is the gate closed now?"

"Okay, close off or gate in that section.  Jareth's skills and mine suggest we not trust mere locks.  Perhaps we could get Benito to brick up the connections to other parts of the undercity?  Done well, that would be a significant obstacle, especially to those who don't know what's there to seek.

"I recall we had a connection into the main sewers; that for certain should be blocked off, though ideally in a way we could pass if needed.  There's also the way to the Plumber's area and the flame lord -- I don't really feel those should be welcome in our space."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 258):

"Agreed. Have a locked room for my friend to invite his family? As for Benito, you could ask him, but he seemed pretty busy lately. Perhaps he knows a guy?"

"You're probably right.  We'll have to ask who he recommends, though we had previously thought it best not to bring in outsiders if we can avoid it -- that's how rumors get around."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 260):

"I know a guy named Lifty who is good at keeping his mouth shut."

In reply to Charlene Le Poire (msg # 261):

"Could he do the work though?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 262):

"If he can't then I be he knows a guy who can."

"Let's look at Jareth's maps again to see if we can get Lifty down to the places we need walled up without actually showing him the gate.

"No matter how good he is at keeping his mouth shut, you can't tell what you never knew.  Even to a mage or priest.  And if we don't need to blindfold him to keep him from seeing something, so much the better."

"You have a point there. While you figure the particulars, I am going to go and look him up and see if he is still game for this kind of thing."

a few hours later...

"I went and looked Lifty up, he injured his back hauling the goods of fifty or so cultists, and his Guild retired him out as a bartender.
He did recommend Voorland the smith."

OOC: Do we have access to Jareth's map?  I think we need that (or equivalent) to determine what ways we want to gate or brick in, and how or if it's possible to get Voorland to the work sites without him seeing the Gate...

You have access to the map; one of the areas that needs a new door is right past the gate
(the bhole destroyed it passing through once out of the gate.)
There are other areas that need work, but the door To the gate was repaired a bit by Benito,
 but the passage from that area through the smashed doorway and into Left's family area is still in need of work.

Whoever does the work would need to be supervised and or sworn to secrecy.  Benito is currently more involved with his shop.

"Well, while it would be much better if one of us could do the work, I'm not skilled with stone or metal.  I can make a longbow in two or three days or several arrows in a single day if I have a supply of points, but I'd have to learn the skills to do masonry."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 269):

"An Ah might persuade ta one eyed Pierre who came wit tae Vejovites but had a run in wit tae Yr-go ta do sommat tae work"

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 270):

"Ah, not my thing either."

"Was Pierre a mason or artificer of some sort?  I thought that was one of your sage friends that had that Yr-go 'companion'."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 272):

"Er, that would be Emmet ta Gnome sage. Pierre ta half-blind were ta one ta Ymid's yr-go snatched an eye from ta make ta yr-go what we sold ta Emmet. He been seein' what lies beyond... an were a common laborer from Veroigne afore."

"Ah, my mistake -- he's already an insider, as it were, so if he can do the work, he'd be the right choice."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 274):

"I will go find him."

Nodwin returns with the mumbling one eyed follower.  He has none of the jewels of a master mason, but does have a rope with twelve knots at his belt,
which is something at least.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Sat 27 Apr.

"Ah, Pierre, I hope you're doing well.

"Please take a look at this map of some of the underways and let us know if you can handle repairing gates and bricking up some passages -- we want to ensure casual traffic like city workers and misdirected adventurers doesn't wander into our section and potentially get into trouble."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 277):

"Need... mortar, sand, quicklime, bricks... need barrow and trowel and hod... need someone to hold a torch."

In reply to Pierre the half blind (msg # 278):

"Holding torches is my speciality..."

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 279):

Pierre turns his head to give Clarence the once over with his remaining eye.
"Ayuh. That would follow"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:03, Sun 28 Apr.

"I'm sure we can get the materials you need, though we'll probably have to haul them down there ourselves, and one of us might have to carry your hod and mix your mortar, too.  We need to keep this job a little close, in terms of not increasing the number of folks who know what's down there."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 281):

"Oh, in case Pierre needs backup, there is another fellow comes cheaper than Voorland, another dwarf named Viglaf. Lifty saif Voorland had been at work in those troll infested winecellars, and that Viglaf might be easier to get hold of."

"Do we need them, or can we do it ourselves, just with your help?"

In reply to Clarence Montague (msg # 283):

"Ai Dinnae if Pierre can stay focused w'out another pair o hands."

In reply to Jareth Mooncalled (msg # 284):

"Other than mine?"

"Of course, he'd spend more time mixing mortar and moving bricks than he does laying them.  Viglaf sounds like he has experience in underground work, but does anyone know if he's prone to blabbing in the tavern or such?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 286):

"I was told he had a reputation for reliability"

"Not quite the same as keeping quiet when quiet is needed, but it might have to do."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 288):

"Do you want me to fetch him?"

"Yes, let's talk to him before we commit to anything."

About an hour later Charlene returns with a moderately intoxicated dwarf with a number of tools hanging from his belt.

"You'll be Viglaf, will you?  Charlene thinks you're reliable enough for a quiet job we need done, helping Pierre over there, carrying hod and the like.  I don't know as it requires you to be sober, as such, but it would surely help if you can walk steadily and more so if you can keep your mouth shut about anything you might see while the work is being done.  In fact, I'd call that last an absolute requirement."

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 292):

The dwarf cups one ear.

"Yer gonna have to talk LOUDER than that Lad, I can barely hear ya>"

Mario tries to hide an eye roll, and raises his voice.

"Can you be sober enough to work and keep your mouth shut about what you see, even when you drink?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 294):


The dwarf frowns as if being personally insulted.
"When I work, I work. When I drink, I drink, and not both at once. If the job is private, it stays private."

"No offense intended, but we don't know you.  We do know Charlene, and she says you're reliable.  Can you carry hod?"

In reply to Mario Crowfoot (msg # 296):
"I am a craftsman. Someone carries hod for me."

"Looks like you and Pierre will have to sort out between you who's in charge, then."

Turning away from Viglaf for a moment, he lowers his voice. "We might need to hire a couple hod carriers then.  I don't know anything about it other than what a hod looks like and I'm pretty sure a common laborer isn't going to be able to mix good mortar.  We'll also need to keep a guard down there while they're working, so folks like Charlene and Mellarill and me won't want to have our hands full with heavy stuff."

Turning back to Viglaf, "What's your working wage?  I'm not sure how long this job will take, but at least a couple days, possibly a week.  We'll show you what needs done so you can estimate the time and materials."

"I might do for $220 a week."


This is the going rate for a common craftsman, give or take $20

OOC: How much are we paying Pierre?