It was midmorning in Helmsbreach.  Whatever reason brought you to the edge of the wild is behind you.

The town square is bustling, a few vendors are selling fresh baked goods, meat pies and pastries.  The shops are open, and it looks to be a beautiful day.

A human male in chain mail leads his horse through the square, and the aroma of the meat pies is so tempting this morning that he buys two before remembering to dig an apple out of a saddlebag for his horse as well.

A silver holy symbol to Larry is obvious around the man's neck, and his choice of weapons suggest that he is a cleric. Once both meat pies are gone, the cleric looks for a nearby inn with a stable for his horse.

It was a fine morning and John was in good spirits. The soldier carried a bulging pack on his back and all the trappings of a campaigning soldier. A yew longbow, the weapon of his trade as an archer, slung over his back. At his hip swung a bastard sword of strange design, it’s hilt jagged and forked at the tip. There was a tale to origins and finding but that was for another day.

He whispered and hummed a merry tune as he wandered the town square. His eyes were as much on the goods for sale as the women who sold them. John was a big man, broad shouldered and strong. He was attractive, as a common man however he could be both rough and uncouth in his actions.

John laid down his pack by the bakery and with smile he bought bread whilst he asked for the whereabouts of an inn so he might go to slake his thirst. He made many offers to share his ale and companionship with any woman in earshot.

Sweat dripped down Wist's face as he entered the main square of Helmsbreach, struggling with the awkward package of weapons he had claimed in his battle with the orcs.

His pointed ears and fine features betrayed his elven heritage to anyone who saw him, even in his current dishevelled state.

Finally...Helmsbreach! he thought as he wiped his face with the edge of his cloak.

By Curly's Balls, I could use a drink. And one of those delicious-smelling meat pies. But first, I need to exchange my booty for some coin.

Wist will wander about the square looking for a weapons shop, a weapon smith, or an adventurer's provisioner.

Kerwich has no trouble finding the inn, the Blue Turnip is a one favored by adventurers and locals alike.  There are rooms for rent above, both private and larger common rooms.  A stable boy takes his horse by the lead.

The baker nods, taking the man's coin, gesturing down towards the western edge of town.  "Watch your tongue around Aunt Pol.  She is protective." She advises John. 

The elf marvels at the cacophony of the square.  But even at this hour, the ting of hammer on steel rings out.  Wist takes a short walk down a side street, and finds a small shop with the smoke of a forge at the back.  A young human is carrying a small bundle of wood staves towards the back of shop.  He stops and looks at the elf.  "Dad!" he calls, and after a few moments, and man in a thick leather apron steps around.  He nods curtly.

"Good morning, sir. I had a run-in with some orcs in the woods, on my way here. And I have acquired some items that I have no need for. I was hoping you might be interested in buying them and adding them to your wares for sale."

Wist places his bundle on the counter, and unties it, so the smith can examine the axe, sword, and shield.

His belly filled John wiped crumbs of his face, a face tanned and dried by the weather. He smiled at the baker and swaggered off to the western edge of town in search of Aunt Pol "ye have nay worries, by my honour I will make no lady fear me". The baker's warning did niggle at John's thoughts. How many nieces must Aunt Pol have and how beautiful must each be to make her so protective.

In merry spirits he sang. John was of robust build and when he sang it was a bellow.

"The franklin he hath gone to roam,
The franklin’s maid she bides at home;
But she is cold, and coy, and staid,
And who may win the franklin’s maid?

There came a knight of high renown
In bassinet and ciclatoun;
On bended knee full long he prayed –
He might not win the franklin’s maid.

There came a squire so debonair,
His dress was rich, his words were fair.
He sweetly sang, he deftly played –
He could not win the franklin’s maid.

There came a mercer wonder-fine,
With velvet cap and gaberdine;
For all his ships, for all his trade,
He could not buy the franklin’s maid.

There came an archer bold and true,
With bracer guard and stave of yew;
His purse was light, his jerkin frayed –
Haro, alas! the franklin’s maid!

Oh, some have laughed and some have cried,
And some have scoured the countryside;
But off they ride through wood and glade,
The bowman and the franklin’s maid."

Credit for poem: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
This message was last edited by the player at 08:34, Sat 21 Nov 2020.

Though he gets some strange looks at his song, John finds himself before The Blue Tunip, the inn open with people coming and going already at this hour.


The smith looks at Wist with a raised eyebrow.  He looks the elf over, to gauge his worth, then down at the bundle.  He picks up the axe, checking its balance, and tapping the steel with his finger to test its ring.  He draws a file from his apron, and give the edge a swipe with it.  He grimaces as the file bites into the metal.  He does the same with the sword.  "Passable." he says, not being much of a compliment.  "I'll give ya eight crown (gold) for the lot." he says, laying the sword back on the counter.

When he arrived at The Blue Turnip his singing had given John a thirst. The soldier gave a final refrain then strode into the tavern and greeted all with a cheery "Ho" then went in search of a stool and an ale.

Wist purses his lips, and furrows his brow as if engaging in some mental calculations.

"I think that's a bit low, but I'll take it."

He reaches out to shake on the deal, and he adds, "Wist Greenoak, at your service. I hope I'll be able to add to your inventory over the coming weeks, Master...?

Good doing business with you. Could you point me to an reputable inn, where I might be able to find a room and slake my thirst?"

"Talx,  Conrad Talx." He offers.  "And you're looking for the Blue Turnip, back to the main square, then west to the edge of town.  Most that go looking for trouble start there."  He packs up the weapons, and returns to his work.

"Believe me Master Talx, I am not looking for any trouble, at least not in Helsmbreach."

He adds the crowns to his purse, "A pleasure dealing with you, sir."

He turns and heads back toward the market, stopping only to buy a meat pie, he makes his way to the Blue Turnip.

Wist takes a seat at the bar, shrugs his pack off, and places it on the floor; and his props his bow so it is braced by the pack on the floor, and leans against him.

"A mug of cold beer, please," he asks the barkeep as he munches on the delicious meat pie.

"Ha" the archer exclaimed as the elf entered the inn "good day to ye worthy sir. I am need of a companion, come sit with me" the man offered a stool.

"John by name, once of Hordle. I tell thee it warms me heart to sit and drink and share a tale. A traveller I sense ye are, what tale have ye to tell? Or quest do ye know of a quest where glory or honour could be garnered?"

Kerwich sees the pair of adventurers enter the inn, and decides to introduce himself. Making his way to them, he waits for a pause in their conversation to say hello.

"Hello, gentlemen. I am Kerwich, a Cleric of Larry. May I join you?"

"Ha a fine man of the cloth. Say a prayer for an archer sir" he welcomed the cleric "sit" John gestured and then called for more ale to share.

Wist takes a long draw on his mug of beer, luxuriating in the cold and tasty elixir. He puts the mug down and shakes John's hand and welcomes Kerwich to sit.

"Wist Greenoak; novice adventurer and conqueror of 3 orcs!"

"I've just arrived in Helmsbreach today, looking to earn some coin in the wild lands hereabouts." Glancing at John, he adds "And perhaps some glory and honour at the same time!"

"Orc!" John exclaimed "glory can be gained in their defeat" the ruddy skinned warrior beamed "can more be found so that we can test our skills?" he asked.

Overhearing the boisterous conversation in the blue turnip even while she secures her laden horse next to the similarly equipped ones the young woman who looks like she couldn't decide between traveling clothes and something a good bit fancier enters the tavern with a mission.

Approaching the table with the archer, elf, and cleric she jumps right in.  "I am looking for a robust and inspired group of adventures to join, can you make any suggestions as to where I might find them?"

The approach of the lady had John up on his feet to offer a bow “by the gods” he exclaimed as he looked around “my lady it is my pleasure to say that your search is over” the robust man beamed and pointed to his companions “here is Wist Greencloak slayer of orcs, Friar Kerwich the pious of Larry and I am John of Hordle. We be in search of a quest whereby some glory might be gained. Do you have a quest for us?”

"A pleasure to make your acquaintance, I am Kadira.  There was some sort of notification about suspicious activity spotted near an abandoned watchtower on the bulletin board over there I was going to check out later if I couldn't find anything else, but I haven't looked into it just yet."  She gestures vaguely in the direction of a wall that does seem to have at least one piece of paper attached to it even as she pulls out a chair to join their table.

Kerwich realizes an instant too late that he should have risen when John did, but now he would just look like a copycat. He settles for saluting Kadira with his mug.

"Hello there. Please, everyone, call me Kerwich. If we're going to adventure together, There's no reason to get all caught up in whether I'm a friar, an acolyte, or whatnot."

"Well met, Kadira. Wist Greenoak at your service.

John and Kerwich and I all seem to have the same goal to join an adventuring band...it seems that destiny has put the four of us in the Blue Turnip at the same time!"

Wist stands, but not because of Kadira, he walks to the notice on the wall, and brings it back to the table, and reads it aloud.

What was to come might be difficult and dangerous but for now John was pleased with the proceedings "aye, a good company we are. Adventure shall be had at the abandoned watchtower" he raised his mug and after a mouthful he continued "a company of adventurers of any renown must have a name. What suggestions do you have?"

"I might wait until we have seen some danger before we give ourselves a name."

Looking around the table at the others for a few moments Kadira seems to be pondering something, it doesn't take her long to decide on whatever it was.
"So you haven't seen any danger yet?"

"Not in Helmsbreach" John accepted Kadira's observation "more reason we should go in search of glory."

The archers looked disappointed by Kerwich's announcement but smiled nonetheless "a momentary set back.  I'm sure we will have a great adventure and peril soon enough."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:41, Sat 28 Nov 2020.

The food and drink at the Blue Turnip is second to none, certainly among Helmsbreach.    The notice says interested parties should speak with the Mayor.

A plate of food and a mug of ale quenched John's material hunger and thirst. His want for glory remained. He listened to Wist as he read the notice. He smiled and roared in delight "ha a quest found. Then we shall find glory. Let us eat then tarry not before we seek the mayor."

Having already eaten before she prepared for her journey this morning Kadira just drinks from the complementary glass of water a few times, then seems quite ready to get moving when the others finish.
"We should bring the notice so they know why we are there."

Kerwich refrains from more food, but has some coffee if they have any as he waits for the others to finish eating.

"Good idea, Kadira."

His fast now broken John was ready. The robust archer pushed himself up and away from the table. He stretched his strong arms and gathered up his belongings.

"aye how resourceful ye all are. Plans are foot. Let make haste" he was almost hopping in his anticipation.

Wist nods in agreement with his new companions.

He speaks to the tavernkeeper, "Excuse me, can you tell me where we can find the mayor?"
This message was last edited by the player at 07:01, Mon 30 Nov 2020.

"Elijah? He's probably in the town hall this time of day." comes the reply from behind the bar.  "Sometime he comes for lunch."

The town hall is an imposing looking building off the square, its would not be easy to miss it.

Their destination set John waited for the others to get ready, he was eager to begin their adventure.

Picking the flyer up off the table as she stands up Kadira heads for the town hall, stopping only to untie her horse and bring it along, walking rather than riding so as not to disrupt the foot traffic in the small village.

"No time like the present."

The Cleric of Larry also leads his horse to the town hall rather than ride the short distance there.

As Wist retraces his steps back to the square, he looks at his newfound companions and he feels a surge of excitement at the thought of the exciting adventures they would experience.

All the trappings of a campaigning soldier were carried on his back, shield, bow, helmet, shovel, rope, grapple and much other tools. He had no horse or other beast of burden.  The fighter walked beside the elf Wist and felt the same excitement.

The town hall is easy to find, and the wait to see the mayor is not long.  The mayor introduces himself as Elijah Milkis.  He is a thin man, human, with a dark hair, going a bit gray at the temples.  "Glad to see some one interested.  There is an old watchtower, it was along side one of the roads to the south, but at some point a faster way was found, and now it is not much more than an unused side trail." he says  "There was a shepherd a while back that occasionally used it as a campsite, but said the last time he was there is looked liked things had been moved, and he gave it a wide berth.  It's not too far from Helmsbreach, and if someone is moving in, we'd like to know their intentions."

"Aye sir" John nodded in a soldierly way "we'll have look and set you mind at rest and keep the folks safe from any villian" the archer accepted the mission set to them. He looked to his companions and waited for their agreement.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:42, Tue 01 Dec 2020.

Not quite ready to go without some clarification Kadira nods her agreement to the mission but asks the mayor a question anyways.

"Does the town have any use for the tower or anything other than the knowledge that it is not going to be a threat?."

Kerwich stands by politely as he awaits the answer to Kadira's question.

"At some point, Lord Richard may decide to reestablish an outpost there, but for now, We would feel safer just knowing their isn't a band of orcs setting up a raiding party." He answers.  "Of course if there is anything untoward there, its removal would be well received..."

"You can count on us, your Mayorship! I...er...we have some experience in eliminating orcs."

The elf looks to his new companions, "Do we need to pick up any supplies? Or shall we leave straight away?"

"I am almost ready, as my horse carries any of my gear that I am not. Whenever the rest of you feel ready, I will be. I just need to pick up some feed for my horse before we leave town."

Kadira seems satisfied with the Mayor's plan now and turns her attention to her new traveling companions.

"I took care of all that just before came into the tavern, I am ready to go whenever you are."

"Whether it be orcs or some other villain I be ready for our adventure" John nodded with his companions.

"Thank you."" The mayor says.  "I can arrange for a guide to take you there, or simply give you directions if you'd prefer.  It is probably two days on foot."

"If it's gonna be a long trip we mustn't get lost. We should avail ourselves of a guide" John nodded to the mayor then scratched his chin thoughtfully "I was not planning to sleep wild so will need to fetch a blanket then I'll meet you on south road at the edge of town" the robust warrior gave his excuses and went to market to buy a bedroll, he hummed a merry tune as he walked away.

Kerwich jokingly admonishes the group not to leave without him, and then sees to buying six day's feed for his horse. He returns shortly, ready to go.

As the others scamper off Kadira turns back to the mayor.

"A guide will be most helpful, I am sure we will be able to keep your guide safe if they don't betray us."

Wist's eye brow rises at Kadira's remark. Would a guide provided by the mayor be anything less than loyal?, he thought to himself.

"I think a guide will be most helpful, your Mayorness. Thank you."

He then turns to leave, and calls out the door, "Kerwich, wait a moment, I need your help!"

Running to catch up to the cleric, he says, "I think I should buy a pony, since you and Kadira have horses. While I have ridden in the past I don't know much about buying them. Would you mind helping me out?"

---

By the book, a pony is 30 gp; if there is one available in the market Wist will purchase one.

Does that price include harness, saddle, and saddle bags?

If you want roleplay this out, I am fine with that.

Wist,  Yes, No, No need, but you might get a better deal if you do.  Or might not, depends on if the dice like you.

"Of course, my lady." The mayor says, slightly taken aback. "No one I recommend would be less that trustworthy.  If they are, they will answer to me." He says.  "I will make some inquiries, since I'm sure you're eager to go."

"Of course! Let's go see what they have," says the cleric, as the pair looks for ponies for sale.

Wist follows Kerwich into the market and they wander about until they find a stable with several ponies and horses for sale.

"Good day, sir. I am looking to buy a pony; with saddle, harness, and saddle bags."

---

The dice roller hates me! But it's far more fun to roleplay in text games. So, let's see what happens.

Wist is assuming that Kerwich is an expert in equines because he already owns a horse. He was going to ask Kadira, but he might be a little scared of her right now!

"Well met." A tall thin man says.  "I have all ya looking fer.  Are ya looking ta ride it or pull a cart or both?" he asks. looking the elf up and down.  "Saddles fer riding, harnesses be fer cart pulling." Somehow, he manages to not come off as condescending, though he recognizes the elf's inexperience.

He looks to the man with him.  "What ya be needing, or ya just seeing he don't get took?"
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 11:05, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

"It's my friend's first pony. He asked me to join him. And don't worry, I'm happy with the purchases I made here, my good man. I trust you won't steer him wrong."

The elf's cheeks redden a bit, "I'll be riding...not pulling a cart. I brought Kerwich, not because I don't trust you, but as he says I have no experience with horses or ponies, other than having occasionally ridden.

Ideally, I'm looking for a mount with a good temperament that will stay calm.

I'm not sure if that is possible?"

---

That's perfect! I did not bother searching, I was thinking harness is the term for the reins, bit, and the straps around the snout.

"I'm sure we can come ta something." he says, "Come on." He starts walking around the pens.  "That little dun there." He points to a little shaggy tan pony. "That's Applejack.  He's a little older, but that just means he's calmed down some.  If'n ya'll treat him good, I can let ya have him, and what else ya need fer... Fifty crowns, and I'll give ya a week of feed on top."
This message was lightly edited by the GM at 17:37, Sat 05 Dec 2020.

On his way around market in search of a bedroll John sang in a bellow and waved to his fellows as they purchased their pony.

"O do you mourn for gold," he says,
"Or do you mourn for fee,
Or do you mourn for any high knight
That deserted your company?"

"No, I don't mourn for gold," she said,
"Nor I don't mourn for fee,
Nor I don't mourn for any high knight
That deserted my company."

With a shrug Kadira accepts the Mayor's words of assurance for what they are worth, then heads out with the others.  She does not, however, turn in the direction of the market.  Instead she takes her already purchased and fully loaded horse to the appropriate gate out of town where she settles in to wait for the guide to show up.

Wist pulls Kerwich back a step so they can speak "privately".

"What do you think Kerwich? Does Applejack look like a good pony? And do you think it is a good deal? It will take most of my coin, but it looks like we will need mounts."

"It seems fine to me... he's giving you a better deal than I got, but I didn't press the issue."

Wist nods at Kerwich's words, happy with the deal offered. He steps forward his hand raised to shake Festus'.

"It's a fair deal, Master Festus, so I will accept. I do not have 50 crowns in coin, but I have this...which I is fair value."

The elf pulls one of the gems he received from the Pysks and passes it to Festus.

---

gems were valued at 50 gp

Festus takes the gem, and holds it up to the light.  "Seems fair." he says and after a few moments, he has Applejack saddles, with bags behind, and a large sack tied to one of the saddle bags.

Looking very pleased with himself, Wist takes the reins from Festus and gives Applejack a good scratch on the chin and behind the ears while Kerwich buys feed for his horse.

When the cleric is ready, the elf will lead his Applejack, walking him, through the market. Spying a vendor selling fruit, he buys a half-dozen apples, putting 5 into the saddlebag and giving one to his pony.

"Anytime you are ready, Kerwich, I am ready to begin our journey to the tower."

"So am I. Let's meet up with the others."

His new bedroll strapped to his pack John went to the meeting place to begin their adventure.

Kadira stops her idle brushing of her horse and puts the brush back into the saddle bag it came from as the first of her new companions arrives at the meeting place by the gate out of town and asks them for their update.

"The guide should be on his way soon, did you find everything you need?"

"Aye all in order my lady" John gave a clumsy bow, he was common born and knew little of proper breeding however much he might ape the actions.

"We'll be on our journey soon. Adventure and glory await" he bellowed with a happy smile and looked around for the arrival of the others.

Approaching the gate, Wist calls out, "Kadira, John! This is Applejack, my new pony!"

The elf is obviously quite taken with his new mount.

A thin man approaches the southern edge of the city, looks around then wanders over towards the party.  "You the ones looking for the old watchtower?"  He says, not really waiting for a reply.  "I am Talmout." he says.  He is a little older, leathery skinned.  He is wearing a leather jerkin, and has a pack and bedroll, with a long knife buckled to his waist.  There is a unstrung long bow he uses as a walking staff.
This message was last updated by the player at 13:37, Thu 10 Dec 2020.

"Thanks for guiding us there, Talmout. I am Kerwich, and I'm sure the others will introduce themselves once we are underway. They've been itching to get started."

"Ah a fine mount for a finer elf. May ye both have good fortunes on your journeys" John appreciated Wist's pony.

The new guide equally impressed John too "greetings good master Talmout. Aye we journey to the old watchtower. How far must we travel ye think?" he asked then gestured to the bow the old man carried "perhaps we may test our skills and have a wager on our travels if the opportunity arises. I account myself as an able archer, perhaps ye might be a worthy contest."

"Its a day and a half." he replies, "A bit less if there is no trouble.  We're leaving a bit late, and will probably get there near dark tomorrow."

He looks John up and down.  "I'll see if I can find a chance for you to try your bow.  Squirrels or rabbits would make a good meal."

The soldier smiled broadly "let's see who can provide the most for our supper tonight" John offered Talbot a handshake to seal the wager.

"Greetings, Talmout, Wist Greenoak, at your service."


"Thank you John." The elf looks delighted at the compliment. "When we return from completing this task, we should have coin enough for you to buy a steed as well!"

Kadira looks the little pony over briefly, then shakes her head a bit as she turns to her own mount and steps up into its full sized saddle.

"A day and a half won't get any shorter, lets get on the road, we can discuss the details on the way."

"Smart lady." He commends.  "Follow me."   He starts off at a trot, easily able to keep pace with the horses.  Then stops, and drops to a walk, allowing John to catch up.  "Steel is good for turning a blade, but leather is better for travel." he comments.

A soldier's march was a steady pace. John strode along but he couldn't keep up with the others. He nodded and agreed with Talmout.

"Aye. I could strip off my armour if someone had room in their saddle bags to carry it."

John removes enough of his armor to lighten his load spreading it out among the animals.  The rest of the afternoon passes uneventfully, as the roadway is somewhat smooth and cleared.  Nothing bothers the party, as evening starts to draw nigh.  "How late do ya want to press on?"  The guides asks.

His load lighten John did his best to keep up with the long strides of Talmout. John had his bow handy in case any game was spotted but alas there was none. As evening came John was ready to set up camp soon.

"If there's trouble at the watchtower there's no point in turning up all hot and bothered. Let's rest soon and carry on in the morning" the archer suggested to his companions.

"I agree, it seems wise to not travel at night if we don't have to."

Wist dismounts, and will assist in setting up camp.

Kerwich will help set up camp, and offers to take the first watch.

Talmout finds a pleasant place to camp, and starts a small fire.  The guide offers whatever watch they need him to take.



ooc: watch order?

"I'll take last watch" John laid out his bedroll and took a look around the camp his bow in hand "I'll see if there's any game about" John looked out for any signs of wildlife, trails, droppings and tracks. He was hopefully that he might spy something now or perhaps a good spot to watch at dawn whilst the others slept.

Kadira already has her book out and is reading, or given the state of the pages, rereading it long before the question of watches comes up after their one warm meal of the trip.

"I will take the first watch, it always takes me a while to fall asleep after a day of heavy activity anyways.  Particularly if it isn't quite dark yet."

"Fair enough. I don't mind taking second watch."

"I suppose I should watch with Kerwich. It makes sense to put my elven sight to use when it is darkest."

---

Three watches to get through the night?

John nodded to Wist "aye, your elf eyes will be very useful" then going to sit down on his bedroll he looked to Talmout "if it pleases you then take the watch with Kadira, at dusk ye may find some worthy hunting and I'll see what I can catch at dawn" he suggested.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Tue 15 Dec 2020.

The night passes uneventfully, as the groups talk quietly among themselves.   Dawn arrives, and Talmout has a bowl of porridge warming on the fire.


ooc: Kadira, Kerwich, I need to know prepared spells.

ooc: John, roll 1d6

Undertaking a quest with good companions John was in good humour as he laid down to sleep and woke to take his watch refreshed and prepared for another day of adventure.

OOC 13:53, Today: John rolled 5 using 1d6.  John's roll.

John doesn't find anything to hunt for breakfast.

Disappointed that he was not able to demonstrate his skill of archery John ate his porridge quietly. When had scraped clean his bowl he asked a question of Talmout "how far to the watch tower?" John searched the landscape to try and spot it.

In the morning, Wist feeds Applejack, before sitting down for his own simple breakfast.

"Not the worst night's sleep I've had...and luckily no marauders."

He packs his bedroll into a saddlebag, and dons his armour, preparing for the day's ride.

OOC: Three Cure Light Wounds spells, Mr. DM, sir.  :^)

Having stayed up late to do her watch Kadira doesn't wake up until the smell of food calls out to her in her dreams, and perhaps a few minutes later than even that.  Fortunately she has a LOT of practice reading and eating at the same time, and quickly devours the food, likely without tasting any of it, while she does what little morning preparation is needed.  Breaking camp seems considerably less routine to her, but even that she figures out fast enough that she doesn't need help restocking her own belongings on her own horse.

"Will be on the road for most of the morning.  it will be a little slower once we strike out into the woods.". Talmout replies, stretching his back before breaking camp and leaving no terrace they were there.

The morning passes uneventfully and just before lunch he stops and looks off into the woods.  "The way gets a little tougher here." he says "The road used to bend here, and the waytower was on the road.  It's been abandoned since they found a better way."

One could almost tell where the old trail was. The trees being a little younger, but if you didn't know what you were looking for it would be easy to miss.  They eat and walk for another hour or before he stops short, waving his hand for everyone to stop and dismount.   He makes no sound as he strings his bow and kneels.

He points ahead. A small nervous looking group of deer can be seen through the trees.  "Somethings wrong."  he whispers.

ooc: everyone roll 1d20

14:28, Today: Kerwich rolled 4 using 1d20.  DM call.

Through out the journey in the woods John remained cheery and loud, singing whenever he wasn't talking. However when their guide Talmout signalled for quiet John was took the order without pause and he strung his bow quietly.

He knelt down and looked at the small herd of deer "what's wrong?" he whispered as he nocked an arrow.

OOC Rolled a 15.

Wist dismounts, and follows suit, stringing his bow, and nocking an arrow.

---

17:19, Today: Wist rolled 13 using 1d20.

Quiet, and generally reading, as they travel it takes Kadira a few moments to realize her horse has stopped and even more to look up and understand why.  Once that is done she hops down from her horse with only a few broken twig sounds and fishes a sling out of its pouch to load with a small metal sphere from another pouch.

"Shhh" he says between clenched teeth.

Kerwich readies his mace and says quietly, "Feel that? The ground is pulsing!" He holds still trying to feel if the pulses are getting stronger or weaker.

Hushed by Talmout an abashed John looked around bemused. He didn't have any idea what was going on, except he thought he saw a squirrel.

Wist lines his bow in the direction where he can sense something in the trees, ready to draw and loose.

He points with quick nod in that direction to his companions, not willing to make any sound at this point.

A few tense moments pass, Then suddenly the ground erupts underneath one of the deer, a huge insect like creature snatches it, crushing the animal in a pair of giant pincers.  The other deer scatter as quickly as they can.


   d
       d
   d     A




   T
  J
   A
  K  W




Were you thinking : https://youtu.be/p_NS2H55dxI

OOC: Love old SNL.  :)

Wist draws his bow, but does not loose the arrow, "Maybe it will be satisfied with the deer and leave..."

If the creature moves toward the group, Wist will let the arrow fly.

---

Rolled in case, it is needed:

16:26, Today: Wist rolled 10 using 1d20+1: readied arrow hits AC 9.

If the target is within 70 feet then there is an extra +1, and the arrows hits AC 8.

Unlikely to hit, but damage rolled for expediency:
16:29, Today: Wist rolled 5 using 1d8.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:38, Thu 24 Dec 2020.

The huge insect was a surprise to John, the archer looked on in shock and hoped that the Wist's words were true. He prepared an arrow and waited.

OOC Readied action shoot if insect attacks. Hit AC 13 for 3 damage.

Kerwich readies a sling in case the monster turns toward the party and their mounts.

The monstrous insect drags the deer underground and vanishes.   The woods remain eerily quiet.

As the monstrous creature vanished into the ground John breathed a sigh of relief.

"Anyone know if they live in colonies?" he asked somewhat worried.

"Ssshh!", Wist admonishes John quietly. "It might still come back for more to add to the pot!"

After a couple of minutes have passed without sign of the creature returning, Wist will relax and lower his bow.

Looking to John he says, "I think the question is does anyone know what that was?"

"I've heard the name, anhkheg, and I've heard some tales. I'm glad it didn't come our way, because it could have killed one of us as easily as that deer." The cleric looks over at Talmout. "Do you think it's safe enough to move on now?"

Watching more fascinated than afraid Kadira doesn't make a sound until the others start asking questions, which brakes her out of her focus to provide answers.

"Once it has food the Anhkheg is unlikely to want to take risks to get more.  We should be able to move, but we probably want to go the long way around and not directly over it."

Becoming breakfast for some giant insect was not appealing to John. He nodded to Kadira "aye let's move on and steer clear of the creature's nest" he agreed.

"Agreed!"

Once Talmout feels it is safe to move; Wist will walk leading Applejack, the reins in his shield hand, while his right hand rests on the hilt of his sword.

The guide remains quiet for a long moment.  "It is hard to tell if it is alone, or there is a nest nearby.   I suggest we tread carefully for a while."

He starts off slowly walking deeper into the woods.

ooc: everyone roll 1d100 for yourself (if you're walking) and 1d100 for your mount if you are leading (if are riding don't roll for yourself)

15:07, Today: Kerwich rolled 88 using 1d100.  roll for mount.

15:07, Today: Kerwich rolled 64 using 1d100.  roll for me.

No more inclined to walk in this kind of situation than any other Kadira steps back up into the saddle of her horse so it can follow the other horses away from the threat.

22:29, Today: Wist rolled 7 using 1d100.  for Applejack.

22:29, Today: Wist rolled 30 using 1d100.  for Wist.

The words from Talmout were not as reassuring a John would have hoped. John kept his bow in hand and ready as he followed deeper into the woods.

OOC rolled a 6. Let's hope that low is good not bad...

The rest of the day passes uneventfully.  It is nearing dark when Talmout stops.  "Up there." he points up the hill.  Through the trees, a stout stone tower can be seen on the top of a hill.  Its few hundred yards away.  "Do you want me to wait for you?"

The day's journey may have been uneventful but after the mornings surprise with the burrowing insect John was on edge. At the sight of the tower he paused to gaze up at the tower. It looked plain enough.

"Do we explore tonight or watch from afar?" John asked. With Talmout setting up his camp for the night John shuffled through his pack to prepare his weapons and don his armour.

"If you would stay and watch our mounts and spare equipment it would be most appreciated."

"I say we wait until morning and keep watch from a distance tonight.

My night vision is keen, but if we approach with a torch or lantern, I expect any inhabitants will see us coming from a great distance."

"Aye my elvish friend, ye have wisdom as keen as your eyes. I will stand with ye and approach in the morning" John nodded. After he had his armour on he stared up at the tower again "honour and glory await us!" he declared impatiently "mayhaps" he considered a thumb on his chin "your keen elvish eyes could go take a closer look this evening. Tis the story of legends if learn some tidbit which will favour us on the morrow."

Kadira doesn't seem to have any complaints about resting and taking their time with this whole process, as they start to set up their cold camp without any fire she does offer a thought.

"We should set up where we can watch the approach to the tower, but not where we can be seen from it, that way we can determine if any night creatures make use of it as a place to hide from the daylight."

Stood in his armour, John bowed nobly to Kadira "well spoken my lady" he straightened and then leant casually on his heater shield, which had its point thrust into the earth he turned to their guide "is there a vantage point we can use for camp master Talmout?"

"Excellent idea, Kadia! If we can keep watch on the entrance we might get some insight into who or what has moved in to the tower.

And I would not be averse to trying to get a closer look if warranted."

"I will keep watch for a day or two.  If you don't come back, I'm keeping the horses." he says with a resigned shrug.  "We are a couple hundred yards away yet, and camping here should be far enough from being spotted.  If you want set a watch you'll need to set up something closer.  I'm certain there are places to found."

ooc; let me know who wants to camp here and who goes to set a forward posisition.

Wist nods, "That makes sense, let's set up our camp here, out of sight. I can move closer when it is darker, to get a closer look at the entrance."

"Splendid" John patrolled their new campsite and looked up at the watchtower. He kept his armour on, still wary that some enemy might sally forth from the watchtower to assail them.

A cold camp is set up and the party waits quietly.

Wist spends some time, and other than some vermin, sees little activity around the watchtower.

The next morning,~Talmout waits with the horses at camp.  The party make their way towards the squat stone building.  The remnants of wooden outbuilding with an overgrown fenced in area is to the east, and to the west, what might be a few gravestones.  The building itself is three levels of stacked stone.  The roof looks flat, a stout ironbanded wooden door is slightly ajar.  Their are no windows on the ground level, but there are on the uppermost level.

It looks like it will be a clear sky and warm weather.

"Well, no sign on occupants...but that's no surprising if that...ankheg has taken up residence in the area.

What first, that old building to the side, or the tower itself?

If we decide by vote, I favour the side-building."

In the night John slept and as he dressed in his armour he listened to news of Wist reconnaissance. The soldier shook his head “what chance of glory and fortune is there in an abandoned and empty watchtower” he grumbled but kept a smile on his broad face “but lingering here will not end our quest, onwards to the tower. Lead the way master Wist” John will follow Wist whichever way he goes.

This close to their journey's end John put away his bow and armed himself with sword and shield. The sword with its strange jagged and forked hilt, when drawn hummed faintly as it was freed from the scabbard but otherwise appeared normal.

Tower or stable?

OOC John will go with Wist to the stable. He's quite happy to lead the way.

Wist nods, and nocks an arrow, as he slowly makes his way toward the old stable.

More than willing to let the others go first Kadira watches the tower as the others step out into view of it, to see if there is even a small reaction, then joins them once she is sure it isn't going to immediately start raining arrows.

With their action determined John with sword drawn walked beside Wist, ready to stand against any enemy that challenged them.

Wist leads towards the decrepit stable, though its more of a lean-to than a proper building any longer.  The fence is in a sad state of disrepair, not really much more than a few posts now.

As John slips up beside the elf, he gestures with his sword point to two surprisingly large rats that are chewing on something with what little shelter the walls provided.  The vermin eye the intruders warily.

Kadria keeps an eye on the rear, the tower remains unchanged.  Kerwich stands by her side.

Wist nods, and draws and looses an arrow at one of the large vermin.

---

20:53, Today: Wist rolled 15 using 1d20+2 hits AC 4.
20:53, Today: Wist rolled 7 using 1d8 for arrow damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

When he saw the monstrous rats John paused in his advance. The creatures looked terrifying and not at all the glorious battle he had dreamed about. However before John could voiced his disfavour the elf Wist had shot his bow.

"Ho and fie" he exclaimed as he stepped in front of Wist to protect the archer and he held his sword ready to strike at any rats that charged them.

OOC It the rats attack John will strike them, hit AC -2 for 6 damage.
7:44, Today: John rolled 21,9 using d20+3,d8+3 with rolls of 18,6.  Readied attack.

Initiative was a tie.

Wist looses his arrow, and pins one of the rats to the ground.  The second rat falls under John's sword with a squeal.  And as quickly as it started, it is over.

Kadira and Kerwich continue to see nothing approaching from the rear.

The monstrous rats defeated John grinned and slapped Wist heartily on his back "fine shooting my friend. Now let's see what those rats were worrying" the robust soldier kept his sword handy as he drew closer to the stable to what the rats had been gnawing on.

Wist stumbles a bit when John thumps his back, but he grins at the warrior, "And a fancy skewering on your part! If there are only vermin to deal with in the tower, we are certain to win the day!"

Looking back at Kadira and Kerwich, the elf gives his head a jerk, to indicate they should move forward before he nocks an arrow, and turns back to watch for more rats while John examines the rats' quarry.

When Wist's stumbled and recovered from John congratulations the burly soldier almost broke out into song but held themselves in check, as Wist warned their maybe a more dangerous threat in the tower.

"Aye" he replied "may fortune favour us today" as he explored the stable. John has his eyes on the floor, walls and ceiling for any lurking dangers.

John kicks the rubble around where the rats were eating, but finds nothing of interest.  The rats were gnawing on a dead snake.

"Huh it's just a dead snake" John kicked at the fallen stone and wood "we should press onward to the tower" the big man walked away from the stable and onto the object of their quest.

Having barely made it to the door Kadira stops when the small out building is declared secure and steps back to let the others out.

"The tower may be empty too, but if it is not then it is most likely some form of trap made to look empty."

Wist looks around the decrepit stable while he waits for Kadira and Kerwich to catch up.

---

Anything of note? Rat nest?

The stable has no more secrets to reveal, and the group moves towards the tower warily.  It is stone, with a main and two upper floors.  The front door, a heavy oaken slab, slightly ajar, looks as it could be easily pushed it.   The stone is coarsely stacked, and ivy has wound its way up the side. A brave soul could perhaps climb to the one of the upper windows.

No activity is noticed, other than a gentle breeze swaying the overgrown grasses and fallen leaves.

No inclined to climbing John went forward and pushed the door open to look inside. He took care not to enter but looked in and up the tower in search of danger. He kept his usual loud voice distinctly quiet, John expected danger.

Kerwich readies his mace and waits for someone to shed some light on the open tower door.

John gives the door a gentle shove in.  A glass bottle falls from the top of the door, shattering on the hard cobble floor at his feet.  The room remains quiet and mostly dark.  A few rays of light crisscross the room, lighting the specks of dust and revealing thin arrow slits encircling the walls.

The falling bottle and the following crash had John on edge and his swung his sword up to protect himself, then laughed heartily when no further threat made itself known.

"It looks deserted" he looked back and Wist "let's get inside" the darkness inside however did delay John's entry as he readied a lantern and slung his shield on his back. Sword and lantern in hand in walked boldly into the room.

Wist jumps when the bottle shattered in front of John.

"Someone set that as a warning."

Checking that his arrow is nocked, he follows John into the tower.

Kerwich looks at Kadira, raising an eyebrow. He whispers to her, "Before me or after me, Kadira?"

Kadria takes her place before Kerwich, letting the better armored man take the rear.

In the center of the room, a plinth is positioned, with a broken statue on top.  Only the boots  and calves remain of whatever the sculpture represented.  Around the rest of the room, Piles of damp cloth, broken crockery, lumber and masonry litter the floor making movement a little treacherous.  A set of stone stairs are opposite, spiraling along the wall to the upper level.

The room was messy and would be interesting to explore. John was conscious that danger might lurk on the upper level however so did not tarry. The soldier pointed to the stairs "let us make sure no villain is hiding up there before we investigate further" he headed to the stairs to make his ascent.

Wist's attention is immediately drawn to the broken statue in the centre of the room.

"I wonder who that was?" he whispers out loud to no one in particular.

The elf follows John toward the stairs, but stops at the plinth, and looks for a plaque on it. He will push on it with one hand to see if it moves at all.

If not, he will continue to follow John toward the stairs.

Kerwich waits to take his place at the rear when the party heads up the stairs.

John starts towards the stairs, when suddenly two leather winged bats fall from the sky and begin flapping around.   In the darkness the bats almost look like mosquitoes.

Wist walks past the plinth, following John toward the stairs when he sees two bats drop from above. Normally, the elf considers bats as harmless, but these ones looked odd.

"John! Look up!" the elf shouts, as he looses an arrow at the furthest bat.

---

18:52, Today: Wist rolled 16 for arrow attack, hitting AC 3.
18:52, Today: Wist rolled 8 for damage.

Bats didn't worry John, however he trusted the elf and Wist's warning gave John cause for concern.

John raised up his lantern to better see the creatures as he rushed forwarded. He swung his sword at the pair.

OOC Hit AC 7 for 11 damage.

The cleric allows John and Wist to take on the pair of bats and guards Kadira, swatting his mace at the bats if they draw near.

Perfectly content to stay behind whatever protection makes itself available Kadira none the less takes out a sling, loads it with a small metal sphere, and quickly launches it in the direction of one of the bats, nicking it on a wing.

The party wins initiative.

Wist puts an arrow through one of the strange bats, killing it.  Kadira's sling knocks the other out of the air, and John kills it dead.  Looking at the remains of the creatures, they are not really bats, but have long noses, with a sharp bony point, and thick leathery wings.

"I have never seen bats that look like this!" Wist exclaims as looks at the corpses.

His eyes quickly search the ceiling for anymore of the strange creatures. If he sees none, he waits to follow John up the stairs.

There was a harumph from John as he finished off the injured bat-like creature "looks creepy to me. For such creature to roost here this place is surely abandoned but these things would not be the cause of any great upset. Great trials must yet face us" he said with some gusto, an heroic story was not made by the slaughter of giant pests "let us move forward"" John stepped upwards to discover what was at the top of the stairs.

John makes his way to the stairs on the other wall, and starts the climb.  They are wood, thick timbers recessed into the stone wall, cantilevering out into the room.  A few of them creak and groan, but none give way.

He holds the lantern high as he crests to the next floor.  There is a break in the stairs as a landing and they continue up to the next level above.

The floor is again covered with debris, bits of bone and wood and cloth.  A tapestry slumped from where it hung on the wall, it forms a pile in the corner.  A table with only 3 legs left to support it is in the middle of the room.

Wist and the others are queued on the stairs below.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Sun 07 Feb 2021.

Nothing jumped out at John, which was good. Risks were worth taking when honour and glory were at stake. Right now John saw neither. The big soldier looked now to his companions "come on up" he called then stepped to the side to clear the stairway.

When Wist was in the room he carefully placed his lantern on the sturdiness corner of the table and gripped his sword two handed. Just in case.

Wist follows John up the stairs and joins him on the next level.

Looking around he whispers to John, "No sign of anyone living here...at least not recently. Animals perhaps."

As he takes in the squalor on the level, his eyes move to the fallen tapestry.

"When the others are up here, maybe give that a poke with your sword, maybe there are more pests in it." The elf nocks an arrow as he speaks.

A bit distracted finishing some kind of more detailed inspection of the lower floor Kadira doesn't come up to the second floor immediately after the others, but it doesn't take quite long enough to suggest some sort of problem.

Kerwich stays downstairs, making sure that Kadira is never alone as the others move ahead.

Never split the party....

Upstairs, John and Wist look around, a trio of rats crawl out of the tapestry, surprisingly aggressive for the common vermin.  And behind them they hear something scratching its way down the stairs, a rat the size of a small dog!  It is not a surprise that is is aggressive.

ooc: Actions?

Downstairs, Kadira begins searching, using a bit of magic to move the dust and debris and putting things in order.  Kerwich watches over her, the door to the outside an exit to safety.

"A rat's nest?" John exclaimed when he saw the smaller rats and the very large one "beware below" he called out. He didn't want to risk leaving his back exposed whilst on the stairs, rats biting at his head was not a welcoming thought. So bravely he went to fight the aggressive and possibly young rats.

OOC Hit AC -3 for 8 damage.

"Unfortunately, I was right." Wist notes as he looses an arrow at one of the three rats coming out of the tapestry.

---

20:18, Today: Wist rolled 19 for arrow, hitting AC 0.
20:18, Today: Wist rolled 4 for damage.

The tapestry rats are quicker, biting at the men's heels, and scratching up their legs.   One is unable to get through John's mail.  Two harrass Wist"s legs, drawing blood.

John kills the one at his feet, Wist kicks them away and puts an arrow through one, pinning it to the floor.  The other scrambles back to its feet and heads back towards the men.

The dog sized rat reaches the bottom of the stairs.

Downstairs, Kadira continues cleaning.

Kerwich keeps watch.


Begin round 2 Actions?

The rat killed John swung around to aid his companion Wist. His sword wielded with both hands struck a mighty blow toward the last rat as he yelled to the elf "go back, help the others".

OOC Hit AC 6 for 8 damage.

Wist nods and turns toward the stairs, nocking an arrow as he moves.

He targets the large rat moving down the stairs, and lets fly.

---

18:15, Today: Wist rolled 22 for arrow attack. Natural 20!
18:17, Today: Wist rolled 3 for arrow damage.

Kadira cleans her way to the fireplace, and finds a very nice, and now clean and bright copper kettle.

Kerwich keeps watch, and after John's warning, focuses on the stairs.

John kills the small rat before it can recover it's footing.

Wist puts an arrow into the large rat coming down the stairs.  It tries to attack the elf, but stumbles over the arrow protruding from it.

This message was deleted by the player at 18:00, Thu 18 Feb 2021.

Protective of his companions John rallied forth to fight the rat of unusual size, he called his challenge to the creature "ho" and swung his bastard sword, better it attack him in his armour than pick on anyone else.

OOC Hit AC 8 for 6 damage.

Wist feels sweat forming on his brow as he lines up another arrow at the largest of the rats. "Ho, Kerwich! Some help, if you can!" he calls out as he lets the arrow fly.

---

21:18, Today: Wist rolled 18 for arrow attack; hitting AC 1 for 3 damage.

The party acts first.

John strikes at the rat, but does no more than ruffle its mangy fur.

Wist calls for aid as he puts a second arrow into the rat and it dies.

As the adrenaline starts to fade, commotion can be heard from the upper floor.

Kadira and Kerwich remain on the ground level.

"Fine shooting my friend" John congratulated Wist. Then he heard the noise of other inhabitants in the tower. John didn't like how separated and exposed they were. Leaving his lantern on the table John shifted his shield off his back and strapped it to his left arm "about time you came up here me thinks" he called down to Kadira and Kerwich "things may be about to get dangerous" he warned.

Looking up from the copper pot she has in her hands Kadira reacts to the loud call from above, but it takes her a few moments to realize it is echoing down the stairs.  Only then does she head over to the stairs and reply as she starts on her way up.

"There are some quality goods in this tower, someone used it for something a lot more important than a simple watchtower for soldiers."

"Ah I'm very glad you are here to spot it" John smiled when he saw Kadira with the copper pot "perhaps we'll find out it's purpose when we see more of the tower" John stood ready with sword and shield but did not rush off anywhere, he felt things were going to get tougher.

Watching his second arrow eliminate the large rat, Wist wipes his brow, "On second thought, Kerwich, everything is under control!"
He rejoins John, waiting for the others to climb the stairs.

Kerwich brings up the rear as he and Kadira join John and Wist.

The quartet reassembled John stood closest to the stairway up. Prepared in case anything might descend to attack them.

"So far my sword arm and Wist's bowskill and keen eye have kept us safe. However I fear a greater challenge before us. One where we might gain greater honour and glory. An encounter with villain we should plan for" he paused looked back toward the open stairway "when we are all ready we should proceed. I will be our shield" he pledged.

The party starts of the stairs, John leads the way with sword and shield.  Wist, Kadira and Kerwich follow on his heels.

On the upper level, in the center of the ceiling is a window of stained glass with a few panels missing.  Four shuttered windows face the cardinal directions.

As John crests the floor level, two giant rats start squealing in alarm, standing behind them, a rat shaped man, about 4' tall. He is frantically throwing things into a backpack.

A rough wooden table is in the middle of the room, with an upturned bucket for a chair.  The rat man turns, and snatches a short sword of the table.  The two rats move to attack the invaders.

ooc: Actions?

John is at the top of the stairs, but the others can easily come up.

        ---x---
      -        J -
     -    r      W -
    |       r     K|
    x             Kx
    |    Wr        |
     -            -
       -         -
        --- x---

This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Mon 01 Mar 2021.

The enemy's size was not frightening but their appearance was horrifying. There were many strange tales of skinchangers and malformed monsters of the night. John rallied himself with a battle-cry "by the power of Stormblade, I have the power" then rushed forward and swung wildly, neither the sword nor John apparently any different than before.

OOC I knew this was going to be tougher.

Hit AC 8 for 8 damage, although I suspect even if John hit we need a silver or magical weapon! John may be able to hurt it but will have to be really lucky...

Wist takes two steps from the top of the stairs, to provide room for Kerwich and Kadira.

He lines up the rat-like man preparing to attack John, and lets his arrow fly. But he stumbles slightly and he sends the arrow careening into the ceiling.

---

18:26, Today: Wist rolled 3 using for arrow attack.

Kerwich intercepts a rat, thwacking at it with his mace.


22:39, Today: Kerwich rolled 7 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 5.  mace damage.

22:39, Today: Kerwich rolled 16 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 14.  Attack rat.

Kadira stops right at the top of the stairs, spins her sling a few times then flings a stone at the most damaged of the four legged rats.

Everything happens at once. (init was tied. movement>magic>missiles>melee)

John advances.

Wist draws down and looses an arrow at the ratman, but it goes wide, sailing out the window across the way.

Kadira's stone strikes true, hitting one of the rats.

One of the rats turns and manages to bite into the John's leg, opening a nasty bloody wound.   The hero strides on, but his sword whistles past the ratman.  The wererat tries to strike back, but misses.

Kerwich strikes out, crushing one of the skulls of the rats.


begin round 2, Actions?

        ---x---
      -   W     -
     -        K   -
    |       r  K   |
    x     J        x
    |    Wr        |
     -            -
       -         -
        --- x---

Wounded by the rat bite John was ill tempered. His fury showed like thunder as he swung his sword at the wererat "yield miscreant" he called as his sword crackled with illuminance and struck the creature in a flash of lightning.

OOC Hit AC -4 for 5 damage with an additional 3 lightning damage.

Woohoo hopefully John has put the frighteners on the wererat with that display. Couldn't have timed it better. John is now on 1 hit point so this going to be a close one.

ooc: OK, only because it's epic timing. I'm going to do things out of order.

The gravely injured John swings his sword at the wererat...  Suddenly the blade erupts with a crackle of lightning.  Electricity sparks off the blade wrapping itself around the wererat.  The smell of ozone permeates the small room. A peel of thunder rumbles, shaking the dust from the ceilings.  The remaining rat panicked and rushed headlong down the stairs fleeing only to be smashed by the cleric's weapon.

The singed wererat falls dead in a heap.

And just as suddenly, it is quiet again.

Wist claps John on the back, "Well done!"

Then realising how badly hurt the warrior is, he quickly helps him to sit on the bucket.

"Kerwich, can you help John? He is sorely injured."

The elf picks up the ratman's backpack and dumps it on the table.

Surprise and exhaustion showed equally on John's face as he slayed the wererat. As Wist helped him sit on the upturned bucket he regained some of his composure but was too weak for singing. He settled for a single cheer "ha glory and victory" he then sighed "perhaps we can stay here a night or two, seems a decent place now the rodent problem has been dealt with and I could do with the rest."

"What in the names of Moe, Larry, and Curly was in that sword?" Kerwich is still a bit stunned by the unexpected lightning, but he soon recovers and casts a Cure Light Wounds on John.

05:35, Today: Kerwich rolled 2 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 1.  CLW.</Orange>

"Praises to the three brothers" John felt his tiredness fade as the wound from the rat bite miraculously healed "thank you Father for your blessing" much stronger feeling John pushed his chest out and held up his sword for his companions to see.

"My ma said I was fool when I won this sword but I always knew it was special. I won it at a country fair. At home in Hordle I could wrestle anyone. Before I went a soldiering I went to a fair and bet my bow against this sword. Won it fair and it's served me well. Last owner told me it's name was Stormblade" he shook his head slightly "never seen it do that before. It's a fine blade told my ma so but she didn't believe. Belief that's your trade of sorts I'd say Father, would you say it's a holy sword? Stormblade sure didn't like that rat fellow."

Also drawn to the sword, but for a very different reason Kadira lets the others in on her thoughts once it becomes clear that they are stumbling over a similar enough question to make her insight relevant.

"It is more likely infused with a kind of magic that can only be called upon infrequently, randomly, or at great need.  Determining that could become important so we should pay close attention to the circumstances in which that effect, or any other, happen.  It may also be environmental, so we should look for other potential sources of magic in this tower as we search it or anyone we find in it."

"Aye my lady, magic" John nodded to Kadira "I take ye warning well, the magic could be chaotic and wild, best too handle it with care" in response to this John carefully wiped the blade clean then sheathed Stormblade.

"A mighty blade for a mighty warrior, John!" Wist adds with a laugh.

While the other discuss the nuances of the blade's dweomer, the elf pokes through the contents of the rat-man's pack seeing if there was anything interesting or of value.

Wist dumps the contents of the pack into the table, as he does, he kicks something solid under the table.

The table is now covered in some clothes and a pair of boots, a bit of mouldy bread, a pouch of coins, (12gp, 8sp, 21cp) and a dagger.  It looks like the wererat was getting ready to flee.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:46, Fri 05 Mar 2021.

To the treasure on the table John added the ratman's short sword "our reward is the glory of a good deed" he looked to Kerwich "don't you agree good Father" then back to Wist "however wasn't there talk of a reward when we return to Helmsbreach" the soldier smiled then returned to sit on his bucket "mayhaps we invite old Talmout up here toast to our victory and rest the evening before our triumphant return."

Setting her shinny new copper pot on the table with the other so called rewards Kadira starts using some sort of spell on the rest of the stuff there.  It somehow cleans the grime, mold, and dirt off everything including the bread.  Although it does nothing for the no doubt stale condition of that particular item.  While she works she speaks almost to herself, or anyone else examining the items, but the quiet of the room makes it easy enough for the others to hear.

"This now raises a question of how to manage the reward if we distribute it evenly from the beginning we won't be as able to use it, buying resources that benefit all of us would likely be best, or keeping track of the respective costs of items benefiting individuals.  Most important is that we don't squander it on anything transient or easily lost."

Well recovered from his fight and pleased Kadira's words John cheered again with a happy Ho "my lady it would please me highly that we stick together. A fine band of friends and companions we make. If we be a company we should have a name. The Companions of Helmsbreach" he mused. Then he considered her other suggestion "aye as a company we should establish a quartermaster. My first request to the quartermaster would be mount so I can keep pace with the rest of you" he looked to Kerwich "a man of letters, learning and good scruples would make a fine quartermaster."

"I agree with Kadira. If we keep the results of our combined efforts in a communal pool, at least for the time being, we should be better off."


Wist laughs, "Well said, John. Again, I agree. Kerwich should take on the task of Master of the Treasury, if he is willing."

The elf then looks under the table to see what he kicked.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

"Very well. I'll carry what I can as needed."

Wist dips under the table, and finds a small brass disk, about the size of dinner plate.  It is riveted to the floor, with a center section that looks to have a hinge, and notch to lift the like a lid.

Around the rest of room, there are piles of cloth that look like nests shoved in the corners, bits of bone and scraps, and a bucket of water with stuff floating in it.  Dirt and leaves have been blown into the unused spaces.  The windows are shuttered up with wooden shutters.  There is a ladder of metal rungs set into the wall, leading to a trap door in the ceiling.  In the center of the ceiling is a large stained glass window that missing a few panes.  The panes that remain are various colors of bright and pale yellows, radiating out from a center hole.  Bits of clear blue sky can be seen up above.

"Well this looks interesting."

Wist slides the table out of the way, exposing the brass disk to all. He uses the rat-man's sword to flip the centre portion open.

The lid flips over with a creak, revealing a hole.  Wist peers down at the broken table of the level below.  Looking closer, the brass disk seems to be in the very center of the tower.

Having been distracted by the painfully dirty nature of the room and her effort to begin cleaning it magically Kadira doesn't notice the trickery with the floor until it is actually open, at which point she looks at the floor, the gaps in the ceiling, then back down the stairs.

"We should check to see if there is another hole like that into a basement, or if it is just a way to ambush people attacking the tower."

Wist look at the first floor through the hole, and then up at the ceiling, at the stained glass window.

"Looks to me like something goes from the window through this hole to the floor below...or further down, if you are right, Kadira. Or the other way around? From below to above?"

As his eyes travel from the ceiling to the brass disk, he spots the ladder set into the wall.

"I wonder if there is anything up there? Perhaps we should take a look?"

The elf moves to the ladder and pulls on a few of the rungs to see if they are sturdy.

"Are you with me, John?"

The discovery of some mystery intrigued John. John however was a simple soldier but offered what insight he might he able, he was always up for a challenge.

"A riddle?" he beamed and slapped his thigh "what an adventure" he exclaimed "mayhaps the copper pot is connected in some way, as if the building itself is some kind of device" then he shook his head "but like I said afore, my ma always called me a fool" then much more confidently he leapt up as Wist's urging "aye that's what I'm good at, action" John willing took the lead in the exploration, sure that the Companions of Helmsbreach would be at his rear.

Wist climbs up the ladder, the trapdoor is tight and the hinges rusty, but with a little effort, it swings open.  A pair of magpies squawk loudly from the parapet before flying off.  John follows along close after.  The roof has parapets around, letting archers shoot from behind cover.  In the center of the roof, the stained glass window sits, with a slight dome to it.

Downstairs, Kadira and Kerwich clean and search the room.  They find a few shattered panes of glass, and within the largest nest, and clear faceted crystal that looks like it would fit in the center of the stained glass window.

Only after cleaning the crystal with the same magic does Kadira pick it up and examine it, she turns to Kerwich and pulls a coil of fine but strong silk rope out of the side pouch of her backpack clearly designed to make a single item easily accessible.

"Take this up to them, I will attach the crystal to the other end and the three of you should be able to haul it up easily enough without risking dropping it from the ladder."

Keeping the main coil of rope with her she starts tying the end Kerwich doesn't take around the crystal, careful to support it from stronger points and more than one of them.

If the stained-glass window is not too big, Wist will look down the centre of it to see if it lines up with the hole in the brass disk, as they suspect.

The riddle of the tower was interesting to John but he wasn't as smart as the others so instead he kept an eye out for danger. John used the height of the tower to look around and survey the region. He looked to check if Talmout and the horses were safe as well as seeing if he saw any other dangers in sight or other points of interest they could visit.

Kerwich smiles and nods at Kadira, taking one end of the rope up to the others.

Wist leaned out over the window, and peered down.  The brass porthole was clearly visible.

John shaded his eyes and peered out into the woods.  He couldn't find ~Talmout, but that would have been a surprise given the trees.  He could tell where the road must have been at some time in the past, though now the forest started reclaim its own.  The old stable was below, and to the west a small grave yard.

After a few moments, Kerwich pops his head up.  Pulling a rope, a small bundle is brought up.  A large crystal that looks to fit into the center of the window.

It's takes a little finessing, but soon the crystal is back in the window.  Nothing seems to happen, until John steps out of the way, and his shadow no longer falls on the window.

Down below, Kadira sees a shaft of sunlight focused and beaming through the porthole in the floor.

Kadira looks at the shaft of light, then back up at the window for a moment, and raises her voice just enough to carry to those above.

"It is working now, untie the rope and we will need to go downstairs to investigate the results."

Kerwich recoils Kadira's rope and returns to the ground floor to see where the light beam goes. On the way down, the cleric hands Kadira her rope with a soft, "Thank you."

Wist follows Kerwich down the stairs, very much intrigued by the light being focussed through the hole in the floor.

"I have seen nothing like this! Kerwich, Kadira any ideas what it does?
Perhaps a way to provide sunlight to the main floor? Or perhaps furhter down?"

After moving out of the way of the light John felt like a fool but laughed it off good heartedly whilst the others chased the mysterious beam of light. John was the last to leave the top of the tower. When he reached the same level as everyone else the slower clogs of his mind had worked around "I've heard of beacon tower where fires are lit as signals, mayhaps the light is collected down below so it can be reflected upwards in times of danger" he mused.

Everyone makes their way to the ground floor, but sees nothing but a cleaned room, and broken statue.  The light beam appears to stop on the level above.

When John reached the bottom of the tower he saw naught happening so he returned up the stairs to see if anything had happened to the brass disc they had found underneath the table.

John starts back up the stairs, but stops in the middle floor.  The beam of light comes through the upper floor, being deflected by the litter and broken table.  A quick shove reveals another brass porthole in the center of the floor.

The cap flip opens to reveal the hole, and the light shines through.

Downstairs, the beam comes through the ceiling and strikes the remains of the broken statue.  After a few moments, there is the sound of stone grinding on stone, and the pedestal slowly pivots revealing a stairway descending into the darkness.

Mouth agape, as the statue moves, Wist murmurs, "By Curly's curlies, have you ever seen anything like that?"

"Nice work, John!" Kerwich waits for the fighter to return and then asks, "Shall I take the lead on this one? You know, just to mix things up?"

Proudly John accepted the praise with a grin but did not boast, he didn't feel like he'd done much when the others had found the crystal and set it all up.

At the suggestion that he not lead from the front his grin faded but he did not challenge Friar Kerwich's chance for glory "aye don't let me steal all the chances for glory. Step forward by friend" he laughed and let Kerwich take the lead down the stairs, following close behind to ensure he could help fight against any further rats or other villains found in the secret cellar.

Shaking her head slightly as the only acknowledgement she even heard the competition for glory happen Kadira seems perfectly willing to venture forward last.

Kerwich starts down the stairs, with John and his lantern a few paces behind.  Wist and Kadira follow.

The stairs descend, opening up to a hall that ends in a large pair of doors. carved into the doors is stylized sun, looking quite similar to the stained glass window.  The doors are closed.

"Does that sun symbol mean anything to anyone?"

"Can't say that I've seen it before today." Kerwich regards the doors, then looks at John. "Shall we?"

There was a shrug from John at Wist's enquiry. The deciphering of symbols or knowledge of ancient history were not his forte. Opening doors however was more his style, he nodded enthusiastically to Kerwich "aye let us discover what it is behind the door."

Wist nocks an arrow, and stands behind John and Kerwich.

When the doors start to open, he will prepare to loose his arrow at any fey beast he sees.

John grabs the door handles and pulls.  They swing easily if a bit noisily. The room beyond is light, it appears to be a small chapel.  Four sconces reflect the light up to the wood arched ceiling. Three rows of benches are closest,and beyond the nave, an altar in the chancel.   The smell of rot and decay waft out from the room accentuating  the dampness of being underground.

A creature turns from whatever it was doing at the altar, it is wearing rusty chainmail, its tunic long rotted away.  In its hands it holds a long handled mace, the head glowing.  It bellows loudly, raising the weapon and charging at the intruders.  Its face is gaunt, the eyes sunken, the skin stretched tight, and teeth dirty and black.


ooc: Actions?

Although not nearly as effective as before Kadira still defaults to using the sling and stones rather than anything more dramatic, in this case the stone zips past all her allies. . . and the enemy too.

Wist gasps in shock at the sight of the creature, but still manages to loose an arrow.

---

19:54, Today: Wist rolled 11 for his arrow attack, hitting AC 8.
19:55, Today: Wist rolled 4 for arrow damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Sat 13 Mar 2021.

Kerwich tries to deflect the creature's mace with his shield as he swings his own mace at it. However, he concentrated on his defense so much, that his mace hit empty air.

00:31, Today: Kerwich rolled 3 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 2.  Attack gaunt figure.

At sight of the creature John set down his lantern and readied his shield. When the creature charged he hewed at it with Stormblade "fie to thee unholy creature" he called as his battle cry.

OOC Hit AC 3 for 4 damage.

The zombie priest is quicker than it looked.  It strode forward, meeting Kerwich and John in the middle aisle.  It swings the glowing mace at Kerwich, but the blow goes wide.

A sling stone echoes off the rotting wooden ceiling, and Wist's arrow sticks in the far wall above the altar.  Though Kerwich's mace also misses it's mark, John strikes true cutting deeply into the putrid flesh.

Begin round 2, Actions?

When Stormblade cut into the putrid flesh of the creature John was sickened. John's choked and swung his sword wildly. There was no glory, no battle cry nothing but a muted grunt as John tried not to retch and vomit.

OOC Hit AC 10 for 4 damage

Wist moves into the chapel, sticking to the left wall.

He looses another arrow at the creature.

---

Hits AC -6 for 2 damage.

Flinging another stone past the general melee Kadira succeeds in little but providing a small distraction, should such monsters even be subject to that sort of abstract thought.

Kerwich tries once more to hit the undead priest, but again, that glowing mace has him distracted.

21:58, Today: Kerwich rolled 3 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 2.  mace attack.

Our heroes prove the faster.

Wist manages to slip an arrow into the zombie priest.  Kadira stone again flies wide.  John and Kerwich both miss.

The zombie priest's mace swings past John.

Begin round 3, Actions?

Kadira slings another stone, this one at least impacts the creature's armor, the effect somewhat less clear than previous attempts.

The nausea for John was only temporary, he coughed then yelled out "I will vanquish thee" with a mighty swing of Stormblade the soldier struck at the undead creature.

OOC Hit AC-1 for 11 damage.

Wist looses another arrow at the abomination.

---

Wist rolled 13, hitting AC 6 for 5 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:20, Sun 14 Mar 2021.

And Kerwich swings again. While it's a better swing, he's unsure whether it got past the armor of the undead creature.


18:25, Today: Kerwich rolled 2 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 1.  mace damage?

18:25, Today: Kerwich rolled 13 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 12.  mace attack.

Again the party gets initiative.

Kadira's sling stone misses, Wist's arrow misses, Kerwich's mace misses, but John cleaves the zombie priest in twain.

The creature slumps to the floor, the head on the mace goes dark.

"Fine work, John." Wist wipes his brow with his, obviously rattled by the strange creature. "What is that?"

The elf nocks an arrow, and slowly walks around the room, wary that there might be more creatures in there.

---

Move up the left wall, around the altar, then back along the opposite wall.

Hopefully that mace will work for Kerwich!
This message was last edited by the player at 19:37, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

The creature felled John stepped closer and prodded the too long dead flesh with the toe of his boot, expecting it to rise again or explode with maggots "what is it?" he asked, the life of an adventurer was an eye opening one for the villager from Hordle.

"I'm not sure... it certainly moved faster than the zombies I have heard about. They're supposed to be rather on the slow side."

Kerwich will examine the corpse first, and if that turns up nothing, he'll check out the altar.

John and Kerwich look at the zombie priest.  John's toe agrees that it is dead, it's flesh is rotten, and the mail not something a self-respecting person would put on without desperation.  The mace on the floor next to it seems in excellent repair.

Wist moves about the room, looking for danger.  The altar has a stone head lying on it, looking similar in construction and color to the broken statue above.  It is wearing a golden circlet.  He steps around behind the altar, noting a large chest there.  Then the ceiling starts to creak, and bits begin to fall from the ceiling.

The head of the mace starts to glow again.

Wist will grab the statue head and run toward the door. "Run!" he shouts.

---

Assuming the head is the size of a basketball or so...if it is 4 feet in diameter then Wist will not even bother trying!

Kerwich remains in the room, waiting to bring up the rear again if the others exit.

Also inclined to investigate the area Kadira leaves the corpse looting to others and tries to figure out what the altar was used for.  When the creaking starts she plucks the golden tiara off the stone head, for further research no doubt, and follows Wist's advice to hustle out of the underground room before the tower can come down on them all.

Relieved that his prodding did not reveal anything more sickening or a reamination of the corpse John was about to relax then the roof threatened to collapse.

"Ho" he called in exclamation. At Wist's insistence he prepared to dash. When the mace started to glow he tried to snatch it up as he ran for the stairs.

Wist grabs the head sized statue head, and rushes for the stairs.  Kerwich waits by the door to make sure everyone gets out first.  Kadira, seeing the circlet safely carried exits followed shortly by John with the now brightly glowing mace.

Kerwich steps onto the lower landing, watching in horror as the ceiling continues to crack, but it does not collapse in full. Four skeletons claws their way through the damp wood, falling to the floor below.  They struggle to their feet, and scramble over and around pews in pursuit.

Actions?

Escaped from falling ceiling John turned to hand the glowing mace to Kerwich, it was clearly a clerical weapon. At sight of the skeletal warriors advancing John lowered his shield and slashed Stormblade at them.

OOC Hit AC 1 for 9 damage.

Kerwich decides the glowing on the mace head must detect undead, and swings the glowing mace at a skeleton. Unless it corrects his swing in mid-swipe, he fails to do any damage.


16:02, Today: Kerwich rolled 7 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 6.  mace damage?

16:01, Today: Kerwich rolled 10 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 9.  Mace attack.

Mostly still fleeing from the loud collapse of the ceiling Kadira only turns around after she hears sounds of fighting behind her, trying to contribute she slings another stone off a nearby wall, probably close enough to intimidate a living opponent, but it does nothing to the brainless bones.

Wist clears the door, before slowing down, looking over his shoulder to see if the others were safe. When he sees Kerwich and John run back into the room, he puts down the statue and returns to the cursed chapel.

Seeing the boney creatures, he looses an arrow, which flies into the ceiling!

The party moves first.

The two closest skeleton face John and Kerwich.  Wist's arrows sails through a ribcage unencumbered.  Kadira's stone bounces off the wall.   John shatters the skeleton closest to him.  Kerwich misses the one before him.

One skeleton scratches bony fingers against Kerwich's armor.  The other two scramble and will be close enough to join in moments.

Begin round 2, Actions?

Kerwich swings again, missing badly.

20:53, Today: Kerwich rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3.  Mace attack.

"Moe's member!" Wist curses as his arrow does nothing to the monstrosity.

He tries again.

---

Wist rolled 13 hitting AC 6 for 4 damage.

As one skeletal warrior was sundered by John's mighty sword the solider raised Stormblade up again and cleaved at then next one. The brawny fighter was beginning to enjoy himself as he smashed to pieces the bony enemies "fie to thee bony miscreants I will break thee asunder" he called aloud.

OOC Hit AC -1 for 11 damage.

Another stone flies down the hallway, not really anywhere near anyone, it skips off the ceiling first, then the wall just before the room full of rubble, then off into an empty corner to join the other debris.

On her way past the stone head Kadira pulls the Tiara off of it, as she clearly can't carry the whole thing.

The skeletons win initiative.

The rear two advance to join the other, two end up facing Kerwich, one attacking John.   One claws Kerwich with bony fingers,  the other stymied by his shield.   The one facing John claws ineffectively.

Wist cracks bone with his arrow and one of skeletons collapses in a heap.  John shatters the one challenging him.  Kadira and Kerwich both him.

One skeleton remains.

Begin round 3.  Actions?

"That's better!" Wist exclaims as his arrow downs one of the fell creatures. He lines up another shot at the last skeleton standing, and lets fly. But his aim is off and the arrow misses the skeleton.

Praying to Moe that this isn't the last thing he ever does, Kerwich swings again. This time, gratefully, he connects with the skeleton.

17:59, Today: Kerwich rolled 5 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 4.  mace damage.

17:59, Today: Kerwich rolled 19 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 18.  Mace attack.

The Companions of Helmsbreach had been through a lot. John had been near death but by the power of Kerwich he was still standing. Rats, wererats, zombies and skeletons all defeated by John but now he was tiring. His sword felt heavy and his strength waned. Limply he staggered toward the last skeleton and feebly shook his sword at it. He needed to take a break, his battle cry usually loud and boisterous was a mute "huh".

OOC Hit AC 12 for 7 damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:53, Sun 21 Mar 2021.

Now far enough away to line up a more accurate shot Kadira's persistence pays off as the stone from her sling smashes into the skull of the last skeleton.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:31, Sun 21 Mar 2021.

The party goes first.

Kadira's stone whizzes past, shattering the skeleton's skull right in front of Kerwich.  The cleric uses the distraction to end the skeleton for good.  It crumples to the ground in a growing pile of bones.

The room is now quiet, Three of the four sconces remain on the wall, one lies on the floor in rubble, but still giving off light from under the pile of earth and timber.

The ceiling seems stable at the moment.

"By Larry's lecherous loins! Skeletons in the ceiling!"

Wist takes a moment to catch his breath, before his curiosity gets the better of him and he pulls the light source from the rubble. He looks it over, to determine if it gives off heat or only light, and if it can be extinguished.

---

Possibly a Continual Light torch? That could prove handy.

Wist digs a bit, and finds a disk, of tarnished brass, about the size of a large coin.  On the back side, an embossed sun, similar to what is carved on the door, and the stained glass window.  The other side is too bright to look at.

Following Wist's inspiration, or her own curiosity, Kadria picks up one of the sun disks along with her own rounded sling stones while looking through the room for anything else of interest.  Only pausing long enough to clean them with that same simple magic trick she has used before.

"These disks are quite clever, we should see what materials we can use to block the light so we can turn it of as needed."

Wist drops the disk into his pouch in response to Kadira's suggestion to see if that is enough to douse the light.

Glad to see the end of the skeletons John let his sword tip drop as he congratulated the Companions "Hoorah" he called out "heroics indeed" the fighter then took a moment to look around whilst the others investigated, he was ready to defend them when needed.

Wist finds that his fingers mostly block the light, casting shadows on the wall.  And dropping in his pouch hides it light well.

Kadira reaches into one of the sconces, and plucks a light medallion from it.  She looks around, managing to find some of her sling stones. 

John does an excellent job of keeping the bad things away.

The altar is the only thing that remains.  It is of carved stone, and behind it a heavy wooden chest with brass banding and a small slot on top.  Carved around the perimeter edges of the top of the altar are the words 'BLESSED - BE - THE - BRINGER - OF - LIGHT - CURSED - BE - THE - DARKNESS'

Shaking the last of her collected sling stones out of the skull of the skeleton it got lodged inside Kadria turns her attention to the altar, the text, and the box behind it.

"Do we think it opens if you  put the glowing coins in the right way, or does it just keep them?"

Kerwick looks in another sconce for another light medallion. Whether he finds one or not, he will cast a Cure Light Wounds on himself. The wounds the skeleton inflicted heal over.

12:48, Today: Kerwich rolled 4 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 3.  CLW.

"One can only try," replies Kerwich.

The threat of attack from more undead seemed to wane and John set his mind to other things. It was not his forte but fortunately his companions were much quicker and brighter than he. John nodded to Kadira and Kerwich "aye I think ye have it. We put the coins in the box" the archer gave a nod to the altar "don't want to get cursed do we" he added piously as he read the carving "might be what happened to these fellows" he looked down at the rotten flesh and broken bones of their defeated enemies.

Kerwich's mace remains dark.

There were medallions in the other two sconces as well.  Though once removed the room is now a menagerie of lights darting from here to there as the medallions move about.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:29, Mon 22 Mar 2021.

"Let's see, then."

Wist drops his lit disk into the slot speaking the words from the altar,  "Blessed be the bringer of light."

Still trying to inspect the box for any indication of favored direction for the light or dark sides when dropped in Kadira takes careful note of where his light was pointed, but otherwise steps back and waits once Wist has done so, assuming that any interruption of either process would be unwise.

Many tales were told of curses, they were a thing John very much wanted to avoid. The archer watched carefully his companions lest they be turned into the undead.

The medallion clinks onto what sounds like coins, a bit of light emanates from the slot in the lid.

Kerwich goes for broke and tries to open the lid of the chest.

Kerwich kneels down, and the lid starts to hinge open with out much effort.   There is a bright flash, as the lid falls open.  Inside is a pile of gold, silver and copper coins. But Kerwich's vision suddenly flares, and all the cleric can see is light, as his face now glows brightly.  He is actually kind of hard to look at without squinting.

The brightness was glaring and John shaded his eyes with his brawny hands. It was curse and it was definitely going to make life difficult "curses" he exclaimed "nasty business" he bemoaned then his mood brighten like the light on Kerwich's face "my ma says you should always look on the bright side" he guffawed.

Kadria clearly didn't expect the priest to try and become the target of the curse, when the shocked look on her own face fades she just shakes her head and turns away.

"Now we are going to need to get you a hood that can block the  light too."

"Kerwich are you all right?" Wist gasps.

He looks into the chest, hoping that is just the disk he deposited that is shining in the cleric's face.

Kerwich instinctively closes his eyes and covers them with his hands, hoping that does something to shade the light.

Kerwich finds that is he squints just right he can see, but it's not easy.

Wist confirms that it is not his medallion that lights up the cleric. But that the man's face shines like a lantern.  He would be easy to pick it of a crowd.  He seems otherwise unharmed.

The chest and coins remain unchanged.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:29, Fri 26 Mar 2021.

Wist picks up his glowing disk from the chest and puts it into his pouch.

"Kerwich does it hurt at all? Maybe it will wear off? Should we wait for a bit?"

Kadria sighs audibly as they keep fiddling with the box.

"Just close the box and put your coin back in, we don't need them that badly."

"Just a moment. I'm fine, except that this light in front of my eyes makes it hard to see right. How many coins are in there? No point leaving them now."

There was humour but Friar Kerwich was in need of help so John stifled his laughter and followed the advice of the wise witch Kadira. He walked to the box and closed the lid.

John closes the chest of coins.  There are several hundred coins inside.

There are handles on the side and it does appear to be able to be carried.

It didn't seem safe to leave a cursed chest of gold where anyone might chance upon it John thought so when the lid was firmly shut he sheathed his sword then grabbed the handles to see if he could lift it alone. He'd then head back upstairs.

Even less interested in cursed coins than in anything else Kadira just takes the one light source she got from the wall mount and heads out, cleaning both it and the golden tiara carefully with her magic before adding wrapping them in a scrap of similarly clean cloth that could have come from anywhere, and putting them inside the copper pot to carry out to the horses.

The offering box is heavy, but it is not unmanageable.  John makes it to the ground level without spilling a single coin.

Kadira makes a clean cloth to wrap the tiara, but it is too large, and doesn't fit inside the teapot.  She too waits on the ground level.

Kerwich accompanies them, shielding his eyes from the glare as best he can. When they reach the ground level, as silly as it sounds, Kerwich will put a sack over his head to block as much of the light as possible, and see what happens.

Once he was back on the ground floor John put down the chest. He felt that the watchtower was now safe from enemies "shall I go fetch Talmout and the horses? All seems safe here now" he offered.

ooc: Forgive the shove...

The party makes it upstairs without any trouble, leaving the place much cleaner and safer that it was.   As they exit and take a look around, they see the cemetery to the west has collapsed in on itself.

If there is anything you wanted, do feel free

Kerwich finds a a loose bag only shows him the inside of the bag, but tight wrapping his head in bandages makes it tolerable, even if he does look like a mummy,

They find ~Talmout waiting with the horses.  He looks at the party a bit strangely, but doesn't comment.  The ride back to Helmsbreach is uneventful,  The guide goes his own way, and the party finds themselves wherever they choose to be.

---

XP Awards

Everyone receives 10x post count in XP

Kadira - 480 XP
Kerwich - 630 XP
John - 1050 XP
Wist - 820 XP

---

Party Treasure:

A nice copper teapot
A closed offering box full of coins
A light up Mace
A gold circlet
4 brass medallions with Continual Light cast on them
A cleric with continual light cast on him

As they approach the gate to Helmsbreach, Wist asks Talmout, "Is there a temple to Larry in the town?" He glances over at Kerwich, "Our comrade is in need of assistance."

"I suggest we take a room, or rooms at the Blue Turnip. We can count our coins in private and then celebrate our first adventure with a meal.

Of course, we should see if we can deal with Kerwich's new enlightenment, before hand!"

Once he had his heavy armour off and they were travelling again John sang as he marched.

"What of the men?
The men were in this fair land:
The bowmen - the yeoman,
The lads of dale and fell.
Here's to you - and to you!
To the hearts that are true
And the land where the true hearts dwell."

The journey with the Companions of Helmsbreach was a joyous one for Hordle John, he was on a road to gain through brave deeds and glory a more heroic name for himself

To Wist he gave a cheer "aye a fine bed, meal, ale and good company. The Blue Turnip be a good choice" John considered his thoughts and added "perhaps to the temple on the way there" he worried about Friar Kerwich's predicament.

ooc; Since Kerwich is AFK and it really involves him. I'm going rearrange things a bit.

Kerwich stops at the temple of Larry, electing to stay there while they decide what happened, and what to do about his glowing countenance. When you show them a medallion, they determine it belongs to a long defunct sun cult that no one really remembers.  Anything else will take a bit of research. (ie until Kerwich is back)

The others manage to secure rooms at the Blue Turnip whilst they decide what to do with their legally procured gains, which are, at the moment, mostly inside an unlocked offering box with a closed lid.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:24, Wed 31 Mar 2021.

"I'm ready for a celebratory dinner...but first let's count up our coins.

Tomorrow, I can cast a spell to determine if any of these items might be magicked!"

Kadira seems more tired from the trip than interested in any kind of celebration, just before she disappears into her room she offers the others a suggestion.
"If you want to continue to mess with the cursed coins be my guest, but until we have a more complete picture of what we have gained it will be unwise to over spend what we can easily access."

"Most wise as always lady Kadira" John agreed with her counsel. John now left with Wist gave a smile to the elf, "let us have ale and worry about the coins another day. I fancy ye shall suffer less for it however much ye drink and worry less about lack of sleep than me" John rubbed his ruddy sun tanned face "but celebrate we must for today we are truly adventurers and heroes!"

"Fair enough, John. Let's hoist a cup of ale and enjoy a good meal to celebrate our victory!"

As they head to the tavern room, Wist adds, "I'm curious why Kadira assumes the coins are cursed. It seems to me that the skeletons attacked at the behest of the other monstrosity.

And the light that blinded Kerwich, I'm sure that was a trap of sorts on the chest. To prevent thieves from taking the coins when that chapel might have been dedicated to the old sun goddess."

"Hmm I know little of curses or of skeletons. Nor do I know of the old sun goddess, if we take her gold we should give her some name" John drank his ale and ate his food "would a forgotten goddess be displeased with a new name? I shall call her Solis" he considered "her medallions will be very useful."

"Indeed, those disks will replace the need for torches."

He raises to his glass in toast, "To Solis, our thanks for providing us with light and with some much needed coin.

And if she was forgotten, we now remember her!"

"We now remember her!" John toasted to the forgotten deity.

Of their coin John hoped to find a horse and some improved armour "aye to the market on the morrow to spend our coin" he grinned "then off to find more glory. Where should we find such adventure?" he asked the elf.

Somewhere in the darkness a forgotten deity awakens...   Ummm.  No.

As the coffer sits upstairs, securely in their room, the heroes ponder how to get the bounty of coins out.

The meal of the day is roasted mutton, surprisingly tender, with savoury roasted potatoes and a tangy beer cheese soup.  A layered cake of honeyed nuts waits for those with room in their stomachs.

Kadira runs her fingers over the circlet.  It seems to be electrum, or some such metal. Likely valuable as metal, if not as jewelery.  The copper kettle seems well made. But not remarkable.

Having returned to the common room for the meal Kadira returns the circlet to the pouch she uses to keep valuables concealed from prying eyes.
"We should check around town for someone who sells jewelry, they are more likely to give us a decent price than a blacksmith, but the copper pot we may just want to trade it to the innkeeper for credit."