The return to the surface is slow, as the party is aware there is at least one “ghoul kill team” in the vicinity. You finally break out of the tunnels, sunlight never looked so good, even when it’s arcing towards sunset. At Stellas urging, the grate is reinstated, more to protect the unwary than to prevent ghoul outbreaks. As you leave the cave/amphitheater and trudge up the incline, well aware that you’re in a kill box with plenty of ambush hiding trees and ridges, a single diminutive figure meets you at the top of the slope above the sink hole.

Ah! Hail and well met! Success favors the bold, and good news travels fast. While the Darakhul are still numerous, their purpose has been diverted. There are new developments you should be made aware of. Word on the street is that Lady Kiara is holed up in Herr Dugans stronghold. The Zombie Lord she filched from has declared a 10,000 gold bounty for her. 20,000 if she’s alive. He looks Kiara over, as if trying to figure out a puzzle. “The forges are cold at the Kegdrainer Manor. The workers pulled inside for protection, only giving credence to the rumors. I’ve heard whispers that there will be an assault by nightfall.”
This message was last edited by the player at 05:11, Sat 09 Jan 2021.

Bohrhorgen gives Kiara a doubting look. "You certainly look like you are here to me.  We should return quickly to lend aid. I would prefer to be alone before we discuss it more."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:11, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

Erh Duggan has been a valued patron let us make haste and rush to his aid.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:39, Mon 11 Jan 2021.

Nic pauses for a moment to feel the waning sun on his face, then squints in the direction of Tymon. "Aye, word travels so fast that one might think the word be ensorcelled."

He looks to the rest of the party, shrugs faintly, and exclaims "I bet the beer is still cold in the forge, provided it hasn't already been drained from the kegs. Sounds like as good as any place to be. I prefer the secrecy of dwarves lately anyhow. They don't mince words, nor do they make them fly with rumorous abandon."
This message was last edited by the player at 07:37, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Kiara's heart sinks at the thought of Dugan in danger. He had her 6 and its time to repay the favor. Well, If people think I am there, I might as well not disappoint. Lets get going before I lose my last nerve.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

Stella gazes at the sun, seeing the time until sunset. “No way we’ll make it to town before sunset.” She turns her attention on Tymon, “care to expound  on the timeline and relevant risk to Herr Dugan? There’s always something you’re neglecting to mention.” She turns to look at the rest of you. “And when did you all just decide to complacently accept Tymons’ word on anything? It’s 4 hours from here to Dugans. As much as we all agree that Tymon is promoting his own agenda, including Tymon, he always has good Intel, which we should probably find out what we can, while we can.” She looks around at everyone, a little disappointed.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:56, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

Nic chuckles at Stella with regard to her bemusement and turns his cloak inside out and reclasps it (it looks much nicer), "At no point have I ever given over to the word of the King's bard without the consideration of some sort of omission on his part." Nic turns to Tymon, "No offense Timmy, but I sort of understand what an agenda is and what it means to serve, even if that means serving yourself."

He then turns back to Stella, and glances over the rest of the party continuing to speak, "We must consider this news, however.. ahem, convenient it presents itself, and just why Herr Dugan would be a target, and to whom else might bear him ill will. Is this just about Kiara potentially holing up there? Furthermore, and I say this with the utmost suspicion, why would we put the mouse in the corner when a blind cat does not know it isn't there? I feel that we might just be walking into a situation that isn't warranted for our present company."

Nic looks back to Tymon with a snarky smile, "Though you're more than welcome to check in on Herr Dugan yourself and report back anything you might be able to confirm or deny."

Turning back to the party once more, Nic concludes "Finally, I feel that this present circumstance feels just a bit off if you ask me. Sure, we could stand to use some more information before heading back, but then again, it seems that some little birds are reluctant to sing any further as the night draws closer. I'm not eager to rush into a situation without being prepared, especially if it is merely rumor. I do have concern for our friend Herr Dugan, but if word is true, one would hope he hasn't lived this long by sheer luck alone and without being prepared himself. What do the rest of you think, or does anyone else know how to make a sleepy bird sing more? Talk amongst yourselves, please."

Nic rests his gaze back in Tymon's direction, "Do you care to elaborate further? You know, rumors, maybe some other facts, or say... any little details that might have slipped your mind for some reason?"
This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

"True enough.  Where did you get this information bard?  Did you see it with your own eyes?  Why do you think Kiara is with my uncle?"

Nic adds to Bohrhorgen's questioning, "How did you find out about the bounty, and who claimed interest in the task?"

Nic, seeming somewhat frustrated, starts to make his way to the top of the hill and the same level as Tymon, and closer to the bard. Something about sitting/standing below someone while they are speaking down to him makes him uneasy.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:46, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Rowan just gives Tymon a glare, growls a little bit, and precedes to look at him hungrily while picking meat out of his teeth with a sliver if wood.

This message was deleted by the player at 08:44, Wed 13 Jan 2021.

Tymon backs up a little to give Nic room. "Well, since you ask so nicely, there are always mercenaries in town whose greed overrules their sense. A few are drinking and contemplating how best to breach Herr Dugans estate. A certain bee has been spotted circling his manor. And the Zombie Lord, Sir Brallen he calls himself, plots in darkness that even my little eyes and ears can't penetrate. Which is an indicator in and of itself that there is plans afoot. I understand how you might not believe my motives coincide with yours seamlessly. However, I assure you I bear no love for the eaters of small flesh. The Darakhul are becoming too powerful, and all the living must beware their intentions." He pauses to adjust his lapels, impeccably dressed as he is. Twirls his cane and continues. "The other side of the coin is Herr Dugan has been in Zobeck for many years, before the revolt even. He understands security and most times I would not worry overmuch. But I have wind that there are intangibleundead moving up from below to join the Legions. The ability to move through walls and turn others into their own kind can quickly change the tide of battle." He gives everyone a conspiratorial wink,"I don't relay this information because I love the "biggies" as it were. I realize the Herr Dugan is a noble personality and there may one day be a need for a favor for us "little folk". Not to mention the toll the Darakhul are having on my people. Hard as it may be to believe, I do have things I care about, hence my perilous journey into the wilds to bring you this news. He pauses for a moment as if remembering something. "Oh yes, there is also that large lizard fellow hanging out in the sewers by the doorway. He seems distressed.' With that, Tymon looks at you all, his little eyes button bright. Waiting for your reply.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Sun 14 Mar 2021.

"We do need to see to our allies and let them know we have succeeded.  Having them with us could be a great help at the moment."

Nic replies in kind to Bohrhorgen's last statement, "I agree with you friend. We should somehow lend aid to your uncle and your kin. We are, in fact, in his debt and I consider him a friend to be sure. We've also had our fair share of dealings with the undead and foes who travel through solid objects. As Stella said though, we won't make it back there by nightfall. We, as well as Herr Dugan, have a problem indeed and need to decide a few things amongst ourselves swiftly, yet cautiously. All information, provided it's valid, is vital in the next few hours."

Nic seems to look beyond Tymon's presence in quiet contemplation of the conversation, when a small and barely evident smile appears at the corner of his lips, which quickly dissipates as he brings his focus back to Tymon. "Tymon, and perhaps Stella might also be able to shed light about this question I have as well. Is there any religious sect that might oppose, or have a certain disdain for this Zombie Lord and his ilk? I ask, as it might be worth conveying this knowledge to someone ambitious of the opportunity in the hopes there is a chance to thwart such an assault on our dwarven allies and diminish some of this Zombie Lord's resources and power at the same time."

Turning his attention downhill, he and looks to Kiara, still on the slope, and then back to the grate that was recently put back into place and finally addresses her, "Furthermore, I don't feel that it would the greatest idea if you were remotely close to Herr Dugan's establishment for the time being. Well, at least not in the physical sense. I have an idea concerning Flak and yourself if you'll hear me out in private at some point. It seems bees and gods know what other manifestations could be listening at this very moment."

Nic then turns sideways, his back to the party and left shoulder towards Tymon, as he obscures his face from Tymon and appears to gaze at the countryside, awaiting any answers to his questions.  Nic's shoulders soften, and he interjects amidst the pause, "Ah, and there is one more thing Tymon. Payment. I believe you owe us the answer to the secret of access to a certain doorway. You remember, the one that opened up to the location that shan't be named? A "smuggle'rs dream" as you so eloquently put it."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:55, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

Tymon shrugs as you ply him with questions. "I believe I've given your broad stature friend here the answer to the door already. But let me elaborate. The plateau belonged to the Kegdrainer clan. The stone tablet is the key. Bohrhorgen just needs to concentrate on which location he wants and it will happen. There may be other destinations, or ways to key others into being able to use the tablet, but that's something you'll have to explore for yourself. As for organizations that oppose the Empire, you already have the premier cleric of the most powerful temple in Zobeck. Why go to second best?" He preens and primps for a moment, ensuring his appearance is still immaculate from two minutes before.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:08, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

In reply to rchmage (msg # 16):

Nic turns his head and eyes Tymon, smiling toothily, as the bard finishes his preening. It might appear to the rest of the party that Nic is sizing up the diminutive man as a predator might with it's prey, even though Nic is no towering body of overwhelming physique.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:43, Thu 14 Jan 2021.

"Blah, blah, blah.  Tymon.  Why do the undead, and apparently you until now, think Kiara is with my uncle?"  Bohrhorgen's temper is only partially exaggerated.
"Thank you for the instructions.  I need more information to protect my family, and I will have it."

Looks at Nic "can I eat him now?"

(Excuse the late response family)

As were coming out of the caves Mantle is at the back of the party watching over who ever is putting the grating back in place over the entrance sealing it shut. As we head up the slope out of this place I'm in place by my sister Stella.
The site of the sun is very welcoming site for sure.

When Tymon greets us out of no where my first reaction is to shoot it till I get a look at him and see who it is.
Mantle says "That's a really good way to get burned to the ground sneaking on people out of the blue like that!"

Mantle casts detect magic as subtle as possible and is inspecting Tymon and the surrounding areas.

As his sister speaks to everyone and looks at all of us she gets the same look of disappointment returned to her in kind from Mantle. As he stands there listening to everyone going on and on about what to do next or what path we're to go on. All Mantle can think inside his little head is how he's so tired of everytime he turns around lately someone is threatening or doing something back handed to him, his sister, or his newest friends, and he's really getting tired of it. Which in turn is making him angry and angrier by the second.

Finally after he hears Rowan pipe up with "can he eat him now"
Mantle says With a sinister little grin rising across his face. "Let me cook the little rat for you first!!"

With an oily grin and a slide step backward, Tymon raises both his hands in a placating gesture. "No need to be angry or violent, I pay for my life daily with whispers and rumors." He gives a sideways smirk, "The trick is to know what to listen to, and what to ignore. Not a skill that can be taught, it must be learned." All around you, the brush shakes slightly and you see larger sage rats and smaller harvest mice looking out at you, their beady little black eyes glittering in the setting sun. "I don't like to reveal my sources, it's rude. Much like you're now acting. Perhaps when relevant information crosses my path, I should ignore those most likely to benefit from the knowledge, no? Let's try to be civil, it's how thugs and professionals are separated."

Bohrhorgen looks at the closest rat and licks his lips and pats his armored belly.
"Tymon, you old rat, here I thought you weren't a gracious host!  But in reality, no thank you, I already ate.  Roasted rat is my favorite though, you really do get every detail right, my compliments."
"Seriously, why did you think Kiara was with my uncle?  Just some source who must remain anonymous?  Word on the street?  I ask because I want to form an accurate picture of what we're dealing with.  You saavy?"

"Awe you brought more rats with you, always knew they ran in packs......just tell us what we WANT to know so we can be on our way!"

.......Brooding silence

Kiara has to mentally remind herself to breathe in and out. Not wanting another run in with the ones that seek her. I need a private audience with Nic.

Kiara is shifting foot to foot and looking off in any direction for some privacy. What ever we do, we should be off to it. Standing around here makes me a target that I am not thrilled about. Furthermore, once the bees start flying again, I fear its over for me. Perhaps we find a secure place to hold up for the night.

Worry surges through her at the thought of Uncle Dugan in danger, after all he has been more than kind to her.

Nic, patiently awaiting the other voices of the group to be heard, casts a sideways glance to Tymon, down to his beady-eyed compatriots in the bushes, and back to Tymon, "Since time is of the essence, and patience growing thin Tymon, I really encourage you to speak plainly. Unanswered questions remain, and simple to convey their answers. The coincidence that you are found here, at this very time, smells horribly of conspiracy. Almost like you actually had this planned all along, and that really sets my teeth on edge. Then there's your hesitance to reveal who it is that claimed Kiara's presence was with Herr Dugan. Such an omission of that pertinent information would make you just as guilty as the one placing her there and the lives of herself and Herr Dugan in danger. Be thankful that my demeanor has not become a rudeness that you seem unaccustomed to, but I won't have this game of words play out any longer. I know that I can be patient, humble, and contrite when the need serves me, but I cannot say the same for the rest of my friends here. We're hungry, tired, and looking to get back to town expediently."

At the end of his statement, Nic sidesteps to his right about 2 large paces and turns back to Tymon, arms open wide as if to welcome his answers in full and, perhaps, to give himself distance for whatever may transpire from his compatriots.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:05, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

Tymon licks his lips and addresses Bohrhorgen. "I believe that perhaps the powers of darkness tracked her there using magic. Or a little bee followed her and Silence works for them. I don't always know why, I only know what. My eyes and ears don't always know what happens in the darkest recesses. One of the many reasons I seek to oppose them without declaring war ourselves. " His shoulders slump slightly and his voice drops so low you have to lean in to hear. "We would have no chance." He straightens a bit, tugs the lapels of his coat, and grins cheekily. "That's our secret to survival, provide good intel to those who can keep our fair city safe."
This message was last edited by the GM at 08:45, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

Nic gives Tymon a stern, yet sympathetic look, "Tymon, I empathize with your concern for the safety of your kin, your skin, and your position. From one talented tongue to another, know that we don't play games with our lives either when there is an opportunity to avoid peril. You present that opportunity, but as one who appreciates knowledge, understand that it is also knowledge that helps to keep our lives and our best interests safe as well. We really have no further need to match wits here, rather an opportunity to garner trust. The task laid before us, requested of you, was capably handled. If it is of interest to you that we keep on, then share some respect and knowledge to those who have already aided you, and not become your enemy. I am certain you are leaving things out at this point, and I'd shudder to think that it is just so you may have an upper hand in things in the future. Come clean. What say you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:56, Sun 17 Jan 2021.

Tymon shifts his feet, "There are reinforcements coming from below. A pair of apparitions were seen in the main tunnels leading to the Darakhul city far beneath Zobeck, traveling upward. The defenses of Herr Dugan and his warriors are ill equipped to deal with them. Without your help, there will be losses. Best estimate is by midnight they will have arrived."

"No more time to waste then, we should be on our way.  We will finalize plans as we travel.  Your cooperation is appreciated, Tymon, and will be remembered."

Nic looks down to the ground, and at the many eyeballs peering out from the undergrowth, and takes in a heavy sigh before responding, "Well, if that's all there is to be said Tymon, then so be it. Your conscience is your own and, for your sake, I hope any relevant information not imparted does not come to the forefront of whatever we decide from this point forward. We need to move on to our friends in need at this point. Thank you Tymon, for your information and candor. Feel free to contact me should something of importance come to mind. Until then, good day king's bard."

Nic looks over his shoulder, down the slope where the rest of the group is, and adjusts his pack "Daylight fades friends. Shall we kick on?"

The group bids Tymon farewell and sets off towards Zobeck. Not far down the road, Stella motions for everyone to move off the trail. Finding a quiet spot, she speaks in a low tone. "We can get to town quicker if we sleep here. With my spell that allows us to rest fully in 2 hours and the travel spell I can get after sleeping. If we can go to sleep with all this excitement. Plus we need a way to maintain a guard while we sleep. Is everyone ok with this?" She looks over to Bohrhorgen, "Will you guard us while we sleep?"

"Of course."

Nic reveals a small brass and darkwood cricket from his haversack and sets in the middle of the group, and twists what appears to be a small crank. Small chirping sounds fill the air as Nic sets back, relatively close to the clockwork insect. "This should allow us to speak among ourselves a bit more freely for a couple of minutes at a time without any inquiring ears picking up our conversation so easily. Gather close if ye have anything to say."
This message was last edited by the player at 09:34, Tue 19 Jan 2021.

Stella prepares to cast her spell once everyone is unpacked and settled. She casts a restorative spell on Bohrhorgen first.  Then she says, Just a heads up, think of what you need to purchase to fill the hours when we get a chance to shop. There are long hours to fill on a spelljammer, best to do so gainfully.” She then casts nap stack, which makes you sleepy very quickly.


OOC: 5th level! Please get the updated copies to me.

Zzzzzzzzz......griffins....zzzzz

Again, staring off in the distance Kiara mumbles something about He just isn't right, that Tymon, sure would be nice to read him a little better. As if she can feel it in her bones Kiara shudders and alerts herself to the situation at hand.

Nic lays out ideas for a plan to move forward with Bohrhorgen, Mantle, Rowan, and Kiara, while resetting the buzzing little cricket every 2 minutes.

After waking and praying, a process that eats up 3 hours, Stella informs the party, “I garnered some information through a divination.” She gets a far away look in her eyes and quotes: “GoreStride and his Legions March on Dugan. Ware the insubstantial ones, their touch swells his ranks.” Her eyes snap back into focus, “Well, Tymon wasn’t misleading us. Now we prepare for Ghouls and worse. Incorporeal opponents are tricky at best, they can move through walls. I’m not aware  of the wards that Herr Dugan has in place, but if given enough time, I can bolster the area. Undead are difficult at the best of times. Ar least we know the name of Whom leads them. Has anyone heard of Lord GoreStride?”

The sun is a thumbnail from the horizon. 20 minutes until sunset.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:46, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

Nic shudders at the mention of the name as soon as they pass Stella's lips. "Well then, uh, way worse than I thought. Gorestride is one of the Darakhul lords responsible for obtaining slaves. Word has it he transports them underground... deep underground. I also fear he may be the one actively hunting a member of our group." Nic casts a concerned look to Kiara, then continues "I feel that, if we are to lend aid, then we need to formulate a sort of kill box to thwart this effort. Unfortunately, this will require someone placing themselves in the middle of that box."

Nic looks to Bohrhorgen, Mantle, and then to Kiara. "I only mentioned part of my plan earlier, but did not yet explain this to Rowan. I think we should use a bit of a disguise to lure them into the box. Kiara, I may need use of your pretty hat if you don't mind. I do not feel you should be in the center of the assault, or the trap to be sprung. Perhaps someone they may not anticipate the defenses, or offenses if you will, would serve as a better decoy. Does this make sense and does anyone have any other ideas of information that might help? We are pressed for time as it were."

When Nic mentions the hat Kiara smiles wickedly and cant resist: Hummm, Nic, you might look mighty fine as a bar wench in high heels, a short skirt and red lipstick darling.
Thinking she might use the hat herself, she nods in Nics direction indicating her willingness to let him borrow it if he can produce a better plan than her just simply looking different.
Realizing what Stella just said Kiara ensures she wont be overheard, and responds to the inquiry:
I have heard of the one called GoreStride. I fear Dugan may be in grave danger. It is rumored that Gorestride occupies a red silk tent at the Bazaar. He is a powerful Darakhul  who ferries slaves from the slave market to some place deep within the earth. I hear he is powerful in a fight and prefers his fists over weapons.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:43, Sun 31 Jan 2021.

Nic's face contorts at the new information, muttering to nobody in particular "An undead pugilist? That's different. How does one handle such a foe indeed. One with necromancy behind his unarmed strikes at that. I shudder to think."

Nic looks to the rest of the party, meeting each members' eyes, holding a peculiar hat out in front of him in their direction. "Live bait anyone? Unless ye have a better idea."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:34, Sun 31 Jan 2021.

Stella looks around at everyone, "I may have an option that coincides with the live bait program. Silence is more than we can handle, it will never stop. The only way to defeat it, at the moment, is to contain it. The only lure it will follow is its target. Perhaps there is a lonely corridor that can be sealed off with Silence inside. Has it not occurred to you that the only beings that want Kiara dead are the Darakhul? I don't know what was in the box, but it appears they desire it back badly. Dugan is no fool, he's survived many times through much worse than this. I'm concerned about the people in his house, one Wraith or Shadow amongst the workers could cause havoc. That is the two things we need to be most concerned with, any other damage we inflict on the Darakhul is just icing on the cake. Killing GoreStride may stop the attacks, it may not. Either way, my ship will return in less than a week. I will give my Captain my strongest recommendation you be included in our plans, if that is your wish."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:22, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

"What's in the fucking box?!" OOC: I had to say it.

"Don't know much about city stuff, but if we were in the woods I would either find a pit or a cave and try and trap the more powerful stuff inside. The ghostly stuff though we are gonna gave to handle ourselves. If we trap Silence and take him out of the fight then we can focus on the other. All we need is the right bait."Glancing at Kiara.

"Uncle Dugan home is more of a fortification than house, by non dwarven standards.  Within there are choke points and murder holes for dealing with an incursion.

I can only share the next bit with you since you have proven yourselves as proper friends to clan Kegdrainer, but I ask you all to swear an oath of secrecy; I only know of one access point from the sewers and no other underground access. The exterior is well built and bars can be lowered over the windows and doors like a portcullis. The only weakness  would possibly be magical or supernatural entry. I cannot abide the idea of incorporeal undead running amok in my home.

Rowan's right. There are definitely cellars or corridors that could be used to trap the clockwork assassin.  Normal vanishing tricks wouldn't get it out."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:25, Thu 04 Feb 2021.

Looking around at everyone with an excited grin. "I agree Silence is the only thing I don't have an answer for yet if we could just trap him and I could take a better look at him I'm sure I could find his weakness, but until that happens we just need to drop him in a giant hole to 7th hells and be done with him!!" Beaming Smile on his face.
Then cocking an eyebrow he looks around at the group and says "Live bait is always the best bait does anyone have any idea how that thing knows its coming after Kiara is it sight alone cause if so I'm not shaving my beard to put on the dress I don't have the hips for it!! Plus she's a little taller than me!!" Grinning sarcastically
"We need someone a little more colorful to play the part I'm thinking!" as he turns towards Nic smiling widely

"Before we plan any further, here's some potions for everyone." Stella murmers as she reaches into her backpack. Pulling out 2 potions per person. One is a potion of cure moderate wounds, 2d8+10. To Kiara, a Bulls Strength, Bohrhorgen, Bears Endurance, Rowan,Bears Endurance, Mantle, Eagles Splendor, Cats Grace for Nic. "When we are ready, I will cast a spell that turns us into Misty Vapor and allows us to move very quickly throughthe air. Please stay together, as much as possible. When we arrive, if we see Silence we should try to lure it to a deserted corridor. Hopefully one that isn't essential to Herr Dugans daily operations. Woe to us should we block access to the Keg cellars! "
This message was last edited by the player at 02:21, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

After hearing everyone out, save for Kiara, Nic turns his cloak inside out with another flourish of his hand, while donning Kiara's hat.  In a short moment, Nic suddenly appears nearly identical to Kiara, the real Kiara. He performs a curtsy as he accepts the potions from Stella. He then looks to the rest of the party, and in a voice as close to Kiara's as possible he asks, "Do you think this has a chance at working?"


Nic pauses and looks around for a moment in contemplation, then removes a sash, and the disquise at the same time, handing it back to Kiara. "Maybe this would serve you best to look as someone else instead. I can think a few people who have seen us together, ... some mousy faced characters, or beardless females. On that note, I can still try and disguise myself as you and see if I can pull it off without the aid of magic, and utilizing a talent for the dramatic as it were. Sound good?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:42, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

"Lady Stella said the most reasonable thing yet; protect the kegs!  Let's go."

Stella looks around, all she sees is expectant faces waiting to travel. "Do we have a plan for Silence if we see him? I'll cast this spell and we'll deal with it before taking off." Stella pulls out a scroll from her backpack, muttering to herself. You hear something about "stubborn kids" then she opens the scroll. "Too many of us for one spell," she grumbles. She casts a spell, spewing words that you forget as soon as you hear them. Whist mist curls from her hands, leaking out and covering her, then stretching out to Mantle, Nic, Kiara, and Rowan. Stella then looks at Bohrhorgen, "It looks like it's your turn to travel with me." She profers her hand to him.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:43, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

Moments prior to Stella casting her spell, Kiara dons her hat. At next glance you notice a dwarven bar wench that looks vaguely familiar from the last time you were at Uncle Dugans place. A toothy smirks proceeds her adjusting her busts and throwing her hands on her hips. Feeling a little more confident, she is ready to go. Looking a bit sullen toward Nic, Do be careful with the games we play dear, Silence's drive to end me is not to be taken lightly. I fear he will stop at nothing. Addressing the rest of the party, I certainly hope someone has a plan. I need to find a way to end the havoc I have brought upon us. I truly am sorry!

"So the plan for Silence Nic tricks it into following him into one of Uncle Dugan's rooms we can trap him in then I'll take a closer look and turn him off! I like this plan!! Hey kids don't go dying out there on me!"

Looks over at Nic with some concern on his face "You be careful out there."

"Do I keep my eyes open or closed for this part?"

Nic does his best to imitate Kiara in looks after much study, and perhaps a little help from her for his efforts and minus any high heels. It's a good thing she isn't one for make-up, though I'm not sure if I can pull off the voice without much more practice. Probably a good thing she isn't one of the more vocal of the group as well.

She/he looks to Bohrhorgen, seemingly pained by his remarks and states "My eyes are up here big boy! Keep focused and we'll get this done without incident." Looking to Mantle, She/he winks and replies "You as well. Just wait til I'm out of the blast zone if you decide to heat things up."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:19, Wed 17 Feb 2021.

Stella tells Bohrhorgen, "Hold a moment, I need to give flying lessons." She addresses the rest of you, "The spell I cast is called Wind walk, it allows you to fly quickly. But to activate it, you must concentrate on the internal feeling the spell has given you. It should be a light, airy feeling. Let it grow and encompass your body. Be aware you'll start to float, you have to concentrate on moving. It takes practice but it gets easier. The winds affect you, so adjust for them as you move. Normally I would accompany first time flyers, but my spell only works on 5 people total. It takes time to shift into a misty state. I'll go through it with you once." She starts to focus inward, and you see her solid edges turn misty, slowly moving inward until she looks like a Stella shaped cloud. She soars into the sky, doing a loop and a roll before circling back around and waiting for you to follow. "You can talk while in this form, but remember, flying isn't a guarantee of safety. There are things in the air that are dangerous also. Stay focused. When the spell is close to ending, it will drop you down slowly. Not just end and let you fall. It lasts a while, but hurry to Herr Dugans, I'm sure there is need. When you arrive, concentrate on the solid core of your being and you will become normal. Until the spell wears off, you can switch back and forth, good luck." She drops to the ground and slowly gains her solidity back. Then she addresses Bohrhorgen, "You don't have to close your eyes, just watch your stomach. Traveling like this usually ends in throwing up the first time. Ready?" Taking Bohrhorgens hand she say, "See you there." Then she says a short magical phrase and her and Bohrhorgen disappear with a small 'pop'.

Looking Nic up and down like a piece of meat, she lets out a purring sound and smiles. Excited, Kiara starts to focus on the airy feeling and begins practicing her movement, wanting to do this flight as graceful as possible.

Grumbling something about 'griffins would be better' Rowan shifts to a misty state and prepares for a long flight.

Stella and Bohrhorgen disappear, leaving the rest of  you standing there. Slowly you feel the light airy feeling spread throughout your body. It takes 30 seconds or so to change fully. Then you find yourself floating, at first you move around slowly but then Rowan instinctual mentally commands the wind to push him. After that, you find yourselves moving along at a very fast clip. (60 mph!). You rise up into the sky and spot the city in the distance. With the tail wind pushing you, it takes less than an hour. Its much more comfortable than the coach as well. You approach the city and reluctantly head straight to Herr Dugans. Flying down towards the house you notice there are 4 ballista on the roof, manned by dwarves each who peer out into the streets. The streets themselves look rather sparse for early evening. You realize there are no signs of any kobolds on any street in the gear district. This might be one of the little folks unannounced holidays, know as "we no work day." Herr Dugans house has no activity other than the dwarves on the roof at the ballista. The people moving around seem to swing wide around the building.

OOC: Let me know your intentions. You could fly, solidify, go to the roof. Plus I'm sure you can think of other things.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:51, Mon 22 Feb 2021.

Nic, posing as Kiara, lets himself fly in a direct line to the top of the tower. He/she scans the surrounding district for anything out of place, or of particular interest. He scans the tops of other buildings, and makes sure to keep an eye out for insects flying high as he/she nears the ramparts of the stronghold.

To the party;"are we going to circle the tower and then land on top or are we going to land and approach from the ground?"

"Land on the roof, try to avoid being spotted, I would like for us to be a nasty suprise!"

Nic replies to Bohrhorgen "Speaking of surprise, where would be the best place to eliminate dealing with Silence, should he be poking around as it were? Are there any choke points in which we can seal him off?"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:45, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

"Possibly the lower levels by the foundry."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:24, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

OOC: Keep in mind Bohrhorgen is not present at the moment. I can assume this is a conversation that has taken place before you separated.

Per Nics statement, the party heads straight for the top of the roof, a flat affair with 4 raised ballistae covering the 4 lanes of traffic. 8 dwarves track your approach but the ballistae only rotate 180 degrees, perhaps designed thus to prevent them from firing on each other. As you land on the roof and start to solidify,  on Dwarf from each ballista stands forward, ostensibly guarding the pile of bolts below and the ballistae and operator above. As you finish, they visibly relax, obviously, you were expected but Dwarven paranoia is legendary. One of them taps the roof with his ax handle in a curious 3-2 rhythm. The trapdoor in the center of the roof swings open, and the Dwarf guarding the other side puts a finger on his lips, indicating quiet and beckons you forward to the opening. As you enter the stairs, he points downward to another Dwarf waiting at the bottom of the stairs. He, in turn,  points you to another stairway across a living area leading downward. The efficiency and discipline of the Dwarves is reassuring. At the bottom of the next set of stairs, another Dwarf directs you to a set of stairs directly under the set you just descended. You notice you're on the ground level in a break room. Heading down the next set of stairs you travel down one full flight then turn right at a landing before traveling down another full flight of stairs. Stepping through a door at the bottom, you find yourself in the foundry!

OOC: I will send pics indicating where the stairs are that you took. It is a little confusing for me and I made the map!
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:14, Sun 07 Mar 2021.