Rolf rubs his temples with thumb and forefinger as his head rests upon his palm, his elbow laid upon the hard wood of the library desk.  His other forearm, splayed across the open spine of a book on advanced motion theory, almost seems limp by this point but it isn't lost on Rolf that as he gently massages his aching head, his natural response is to push that arm, and the book it rests on away...

Actually, by this point, Rolf is happy to make up excuses to put the book down.  He has spent the better half of the last hour, his eyes shifting in and out of focus, trying to translate the verbose writing into any semblance of sense.  It had seemed a grand idea, some hours ago, to start ploughing though the text which was both written in Anglish (a rare thing, with so much of the magical arts written in Latin, which Rolf was yet to learn) and in a subject matter that Rolf was deeply interested in... though only now was he beginning to realize that there was no diamond in the rough.  In fact he was sure now that he was 200 pages in that he was not likely to really learn anything about point energy or planar magic that was of any real use...  Rolf yawns, flopping the cover of the tome closed.

It had been a long few months.

It seemed like forever ago that he, Darran, Lieutenant Broskow, and Bromdaeg had tromped back from the badlands of southern Megalos, with more of their number than not nursing significant injuries from the journey.  Broskow had his arm in a sling, cleanly broken from his fall down the rock face of the mine, while Darran's leg had been completely severed off by the Rock Worm which Bromdaeg and Rolf had barely managed to kill.  Only the Dwarf and the mage had been in any shape to carry anything back from the mine, which had proved to be an issue, as their single beast of burden had to be used to carry Darran back if they wanted to make any time at all.

Rolf sighs, his thoughts straying back to their leader, who seemed so much older now that the expedition was over.  Less a leg and with grey and white now streaked through his hair, Rolf had been worried about Darran's state of mind and his future.  The mage had visited Darran a few times since they had been back, one time pushing about a half a mark's worth of silver into the older man's hand.  But despite the injuries, Rolf couldn't help but say that Darran had remained just as determined, and just as productive (if not nearly as mobile) as he had been before the injury.  He was fitted now with a sort of prosthesis on his leg, a wood shaft that ended with wrapped leather which was good enough for Darran to hobble around on for a few hours at a time.

As for Bromdaeg and Broskow, Rolf had seen little of them since they had returned to Craine, though Duke Bran had been overjoyed at the prospect of copper and had recruited them both for another, larger expedition southward, this one including various craftsman and other laborers which had departed probably a month or so ago with a long line of mules and wagons...  Rolf had kept his nose mostly out of it, for he had no interest in returning so quickly to the mine where Darran had lost his leg.

"Ah, there he is!"

Rolf inwardly groans, for the voice belongs to none other than Sadim, one of the other junior members of the guild, just a year senior to Rolf, who seemed to have a special fondness for finding all of the worst jobs and requests in the guild and then passing them along to Rolf.  Every time Rolf heard that voice it seemed, it was another day wasted, time which could have been dedicated towards his studies.

"Rolf, I want you to meet Alma... Gasteyer, am I pronouncing that right?"

Rolf lets go of his forehead, bringing his right arm down to the small desk as he looks up at the two diametrically disparate people who approach him.  Sadim is long and lanky, towering four or five inches above Rolf's own height, his features smooth, his hair dark, his demeanor cool and charming.  The woman who walks at his side however, is about as far from that description as is possible.  Alma is at least a foot shorter than Sadim, Rolf would guess she barely scrapes over five feet, with rounded features and a cinched up smock-dress.  Her thin, blonde hair is wrapped into a tight ball at the back of her head, exposing all of her flushed face and slightly reddened eyes.  For the moment, she nods at Sadim before glancing back at Rolf.

The instant she looks away, Sadim flashes an over-expressive, shit eating grin.

"Alma here is the sister of Vunik Gasteyer, a former member of our guild and a wonderful friend of Master Dehogue.  It seems he has come across a little trouble recently."  Sadim readdresses his attention to Alma, concern etched upon his features.  "I assure you, Rolf is an expert in these sorts of things and he will manage to have matters sorted for you in no time."

Sadim glances at Alma again for a moment before inclining slightly.  "Well, I'm happy to have been of help!"  He winks again at Rolf before turning and starting towards the library door.

As for Alma, she continues to say nothing, only turning to meet Rolf's eyes, her puffy, reddened features seemingly caught in a moment of indecision.

OOC:  Thank you Rolf for the patience with getting this post up.  It is 2230 on the 27th of October, 2005.  It's been about three months since you traveled back from the mine at Three Corners with Broskow, Bromdaeg and Darran (Broskow indeed came all the way back with you rather than stopping back at the fort).  You have spent most of your time studying since the expedition, which seems to have made a good name for you, at least in the circles of the guild, which proves to be a double edged sword, as you keep finding yourself tasked with odds and ends that seem to constantly take you away from your studies.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:02, Sat 21 Dec 2019.

The trip back from the cave was rough to say the least, if not downright brutal.  Darran was in unrelenting pain all of the time and needed assistance from human or mule for any sort of movement.  And since the mule was burdened by carrying a human, that meant more for the rest of them to carry.  And even more for Bromdaeg and Rolf as Broskow refused to carry as much as he could and feigned more injury than he really had.

The mages feet blistered, his legs ached, and his back was tied up in knots.  All of which were made worse by the unrelenting heat.  Still, he was lucky.  He didn't break any bones or lose any limbs.  Somehow he had escaped serious injury, but despite all his good fortune he can't help but feel a large heaping of survivor guilt.

He easily could have been the one on the mule nursing a missing leg if it were not for his magic.  He knows it gave him an advantage above more mundane means of protecting oneself.  He just wishes his repertoire of spells were more offensively minded.  If it were the fight with the giant worm might have gone much differently, and maybe Darran would still have his leg.

When the Duke Bran offered the chance to return to the copper caves, Rolf declined.  He had other plans that centered mostly on training, when he wasn't being bothered with mundane tasks given to him by the annoying Sadim.

Since his return to Craine he hasn't seen much of Broskow or Bromdaeg.  Which bothered him a little in the case of Bromdaeg.  He had grown fond of the dwarf, even if he never did get the hand of his slurred thick speech.  He found him completely trustworthy and a valued companion.  But on the flip side he doesn't care if he ever sees the duplicitous Broskow again.

As for Darran, he had made it a point to visit him and give him a little of the funds he got from the trip.  Rolf is keen on observing a tithe of ten percent and he could think of none better to give it to than his former leader.  With his missing leg his ability to earn money is certainly going to be reduced.  It was the least the mage could do.  Sure, Darran made a show to refuse, but after much coaxing he did accept.  They say pride goeth before a fall, but in Darran's case this was not true.  The man surely faces many falls in the future, but he is a tough minded sort and Rolf is sure he will keep picking himself back up.

Presently he finds himself wrestling with a tome on planar magic, physics and energy.  But the going is long as the author is extremely long winded and refuses to get to the point.  He sighs and closes the book, desperate for a break.

He sits rubbing his temples and opens his eyes to the grating sound of Sadim's voice.  What does he want now? he thinks as he turns and wipes the irritation from his face.  No matter how much the man gets on his nerves, he is determined not to show any emotion.

He is surprised though to see a somewhat short woman who looks to be at least a little upset has come to greet him.

"What sort of trouble has Mr. Gasteyer gotten himself into?  And how can I be of help?" he asks Alma in the softest calmest voice he can muster  Seeking to soothe her jangled nerves.  Pointedly he avoids Sadim's gaze and focuses directly on Alma to allow her a chance to speak.

Rolf avoids looking at Sadim, though the gesture seems to have little meaning as the other walks quickly from the Library, departing through the main doors after only a few minutes.

As for Alma, she opens her mouth as if to speak, but stops herself before a single word, looking over her shoulder and finding a chair a few steps away, which she pulls a few feet from the desk Rolf is working at, flopping down on it with gusto.

"I'm sorry, it's been a long day."  Alma's voice is light, though throaty and hollow as if from overuse... perhaps another clue to her distress.  "This is the third time I'll go through this today, and I'm not sure I have the strength for it, but if it ends up helping Vunik, I suppose it will all be worth it."

Alma brings her eyes up to meet Rolf's, punctuating the unasked question, though Rolf is patient and waits for the whole story before interjecting.  Alma sighs and rests her head on the chair back as she slouches, her eyes going up towards the ceiling as she continues.

"He's my uncle actually.  He used to be quite active in this guild from the stories he's told, though it has been some time.  He's getting along in years and to be quite honest, his grip on reality has been slipping for years..."  She pauses, sitting up a little straighter for a moment as she makes eye contact again with Rolf.

"He's not crazy or anything, he is quite smart and observant even in his old age.  He just sometimes has a little trouble making connections that seem obvious to everyone else around him or otherwise makes connections that seem unlikely to everyone else.  There seem to be little gaps in his mind that are hard to reconcile and can become quite tedious to argue with him over.  Eccentric is probably the best description..."

Alma tips her head back again, and as she continues her voice quickens into almost a rehearsed style.

"It all started maybe seven months ago.  Vunik was walking home alone after drinking at the Barred Blade, quite drunk.  He detoured somewhere through the more affluent districts and accosted some nobles, running out in front of their horses spooking the animals and then berating them, Duke Bran, and others...  Needless to say he ended his night in the city prisons, though he didn't seem to calm down or sleep and continued to argue and pester the guards..."

"Well, I beseeched the Magistrate for clemency, and at first I had thought the plea had been heard, though in hindsight perhaps the punishment was much worse...  He was sent to Witten Asylum for treatment and I suppose at first you could even say he was improving, his mind engaged like it hadn't been for some time.  But before long his condition seemed to worsen again.  He became irrational, boastful, he ranted about his long unfulfilled promise and some great responsibility he had been given, a 'crowning achievement' he called it."

"Of course I have seen turns like that before so I hardly thought anything of it at the time... but the last time I went to see Vunik he told me he had a great secret.  He was animated... I didn't press him on it, I thought it more of the same and the visit wasn't long.  I went again the next day to see him and I was told he was 'unavailable'.  The next day I had the same response and again every day that week.  This was over a month ago.  I wrote letters asking for updates to his condition, pleading to be allowed to visit him again, but all of them were returned to me unopened."

"So I appealed to Doctor Heraladus himself...  I had thought he would give me the same treatment, but he responded to me this morning.  His message was short and said that Vunik was under strict doctor supervision, that his visitation privileges had been suspended indefinitely..."

Alma pushes herself up on her seat, her hand reaching up to her face as she wipes her lower eye, though her voice does not break.

"I feel foolish for not realizing there was something wrong when Vunik's condition changed.  He has never been self important or pompous...  But I will not abide another moment where nothing is done.  I know that Vunik is in danger and that this great secret no doubt is what is keeping him in isolation.  He has paid any debt he owes to society, and now his only chance is to be freed from Witten Asylum.  I implore you to help him.  To free him from that place."
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:18, Tue 24 Dec 2019.

Rolf sits back and listens to Alma, quietly and with his full attention.  It is clear the poor woman really cares for her Uncle and is concerned for his safety.

As she speaks, Rolf ponders the situation and attempts to visualize how Vunik would come across to a casual observer, and in his case a worker at the Witten Asylum.

Finishing her tale she stands and wipes a tear from her eye.

"Please sit. I insist." Rolf says as he motions her to her chair and stands himself.  Attempting to calm her he begins to pace and go through a mental exercise of assessing the situation.

"You love your Uncle dearly, that much is plain.  He sounds like he is a smart and wise man, but is getting old and his mind is not always in the present moment."

"I have heard it is common for the aged to lose themselves in bygone era's and not be aware of what is happening in the here and now.  They can become more and more oblivious to their surroundings."

He stops his pacing for a moment and adds as he pats her on her shoulder, "I'm sorry this is happening to your Uncle.  It's not fair and I wish there were a cure."

Changing gears he says as he continues to pace, "Have you heard of the term Novacula Occami?  It means when there is more than one explanation for something, the least complicated one is usually correct."

He pauses a moment to let that concept sink in.  Before he continues he moves his chair closer to Alma and places a hand softly on her forearm.

Mustering up as much sympathy he can in his voice he says, "It is possible that the workers at the asylum are part of some plot to prevent him from achieving some outcome, but there is a more plausible explanation.  Since he was a member of this guild for some time, it is a fair assumption he can weave magic.  Combine this with a weak hold on reality, and you have a very dangerous person."

Sitting back Rolf puts his arms behind his head and looks upwards.  "Despite his age I suspect he could still be a threat to those around him, including yourself.  Still, it would be worth a visit to the asylum and see if some sort of arrangement can be met with Doctor Heraladus where you can check on him and make sure he's okay."

Clasping his hands together he adds, "Are you free to visit him this very moment?  I could use a break from my studies and a breath of fresh air."

Alma is quiet while Rolf speaks, though as his purpose becomes clear, Alma's face drains of most of the splotchy pink, her eyes widen, and her head begins to shake back and forth in an emphatic 'no'.

"Oh, no you mustn't think that sir...  My uncle is eccentric perhaps but he has never been out of control... just difficult and certainly never violent."

Alma looks into Rolf's eyes, her own narrowing just slightly.  "You would know that if you saw him on your own or even if you saw Witten!"  Alma seems to be getting more and more animated, though her motions are sluggish and the shadows of the dark library at nighttime cast deep circles of exhaustion under her eyes.  "The place is just awful, most spend all their time there alone, or shouting across the room at people who aren't even there...  And most of the workers there are armed, carrying out awful things when any of the patients get out of hand!"

Alma slumps back, a hand rising to her face, hiding one eye and the bridge of her nose as her face droops.  For several moments she is quiet, though eventually she looks back up, her face set in stubbornness, though the tract of a single tear shines in the dim light of the lanterns.  "I'm sorry."  Alma breaths.  "Like I said it's been a long day.  I would go with you but I don't think I'll be of any help.  They know me there, quite well by now I'm afraid, and they won't even let me in the building at this point with all the fuss I've caused.  Visiting hours are over now anyway.  Go and look yourself, and if you still wish me to come after that I will be happy to accompany you, though I can't imagine what it will help."

OOC:  Visiting hours are 0800 to 2000 at the asylum and the current time is still about 2230.  Unless you plan to break in on the place, you'll have to wait until the morning.  Alma is also convinced that her presence will only hinder you.

Rolf thinks some more.  He sits backs and listens to Alma.  It is clear to him she will undersell any potential threat her Uncle may be, and likely the Witten asylum the opposite.  With the truth somewhere in the middle.

"Perhaps it is best if you stay away for now.  I will go first thing in the morning and pay your Uncle a visit.  I'll push hard to see him directly so I can see how is he doing overall health wise." he says as he stands.

"It is unlikely they will want to release him though, but I will do my best."

Considering their options he adds, "Do you know how the asylum is funded?  It may be that a sizable bribe will be needed to ultimately get him home."

"If the topic of payment is brought up should I pursue it?  Is that an avenue you don't mind taking?"

OOC:  I will go to the Witten asylum first thing, 0800, on the following morning.

"How is it funded?"  The question is obviously something of a surprise to Alma, who is caught aback, thinking for a moment before she responds.  "I'm not entirely sure...  I remember hearing that some of the patients were drug addicts back when my uncle was admitted, though I tried not to pry into anyone else's personal life when I visited.  I can't imagine that anyone would pay to stay there if they had the option to leave..."

When Rolf finishes the question, asking if a bribe may be appropriate, Alma teeters for a moment, her expression unsure as if she is deciding what to say, or deciding whether to say something at all.  Her eyes peer towards Rolf's, the dark brown irises flickering back the dim light of the lanterns.  In the end however, she gives one ardent nod of her head, standing up from her chair again.

"I cannot claim to have limitless funds, but I have no small sum of my own making and what Vunik has left me."  Her smile is paper thin as she turns to leave the library.  "But I would give all of it to get him out of there...  If a bribe is called for, then I will pay it and gladly."

---

His mind somewhat rattled by the conversation of the previous evening, Rolf walks down the streets, deep in thought as he pays only sparse attention to his surroundings.  Overhead, a low, thick layer of cloud hangs like a corpse across the early morning sky, trapping in the cold and gloom of the night.  Rolf's breath hovers in front of him, a thin, white cloud which dissipates into nothingness as he breathes in.  Looking left, Rolf notices a wooden sign standing in front of a sunken-looking building of dirty masonry, the sign showing a nicked and rusting broadsword.  Checking his direction, Rolf looks ahead, and as he expects, finds an aging street sign, Trobley R.  Rolf quickens his pace, turning left and going on towards the asylum.

He had been somewhat surprised when he had asked for directions this morning, that they had included the landmark of The Barred Blade, a tavern of little remark.  It had even taken Rolf a moment to place where he had heard the name (for surely he avoided this part of Craine as oft as was possible) before he had realized it was the very establishment Vunik had been drinking on the night of his arrest.

Rolf walks on, his thoughts on Alma's expressions and her hesitance of the night prior, he had pressed her for more information, for whatever it was she had not said, though the woman had merely smiled and wished him luck, and to let her know if there was anything she could do to help.

Rolf is stopped dead in his tracks, his eyes finally glancing ahead again, expecting to see the edges of the grounds of the asylum on his right...  Instead his attention is hijacked by another sign, this one hanging off a larger, two story building to his left.  Painted in horrifying detail, the sign depicts the face of an aging man, his hair and beard tattered and unkept, his skin marred, and his eyes unfocused and wild.  For a moment, Rolf thinks he must have found his asylum... though after a closer look at the building, he lets go of the impulse, for many of the shutters, and even some of the windows are open wide, hardly the sort of security one would expect from an institution for the insane.

After only a few more minutes though, the asylum comes into view.  The massive, 30-foot-high brown and red brick building stands in stark contrast to the grey sky above.   Tangled vines climb their way up the whole face of the building, strangling much of the brick and weaving their way onto the roof above.  Three rows of windows climb up the sides as well, with those on the ground floor small, high, and spaced widely apart while those on the second and third level are larger and fitted with glass. The third floor appears barely half the size of the first two, a short and stout tower of brick and vine climbing out of the lower level roof.  At the center of the base, two heavy wooden doors on the asylum’s south wall break the red and brown facade.

Rolf observes all this from behind a wrought iron fence which wraps around the structure, a stone's throw back from the walls of the building in each direction.  The fence's shafts are an inch thick and square in shape.  Spaced some four inches apart the shafts themselves rise up to almost three times Rolf's height where the iron tapers off to jagged points. Two large, swinging gates are built into the fence some several yards ahead, hanging from thick and rusted hinges.  Leading from the gate, a chipped stone path winds its way to the doors, bordered on either side by thick tufts of grass and overgrowth.

For now at least, it appears the gates are closed, and the building itself and the yard in front appear quiet.

OOC:  it is 0755 on the 28th of October.  I stopped to give you a chance to react and also, because I'm going to have to put this down for the night anyway - I might as well let it go up.


Image on the hanging sign
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 05:14, Wed 01 Jan 2020.

Even as Rolf asked Alma how the asylum was funded, he suspects he knows the answer.  Likely it is mostly by the state, but he is sure they will accept monies on the side to ensure better care or even possibly release someone if the pay is high enough.  He can't imagine those that work there are paid what they should be.  In truth no matter how high the pay Rolf would never want to have that job.  He can't imagine the toll it would take on a person's mental health.

Of course they may be reluctant to release a dangerous inmate.  Especially if they might hurt someone and they are found out to have had them in their custody.  Certainly questions would be asked as to why they released a threat to society which would cause them problems to say the least.

However it is not clear how much Alma's uncle is a threat.  Rolf suspects he's not as harmless as Alma suggests.  A delusional mage is threat no matter the age, but being out of touch with reality does not necessarily mean they are defacto violent.  There's no way to tell without meeting him.

The following morning he wakes up early and washes up for the day before having a light breakfast of oatmeal and cows milk.  A bit bland as he has no spice to add, nonetheless it sticks to ones ribs fairly well and should hold off hunger till well past midday at the minimum.

He walks with purpose along the streets of Craine and pulls his cloak in tighter to ward off the cold.  He shivers a bit in response to the cold damp chill that invades ones bones.  But soon enough he warms up from the walking and the cold bothers him less.

He notes the Barred Blade tavern is along the way and wonders if a visit around the dinner hour might a good idea.  "Perhaps I might get an unvarnished opinion of the man if I speak to the patrons there." he mutters to himself as he keeps walking.

The mage stops dead in his tracks at the sight of the crazed man depicted in the sign.   He thinks that perhaps he has found Witten, but the open windows tells Rolf there is no way it houses deranged individuals. He looks the sign over carefully before moving on.  It may not be the place he seeks, yet he wonders what that building might be.

Before too much longer he finds himself at his destination.  He's a bit early and it appears they are not open for business yet.

He looks over the gate and decides to look around as he waits.

OOC:  Rolf will take a walk around the perimeter and note its layout and defenses.  He'll check the gate to see if it's locked.  And if there's time he'll look for a place to wait where he can watch the front door for activity.  Also, he will try to remember if he knows (area knowledge check) what the building with the crazed man is.

Rolf continues his walk along the high fence-line, slowly making his way towards the thick iron gates.  He eyes the thick, weeded lawn of the asylum and the exterior walls, looking for any previously unseen defenses, though apart from the large and heavy looking doors, and the prison-work of vines that surround the building, it does not seem there are any specific defenses, or defensive positions to speak of.  Though overgrown, the lawn is short enough to keep anything larger than a squirrel from being hidden, and apart from the building itself only a few shrubberies along the fence provide any significant cover.

On the opposite side of the gate, Rolf walks up towards a wide plaza, some fifty feet across of worn stone.  On the other side, Rolf notes an old street sign which marks each way as Trobley R.  and Van Gowen W.  On each side of the plaza the street is packed with small shops and stores with only narrow alleyways in between.  Even now some of the merchants are opening their storefronts and setting up their wares, though Rolf notices that more of the buildings have their windows and doors boarded shut.

Rolf steps up to the massive iron gates, which reach just as high as the fence on either side.  Their construction is solid, though old, with intricate latticework of the thick, black iron.  The hinges themselves run five high and each is as thick as a pair hands, stacked one on top of the other.  Set in the center of the gate, an intricate-looking key lock sets a thick bolt across the narrow space between the two portals... and Rolf has the immediate impression that the whole of the outer fenceline was built specifically to keep things from getting through or climbing over... not that it would do a very good job of stopping him.

As Rolf completes the thought, his eyes glance upwards towards the hefty wooden doors of the asylum opening inward, and two men walk down the stone path towards the iron gates.

Each of them seems armed for mercenary work, with mail shirts that cover down to their wrists and thick leather pants and boots over the rest of them.  Each of them wears a light mace at their hip, which hangs off a belt wrapped around the chain links.

One of the men goes towards the center of the gate, taking a small key ring off his hip which he uses to unlock the iron clasp, pulling one side of the portal open with the grinding sound of squealing rust.  The other man however, a thick muscled northerner with black hair and scars streaked across his face, walks straight towards Rolf, putting his face nearly directly into the bars as he stares the smaller mage down.

"An what are you doin standing here then?"

As Rolf takes a walk along the length of the Witten Asylum he notices the surrounding shops and the empty buildings peppered in and amongst the merchant businesses like missing teeth in a man who practices poor dental care.  It is plain economic activity is not going so well here.  But poor foot traffic and struggling shops are likely to be expected being so close to an aslyum for the insane.

He wonders what he's doing here and what, if anything, he may be able to accomplish.  Uncle Vunik was sentenced to be here, be it fairly so or not, by a justly appointed Magistrate.  And Witten is well within it's right to dictate an inmates care.

The mage lazily lets his hand brush the side of the thick, cold, wrought iron gate.  Only broken by equally stout gate set before a chipped stone path leading to the Witten's main doors.

As he drifts, two armed men approach and unlock the gate.  In response to their query Rolf smiles.

"My name is Rolf Erikson and I represent the Templar's college.  I wish to speak to a Doctor Heraladus.  Is he available?"

The guard goggles Rolf for a moment, his flat smile broken by several black gaps where teeth had previously been.  His eyebrow ruffle in a look of confusion that lasts for just a moment before his face softens and he answers back with a raucous laugh.  "An I be wanting to see the Archbishop!"  The man arches his back as the laughter echoes skyward.  "Ron, an this one's lookin to see Dr. Heraladus!  Asks if he's available!"

The other guard looks towards Rolf, though he rolls his eyes in annoyance rather than make any real answer as he opens the other face of the gate, the entire pathway now open up towards the asylum.

"Listen kid, ain't no appointments to be had..."  The first guard looks back at Rolf, his demeanor hardening slightly as he puts a light hand on the mace hanging from his belt... though he does not make any maneuver to draw it free.

"An we don't much care for trespassers so ye just best be on your way."

OOC:  Make a reaction roll, or if you would rather, a roll against the social skill of your choice in lieu of a reaction roll (diplomacy, fast talk, sex appeal, etc.)

Rolf stays placid as the men clearly don't want to deal with him.  In truth, Rolf doesn't really want to be here either and would rather be studying, or doing anything else really.

He smiles.  "I'm afraid I really should speak to...the Archbishop?  My what a wonderful title.  I'm sure he's busy so I won't take much of his time."

Deciding a direct approach may be best.  He lays some of his cards at least on the table.

"I'm here in regards to a Lord Vunik.  Members of his family are pulling any lever they can to see him.  If I leave more will simply come, with each step becoming more precarious."

"I hope to broker some peace treaty and not let this get out of hand.  Are you sure the Doctor won't want to see me?"

OOC: I crit rolled on a diplomacy check.

The guard is somewhat taken aback by Rolf answer and quiet confidence.  His arrogant smirk flattens in a moment as he looks back to his mate, then back to Rolf.

After a moment of indecision, the guard walks over to the other at the head of the gate and whispers a few words before the other answers, loudly enough for Rolf to hear, "Let 'em in then, let Mr. Strogg deal with 'em."

Smiling despite himself, Rolf walks along, entering the gateway and starting up the slightly rising, chipped stone path towards the asylum.  The first guard falls in lockstep with him, his chain armor clinking softly as he murmurs inaudibly to himself.  Together, the two step through the open doorway and into the dimly lit room beyond.

Rolf's first impression of the facility is similar to what he felt as he looked at the outside of the building... though perhaps deep down Rolf knew that any business that would allow its exterior to be choked by weeds and vines probably did not care much more for the state of the inside.  The room is small, perhaps only twenty feet square, with iron, gated bars that lead to long corridors which stretch away on both the left and right wall.  Two torches along the back wall are lighted, augmenting the natural light spilling in from the open doorways and filling the room with the musky stench of smoke.

Towards the back of the room, a small wooden desk is the only furniture, splotchy with black and nicked and marred with various cuts and bruises.  On top of the desk, a small ledger sits with an inkwell and pen.

Behind the desk, a man sits, more muscular even than Rolf, who has used a significant portion of his recent free time working on his own fitness and lifting.  The man is completely bald, and his right forearm is tattooed with a coiled serpent with its head terminating just below the man's wrist, its mouth open and fangs exposed, waiting to strike...

On the floor around the desk, three mastiff sized rottweilers lay, one snoring lazily in a corner, though the other two pick their head up in interest as Rolf walks in the door.  The guard walks towards the man at the desk, and each says something to the other that Rolf misses entirely, for he is far too distracted by the screams that suddenly pulse from the corridor to the right.

"Get off me!  STOP!  STOP!  Get off!"  It is a woman's voice which starts with horror and slowly shifts to choked sobs...

"Well."  The muscled man says, loud enough to be heard over the strangled screams and sobs which go on and on.  "That's Marba..."  The muscled man, which Rolf takes to be Mr. Strogg, explains.  "We are treated to this several times a day..."  His smile is thin and impatient and he quickly continues in the same loud voice.

"I hear you represent the mage's guild...  What can I do to be of service?"

OOC:  Nice work on the crit success!  You earn one hero point in addition to the fruits of the roll.  The guard is still standing by Mr. Strogg, who seems to want his own explanation.  One more roll for reaction or social skill.  Also, if you wish to look at the ledger without Mr. Strogg noticing, roll vs. Observation, or IQ-5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:22, Mon 06 Jan 2020.

Rolf stands at the gate, unsure if his plea to see the Archbishop will fall on deaf ears.  To his delight, if one can suppose to use that word at the prospect of entering an asylum for the insane, the men beckon him to follow them inside.  He walks along with the two guards, one in front, the other to his side, along the stone path.

He wonders how many poor souls have passed this way.  How many times has this run down exterior and worn path been the last they saw of the outside world?  But the mage has no alternatives to the ethical dillema before him.  Mental illness is something he knows little of.  And certainly at some point if one's mental faculty becomes so warped and poor that they can't take care of themselves then something has to be done.  He just wishes they had a better place to exist.

He sighs.  Maybe it doesn't matter.  Maybe most wouldn't know the difference. he thinks sourly as he passes through the Witten's front doors.

Rolf's eyes take a moment to adjust to the dimly torch lit interior.  He spots two barred hallways and three large menacing looking dogs next to a battle scarred desk.  Behind said desk sits a thickly limbed bald man, of indeterminate age and sporting an impressive serpent tattoo on his right arm.

For whatever reason he likes Strogg almost immediately.  At least more so than the two guards who greeted him.

"Marba sounds like a handful." he states plainly as he does his best to remain calm around the dogs.  Undoubtedly the dogs are not there for petting.  When trouble arises the mage is sure that they will attack on Strogg's word.  Rolf is not generally afraid of, or has any phobia of dogs, but they are a threat.  He also knows dogs can sense fear so he mantains a calm demeanor.

Repeating himself he says, "Yes.  I am Rolf and I'm here on behalf of the mages guild, in regards to a Lord Vunik.  I was hoping to both see him and the Archbishop if he is available."

"Relatives of Vunik wish for his release and I suspect will keep pulling every lever they can to get their way.  I'm hoping to broker a truce that will mollify them."

"Can you...' he adds as his voice trails off before saying "help me?"

OOC: The Persuasion spell was successful.  But the diplomacy check even with the bonus was not.  I use a hero point to reroll (twice) the diplomacy skill check and was successful on the 2cd reroll.  Though I was able to make it without needed the spell...

Rolf, hoping to get the best results he can with a straight-forward approach, comes right out with his intentions to Mr. Strogg.  Rolf does this despite the distraction of Marba, who screams, "STOP!  Stop!  GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!" through most of Rolf's words, causing the young man to speak a little louder than he had intended.  Somewhere along the way, something seems to go astray for almost as soon as Rolf begins speaking for Mr. Strogg furrows his brow, his expression plainly confused and perhaps bristling with a slight annoyance...  Rolf continues right along however, putting the full weight of his magic behind his argument, and with the simple phrase, "Help me..." casts a spell to pull the administrator's disposition in his favor.  Luckily, by this point, Marba has seemed to break down into only moderately intrusive sobs.

As Rolf releases his spell, Mr. Strogg winces slightly, the single guard still standing by his side glances back and forth between Strogg and Rolf, though Mr. Strogg shakes it off in a moment and puts his face towards the ledger sitting on the desk in front of him.

"Vunik... Vunik... Vunik..."

The man's voice has a rich and deep timbre, though his hands are callused and hardened and his face bears various small scars.  His eyes scroll down the page, apparently some sort of list of names...

"No... I'm afraid I don't have a Vunik here...  If he is here, he is not allowed visitors at this time."

Mr. Strogg Looks up at Rolf, a single eyebrow raised.

"I'm afraid I must check with Dr. Heraladus before letting anyone see anyone other than those allowed visitors...  As for the Archbishop..."  Mr. Strogg pauses, his eyes locking with Rolf's for a moment as if waiting for some cue but the moment passes.  "The nearest Archbishop is in Raphael... so I can't help you there."

Mr. Strogg sits back in his chair for a moment and glances up at the guard beside him.

"Though I think I know of the lady you are talking about, very persistent...  How's this?"  Strogg glances up at the guard beside him.  "Kendrick, go up and see if Dr. Heraladus will allow this man to see Vunik, in the meantime, please come and take a look at the open wing of the facility.  I hope you will find that we take the care and security of the patients quite seriously, and thusly return to the Mage's guild satisfied enough to put this issue down once and for all."

OOC:  Sorry for the time it took for the response.  I have a couple of notes here.  The guard mentioned earlier the archbishop, this was meant as a sort of joke...  You asked to see Dr. Heraladus, who is generally busy and hard to get a hold of, the guard responded with 'and I want to see the archbishop!' basically taking the inaccessibility to the extreme while poking fun at you.  It was akin to saying to someone at a fast food restaurant "I want to talk to your boss!" and them responding, "and I want to talk to the queen of England!"  It doesn't seem that came across.  There is no Archbishop in Craine and your character would know that.  Also, a note on mind control magic.  Most, if not all of it, can be resisted.  In this case, your spell was resisted which means you spent the full fatigue and got no effect out of it - that being said you still managed a good diplomacy roll, and Mr. Strogg didn't recognize the fact that you were trying to influence him with magic.  That is a dangerous game to play however when you find yourself up against more powerful people or other mages.  Just fair warning.

There's a lot going on in the room and Rolf finds it hard to focus.  His mind shifts from the scary looking dogs, to the hardened, rough hewn Strogg, to the shrieking woman, and back again.  By the gods how do they put up with her screaming?

His brain struggles keeping an even keel and not being distracted.  It may be why the guards earlier jest has whooshed over his head and stayed there.  Usually he'd have caught up by now and realized his gaffe, but even the smartest can sometimes not follow a conversation and make a mistake.  And this is one of those times.

Rolf shrugs and shakes his head at his folly once Strogg points it out, "Oh, I'm sorry.  I meant the good Doctor.  I'm not sure what I was thinking there..." he says wistfully.

He recoils slightly as Strogg says he has no Vunik here, but realizes it's likely he is here, but isn't in the list to be available for visitors.  Just like Alma said.

He brightens at the sound that Doctor Heraldus will be notified he's here and that possibly he will be allowed to see Alma's uncle.

Agreeing to see the open wing he say, "Sounds good.  I would like that.  The more I see and can report on the better."

"I would love no better than to put this matter to bed and not have to return.  Vunik's relatives are persistent to say the least."

OOC:  I misread the Archbishop line, but it still works I think.  Using the spell was a calculated risk.  I thought Strogg might not resist, but the Doctor certainly would.

Rolf feels a little frazzled, what with all the screaming drowning out his thoughts, though he is pleasantly surprised by the favorable reaction by Mr. Strogg.  With any luck, he will only need to wait a short while in order to get his appointment after all...

In a matter of moments, Mr. Strogg has plucked his own keyring off his belt and walked over towards the doorway to Rolf's right, inserting one of the keys and turning back the heavy bolt.  The Rotweillers, even those that had been sleeping previously, seem to key in on the movement, their heads perking up and following the thickly built man as he moves about the room.

"Baccus!"  Strogg barks through the iron doorway even before the thing is open.  Before even the doorway is pulled back, another of the guards, laden in thick chainmail and carrying a mace at his hip like the others, arrives in the doorway.  "See Master Rolf around the east wing...  He's from the Mage's Guild."  Mr. Strogg looks back at Rolf for a moment, then leans in to Baccus, whispering something that the mage cannot manage to hear.  Baccus nods and Rolf, trying not to make too much of the moment, merely smiles and walks towards the open archway.

It takes Rolf a moment for his eyes to adjust to the dimmer light of the corridor.  The little natural light seems to come only from within the cells on the right side of the hallway, tiny barred windows which spill only the thinnest bit of light into the corridor beyond.  Providing most of the real light here, three ensconced torches line the left wall, one every twenty feet or so, which send plumes of oily smoke wallowing upward towards the arched stone ceiling.  Though the smell of burned oil and smoke lies thick in the room, it is far from unwelcome, for lingering underneath the odor of the smoke Rolf can smell the musk of dead, wet air and something else with a putrid tang that he tries not to dwell on.

Floor, ceiling and walls are all made of cut stone and masonry, though various, large green patches of pungent mildew speckle the low walls and thin, cloudy puddles of water decorate the floor of the narrow corridor.  There seem to be a total of seven cells on the right, each some ten feet wide and deep, with the corridor ending in a large, wooden door, though it seems to turn sharply left and continue on.

Rolf's entry seems to have caused a bit of a stir with the residents, for immediately as he steps in, Marba wails again from immediately to the right, and somewhere less discernible farther down the hall a man's voice screams "Get them off me!"  In the cell just ahead and to the right, a man with thick and greying, unkempt hair steps forward, gesturing wildly for Rolf to come closer.

Somewhere behind him, Rolf hears the bolt of the iron door slide home and he glances backwards, seeing Mr. Strogg step away from the iron portal to proceed back to his desk, with Kendrick, the other of the guards, walking through the doorway on the other side of the office, presumably fetching Dr. Heraladus.

Rolf puts his attention back ahead, glancing in towards the cell to his right.  Spartanly decorated, the room has only a wooden slab, a small trunk in the far corner, and a privy that lurks in the shadows of the other corner.  The single window, perhaps only a foot wide and tall, has two sets of two sturdy bars an inch thick which cross, leaving a total of nine openings barely big enough to fit through a hand.  A woman, presumably Marba, is kneeled down on the slab, a thin and ragged blanket draped over her body, with only the top of her head and her thin hair exposed.  She moans as she rocks lightly back and forth, though it seems that her screaming fit has been put off for the moment...

At the end of the hallway, another of the guards turns the corner, a leather sap in his hand, which he smacks loudly against the wall.

"They are all completely insane."  Baccus leans in to Rolf's ear before the mage has a chance to move on.  "Some of them don't say anything at all, but most of em you can't keep quiet.  They'll say anything that pops into their heads."

Though Rolf has little experience with mental illness, he thinks he can understand what Baccus is talking about... especially given the scraggly man just ahead whose thin arms are now so far out of the cell that his chin and cheeks are pressed all the way against the bars, stretching the skin near his nose and mouth.  All the while his hands gesture more and more expressively, beckoning Rolf closer.

As Strogg moves to open the right hand doorway, Rolf notes the dog's ears perk up.  He wonders what would happen if any of the mentally ill patients tried to escape this way and they encountered the Rotweillers.  He doesn't think anyone would last long in their powerful jaws.

A heavily armored guard named Baccus appears at Stroggs beck and call and takes him to see the east wing.  Strogg whispered something to the guard that he was unable to hear and he ponders briefly if he could be walking into a trap, but shakes off the thought quickly.  There's no reason to suspect anything afoul, at least not yet.  Plus he can defend himself if he needs to.

Inside the doorway the light is low and his eyes take a few seconds to adjust, though his nostrils recoil at the scent within.  A mix of burnt oil, smoke, dank wetness, and what he suspects is unwashed bodies permeate every corner of the east wing.

Seeing better after a few brief seconds, what lay before him is grim, grim indeed.  A hallway pocked with puddles of stagnant water leads the way ahead.  Mold covered stone and masonry houses seven spartan cells, each with their own tortured souls therein.

He looks at Marba and pity's her.  The poor creature's mind is totally wracked with madness.  He wonders if there might be some way to learn how to cure insanity permanently.  Such magic would be powerful and he suspects difficult to learn.  But worthwhile indeed if he can ease the suffering of even a handful of individuals.

Another guard appears with a sap, which he pounds on the wall in way he presumes to get the denizens to quiet down.  He suspects this may cow some of them, but likely not for long.

"I agree they are all greatly disturbed." he says in reply to Baccus.  "Whatever you get paid to work here everyday is not enough."

Thinking philosophically he adds, "A wise man once said when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you.  But what of the man who watches over the one doing said gazing?  Is he too affected?  I would hope not."

As he speaks Rolf hedges closer to the scraggly beckoning man.  Standing well clear of his long reach he says "Dear man.  What would you have of me?"

Rolf steps closer to the old man, who waves all the more frantically the closer Rolf comes.  The mage stops however, an arms reach and more away from the cell, not trusting anyone so animated in an institution of the insane.  The man continues to gesture for a moment, though as it becomes apparent Rolf will step no closer, he gives a wide-eyed look at Baccus, before turning his attention back to Rolf and whispering in a harsh voice.

"I'm innocent!"  The man's face sags into an expression of despair.  "You have to get me out of here!  The horrors of this place...  I fear the night... this place changes you!"

The man becomes animated again, gesturing for Rolf to come closer.

"You have to help me!  Anything!"

Down the hall, another scream rips through the tense moment, "Get them off of me!"  Cutting across the old man's last words and Marba's soft moaning.

They all say they are innocent.  But who is truly is.

Rolf stands in front of the man and feels deep pity. He seems far more lucid than the others here.  But looks can be deceiving so he is not so sure.

The mage ponders what it must be like here when sun sets.  He can only imagine what this place is like then.  Literally your own nightmares come true.

He wonders too how anyone would ever able to truly rest, or get a good nights sleep, with all the constant screaming.  Even just the stink alone would keep you awake.

Any time spent here must change a man, and not for the better.

"What is your name?" the mage asks.  "If I can see Doctor Heraladus I will ask him about you." he says as he shifts his weight in preparation of leaving.

There is more to see of the East wing he is sure and honestly he just wants to keep moving.  The place is rough on ones sensibilities and is worse than what he was expecting.  Which wasn't much.

"Max.  Max Orwelian."  The man answers, though when Rolf mentions that he will mention his name to Dr. Heraladus, the man winces, stepping away from the bars.  Rolf takes it as a sign to move on and begins walking down the long hallway, looking through the cell doors on the right.

In the next cell on, a middle aged woman with long, tattered hair and worn and stained clothes stands in the middle of her cell, staring at her hands which she turns over one at a time, watching with intent both palm side and the back, each one seemingly just as impressive each time she turns it over.  She does not seem to notice or pays no attention to Rolf and Baccus.

Another cell on, and another of the inmates presses his face against the bars, as Rolf approaches, holding onto the bars on either side.  "Hey!"  the man whispers harshly as Rolf passes.  "Greenwort, I need it!"  Rolf continues on walking, barely the man cursory attention but not coming too close.  "I can't take it anymore!  I need Greenwort!"

"Addict."  Baccus explains with a single word, grabbing his sap which he bangs on the stone wall, making a loud slapping noise. The man shrinks back from the bars of the cell instantly quieting... though after a moment he returns back to watching with his faced pressed against the bars, eyeing Rolf with hungry eyes.

The next cell is empty with its thick iron door ajar.  It does still have all the same features of the other cells, the small slate, the wooden chest, and the privy in the corner, though this one also has a wide, brownish red stain that spreads three feet or so in a wide circle across the middle of the cell.

In the next cell, a man is on hands and knees, seemingly searching for something...  Rolf takes a moment to watch as the man cranes his head around the edges of his slate and reaches down with his hand, grabbing something small off the floor which he quickly lifts to his mouth and eats.

His stomach churning with distaste, Rolf moves on, walking up to the corner of the long corridor, the large wooden door ahead of him.  In the last cell on the right, a massive specimen of a man, likely seven feet tall and barrel chested sits on his slate, his hand running up the brim of his forehead and into his thick but short red hair.  The man is murmuring soft words to himself, ignoring Rolf who notices that an old scar runs up the crest of his crown, cleanly splitting his hair for a quarter inch or more right where the massive man's fingers seem to be messing.

Where the corridor turns to the left, there appear to be another four cells on the right, in addition to the wooden door just ahead of him.  Baccus and the other guard nod to each other as they pass, the other walking down the long hallway toward Marba's end of the wing.

"Get them off of me!"  The scream rips through the corridor again, and this time Rolf can tell who is making it.  Another man in the first cell after the turn is laying on his slate, itching himself feverishly as he contorts with jerky spasms.  After a moment, his face and body relax, his hands drooping back to the floor in exhaustion, his visible skin red and raw from the apparent repetition of this compulsion.

Rolf paces the cells to the end, passing two more empty cells, the first seemingly normal empty but for a pair of rats that scurry out of sight as soon as Rolf gets close, though the second has had its privy torn apart, possibly some sort ongoing work, which leaves a gaping, dark hole in the floor that leads to whatever sewage or septic lays underneath.

The last cell however, has another man, this one entirely nude, with thick tufts of curly black hair that cover nearly all of his body.  The man paces back and forth, his eyes wide and intense, though he does not seem to pay particular attention to Rolf.

Across from this last cell, another large wooden doorway stands on the stone wall to the left, leading on to some other area of the asylum.

OOC:  I figured I'd give you the down and dirty of all the cells and let you talk or interact with the patients as you see fit.  The East Wing is essentially an L shape, with the long leg starting where Rolf entered.  Seven cells are on that part of the wing, all of which are on the right hand side of the hallway.  The short leg of the L has the wooden door on the right side first, followed by another four cells.  There is also the large wooden doorway at the end on the left hand side of the corridor.

Rolf notes the wince Max emits at the sound of the Doctors name as the man shrinks back into his cell.  The moment sticks in the mages mind as he wanders from cell to cell.  He passes by a woman that stares intently at her hands.  Seems harmless enough to him, but certainly strange.

Another begs him for some drug called Greenwort.  He's never heard of the stuff, but it must be highly addictive for a man to still crave it after an indeterminate amount of time in an insane asylum.  One would think the desire would wear off after one night staying here.  He hopes the high was worth it.  He doubts that it was.  He nods to Baccus's assessment that he is an addict.  "Certainly." he says plainly and without emotion.

The next cell is empty sans a chilling stain he is sure is blood.  He thinks to ask what happened there, but he's not sure he wants to know.

The next houses a man with some sort of eating disorder, and in the last cell on the right is a massive man seemingly oblivious to his presence.

He turns the corner and finds the one suffering from the delusion that something is crawling over his skin and is forever scratching and shouting over it.  Plus another completely in the nude and continually and intensely pacing.  For some reason he suspects he may be the worst one to deal with.

Doing his best to maintain an even keel as he waits for the guard to open the large wooden doorway leading onward, Rolf turns to Baccus and says, "What's the issue with Max.  Seems normal enough, but looks can be deceiving.  As for the rest, it's a varied group.  They must keep you on your toes.  Especially the naked one.  For some reason I would think he would be the hardest one.  No pun intended."

OOC: Seeing as how crazy they all are I opted to not speak to them, sans Max who oddly seems very lucid.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:42, Wed 22 Jan 2020.

Rolf merely meanders down the cell blocks, watching the patients in various stages of mental decay.  It seemed that all of them were bad however, with perhaps the exception of Max, the only one who had approached Rolf wanting anything other than drugs.  In fact it's such a stark difference, Rolf makes a point of it to Baccus.

"Max?.."  The guard screws up his face in concentration.  "As I remember it, 'es a criminal of some sort, thief I think.  Tried to kill hisself a few times.  The doctors have some pretty strict orders on what he can have - though I guess none of them have much."

Rolf pauses a moment at the end of the hall, looking at the large wooden door on the left wall, Baccus however turns around to head back down the corridor.  It doesn't take long for Baccus to get Rolf's intent.

"It's just the mess area and the kitchens back there.  No visitor's I'm afraid."

Rolf makes another remark about the prisoners to which Baccus snorts in laughter.  "Most of them are just loud, yelling and hollering all day and night.  That one..."  Baccus points at the naked man, who now stands looking at Rolf, his teeth exposed in an odd snarl, "He seems to think he is some sort of animal, doesn't make a noise most of the time except for growling most of the time.  But some nights he's off and howling in his cell all night.  He's bitten a few of us too, though he learns well enough after he does that..."  Baccus lifts the sap in his hand slightly, displaying it for Rolf to see.

Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.

As Rolf strolls with Baccus, it becomes apparent to the mage that the guard missed the meaning of his earlier statement about staring into the abyss.  With each pat of his sap Rolf finds it likely the man has crossed the line from necessary physical restrainment to outright beatings.  Perhaps even done so out of perverse pleasure.

And he bets the dark brown stain he saw in the empty cell was the result of an inmate getting more than they deserved.

Still, it's just his opinion.  Without seeing it directly he can't say for sure.  But it is possible.  It's also possible Alma's uncle received such a beating and is quarantined until he heals up.

However the conditions here are clearly deplorable and that he can say with certainty.

He nods occasionally to Baccus as he speaks.  "Thief.  That's too bad.  It's likely he can't help himself and steals out of some uncontrollable compulsion."

At the door to the kitchen the mage replies simply "Ok." and follows the guard back from whence they came.

When conversation turns to the undressed man he says "Might be a wolf I would bet...Very strange."  Lost in thought he adds "Strange indeed."

OOC:  I assume we have seen the entirety of the east wing?  Rolf will go as he's lead.

Every step in Witten asylum seems to cement its appalling situation.  The cells and hallways are rancid with disrepair and the guards seem little more than mere thugs.  Whatever horrors these patients have experienced prior to entering these walls, there is little doubt in Rolf's mind that here, they have found little respite.

"Ef'n you ask me."  Rolf is barely paying attention as Baccus responds, already having judged the man as a little more than a paid goon, instead he focuses his attention on the patients, their pacing, their confusion, their odd individualities of madness.

"He's gotten way better here than he should expect.  Compulsion or not, thieving is good for transportation, or worse.  Here he's got little more than..."

But whatever Max had here, Rolf may never know.  For mid sentence, Rolf has his breath sucked out of him by what feel like the percussion blast of a thousand base drums which rattle his inner organs and groin, making his knees weak as he staggers backwards a single step.

All at once, the cries and screams of the ward crescendo en mass, a symphony of dread and fear.

"Please, stop!  Get off me!"

"GET THEM OFF ME!"

"Aaaaaaoooooooouuuuuuurrrrrrrrrr!"

"Take the pain away!"

"Everything they touch is ruin!"

"They can see you!"

Rolf couldn't even separate the voices if he tried, but he is still too struck by the blast to do anything much other than attempt to keep his feet.  Baccus for his part, doesn't seem to take much heed to the event, but immediately slaps his sap against the wall with a loud thwap! "That's enough!  Keep it down!"

Reeling, Rolf puts a hand on the wall, attempting to catch his breath, gaping in wonderment for a moment at Baccus's non-reaction to whatever explosion has just happened.  It is in that thought, that Rolf realizes the truth, for indeed, there had been no sound at all... just shockwave.  For that had been no percussion blast at all, but a single, great blast of magical energy...

Rolf rights himself, pushing up on the corner when he hears the great wooden door behind him open and close, he can just whirl around in time to see another two guards pushing their way through the door, one of which calls out at the top of his voice.

"Visiting hours are over.  Visiting hours are over.  Please make your way back to the front entrance."

Noting Rolf, the two guards head directly toward him, as Baccus tries in vain to quiet the wailing masses with more threats of violence.

Rolf is only half listening to Baccus speak as he is lost in thought.  He mulls over what his report to his superiors will be when he returns to the guild.  He finds it highly likely Alma's uncle has been beaten badly, so badly that he's been shut away to heal.  To hide his signs of injury.  It could take months before he's healed up enough to be presentable and who knows if one of the guards might not simply beat him once more.  Alma might not ever see her uncle alive again.

About to turn to acknowledge Baccus, Rolf is slammed with an extremely powerful shockwave that weakens his knees, jostles his organs and rattles his teeth!

"What...in...the...world...was...that?" he asks Baccus, the concern clear in his voice.

As he regains his feet he sees and hears the two new guards coming towards him, demanding him to leave.  Steeling himself for a verbal confrontation he says loudly to show he's serious and to make himself heard over the din emanating from the inmates, "This cannot stand!  Take me to the source of that wave now!"

OOC: There's more Rolf could say, but I figured I should keep it short.

Recovering as best he can from the blast, Rolf's immediate reaction is to ask the guard beside him what the hell happened.  Baccus barely seems to hear the question for a moment, smacking his sap against the wall with a loud thwap! that barely seems audible over the cacophony of screams and moans that pour out of the cells.

"Sometimes they just go on like this."  Baccus shouts eventually, smacking his sap against the wall again.  "One of 'em sets off the rest, and they all get to screaming their heads off."

But before Rolf can respond (for certainly they had started screaming all at the same time) he finds the more urgent confrontation of the two new guards, and demands to be taken to the source of the disturbance.  Before he gets an answer, Rolf notices the two guards going on either side of him, and he quick-steps backwards to keep the both of them on the same side.  The closer of the guards has a ruffled brow and a particularly squared jaw, his hands lurching forward to get a hold of Rolf's arm though through Rolf's quick action the attempt is foiled.

"Look."  The other guard, just a step or two farther away continues stepping forward, his own face set in consternation.  "There's nothing for it.  There's been a... we got a bit of a problem we're sorting out.  We need you to leave while we do."

OOC:  For the moment, let's keep from long conversations.  One of the guards made an attempt to grapple you, though that attempt was foiled.  Both of the new guards are on the same side (in front of you) while Baccus is a few yards behind, still trying to calm down some of the patients.

Rolf knew this whole affair would be tricky, but not this tricky.

On one hand Rolf is here for Alma's uncle and as such he needs to speak to Dr. Heraldus.  But to be fair, he doesn't have much skin in that game.  Sure he feels sorry for Alma and her family and wants to help them, but they are not his kin.  Plus, one just doesn't accidentally find themselves in an insane asylum.  It very well may be that Uncle Vunik should be here.  For the safety of himself and others.  Yet, it is very clear the guards here beat the inmates and for that Rolf must at least try to get him free of this place.  It would be the right thing to do if he can meet the man to see how much of a threat he really is.

But on the other, this magical disturbance is far more important, and it's really important he find out what it is and what is causing it. The magician in him won't relent until he does.  It is now paramount he see the Doctor.

However Rolf finds himself currently in a bit of a delicate situation.  Much depends on how he responds next.  Two goons are trying to shuffle him out the door to cover up what is going on.   He certainly doesn't want to leave and is tempted to use his magic to transport himself into a cell and then magically lock the door.

Eschewing using his magic for the moment, he instead says forcefully "Hands off!", as he begins heading back from whence they came.

OOC: I assume the two guards want me to return to the main foyer, which is where I'll head.  It is my plan once there to speak to Mr. Strogg and not leave unless I can.

Though Rolf's forceful command of 'hands off!' seems to do little to mollify the two guards who still appraise Rolf with a look somewhere akin to a bareknuckle boxer in full theatrics, his retreating steps towards the main foyer makes them loosen up their fighting stance.  Now they simply flank him on each side until the one on his left steps forward to unlock the bolt on the iron door and allow Rolf through.

"Ah."  Mr. Strogg stands as Rolf is led back through the door, which is closed and locked once the mage is fully through.  "I am sorry that your visit was interrupted."

Though Mr. Strogg is no quiet man, it is still extremely difficult to hear him over the screams and moans that now seem to come through both iron doors.  Marba is of course still the loudest, though through the opposite door several voices coalesce, the loudest one seems to be little more than hissing and deep-throated gibberish.

"I'm afraid Kendrick has not made it back yet, and even if he had, I would be shocked if Dr. Heraladus did not have other things taking up his immediate attention."  Mr. Strogg gestures with each hand towards the iron doors from which spill out a cacophony of the insane within.   "Perhaps it would be better for you to come back this afternoon?  I can assure you I will deliver the message to Dr. Heraladus personally."

Rolf is feeling testy and the loud cacaphony from the inmates isn't helping.  It takes all his effort to ignore the guards obvious threatening stances and not punish them with a spell for their insolence.  Visions of their greased bodies flopping around in the dripping wet hallways of the East wing come to mind, but there are bigger things to worry about.

Once in the main foyer he sees Strogg and he relaxes a little as he finds the man a bit of an oasis in a sea of chaos.  He listens as best he can over the impossibly loud shouting of the disturbed inmates.  By the gods he doesn't know how they can stand it all.

Summoning all the patience he can muster, he shouts loud enough to be heard but still maintain as much civility as possible, "Mr. Strogg, if I leave I must report what I've found to the Mage's guild!  They may be highly interested that some sort of powerful magic is being bandied about!  There's no tell what they'll do!  It would be best to keep the guild out of this if at all possible!"

"Has there been some sort of breech, or random event that has caused this?..."

Up to this point he was considering the wave of energy was some sort of experiment gone awry.  But as he speaks it dawns on him it's likely Alma's Vunik.  They probably have him gagged and bound, but some mages can be so skillful in weaving magic they can summon the mana needed for a spell and weave it without the need of hand gestures and special key words.  They can do it with nothing more than their minds.

"Uncle Vunik is casting spells despite his bonds isn't he?  You should let me see him!  I may be able to calm him down! Or at worst quell his brain for a few minutes with my own spells!  And now would be best!  He'll be weakened for a little while now that he's cast!"

OOC:  Trying some diplocmacy here.  Let me know if I need to roll.

Rolf, unnerved by the screams that still flow from the cells on both sides of the small foyer, raises his voice loud enough to carry over the tide.  And while he has little doubt that Mr. Strogg has heard every word he has said, it seems to have done little to sway the thickly muscled man.

"Mr. Rolf."  Strogg's voice is still smooth, and despite the fact that he has not raised his voice at all it is still clearly audible above the din of the asylum.  Still, there is a thin but unmistakable undercurrent of ice within his words.  The small shift in his tone is enough for all three of the Rottweilers to perk up their heads and turn towards their master, though they remain laying upon the floor, legs splayed out akimbo.

"I am sure that you will make whatever report you are required to your superiors, as I will mine.  And perhaps soon Dr. Heraladus will meet whomever you see fit from your guild to satisfy your review...  just not now.  In fact, the best place for you at the moment is outside our walls for even if you have not been a direct cause of this particular upheaval, there is no doubt your presence adds to the commotion."

Strogg stops for a moment, though cuts off Rolf before the latter can speak again.  "I can assure you that whatever skill you think you have dealing with lunatics, Dr. Heraladus is far more so skilled.  Where he is needed now is in dealing with the patients.  Even if your Vunik were here and allowed visitors, it would still be foley to attempt to interrogate him or further wind him up with your magics...  for me to allow you into the section not allowed visitors would be tantamount to submitting my resignation.  Let the staff do their jobs.  You will have your appointment this afternoon."

OOC:  Consider the diplomacy attempt failed.

At Strogg's mention that his presence is not helping Rolf finds he must agree.  At least from Strogg's point of view.  The man is clearly in fear of his boss Dr. Heraldus and if he were to allow Rolf access, he would undoubtably be in a lot of trouble.  And Rolf can find no fault with the fact that indeed Dr. Heraldus has far more experience with lunatics than he has.

Still, it's clear to Rolf they are in way over their head with Vunik.  It's highly likely that Alma's Uncle is the source of the magical effect he felt earlier.  And it's highly likely they despite having him bound and gagged, which they surely have done, Vunik is still able to weave spells.  That means Vunik's magical ability far surpasses Rolf's own and the Asylum is not the best place for him.  Despite how highly Strogg speaks of Dr. Heraldus, certainly a powerful magician is beyond what he can safely deal with.

But then a disturbing thought comes unbidden to Rolf.  What if they operate on his head like they did to that large man he saw earlier?  One would assume Vunik would become largely a vegetable if that were to happen.

And if Rolf was a betting man, he thinks by the time he returns this afternoon Vunik may just be already operated on.  However he has no real authority here and he can't simply barge in on a hunch.  He needs to pass what he knows to his superiors and see what they want to do.

"Agreed!  I will leave the lunatics to Dr. Heraldus, and I'll leave you to try to calm things down." Rolf says loudly.  "I'll stop back again in the afternoon!" he adds as congenially he can as he heads for the front doorway.

OOC:  My plan is to return to the mage's guild and give a full report.  I will bypass Sadim and try to find a senior member to speak to.  It is Rolf's hope to convince someone in power that Vunik is not properly being cared for, is a threat to the Asylum staff and as such will likely be lobotomized soon.  Rolf wants to be prompt and if at all possible return before lunch to prevent this.

Though Rolf has significant reservations, and all sorts of thoughts about the things that could happen while he is away, in the end he agrees to leave the asylum in the care of the professionals.  Strogg seems much relieved by the decision and relaxes back into a natural smile... an odd contrast to the cacophony of screams that aren't in the least petering out.

"I'm glad."  Strogg says, stepping forward to lead Rolf out, though the other has already turned and made his way out the thick, wooden doors, headed back toward the mages guild.

---

"Interesting."  Munroe brings up a hand to his closely cropped beard, just now starting to show it's first grey hairs.

Rolf had just finished telling the Munroe, another full member with a strong and consistent reputation, more so anyway than the one Rolf had earned by less than a year in the guild and his passing notoriety from helping Duke Bran to find his copper ore.  Rolf didn't exactly have a fear of going straight to the top (after all, Alma had mentioned that Vunik had known the guild master personally) but he felt that running his story by a few other people might be prudent in case there was anything glaring that he had missed.

"Of course, you are only making an inference that the disturbance was caused by Vunik at all..."

Rold inwardly groans yet again, for bounding around a corner, the tall and lanky form of Sadim ambles, and noticing Rolf turns and heads their direction to listen in on the conversation.

...It could simply be enchantments that are already part of the Asylum, protections and whatnot..."  Munroe continues as Sadim steps aside them, his eyes perked up in interest.  "Or perhaps the doctors have a mage on their staff...  It would seem prudent, especially given having Vunik as a patient...  So I wouldn't suggest immediately diverting from your current course, you may not need help at all."

At the word help, Sadim's eyes swell with joy as his Cheshire grin spreads like a virus across his face.

"Oh!" he waggles a finger at Rolf.  "Been a few hours on the job and you are already trying to pawn it off on someone else are you?"  Sadim grins at Rolf before turning to Munroe, the expression of glee much toned down.  "Only in the late hours of the night did Alma come...  Rolf said he would look into seeing her uncle but it seems like after exhausting his every effort in half a morning he's already looking to draft more capable persons to do the job for him."

"Is that true?!"  Munroe's brow's furrow as his eyes widen, glaring back and forth between Sadim and Rolf.

Rolf takes a moment to gather his thoughts on the outrageous accusation, though it appears that his expression of shock and frustration was mistaken for one of 'being caught in the act'.

"Well in that case, I suggest you finish the jobs you accept!"  Munroe rages, turning his back as he storms back down the hallway, calling over his shoulder as he retreats.  "You have my opinion, given freely, but I will not assist you, nor plead your case to the higher ups.  Perhaps a little more work than a few hours is warranted before coming to ask for help!"

As soon as Munroe's back is turned, Sadim looks over towards Rolf, only just smiling as he spreads his palms to either side of his shoulders, which shrug upward in a feigned look of innocence.  He mouths the word 'oops' as he too turns, walking away with just a hint of skip in his step.

---

Fuming, Rolf had decided that the best place for him at the moment was anywhere outside of the guild, where at least he was sure that Sadim wouldn't turn around a corner and ruin every interaction he was about to have.  It was far too early for his appointment with Dr. Heraladus, but Rolf turned that direction anyway, having little else on his mind in the way of accomplishing his task.  It was certain at this point that he could not expect the help from the guild, not with Sadim parroting his story of Rolf's laziness all over the halls... though perhaps Munroe was right, and Rolf would not need any help after all.  Perhaps he would get his interview and find that everything could be fixed with an ample bribe.

Though something nagging in the back of Rolf's mind told him that was not the case...

Just as the earliest trace of the black wrought iron fence is visible up ahead, Rolf looks up, again noting the grotesque sign of the madman on the large building to his left.  The hairy, bearded man reminds him just a little of the wolf-man that had been in the last cell, the one that had paced back and forth in the nude, and who had howled as the magical burst of energy had sounded like a gong.

Had the guards really not noticed the blast?  Rolf thinks to himself.  And if they hadn't, then why did the patients seem so sensitive to it?

Rolf stops in his tracks, wrestling the thought as his stomach churns from hunger...

OOC:  it is 1100.  You are about a 5 minute walk from the Asylum and can continue there if you like to wait for your appointment time.  As a side note, please feel free to role play the action that I 'fast forwarded' through at the mage's guild.  Realize that the outcome is all based on your roll, and not at all on how I NPCed you during the time.  Please do me the favor of not suggesting that you did something that I couldn't reasonable brush over (attacking Sadim verbally or physically) as I fast forwarded to help you get on with the mission.  Certainly any poor roleplaying of your character while you were being NPCed will be forgiven.


The sign over the large building
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:02, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

Rolf is busy.  He is worried about Vunik and what may be happening to him at the Asylum.  But it’s nothing more than a hunch that he is indeed not getting good care and is at risk.  Sure, what he saw from the guards is virtual proof they are definitely beaten, and possibly surgically experimented on, but he has not set his own eyes on Alma’s uncle so he cannot yet know the man’s condition.

Also it is unclear to him what the source of the disturbance was.  Was it Vunik?  This seems to be the most logical conclusion, but it could be some other magical disturbance.  Maybe a gate has opened up?  Or some other magical effect?  And is it possible only Rolf and the inmates sensed it?  Strogg and the guards seemed nonplussed by it.  And had the dogs been affected?  He isn’t sure since he was not in the room with them when it occurred.

He resolves himself to inquire with Strogg about it.  He thinks he might get a straight answer from the man, but who knows he might lie if he thinks he has to stay in Heraldus’s good graces.

The selective observance of the magical wave is possible.  Rolf is aware he is sensitive to magic to a degree the normal man is not.  But if this is true, why did the inmates react?  It’s possible one or more of them have the gift to weave mana, whether trained or not, but would all of them have this ability?  This seems implausible.

This leads Rolf to a darker thought.  What if Dr Heraldus is selectively taking on those with magely tendencies for some purpose.  Which if true is more likely than not nefarious.

It’s with these thoughts in mind that Rolf speaks with Monroe.  But as he tries to plead his case, Monroe checks his concerns at every turn.  Which Rolf doesn’t mind so much as he isn’t sure there isn’t anything wrong happening, but his gut tells him otherwise so he presses on.

As they speak the despicable Sadim rounds the corner and joins in.  With a sigh Rolf resigns himself that he will be alone on this mission, but bristles at the thought that he is a slacker.  In particular coming from Sadim.

It is only with great difficulty that Rolf squelches his anger and turns away from the two men.  Sadim especially.  Rolf finds he has come to truly hate him and makes a mental note to stick it to him as hard as he can if ever the opportunity arises.  He shakes his head as he begins the walk back to Witten.  Despite it not going well he’s glad he made the effort to bring his concerns to the guild.  If he ultimately discovers something drastically wrong at the Asylum, something way more than he can handle, he will at least have the knowledge he tried to bring the situation to his bosses attention.  Sure Sadim, and maybe even Muroe, may try to lie about what was said, but Rolf would readily submit himself to a detect lies spell which would back him up.  His mentor Dorn used to tell him ‘CYA’ and Rolf took that advice to heart.  It basically means cover yourself so that if a mistake occurs you can’t be blamed, though in more colorful language.

Lost in thought Rolf finds himself outside the grotesque visage of the crazy man and he knows he’s not far from Witten.  He feels his stomach grumble and feels he should get something to eat.

OOC:  I will look to get something to eat along the way to Witten.  Something fast and unlikely to go bad.  A piece of fruit, a crust of bread and fresh milk will be Rolf’s preference.

Though there is little along the way on the order of food, Rolf does know an outdoor market a short distance away that would be perfect and would proffer just the thing for his current appetites.  Redirecting his tack away and north of Witten, he peruses the stalls, taking in the bounty of the fresh October harvest.  He is almost lost at the baker's stall, choosing between the cracked rye and the thick-bodied sourdough.  In the end he chooses a fairly plain loaf of sturdy hard winter wheat.

As for the fruit, Rolf spends some time nosing through the booths, though little in earnest strikes his fancy.  Rich, leafy greens adorn many of the carts, tomatoes, root vegetables, gourds...  Though there is little that is sweet and easy to eat without hours of preparation and cooking.  Eventually, Rolf does notice a cart of apples that he is just about to buy from until he notices a small display of figs which he pilfers, happily handing over a pair of farthings for three of the juicy sweet.

Milk however, proves to be the most difficult to find and in the end Rolf sits down with his bread and fruit and a tankard of thin ale to wash the whole of it down.

Much sated, Rolf retreats his steps southward back towards the front gates of Witten.

Again, he walks along the blackened iron fencing, winding all the way around until the weeded cobble path just comes into view.  Rolf immediately suspects that something is amiss, though it is only as he is almost all the way to the front that he realizes just what is different.

The doors of the asylum are closed.

They had unlocked and opened them in the morning, letting them fly out wide... though sometime since Rolf had departed, the doors had been closed again.  And as he approached he realized that the lock was back on the doors of the iron fence...

"S'closed."

The singular word greets Rolf as he reaches the entrance and puts a hand on the wrought iron gates planted firmly together.  Two guards, wearing the same uniform of a chain shirt with a white smock overtop stand just opposite on either side of the path.

"For repairs."

It was the same black haired northerner from the morning.  The one that had given Rolf so much trouble at the first.  He smiles disingenuously, a sneer of sorts in Rolf's direction as he steps forward, putting his face a foot or two away from the bars.

"S'go away."

OOC:  $5 spent on your lunch and deducted from your character sheet.

It takes Rolf a bit to find decent food.  But his efforts are rewarded by an excellently crusted load of bread, fresh figs and a decent thin beer.

Rolf finds a place to sit and lays out his food.  Hunk after hunk does Rolf rip off the loaf till before he knows it, it's finished.  The figs are good too, and he washes the entirety down with the beer.  He wasn't in the mood for beer, but it slakes his thirst and goes well with the bread.  With a belch he stands and begins to walk to Witten.

As he approaches he notices the doors are now closed and the iron gate now locked.  He stares at the guards blankly.  "Repairs eh?  That's a good idea.  Constant exposure to the wet floors and the mold it makes will make you sick, if not dead." he says with conviction.

As he stands there it occurs to him the 15' high wrought iron fence and thick gate is excellent at keeping people out, and keeping the inmates in.  Which is a must for an institute that treats the mentally insane.  Even better there is only one way in, through the gate.

But there is a flaw the designers could not have accounted for, and Dr. Heraldus, Strogg and the guards are not aware of.  That, the pesky mage that is bothering them today is fully capable of bypassing all their defenses.  Through flight and teleportation.

Rolf gives this approach some thought.  But it's risky and illegal.  If he gets caught he could be in a lot of trouble.

As he contemplates what to do he realizes that maybe he doesn't have to get in.  Maybe he can get what he wants by not letting them out.  A razor tipped fence and heavy duty gate would be very difficult to bypass by mundane means if for some reason the lock couldn't be opened.

Getting as close to the lock as he can, the mage attempts to cast a spell.  "Give me a moment and I will cast a blessing for you both to help ward off sickness." he says as truthfully he can despite his real intentions.

OOC: Rolf is going to try to cast magelock M166 on the gate's lock.  It takes 4 seconds to cast and is a regular spell.  He wants to get close to lock, but not so close that the guards can get an easy shot to strike him.  He hopes his little ruse with the blessing buys him time.

This message was last edited by the player at 01:05, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

Rolf, taking a moment to think of his alternate methods of getting his wants, and falls upon quite the opposite of where he had started in the first place.   Rather than forcing his way in, he will simply prevent the guards and staff from making their way out.  Of course, he would still need to get close enough to cast his magics upon the lock, a feat which made him nervous given the guard's apparent taste for violence.

So he masks his intentions with the ruse of a blessing.

"Den ye worry yer head about us."  The guard starts, stepping closer to the gate as Rolf starts his concentration, approaching close enough to get a good shot at his spell.

"Jess get along an get out of here."  The guard smiles, perhaps unkindly, showing two rows of teeth, several of them with jagged, broken edges.

"Cincinno!"  Rolf whispers under his breath, pushing his magical energy towards the lock on the gate... though something has gone amiss, and Rolf knows the spell has failed, likely because he could not touch the lock itself.  Still, it seems like the guard that has his attention is none the wiser for the moment, though his hand has dropped down to the hilt of his mace...  likely to emphasize his point.

OOC:  Nice work on the ruse, though unfortunately the spell was unsuccessful.  You may try it again if you wish.

Rolf by design is visually in a bit of an apparent daze, his hands weave and he mutters the spell keyword, but internally he curses himself for his spell failure.  He is feeling a bit threatened by the guard, but the mage thinks he hasn't done anything yet from the man's point of view that would warrant being hit, so he's not too worried.  But he knows he can't stick around forever.

His eyes slightly unfocused and blank, he tries his locking magic again...

OOC:  Rolf will try magelock on the gate's lock again.  He will use a hero point if he has to.

Frustrated with his failure, Rolf ignores the guard for a moment, reattempting his concentration, willing the spell to succeed.

"Hey!"  The guard shouts at Rolf after a moment has passed.  "Hey!"  He jabs the fence with the head of his mace, rattling the iron and jostling the doors as Rolf is just finishing his concentration.

"Cincinno!"  Rolf finishes his spell, willing the lock to magically shut despite the distraction.

"Get out of here!"  The guard stares down Rolf, his face awash with mistrust.

OOC:  You were successful on the last attempt, despite the will roll to keep your concentration, no hero point required.

Most spells take one second or even less to cast.  The spell Rolf is attempting to cast takes roughly four seconds to complete and is a long one to finish when compared to most of the others he knows.  Despite this time consideration it's not particularly complicated, though all spells are really difficult to learn and weave, it just takes a while longer to finish this one.

Further complicating his task is he cannot directly touch the lock and he has to infer where to direct his energy.  And this is not to mention the thick skulled thug on the opposite side of the fence getting agitated and rattling his cage with his weapon of choice.  A worn and well used mace.

But indeed Rolf finishes his work and steps back.  A small smile cracks at the edges of his mouth and it seems he is about to say something when he thinks the better of it.

No need to rush.

Turning without saying a word he walks a ways and finds a low stone slab at the corner of a building with which to sit.  Positioned such to be able to watch Witten from his perch and not be in the way of foot traffic.  The guards eye him warily and mutter between themselves, but make no move to go beyond their posts.

Rolf considers himself a mostly classic mage, with classic abilities.  Like magically sealing locks.  He's also a fighter as he knows you shouldn't solely try to rely on magic all the time.  Magery is a fickle business.  But he's also early in his career and not particularly good at either.  He has to be cautious and careful.  Don't try to do too much and overextend himself.  Or he could wind up dead.  Or with one leg like his former captain.

Time passes and Rolf feels his energy return from his exertions.  The spell to lock the gate took a toll on him, not a great one, but enough that he felt it.  Seeing no need to press on just yet, he felt it prudent to have his feet fully under him before taking on the next phase of his plan.  If he has one.  Truth be told he's been winging it from the moment he found himself at the Witten asylum.

He stands and approaches Witten once more as the guards stare him down.  Standing an arms length away from the main gate he smiles warmly and holds his hands clasped behind his back.

"Pardon the intrusion, but I think I made a mistake earlier and instead of casting a blessing...I sealed the gate lock." Rolf says addressing the guards before pausing to let his words sink in.  "Making it so your key no longer works." he adds as the guards seem slow to grasp what he is conveying.  "I think maybe you should send for Strogg." he adds knowing full well the storm that is about to hit once their boss finds out what has happened.

OOC:  Rolf will rest and watch the gate until he is fully rested, which I think will be 40 minutes.

Though the guard seems quite hostile as Rolf backs down from the gate, stepping away to sit down and regain his strength, the guard does little more than glare at Rolf, his one dimensional glower of hatred all the depth that he can seem to muster.

By and by though, as Rolf's energy slowly returns to him, the guard seems to tire of the charade.  Eventually his snarl eases to a mere brow-wrinkled look of mistrust and he hangs his mace back on his belt, his attention softening as he begins again to shift his gaze across the wide, empty marketplace.

Of course, Rolf knows that the respite will be short lived.

As the sun crosses its apogee high above and begins to retreat downward towards the early afternoon, Rolf stands back up, making his way back towards the front gates of the asylum.  Needless to say, his friend the guard is immediately on edge, and Rolf's assertion doesn't help the matter.

"Bullshit!"  The man shouts, grabbing at a ring on his waist and hurrying towards the center of the portal.

"Nile, he's just trying to get in!"  The other guard calls after a moment, his own hand dropping down towards his light mace, his face matching with Rolf's in a cold and appraising look.

Too late it seems, the guard Nile understands what his mate is saying, for the key is already in the lock, his shoulders slumped.  "Nah.".  Nile answers.  "He ain't lying.  The key doesn't turn."

There is a moment of still silence, the two guards facing each other, with no clear answer to their situation...  In the end, of course, things go just how Rolf had expected.

"Go tell Strogg then."  The far guard finally mutters, his eyes on Rolf the entire time.  "Let him figure it out.  Then get back here.  I don't trust this one at all."

Nile nods, glaring again at Rolf before he turns, traveling slowly up the weeded cobble path, glancing over his shoulder often as he makes his way towards the massive wooden doors.

"A word of advice."  The remaining guard offers Rolf as the two now find themselves alone for a moment, his demeanor serious though without any of the bluster of the retreating Nile.  "I don't think you want to do this.  Working in a place like this doesn't exactly do wonders for your patience...  How long do you think your little trick is going to keep us in?  What do you think is going to happen when we make our way out?  You think just because you've got a few tricks up your sleeve you've got the best of us?  What, that we'll do whatever you want because you can do a little magic?  What do you want anyway?"  A corner of the man's lip turns downward as he half smiles, shaking his head though he does not release Rolf's gaze.

"Actually, I can't think of a single thing that you'd be helping yourself with.  If you had an ounce of sense, you'd undo your magic and leave..."

OOC:  It is 1310 and you are now at full fatigue.  Giving you a chance to respond here (or a chance to try and overpower the one remaining guard if it is part of your plan).  The other guard, Nile (the one that doesn't seem to like you) has just opened the door to the asylum and is making his way in.

Rolf waits calmly as the guard Nile tries his key and they argue back and forth.  He has them by the nuts and he knows it, but he sees no reason to gloat and remains placid.  He had no intention to antagonize them and just wants to visit Vunik and get this task done.

Despite their poor treatment of the inmates, he’s unsure if he could do any better and feels some measure of pity for them.  It’s really a tough, thankless job that anyone would struggle to do humanely and he’s sure they aren’t paid well.

He finds it odd their statement that Rolf is untrustworthy.  Especially coming from two men who clearly are lying to him about the supposed repairs being done.

He sees little value in discussing much with the guard but not saying anything would be rude.  “I’m here to see Vunik and Dr. Heraldus.  I want in, and you are going to want out.  I’m sure we can come to some agreement.”

OOC:  I will wait for Strogg.

The guard grunts his dissatisfaction with Rolf's answer, though it doesn't take for him to point out the more skeptical side of the situation.  "I don't suppose this changes much to be honest, at least not until tonight when the shift changes.  I don't expect that either the Doctor or Strogg will be much sympathetic to you... or us to be frank."

His comment proves prescient just a few minutes later when Nile returns alone, his face somewhat disgruntled.  "Said Doctor Jevasic would come and take care of it..."  Nile intones in a voice just barely loud enough for Rolf to hear.

The second guard grunts again, not bothering to lower his voice.  "Let's see how long that takes then."

OOC:  I'm assuming you want to wait there for a while.  It is now 1315, and your Magelock spell will be good until about 1830.  I just want to confirm that you are hanging out until somebody comes to talk to you, including upkeeping your spell.  If that is the case, give me a SC roll for gluttony, to keep from leaving to eat if supper time approaches.

Rolf quickly realizes his plan is not going to go the way he hoped as he overhears the guard mention a Doctor Jevasic whom he had not heard of before.  If this "Doctor" is capable of removing his magic lock, it would seem likely he is more of a mage than physician.

But it would also explain the magical wave he felt earlier.  This Jevasic is up to something, and is likely the wave's source.  But if for ill or good, Rolf has no idea.

Though his plan is foiled, he has at least sussed out that they have a mage on hand, which surprises him.

Why would an asylum need a mage? he wonders though he quickly realizes a mage specialized in mind affecting spells would be a boon for handling the inmates.

He looks the gate over and the guards.  Rolf supposes he could hang around and meet this Jevasic, but he doubts he could glean anything more.  It is clear to him they will under no circumstance allow him inside.  And any direct query about what they are up to will be rebuffed.

He decides his work here has gone as far as it can and still be in the bounds of the law.  But so far he only has hunches and nothing concrete to go on.  It goes without saying Rolf is not the type to simply break in somewhere unless he has a very good reason to do so.  He certainly has the skills to get inside Witten, but his own moral code prevents him if he doesn't have solid proof.

"Hopefully not long." Rolf says to the guard in regards to his statement about how long it will take Jevasic to remove the magelock spell.  "Sorry if I inconvenienced you." he adds as he turns to leave.

OOC:  I won't hang around and will return to speak to Alma.  I assume she would have given me instructions on where and how to reach her.  I will seek her out without delay.

Rolf, who had already waited something on the order of an hour to spring his trap is quickly crestfallen as the guards mention a Dr. Jevasic who will 'take care' of Rolf's spell.  Of course, the doctor must be a mage, that much is clear from the implication and while Rolf is surprised at first, it doesn't take him long to imagine a fairly useful employ for the good doctor.  Either way, it didn't much makes sense for Rolf to wait around, just for his spell to be rendered moot.  Rolf says a few words to the guards and departs, not really caring if they are able to leave before his spell expires naturally.

Rolf traces his way back through the city...  Though he knew well enough where the address that Alma had left him was, this particular part of Craine, not to mention the small district where Alma lived, were not familiar to him and it seemed more straightforward to simply work his way back to the merchant district then take one of the larger thoroughfares back towards the edge of the city.

Recognizing the Barred Blade, Rolf turns towards the left, up the hill towards the small district off upper income villeins, the highest aspiration of any commoner, not to actually move up the social ladder into the ranks of the nobles but to earn enough money in their own right that they can fend for themselves.

The address Alma had given him was here and Rolf couldn't really feign surprise for in truth, money was one of the same reasons he had sought out the mages guild.  It would give him the opportunity to hone his craft and to sell his skills, so that perhaps one day perhaps he may retire in a similar state, fat and happy from his years of work.  After a few misguided turns, Rolf finally manages his way, finds the address, and knocks on Alma's door.

"Yes?"  Alma opens the door narrowly, taking a moment to recognize Rolf before the portal opens farther.  "Oh!  So soon!  Come in.  Have you seen him?  Have you managed to convince them to let him free?"

OOC:  It's 1350.  I took the liberty of assuming that you won't cancel your spell, but will let it transpire when the time is up (or possibly when it is annulled by Dr. Jevasic).

As Rolf walks to find Alma's home he has a lot of time to think.  The entire situation is puzzling at the Witten asylum.  Certainly a magician like Jevasic who is presumably well learned in mind based spells would be very useful for aiding in helping the insane, but why would a mage take on that job?  The working conditions are horrific and they are tons of easier ways to earn a living that would surely pay a lot more.

Rolf also finds it odd that only himself and the inmates felt the wave of magical energy.  He suspects highly that Jevasic is doing some sort of magical experiment and he is aware that some things require more than one mage to do.  In fact you might require twenty or more.  Meaning that most if not all the inmates at the asylum might have some magical aptitude, even if it's not developed, and are being used by Jevasic in some way.  Though to what ends he cannot say.

But it would explain why they all sensed the wave like he did.  As such Uncle Vunik would a prize they won't ever give up.

And an offhand remark that one inmate said to him he thinks is a telling clue, The place comes alive at night.

Whatever experiment is being conducted it culminates at night when most of the staff are not there.

Before he knows it (as Rolf is lost in thought), after a few wrong turns, he finds himself at Alma's stately home.  "Let's discuss this inside." he says as Alma opens the door and peppers him with questions.

OOC:  I'll stop here before I continue.  Letting the magelock spell either lapse or be removed by Jevasic is fine.

Rolf suggests the two of them proceed inside to discuss the matters, and though Alma hesitates for a moment, she opens the door for Rolf to step in.  "Oh... yes of course, come in."

Alma shuts the door as the two enter, showing Rolf forward with an open palm towards a small sitting room, complete with a low hearth and fireplace which smolders slightly from a recent burn.  There are several wooden chairs in the room which look spartan but comfortable, and the two glass windows on the side wall let in plenty of light.  Alma gestures towards one of the chairs, though she continues through an open doorway to another room beyond.

"I just put a kettle on, can I offer you some tea?"  The voice comes through the open doorway along with the bustling of pewter.

Rolf enters Alma's home and finds it less stately than he would have imagined.  Still, it's a decent place, and to even have a home these days is to be arguably wealthy.

"Tea would be nice." Rolf replies as he sits in a well crafted, sturdy wooden chair.

As he sits he thinks on what to say and how best to say it.  There's little information he has that is positive and he doesn't want to be all doom and gloom.  But he doesn't want to sugar coat the situation either.

After a few minutes Alma returns with the teapot, cups and saucers.  Rolf takes his tea with a lump of sugar and collects his thoughts.

"Before I begin, I must let you know I have given what I am about to say much thought.  And there is much to discuss."

"I was able to get in the facility this morning and see the East wing.  I met the guards and their boss, a man named Strogg.  What I saw gives me a lot of concern about the Witten asylum, it's often violent treatment of the mentally ill, and the deplorable state of the living quarters.  Conditions there are very bad."

"But to be honest I was unable to see Uncle Vunik as I believe he is not being held in the general population.  I don't know if he is being treated well or not.  It very well could be that his living arrangement is much better."

Rolf pauses here and sips some tea.  The tea is good and helps settle his nerves.

"While in the East wing it became very clear the guards regularly beat the inmates.  As well, much of the floors are covered in stagnant water, the walls mold, and the air quality is horrendously bad."

"My visit was unfortunately cut short when I felt a power magical wave of energy pass through.  It nearly buckled my knees.  The guards didn't seem to notice, but the inmates certainly did and kicked up a loud ruckus.  Because of which I was forced to leave."

Rolf ponders how to explain the next thing to discuss as he sips more tea.  "There are known to me some magical rituals that require more than magician, or those with the aptitude, to perform.  In fact dozens or more may be needed.  I suspect those at Witten have been carefully selected as to have some magical ability, whether trained or not.  And to be used in some way towards some goal.  This would explain their high importance on your Uncle and why only I and the inmates that I suspect have the aptitude felt the wave of energy whereas the guards did not."

"They gave me an appointment to see Dr. Heraldus in the afternoon, but upon my return they locked the gate for unspecified repairs.  Which of course is a ruse to keep me out.  I tried to blackmail them by magically locking their gate lock, but the guards said a Dr. Jevasic would be down to remove it.  This is the first I had heard of him and it must be he is a magician to be able to perform such a task."

"This would explain my theory of some magical experiment being done in Witten.  But as to what it is I don't know."

Rolf puts his tea cup down on a saucer and lets his news sink in.  "I normally don't use my magic for skullduggery, but I feel there is enough suspicious activity at Witten to warrant it.  I would like to sneakily enter the asylum this evening and look around.  During my East wing visit one of the inmates said the place 'comes alive at night' and I want to see what that means."

"But I'll need your permission first.  It's your Uncle and if I enter the asylum there is some risk involved.  My ability to get in and out of places is excellent, but there still will be some risk."

"Also, if I go I'll need you to give me an alibi in case I'm spotted and they suspect it's me.  As such I will take efforts to conceal my identity.  I'm thinking a scarf for my face and a different cloak.  If you have these things it would be helpful."

Sitting back Rolf puts his hands at each of the chairs sides.  "What do you think?  Is this something you would like to try?"

"Honestly, if I saw any other way in I would take it.  But it's clear they will never allow me in, and they will never allow your Uncle any visitors.  Let alone to go free.  They are up to something and are taking every measure to conceal it."

Rolf waits patiently as Alma comes back in the room with a thin, pewter tray with a stout teapot and a pair of teacups and saucers.  As she puts the tray down on the side table, pouring Rolf's cup first, Rolf spots a pile of thick, wafer cookies and he can barely hold himself until she hands him his cup and saucer to put one of the fatty biscuits on his plate and another straight into his mouth.

Alma pours her own cup, a thin, yellow liquid that tastes and smells like a floral sort of mint, and she has barely taken a seat of her own before Rolf has launched himself into the discussion.

Alma is a good listener, her facial expressions following along with twists and turns of Rolf's story, and though it looks on a pair of occasions like she is about to speak, she does not interrupt, though she goes so far as to lift a hand to cover her mouth and part of her shocked expression as Rolf describes the magical 'wave' that nearly took him to his knees.

In the end, as Rolf explains his plan to Alma and waits for a response, her reaction is somewhat muted.  "Yes."  Alma sighs the word.  "I had thought it might come to that.  The place really is horrible, though I had thought at first that perhaps it might be kinder than prison.  I certainly can give you a scarf and cloak.  I still have plenty of Vunik's things here that haven't been touched now for months...  Anything to get him out of there."

Alma pauses a moment, her face screwed up in a pained expression somewhere between guilt and anxiety.  "Are you sure you will be safe?  I have never been there after visiting hours were over... or indeed after they called Vunik to his supper, though during the day it seemed they had a vast number of guards...  I wouldn't want to you be hurt in the process...  Please, don't go alone.  I couldn't live with it if I were to blame for you being caught there, I could only imagine what they would do."

OOC:  Alma has a cloak and scarf that you can borrow for as long as you wish.  It is possible to hire NPCs for the mission if you wish as well, though obviously most anyone you hired would not have all of the same skills you have to potentially get yourself into the asylum.  That being said, you can look for skills when you hire, so if you want something on the table to help you out, let me know and we'll incorporate it in the roll.

Rolf is finding Alma's home a needed respite from the chaos earlier in his day.  The tea and biscuits are very good too.

"You are too kind." he says in response to the offer of the cloak and scarf.

"As for Witten I can get in easily enough...and probably out without harm.  But there's always risk.  They have guards, dogs and who knows what else.  But getting someone else in would be very difficult if not impossible.  I don't have the skills.  Unless of course we storm our way in through the front, but since I really don't know what they are up to yet this isn't an option."

In regards to getting help, Rolf had thought on this on his walk over.  "A small group at their front door making a giant ruckus might be really helpful.  It would certainly draw their attention away from me as I try to find Vunik and poke around.  But I haven't the funds for this.  I would need your help there."

Continuing he adds "There's no guarantee I will be able to get your uncle out.  If I try to he could get hurt.  But I hope to at least check on his welfare, suss out what they are up to, and maybe armed with that we can strong arm your Uncle out through the proper legal channels."

OOC:  Three mercenary's would be helpful.  With an emphasis on smarts and trustworthiness.  And maybe one with animal handling skills, and another with skill at picking locks.

Alma listens as Rolf explains the situation, sipping on her own cup as he goes through some of the details of his plan.  Though before he is entirely finished, Alma clanks down her cup on the saucer, standing abruptly and walking hurriedly out of the room.

Unsure what else to do, Rolf raises his voice a touch, just to make sure she hears the rest of it.

It ends up being little of an issue, for Alma is back in the sitting room in a moment, a heavy wool overcoat and scarf resting in her hands.  She places the items over the back of another chair, taking a moment to seat herself again and picking up her cup before letting the silence draw on for another several seconds.

When she does speak, her voice is thin and nearly cracks.  "I forget that you must have all sorts of spells at your disposal.  Perhaps it would be best if you did go in alone..."

Alma pauses again, the muscle in her jaw strung taught for a moment before she takes another drink of her tea, letting the cup fall down to the side table as her eyes drop down as well.

"I just...  I understand you can't make any guarantees, though I worry that proper legal channels may not really be something we should rely on.  I have petitioned everyone I could think of already...  Just promise me that if you find an opportunity to get him you you will, rather than count on the better judgement of those running the asylum or the city.

OOC:  Getting help isn't off the table, though it seems Alma is less willing to fund a scouting mission than she is a rescue mission.  Don't let the NPCs drive your decision making through - she has her own motivations and you have yours.  Feel free to press the issue either IC or OOC, though you definitely have her 'permission' to attempt to get in the asylum.

"You are too kind." Rolf says again profusely as Alma puts the coat and scarf on the chair near him.

"If I see any possible channel to wrest Uncle Vunik from Witten I promise you I'll take it.  But if I think his health welfare would be at risk I won't.  It won't do any good if he gets hurt or worse in the attempt." he says as he puts his tea cup down for emphasis.

"Ultimately I suspect what I find might be enough to mobilize the Magician's guild to move against them...and shut them down for good.  Not only would I like to free your Uncle, but also all those poor souls being abused there."

Shifting tactics he adds, "My plan is to try to break in Witten well past midnight.  Either tonight or tomorrow night, depending on how long it will take to get a group together."

OOC:  Not sure how you want to handle hiring mercenary's.  I'll be open to her suggestions.  Loyalty and smarts are the highest priority.

Alma smiles, nodding as she gets Rolf's assurances that he won't leave an opportunity to take out her uncle alive.   "Whatever you need then... or whatever I can offer."  Alma stands again, stepping back into the other room again for a few moments and Rolf hears the rustle of drawers as she continues to talk.

"Perhaps if the whole guild was involved, that would indeed be the best way to go about it.  I'm certain Doctor Heraladus can be pressured from somewhere, though I admit he must not have felt so by me."

Alma walks back in the room, with three fat, golden coins in her hand and presses them into Rolf's.

"Please, promise me that you will do your best to get him out."

---

Though he had intended to make the money Alma had given him last a little longer, Rolf finds he had already promised all of it for the various help he was looking for to accomplish this job.  Three whole fucking marks and he couldn't make them last more than about five hours.

It wasn't really his fault...  Rolf had attempted a few casts of his net looking to acquire workers on the cheap.  In particular he was looking for someone who would be able to quiet Strogg's dogs, someone who could open the lock at the front gate, and some muscle to attend to the odds and ends that no one could foresee in a job like this.  But every time he had gotten close to getting a bite for the work, his potential hiree had narrowed their eyes immediately when Rolf had mentioned he needed them to meet him at midnight tomorrow...

In truth, Rolf didn't know what to tell them.  He didn't want to lie, but then again, he wasn't entirely interested in divulging all the details of his little mission so that he gave his hirees the ability to rat out his plan to someone at the asylum.  In the end, he decided to up the coin he was offering, and simply told the ones who showed the most interest after hearing of the late hour that he was attempting to investigate a patient at Witten Assylum.

He had gotten his three hires in the long run...  His dog specialist, Teo Matas, his lockpicker, Morgelyn Pierce, and his strongman, Ghaalib al-Mahdi.  All of them had seemed on the level, simply looking to earn some coin doing some honest (or at least honestly dishonest) work.  Still, Rolf was having a hard time with the fact that he had offered six hundred farthing's worth of coin and he had little real information about whether or not any of his three workers would really be loyal  in the long run.

Everything was so up in the air...  He kept thinking of Alma pleading with him to get her Uncle out...  What if he was discovered on during his intrusion?  Certainly it would be dangerous to try and remove Vunik during that time, but in that case it would likely prove all the more hazardous to come again later after the security had been redoubled...

The comments of his hires as well stood out in his mind as well... as soon as Witten was mentioned, Teo seemed to shudder, “Look, I need money... but it's not a good idea to go near that place at night.  Not even the guards hang around after dark and there’s this strange howlin’ and wailin’ that you can hear echoing all down Trobley Row.”

Ghaalib too, shook his head at the mention of Witten, though he seemed more pensive than discouraging.  "Witten was once a good place... twenty years ago maybe.  Doctor Illhausen once had the best reputation.  No longer.  He has barely been seen in the past two years."

Who Doctor Illhausen was or why his reputation had gone so far down the tubes was a mystery to Rolf, though he wasn't about to make that clear to Ghaalib, so he had given him the same instruction.  Meet him at midnight, tomorrow night, just outside the Barred Blade...  He would let them know where they were going from there.

And now, Rolf found himself with the task of verifying his crew, though he had little experience in vindicating the reputations of others.  Still, he felt like it was important to do his best to make sure the others wouldn't turn on him for an extra hawk... something that would prove possible now that at least he had their names...

OOC:  It is 0800 on the 29th of October, 2005.  Thanks for the patience working through the admin for this.  If you wish to look after your hire's reputations, you may roll once per NPC against Area Knowledge (Craine) -3 (since you are from Craine, this defaults to IQ-3).  If you wish to look after Morgelyn Pierce's reputation for illegal work you may roll against streetwise, or IQ-5.  You may increase your rolls with bribes as you wish, though realize you have already promised all of Alma's money.  If you wish to bribe, let me know how much, and I will modify your roll accordingly.  Please include the bribe in your description for the roll (e.g. Rep roll Ghaalib (IQ-3) $100 bribe).  If you fail a roll, feel free to roll for the next NPC until you do succeed.  If you fail all three (four if you include the streetwise roll) just let me know and I'll fast forward tonight at midnight when you had asked the three to meet you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

“You have my word.” Rolf replies to Alma.   In regards to Uncle Vunik he fully intends to do all he can to retrieve him.  He takes his leave of his co conspirator as he plans the rest of his day.  There is much to do and he has a lot of ground to cover.

He goes to the usual places he knows of to recruit people, but he finds it more of a sellers market.  Especially as this will be a night job.  As soon as they heard of the hours everyone he spoke to balked at the prospect.  It quickly became clear to him he will have to up the ante and increase the pay.

Though it is a risk, Rolf decided to name the location of the job.  It was a risk but he felt it better to weed out those without the stomach for Witten.

Three whole marks later he found his group.  Teo, an excellent dog handler, Morgelyn, skilled with locks, and Ghaalib, a stout warrior.  It’s a good group and he likes them all.  But with the sensitive nature of the work he’s concerned about one of them tipping off Witten.

Despite his concerns they have offered Rolf good intel on the asylum.  He was unaware of the audible howling that can be heard around Witten at night, though that could be the residents there rather than something unnatural.  Still, if true it would make Witten a literal house of horrors.  More so than it already is.  He can only imagine what a prolonged stay there would do to someone.  Sane or otherwise.  But if what Teo said was true, if the guards split at night that would be a good thing.  Still, it might not be if whatever they are afraid of is far worse.  There’s no way to tell unless he goes in and finds out.

Also, he hadn’t yet heard about Dr Illhausen.  Perhaps he is a prisoner there now just like Vunik.  Much was unknown to Rolf, but hopefully he’ll know a lot more very soon.  Enough he hopes to shut the place down for good.

Before that can come to pass he knows he should do his due diligence and find some references for his group.  Mainly if they were known for being professionals and could be counted on when things get tough.

OOC: I opted not to spend any money.  Despite that I made the area knowledge rolls (needed a 9) for Teo and Ghaalib. I missed Morgelyn by 2.  I skipped the streetwise check for Morgelyn as Rolf has no skill there...

19:59, Today: Rolf Erikson rolled 6 using 3d6.  -3 Rep roll Ghaalib vs Area Knowl (Crain).
19:59, Today: Rolf Erikson rolled 11 using 3d6.  -3 Rep roll Morgelyn vs Area Knowl (Crain).
19:58, Today: Rolf Erikson rolled 8 using 3d6.  -3 Rep roll Teo vs Area Knowl (Crain).

Rolf spends most of the day searching for people who knows the two men and the woman he hired.  Thinking to cast the biggest net, he heads to the markets, and asks as many people as he can manage, starting with trying to find something on Teo Matas, his animal handler.

He found quickly that his efforts were going to take some time.

The first three dozen or so people he asked either ignored him completely or otherwise gave him a one word answer before his question was even out of his mouth...  He thought then to ask the vendors, a more captive audience, but inevitably they would ask for coin in return... a dodgy circumstance where Rolf wasn't even entirely sure they knew his hire at all as they could just as easily make something up and demand to be paid...

After striking out for the better part of an hour, Rolf decides to shake up his approach, instead pretending that he knows people as he approaches them, greeting them warmly and then assuring them when they responded with confusion that he was Teo's friend.  Though his first several attempts are unsuccessful in finding anything out, at least he is holding people's attention long enough to get them to respond in some real way.  It is after he notices a steel-coated greyhound sleeping along an alley, that perhaps he should be doing this to dogs rather than people.

And indeed, when he tries this approach the first time it proves to come with much more success.

Rolf notices a brown and black shepherd dog and kneels over to pet him, spotting the dog's owner a stone's throw away sitting in the shade, a man somewhere in his midlife, his hair a long starched blonde and deep brown skin with heavy creases and wrinkles.  He seems unkempt, his beard short but uneven, his clothes worn through in places.

"Can I help you?"  The man asks.

"I'm Teo's friend."  Rolf responds, an eye quirked as if he should be remembered.

"Oh."  The man smiles, leaning back.  "How is Teo?"

OOC:  I thought briefly about just writing a two sentence post with the details of what you found out, though in the long run I couldn't bear to do it.  Instead, I've given you open forum to ask the questions you want to figure out, or to root out deeper information if you want to go that way.  It's now 0900, you had planned on meeting everyone at midnight tonight.

Rolf wanders, trying to find people who have worked with his three hirelings.  Not a rich man, Rolf decides not to spend any money on this.  He’s torn in thinking it’s important to know a little about the people he’s working with, but at the same time he doesn’t want to waste his hard earned coin.  But he thinks that with some luck he’ll find info on Teo and Ghaalib.  He suspects he won’t find anything on his lockpicker Morgelyn which might be for the best as he’s sure she’s travelled with some unsavory folk and he doubts he could trust whatever info he digs up on her, good or bad.

Deciding on a little trickery, Rolf puts on the act that he will approach someone and pretend he knows them.  This helps some, but he decides to narrow his search to dog owners.

“Teo is good.  Thanks for asking.” Rolf replies warmly to the owner of the black shepard.  “Say, maybe you can help me.” he adds as he stands.  “Though I’ve known Teo for some time, I don’t know him that well.”

The mage pauses and chooses his words carefully.  “I’ve been hired to do some work that will require a dog trainer and other odds and ends.  I recommended Teo, but since I’ve never worked with him before would you say he does good work?  Can he be counted on to pull through when things get tough?”

The man smiles, leaning his head back against the outer wall of a building.

"Oh yeah.  Teo's been great with Rufus."  The man inclines his head towards the shepherd dog that is lolling his tongue out happily as Rolf continues to scratch its ear.  "There was one time that Rufus got all riled up and started barking at the city guard...  was after dark and they didn't look none too happy.  They threatened to shut him up if he didn't calm down.  I'm not sure what he was all riled up about, but Teo came 'round and managed to calm down both Rufus and the guards thank goodness.  Actually, that was how we met.  He always remembers us though...  Brings by sweetmeats to feed to Rufus sometimes.  He's as good as they come man."

OOC:  Sorry for the lag here, I'm distracted.  Feel free to keep asking specific questions if you want, or if that is good enough for you we can move on to Ghaalib.

Rolf nods to the man.  "Excellent.  Good to hear." he says as he disengages from the dog.  "Well, it was good to meet you, but I must be off." he adds as he takes his leave of the man.  Perhaps being a little rude, Rolf makes it a point to keep his name a secret and not identify himself as he retreats to find information on the rest of his band, sans lockpicker.

Next he wonders how he can find anyone who knows Ghaalib...

OOC:  I'm ready to move on to Ghaalib.

Rolf spends an hour or more inquiring on Ghaalib, getting several nebulous but generally positive answers from people who know the strong man very little.  Though encouraging, the mage feels he owes himself a little more than simply the consensus that "He's a good person."  After all, it's easy to sway people you have only the briefest of interactions with, and most people will give the benefit of the doubt as a place to project from.

Eventually, Rolf finds himself on the docks at the River Conn, speaking with an older, grizzled man who has just finished loading a long boat with crates of supplies bound for New Jerusalem.  Though admittedly he has little to go on so far, Rolf is surprised when the man's lip curls immediately at the mention of Ghaalib's name.

"Yeah, I know of 'em."  The man spits.  "Was yer business with 'em?"

Rolf has been asking around and has gotten some good feedback about Ghaalib, but nothing too in depth.  He considers calling it a day, but wants to be sure.

The mage finds himself speaking to a grizzled older man who reeks of fish and hard toil.  He is taken aback a little at the man's visible distaste at the sound of Ghaalib's name.

"Well..." Rolf says as he ponders on how to begin.  "I don't know him very well, I've been hired to do a job with him.  Is he the type of man to come through?  Can he be counted on?"

Attempting to use the vernacular he thinks he may use he adds, "Or is he a scallywag?"

"Come through?"  The man spits again.  "Far from it.  'E lost me a fat payoff is what he done, wouldn't count on 'em fir nothing."

The man cracks his neck and thrusts his jaw outward towards Rolf.

"We was all set up to do a job right?  Nothin' said before hand tar keep thins quiet, you know.  So we alls show up on that night an Ghaalib off an refuses.  Seems the job offended his sensibilities.  Had to call the thing off for the night as we was one short."

"An you know what happened?"  The man accuses Rolf, putting a finger in his chest.  "Someone else got there first, 'fore we could put a team back together.  So as far as I'm concerned, Ghaalib can't come through for nothing.  'An good for nothing!"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 21:11, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

Rolf thinks about it for a moment.  "Without going into specifics, can you tell me what was he reluctant to do?  I mean if a man is hired to dig a ditch, accepts and then backs out cuz he's afraid of getting blisters...well that's a real problem.  Maybe that man is daft."

"Also, do you think he tipped off the another group?" he adds.  "That would make him a scoundrel in my book."

Rolf eyes the man.  The mage is not sure or not if Ghaalib is on the level.  He might have had his reasons to back out.

The man's eyes narrow as Rolf asks for more specifics on the work that he and Ghaalib were into.  "Thought you was looking for what kinda worker he was.  Didn't realize you was looking to find out what I's been up to.  I'm no fool, and I don't know you, stranger, so be on your way."

The old man turns, beginning to walk away from Rolf as the latter asks him if Ghaalib had tipped off the other group.  The man pauses for a second, turning his head over his shoulder.  "Probably..."  The old man mutters, though in another moment he begins walking and reassesses his decision.  "I doubt it.  He wouldn't have needed to anyway.  It was well enough known."

The man's reaction tells Rolf all he needs to know.  If he's hiding what he hired Ghaalib to do means it was at least morally questionable, or worse, which puts Ghaalib is a good light to Rolf.

"No worries mate." Rolf says as genially as he takes his leave.  He has to prepare and rest and the day is getting late.  He has every intention of getting a few hours of sleep before trying to get inside Witten.

OOC:  I plan on keeping Ghaalib in the group.  Not sure how you want to introduce Gustav.

Rolf bids the dock hand a good afternoon, thinking much less highly of the man than of Ghaalib... (all those small, positive comments had to account for something after all!)  He makes his way back to the guild, knowing that he has to get some sort of sleep before this evening arrives.

Quickly... all too quickly, the night does come.  Rolf's uncertainties eat at his mind as all of the unknowns of the case float like malicious clouds just out of reach... just too unformed to grasp...

At half past eleven, Rolf gets his things together, walking towards the Barred Blade the meeting place he had chosen due to its proximity to the asylum and the fact that it would still be busy enough to keep from drawing attention to themselves as they set out as a group.

Of course, Rolf is in for something of a surprise when he arrives, for he has not the three mercenaries he hired, but four, the addition coming in the form of a Gustav Du Meseries, an Araterrean swordsman, who appears to have been trying to gain favor with Morgalyn and the petite little thief thought to bring him along.

"I brought a new friend."  Morgalyn smiles impishly.  In truth, the two had only met a quarter of an hour before hand, Gustav having been doing research into purchasing a pub, his sword and medal on full display in an attempt to make himself seem a little more important.  However, Instantly enamored with Morgalyn, Gustav was sidetracked from his mission and instead found himself chatting up the girl with all of his exploits in nations abroad.

"He seemed useful."  Morgalyn finishes, smiling at Gustav.

As for Gustav himself, his days had been rather strange.  With his finances secure enough to live his days out comfortably, though possibly not enough to purchase a pub outright to serve as insurance for long term profit.  Gustav had briefly thought of taking a loan to make up the difference, though prices were often steep, and the punishments for missing a payment severe.  Perhaps some day he would take the plunge, though he did not find himself ready quite yet...

In the meantime, Gustav had found his dreams spreading the realm of the bizarre.  One evening he dreamt of killing a man he had never met... or possibly an elf based on the contours of the man's face.  A slash and a scream in the dark and an overcoming feeling of guilt as the face materializes from the darkness... someone he never knew and yet a friend...  Another night he had dreams of striking at the apparition, a situation he was perfectly familiar with and did not wish to recount... his body wracked with pain as his sword tore at the thing's etherial flesh.  But mostly his dreams floated through the realm of emotions, anger and grief, hate and fear...  Gustav had begun to wonder what tolls the trip to the nightmare prison had taken on his mind.

"Alright."  Rolf begins, trying to seize back control of the moment.  "Here's what we are doing."

OOC:  It is 0015 on the 30th of October, 2005.  Thanks for accepting the flimsiest of reasons for the extra man in the group.  In game terms, Gustav you were duped by a sex appeal roll and agreed to help out Morgalyn with the job.  Seems in character for you, though feel free to mess with the small details as you wish.  You haven't been promised money for the job yet, though there will be compensation in the long run.  Rolf, over to you how much or little you want to explain about the mission, it seems Gustav has been following a little, and obviously you don't need to dwell on anything for the sake of the NPCs.

What I do need, however, is what your plan is.  Let me know how you are getting in, who is going, etc. and I can fast forward you from here to wherever the real decision making starts.

I also need a few other things.  1.  Each of you roll vs. HT-2.  Each roll you fail the roll by will be 1 fatigue lost due to lost sleep (lateness of the evening).  2. Gustav roll vs. HT.  Seeing as you have been in a bar for the past little bit, failing will put you in a state of light drunkenness for one hour per point the roll is failed by (-1 to DX and IQ).  A crit fail will be worse.  Also, Gustav please let me know what equipment you want to take with you - please feel free to take everything you would normally take on a mission, rather than staying in complete character and going with what you would take to a bar.

Morgalyn is really cute and very appealing in a way, perhaps the coy smile, but she also seems to be quite honest as so far everything she has said has been true.
He came with his saber and main gauche, with which he had been working since his return in order to get his touch back.

He came out tonight well equipped as he wasn't sure about this side of town.

Rolf arrives at the Barred blade at roughly the designated time.  He didn't sleep well earlier and is more tired than he'd like.  He was just too keyed up to rest.  He's nervous about what he might find and if his hired help will be up to the task.

He has his reservations about Ghaalib, but he's unsure how much to trust the testimony of someone that was likely doing something illegal.  Anyway, his backup plan if they desert him is to use his teleport magic if he has to abort the whole thing.

Rolf is taken aback a bit at the sight of Gustav.  But more's the merrier he reckons.  He suspects at least one in his band might bail on him, so having another body can't hurt.  And he seems smitten with Morgalyn which can't hurt.  Men have been known to go to great lengths in pursuit of the opposite sex, so maybe this is a good thing.

Sitting he orders a drink to calm his nerves.  As soon as the coast is clear of prying eyes and eavesdropping ears he begins.  "To summarize I have brought you all here to help me rescue Uncle Vunik from the Witten insane asylum.  That is the primary objective.  Of course if he is indeed insane despite what his niece has led me to believe, or it's too dangerous to take him out, I plan on leaving him there."

"Also, I have no proof, but I suspect highly there is some magical experiment going on there.  The second objective is to find this magical experiment and put a stop to it if possible.  It is torturing the inmates there and is likely malevolent in nature."

Addressing each in his band he says, "Teo is here for his skill with dogs.  Witten keeps guard dogs and they may or may not be there at this time of night.  I don't know for sure, but having Teo here helps ease my mind."

"Ghaalib for his fighting prowess, and Morgelyn for her skill with locks."

"I can fight some and have some skill with magic.  Hopefully I'll be able to deal with the experiment if I can find it."

Looking the newcomers way he adds, "Well met Gustav.  Tis a pleasure to have you join us.  What skills might you bring?"

OOC:  Missed my HT roll by 3.
20:00, Today: Rolf Erikson rolled 11 using 3d6.  HT-2.

I am fair with a blade and can back up any who need it, can be quiet with a tad bit o luck ... didn't bring a crossbow but can use one moderately well.

Rolf nods to Gustav.  "Hopefully fighting won't be needed, but it's good to have another warrior on hand."

"As Ghaalib stated, the guards go home at night and hopefully they take their dogs home with them.  It is my hope no guard or dog is hurt.  Hopefully they both won't be there so this won't be an issue."

Looking the group over he says, "Any questions before we go?"

OOC:  Raddek, I will pm you an equipment list.

How do you plan for us to enter and where do we go? what do we need to do?

Replying to Gustav, Rolf says, "There's a front gate and a front door that will need to be unlocked."

"Once inside I know the east wing's layout somewhat, but I was unable to see the rest of the facility.  There will likely be other doors that will need unlocking.  With luck we'll find a set of keys somewhere in the main foyer."

"Beyond that, I've never met Uncle Vunik so finding him may be tricky. Hopefully he'll respond with his name when and if we find him.  As for the magical disturbance I felt, I really have no idea what it is."

"Uncle Vunik and the magical experiment are not in the east wing so we don't have to spend time searching there.  There were other doors off the east wing that I was unable to enter, but I suspect they brought me round an area no where near what they are trying to hide."

So we just follow you and stay alert?

"More or less." Rolf says in reply.  "You all know about as much as I do about Witten.  We're largely stepping into the unknown so any advice any of you may have I'll gladly hear."

None, I have conscientiously avoided asylums  until now.

The server brings Rolf's drink back to the table, a thick glass of dark brown porter that Rolf hopes will be just enough to take the edge off of his nerves.  Each of his hires nods as he introduces them and Ghaalib expounds as Rolf offers his insight to the guard situation.

"I don't know a whole lot of specifics about the place but I've lived in this neighborhood my whole life, so I know enough rumor and second hand knowledge to get along with.  I can tell you that most of the guards leave when they shut the gates and most of them arrive just prior to them being opened.  I can tell you that most people avoid the place...  There are times where you can hear the screams from out in the streets, it's unsettling.  Ma said it didn't always used to be like that and that it's gotten worse.  Mentioned that it was almost shut down a couple of years ago."  Ghaalib looks at the others before leaning back in his seat, tipping up on the back two legs of his chair.  "Well, I for one can tell you I'm happy to go ferret out whatever ill experiments they are conducting there.  Let's find something to bring to the governors and get this place shut down."

OOC:  Sorry to not really move things along here, but I don't want to get ahead of you guys.  Let me know when you want things moved forward, and to where.

Rolf takes a good pull from his tall mug of porter.  More of an ale man himself, Rolf still enjoys it though as the trace of alcohol settles his nerves.

Rolf likes what he hears from Ghaalib.  He seems a good man despite whatever the old crotchety fisherman said about him earlier.  He's a good person and should be a valued addition to team.

"I suspect there will be some guards and dogs there, but how many there are is impossible to say.  With luck they'll be sleeping on the job and we won't wake them."

OOC:  I'm ready to move forward.

Offering the last word, Rolf finishes the last of his drink and beckons the others to follow him out the door.  He follows the same familiar path he has now walked on two occasions, though now, in the dead of night, the scene looks much bleaker than it had during the day.  Rolf is almost thankful for the darkness, especially, as he passes the now familiar sign, the madman as he has come to think of it, that dons the large building on the left before they make it to the high iron walls that surround the asylum.

Soon, the five have made their way to the asylum, and they are standing on the road facing its right front quarter.  The thick, billowing clouds overhead blot out even the most meagre trace of the moon and stars above.  Somewhere off to the West, a thin ream of thunder roils the charged, night air.

The overgrowth of the asylum seems to be all the more forbidding without the daylight.  Tangles of brush and shadow weave together like a midnight fabric, making it difficult to see much of any sort of detail.  The Asylum itself, still choked in the sprawling ivy, never the less stands pale and tall, its three rows of windows speckled with various levels of dim light.

"So are we just going for the front door then?"  Morgalyn offers, craning her neck to try and see an opening in the gate.

OOC:  The darkness penalty is -7 at the moment, though if you have a light source on your person you can feel free to use it.  There is no curfew in the city.  Rolf, I need action words from you 'ready to move forward' doesn't give me much of anything to go on when I don't know how you want to proceed.  You are in charge of this mission.  Everyone please roll vs. Per-5 please.

He looks around at the eery asylum listening for any odd noise.

His ragtag band in tow, Rolf wonders what the heck he is doing.  He ought to be a resident at Witten for even thinking of breaking into an insane asylum.  But here he is.  About to do just that.

The beer at least has settled his nerves and the cool night air has him completely awake despite the lateness of the hour.  However as he stands there watching and observing, Witten looks positively frightening.  The gloom of the dim light provided by the gathering clouds above is unsettling to say the least.

"Looks like it might rain." he mutters to himself as he wonders just how much wetter and danker Witten will be in a heavy rain.

Answering his lockpicker he says, "The front gate and door are the only way in or out. That is the way we shall go."

Addressing the group he adds, "I have a light source.  Teo or Morgelyn, would one of you please carry our light?"

OOC:  I'll be more specific for my actions from now on.  I cast a bright as day light spell on a section of fishing line.  So that either none, some, or all can be used.  I was thinking either Teo or Morgelyn could be the light bearer.

Rolf missed his perception check by 3.

edit: Rolf updated with light changes...

This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Mon 13 Apr 2020.

As Rolf inquires about a light source, Gustav slaps him softly across the chest with the back of his hand, jabbing a single finger forward between the bars of the iron gate.  The group quiets immediately, though it takes a moment for everyone to recognize what Gustav is pointing at.

Some several dozen yards away, on the far side of the asylum, barely visible through two edges of the iron gates and across the grounds, five pinpricks of flickering light appear in the darkness.  Rolf holds their position, counting on the distance and the shadows to keep their presence hidden.

The torches come slowly nearer, stopping for a moment near the front gate.  At the extended distance, it is difficult to discern the murmurings of voices, but one of the voices seems to carry above the others, clear and confident.  "There's always someone about.  Just got to find them."

The five pinpricks move on along towards the emptied market on Van Gowen way, slowly moving away from the group of five.

"I doubt they are out to purchase flour at this hour."  Teo frowns.  "Might just be the watch, but I don't know why there would be so many of them out here this late..."

OOC:  My apologies I had forgotten that you had asked for the continual light spell earlier.  Consider your fishing line to have a 6 point continual light.  Sorry to pause again, let me know if you want it out, or if you want to hide it (at least partially, just to give light for lockpicking, etc.).

Just as Rolf is about to pull forth his light, does Gustav tap him on his chest...stopping him dead in his tracks.  He looks about, not seeing what his eagle eyed companion may have noted.  But soon enough he sees the twinkle of lights and hears the heavy booted steps of what he assumes to be the night watch.

Standing in the dark the mage doesn't move a muscle and consciously stifles any sound to be as quiet as possible.  His heart pounds as the group walks by Witten's main gate in fear they've been noticed and their plan foiled before it even has began.

Out of earshot finally Rolfs says to Teo, "They must be the night watch. Let's get inside that gate.  It will likely be a while before they pass by this way again so the timing is as good as it can get."

"Good job on spotting them." he says to Gustav.

OOC:  Move to the gate.  I'll assist Morgelyn as needed with my light source.  Though I'm thinking she may not need that much as I think lock picking is generally done by feel.

The five torches to slowly head down Van Gowen Way before turning and disappearing behind a building.  After they are again alone, Rolf hands his small bit of fishing line to Teo, who nods in response, wrapping the bit of light around his left hand before thrusting it back in his pocket, his eyes still peeled on where the five torches disappeared.

Slowly the five creep their way to the front gate, where Teo pulls his left hand from his pocket, casting the bright light against the gate while he shields the line from casting stray light anywhere else.  Unsure where else to be, Rolf, Ghaalib, and Gustav stand guard behind Morgalyn, who presses her face closely against the lock.  She removes two long, slender picks from a case, jabbing one in the lock at an angle while the other is used to prod this way and that.

"Hurry if you can..."  Teo murmurs, his head turning over his shoulder.

"It's not exactly like picking farthings off the ground."  Morgalyn responds, her voice even and without meanness.

The seconds ebb on.  Rolf looks this way and that, his eyes piercing through the darkness, looking for any other threats to their mission.  A single, high shriek from somewhere within the asylum, quieted by the walls and distance, rends open the silence.  Though after a moment, the quiet returns, and a thin film of ground fog starts to spill from the tangle of weed beyond the gate.

Though Rolf is confident it will be some time before the watch returned, even he starts to get uncomfortable with the passing time.

"Nearly there."  Morgalyn mutters, her fingers now barely moving.

Click.

The gate tips open, though perhaps not quickly enough.

From two streets up on the right, the pale flicker of torchlight reflects off of a wall.  Before Rolf recognizes it and knows what to do, he sees the first form of a body peering out, his head turning first towards the asylum.

"I told you we'd find them!"  The voice calls out from ahead, his head half turning as he quickens his pace straight towards Rolf...

OOC:  Sorry for the lag gents.  There was a lot of last minute work last week that took up a good bit of my time.  This next week I should have a bit more time for posting.

Do we know who these men are? they seem to be alert for us ... any chance they might be something besides enemies?

Rolf waits patiently while Morgalyn works.  He knows his magic would be quicker, but it comes at a personal cost and he must preserve himself.  What lay inside Witten is an unknown and he must be ready.  Yet, Morgalyn's work has a cost too, and that is time.  Rolf's plan didn't take into account the time it would take to open the lock as he assumed at this late hour there would be no one around.

No sooner is the lock defeated, does he hear the voice of the strangers from before.  This irritates him greatly, but he keeps his cool.

"Keep the gate closed and step back." he says authoritatively to his band.  "Don't fight them and worst case I'll use my magic to allow us to get away.  And no, I don't know them and doubt they are going to be friendly."

OOC:  Keep the gate closed and we'll move away from the gate.  Then wait for them to present themselves.  I will be in the front of our group in case I need to cast an area effect spell.

Gustav steps up behind and to Rolf's right, no weapons drawn, but each ready within an instant (or two).

Rolf bids Morgalyn to stop, and the girl quickly stashes away her picks before turning and standing with the others.

As for the five men with torches, their approach is quick.  Each of them are wearing a motley of leathers, and carries a club in the hand opposite their torch.  Their leader, a thin and lithe man with wild red hair and dark blue eyes wears a maroon shirt over a leather hauberk... with no sign nor symbol emblazoned on his chest.  At his hip, a thin and long sword dangles almost to the ground.  The five stop some twenty feet from the gates, facing the five of Rolf's crew at a tense impasse.

"And what thievery are you about on this night?"  The man with the maroon shirt stands in front of the others, his torch held aloft as he cranes his neck forward, his jaw squared and his eyes alight with mischief.  "Vile thing, to be breaking into a sanctum of the mad...  what evil have you planned?"

The four men behind him seem rather focused on Rolf as the one standing at the front of the small group, their eyes cast upon his face, their clubs ready but not threatening...  The man with the maroon shirt however, shifts his gaze from face to face and casts his eyes down to the sword on Gustav's hip, and the club on Teo's.

"Such weapons..."  The Maroon shirted man licks at his lower lip before his hand shifts ever so slightly to his own sword.  "They are violent ones.  Perhaps we should inform the watch..."

OOC:  I failed to mention it before, but both Ghaalib and Teo have clubs as their primary weapons, and Morgalyn has a knife.  Of the five men with torches, the four in the back have clubs while the leader, the man in the maroon shirt, has a sword that Gustav would recognize as a rapier.

"Are you daft?  No one breaks into an insane asylum to steal!"  Rolf says with as much assertion and authority he can muster.

"We are the watch and we regularly check on Witten for obvious reasons.  We just noticed the gate is unlocked which might mean one or more inmates got out.  If you want to be useful go look around for anyone who is clearly crazy and bring them back."

"Or we can bring you in as the watch takes a dim view of vigilantes causing trouble to law abiding citizens."

OOC:  Rolf is trying to bluff his way through this.  I think his acting skill would help here, but not totally sure.  There are also IQ bonus/penalties for acting that might come in play too.

Gustav eyes the leaders sword , is it an Estoc (Sharp point only)? or a slightly shorter Rapier that is edged along the 30% closest to the point?

"Ha!"  The man in maroon laughs at Rolf's assertion, licking his upper lip as he stares at Gustav's weapon.  "And liars...  They're a real scourge if I've ever seen one."  The man stares back up in Rolf's eyes.  "A menace."

"That's enough Lucas."  Morgalyn says from behind the others, stepping forward and to the side, just beside Gustav.  "We all know you don't have any authority here.  Just leave us and we'll all go about our business."

The man in the maroon shirt flashes an eye at Morgalyn, snarling in surprise.  "I make my authority."  The man retorts, his hand dropping to his foil.

"We could leave ye."  One of the men behind Lucas offers, even as the leader seems ready to fight.  "Mayhaps we could even forget we saw you if there's a mark in it for our trouble."

OOC:  I'm not sure there's a good rule to use acting here, I think it applies - but the clear cut skill to use in this situation is fast talk.  I ended up allowing it and giving you a modifier, which didn't really matter much as you failed your base skill anyway.  While Lucas (the man in maroon) seems ready to fight, at least one of the men behind him seems content with a bribe.  A mark is $100 in coin.  For Gustav (and the group) you are probably much more versed in fencing than I am, but his weapon looks like a standard (Estoc based on your description) rapier with only just the point and a longer blade.

Gustav just smiles a mirthless smile. He thinks he can take this guy in a fight.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

If there's one thing Rolf dislikes, is that of a bully.  He's dealt with them before a number of times in his life as he was not always the biggest, strongest guy by any measure.  And that made him a target for those that look to take advantage of someone smaller than they are.  Even now in adulthood he's not that tall and in the dark his improved strength isn't immediately obvious.

The mages eyes widen slightly as Morgalyn names the man with the maroon shirt as Lucas.  It is clear she knows him from previous encounters.  And seeing her background has taken her in the company of less than savory types, Rolf doubts highly these men will ever go to the watch.

As Lucas speaks it becomes further clear they are not some rogue vigilantes, but more so common thieves looking to shake down anyone they can find.

Rolf for one trusts them not one bit.  He suspects if he gives them money they will only circle around looking for more later.  And further Rolf has had to work really hard to earn what coin he does have and he has no stomach to give it away.  Plus he's a leader of group intent on a mission of unknown difficulty.  He can't show weakness.

Irritated, the mage looks to see what would happen if the group in front of them suddenly lost their leader.

OOC: I will cast a 1 hex panic spell centered on Lucas.  I will step forward if needed to be on the edge of the area of effect (extending out 1 hex) to avoid any range penalty.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.

*If* Rolf steps forward, Gustav will place his hands on his saber and main gauche sliding the last up slightly in it's scabbard, so there is no chance of it sticking.

Rolf steps forward, honing his magic to try and save himself from either a fight or a bribe.  "Timor!"  Rolf murmurs, and for a second Lucas's pupils widen, his focus blurring as he seems to stare off into space.

But the moment is quickly over.

"Wretch!"  Lucas shrieks, whipping his rapier out of his belt as his eyes focus narrowly straight on Rolf.  "He's fighting with magic!"

Gustav too, whips out his blades in response and Teo and Ghaliib grab quickly at their clubs.

OOC:  Unfortunately, the spell was resisted.  Map posted below.  It wasn't exactly what I was looking for, but it is close enough.  Gustav can consider his main gauche and saber ready since he hinted at it in the last post and clearly things are deteriorating.  Rolf is unarmed unless there is something in a previous post I missed.  Two seconds worth of action please.

Gustav steps forward and Parries Lucas' blade away from Rolf and himself, while feinting with his saber.
He then continues to parry the estoc's blade while swinging at the man's neck

Rolf was doing his best to avoid a fight, and at the same time not be taken advantage of.

Sadly his spell, though cast well, did not have the impact he had hoped for.  Now staring down the point of a rapier, the gloves are coming off.

Rolf casts another spell in hopes of driving off the miscreants once and for all.

OOC:  Rolf will cast Stench, M24, on the group in front of them.  He'll use a 4FP version and drape it around his group.  He will leave any friendly occupied space free and leave the way back through the gate clear so retreat is possible.  He definitely wants to make sure the rapier wielding man is caught in the effect.  Rolf will cast then step back on round one.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.  He will draw his sword on round 2, retreating feverish defense.  Stepping back as necessary to avoid the fumes, but not allow the bad guys to press forward.

This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

All at once, the fight erupts, Lucas's rapier slicing out straight at Rolf!  The mage staggers backwards, expecting the blow, but Gustav instead steps forward, smashing the blow to the side with his guarded knife and thrusting his own blade towards the man's face!  Lucas however seems to recognize the feint for what it is and merely bobs his head to the side, rather than disrupting his balance to avoid the attack.

The rest of the groups seem slower to rush the fray, and that is all for the better for Rolf's plan.

"Foetor!"  Rolf shouts, and within a moment a thick cloud of yellow miasma erupts over Lucas and his thugs.

"What the?"  Lucas steps backwards, taken aback and putting his sword arm over his face as his eyes shrivel closed.

Some of his thugs do not react quite so subtly.  One of the men retches as he staggers back a step.  Unsure of entirely what to do, Teo, Ghaalib, and Morgalyn hold their places, and watch as the five ruffians stumble backwards.

"Watch your back!"  Lucas spits as he continues to retreat, though for the moment, the threat seems idle as his four henchmen have broken, coughing and gagging from Rolf's spell.  And in just a few moments, the five are gone again, and the streets are clear.

"That really is retched."  Morgalyn pushes her way backwards to the gate, nudging the wrought iron open a touch with the soft squeal of the hinges.

OOC:  Nice work with the spell Rolf.  I realized after the casting (and the use of a hero point) that I forgot the will-3 roll, which you aced, not to mention the defense, which both you and Gustav succeeded.  The subsequent reaction roll also worked significantly to your favor, and the five thugs have decided their efforts are better used elsewhere.  The one downside is that some of the cloud of funk has started spilling your direction from the moment the spell was created.  Gustav and Rolf please roll vs. HT with appropriate fit/very fit bonuses.  Rolf, you are significantly drained from your spells and lack of rest and will be at 1/2 move, dodge, and ST until you rest.

Gustav sees the cloud and assumes it brings no good with it and steps backward, then moves back further yet...

It all happens so fast that in the dim light it's a blur.  Lucas's rapier flashes towards the empty handed Rolf, but the mage had been expecting it and was in the midst of stepping back to help protect himself.  Fortunate for Rolf, Gustav had anticipated Lucas's strike too and neatly parried the weapon away with his short, but heavier bladed main gauche.

All the while Rolf is casting and despite the danger to his person, he doesn't flinch or lose focus.

His hands weave in an intricate pattern in a telltale sign a spell is forthcoming, and says Foetor.

Instantly a yellowish gas envelops his enemies as they gag in a desperate attempt to breath.

Tendrils of the gas leak towards Rolf and he catches the barest scent of a mix of rotten eggs, curdled milk, and soiled diapers.  But it's much worse than that.  Words don't do it justice just how awful it smells.

As one would expect, Lucas and his band of miscreants move away as quickly as possible.  The smell will linger in their nostrils for many minutes.

"Back through the gate." Rolf says with a hint of desperation as he retreats from the deadly, disgusting wall of vapor he unleashed.

In obvious exhaustion, Rolf's moves with leaden feet towards Witten's main garden.

OOC:  Rolf made his HT roll.  He wants to retreat behind the Witten gate and find a place in the buildings rear area to rest.

Retreating away from the rancid, sulfurous smell, Rolf leads the others through the gate and into the dense weed that surrounds the asylum.  Despite their need for secrecy, the thick, thigh-high tangle of brush proves so difficult to maneuver through that Teo is forced to take out the wrap of fishing line.  Thankfully, the illuminated string casts enough light for the group to navigate around the thickest tangles of brush and weed.  The wrap also casts a pale glow against the walls of the asylum, illuminating the morass of vines that wrap around the brick face, choking its every surface.  A mess of shadow and contrast blots out the thin, pale light behind the windows, making the whole building seem like a shambling, empty wreck.

"Just over here."  Teo casts his light high enough for the others to see by, pointing the way towards a sheltered space against the wall on the right side of the asylum, somewhere close enough not to be seen from the windows, and far enough from the streets to minimize their exposure.

But the group does not make the side of the building.  Instead, a high, piercing howl cuts through the silence, causing a spasm in all of Rolf's muscles and his hair to stand on end as he snaps his head in the direction of the noise.

Teo too, swings his light in the direction of the maddened bay, and illuminates the near-invisible black head of a snarling dog.



OOC:  Roll vs. IQ to prevent a mental stun.  Combat reflexes nullifies the need for this roll.  The dog is about 20 feet away.  The thick vegetation puts everyone at half move, and retreating incurs a DX+1 roll to keep your footing.  Two seconds worth of action please.  Map to follow on the next post.

Rolf is extremely tired.  He was feeling fine just a minute ago, but the exertion of spell casting has taken a heavy toll.  This night is not going as he'd hope.

He looks over the heavy vegetation around Witten and is glad for the cover.  It is difficult to move through yes, but on the flip side they should be able to find a spot not easily visible from the street proper.

The mage stops mid step as the hairs on his neck bristle at the sound of a dog's frothy, meaty growl coming from not far away.  Scared for sure, but yet Rolf doesn't panic or freeze.  He is cleared headed despite his fatigue and takes immediate action.

"Tame him!" he says tersely to Teo as he waves the man to move forward towards where the dog can be heard.

He had planned that they would likely be meeting up with dogs sooner or later and took care to find someone skilled with animals.  Whether or not Teo can do curb the creatures appetite for flesh, or if anyone could, is about to be seen.

Not one to take chances, Rolf takes out his blade.

OOC:  Rolf will hold his ground and draw his falchion on round 1, and command Teo to move a hex or two in front of the party to try to calm the dog.  Defense feverish dodge.  Round 2 Rolf will take the wait maneuver and strike with his falchion if the dog is looking to bite.  Step 1 hex closer if necessary.  Defense feverish parry.

Gustav has saber and main gauche and is on guard in a flash, but stands, as he hears Rolf give Teo instructions.

"Easy boy."  Teo offers as he steps forward.  It does not take long though, to realize that parlay is not something on the dog's mind.  The black thing rockets forward, and Teo only barely manages to swivel out of the way as the beast leaps at him, his sharp fore claws bared.

"Shit!"  Teo curses as he turns, his club bared in preparation even as the mongrel has fully turned itself, ignoring all the others to focus his attention on Teo.

Rolf and Ghaliib strike at the beast with their weapons.  It manages to crouch it's body away from Rolf's attack, though Ghaliib's club lands on the beast's flank with a meaty thwack!

Gustav seems somewhat surprised by the quick turn of events, though his attention is quickly diverted as another howl off to his left pierces the noises of the scuffle.  Some two or three paces off to his side, another of the beasts prepares to join the fray!

The first mongrel snaps his jaws forward, trying to latch on to Teo's calf.  Teo steps quickly back, his club meeting the side of the dog's face and knocking it astray... though in his haste, Teo looses his own footing, falling backwards into the high weed behind him.  As Teo falls to the earth his is enveloped by the grass and weed, and the night is plunged into darkness as the magical fishing line drops below the level of the brush!

OOC:  Thanks everyone for the patience.  Both Ghaliib and Teo managed significant hits on the dog, though it still seems to be in fighting form.  However, Teo has fallen and his light source is suddenly (almost) useless.  Teo's hex is lighted normally (you can see the glow of the weeds around him well), and any adjacent hex (including the hex of the dog) is at a darkness penalty of -6.  All other hexes are at the full darkness penalty of -7.  Note that the light green hexes are thick scrub which result in half move as well as require a DX roll if a retreating defense is selected to avoid falling.  In the dark green hexes, movement is reduced to 1 and retreating is impossible.


This message was last edited by the GM at 12:54, Sat 16 May 2020.

Gustav Spins and steps away from the first dog (to the bottom left), facing the noise and goes on all out defense.

Fully expecting Teo to pull out some sort of dog treat, instead the man tries to use only a calm voice to soothe the dog and fails miserably.

In a flash the dog is beaten not once but twice, but keeps coming.  Teo falls in the scrum and the light goes very dim.  If he is injured he has no idea.  He does know another dog is coming, and fast, and the man better get up soon or he'll be mince meat.

Rolf stands his ground despite his fatigue and keeps his sword in front of him.  He briefly considering crafting another light, but his fatigue is too great.

OOC:  All out defense +2 parry, no retreat.

Rolf keeps his sword ready, looking to swat the dog with his weapon when the thing lunges at him, but instead the thing drives forward towards the fallen Teo, snapping at his shin with its massive jaws.

"Agh!"  Teo shouts, scuttling backwards but unable to escape the beast.  The thing clamps down on his leg, gripping hard on the leather and bringing a thin trickle of blood.

Ghaliib and Morgalyn step forward, each attacking in kind.  Ghaliib misses with his club, though Morgalyn's knife hits well, and buries deep into the dog's flank, brining forth a wet and shiny patch that expands over the dog's flank.  The dog whines, though he does not release Teo's leg.

Gustav meanwhile, stares into the inky darkness, the thin reflection on the creature's eyes the only bit that makes the thing stand out from the the background.  With a jolt, the thing starts forward, and Gustav twists his body, more on instinct than anything else, feeling a rush of air as the beast leaps past him at chest height.  Gustav swivels around, his sword ready, though everything is so dark he has trouble focusing between friend and foe.

OOC:  That was one round, let's do two this time.  Hopefully, my predictions are right and I'll be able to keep up a normal schedule from here.  Teo has taken a minor injury to the right shin.  The dog has taken another serious wound, though does not appear to out of the fight yet.  The darkness is still overwhelming.  Teo's hex is fully lighted, the hexes next to him have a lighting penalty of -6, and everything else is at -7.

Gustav swings the saber low across the ground where the beast should be and holds his main gauche out to try to impale the creature should it lunge behind the saber swing. He also attempts to listen/feel for (w/ Saber) the beast and it's actions as he assumes an all out defense and steps back.

Rolf waits for an attack that never comes.  Seems the two dogs prefer Teo and Gustav, at least for now.

Seeing how Teo is unlikely to be standing up anytime soon, Rolf tries to cast with the last of his energy reserves.

OOC:  I will try to cast Light, M110.  Cost is 1FP and is as bright as a candle flame. Defense parry.

The chaos of moving limbs and shuffling bodies continues, the dogs mere blurs of movement in the weed and darkness that continue to snap and snarl.  Teo groans in pain again as he shuffles backwards in the underbrush, though he cannot seem to clear himself from his attacker.  Morgalyn steps forward again, her knife flashing forward and catching the light of the fishing line, burying itself again deep in the dog's ribs as the beast howls in pain!

Gustav's weapons slash out wildly, his saber cutting high with a blow that seems to miss the mark as his wide-bladed knife strikes out low.  This second blow hits its mark well, puncturing the animal's skin and sliding between ribs.  Still, the beast lunges forward, and Gustav feels the beast's needle sharp teeth pierce the leather at his boot and sting his ankle!  Gustav stumbles backwards, though finds himself rooted as the animal clutches desperately on.

All of a sudden, a flicker of light, like that from a candle washes over the scene, giving light where the darkness had a moment ago consumed everything.  The dog on Teo has seemed to vanish, the low-lying fog of the asylum yard stained an inky grey that permeates outward as it sinks towards the ground.  Teo manages to get himself to his knees, and the much brighter fishing line throws the rest of the picture into relief.

The second dog, latched onto Gustav's boot, makes a play to regain his grip, opening its maw before attempting to latch down again.  Fortunately, Gustav is ready for the respite, jerking his leg backwards as he swats the flat of his blade to the side, smacking the beast solidly on the side of the mouth which leaves a smarting cut across its face.

Ghaliib too, takes the moment to strike out, his club crashing down on the animal's hip with the force to break bone.  The dog sags with a whine, before it too, slowly dematerializes into a wispy fog that sinks and spreads out into the grasses and weeds around.

"Those were no fucking dogs."  Teo remarks in a whisper after having managed to gain his feet.  The man's leg seems still useful, though his leather armor is flayed in places and stained with blood.

The silence continues for a moment as the five regain their bearings, though the moment is cut by a muffled scream resonating from the asylum ahead.  The sound is fearful and addled.  Another moment brings the whip of wind and the crackle of thunder in the distance.

"If we're lucky, no one noticed on the inside with all the racket."  Morgalyn breathes.

OOC:  Nice work on the dogs (not dogs).  I'm sure that Rolf still wants to rest - just let me know how long you intend to do so.  I need to look at some previous posts to see the time... but I'd guess it's somewhere just after midnight still.  As a side note, I'm not a huge stickler about how everyone puts down their combat actions, and I try to work with what I think the player's intent is.  However, if you give me the specific mechanics you are using, I will always go with those direction.  If you mix and match the two, like in Gustav's post, where he attacked with two weapons, then took an all out defense - I'll make the second turn an all out defense and then figure out how to make the first turn an attack with two weapons.  In this case I opted for an all out attack, as doing a flurry of blows would incur an extra penalty to hit... which seemed a silly gamble when he was already being penalized significantly for lighting.  Just food for thought.

Rolf is so very tired.  So much in fact he can barely keep on his feet.  But yet he knows he must generate some light as fighting in the darkness is nearly impossible.

With a wave his hand he says LUX, and a small delicate candle like beacon appears over the fray.

Rolf hears, and now sees, the dogs being dispatched by his companions and turn to smoke!

"By the gods what were they?  I no of no magic like this." he mutters to himself.

"Hopefully they are so used to noise around here that any guard won't bother to respond.  Lets find a spot to rest and lick our wounds." he says to the others.

OOC:  I will need 100 minutes, 1.4 hours, of rest.  I have a first aid kit and the first aid skill if Teo or Gustav need healing.  But if someone else in group has first aid that would save time as it could be done while I'm resting.  If I perform first aid it will take longer for me to recover.

Rolf leads the way, exhausted as he is, to the nearest wall of the Asylum at the southeastern corner of the structure.  He immediately plunks himself down, laying his back across the vines that snake their way up the stone structure, crisscrossing limbs and tendrils which grow in places as thick as his forearms.

"They're gonna have to come off for now."</b>  Ghaalib dabs at the bloodstains on Teo's leather pants and Teo nods stoically as the larger man pulls them down from his waist.

"No worries, mate, we've all seen 'em."  Morgalyn winks at Gustav, though never the less turns her back on Teo, keeping her eyes out towards the tangle of brush and the gates beyond.

Rolf casts an eye over, taking an interest on Ghaalib's skill in dressing a bandage, and finds himself completely satisfied.  Ghaalib dabs the wound gently first before wrapping the large bandage around, tying it off directly over the wound to keep pressure before he helps the other with redressing.

"Thanks."  Teo nods, pushing himself back up to his feet before trying out the limb again.  "It's well enough to go on.  Let's just hope those Rottweilers that you talked about won't be quite as prone to attack.  I didn't even have a moment to get out the set of hambones I brought.  Thing was on me in a second."

Though the wound is dressed and Teo is back on his feet within thirty minutes, it is far longer before Rolf is ready.  It proves to be an awkward moment, as the four look at Rolf expectantly, still sitting against the wall with his face as pale as a sheet, his limbs still hanging like anchors.  Gustav at least had seen how magic had drained Finn and Judoc before, and looking at the state of the young wizard he merely offers the others, "This might be a while."

Ghaalib takes the extra time to dress Gustav's wound as well, though the swordsman's ankle has little more injury than just broken skin.  Ghaalib dresses the wound, which takes only a moment, to stop the bleeding.

Within another few moments, the storm starts in earnest, casting down fat drops of rain in a torrent that has the five soaked within only a few moments.  Thunder crackles as lightening strikes somewhere in the distance.  The side wall of the asylum gives them some shelter from the worst of the wind, though offers little protection from the wet.

"Hell of a night already."  Ghaalib offers, wrapping his arms across his chest to protect from the cold.

Perhaps an hour later, Rolf is ready.  Soaked and chilled, the group stands, looking to Rolf to see what their next move will involve.

OOC:  It is 0220 in the morning.  The asylum has seemed to calmed for the most part, with only infrequent cries of anguish audible over the sound of the storm.

Rolf sits quietly as the rest of the group tends to various wounds.  In his repertoire of skills, he can heal with magic, but he's so exhausted any thought of exerting himself further is out of the question.  Magic is tiring business and he has to rest.

After what feels like an eternity, he feels ready to go, though is displeased at the wet rain that soaks them all.  They have had setbacks with the random band of thugs that set upon them, two smoke hounds, and now this.  His morale about the whole venture is low and the rain isn't helping.

He stands and is glad to see Teo and Gustav are healthy enough to continue without the aid of his spells which heartens him a bit.  Maybe they can still pull this off and rescue Uncle Vunik, though he plans on healing them further once this is all over.

"Let's get out of this rain and get inside.  Morgalyn can you get us past the front door?" he asks he readies his shield.  Twice now he has found himself in battle without the protective cover of his shield and he doesn't plan on making that mistake again.

OOC:  Plan is to try to get inside the front door and out of the rain.

The others nod and slink across the wet scrub back towards the front door of the asylum.  Though the five are totally soaked, even just standing on the stone walkway provides some refuge from the condensation that brushes off on their clothes at every step.  Still the rain pours down, and Morgalyn cannot open the door fast enough.

Certainly, she doesn't open the door fast enough.

Teo stands with the lighted fishing line in one hand, blocking most of the light from shining anywhere but near the lock itself.  In his other hand, he grips onto a large white bone, perhaps preparing for the three dogs that Rolf had mentioned were just beyond the door.  Morgalyn does not move quickly.  Her picks linger at the lock for minute after minute as the rain pours down.  Perhaps a quarter of an hour later, the tumblers finally click open.

"Sorry,"  Morgalyn murmurs.  "That's a hell of a lock..."

Teo pushes open the door, revealing to everyone a similar scene to what Rolf saw only a few days ago.  The only light comes from Teo's lighted fishing line, which penetrates back to the corners of the room, casting massive shadows on the back wall.

The room is small, perhaps only twenty feet square, with iron, gated bars that lead to long corridors which stretch away on both the left and right wall.  The two torches along the back wall have gone out, and the room smells of a stale and hanging smoke.

Towards the back of the room, a small wooden desk is the only furniture, splotchy with black and nicked and marred with various cuts and bruises.  A small mace is leaned up against the podium, but as for it's owner, or the three dogs which had lazed here earlier in the week, there is no evidence.  The stone walls seem to echo and reverberate a soft gibbering that come from either the corridor to the left or the right...

OOC: it is now 0235.

Rolf waits patiently for the front door to be unlocked.  Lock picking is a skill he doesn't know yet.  It's something he'd like to learn and perhaps he wonders if Morgalyn can teach him later.  Time ticks slowly, minute after minute passes and the rain continues to fall.  What little he knows is that some locks are definitely harder to pick than others.  And he imagines in the cold wet weather ones fingers wouldn't work as well and he's not surprised his lockpicker is struggling.

But she finally gets it!  Soaked to the bone, Rolf is glad to be inside, even if it's inside an insane asylum.

Inside the main foyer, he finds Strogg's small desk, but no sign of he man or his dogs.

"There was a ledger kept here.  I wonder if it's still there." Rolf whispers as he checks the desk.

OOC:  I will search the desk for the ledger.

Gustav shakes off the water and tries not to shiver ... he keeps both weapons ready and eases the door shut again.

Do we lock it?

Replying to Gustav Rolf says keeping his voice low, "I say we leave it open.  In case we need to beat a hasty retreat..."

Gustav just nods... and steps away from the door.

Rolf walks over to the small desk, dripping a steady wave as his drenched clothes and hair begin to shed themselves of rainwater.  He checks behind and within the drawers, pulling each of them out.  However, the thing seems empty.  The ledger is gone along with Mr. Strogg and his dogs.

"I agree."  Whispers Morgalyn as Rolf suggests leaving the door open.  "It's a keylock on both sides, so it'll probably take me as long again to lock it, and then another quarter of an hour if we want to make a hasty retreat."  Morgalyn wrings her hair, leaving a small puddle on the floor below.

Ghaalid, meanwhile, makes his way to iron doors on the left, pulling gently on them, though they too are locked.  "Might as well get started on one?"  He suggests over his shoulder to Morgalyn.  "Which way do you think we go?"

"Here."  A woman's voice calls softly from somewhere well beyond the bars to the left.  "Come this way."

Rolf looks through the desk and is disappointed the ledger is gone.  Though he is unsure what it may have had in it's contents, he had hoped it might help him find Vunik in some way.

Earlier in the day when they brought Rolf for a tour of the East wing, he suspects they would have brought him to an area devoid of whatever it may be they are trying to hide.  He doesn't rule out going back there, as he remembers the older man that seemed quite sane and he would like to free him, but not now.

"That one." Rolf says in reply as he motions the West wing door.

"Do you know where the guards might keep door keys?" Rolf asks the mysterious woman.

OOC: Rolf will ask Morgalyn to open the west wing door where we can hear the woman's voice.

Morgalyn sets down to pick the lock on the iron bars that lock the way to the Western corridor as Rolf steps forward to try and converse with the soft voice that drifts from down the hall.

"This one is much easier."  Morgalyn breathes with relief as she starts on the lock, her picks fidgeting at its large, iron pieces.

"The guards have the keys."  The voice returns from down the hallway.  "Though the guards leave us alone during the night.  I know not where they keep them."

With a forceful turn of her picks, Morgalyn rolls back the bolt from the iron door and pulls the door inward.

Rolf takes a tentative step down the hallway.  It appears to be much the same as the Eastern wing, though with everything in reverse.  The cells are lined on the left wall, with the torch brackets hanging from the stone wall to his right.  Most of the torches have gone out altogether, though one still burns low, sending dribbles of smoke upwards each few moments.  Once again, Rolf is thankful that he had the foresight to cast his light upon the string, without which he would unlikely be able to see anything in this horrid place.

Like the corridor on the other side, this one is musty and wet, with stagnant, brownish pools that grow on the floor and wide swaths of mold or mildew that hang on the walls.  Rolf looks to the first cell on the right, where an older man sleeps on his slab.  Nearly all that is visible of him is head, which seems to be balding in chunks with thin beads of blood that are drying on his scalp.  What remains of his hair are unkempt and wispy, nearly long enough to be tied at the back of his head in a tail, though they shoot out in all directions as if electrified...

OOC:  Each of you roll vs. IQ please.

Gustav follows Rolf, but is immediately put off by the conditions inside.

Rolf watches Morgalyn work and he is very glad he brought her into this.  She's a whiz with locks and is saving Rolf a ton of effort.  He could use his magic to defeat them, but he would be wiped out exhausted after only a few attempts.

The mage isn't surprised the woman they're speaking to wouldn't know where the keys are kept at night, but it was worth a shot.  She seems lucid though and she might be of help if he can get her free.

As Rolf enters the West wing he find the conditions there much the same as the East side.  Dank, wet and an affront to ones olfactory sense.

Seeing the man sleeping in the first cell, Rolf waves to the others to leave him and continue down the hall.

OOC:  Rolf made his IQ roll by 5.

The corridor is long, with seven cell doors on the left.  At the far end, the corridor turns to the right, likely leading to another section of cells.  On the far wall, at the small section visible from where they are standing, a large wooden door stands, though unlike the one in the East Wing, this one is boarded closed with several braces that are nailed in place.

Rolf leads the others as they walk down the corridor, peering in each of the cells as they pass.  A woman sleeps in the second cell, her thin and pale hair flowing down the end of her slab.  A stunted dwarf sits in the third, his back against the wall and his eyes half open and unfocused; he does not seem to register the group's passing.  The fourth cell is empty and the fifth has a man who kneels on his slab, his whole body seemingly coated in scabs and fresh blood.  The man has something in his hand which he holds to his arm, where fresh, vibrant red trickles down his hand to the floor with a soft, intermittent patter.

Morgan stops at the cell, fixed with horror.  "Oh my God." The man looks up for a moment, though quickly goes back to his work.

It is the next cell though, where Rolf finds the voice that had called them.  A soft skinned woman, beautiful despite the dirt and bruises that gather on her face, grips softly at her iron bars, her eyes glancing between the four men.  "Please."  She begs.  "Get me out of this place.  I will do anything to be free."  Like the other inmates, she wears a meager patchwork of rags that hang loosely from her body, the shoulders of the garment sagging off on one side and exposing her protruding collarbone.

Ghaalib takes a few steps forward and glances around the corner in the hallway as it bends to the right.  "Ughh."  He breathes out his confusion and uncertainty.  "I think maybe I found the guards?  I don't know if this is good."

Rolf takes a step to the side, glancing down the hallway where he sees a man laying face first on the stone.  His back is fitted with the same chain and tunic that he had seen on the guards a few days earlier.

Somewhere ahead, Rolf hears muffled moans of anguish...

OOC:  The woman is in the sixth cell on the left.  The seventh and last cell has another woman who is difficult to make much detail on as she sleeps in a far corner of her cell.  After the seventh cell, the corridor turns to the right, and the boarded up door is the first room on the outer wall.  At the end of the hallway (after the turn to the right) there is a guard lying face first on the ground, some 15 yards or more from where you stand.  There does not appear to be anything else in the area around him.

He speaks softly We will get you out milady, out of this is wholly abhorrent place. Morgalyn, can you undo her door?

Rolf walks down the hall of the west wing, gingerly picking his way to avoid the worst of the stagnant water and mold.  Which he finds repugnant as he suspects human waste likely to be in the mix.  He passes a number of poor souls, some lucid and some not.

The mage shows no outward sign of reaction to the man engaging in self harm, though he too finds the sight of his blood disturbing.  When he gets to the woman they spoke to before he studies her for a moment.

"Soon." he says softly to the woman in the sixth cell.  At Gustav's suggestion to have Morgalyn open her cell, he waves them off and points to follow Ghaalib down the hall to the moaning guard.  "Maybe the guard has keys." he says softly before moving down the hall to the right to the prone guard.

As they continue he wonders what might have beset the guard?  Is he hurt?  Did one of the smoke dogs bite him?  Or is he just drunk?

OOC:  Rolf will instruct the group to keep moving, not open any of the cells, and see if the guard is hurt or drunk.

But we can't leave her in there any longer, maybe she can help us find things...

As they move Rolf pulls in Gustav close, "She's dangerous, I can see it in her eyes.  Lets get her on our way out when there's less risk."

Dangerous, She is just a sweet little old lady, what harm could she do?

Rolf quickens his pace, turning at the corner of the cell block as he hurries towards the guard who is lying face first on the ground.  The murmurs seem to be at their greatest as he passes the shuttered wooden door on the left, and begin to recede as he continues up the hallway and towards the rest of the cells.  He passes two empty cells on the left, the second of which has splotches of blood dried on the floor and a thin trail which leads out of the room before it it thins, turning back towards where Rolf had come and the front of the building.  The third has another unconscious or sleeping man, and in the fourth a man huddles in the corner, turned away and muttering quietly to himself, though obviously awake.

Rolf does not stop until standing right next to the guard, where he kneels down, trying to investigate if the man is simply sleeping on the job or if more nefarious things are at play.  He places his face down towards the unconscious form, trying to smell alcohol, though instead he notices a thin trickle of blood that welled up in the crevices of the man's ear.

Intrigued, Rolf looks closer, and notices a similar dab of blood at the base of the man's nose.

He leans over, listening for breath, and finds it, thin but steady.  Whatever has happened to the man, he is at least alive.

OOC:  I don't think you have the skill, but you can roll vs. diagnosis or a similar skill to try and find what would have caused this sort of damage.  There are another four cells on the left after the turn, and a wooden door at the end on the right, just to the side of where the guard is lying.

Rolf moves with determined feet to investigate what happened to the guard.  He passes a number of doors, some with occupants, some without.

At any moment he half expects the guard to spring to his feet and other guards to flood the hallway in a thinly disguised trap.  But the attack never comes.

The mage kneels down and takes a look to see if the man is drunk, but he can detect no smell of alcohol.  Odd pools of crusted blood well from his ears and nose.  Something happened to him, but what exactly he cannot say.

"He's suffered some internal injury, but how I don't know." he says as starts to search him for keys.

OOC:  Could we see in the shuttered door?  Or is closed off to viewing from the hallway?  I will see if the guard is carrying any keys.

Rolf turns the guard over, checking his form for keys of any sort.  The repositioning reveals another small trickle of blood which runs from the man's eye and down the length of his nose, leaving the smallest of dabs drying on the stone floor in the place he had been moved from.

Ignoring the signs of damage, Rolf looks over the guard's belt and pockets, finding a small mace, a leather sap, a small coin purse, and a small ring with three keys on it.

OOC:  The barricaded door has boards spread across it that are nailed in place.  The nails used have started to rust in spots, so it doesn't look to be an entirely new arrangement.  You can't see in, though you could likely pry off the boards and make your way in if you wished.

The boarded up door nags at Rolf's mind.  As he passed he could clearly hear the sound of human suffering behind it, but how did anyone get in there?  The building's outer wall is right there and there seems no way in other than the barricaded door which clearly hasn't opened in years.  Too, why in the heck is it boarded up like that?  Surely it can't be too difficult to repair.

"What the heck happened to him?  I'm guessing some magical effect." he says mostly to himself as he takes the man's keys.

"Too risky to open the cells yet.  Vunik first, then the cells." he says as he stands and moves his way to the eastern door leading further into Witten.  He worries some of the cells inhabitants could be a threat to his party, and whatever attacked the guard could be a threat to the inmates too.  Plus what would they do if a smoke dog got a hold of them?

OOC:  I will take the guards keys and leave the rest of his possessions.  I want to open the east door near us.  If it's locked I will try each of the three keys.

Rolf, come on, we can't leave that poor woman locked up in that cage for another minute.

Gustav Pleads...

Rolf looks at Gustav and says, "Okay.  But if this goes south it's on you."

Against his better judgement, Rolf begins to open the cells...

OOC: Rolf will begin to open all the cells starting with K.  He plans on keeping going all the way to V in the east wing unless something stops him, and assuming of course the three keys open all the cells and the east wing door.  If there is a door that won't open with a key he plans on keeping moving and not pausing to pick each one.

I just wanted that nice woman out...

"That's the thing.  I don't think she is a 'nice' lady.  Just because she's unarmed doesn't mean she's not dangerous.  Especially as I suspect more than one inmate here has the gift for magic.  If she does there's not telling what she'd do." Rolf says as he considers his next action.

"I advise heavily to wait and open all the cell doors on our way out."

OOC: Rolf will return to his original action and open the east door unless Gustav objects.

Seems unlikely such a sweet looking person be dangerous or not nice, but magic is funny stuff I guess.   Gustav concedes Rolf's point
This message was last edited by the player at 22:35, Fri 05 June 2020.

Though there is a brief back and forth between Gustav and Rolf, in the end, Rolf decides to continue through the asylum before attempting to unlock any of the cells.  After all, alerting the whole place to their presence with a mass break out was no way to get to Vunik.

Taking the small key ring and placing it on his own belt, Rolf listens carefully at the door leading on from the cell block before attempting to open it.

Screams.

Muffled and dulled by the thick, oaken wood, Rolf none the less can definitely hear the cries of horror that ebb through the thick wood from some place farther on in the building.  Rolf tests the door and finds it unlocked.  Opening the door slowly, and glancing through to make sure there is nothing in the hallway beyond, Rolf leads the others in, and closes the portal quickly behind him.

The five are now in a long corridor, somewhat more well kept than the molded and stagnant hallway they have just walked through.  The stone of the walls is mostly dry, and here there are no hanging black growths.  The air still smells faintly of smoke, though there are no torch brackets here, only a few small windows high on the left side of the hallway that leak in traces of light from the dark night beyond.  Really, Teo's fishing line is the only light around.

There are three other doorways leading from the corridor, two on the right wall and one at the end of the hallway.

However, the only thing that the five can concentrate on is the screams.

They are guttural.  Primal.  The types of screams that tear at the lining of the throat and sap away the voice.  Their harsh edge is telling that perhaps their owner has already begun to scream herself horse.

They are definitely the screams of a woman.

Though the sound is still somewhat muffled and muted... it reverberates from the stone walls, echoing back so that the one voice is multiplied into dozens.  Whatever it lacks from sheer volume it more than makes up for with a combined symphony of horror.

"This...  is not my favorite place."  Morgalyn glances concernedly between the three doors ahead, her knife clenched in front of her in a white-knuckle grip.

OOC:  Succeeding a normal hearing check will determine that the screaming seems to be coming from the first door on the right.

Gustav advances to ward the door with every intent of coming to whom ever she is's aid. Saber and main gauche up ...

Rolf can hear yet more screams emanating from behind the eastern facing heavy oaken door before he even touches it.  Opening it, he finds a better kept hallway with two likely cell doors on his right and another door to the east leading further on.

Even the most hard of hearing could tell the sound of the screaming is coming from the first door on the right.  It is the sound of great suffering.

A woman by Rolf's estimation, but what has befallen her is unknown as the door has no window to allow one to see within.

"It may not be safe, but we have to help if she's in trouble." he says knowing this is the exact opposite of what he said about the woman Gustav wanted to free.  But the circumstances are very different here.

"Teo takes these keys and open the door, but stand off to one side as you do it." he says as he readies his shield.

OOC: I want Teo to stand off to one side of the door while he opens it, using they keys if needed.  The rest of us will cover the door and cover him if anything tries to burst through.

Teo nods at Rolf's instructions, grabbing the keys in his right hand has he moves his club over to the left.  The others make a sort of semicircle, giving them a view of the inside of the door without getting too close.  Ghaalib grips his club in a ready position, his face washed with apprehension.

Teo checks the latch momentarily, and finding the door unlocked, he pulls the thing open, revealing the scene within.

The room itself is moderate sized, some thirty feet square.  Two large bullseye lanterns hang from the ceiling sending two small halos of light drifting to the floor.  At the back of the room, three small beds are spaced apart with walking space in between.  In the back right corner, a large metal cabinet stands against the back wall.

All of their attention however, is immediately on the bed at the back left corner of the room.

There is a woman upon the bed, thrashing about wildly within the meagre bounds of her restraints.  Leather straps wrap around her body, cinching down her ankles, knees, hips, arms, chest, and head.  The bindings are wrenched so tightly that it pinches in the padding of the mattress beneath the woman, and though she struggles violently, her range of movement is almost non-existent.  The woman bleeds profusely from her arm, a long gash that is exposed between two of the tight restraints.  Blood drips down the length of her arm, soaking into her mattress and dripping onto the floor where it mingles with a dry, rusty brown pool.

Standing over the woman is another woman, this one thick and beefy shouldered with a thick shock of black hair that is tied behind her head.  This larger woman wears a bloodied butcher apron and has some instrument in her hand which she is applying to the screaming woman's arm.  A step away, a bronze rack holds a small tray of instruments.

Another spasm of pain racks the patient, making her body writhe against her restraints as she screams, blood oozing from her arm in protest.

OOC:  Map posted.  I'm not savvy enough to include all the furniture.  To keep things clear, I'll refer to the two women as 'doctor' and 'patient' though don't let those terms cloud the impression that this scene was supposed to set.  Doctor is the woman in the map, and the patient is in a bed that is just to her right on the map.  The doctor doesn't seem to notice your presence yet.  The patient seems entirely too engrossed in pain to pay attention to anything.

Gustav steps through , blades up and stops about 6 feet from the "Doctor"  What is the meaning of this?

Rolf is young man.  Yet he has had some seasoning in his adventuring career.  Certainly his fight with the giant worm, who's scales he wears as armor, was fraught with peril and he's lucky to have survived.  In that battle his group leader had half his leg bitten off.  Twas a gruesome sight to be sure.

But this is something entirely different.  In the battle with the worm, and his other fights, it was a dynamic of predator and prey.  Where the predator was trying to make Rolf it's lunch and he did his best to fight it off.  It was nothing personal.  Only a matter of survival.

The woman being held down is being tortured.  The goal here is to simply inflict pain, and as much as possible for as long as possible.  What black hearted soul is capable of this?

Rolf follows Gustav.  "Step away." he says tersely as he draws his sword.

OOC: Rolf will step in the room and draw his falchion.

Gustav pushes his way in the room, both of his weapons held ahead of him and Rolf steps quickly behind, however, it is only when the two speak, that the doctor becomes disenthralled from her work.  She steps back quickly, the small instrument in her hand falling away as she drops it, though it seems to make no noise upon hitting the ground.

"Guard!"  The woman shouts, a single hand thrown in front of her in a sort of 'stop' gesture.  Her eyes shift towards the doorway, though only Teo, Ghaalib, and Morgalyn seem to answer the call.

After a moment of uncertainty, the woman's face spreads into a snarl, and she reaches behind her back with both hands, grasping a thick-bladed knife with each...

OOC:  Gustav is two hexes away from the doctor, everyone else is at least two hexes behind him.  Please post two seconds worth of action.

Gustav Executes a Lunge with his saber aiming for the center of her chest (vitals) right between her breasts

Rolf had thoughts of trying to reason with the woman.  Despite the horrors of her actions, there was no need for more violence.

But in reaching for weapons her intention to fight was clear.

Seeing the area a bit tight, Rolf moves as close to the bed as he can but still not interfere with Gustav.

OOC:  Round 1, Rolf will move south to the foot of the bed and maybe a bit to the western side.  He'll get within 2 hexes of Gustav, but no closer as to not interfere with his movement.  Defense feverish block.

Round 2,  Rolf will try to protect the bed's occupant.  Defense all out +2 block.

Without a second thought, Gustav lances his sabre forward, thrusting straight at the woman's heart, though with surprising reflexes, the fat doctor swats the blade just enough to the side with her knife that the blade rolls just shy of her retreating shoulder.

"Maneat!"  The woman shrieks, the knife in her left hand forward, her eyes sending daggers at Gustav, though she does not press forward for her own attack.

Instead, the woman leaps up to the side, jumping on the bed to her left as she keeps her back to the wall, trying to keep the whole group in sight.

Rolf rushes forward, attempting to keep the woman on the patient from further harm, though Gustav does not seem to move forward to press his attack, staying in place without so much as shuffling a single foot forward.  Rolf looks down at the patient, her wound still oozes blood, and seems to have small black marks etched in the skin along half of its length.

Teo, Morgalyn, and Ghaalib each surge forward, Ghaalib to the foot of the bed as Morgalyn and Teo cut off any exit on the other side.  Teo lashes out with his club, smacking the doctor hard against the shin as she crows out in pain!

OOC:  The Doctor is standing on the second bed and has a two foot height advantage over the other characters.  Rolf is standing at the foot of the bed with the patient, Gustav is standing between the two beds on the right side of the room.  Two rounds worth of action please.

Hmmm... didn't even have to click the button to get this roll ...
13:56, Today: Gustav Du Meseries rolled 13 using 3d6.  ST Move Right foot


He takes advantage of his blade being out under her arm and presses the (sharp) edge against her Arm just under the arm pit and pulls back making a draw cut.

Chaos!  Bedlam!

The room fills with the sound of battle!

"She's a mage!" Rolf warns the others as he seeks to cut the straps holding the woman down.

OOC: Rolf will try to cut across the straps holding the woman's feet for his two turns.  He won't strike down for fear of cutting the woman, but instead place his blade against the strap and pull across.

Rolf steps forward, slashing one of the leather straps binding the patient to the bed.  Absent the ministrations of the doctor, the woman cringes back on a corner of the bed, no longer thrashing wildly, though she still moans in pain and her arm oozes a thick, red discharge.

Gustav lunges forward to attack, though his feet refuse to move!  However, graceful as the swordsman is, he lances his saber forward, gashing the obese doctor's hip as he catches himself with his other hand on the bed.

"Telo lumen!"  The doctor shrieks.  Her hand suddenly glows with blinding light and in an instant, the bolt blasts forward, straight for Teo!  Teo drops to the ground, his club sprawling out of his grip as the fiery bolt blasts into the floor, scarring it black as it explodes with brilliant energy.

Ghaalib and Morgalyn step forward as well.  Ghaalib swats out with his club, stepping into the face of the woman as she ducks back, barely taking the thick of the club in a glancing blow off her hip.

Morgalyn however fares much better, stepping around and below the woman, she flashes her knife around, thrusting it into the back of the doctor's knee!  The knife buries near to the hilt and the woman screams!  Falling like a stone the doctor smashes her head against the wall on the way down and falls silent sprawled half on and half off the bed like the undone leather straps below her.

"Good God!"  Teo breathes making his way to a stand.

Morgalyn cleans off her blade on the woman's apron, checking for breath.  "Still alive."  She notes, loosening the straps from the bed and beginning to bind them around the doctor.

Rolf looks more intently at the patient, the woman is crying now, sheltered against the wall on the far side of the bed.  Now that he looks more closely, he notices her wound is stitched like a garment nearly halfway down its length.  A thin black thread trails down towards the floor, ending a few inches off the ground in a thick, steel needle.  The stitched side seems to hold tightly together, while the still open side of the wound ebbs a thick, muddy discharge.

OOC:  Ok, fight's over.  The Doctor is unconscious, not to mention bleeding profusely from her laceration to the back of her knee.  None of you have any experience with surgery, so it would be a novelty to your character, though Rolf could probably put two and two together that there was possibly an intent other than torture here... maybe.  Taking a look at the small table next to the bed, there are other instruments of the trade, a spool of thick, black thread and other various gauge of needles, sharp knives, etc.  You can go ahead and post normally.

Gustav attempts to move his feet ...

The fight is fast and furious, but is over quickly and fortunately for his group, no one is injured.  Which is damn lucky he thinks.

"Good job avoiding that bolt." he says to Teo as he picks himself off the floor.

"You should be alright in a minute." he adds as he watches Gustav struggling under the effect of some spell.

"I think maybe we made a mistake.  The magician might have been patching her up I think." he muses as he sees the woman's arm that has been partially stitched up.

He moves to Morgalyn and adds "We should do our best to patch them both up."

Whispering in a conspiring tone he says softly to his lockpicker, and fine warrior in her own right, "And tie them both so that they can't hurt anyone.  I think the woman on the bed might have hurt herself, but I can't say for certain.  If we don't tie her and leave her behind she might hurt herself or the mage lady.  And the magician needs tying up for obvious reasons."

Standing he looks around the room for possible bandages and not for the first time thinks that things in Witten are not always what they seem.  He needs to be careful not to make a wrong assumption and get an inmate or someone in his group hurt, or worse.

OOC:  I would like to apply first aid to both women.  And tie up the magician.  It's not clear to me if the woman on the bed has her arms free or just her legs at this point.  If her arms are still tied then I plan on leaving them that way.  But if not we may have to hold her down and tie her back up.

Morgalyn nods briefly to Rolf and continues tightening the straps on the doctor, cinching down with nearly all her weight on the leather bindings.

Rolf makes use of his time looking for a bit of bandage, and sure enough, at the small locker on the far side of the room, there are other utensils of medicine.  He pulls at the left door, which opens up easily, which holds more of the coarse black thread along with rolls of bandage, odd looking tweezers, small and sharp knives, and a small bottle of unlabled, clear liquid.  Curious, Rolf pulls at the right door, though that side seems individually locked.

Rolf makes quick work of bandaging the doctor, who is now fully restrained, putting a small clump at the back of her knee and wrapping a few feet of the cloth tightly around, putting extensive pressure on the major wound.  It seems to be enough, for though the bandage colors slightly pink at first, the spread seems to slow under the pressure and finally stalls as Rolf wraps around another layer.

The other girl is nearly as good a patient as the unconscious woman, she has now broken down into an exhaustion of soft sobs, her head lying back against the bed as her breath comes in bits and gulps.  Rolf gently wraps the wound on her arm, which seems a dull cut which is snaggled and ripped in several places.  He is actually impressed at the work of the thread to staunch the bleeding and press the skin back together, though being unskilled (and still thinking the method rather barbaric) he wraps the wound with gauze instead.

Looking around at their work, Morgalyn takes the last of the gauze from Rolf, wrapping the last bit around the doctor's head and mouth, keeping her from speaking (or crying out too loud) without wrapping around her nose.

OOC:  For sake of limiting the details on what you have to do, we'll say you just cut one of the patients's straps around the waist (it would have taken a few hacks to get her completely loose) and that she is still bound at the arms, legs and one strap at the torso.  The doctor is bound tight enough that she'll have enormous problems escaping, though not tightly enough that she's in danger of cutting off blood flow.  Morgalyn also bound her mouth so she couldn't scream out in case she woke up.  Let me know if there is anything else you want to look at before you leave the room.

Rolf looks around the room and quickly finds what he needs.  He sets work staunching the doctor's blood flow and before long she's bandaged well enough, and with Morgalyn's help tied up and gagged.  Rolf finds it highly unlikely she'll be giving them any trouble, any time soon.

He then takes a look at the patient on the bed and doesn't dare attempt to continue to sew her wound shut.  Instead he bandages it up with gauze.  Deciding it best to leave her where she lay, he does't cut any more of her remaining straps.  There's no telling what she might do if set free.

"Gustav, are you feeling better?" he asks as moves back to the locker.  "Teo, can you check to see if one of the keys opens this locker?  The right door is locked, and I'd love to know why."

OOC:  I'm ready to go.  But I wanted to see if one of our keys opens the right hand side of the locker.  If nothing interesting is inside, and Gustav has recovered, I plan on continuing east down the hall and opening the next closest door.

Teo checks the guard's keys against the locker, though trying each of the three, none of them seems to fit.

After perhaps a minute, Gustav is able to move again, his legs all of a sudden moving freely where they had been previously been rooted to the ground.

"I'm going to take these."  Morgalyn picks up the doctor's two fallen knives.  "Seems silly to leave them."

The five check the hallway before moving on, and Teo leads again, his light in hand, to the next doorway in the small hallway.  He turns the handle, finding this door locked as well before rooting around at his waist to get the keys.

"They don't seem to work here either."  Teo murmurs, trying the last of the three keys on the lock with no success.  "What do you think?  Try and get in, or just keep moving on?"

Rolf is disappointed at not being able to open the locker, but there's more important things to do and he knows he needs to keep moving.  There's no telling when another guard might happen upon them.  But the thought of opening it, and the boarded up cell they found earlier, pulls at him.  It is with some effort to not allow himself to get sidetracked and to keep going.

The mage is glad to see Gustav is able to move freely again as the magical effect wears off.  He figured it would not last long, especially with the doctor now incapacitated.

"I agree.  It's probably safer to take them." Rolf says to Morgalyn in regards to the knives.

Stepping out into the hall, Teo tries the keys again but finds it doesn't open the next door.

"Uncle Vunik could be anywhere.  I'm thinking we should open it and not leave stones unturned as we go." he says reluctantly.  He would hate to tarry on searching unimportant areas, but which areas are important and which ones aren't is impossible to say.

OOC:  Rolf would like to open the next door on the right, which I believe would be south.  If Morgalyn can't open it, then we'll try the keys on the last door to the east.

Morgalyn gives a shot at picking the door next to the surgery, though after a few minutes she sighs and turns back to the others.  "This one is pretty tough too.  I could keep going?  I don't hear anything in there though.  I would hate for us to have to wait here forever just to find I can't pick this afterall."

Rather than wait for a fresh attempt, Rolf shakes his head, and the group makes its way to the other door, which turns out to be unlocked.  Rolf pushes his way through the wooden doorway and finds himself in a sort of conference room.

There is a long, wide oaken table which runs the width of the room.  Atop the table are various loose sheets of paper as well as three or four books that lay open.  There are various chairs around the table, most pushed in although some lay askew.

On the opposite wall is a life-sized oil portrait, that of a young man with round spectacles and a pale complexion.  The man stands out on a lively and vibrant street corner with the facade of the asylum visible in the background.  On the near wall, another portrait shows the same man at an indoor setting.  Both paintings seem to be slightly aged, with small chips at places in the oil.

On the far wall and the wall to the right, two more large, wooden doors stand, offering various way to get farther into the asylum.

OOC:  It is 0300 in the morning.  You guys are in room 10 on the map below.  Morgalyn failed on her first lockpicking attempt, and rather than attempt again with another increase in time, I opted to keep you guys moving.  Feel free to head back that way if you want her to try again.

Rolf frowns at not being able to open the door despite Morgalyn's best effort.  But he agrees with his lockpicker that the room beyond is likely empty...or it's occupants dead or sleeping he thinks to himself.  Still, he knows he should not tarry too long at any one spot so opts to move on.

After opening the east door he is presented with what looks like a conference room of sorts.

"We should check these." he says in regards to the papers and books.

OOC:  I want myself, Teo and Morgalyn to skim through the papers and books with Gustav and Ghaalib on guard.  Spending upwards of one minute searching.  If nothing important is found, then move on to see if we can open the southern door if it is unlocked or one of our keys works.

Gustav posts himself between the door the entered and the one opposite, and stays alert.

Rolf shuffles through some of the papers on the table.  They seem to be status reports of sorts, with various patient updates on the patients.

Gyl continues to struggle with fantastical delusions.  He today offered to buy his way out of the asylum.  An incredible idea, given that his family can barely afford his prescribed treatment.

No progress on Gorslag, he is unresponsive and only stares off into space.

Rolf shuffles through a few more of the sheets, finding nothing else of particular interest.  He does notice though that the ink on all the sheets seem to be fairly fresh and they are all dated within the past two days.

The ledgers seem similar sort of writing.  Rolf flips through the book he his holding, which seems to be organized by time, going back a couple of weeks and has entries with various patients scattered over the pages.  He flips through the book and some of the others and doesn't note any entries on Vunik, although none of them seem to go farther back than a month.

Not finding what he was looking for, Rolf gives a turn of the handle on the door at the short end of the room, peering inside to find a wooden staircase leading upwards.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 15:39, Tue 30 June 2020.

Rolf rifles through the paperword and ledgers in hope he might some damning piece of information.  Nothing stands out among the mundane day to day entries one would expect from Witten.

He had hoped to find some clues...about what he's not sure.  But something.

Giving up he heads over the southern door and finds it unlocked.  "It's way up.  Let's go." he whispers.

Despite there being plenty of nooks and crannies left to search on the first floor, he wants to go up a level.  Rolf is sure that anything interesting won't be in the main wings of the asylum.

Gustav is right behind Rolf, feeling that he should be in front of him...

Rolf begins to step up the stairway, though it is so dark that he has to wait a moment for Teo to come in behind him with the light.  The stairs rise ten feet or so before they stop at a wide landing.

Here there is another door, thick and oaken, with a rectangular panel set into the wood near the middle, perhaps not quite a foot wide and half as tall.  All around the gaps at the edges, the thin gaps emit a feeble light from the room beyond.

Though there is no lock that seems to be set into handle, Rolf attempts to push the door open and finds it closed fast, allowing only a trace movement before it stops firmly even though the handle turns freely.

Rolf climbs up the stairs and is presented with another oaken door.  This one curiously isn't locked as the handle turns, but it doesn't budge.  The mage notes what appears to be a sliding inset that one could look through, if one had a handle to grasp.  Alas, no such handle exists on this side of the door.

"It's barred on the other side.  Breaking it down, if we can, would create a high holy racket.  Let's head back down and continue our search."

OOC:  Unless Gustav says otherwise, we'll head back down and continue east from room 10.

Gustav Shrugs and goes back down the stairs...

OOC - Rolf, you are the leader... Gustav does as he is told mostly anyway.

Forgoing any further probing or any attempt to break down the door at the top of the stairs, Rolf makes his way back down to the staffroom, before trying the door on the opposite wall.  That one too is unlocked, and Rolf pushes his way through.

Rolf and the others find themselves in a corridor much like the one on the other wing.  The Northern wall is stone with a few high windows.  The Southern wall has two wooden doors which are both closed.  The eastern wall has a door as well, this one is bolted from this side with a thick plank of knotted wood which is held in place with iron brackets.

OOC:  The corridor looks exactly like room 7.  The only difference is that you can see the bolt slid into the place on the door at the eastern wall, which appears easy enough to simply slide back to unlock the door.

Rolf goes back down and through the eastern door, but sees the exact same layout as the west.   Facing him are two southern doors and one leading to the east, which would be the wing where he's been before.

"I say we don't bother with those doors." he says softly.  "It would seem the only way up is back the way we came and unfortunately is barred.  But I can use magic to bypass it and get us through.  I was hoping there would be another way up, but it doesn't look like it."

Turning an about face, he heads back for the stairway leading up.

OOC:  I would like to return back to the stairs.  I will cast blink to move to the other side of the door and attempt to open it from there.  I will take the keys with me, just in case.  I will leave the light with Teo as it looks like I won't need it.

Rolf and the others head back up the stairs and back to the oaken door they had been unable to make their way through earlier.  Feeling certain that Vunik, and any other evidence they needed against the asylum was on the higher floors, Rolf prepares himself to teleport through the door.

Never before had he attempted to jump through space to a place he had not seen before.  But it didn't seem like it could really be that difficult, could it?  Just putting himself on the other side of the door...

Rolf places his hands on the wood, envisioning himself on the same wood floor, his hands braced against the same door... just from the other side.  It was a jump of less than three feet.  Rolf felt confident that he could make that happen.

Rolf wills the mana from within and mutters a few words in latin as he feels his body turn in upon itself, collapsing into nothingness...

As Rolf's body explodes back into being, his legs nearly buckle underneath him.  For a moment, he is unable to catch himself, though after an intense moment of concentration, he manages to sturdy his knees and lean against the wooden door for support.

After managing to keep himself upright, Rolf pulls himself back up to a stand and takes a quick glance around himself.  The room is small, lit by a pair of torches that are burned nearly to exhaustion.  The room is thankfully empty of any of the denizens of the asylum.  There are however, various wooden crates, mostly open that are strewn around the room.  Rolf notices woolen blankets, linen shirts, lumber, masonry stone, and various trade tools, hammers, chisels, saws and the like.  The door Rolf had pulled himself upright on is oaken, just like the others side, with a thick wooden bolt holding the door fixed in place.  There is also the foot wide panel just about chest height, though with a small knob on this side to make the panel easy to open.  The other side of the room has another door, this one wooden as well, though with a latched handle.

Rolf peers through the panel for a moment, just to make sure, then opens the door to let the others inside.

OOC:  Unfortunately, blink is a blocking spell, so you can't use it in this situation.  It ended up not mattering with the exception of one FP.  The room is about twenty feet square with various flotsam strewn about.  The only other exit is a door on the directly opposite wall.

Gustav steps in and to one side to unblock the door on guard, then moves nearer to the other door just in case someone should enter.

Rolf stares at the door a moment and prays to himself and the gods that no one is on the other side.  It's a risk he knows, but if they are to get upstairs they have to get past this door, and picking the lock isn't an option.

Ianuae Magicae he mutters as he waves his hands intricately.  One moment he is there, and in the next he's on the other side!

Rolf feels dizzy from the experience, but fortunately there's no one around and he finds himself alone in a square room.

As he suspected the door he jumped past is barred.  Lifting the impediment to free the door, the mage opens it to allow the others entry.

As his group fills in, Rolf gives the assorted junk found in the room a cursory once over.  It seems to be some sort of storage room for various supplies.  Oddly enough he sees tradesmen tools and materials which he finds strange seeing how much the first level is in disrepair.

"Gustav, is it open?" he asks of his companion at the next door to the south.

OOC: I don't want to plan on spending any time searching and will continue on to the next door.  Gustav can take the lead.

Gustav listens and if her hears nothing on the other side, he tries to open the door

Rolf looks over the crates and equipment in the room.  They are definitely some sort of construction equipment, though he notes that the areas that needed the most work were downstairs, rather than up.  It seems odd to him, though he can do little more than file the thought away for later use.

Glancing behind one of the crates, Rolf notices a keyring which has been dropped and wedged against the wall.  This one seems to have a few more keys than the one they had found on the guard earlier.

Still, Rolf knows that the darkest secrets of the asylum are likely to be up rather than down.  He nods for Gustav to try the door leading farther on.

Gustav puts an ear against the opposite door for a moment.  Then, hearing nothing, he pushes it open.  He finds himself in a wide corridor beyond.  A handful of windows decorate the opposite wall, the glass pains completely dark though the heavy spatter of rain casts patterns across their surfaces with a soft, repetitive tapping.  The walls here are polished stone, with none of the wet or mildew that marks the corridors downstairs.

The wall also holds a handful of sconces, each set with a bright, yellow torch which merrily casts a soft glow about the hall.

Looking left and right, Gustav notes a large wooden door on each side before the hallway bends in each direction back to the South.

OOC:  Map below.  I don't feel I did the description great justice, so hopefully this adds a little clarity.  The 'storage' room is 15, with the hallway Gustav is standing in being 16.  Let me know which direction or door you want to head toward next.

Gustav moves to look down (peek around) the closer hallway (to the left on the map).

Rolf notices a set of keys behind a crate and stoops to pick them up before making his way from the storage room in the hall beyond.

Greeted by a well lit and thankfully dry hall, he waits for Gustav to see if the passage to the west is clear before continuing.

Gustav looks around the corner to the left, finding another empty corridor that is lit by the merrily shining torches.  It goes on for some forty feet or so, before ending in a 'T' intersection that continues to both the left and right.  There do not seem to be any additional doors in sight though.

He returns to Rolf to report this, then goes to look down the other corridor equally carefully.

Rolf nods silently to Gustav as he waits for him to check the next hall on the right.

OOC: If the hallway on the right is clear, I want to open the door on the left.

Gustav slowly walks to the other corner in the corridor, and peers careful from behind the cover of the wall.  The Eastern wall continues for another twenty or so feet, before ending in another large, wooden door.  Across from the door, the hallway turns again to the right, leading back towards the West.

OOC:  Sorry for the lag gents.  I have family here at home that leaves tomorrow.  More doors, and more hallways.  Let me know where you want to head.

Gustav walks back to Rolf and reports what he saw quietly.
 he'll go to the door on the left and listen before trying to open it If Rolf tells him to.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:17, Sat 18 July 2020.

A trickle of nervous sweat beads at the base of Rolf's neck.  He knows something lay in wait for his group and the anticipation of stumbling upon whatever made the magical energy he felt before is maddening.

Rolf nods at the suggestion to open the left door and gives Gustav their collective set of keys if he needs them.

OOC: Left door is good with me.

Gustav nods , listens, tries the door and tries keys if needed.

Sneaking across the hallway and trying at the door, Gustav finds the thing open, and ushers the rest of the party into the small room.  It is small, perhaps only twenty feet square.  The right wall has a narrow window which is dark and spattered with rainwash.

As for furniture, there is an ornate and thick cherry desk which sits against the back wall.  The legs are thick and splay out at the bottom into the form of a lion's paw.  Behind the desk is an upholstered chair which seems to be the match for the desk.  On either side stand two tall candelabra of tarnished bronze which each are fitted with a seven unlit candles.

On the wall to the left, there is a bookshelf, which seems undecorated though it has dozens of volumes on its four shelves.

There are two more doors leading out of the room, one on the back wall, and another on the wall to the left.

It is only at a second glance that the group notice a small, bat-like creature which hovers above the desk.  It does not seem to need to flap its thin, leathery wings to stay afloat, but merely stays there, unsupported by any obvious means.  It has a thick, bony ridge which runs down the length of its spine and another two, which are parallel and sit about a half inch from the center ridge.  All told, the form is about six inches tall, and as the last of the group file into the room, Gustav cautiously approaches the beast, which turns its tiny head as Gustav approaches.

"The hell is that?  Teo whispers as Gustav steps forward.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:38, Tue 21 July 2020.

Gustav stops , weapons up and steps back, the creature seems to be poisonous from the look of it's tail ... Methinks it is dangerous .. poisonous even.

Rolf enters the room after Gustav as quietly as he can.  With a passing glance he looks the room over and notes the presence of many books which intrigues him.  With more than one mage at Witten he wonders what secrets they might contain.

But he can't dwell on such thoughts long as the mages spots a small creature hovering in space through seemingly no physical effort at all.

"Leave it be." Rolf pleads in a soft whisper.  Pausing a few seconds he simply observes the demonic sprite to see what actions it may or may not make.

OOC: I would like to pause a few seconds to see what it may do.  If it does nothing I would like to give it a wide berth and try the door on the left.

Rolf looks briefly at the bookshelf, the old and leather bound books, many worn with age.  He cannot help but think that with the magical knowledge, perhaps some of the tomes are spell books, though the tiny creature that follows the group with its gaze gives him enough unease to leave the room promptly.

The thing watches them all the way until they leave, though it makes no moves beyond that, and when Ghaalib closes the door behind them, the thing still hovers docilely above the desk.

The door to the left opens up into another small room, this one much the same size as the last, though here there are no windows.  A set of wall sconces hold torches that burn merrily with a flickering blue and yellow flame, sending a warm glow over the room without the black smoke that normally accompanies a torch.

This room has several filing cabinets pushed back against the walls with drawers that seem to be organized by both time and alphabet.  In the far corner, a single cabinet is labeled with the dates 1965 to 1970, with each of the five cabinets labeled with a portion of the alphabet, A-D for the top one, through T-Z on the bottom.  The next two are labeled 1970-1980 with much a similar layout for names.  The next two are 1980-1990, though 1990-2000 seems to only require a single cabinet again.  The last of the row is labeled 2000- and has much a similar organization than the ones before.

On the opposite wall, another wooden door sits against the wall.

Rolf tensely observes the small creature, but it makes no move.  Motioning to the group to move on, he makes his way to the first door on the left.  Fortunately whatever is hovering above the desk simply watches them as they leave via the unlocked door to the south.

"What was that thing?" Rolf asks rhetorically, knowing full well that none of them have ever in their lives have seen such a creature.

"I think it is some sort of guardian for the desk, the array of books, or both.  I would love to search that room, but it's not worth the risk." he adds as he grabs one of the cabinets for a quick search.

Noting the unusual nature of the torches, he adds taking command..."Someone please check those torches.  I think they're magic.  Everyone else help me with these files.  Look under G for Gasteyer."

OOC:  Rolf will open the 2000- of the drawer in the E-G section.  He wants to see if he can find something under Vunik's last name of Gasteyer.  Also (assuming Gustav checks the torches) have Teo, Morgalyn and Ghaalib check other 'G' drawers.  I don't want to spend much time here, maybe 30 to 60 seconds before moving on via the next door to the south.

Gustav looks at the torch, then attempts to remove it from the sconce.

As Rolf wonders aloud what the beast in the other room was, the rest of his companions merely shake their heads.

"Creepy is what it is."  Morgalyn offers, shuffling along to the 1990-2000 cabinet, opening a drawer second from the top.

Gustav grabs one of the torches from the sconce and moves it to his left hand, taking a close look.  Unlike normal torches which are wrapped in cloth and oil, these seem to simply be a wooden base which ends in a metal bracket.  The wood itself does not seem to be burned at all, though the torch is quite hot and flickers its merry light despite the torches's inadequacies.

Rolf heads towards the newest of the cabinets, and like Morgalyn, finds the G drawer to be organized second from the top, holding names starting from E and running to I.  He opens the drawer quickly, finding a dozen or so folding envelopes that seem mostly empty.  Rolf shuffles through the few folders in the row and quickly finds one that is labeled Vunik Gasteyer.  Opening the envelope quickly, he finds only a single, handwritten note.

The patient clearly suffers from some unknown mental disorder, but his boasts about his planar knowledge cannot be ignored.  Despite the risks, this patient’s tremendous potential must be explored more thoroughly.  Recommend removal from general population to a more secure location.
–Doctor Heraladus

The note is dated the 23rd of September, 2005.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:40, Thu 23 July 2020.

Rolf wastes little time in searching through the drawer.  Most of the files are blank, but he finds what he seeks as his eyes spot Uncle Vunik's file.

"By the beard on my chin I found it." he says triumphantly as he reads the short note from Doctor Heraldus.  "It's definitive proof they are using him and his skill with planar magic for some fell purpose.  Even if I can't find him I have this to prove they're up to no good."

"Should we take a torch?" he asks Gustav as he moves to the put the file in a safe place.

OOC:  I want to fold up and put the contents of the file in my backpack.  Assuming Gustav is good to go I want to open the next southern door.

Seems good to me...  but I can't hold it and fight very well. Anybody want to hold it?

"I say we leave the torch for now and maybe stop back here later to grab it." Rolf offer as he agrees they all should have their weapon hands free.

He shrugs and places the torch back in it’s holder, before heading for the next door.

Rolf puts the whole envelope in his bag along with the short note from Doctor Heraladus and Gustav puts the torch back in the bracket, before opening the door on the Southern wall.

The group finds themselves at the end of a corridor.  Immediately to their right, there is another wooden door.  The corridor proceeds to the left and the wall ahead of them has a few small windows that seem to look out on the dark front grounds of the asylum.  At the far end of the corridor, another door goes further on, and the corridor branches off to the left about fifteen feet ahead, as well as at the end, some forty or fifty feet away.

OOC:  Basically, you are looking up from the bottom of a large, backwards 'F'.  There are doors at both the top and bottom, the one you just came from is on the same side as the other passageways go.

Rolf is glad to keep moving.  He knows Vunik is here somewhere.

One way as good as the other, he points to the door nearest to them as to where to go next.

OOC:  I think I have the gist of the map.  The door immediate to our right is a western door (where I'd like to go).  Going down the corridor to the east takes us to the stairway area where there are two eastern doors we haven't opened yet.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 16:53, Mon 27 July 2020.

Gustav goes over and listens at the door for a minute, then tries it...

Gustav listens at the door immediately to the right for a moment and hearing nothing, he grips the handle to pull the door open.  This one though, appears to be locked.

Rolf takes out the larger ring of keys they found in the small storage room, trying each of them in order, though none of them fit the lock.  On a whim, Rolf tries the three keys they found on the guard downstairs, with little hope of any of them working, and indeed, none of them do.

"It's okay, I've got it."  Morgalyn smirks, pulling out her picks.  She spends a minute or two fiddling with the lock, her face screwed up in concentration, though she seems to get a little more frustrated with every passing second.  After a particularly loud clink! coming from the inside of the lock, Morgalyn withdraws her picks, her face set in a scowl.

"The mechanism isn't even moving!  I had my picks right on it, and it didn't budge.  Not even a wiggle!  It's like some welded the damn thing in place."

OOC:  Good intuition on the map Rolf.  I hesitate to give you a bird's eye view (especially all together) because it just isn't a realistic expectation of what you would be able to put together in a first person view.  It also has the added side affect of making very apparent the places that you are missing.  That beings said, I know the word description doesn't always quite have the clarity that you would get in person.  I'll keep putting up smaller maps as I deem them necessary.

After trying all the keys, Rolf waits patiently for Morgalyn to use her skill to lockpick the door open.  Time passes but she is unsuccessful which he finds strange as she hasn't missed a lock yet.

"I will try." Rolf says as he looks at the lock.  Suspecting it's magically sealed he says "This might be tough to crack.  Even with my magic."

OOC: I will try the Lockmaster spell.  Cost is 3FP and takes 10 seconds to cast.

Rolf steps up behind Morgalyn, putting his hand on the door and concentrating intently before murmuring, "Cincinno Cominus!"

But Rolf frowns.  His spell was successful... if you can call it that, though it did not seem to actually work.  Though he knows that the door has not opened, Rolf puts a hand on the knob anyway, attempting to push it open with no effect.  The effort has drained Rolf, and he leans slightly on the door as it stays firmly shut, his breath coming in a quick series of gulps as sweat begins to bead on his face.

"We could always smash it in?"  Ghaalib offers from behind them.

OOC:  Rolf, your spell succeeded, but was resisted.  The result is that you pay the full FP without getting the spell effect.  You may opt to try again with (no penalty), though you don't really have any information about how badly your spell failed or how likely it would be to be resisted again.  Note your dwindling fatigue, you are close to half move and dodge.

It is 0325.

Rolf casts his spell, and he knows it was successful, but as he feared it didn't work.

"Whoever protected this door lock with magic is likely more skilled than I am.  I don't think my magic will unlock it without many attempts.  And I'm dubious we'll be able to smash it in and not alert whatever guards around that may be sleeping."

The mage considers their options.  "There was another door to the west in the room with the bat creature.  There might be another way in if we try that way.  But I doubt any door we may find that leads into the room beyond will be any easier to open than this one."

"However there could be a key in the desk that the bat creature is defending.  That would make sense why it's guarding it.  I am loathe to take it on, the gods know what it could do."

"What do you all think?  I have my crossbow that I could fire from the file room through a cracked open door.  Maybe that would kill it outright, but maybe not.  Killing it might tough."

And being magical, who knows what happens when it is attacked ... it might double or more in size and breathe fire for all we know.
Is anyone aware of away to put it to sleep or make it friendly? Perhaps some food... ?

Rolf considers their options.  "Let's head back to the other two doorways near the stairs.  There's no need to deal with this door or that creature yet."

Knowing full well that time is pressing he opts to keep moving despite the clawing fatigue that want nothing more than to lay down and rest.

OOC: I would like to open one of the doors east of us near the stairs.  Try the more southern one just opposite us first, and if we can't open it, then the one just north of it.

Gustav leads the way, listening at each door for a moment, before opening it..

Deciding to try some of the other doors, Rolf leads the small group down the long hallway towards the other end, and as he glances down each of the corridors leading left, it indeed appears that they are back in the same wrapping corridor where they had first emerged from downstairs.

Gustav presses his ear against the door at the end of the hallway, and though he hears nothing, taking a quick turn at the door, he finds this one locked as well.

Rather than take up the time to try and potentially fail with the lock-picking and spellwork effort again, Rolf simply walks towards the next corner of the hallway, and the last door on this side.  Gustav listens again, and this time, he can hear a faint, incoherent moaning.  It is the sound of a dull, throbbing, ache and pain.  Gustav reaches out and turns the handle, just to check, and finds this door to be unlocked.

OOC:  Not sure if there is anything different you want to do going into the room, but as you asked to take a listen, I figured I would give you the opportunity.  As a reminder, it's about 0325 in the morning.  The map is posted below since Rolf did such a good job describing the gist of it.  You guys are at the most Northwest door, the two doors on the south (both in the East and West walls) are locked, the one on the West magically so.

Rolf follows Gustav to each door and notes the one that's locked to follow up on for later.

He nods to Gustav as the man tests the door to see if it's locked.  "Ready." he says tersely as he prepares for Gustav to open it and see whatever lay beyond.

Gustav slips in, opening the door only enough to slide in, weapons at the ready as soon as possible.  He lets his eyes adjust and stands clear of the door so others could enter if they wish.

Opening the door and slipping inside, Gustav leaves the portal just wide enough that the others can see inside, and follow if they deem it prudent.

If Gustav had been looking around at the features of the room, he would have noticed the large amphitheater, with bench-style seating that staircased upwards towards the back wall.  He would have noticed the same, smokeless torches decorating the walls all around which provided a reasonable amount of light, he would have noticed the dais towards the left side of the room which supported a large, black, block... a sort of focal point of the surrounding seats.

However, Gustav does not take much time to process this information, for when he first steps in the room, his attention is immediately focused on the inhabitants.  Eleven, horrifying men and women of death shamble about the room, some congregating near the stone on the dais.  Each of them seem to be in varying stages of decay, some with their skin beginning to hang and detach from their body, exposing putrid patches of fat and muscle.  All of them however, bear massive injuries, from some with wide gashes across their abdomen, to others who have their entire chest and ribcage splayed open and their innards removed, leaving only an empty hollow clear to the spine between the hips and shoulders.

The denizens of the room notice Gustav as the door opens and they turn, moaning as they approach him in shambling steps.

OOC:  Gustav, roll vs. Fright Check with combat reflexes modifiers if appropriate.  If you succeed the roll, you can act normally.  The massive black stone, a rectangular prism in shape, sits near the center of the room where the '23' is (though just a little north of it), with the bench seats climbing up towards the bottom of the map.  Consider the north 3 rows of squares flat terrain, with the southern three rows the more obstructed terrain where the benches are.

Gustav is horrified, He stares at the hideously maimed figures while trying to gather his wits .
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Rolf gets a small glimpse into the room and is unsure of what may lay beyond.  He follows after Gustav and is presented with a sight the like he's never seen!  It's almost too much for Rolf's mind to process the sickening and unholy visage of the living corpses doing whatever it is they are doing.

Keeping his wits about him he grabs Gustav forcefully, "Come on! he blurts as he attempts to pull him back out of the room.

OOC:  Rolf made his fright check and will try to get Gustav to come to his senses and to join him in retreating out the door.
18:45, Today: Rolf Erikson rolled 12 using 3d6.  Undead fright check.


This message was last edited by the player at 23:16, Fri 07 Aug 2020.

Caught completely unawares by the sights of nearly a dozen disemboweled undead mulling about the room, Gustav freezes stock still, his body rigid with shock.

Sensing something amiss, Rolf pushes his way in the room and takes in all in a moment the mass of zombies stumbling and shambling forward, a nether-worldly hunger cast upon their empty and festering eyes.  Rolf grabs Gustav by the collar, pulling him backwards.  Gustav stumbles his foot backwards as he is pulled, and falls, though mercifully both of the men are far enough back that Ghaalib can close the door behind them.

The low moaning stops just on the other side of the door.  A chorus of dull, empty voices that groan their eternal displeasure.  They do not seem to make any attempt at opening the door however.

OOC:  Thanks for the edits.  I made a few rolls for Rolf, which he passed, allowing him to pull Gustav back through the doorway and out into the corridor.  Gustav tripped up in the process, but Ghaalib closed the door and it doesn't seem like the zombies are trying to make their way through it.  Gustav will rouse from his stun in a few seconds, feel free to post as normal.

Gustav tries to roll over and get up, shaking his head ... he then checks his weapons for any damage.

Sheer panic.  The likes of which Rolf has only experienced in the fight with the great worm that took Darran's leg.  He very nearly died that day and only just was able to escape the worm's giant maw.

Pure desperation fuels Rolf to grasp Gustav and somehow, someway get them both out of that room.  Falling in a jumbled mess, the pair of them exit before the shambling creatures reach them.  And fortunately for the pair Ghaalib is able to close the door and stop the advance of the evil that lay within.

Gasping for air Rolf moves to the door to magic it closed, but realizes they don't seem interested in giving chase and seemingly return their black obelisk.  He finds their lack of killer instinct odd, but a welcome respite.

"Bloody Hell!" is all he can muster to say as he gathers his wits.  "The room was filled with the unliving.  I've heard of such things but have never seem it first hand."

It's clear to him leaving the room with the creatures alone is their only option.  But what to do next?

"I want to go back to the room with the cabinets and discuss our next move." he says as he points back west.

OOC:  I want to go back to the cabinet room once Gustav is ready.

Rolf and the others walk down the hall, and back into the records room, closing the latch of the door behind them...

OOC:  Feel free to keep discussing your options as you wish, the zombies don't chase you down and there isn't anything else that blocks your path yet.

The group makes their way to the records room and shut the door behind them.  Rolf feels sick.  His hands tingle and his brain feels fuzzy.  He sits heavily.

"I need to rest." he says as he rubs his temples.  The hour is getting late and he feels fatigue settling in.

Considering what to do he opens the floor for discussion.  "Our options are to try to pick the door to the east, sneak by the bat and try the door to the west in the bat room, or try to kill the bat and search the desk it seems to be defending."

"I suspect there may be a set of keys in that desk so killing it is an option I'd like to seriously consider."

OOC:  I would like to take a half hour to rest and discuss what to do.  I need more than that to rest fully, but I'm reluctant to take that much time.

Indeed we have few options left...  if we beat down a mage locked door, we will be able to go through it?
This message was last edited by the player at 20:12, Mon 10 Aug 2020.

Rolf thinks about the odds of being able to batter down a mage locked door.  "That I think should be our last option.  We aren't really equipped to bash a door in, especially one that is likely reinforced.  If we were able to destroy enough so that the lock is ineffective, the magical protection shouldn't hold up anymore."

"Let me rest, then we can try to pick the lock door to the east. Maybe that one isn't protected by magic."

OOC:  I would like to rest here for 30 minutes, and if nothing comes try to pick the locked door to the east.

After a short conversation, Rolf decides to rest in the records room, to regain some of his much needed strength.  He mentions their next step, to head back towards the end of the hall to take on the other locked door.

"I'll get a head start then."  Morgalyn mentions, pushing herself up to her feet.  "No sense in waiting twice.  Hopefully it shouldn't take long."

"I'll go with you."  Ghaalib offers, grabbing his club and following her out of the door.

The time passes slowly.  Twice, Gustav checks out the door casually, noting to the others that Morgalyn still seems to be working on the lock and that all is normal.

After a half an hour, Rolf pushes himself to his feet, somewhat rested, though he feels what he really needs is just a good night's sleep.

Their timing proves nearly impeccable, for as Gustav, Rolf and Teo make their way towards the end of the hall to join Morgalyn and Ghaalib, it seems that Morgalyn is just finishing up her work.

"It's been another hard one."  She offers, though her concentration is entirely focused on her tools gripped within her fingers.  "But I think I've just about... got it."

Click!

The lock slips open and Morgalyn shakes her hands forcefully as if throwing off a cramp.

"I heard some things from the room...  Just some scraping and rummaging.  I think someone is in there...  Any plan in particular?"

OOC it is 0400.

Rolf resigns himself to rest, but it is only effective to some degree.  His body needs sleep but there's still much to be explored and he hasn't found Uncle Vunik yet.  Sleep will have to wait.

He nods in agreement to Morgalyn's thought to start picking the lock on the door to the east now.  Time passes and the mage rises stiffly from resting on the floor and goes to meet up with his lockpicker and hired muscle.

"Excellent." he says softly and with some satisfaction as he sees Morgalyn finish picking the lock.  The timing couldn't have been better.  Not for the first time Rolf is glad he hired her as she's been near flawless in besting each lock they've faced.

"There's bound to be more of the undead beyond.  Any more than three or four I say we shut the door." the mage says rhymingly as he readies his falchion.  The blade is on the small side, but he finds it effective enough.

"Otherwise we fight, assuming that indeed the source of the noise you heard was more of the unliving.  I don't know really how to kill something that's already dead, but I'm guessing we should aim for the head and the body should follow."

OOC:  I would like Gustav then myself in the front.  Followed by Ghaalib, Teo (who has the light) and Morgalyn.

Gustav is truly concerned as he takes the lead, he asks Morgalyn to open the door  just over half way so he can keep both weapons ready.

Gustav gently pushes open the door, making his way quickly in and preparing for a quick escape in the chance of encountering more of the undead zombie things.  Rolf too, pushes his way to the door, trying to get some sense of the room within.

There are none of the undead here.  Instead, the room seems little more than an extra set of jail cells, which are pushed up against the left-hand wall.  Though the wall of the cells facing them is solid stone, it is clear enough to see the line of bars that separate the cells from the rest of the room.

Immediately to their left, in a small alcove, there is a large table with dirty dishes and mugs, a pair of chairs lazily pushed in, a pair of five or six foot battle axes which are leaned idly against the wall, and a thick wooden bunkbed on which both beds are heaped with sprawling blankets.

Gustav stops abruptly when he recognizes the twin masses on each of the beds are actually massively built men.

It is this quick stop that sets the next few moments in motion.

Still trying to get his bearings, Rolf cranes his neck around towards the cells as he steps forward in the other direction, though he does not recognize that Gustav has now stopped his movement.  Rolf bumps into Gustav, setting himself off balance for a moment, though he manages to catch himself by gripping the handle of the door, which he pulls towards himself, bumping his toe with a meaty thunk.

The noise is enough to disturb the two men from their rest.

The man on the top bunk snaps his head in the direction of the doorway, and on seeing Gustav, rolls himself to a stand from the bed and onto the floor.

"What're you doing here?"  The man shouts with a grunt as he reaches for one of the axe's laying against the wall.

OOC:  Gustav and Rolf are in the room, and though I gave each of you the opportunity to roll for stealth (assuming you were trying to be quiet) my roll for Rolf failed very badly.  The man on the top bunk is already standing on the floor and reaching for an axe.  The other man is sitting up in the bottom bunk with one foot reaching for the floor (also awake).  Map of the room below.  You can't see anything within the cells due to the angle.

Gustav steps forward and swings, then as his blade comes below his left arm, he thrust at the mans vitals with his main gauche ...

Rolf follows Gustav into the room and immediately sees three jail cells.  He fully expects to see more undead here and is surprised there are none to be found.

The mage's attention is distracted by the room and he fails to note Gustav's abrupt halt and is thrown off balance.  Catching himself by the door his foot bumps solidly into the door and he lets out a soft grunt.  If he was trying to be stealthy, you would be hard pressed to know it.

Rounding the corner he is greeted by the rising forms of two solidly built men hastily reaching for wickedly long, sharp looking axes.

He rushes into the room, both to help Gustav and to allow more in his party to join in.

OOC:  I'll move to close and attack the man on the left.  Defense blink.  Rolf has his shield and sword readied.

At those simple, shouted words, the whole of the room devolves into chaos!

Gustav charges forward, his sword slashing wildly, though the blade misses high as the sturdy man dips just slightly to bring his massive axe in front of his body.

The second man too, rises from the bed, reaching out against the wall and gripping his axe in both hands.

Rolf speeds from the door too, making room behind him for the others who he can hear rushing into the room behind him.  Rolf grips his shield and sword, slinging the weapon in an overhand arc as he makes the last, hurried step.

But something is wrong - his body is twisted, his hips turned the wrong direction from trying to run and fight at the same time.  Rolf tries to correct the error, turning his wrist to right the blow, though it only compounds the situation, the sword turning in his hands, slipping from his grip and clattering against the wall and clattering to his feet!

"Give up and maybe we'll let you walk out of here!"  Ghaalib calls as he brandishes his club, trying to make his way towards the twin hulks of men.

OOC:  Rolf, unfortunately you crit failed your move and attack.  Since you only had one hero point, I opted not to use it, though if you do want to use it, shoot me a private and I'll edit the above post to reflect the changes.  Gustav, you were pretty far away from the thugs too, so you needed to use a move and attack, which failed badly, though you faired better Rolf at least.  If you do want to make two attacks this turn, please note whether you want to make an all out attack (leaving you with no defense), or opt for a flurry of blows (making each attack at -6, or at -3 if you want to spend 1 fatigue per attack).

Edit:  Map included now.  Sorry, I forgot to tag it.  Rolf, your sword is in the grid just north of you.  Basically it's at your feet.  You can attempt to retrieve it, though I highly doubt it would be entirely safe to do so.


This message was last edited by the GM at 20:08, Tue 18 Aug 2020.

Rolf feels off.  It could be the late hour, but his brain just isn't firing as well as it usually does.  Beginning to stride towards his nearest foe, his body just won't listen to him and won't move right.  Doing his best to correct himself, he somehow looses his grip and drops his sword!

Egads!

With his right hand free Rolf shifts gears to magician mode and attempts to recover the situation.  Leaving his sword where it lay for now, he tries a spell taught to him by his master in hopes of taking advantage of an achilles heel of many warriors, that of a weaker mind.

OOC:  Lol!  Move and attacks never work for me.  I say let it stand.  For clarity, where is my sword?  Could I safely retrieve it?  Or are the men close enough to strike me if I try?

In any event I want to try casting command on the nearest fighter.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.

Hoping to still be able to get the jump on the two guards who had just been sleeping, Rolf leans on his magic again, and as he sees the thickly built man heave his axe into the air to swing, he makes his move.

"Contra amicum!"  Rolf shouts, hoping to see the man turn his axe on his own ally.

Indeed, it seems that is what the man tries to do, though the quick shift in positioning and the redirection of the swing seems off balance, and the axe crashes into the floor six inches or so from the other guard, causing a shower of sparks and a yelp of surprise from the second man, who has just gotten his own weapon gripped in his hands.

Gustav seeks to take advantage of the momentary weakness, swinging his sword at the closest man's neck, though quick change in the man's swing foils his own aim, missing a devastating blow by an inch or less.

Ghaalib steps also into the fray, smashing his club down as he approaches, with a meaty thunk! on the guard's right thigh, causing a shout of pain, though little else in the way of a response.

OOC:  Sorry for the brevity, but I thought I would rather keep things moving than take the time to make things perfect.  Everyone is standing in the same place as the last map apart from the NPCs.  Ghaalib has stepped between Gustav and Rolf to range 1, and Teo has stepped a yard closer to the foe on the right.  Morgalyn also seems to be slowly approaching the fight, one step at a time.  The guard on the left took a moderate wound to the right leg and has an unready axe.  The foe on the right has a ready axe.  Two rounds of combat please.

Gustav steps back and takes an all out defense to gather himself and look for an opportunity, since he was so "off" in his first attack.

Rolf wriggles a few fingers and feels his magic gel and coalesce.  It gives his next spoken words weight as they leave his throat and make their way to the axe wielding man's ears.

They have the intended effect and cause the man the swing his weapon his fellow guards way.  The swing is clumsy though and fails to find it's mark.

Blast! is all Rolf can think as the chaos of combat fills the room.

Disappointed at the outcome of his spell, it at least confuses the guards long enough for Ghaalib to get in a good whack on the other guard.

Rolf is unsure what to do next.  Unarmed and with his dwindling energy reserves his options are few.

OOC:  All out defense +2 retreating dodge.  Rolf will try to spot his weapon and take a 1 hex move in that direction.

"What are you doing?"  The second guard shouts at the first, who seems to be somewhat taken aback at his comrade's unexpected attack.

The first guard looks just as nonplussed, his eyes agape and staring at his axe which nearly just splayed open his friend's leg like a hog at slaughter.  It's a moment of confusion, and though Rolf and Gustav take the moment to reevaluate their own defenses, Ghaalib steps forward and tries to make something of their momentary advantage.

His club sails in a ruthless arc, though the swing is off just slightly.  The first guard flinches back and the blow just misses, mere inches from smashing into his thick shoulder.

Rolf steps just a hair to the north, putting his sword just at his feet and waiting for the perfect moment to stoop down and grab it.  And it comes!  Morgalyn dashes into the spot that Rolf had just left, her dagger flashing forward and under the man's defenses.  The blade pierces straight into the man's ribs and the tip comes away bloody!  The guard staggers into the wall, his eyes wide in surprise and his body off balance!

Just beyond, Rolf can see Teo tangling with the other guard, the axe crashes down with a herculean swing, though it misses Teo by a hair and Rolf's animal specialist swings back with his club, smacking his opponent a mean swipe against the side which is answered with a grunt of pain!

OOC:  Let's do 2 rounds this time.  Combat map posted below.  The guard on the left is stunned and has an unready axe.  The guard on the right also has an unready axe and has taken a light bruise to the side.  Rolf, if ever there was a time to grab your sword, it is now.  You can crouch and grab your sword on the first turn and then stand and attack on the second.

Rolf steps closer to his blade flung carelessly on the floor, allowing Morgalyn room to slip by and drive her dagger into the poor guard he ensorceled earlier.

The man barrels backward into the wall clearly hurt, giving Rolf what he hopes to be a moment to grab his falchion.  Crouching down he reaches for his blade...

OOC:  Round 1: Crouch and grab my falchion.  Defense feverish block.
Round 2:  Stand and attack.  Slash attack torso on my nearest opponent.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.

With the (right hand) man's hands down on his axe, Gustav swings to cut his neck.

He then uses his main gauche to cut the man's right arm.

Taking advantage of his foe's momentary distraction (not to mention the four on one odds), Rolf stoops down to pick up his falchion, keeping his eyes on the big axe weilder as he is attacked by Ghaalib, Morgalyn, and Gustav all at once.

The man seems unable to deal with the three attacks, or to even regain his balance for the moment.  Instead, Gustav slashes the man with a gruesome gash to the neck, Ghaalib smashes his club in a glancing blow across the man's cheek, and Morgalyn manages another prick of her knife that seems to just barely break through the skin at the ribs.

And again all three attack, Gustav with a stab of his triangle bladed knife that seems to just catch at the cloth of the man's shirt, Ghaalib with a glancing blow off the man's arm, and Morgalyn with another stab that also seems to get caught without doing any particular damage.

Rolf manages to grip his weapon, stands, and slashes out viciously, cutting through the flesh of his chest which sends forth a thick ribbon of blood, which splatters over Rolf's chest.

Meanwhile, just a few steps away, Teo does his best to go toe to toe with his own foe that he is taking one on one.  He swings out with his club, hitting with a glancing blow that causes a grunt from the thick-shouldered man.  Again he swings, though this time he misses, and he is just off balance enough that he does not see the retort coming!  The foe's axe cleaves through the air, a harbinger of death.  Teo stumbles backwards, trying to avoid the blow but he is not quick enough, the weapon plows into his side with savage force, spinning Teo in a half circle as he spouts a font of blood!  Somehow, the dog handler manages to keep his feet.

OOC:  No change in the map.  One turn of action this time.  The guy on the left is reeling from his wounds and seems like he may fall at any moment.  The one on the right is still in good fighting shape and looks to be moving to finish Teo off.

Rolf doesn't relish violence and will always avoid it if he can.  And he certainly doesn't relish killing.

Still, it's clear to him there is a great evil in Witten and these men are part of it.

The mage picks his spot and bends down to pick up his curved sword as he thinks the slow winding axe won't be coming his way.  Meanwhile Gustav slashes the guard with a deep wound to his neck among other attacks from his companions sent his way.  Now re-equipped with his blade Rolf swings hard across his torso and opens a vicious wound to his side.

Yet the man still stands...somehow.

"Help Teo!" Rolf grunts sharply as he seeks to shove the heavily wounded man into his cohort.

OOC:  I want to try to shove (B372) the heavily wounded guard into the one attacking Teo to throw him off balance.  Using Rolf's shield.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.

Apologies...

Gustav will turn to the brute attacking Teo and Swing at his neck as well. he miss guesses the mans movements and doesn't seem to hit.
In frustration he stabs with his main gauche for the mans vitals... but isn't on target again.

Gustav steps between the man on the right and Teo, swinging both of his weapons with no regard for his own defense!  And though he does not make a solid hit on either stroke, it seems the other man is not ready to make an attack of his own in retort, instead he heaves his axe over his head in anticipation.

As for Teo, the fighter continues to stagger back, holding his wound with both hands, though he manages to keep his feet.

"Go!"  Morgalyn shouts, nudging Ghaalib with her elbow as she goes to make her own attack on the man who is staggering on his feet.  The woman slithers in forward, her knife flashing forward to make another stab, though the blade seems to get caught in the man's shirt, without striking a deeper blow into his flesh.

The man grunts and flashes his own axe in retort, aiming at Ghaalib, who just barely manages to escape from its path in time, and the massive weapon casts a below of sparks across the floor as it hits!

Ghaalib redirects, jumping as well towards the man on the right.  His club swings around in a fierce arc, surprising the fighters who can't seem to move in time!  The club smashes across the man's cheek, cracking as his body turns a fraction with the blow, his eyes swelling to the size of gold marks, though he does not go down!

Rolf attempts too to make some impact in the fight, shoving his buckler into the closest man and trying to knock him into the other.  Unfortunately, Rolf does not place the blow close enough towards the center of mass, instead, only half of the shield makes contact and it turns in his hand!  Rolf curses, knowing he'll have to regrip the handle for it to be of any use!

OOC:  This isn't your fight Rolf.  You crit failed your shove roll, though luckily it only caused your buckler to become unready.  It will not provide any DB until you reready the buckler.  Gustav missed on both of his hits, and Morgalyn looks like she hit but did minimal or no damage.  Teo is still standing, but may fall at any moment.  Ghaalib did manage a moderate blow to the face on the man on the right.  Luckily, no one on your team got hurt this round.

2 rounds of combat this time.

Gustav takes an all out defense and steps to the right and back, readying his attack; as soon as this man commits to an attack, he will Thrust forward and cut at the mans Neck again.

If at first, you don't succeed, try, try again.

Rolf can't seem to do anything right.  In fact he feels like a bumbling fool, stubbing his toe in the door in a sorry attempt at being quiet, dropping his sword at the first opportunity, and now his limp wristed grip on his shield causes it to turn and render his attempted shove ineffective.

Still, the fight continues!  Stepping back he regrips his buckler before stepping back into the fray.

OOC: Round 1: Step back and regrip shield.  Defense feverish retreating dodge.
Round 2: Step and attack nearest opponent, target torso.   Defense feverish retreating dodge.

Gustav dances backwards, barely avoiding the heaved axe as it strikes the stone at his feet, sending another shower of sparks from the edge of the steel.  Gustav dances back in, slashing at the man's neck, producing a neat little cut that bleeds freely down onto his collarbone.

Ghaalib too dances forward, hurling his club towards the tough, a light blow that catches him on the side.  Ghaalib redirects however, swinging again with force and this time the blow is solid, catching the man on the inside of his knee with the crack of bone and pulling his entire leg out from under him!  The man spirals to the ground, slamming his head on the stone as he hits, utterly unconscious.

Towards the other side, Rolf and Morgalyn flick their weapons in, scoring hit after hit against the first tough who seems so spent as to be completely unable to defend himself, though he backs up to the wall in an attempt to avoid the savage onslaught.  He heaves his massive axe one last time, hurling it down towards Rolf, though the mage deftly steps back, avoiding the blow easily.

Rolf steps back in, slashing his falchion with force.  Blood spews from the man's chest as the weapon slinks away, Rolf's sword now raked with blood.  The man's eyes seem to unfocus as he stumbles forward, face first onto the stone at Rolf's feet.

Rolf glances back, checking on Teo, though it seems that the dog handler too has succumbed to his wounds, and he is slumped against the back wall of the room, unmoving.  Blood still spills from his wound, soaking his leathers and beginning to wet the floor below...

OOC:  Nice work on the combat and sorry it took so long.  The second tough missed his first health roll for consciousness, and though the first guy continued to last a little longer, he was getting a continued slow drain of HP with everything he attempted to do missing.  Mercifully he lost consciousness before failing a death roll.  Teo is unconscious at the back of the room, and though he does not seem in danger of immediate death, he needs significant help.

Gustav makes sure the second tough never awakens, then searches him for anything of value... He offers his bandages for Teo and wishes he still had his healing potions.

The fight is fast and furious!  Heavy blows are swung back and forth and precious blood splatters, seeping into the floor.

The guard on the right is the first to fall, soon followed by the other.  But not before he tries valiantly to cleave Rolf with his deadly axe, but the mage skips neatly out of the way with little trouble.

With both men incapacitated Rolf immediately moves to tend to Teo, slumped unmoving nearby.  He is wounded badly and needs serious healing, and quickly.

OOC:  Rolf will use up the last of his FP and cast a 4FP major heal on Teo.

Both Gustav and Rolf get to work quickly, the former with the grisly work of death and the latter with the work of saving life.

Rushing over to Teo, who seems badly injured though in no immediate danger of death, Rolf places his hands near the single wound which gapes open across his chest through the rent in his leathers.

"Magna Sana."  Rolf murmurs, feeling the healing power of his magic flow from his hands into the body.  The bleeding abates as the flesh presses together, the puffy redness of healing replacing the normal skin.

The effort exhausts Rolf, who crawls over to the wall to rest, barely able to keep his eyes open let alone stand and walk.

"Rest."  Ghaalib beckons Rolf, who really didn't need to be told in the first place.  "I'll see if there is anything else I can do for the wound."  The fighter accepts Gustav's bandages, wrapping what remains of the wound with fresh gauze.  It is only a few moments before Teo sputters awake, seeming little worse for wear, though it takes him several moments to gain his bearings.

As he checks to ensure that neither of the guards will breathe again, Gustav recognizes a few possessions of note.  Each of the men's war axes are of exquisite quality, and besides that he finds a set of keys, a small change purse with a handful of silver and copper as well as a knuckle-sized red stone.

Just as Gustav stands to show the others, the relative silence is broken by a gruesome, otherworldly howl that sounds from inside the asylum!

"The door!"  Morgalyn shouts to Gustav, who still stands holding the guard's keyring in his hands.

Even before Gustav can move, another muttering sounds from within the closest cell.  "It's not the balance... the spell is flawless...  cosine of half pi...  is one...  maybe the setting?  If only they would let me see it!"

OOC:  Ok, there's quite a bit going on here, but I figured doing all of it at once was a good thing.  Teo is healed, almost to full HP based on the healing spell and First Aid.  Rolf is beyond exhausted and is barely able to move.  The howl you heard is chilling almost like the one from the dogs in the courtyard, though it doesn't seem the same.  Gustav found a set of several keys, a rather large red stone, about $70 in copper and silver coin as well as two battle axes crafted by a master craftsman.  The voice you hear is just muttering, and doesn't seem to be talking to any of you in particular.  I'll let you prioritize what you want to do.

OK, Which way/door does this Howl come from?

Morgalyn, Cover me

Gustav will move to crack the door with his left hand, his shoulder behind it and his saber ready in his right hand, since it seems the only way in or out, and see if there is anything there.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:07, Wed 16 Sept 2020.

Rolf feels his healing spell weave successfully.  The effort saps Rolf of nearly every bit of strength he has left, but the wound nearly closes and the color returns to his face.

Exhausted now, Rolf stumbles for the guards bottom most bunk and flops heavily in the bedding.  He nods to Ghaalib about further trying to tend to Teo who fortunately rises shortly after some basic first aid.

Moments pass and the hairs on the mages head stand on end at the sound of the howling.  Deep and gutteral, Rolf prays it's not able to breach the now locked door.  "What was that?" he mutters to himself.

More alert now, Rolf notices a low voice mumbling about something dealing with math, or something else.  Motioning to Teo and Ghaalib he says "Can you see what that is?"

"Morgalyn, can you stay by the door with Gustav?" he adds as he buries his head in a pillow.

OOC: Rolf needs 40 minutes to be able to regain enough FP to stand w/o issue. I would like Teo and Ghaalib to search the cells.  And Morgalyn, and Gustav if he wishes, to stay by the door.

Edit:  Before resting I will take off my pack, scabbard my sword and set my shield down.  I will string and load my crossbow and keep it at the ready on my pack.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:50, Thu 17 Sept 2020.

The room alights into a frantic scurry of action.  Gustav rushes to the door, quickly closing it as he fumbles amongst the keys, finding the right one on the third try which slides into the lock and turns the bolt into place.

Rolf slumps over to the bed, though before he crashes down on it to rest, he pulls his crossbow around, cocking the string and loading a bolt.  He puts it well within reach...  he only hoped he wouldn't have to use it before he regained at least some of his strength.

Morgalyn, seeing that the door has been secured, moves along to check on the muttering from the other side of the room while Ghaalib finishes the bandaging on Teo.  A quiet muttering continues as she looks on.

"Is it the vortex?  One, one, two, three, five, eight, thirteen, twenty one, forty four, sixty five... One hundred nine!  One hundred, seventy... four."

"It's just another of the patients I think."  Morgalyn mutters.  "He doesn't even seem to notice me.  This one has one too.  I don't think we need to worry about them, they seem pretty docile."

Somewhere in the asylum, another baying sounds, eerie and harrowing, though this time it seems to be carrying up the walls from downstairs...

"Enough!"  Teo protests, pushing himself up to sitting and then to a stand.  "They could be here at any moment!"

Ghaalib desists, picking up his own club as Teo does the same.  The four, Morgalyn now included, stand it postures of anticipation, their weapons raised as they watch the door and wait.

Minutes pass, one, then two, then five.  It is just when Rolf thinks that the small group may have been given a reprieve when the tension begins to slowly build again.

Tapping steps, like the soft muffled sound of stone knocking on stone, begin to echo out in the hallway.  The footsteps approach closer along with quick, snapping breaths like those of a bloodhound seeking a scent.

For a moment, everything grows silent.

Crash!

The door is suddenly hit with the force of a battering ram, making the wood shudder on its hinges.

Crash!

The sound comes again, the wood protests loudly though it holds... though it seems unlikely that it will do so forever.

OOC:  Rolf has not yet managed to regain any FP, though you have a cocked and loaded crossbow and are sitting and resting on the lower bunk.  It's an interesting question whether being this low on fatigue if you would be able to cock your crossbow (due to the ST requirement and being at half ST).  I opted to allow it, and it's probably a moot point anyway since Ghaalib could have done it for you in the minutes you had waiting.  If you want to cock it again however, I'll probably require a roll vs. modified ST (half ST) and add as many seconds to cocking it as you fail by, just as a heads up.  The other four of you are standing by the door.  Please post what you have in each of your hands and if there is any action you want to take.

Morgalyn, check the far wall for secret  doors, then the others ... Teo, Ghalib, can either of you use an axe?

Gustav sheathes his saber and grabs an axe which he holds ready for anything coming through the door.

Rolf is exhausted.  So much so that he needs Ghaalib to load his crossbow as his weakened limbs just don't seem to work.

Listening to Morgalyn's report on the prisoners a thought tickles the mages brain.  Could it be Vunik?

The idea is driven from his brain as the mage can hear disturbing howls coming from within Witten that cause the hairs on his neck to stand on end.  He listens carefully and hopes they go away...Tense minutes pass and the door is hammered by something large and powerful!  Again and again the door is bashed into...but holds for now.

"Belay that!" he shouts over Gustav's orders.  "To the Cells!  And grab my things!" he adds, the desperation evident in his voice as he begins to shuffle to the east.

OOC:  Gustav, sorry to overrule, but I think I have a good plan.  I want us all to enter and relock the muttering man's cell.

Gustav spins in surprise ... Huh? he hesitates, not comprehending ... but he has the keys... he steps back and tries keys until he can open the cell door.

In a flurry of motion, Rolf stands and walks over to the cells as Gustav hurries to unlock it.  Morgalyn grabs Rolf's pack as the others brace for a fight while the pounding on the door continues.

Crash!

The door rattles on its hinges, buckling slightly in the center.

Crash!

"Get in!"  Morgalyn shouts as Gustav turns the key in the cell door, finding the right one after a few tries.

Crash!

All five of the adventurers press into the tiny cell and shut the door, Gustav fiddling with the lock again and locking it closed not a moment too soon!  For just a moment later,

CRASH!

The door to the room finally buckles completely, the wood failing just as the topmost hinge is ripped from the wall, causing the portal to hang akimbo as a massive beast with a demonic muzzle and a mane of foot-long quills enters the room on all fours.  The thing attempts to gain its bearings for a moment, before it is pushed aside by another of the monsters...

The two scrabble over each other, finding the five in the cell after just a moment of looking.  Slowly, with horrid teeth bared, they approach the five, their shoulders held low as if ready to pounce.

One of them raises its muzzle to the air, letting out the horrid yell that reverberates in the walls and the flesh of the five.

As for the old man, he remains on all fours on his slab, his bald head a foot or so away from a inked and smudged sheet of parchment - unaware or uncaring of his sudden company.

OOC:  You guys managed to successfully lock yourselves in the cell before the howlers made it in the room.  They found you fairly easily and are making their way over towards the cell door.  Rolf has a loaded crossbow, though he is the only one with a ranged weapon unless Gustav has one that I can't recall.

Walls, bars, gates...Witten is full of such things to keep it's inhabitants in, but they're great for keeping things out too.  It's with this in mind that Rolf wanted everyone in a cell before whatever creature, or creatures, broke the door down.  It buys them some much needed time, time enough he hopes to deal with the threat before it kills them all.

He isn't sure how long the cell's bars will last, but it seems that they are in a more secure, higher quality area than what he saw on the first floor.  Likely he supposes for priority prisoners.  So maybe the group will be afforded enough protection from stouter construction to drive the howlers off before they can tear their way inside.

"Attack only when they crash into the cell and don't extend your arms past the bars!" he barks.

"Three abreast once I fire!" he adds as he starts taking aim.  "Teo be ready to help reload!  And cover me if they can reach me!"

OOC:  The 10' x 10' cell is flanked by walls N/W/E, with a row of bars on the south side.  There is enough space I think for three to fight across the cell bars.  I was thinking Ghaalib and Gustav (if he agrees) on each end, with me in the middle aiming.  Once I fire I would want Morgalyn to replace me while Teo and I try to reload.

I want to be 2 hexes away from the bars taking aim, with Gustav and Ghaalib on each side of me.  I want to make sure I have a clear shot.  I will take the wait maneuver and fire right after a howler hits the bars and hopefully will be still for a split second.  Targeting vitals.  I will attack all out ranged, determined for an extra +1 to hit..

This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Thu 24 Sept 2020.

While he has the skill, he did not bring a Crossbow or his spear, more is the pity.

He'll lean the great axe against a wall for the moment and draw his saber and Main Gauche, ready to thrust any time one gets close and it's reasonably safe from the other.

He will aim for Vital parts, neck, vitals or whatever is readily available.

Rolf wonders if this prisoner could be Vunik, though the current situation leaves little room for conversation.  Without even the slightest hesitation the closest beast hurls itself forward in a run, flat out towards the five men and Morgalyn in the cell!

Crash!

The thing rams the mass of its shoulder, tucking its head low as it slams into the thick of the bars.  Rolf does not hesitate for a moment, but pulls the trigger on his crossbow to make the thing think twice.

Twang!

The bolt sinks several inches into the beast's flesh, nearly half hiding the shaft of the bolt and producing a thick black ichor at the site of the wound.  Gustav slashes forward with his sword, striking a neat, but light gash on the thing's side.  The thing barely yelps but heads back towards the wall to get another running start.

"Here comes the other one!"  Teo shouts, hefting his club into position, and striking down as the second hell beast slams against the thick iron bars.

Crash!

Though the iron seems stronger than the wooden door that led into the room, it is clear that the beasts are still doing damage.  Ever so slightly, the iron warps inwards towards the cell and small puffs of dust fluff up from the wall at every hit.  Rolf frantically pulls back on the string of his crossbow, loading the bolt and aiming it at the next of the beasts as it charges towards the cell.

Crash!  Twang!

Simultaneously, the bolt strikes the monster as it crashes into the iron bars, sinking all the way to the fletching into his flesh!  The beast yelps, though his eyes flash red and murderous, and he makes his way again to attack the sanctuary of the jail cell.

Crash!  Crash!  Crash!  Again and again, the two beasts fling the whole of their mass into the cell door, their needle like manes prickling between the bars while the three fighters take turns slashing and clubbing the foes between the bars.  The beasts seem to be able to take an enormous amount of punishment, slowing not even a little as they lope around for another suicidal charge against the prison.

Crash!

"It won't hold much longer!"  Teo shouts, smashing his club down on the hell beast's head in a well timed blow that again seems to have little permanent effect.

"Get ready!"  Ghaalib shouts back.

Rolf can smell the chalky mortar dust in the air, he knows that the iron fitting set into the stone will not last much longer, that eventually their bastion will fall.  He can only hope that they have done enough damage to the beasts in the mean time to allow them a quick victory.

Crash!

The hinge side of the door pulls free from the stone, shifting an inch inwards towards the cell, though the iron gate stays upright for the moment.  The beast lopes back towards the opposite wall, did Rolf finally notice some small limp in his gate?  Or was it just wishful thinking?  But there is no time to think, his mate charging forward to finish what little is left of the prison.  Rolf levels his crossbow at the next beast, putting a slight pressure on the trigger as he breathes out...

But then, just before the beast hits the door of the cell, it blinks out of existence.

Rolf panics, looking all around and wondering if the beast had just somehow teleported within the bars, though the thing seems well and truly gone...  Rolf looks back outside again for the other, though that one too, seems to have vanished.

"The hell?"  Ghaalib is breathing heavily, his head swirling this way and that, looking for the beasts just as Rolf had done.  He creeps forwards towards the door, pushing the sagging iron out ever so slightly as he checks the larger room.

"It's perfect!"  The small voice of the old man interrupts the tension, "How can it be flawed?"

The old man still seems to be staring down at a large ledger of mathematical notes and drawings, seemingly completely unaware of the struggle that has just been going on around him.

OOC:  Apologies for fast forwarding through the battle, though the outcome was almost assured once Rolf laid out his plan.  I figured it was better to get moving along through the story than to play out a fight that was hard, if not impossible for you guys to lose, given the time constraints on the conjured beasts.  You guys are out of combat and back to normal posting.  Remember that there is another older man in the far cell (C) who seemed unconscious or just asleep.

Gustav stands dumbstruck for a few moments, then sheathes his saber and picks up the axe... he moves to unlock the door, assuming it can still be opened and moves out into the room to look in the last two cells.

Rolf's right eye twitches from stress as he does his best to quell his trembling hands.  A trickle of sweat rolls down his back to rest at the base of his spine.  He want's nothing more than to lay down and rest, but his life and the lives of those around him depends on the next few moments.

Within milliseconds, the creatures round their way to the cells.  Powerfully built and covered in quills, Rolf has no idea what they are but he knows they wish him ill intent to say the least.

The mage takes careful aim and waits for them to make their move.  In a flash one of the howlers crashes loudly into the bars!  Taking the small moment where their bodies remain still after releasing their kinetic energy, Rolf fires his bolt!  Aiming for what he thinks is their heart, his bolt buries deeply into flesh.

Still, it seems to take little to no notice!  Making haste Rolf reloads as fast as he can as the beasts batter the gates again and again.  Rattling their cage mightily with each blow.

Over the din Rolf's crossbow sings out, piercing Howler flesh even deeper this time.  And yet they do not even slow down from a wound deep enough to fell any man.

Crash! Crash! Crash! go the gates before they finally buckle enough to unmoor from the mortared walls they're attached to.  Scrambling to load another bolt, Rolf fears they will all die.  Remarkably though, the howlers simply disappear!

Gasping for air the mage asks rhetorically, "What in the name of all that is holy where those things?  Thank the gods for these cells and their timely exit."

Seeing Gustav seeking to open the cell door he adds, "Can you check on the man in the other cell?"

With the threat over, Rolf notes the old man nearby completely oblivious to what transpired.  Rolf moves to gently tap the man on the shoulder.  "Uncle Vunik, is that you?" he asks simply.

OOC: I would like to open a dialog with the talkative man in the cell, and if possible move him and all of us to the unoccupied cell next to us.  And locking it for safety.  (I'm assuming the unoccupied cell is undamaged)  I need to rest for 40 minutes to regain my feet.  I would also like to check on the sleeping man in the third cell as it's possible he could be Vunik as well.

Also, how many bolts did I lose?  I think 2...

Feeling unable to breathe a sigh of relief, lest another set of wayward monsters intrude, Rolf hastens everyone to push their way out of the cell and into the safety of the neighboring one.  First thing was first however, they had to know if either of these men were the Vunik they had been looking for.

Gustav steps out of the cell and pulls open the empty cell next to them.  He then moves on to the last one in the row, where Morgalyn had seen the other prisoner.  This one however, does not seem to be in as good a condition as the other.

The man is completely nude, huddled in a fetal position on his slab with his arms folded over his eyes.  Though he does not seem exactly responsive, the man shakes with whole body tremors.  His hair is long and unkempt, his body filthy and his fingers scabbed, swollen, and bloody.  The only item that seems to don this man's cell or body is a rather large ring which lays on his right hand.

"Uncle Vunik, is that you?"

In the other cell, the older man, still pouring over the book, looks up at Rolf.  Though the man has the dark circles and soft expression of a man in wont of sleep, his eyes are quite alert and he looks little the worse for wear, much more bright and alert than many of the patients here in the asylum that Rolf has seen.

"Yes?"

If the man is surprised at all at his sudden company, at the epic fight which had played out in the room beyond or the hell hounds which had slammed themselves repeatedly into his cage, pulling the iron fittings from the wall, he does not seem to make anything of it.  Indeed, he does not seem to have any reaction at all to the fact that there are three other men and a woman huddling in his cell.  Indeed, his whole attention seems to be absorbed by the book of notes which sits just in front of him.

"Here."  Vunik says, standing up and pulling the book up with him and thrusting it into Rolf's arms.  "Look at this."  He jabs his finger at the page, pointing at a diagram of what looks like an arch with several vortices swirling inside it.

"Can you see the flaw?  Perhaps a fresh set of eyes is all I need."

OOC:  You guys haven't moved to the next cell yet, but assume it will happen during the conversation.  Gustav, roll vs. Perception.  Rolf, roll vs. IQ-5.

Gustav opens the cell and carefully approaches the man, he checks him over from about 3 or 4 feet away.

Rolf's attention is focused on the lone cell inhabitant seemingly completely absorbed in his work, whatever it may be.

"Yes?" he says in reply to Rolf's query if he is indeed, the man he's been looking for.

Despite his fatigue, Rolf brightens considerably knowing he at last, at long last, has found Uncle Vunik.  "What do you have there?" he asks inquisitively as he looks at the book.  Five lines circle in different directions for what purpose he can only guess at.  "I don't know what that is." he says simply as the whirls and squiggles mean little to him.

Addressing Vunik in the most friendly manner he can muster, "Can you follow me to the next room over?  This one has been damaged I'm afraid."

"Perhaps you can explain your work to me while I rest."

OOC: Rolf missed his IQ check by 3.  I would like us all to repose in the empty cell for 40 minutes while I recover enough to regain my feet.

Gustav enters the last cell carefully, looking at the naked man who lays on the ground from a distance, not wanting to get surprised, or swindled like he had so nearly been by the pretty looking lady down in the cells below.

As he approaches, the man only huddles tighter into his ball, covering his face with his arm as his body shakes in a fit of tremors.  "Kill me."  The man whispers in a soft, empty voice.  "Please just kill me..."

His stomach churning from the sight and the words, Gustav looks away, noting for the first time something written on the walls of the cell...  Gustav approaches closer, and realizes it is just one thing, written over and over again all over the walls.  1-5-6, here written in a soft, pale powdery substance and there in a smear of thin blood.  Everywhere, the numbers seem to be fading away from age and deterioration.

Vunik glances at the bars of his cell as Rolf mentions the "damage", seeming to note for the first time the buckled iron bars and the completely detached hinges.

"Good Lord!"  The old man exclaims, looking back to Rolf in surprise.  "You could have just knocked you know!  There are two very nice men around who have a key if you had wanted to visit."  Vunik glances around his cell as if looking for the two men, though the effort does not last long... and Rolf is somewhat relieved when the older gentleman agrees to follow him into the second cell without looking around the corner into the covey where the two guards lay sliced open and bleeding all over the stone floor...

"Here."  Vunik points at the paper, in a somewhat annoyed voice when everyone is settled into the second cell and Rolf has collapsed against the wall in near-exhaustion.  "It's a gate portal, anyone can see that.  These four enchanted rubies create the inter-dimensional vortices here."  Vunik points towards the four swirls towards the bottom, "And the keystone here sets the whole thing in balance."  Vunik points towards the top of the diagram, at the ruby at the very top.

Rolf glances at Vunik, who seems to be absorbed back into the diagram as he explains it, his annoyance warping into a chipper, positivity that seems to be at odds with every feeling Rolf has about the situation.

"That part was particularly tricky" Vunik continues.  "Gates are particularly unstable, and only more so when the two places they are connecting are so diametrically opposite.  But we must get Dr. Heraladus's two friends back to the underworld and this is the only way I can think of!  In any case, it took quite a bit of planning to get the right runes for the job: Thurisaz, Othila, Jera... you get the picture.  It's close... the balance is there thanks to the keystone and my diligence in the design... but there is no harmony yet.  It's so close, but there is something wrong..."

Rolf watches Vunik's face as the old man glances away from the parchment...  It is subtle...  His face still wears a determined but contented expression...  But somewhere deep within, reflected only in the empty blackness of his pupils, Rolf senses something else...

"Something is very wrong."  Vunik finishes quietly, pausing for only a moment before he returns his eyes to the design.

OOC:  Feel free to continue the conversation as long as you want, or let me know how long you want to rest before doing something else.  I'll wait on you guys to give me the go ahead to fast forward anywhere.

Rolf winces visibly as Uncle Vunik mentions the two 'nice' men they had just moments before cut down.  He fears Vunik may peer around the corner and be surprised by a grisly scene, but he has a one track mind as they exit his damaged cell.  Moving to and settling into the second cell he is quickly reabsorbed into his work.

Rolf is focused on Vunik and is unaware what Gustav may be up to.  Still, no sound of battle comes from the third cell, so he leaves him to the tend to shivering man.

He listens to Vunik's description of the gate with interest.  Being a mage, Rolf is aware such things exist.  But he's never seen one nor did he think he ever would.  They require an insane amount of magical energy to create and would require tens, if not hundreds of mages all committed to it's creation to pull off.

Much of what Vunik is explaining means little to Rolf.  Enchanted rubies, a keystone, a Thurisaz, Othila, Jera rune...All these things Mr. Erikson has never heard of.

But he does have a few questions.  "What two places are you trying to bridge?  Obviously one end is here, but where is the other?  Is that where the underworld is?"

"Also, who or what are Dr. Heraladus's two friends?  And why must they go there?"

Before continuing with more questions he decides it might be a good idea to introduce himself.  "My name is Rolf by the way.  And I have some skill with magic so I may be able to help.  Do you know where the gate is?  If you do maybe we could bring you there and you could show it to me.  But I have to rest a bit first.  The hour is late and I'm very tired."

OOC:  I'd like to dwell here a bit.  I have a number of questions.

"Where does it go?"  Vunik repeats the question, turning his head towards Rolf again, his brow wrinkled in thought.  "Reykjavik?"  Vunik says the name with a harsh clearing of his throat.  "I think that's right.  My undercommon isn't so fresh.  It's one of the damned cities of Uppåkra."  Vunik thinks on it for a moment and then nods.

"Frankly, I'm not sure why they would want to go back, but I suppose home is where the heart is."

It is on Rolf's next question however, that Vunik really begins to think.  "Now it isn't appropriate in polite company to go asking intelligent species what they are.  Quite interesting however, with their many tentacles... and quite a way of communicating!  They can make themselves perfectly clear without even the use of a mouth!"

Vunik nods as Rolf introduces himself and does the same in return.  "Vunik Gasteyer.  Though it seems you already knew me.  As for the gate, everyone mentions upstairs when they go, though they don't let me look in.  It's quite difficult to try and coordinate this without even being able to look at it!"

When Rolf offers to take Vunik to see the gate however, the older man laughs and shakes his head.  "Oh no, I'm quite comfortable.  If you wish to see it, perhaps I can wait here and you can let me know if indeed they have been following the plan!"

"I don't know where those places are.  Are they underground?", Rolf asks but continues in regards to Reykjavik and the cities of Uppåkra before Vunik can answer, "I have heard tale of vast lands deep under the earth, but have never seen them myself."  He surmises he speaks of the Underdark which he has heard of.  But he's not entirely convinced it's real as he's only heard rumors and well worn tales, but nothing remotely concrete to it's existence.

As Vunik continues and speaks of the tentacled creatures, Rolf's face turns a pale shade of white.  He has heard stories of such beings, but again he was always unsure of their veracity.  Mind Flayers!  Rolf thinks in a panic.  How in the world have they gotten here?

"T-T-Tentacles?...Telepathy?" Rolf says as he struggles to say the words.  "Master Gasteyer, the only creature I know that fits that description are the dreaded Mind Flayer." he adds, his voice trailing off at the end.  His fear at even mentioning their name clearly evident.

"From the moment I've been on Witten's grounds, I have seen numerous fell creatures the likes I've never seen and who have no business being here.  Otherworldly is the best I can describe them.  I have even seen with my own eyes nearly a dozen of the unliving cooped up in a room not far from here."

"Your niece Alma sent me here to rescue you.  She fears for your safety.  And from what I've seen her fears are well founded.  I believe Dr. Heraladus and everyone else here has been lying to you about their intentions.  Something here is indeed wrong, and it's also very evil.  We need to get you home."

OOC:  We still need to resolve Gustav and the other man in the cell.  I would like to have a team meeting once he's ready to decide what to do next.

Gustav Speaks to the man... Who are you and why are you here?

Gustav speaks to the man huddled on the small mat, though no intelligible answer comes.  Instead, the man merely gibbers, tightening the hold of his arms around his face as he pulls his knees ever closer under his chin.

In the other cell, Rolf continues questioning Vunik, starting on the location of where the portal goes.  "Oh, underworld is just an expression I think..."  Vunik puts a hand under his chin.  "Land of darkness and all.  I'm not sure it shares a physical connection to this world, but it seems the Banestorm has drawn that world and this inexplicably together, meshing the threads of the two planes in places, allowing things like my gate to be set up to make a more structural bond.  Not that it wasn't an immense amount of work though.  My crowning achievement in fact."  Vunik smiles lightly, but is quickly drawn back to the drawing in front of him.

"Or it will be rather."

When Rolf response with horror to the 'friends,' Vunik looks up again, his face smiling wide.  "Yes, mind flayers!  I think that's right!  Quite odd looking things.  But there's no sense in making snap judgements, they've been perfectly hospitable."

As Rolf continues on into the horrors of the Asylum, it seems that Vunik mostly ignores him, drawn back into his diagram and tracing his finger along the various arcs, pausing it for a moment right at the peak of the structure.  He begins to pay attention again though as Rolf begins speaking of Alma.

"Ah, sweet girl!"  Vunik smiles.  "But she needn't worry.  I'm quite happy here.  And I must finish my work!  We're so close and I wouldn't want to disappoint!"

OOC:  Apologies, as ever, for the lag.  Rolf cannot seem to convey his sense of dread to Vunik, and Vunik's lighthearted demeanor chafes against nearly everything else Rolf has seen in the asylum.  As for Gustav, the man in the other cell doesn't seem to have any interest in a discussion and he just curls ever tighter in fetal position.  If there is anything else you want to attempt, feel free.

Rolf listens to Mr. Gasteyer and is aghast at the prospect of ever meeting a mind flayer...let alone fight one.  Which they surely would forced to do if one were to find them.  Let alone a pair.

The prospect is terrifying.  What could they possibly do against creatures that can control minds?  Which Rolf suspects they'd be able to do from the stories he's been told.

And he finds Uncle Vunik's nonplussed attitude towards them alarming.  He seems to think of them as friends.

He tilts his head slightly as Alma's uncle speaks about the gate.  "Pardon my ignorance, but what is Banestorm?  I understand a little about how gates work, but how is this Banestorm involved?  And I assume it makes creating the gate easier?  Though, even then I'm sure creating the gate is still very difficult."

Shifting topics he adds, "Speaking of Mind Flayers, are they here currently in Witten?  And if so, are they likely to be staying above on the fourth floor?"

Not waiting for Uncle Vunik to reply, Rolf says quickly to Teo, "Can you check on Gustav?  And maybe give the poor soul next door a blanket and pillow from around the corner so he can at least get a proper rest?