A brief summary up to this point.  While working together in a warehouse on the east side of town for a questionable employer unloading cargo from a sky ship, the group hears of an abduction of one of the crew members and a possible location in the nearby forest. Acting quickly, the group mobilizes and finds the location, a kobold lair with some quirky magic effects and a mutated kobold with 4 arms named Tezak. Freeing Stella, 2 kobolds and both a large and small lizardmen, the party enters hiding in town, as word on the street is there is a hefty reward for their whereabouts. Finding their hideout compromised by a talkative landlady named Gerty, the party is enroute to a new place when they spot plague rats in a local market. While distracted, a rat ogre abducts Stella and is chased through the sewers to an unlikely dwarven constructed hall. Finding and defeating a rat king and his minions, the party was leaving when they met Tymon, a small human man who is known to be the Mouse Kings Bard. Tymon has offered to hire the group to eradicate a group of Darakhul whom he claims is behind the parties persecution.

Nic: Perhaps a skyship might be in order. Paid in full and with clear title might not be out of the question, also sound and worthy.
Tymon: “A skyship! Not even a possibility! The Folk Don’t command those kind of resources!”
Tymon visibly settles down, his face returning to its calm, almost disinterested state.

Tymon: “I can offer something you may not even know you need yet”. He gives Stella a sly grin, “How about a remote spot for your current skyship? One with hidden and private access to the city interior? A smugglers dream, if I may be so bold, keeping prying eyes away from canons leaving our foundries? He seems smug as he watches Stellas reaction. For her part, Stella maintains a calm and cool demeanor. She appears to be waiting on Nic to continue. Nic realizes she is abdicating the negotiations to him.

To Tymon: "Something we may not KNOW we need eh? Sounds like something we also would KNOW very little in terms of the validity of such a place, let alone the counterproposal. The fact that you KNOW the worth of a skyship, then you'll understand that we also KNOW the worth of our own lives individually. Your new master, ambitious as he is, must have considerable resources to have ascended to his current position, and to be requesting this absurd endeavor, all the while maintaining his own anonymity in this side deal... I fail to see his own risk in all of this.

We are not a group of paultry dupes, and your initial offer, prior to these negotiations, is testament to that consideration. The fact that you're continuing to negotiate, however, shows that you're a smarter man than that." Nic obsequiously smiles at Tymon. "Still, a simple alleged hidden location I'm afraid is NOT enough to entice my own willingness to venture into the lairs of the undead, especially when... " Nic casts a pained eye at Kiara, and continues ".. especially when they've already smelled the blood of some of our company. There's no hiding that. Surely each individual in this group would appreciate something more... promising, as we've become quite accustomed to moving about from place to place recently due to such insufficient means of concealment. We're getting pretty good at that.

We are a solid group, with solid intentions. Your master's request seems solid, but his proposal... mmmm, not so well thought out, and frankly... it sort of is insulting. Like we are expendable for his own ambition. If he wants us dead, then this is one way to do it. I'm happy to say that I believe I'm smarter than that, and we all... I think, value our lives a bit more. Just my own thoughts on this. Stella may find herself acquiescing to such a proposal for her own purposes but I, I mean we, need something a bit more concrete by way of assurances if you will."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:52, Thu 25 Mar 2021.

Tymon: "Perhaps a simple demonstration?" He stands up, "If you will accompany me I can show you. It's only to the front door, after all."
He walks back to the door you first entered and opens it with a flourish. Instead of a dismal sewer, you see your on a rocky mesa, at high altitude. A mountain range looms in front of you. Tymon smiles broadly, " I almost waited for you to open the door yourself, earlier. Just to see the look on your faces." He looks at you conspiratorialy and stage whispers, " of course you need the secret to the door, that's The part we are discussing. Factor in the long walk home if we don't reach an agreement and I think you'll agree I'm being more than fair."

In reply to rchmage (msg # 4):

Trying as best he can to conceal his surprise and utter amazement, Nic looks to Stella gauging her reaction, and then asks... "Are you having a go at us now? What sort of magics are at work here? Illusion?" Nic pokes a caltrop into his leg just to make sure the pain is felt. "If this is indeed an access to a hideout, then who else knows about it? And what else, besides this demonstration, do you propose? We are still interested in such things as mobility, preferably by ship, and certain... tools to facilitate this endeavor. Nice view by the way."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:35, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Tymon continues to smile broadly, “Like any secret lair, I cannot vouch for previous tenants. Protecting your interests is not an endeavor I’m willing to negotiate today.”

Nic retorts, "I see. Now you're playing the part of umbridge. It would also seem that, with your limited permittance to negotiate, then this is the best you can do with what your master has assigned to you. I leave it to the party to decide, but I've my reservations."

This message was last edited by the player at 03:36, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Tymon, still smiling, says to Nic, I can tell you that our best intel is that the entities that are aware of the place are the same ones you'll be seeking out and eradicating!"

In reply to rchmage (msg # 8):

"That's comforting to know." Nic mutters.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:57, Thu 25 Mar 2021.

Tymon let’s his smile fade and looks at Nic and Stella, ignoring the brooding half orc standing behind them. “I’ve come to you because I believe you’re the best fit for the job, I’m not aware of why the Darakhul have targeted you, but they have. This is something you’ll have to deal with, either now or later. I’m giving you the opportunity to take the initiative instead of reacting to circumstances as they occur. You can run towards your problems, or away from them. If you had sought the easy path in the past, I wouldn’t be talking to you now.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:33, Sun 08 Mar 2020.

In reply to rchmage (msg # 10):

Nic eyes Tymon auspiciously, then looks to Stella and Rowan behind him for a moment, then back to Tymon.  "Ahhh, the "easy path," as you say, I find it leads to much complacency and many a missed opportunity. However, I feel that this is something that we can work with Tymon. It is a starting point after all, and one in which trust through this alliance shall be brokered. I understand that your regard for our safety is not of your immediate concern, however our success in this endeavor is. I believe that we, those of us who decide to undertake this quest, may prove ourselves as invaluable to your king's services in the future. I accept, and would be willing to look at the nature of the "keys" that allow access to such modes of travel. We have much to prepare for."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:56, Thu 25 Mar 2021.

Tymon beams, his smile almost contagious. In the presence of his happiness, you all feel better, like everything will work out. “Excellent! Now that we are in agreement, let me enlighten you as to what you’ll be up against.” His demeanor darkens, “The Darakhul have been bringing their troops out of Darakhan for some time now. I don’t expect total annihilation, just cut the head off the giant. While there may be thousands of flesh craving ghouls where you are going, I expect you will bypass many of them on your way to the leaders of this tremendous horde.”

Stella whips out her crossbow, loaded, and points it directly at Mantle, then Kiara, lastly Bohrhorgen. Each of you that were pointed at feel a lassitude lift off you. Suddenly you all realize, this isn’t a story, this is my life, which may end suddenly and soon! Stella addressees Tymon. “Should your negotiations end my life and those of my companions, know that your machinations are under the attentions of not only my captain and crew, but the Elven nations and all their flotillas.”

Tymon pales, his smile disappearing. “Perhaps a token or two to dissuade any appearance of duplicity might be in order.” He fumbles in his pockets for a moment, then tosses a ring to Nic, a moment later he finds a small stick in the folds of his sleeves which he tosses to Mantle. “May the Gods bless you and may fortune pave your way. He looks directly at Bohrhorgen, “The tablet is the key, as you carry it through the portal, so will you find the area you seek.”

Tymon hurries through the door, casting a look back through at you all, resting on Stella and Nic before muttering something and, in a flash, disappearing from sight. A small paper flutters to the floor where he was standing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:12, Mon 09 Mar 2020.

Stella grins, first at Nic, then at the rest of you. “Well done Nic, not many do so well when matching wits against the Kings Bard. We would do well to remember he and his know our location, mutual benefit is our best defense.”

She looks toward the paper on the floor, then casts a spell, placing a finger to her lips and then pointing to her eyes with two fingers then to the general area around you. You all immediately understand she means to check the vicinity for hidden or invisible intruders. As one, the group sets up a march order. Kiara in front, then Bohrhorgen, Stella, Mantle, Nic, and Rowan in the rear. She gestures to the two Lizardmen to keep vigilance on the Mesa, then the rest of you sweep the interior as quietly as possible. After disposing of several mice and rats throughout the area, you all return to the Mesa, gathering your two scaly allies, closing the door and silently retreating to the room you sat with Tymon at. Stella casts another spell, and then turns to the group. “I feel a bit paranoid after speaking with him, any rodent in the area must be considered a spy and should be eradicated immediately.” She looks to Bohrhorgen, “this is your people’s area, we certainly want to avoid their attention so as to avoid conflict. As soon as we can, we should meet with your Uncle Dugan. I propose a two hour nap, which I can, through divine magic, give us all the benefit of a full nights sleep. We prepare our spells and abilities to deal with ghouls, I have quite a few which should be beneficial, then we seek out and negotiate the cannons I was tasked with procuring, then on to the Darakhul menace. Does anyone have anything to add?”

As a group you suddenly realize, Stella has leadership qualities you hadn’t seen her exercise before. It’s dawning on you that perhaps she has been slowly leading you all into becoming a powerful group, an entity to be reckoned with. “Perhaps you should come up with a name for yourselves, I can’t really sell your services to my captain without some sort of identity. Think about it and let me know.” She casts another spell and you all feel tired, like sleep would be welcome and refreshing. “Flak, would you mind standing guard?” The larger lizardman bows his head in acquiescence, Stella returns his bow and pulls out her bedroll, soon she is  asleep 😴. Any questions directed at her are met with “After we rest, with our abilities replenished, we can make smarter choices.”
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:49, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

Nic replies to Stellam, "Thank you for your confiding in me in the matter, as well as your counsel. I hope that any future negotiations are as fruitful." Nic nods to Rowan and pats him on the shoulder. "Griffins huh? I am not giving up on the thought my friend. I just wonder how they fare at sea or reaches further out. Maybe we can find out one day soon." Acknowledging the others, Nic fiddles with the ring that was tossed to him and places it on a finger. He then addresses the party, "I guess we can sleep on it and maybe come up with some sort of a calling card for our group of plague cleansers. Remember, we'll have to live with what name represents us. Give it some thought amongst yourselves."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:38, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

Chapter ending.

For those who can use knowledge Arcane, the spells Stella used were; True Seeing, for the sweep through the area. Then Consecrate, keep undead from being summoned, then Nap Stack, 2 hours rest counts as 8, gain spells back. I will open a new thread, please continue to use either our group text, or the other thread to discuss your plans.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:52, Wed 11 Mar 2020.