You enter the underground lounge of Vault Ventures, checking to see if there's any more contracts to be had.  The secretary, Itap, whom you're familiar with asks you to have a seat until everyone has arrived, Victor wants to see you and the rest himself.  You haven't seen Victor since you were hired almost two years ago, always getting contracts from Itap.  He's an older Dwarf with a great reputation as an honest and fair employer and agent, though he still speaks with the twang of his dirt farmer past.

She offers you a beer while you wait, which as you know she brews (inside herself) it's not the best, having a bit of a metallic taste, but it's clean and not skunky.  The brewing gives the place a nice smell and keeps it warm.

The lounge is a good size, easily able to accommodate a large family, and filled with various well preserved ancient, and new lounge chairs showing a moderate amount of wealth.

(OOC: You can talk and relax here in character until everyone's ready.)

Veryn gladly takes a beer, he's never been one to turn down free stuff. He inspects the lounge as he waits for others to arrive. Instead of immediately taking a seat he looks over the paintings along the walls and the small aquarium set against the back wall. This place always seemed a little classier than it needed to be to Veryn.

After walking around, he takes a seat and sips his beer as he waits for others to fill the room so they can get their job and be on their way.

Vitik skitters into the lounge, his leg claws tapping on the hard floor.  "I not eat anyone." he announces his typical greeting to Itap, and the others in the room.  He nods to the human setting in the chair. "I am Bob."

Veryn nods in response and says to the skittering creature "Hello Bob, I am Veryn. A pleasure to make your acquaintance."

"I not eat Veryn."  The insect-man says, but its not quite obvious if he was speaking to the human reassuringly, or trying to remind himself.   He slides a chair nearby out of the way, squatting on the floor in its place.  "You wait for Victor?" he asks. "I wait for Victor."

Veryn can't help but smile at the insect's behavior and replies "I not eat Bob. I am also waiting for Victor. Hopefully our comrades will join us soon."

The gentleman enters the lounge, dressed in the manner of the Ancients in a suit fit for a proper Victorian.

”Good Evening, Dr. Darien Mason of Holy Order of Scientists (Reformed) at your service!”

He smiles to the secretary. ”So nice to see you again my dear! Perhaps I can find a cup of tea?”

iTap says in her inflection-less robotic voice "I WILL BREW TEA." she turns and opens a serving cabinet, retrieves and shoves a teabag in her rectangular mouth, then gathers an ancient stained tea-cup and saucer for it with a particularly out of style roosters painted them and waits.

Veryn instinctively winces at the robot’s behavior. The mere thought of a teabag down his throat is enough to turn him off his beer, and he sets it on the table.

After a few minutes iTap whistles then pours fresh made tea into the cup she was holding from her left spigot. "EN-JOY THE TEA DOC-TOR." she says.

He accepts the teacup gracefully, pinky raised.

"Thank you, my dear!"

He sits carefully in an empty chair as he waits for the tea to cool, savoring the odor carried by the steam.

A few more minutes pass and iTap says "WOULD YOU LIKE TO LISTEN TO SOME MUSIC?"  then without waiting for an answer starts playing EDM and singing "BEEP BOOP BOOP"

He taps his foot gently as he sips his tea.

"Ah, a classic! Reminds me of my college days."

He chuckles and almost blushes remembering that challenge between the Gibbering Fiends and the Psychotropic Avengers, and that little prank he pulled with the liquid nitrogen and concentrated Ultralemonite Thirstaid powder.

Black Angus walks through the door. He's a tall, athletic human male with long black hair. His armor and weapons clank as he moves, but that's inaudible at the moment.

He pauses, tilts his head at the music, nods once in approval, then continues in to the bar.

"Got anything stronger than that belly beer, iTap?"

iTap replies "BZZZ ER-ROR. IN-STALL DIS-TIL-LING MOD-ULE." to the beat of the music.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:11, Wed 05 Feb 2020.

In reply to DM.Justisaur (msg # 15):

The Scientist furrows his brow as he lowers his teacup.

"Hmm. I don't seem to recall those lyrics. Is this a mashup?"

Bob sat, the music harsh to his ears.   "Is Victor ready soon?" he asks of no one in particular. It didn't appear he enjoyed throbbing rhythms at all.

He snaps his fingers in recognition.

"OF COURSE! DISTILLING MODULE with BUZZ ERROR! I saw them in concert at the Horse & Exile! I even had a few rounds with them in the basement at the afterparty!"

Angus rolls his eyes. No whiskey or vodka today. "Guess a belly beer will do then. Better than the water or mutie-milk."

iTap pours a beer for Black Angus.

Shortly thereafter Victor Livingstien, a slick well dressed middle aged dwarf with oiled short black curly hair and beard balding on top confidently saunters out from the far carved oak double doors, with a couple scrolls tucked under one arm.

(iTap: unce unce unce)

He says nodding at each of you "Peace all." he brings the scrolls to one of the larger tables and spreads them out. It's quite noticeable that the table is normal table height for him.  One scroll is covered in mostly green and yellow splotches with regular grey and white lines, light blue rectangles, and dark blue boxy shapes, the other is covered in tiny precise writing.

(iTap: unce unce unce)

His face changes to a wince as he looks toward iTap.  "iTap mute." (the EDM stops) He lets out a sigh of relief and mutters while shaking his head "robots"

He sits in one of the smaller chairs fit for his size near the table, and motions everyone to gather around.  "Before we get started on the contract I have for you, for the benefit of the others here, each of you has worked for me and are trusted contractors.  You'll be working together now.  If you haven't already, please give your names and a bit about yourselves so that we all might get better acquainted."

Veryn sighs as the Dwarf looks among the group expectantly and moves over the short table, taking a seat on the floor and looking over the map and page of notes. While sitting down he says "The name's Veryn. Pleasure to meet y'all. I make my living here being sneaky."

"I am Bob.  I don't eat you." The insect-man begins.  "I kill things. With knives.  I kill things with knives, not kill things with knives. With knives I kill things that need killed."  He clarifies.  "and sometimes I eat them."

He steps forward. "For the benefit of the new comers, I'll reintroduce myself. I am Dr. Darien James Mason of the Holy Order of Scientists (Reformed), ready to assist!”

"They call me Black Angus. Don't ask why. You probably don't want to know. It's my job to keep the rest of you safe...and I guess provide the occasional meal for our friend Bob."

Angus pats his armored chest, and flexes his muscles.

The door opens and a person wearing a holocaust cloak enters the room with hood up. He pauses at the desk to give the robot a courteous nod, then turns to face Victor and the assembled group surrounding the table.

He raises one gloved hand and tosses back the hood. Studded leather armor is cinched up right around his neck. A scabbard can be seen hanging low beneath the cloak's hem, and seems to be the housing for a long sword. His hair is pure white, as is his skin. His eyes have pink pupils.

He nods to Victor, longer than the nod he gave the robot. "Apologies for being the last to arrive."

To the others he says, "My name is Atak. I hope I've not come at an inconvenient time."

Victor says "Not at all Atak, you were just in time for introductions."  Victor goes everyone else's names and intro blurb again.

Victor claps his hands together after he finishes and says "Great, now that we're all acquainted.  I've got a proposition in line with your usual activities, though a bit further afield.  I'm willing to pay the usual 10 gold retainer for your guaranteed discretion with the information I'm about to impart to you."

With which he pours out of pouch and deftly counts 10 gp for each of you.

He continues "The properties should they be located and any infestations exterminated or relocated, and in good condition could be valuable, and I'll pay as much as 1000 gold fee to be split between you for each recovered.  If you don't agree to discretion with this information, you may leave now with the 10 gold."

He waits a minute as he gazes at each of you to see if any leave.

In response, Atak takes a seat and makes himself comfortable. He seems to not be in the mood for leaving.

Bob reaches out a long arm and scoops up the offered gold coins.  "Bob no say what Victor say." he assures.

Veryn counts out his coins and, after shoving 9 into his coin purse, plays with the remaining coin between his fingers, looking to Victor to continue.

Victor Continues after a minute


"Good, I've come across this map that shows the relative location of seven underground domiciles that were made in ancient time, as near as I can figure by longitude and latitude cross referenced in this record in the old language somewhere near The Cones, an outlying village under Denethix rule to the north by northeast, it looks to be is ripe for development.  If these domiciles are still intact and relatively close to where they appear to be they would be very valuable once rehabilitated."

"There's a few things you'll need to overcome.  The first is that the general area is known to have some devil lurking about that's got the residents scared, and being one of the furthest villages is also prone to have a number of unfriendly creatures encroaching from the wilds, so it's not the safest place to be poking around outside of. Which brings me to why I've called so many of you here.  I've already sent first one then three valuation technicians to locate these domiciles separately.  I've received no word back from them and a messenger sent reported back that neither have been seen since the day after they arrived, which was weeks ago."

"The second obstacle to overcome is the exact location of these domiciles isn't known and being underground will be difficult to locate.  As you can see on the map, there's approximately 15 of them shown as the lighter blue rectangles, though from these documents they're actually unusually shaped hexagonal rooms of beehive-seven design.  All have 1 entrance, 7 rooms, 6 in a circle around a central 'living room' and may or may not have an additional vehicle bay which serves as a separate entrance and exit.  The dark blue boxes here are houses, but according to the document they're all of fairly flimsy construction and likely haven't survived, though some artifacts of their existence may remain which would help locate them. There's also the streets, but I'm sure they've mostly deteriorated and there's enough of those everywhere that I can't see them of being much help."

"There's also 3 larger landmarks which if two can be found, this map can be used to point to the location of the entrances.  The first is this vaguely bird shaped boulder, it's fairly rudimentary and one large stone so unlikely to have moved, and is your best bet to find first.   The second is this red rock arch, I'd bet it has at least fallen but red rock isn't natural to the area so could prove a useful point, unfortunately I can't find what kind of red rock which would help.  Lastly there's a stream with a waterfall over here, which may have shifted."

"If you find any of the domiciles themselves they're each numbered and referenced on the map with a B and 4 digits, of no apparent order. One combined with another landmark or two would allow us to triangulate and find the location of all the others."

"The last obstacle is that they are likely sealed and would be very difficult to breach, especially without ruining some of the value of the domicile.  However, I also came into some keys which are numbered the same as some of these domiciles."

Out of a vest pocket he fishes a blue card with some black streaks, brown stains, and a faded and flaked off yellow logo that looks like it might have vaguely resembled a blocky beehive on it, and waives it around for a moment to show it off.

"These keys may be of some value themselves, so I'll only relinquish them should you return with the verified location of one of the domiciles I have a key to."

"You are entitled to any non-appliance non-furnishing items you recover as usual, unless any sentient squatters evicted can provide identifying descriptions."

"I'll cover traveling expenses - room and board shouldn't be more than 100 gold total." 

With which he tosses another bag of coins on the table.

Bob turns his head towards the doctor, who seemed to be the smartest  "What means devil?  he asks.

The insect-man studies the map carefully as he tries to get his bearings.  The scribbles on paper never did make much sense to him.  "We find the places." he offers confidently.

"So we're not to explore or investigate any of these places once we find them?" Atak asks. "Unless we find them already unsealed and infested, I assume. In which case, un-infesting is the order, if I understand correctly."

He sits with a straight back and feet both on the floor.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:53, Mon 10 Feb 2020.

Seated with his legs crossed, leaned back on the couch, Veryn takes in everything the Dwarf says with some interest. When the Dwarf is finished speaking, he speaks up "And what if there are no valuables to be found? Will you be providing us with an ample reward should we return with a half dozen sealed and safe domiciles? Isn't our only value proposition to enter these places regardless of infestation status and loot whatever we can find there?"

"My discretion is assures, as always.."

He strokes his mustache in thought.

"What if the identifying marks on the domiciles...lets call them addresses for simplicity's sake...have already been defaced or lost to the elements?"

He looks down and points to the keys.

Black Angus holds the first offered pouch of ten gold in his left hand, turning it over as he listens. "You know I can keep my mouth shut for the duration, Victor. I'd need permission from you to make use of the information we find later, however. Once it's all said and done. For possible publications."

Victor says to Atak "If you can find a way in without breaking the door, walls or security devices, do so."

To Veryn he says slowly "I'm offering up to 1000 gold pieces for each domicile found in good condition, prorated depending on condition, if they're found with seals intact I'll provide the keys so you can verify their condition and perform exterminations if necessary.  If by some stroke of bad luck, they all happen to be blasted beyond repair, I'll pay your usual rates.  Even just confirming that these exist is valuable information, so I'll sweeten the deal, if you can locate them at all even without entry, I'll pay say 500 gold pieces."

(OOC usual rates being much lower, somewhere around 100 gp/month depending where and what your services are, Denethix is very expensive to live in anything better than squalor, so that's not as much as you might think.)

To Dr. Darion Mason he says "Dr. Mason, it's not unlikely that external addresses would be lost, but if enough landmarks are found to place the map correctly, with this document, will tell which are which. I see your point, but with the previous technicians being missing I'd like some of them to be verified at least before parting with the keys."

To Black Angus "My interest is solely as real-estate, though my clientele prefer privacy, the fewer who know where these are or that they even exist the better for prices and my reputation.  As long as you don't include any indications of the general or specific locations, or how they might be breached, I don't see a problem."

The Doctor nods in agreement.

"Very well. Who knows? If this mission is successful I may apply to be one of your tenants! It's so hard to find a secure space to conduct experiments these days!"

He chuckles as he looks down at the damaged gemstone on the handle of his cane.

Veryn nods approvingly at the response. "Aye, this seems acceptable to me. I'll gladly take this job."

"I don't like to work above ground, Victor. You know this." Atak admonishes, then sighs. " But, I'm sure you thought my talents will be useful. You have never been wrong about a deal before, so I'll agree to your offer. Provided it is not in the desert." He is not at all joking.

"How many days will we be riding before the area in question is reached?" Atak asks.

To Atak Victor replies "The domiciles are underground.  There's fields, hills and forest near by The Cones, no desert.  It's a day's ride from here, two if walking, you can stop at Mellus for the night on the way, or lunch if riding, beware  their drinks have quite a kick.  Travel on the east road to Mellus then north east to where the road Ts and left there going north west to the Cones."

Nodding at the description of the assignment, Atak looks around the room.

"We are decided, then. We leave as soon as all can be ready, or in the morning, as the group desires. Doctor, perhaps you should look after the traveling money until it is needed.

It seems we'll be walking, as I imagine Bob doesn't ride horses. What about it, Bob? Do you ride horses and do you sleep in Inns?" Atak asks the insect-person.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Thu 13 Feb 2020.

Victor extends his hand to seal the deal with each of you, a friendly smile on his face beneath the beard. "You're welcome to this map and document. It's early enough and Mellus is close enough you should make it well before nightfall if you leave in the next hour or two.

Black Angus shakes to seal the deal, then hoists his pack. "Ready to go whenever the rest of you are. I carry pretty much all I own with me already."

"I have mule.  I not ride it." Bob offers. "I ready to go."




ooc: I have a pretty severe reaction penalty, so inns could be dicey, unless they are accustomed to 'unsavory' types. DM Justisaur will have to elaborate if Bob has had issues in the past.  Its typically why he starts his interactions with "I not eat you."

He nods to Atak.

"It's seems I've been volunteered as Purser, then. Now, even more importantly, who among us has the military experience to make snap decisions in the field?"

(OOC: Bob may have some trouble getting served, but there's usually one or more places that cater to the unusual, even Moktar and Insect-Men.  Being with a group of humans helps a lot as it's generally assumed they're responsible for you.  Even having a mule helps when alone, as it's unexpected and gives you a moment to say you won't eat people when they pause confused by the juxtaposition, however it's much worse in the south as that's where insect men come from and raid, fortunately you're headed the opposite direction. Also a few coins greasing palms helps considerably.)

Atak shrugs his shoulders beneath his holocaust cloak. "That certainly would not be me, Doctor, although I will observe that the best fighters I have known have not been soldiers, and the best leaders I have known have not been officers. But, it's a long walk. Plenty of time to arrange marching order and such as we move.

Much like Bob, I ready to go. Knowing how things work around here, I came to see Victor ready to travel." He stands with Black Angus.

Angus shrugs. "Never joined no militias. Too much bowing and scraping to the rich young pup in charge who couldn't fight his way out of a paper bag. And it's almost always a rich young pup in charge. But I can fight and keep a cool head in a scrape."

(OOC: you can pick up equipment on the way out of the city at normal book prices if you decide you want anything.)


You leave the smells and gaudy colors of Denethex behind.  The side of the road is lined with giant purple leaved euko-plums just now growing their spring leaves, you can see the fields of green grass growing beyond the roads, few travelers cross your path yet, and you make it to Mellus without incident a couple hours before nightfall.  Mellus is a good sized town featuring 3 inns & taverns, and has large antebellum architecture.

Prices and accouterments:

The Taproom - High End. 10gp single room, 50 gp suite, meals 30-100 gp - merchants and aristocrats, is a distillery just outside of town with large well groomed grounds.

The Off-Key Inn. - Average 5 gp single room, 15 gp suite, meals 1-10 gp  - features a semi-working player piano, has a burlesque show, gambling.

The Moktar’s Mug - Cheap 2 gp single room, 5 sp common room, meals 1-6 cp - accepts non-humans, sturdy & crude furnishings, small tavern, but large number of small rooms, and large common room hall.

Veryn strongly considers staying at The Taproom, but decides better of it and suggests to his new companions "Perhaps we share a suite or two at the Off-Key Inn? It'd certainly save us some dosh."

"Excellent idea! I do adore those burlesque shows!"

He strokes his goatee in thought.

"We'll tell the proprietors that Bob is my assistant and that I'll be personally responsible for his behavior. That should help us get him in, and make me look slightly important."

The Off-Key Inn has a hitching post outside for mounts, and a bouncer at the door.  After explaining that Bob is Dr. Mason's assistant, the bouncer, a rough black stubbled Brutus of a man, says with a scowl "Animals aren't allowed inside, hitch him up." pointing to the hitch.

He rubs his chin considering Dr. Mason and bob, the gears slowly grinding in his little mind.

He tips his hat to the bouncer.

"Bob, would you be so kind as to hitch my mount?"

He turns back to Brutus.

"Mr. Brutus! May I ask who's playing at the cabaret tonight? How early should I come down to find a good seat?"

Having traveled with the group and listened to the conversation, Atak watches silently as Dr. Mason works the door guard.

"Bob and I would be more comfortable at the Mug, I think," Atak mutters.

It had to be explained to Bob multiple times what an assistant meant, but he went along with the ruse if it works.

"I will hitch the mount."  Bob complies.

Veryn nods at Atak's suggestion. He doesn't speak up yet, awaiting Brutus' response. But he thinks it's a good idea, if forced into it.

Brutus says still rubbing his chin "I ain't never seen an animal tie up another animal.  Y'all must be froms the Den, I hear they got all kind o' weird." He shrugs and lets you pass but gives a menacing "Stay outa trouble" as you pass.

It doesn't look like there's much action yet, it's not quite dusk yet.

Behind the bar, a sweaty balding bartender with an impressively long waxed mustache wipes the bar with a rag, a green goblin looking fellow at the bar nursing a drink who gives you a sharp toothed grin then turns back to his drink, a couple dancers who are giving the goblin
room lean at the end of the bar.  A couple more lean on the railing of the second story.

There's a group of 5 playing poker dice at one table, three look to be brown leather clad herdsmen with impressive mustaches, another wearing an out of style pinstripe suit with an impressive mustache and a dancer standing with her hands on his shoulders behind him, and a male elf, in traditional red & green woolens who looks totally out of place.

There's a few other brown clad locals scattered about and the stage curtain is closed.

The player piano plays an out of tune "The Entertainer."

A chalk-board with a number of items written on it:

2 drink minimum per show.

Imbibements
5s Burnt Blind Bug Burial Bourbon
$1 Off-Key Brass Balls Whiskey
$2 Off-Key Silver Shrieker Whiskey
$5 Off-Key Platinum Pearl Whiskey
$20 Taproom Scallywag Scotch

All food comes Dragon Breath, Spicy or Sweet

Handy Snacks
$1 Varmint Variety Fingers
$3 Hand Meat Pie
$7 Fried Butter Bacon Cheese Strips

Vittles
Comes with Yeller Bread and Slaw
$2 Bowl of Chili
$5 Five Wing Chicken
$10 Baby Back Ribs

$5 Room
$15 Suite

The dancers get up slowly and saunter toward the party, starting flirting and flattering, and asking if anyone wants to buy them a private drink.  They also double as serving wenches, and will take orders from the menu.

(OOC: as we aren't doing adult, we'll just say $10 for a 'private drink' and you can subtract that from you money if you indulge them, and leave what happens up to your imagination.  Also $=gp.)

The Doctor grins at the prominent display of facial hair, he fits right in!

He tips his hat to the ladies.

"Well good evening, I'll pass on the erm--'private drinks' for now, thank you. But my friends and I would like to rent a suite for the night. And while we wait for the show, might I have a shot of the silver and a bowl of chili? And I'll be covering the tab for these gentlemen, thank you."

Veryn is already pulling a tenner from his wallet as the Doctor greets the ladies. "Suit yourself, lad. I, for one, need to rest and ready up before we go off." He'll push another $5 into Darien's pocket as he heads off with the ladies for his 'drink' "That's for the suite! Oh and get me some food!" he shouts as he rounds the corner and is gone.

"I need a room for myself, and make it a suite if Bob is going to stay with me. What do you have to say to that, Bob? You and I as suitemates for the evening?" Atak offers.

After hearing the reply Atak reminds the Innkeeper that the Doctor is covering the room cost and orders the scotch, the chicken, the meat pie and a pitcher of water to be delivered to his room. "Would you like to order anything, Bob?" he inquires.

Either alone to a single or with Bob to a suite, Atak retreats upstairs.

Night falls and the tavern fills up.  A good time is had by all (Bob might have a hard time restraining himself being pressed up against all the tasty grub flesh.) You get to sleep late, well worn out, and a late morning.  Unfortunately a little too good a time, The travel expense purse is empty by the end of night, and breakfast hasn't been paid for.

Bob still struggled with understanding the purpose and value of money, but was not too worried about missing breakfast, he was certain there would be something along the way to eat. "We go?" He asked.

Dr. Mason wakes up in his room with no memory of how he got there. He wonders why he's wearing a garter as a necklace as he pulls it off and tosses it across the room. As he goes to brush his teeth he notes the the lipstick signatures on the mirror. Several in fact.

He chuckles to himself and sings the punchline to that old folk song under his breath.

"I don't know where ya been, me boy, but I see you won first prize!"

After a hearty breakfast, Atak is ready to leave.

((ooc: should we all just plan on spending 10 gp each for breakfast?))

They don't have breakfast per se, but have hand meat pies ($3) which will make a hearty substitute for the road ahead, and can be eaten on the go.

You could instead stop at the general store which is well provisioned and buy some standard rations (hard boiled eggs, bread, sausages etc.) for the day at 2sp.

If you aren't going to get either of those, just indicate so, otherwise mark off which you did.

"I suggest we get our breakfast at the groceries with the rest of our supplies, boys."

He adds as he descends the stairs while rubbing some orange lipstick off his collar.

The Doctor is interrupted by the Innkeep as he starts to leave, "When can I expect the rest of you tab to be paid?"  After some back and forth, he finds the remaining tab is 49 gold.

"Ah, but of course."

He turns to a nearby table and counts the 49 gold out of the 100 in the sack.

"There we are, good Sir!"

Darien finds the traveling expenses sack empty.  He vaguely remembers handing it to a barmaid/dancer last night for their meals and drinks.  After some more back and forth the 49 gold was for rooms and 'services' after that.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:22, Tue 25 Feb 2020.

He slowly turns to his companions.

*ahem* "Gentlemen? I suppose I'm as much at fault as anyone else at this juncture."

He sadly stares at his zippo lighter before placing it on the table.

"That should cover half of it. I expect the rest of you to contribute as well, or this mission will be much shorter than anticipated."

"Doctor, keep your possession," Atak said, gently pushing it back toward the man. "I can deliver your share of the weight now, and later you can return it to me."

Atak reaches out from under his holocaust cloak and opens a pouch. "Here is thirty dollars, which should cover myself, Bob and the Doctor." He counts out the proper amount. His tunic is close-bound at the sleeves, but Atak's studded leather armor and odd round belt can be glimpsed during the transaction. Also sticking out is the handle of his long sword, carried on his left side.

He strokes his beard in thought.

"Ah! Goods for services! Do you have any devices or robotic staff in need of repair? I'm fully licensed!

The proprietor's eyes light up at the mention of repairing a device.  He says bashfully "Shucks, sir, the player piano just barely works, always needin' a swift kick or two to get started, an' it's way out of tune, I worry it might not make it much longer.  If you could look at it and fix her up a bit, that'd be worth a lot to us.  Um, if it were too well tuned we'd have to change the name of the inn!" He laughs.

"Well, a stroke of good fortune, it seems. Right place at the right time, Doctor. I'm interested to see how this is performed." The pile of thirty golds returns swiftly and silently to Atak's pouch.

"Would that be worth what we owe to you? Perhaps with a modest breakfast thrown in?"

The proprietor says "I reckon so, if'n you can make much in the way of an improvement.  Cletus cleans and oils it every week on the inside, but don't know nothing else about it." 

He winces as he opens the back of the bot.

”You’ve seen better days, old friend...you won’t be playing the opera house again, but some fine tuning should keep you going another decade...”


13:40, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 3 using 2d8 ((1,2)).

Darien finds a number of screws that had worked their way completely out, and most of the rest loose, it takes little more than an hour to get those all tightened up, and just tightening the strings a bit, it sounds a little better, doesn't need to be kicked to start, and feels a lot more solid.  You'd need someone with a good ear and a tuning whistle or fork to really tune it up.

The gears, pulleys, hammers and strings are pretty worn, a few already broken (which accounts for a few missed notes.)  it needs a full overhaul, you'd need to get parts somewhere for those and it'd probably take a few days to a week and be worth considerably more than what you owed to do that.  You suspect it won't last another year without all that.

The Proprietor is ecstatic over the improvement, gives out a couple hand meat pies each (enough for breakfast and lunch on the road) and a round of Brass Balls Whiskey for "Hair of the Dog." and promises a free round next time you're in town.  While the few dancers that are up find some renewed enthusiasm for Darien giving him a warm goodbye.

"Well done," Atak says to the Doctor, flipping up the heavy hood of his cloak, ready to go outside and finish their trip.

The insect-man is uninterested in the machine workings, and waits outside with Mule until the others are ready.  He is glad that the Doctor was able to come to an arrangement.  The human's proclivity for mating seemed strange to him.

"Thank you Sir! Thank you ladies! If I find any vintage gears on my travels I'll stop by to give our musician a checkup!"

*turning to his crew*

"Gentlemen! To the supply store!"

(OOC: You can get anything in the book at book prices, seems to be a pretty well provisioned
 general store. Just subtract money for whatever you want.)


What's your marching order after leaving town?

It would make sense to have Black Angus in front, with Bob and Mule in the back. Veryn, Dr. Mason and Atak can march single file when needed, or in pairs (Dr. Mason and Veryn in second row, Atak and Bob in back row).

PM

Fine by me!

OOC: Hey all, sorry to go AWOL for a week. I was finishing up my vacation, and time with my family.

Black Angus enjoyed himself immensely at the cabaret show, and he mostly remembers it. He accepts a meat pie and drink to slacken his hangover, and agrees with Atak about the party's order. "If anything attacks us, seek cover." He readies his crossbow and when the party is assembled, sets out to follow the map.

OOC Part 2: I missed quite a bit. Do I owe anyone money for the carousing/breakfast? Or did the funds from the boss and piano repair cover everything?

Bob in content to walk in the back with Mule.

OOC: Dr. Mason's repairs paid for the remaining tab, and breakfast.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:19, Fri 28 Feb 2020.

After buying what supplies you want at the General Store and setting off a bit late out the opposite road, you can see in the distance off to the north west a spire or something sticking up above the horizon, then come to a road that appears to head off in that direction. it's not the way you're going.

As you're gazing off wondering what it could be, You hear a faint muffled sound coming from beyond a tree to the right "mmmph, mmph" giving you just enough time to draw your weapons in caution if you wish.

A good sized group of dark green goblins steps out from the trees lining the road surrounding you, armed with javelins and spears, wearing leathers and furs.  The one directly in your way says "Surrender and you get to live! Take off your weapons.  Now." the words distorted by his pointy teeth and strange accent.

As you look around weighing your options you count 13 of them in total. The muffled sound continues.

Atak shakes his head and steps to the side of the party, nocking an arrow in his bow. He makes an odd clicking sound, but his head is covered with the holocaust cloak and it is impossible to determine where the sound comes from. He looks from side to side, all the time clicking, but he says nothing.

Black Angus raises his crossbow and points it at the closest goblin. "You really think you can take anything from us? Well, maybe you can. There's a lot of you. But not all of you will walk away from this if you try. Let us pass, and try again on the next group of rubes that wander by."

Bob reaches back to his quiver, and draws a javelin in each hand.  His mouthparts click together loudly in anticipation.  He adjusts his footing, rising up to an impressive height, as he prepare to throw both javelins.

The Doctor surveyed his environs. Open area. Several enemies. Perfect venue for an experiment in CHAOS.

"Stand back, Gentlemen!"

He points his cane towards the goblins.

"Prepare to be SCIENCED!"

09:57, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 57,6 using d100,d6 ((57,6)).

A 30' across absolute black globe that absorbs all wavelengths of light appears centered approximately where the goblin blocking the road was, also enveloping four more of the goblins to the front that were at the side of the road.   You hear the startled noises of the goblins within it, then goblin words exchanged with those outside of it one of the ones behind you pointlessly gesturing to come along with his shouts.  It gives you a momentary advantage against the confused goblins, you're able to attack before the eight not in the darkness recover responding with the javelins they have at the ready.

(State your moves/attacks if you're going to, Darien already went.)

Veryn takes the opportunity to attempt to hide and make an attack on one of the goblins.

OOC: 12:47, Today: Veryn Darkwater rolled 23,8 using d20+3,d8 ((20,8)). Critical! Do I roll again for crit damage, double the damage dealt, or is it simply an auto hit?

There is the twang of a bow as Atak sends an arrow into one of the goblins.

OOC: Today: Atak rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Atak bow shot.
          Today: Atak rolled 9 using 1d8+1     Atak arrow damage.

Black Angus brings his crossbow to bear on one of the visible goblins and pulls the trigger. The bolt flies towards one of the goblins...

07:41, Today: Black Angus rolled 1 using 1d6.  arrow damage (if that hits).

07:40, Today: Black Angus rolled 11 using 1d20+1.  crossbow attack (additional +1 if close range).

(OOC:

Veryn: I'm not using crits exactly, human fighters of 2nd level plus get to make a 2nd attack on a 20, so you just auto-hit.

There's not really anywhere to hide besides someone/something bigger like Bob or his mule, that would hide you from about half of them.  You could try to get behind one of the trees, but the goblins are next to them.  Or I suppose you could go into the darkness, you'd be very hidden there, you just wouldn't be able to see.

Atak:  Were you still targeting "The talkative one" that's now in the darkness?

I'll update once we get Bob's attacks.)

This message was last edited by the GM at 23:31, Mon 02 Mar 2020.

Bob lauches a javelin at one of the goblins, hoping to strike before it does.

ooc: 07:19, Today: Bob rolled 5,2 using 1d20+3,1d6 ((2,2)).

looks like I'll have to go pick that one up.

Satisfied in his experiment in CHAOS, Dr. Mason sheathes his cane and unhooks the crescent wrench from his belt. He stands a few feet from the fanta-black sphere and holds his wrench like a batter in one of those ancient sport games.

He clears his throat and shouts "BREE YARK! in a higher pitch, hoping to fool the humanoid simpletons into meeting the business end of his wrench.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:50, Tue 03 Mar 2020.

Veryn shoots a goblin to the right side through the throat it drops it's javelin slumping to it's knees as it clutches at the arrow sticking out of it, before collapsing totally staining the dirt red.  Veryn crouches using Bob's mule for cover against the ones behind the party.

Atak shoots into the darkness, you hear a thump and surprised grunt followed by the sound of a body hitting the road.


Black Angus wings one to the left, but not enough to deter the goblin's javelin.

Bob hits the tree next to the goblin he was aiming at, the javelin sticking out of it.

The remaining 7 goblins outside of darkness launch their javelins at random targets having lost any kind of coordination amongst the confusion of the darkness and all their shouting.

One finds it's mark on Atak (AC 0, 3 damage) while two more land next to him.

Another pierces Veryn's side. (AC 0, 2 damage.)

A javelin each thunks in the dirt road next to Darien, Bob, and Black Angus.

A larger goblin in the back shouts "Chee choe!" The remaining goblins outside the darkness stop shouting and move back around the trees a bit to get some cover while preparing their second javelin.  the bigger one continues shouting, "Diech dee doong nay!" a couple times, shakes his head, points at Darien and shouts "Geeit foo thooey!" None of those within the darkness have made it out yet.

(OOC: They're all within range to move to and melee if you prefer, otherwise they have some cover from their current positions.  Actions and attacks for the 2nd round?)

When struck by the javelin Atak shows no signs of pain or injury, except the jarring to his body from the impact.

Recovered, Atak targets one of the visible goblins and lets fly another successful arrow. "Doctor, I think you are the new belle of the ball. I suggest you dodge and run!" he calls out, then resumes making his clicking noise.

((ooc: 13:15, Today: Atak rolled 3 using 1d8+1.  Atak bow damage.

13:15, Today: Atak rolled 15 using 1d20+2.  Atak bow shot.))

Bob tosses his javelin at the leader, as he grabs another from his quiver.

13:04, Today: Bob rolled 10,4 using 1d20+3,1d6 ((7,4)).

His AC 8 for 4

Dr. Mason sprints around the edge of the darkness, still hoping to bash some unlucky goblin stumbling out as he steals the bases.

Black Angus drops his crossbow, draws his great sword, and charges the nearest goblin. Of course, this takes some time and the goblin has plenty of time to prepare to dodge the huge sword as Angus brings it crashing down.

13:55, Today: Black Angus rolled 3 using 1d20+1.  Attack (two-handed sword).

In reply to Dr. Darien Mason (msg # 104):

OOC: Very prescient, roll an attack as you run by one that stumbles out.

In reply to DM.Justisaur (msg # 106):

The Doctor spots a misshapen head poking from the wall of blackness, squinting in the sudden onslaught of hated sunlight.

"HEEEEY BATTA BATTA!"

12:42, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 19,4 using d20+1,d6+1 ((18,3)).

The mighty wrench swoops downward on its skull with a satisfying CRUNCH.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:47, Wed 04 Mar 2020.

Veryn fires on the creatures from his partially covered position behind the mule.

OOC: 12:36, Today: Veryn Darkwater rolled 19,2 using d20+3,d8 ((16,2)).

Atak shoots one of the goblins through the nose into the brain knocking it over, where it twitches for a moment before death.

Bob hits the tree the goblin's leader is using for cover.

Black Angus chases his intended victim around the tree where it decided to throw a javelin at the menacing figure (AC 0, 6 damage) scoring a telling hit.

The goblin Darien clobbers never recovers from the blow, staggering a last step before falling.  Darien continues running around the darkness, using it as screen against javelins.

Veryn shoots another in it's open gullet as it opens it to speak, which dies gruesomely.

Three other goblins stumble out of the darkness squinting and shading their eyes, only one still had it's javelin at the ready which it throws into your crowd, hitting Veryn (AC 1, 5 damage)

The goblins start all chattering and shouting again, The leader shouts "Geeit Choe!" which doesn't seem to help their confusion The two remaining that were using trees for cover closest to the darkness take off after Darien, throwing their javelins at him as they come at him in a pincer on either side of the darkness opposite the party, but their running throws go wide.



One goblin remains by their tree and looses a javelin Atak hitting him again (AC 3, Dam ?)

The leader chooses his target carefully and goes for Atak, but took too long telegraphing his throw so that Atak just shifts a foot and the javelin pierces only the dirt of the road.


The goblins all look shaken at the losses they've taken but are still fighting.

(OOC:  To clarify positions:

Darkness starts 15' from where the party started.

3 goblins remain that came out of the darkness toward the party so they're about 10-15' away, close enough to melee.

2 goblins are now on the opposite side of the darkness as is Veryn.

1 goblin is being chased around a tree by Black Angus - the one he winged previously.

2 goblins remain using trees for cover, one of them the leader.

Round 3 begins, state movement & attacks)

Veryn shrugs off the wound, and fires once more into the Goblins, assuming that killing them will be the better choice than hiding.

OOC: Veryn's cover is being taken into account, right?
15:43, Today: Veryn Darkwater rolled 16,1 using d20+3,d8 ((13,1)).

After being hit for a second time by a javelin, Atak rushes INTO the sphere of darkness, disappearing from view.

(OOC: Veryn: Yes the cover is taken into account, just been rolling a lot of high ACs like in the AC 0 range.)

The Doctor keeps giggling to himself, hoping for another surprised goblin to smack around the corner.

"Here we go round the mulberry bush, the monkey chased th weasel, right around the mulberry bush...!"

11:05, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 12,4 using d20+1,d6+1 ((11,3)).

From the sphere of darkness an arrow flies out, striking the goblin leader.

((ooc: Atak rolled 2 using 1d8+1.  Atak bow damage.

Atak rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Atak bow shot from darkness.))

Bob launches another javelin at the goblin giving orders, but seems to have a vendetta against the nearby tree.

ooc: 19:16, Today: Bob rolled 13,3 using 1d20+3,1d6.  Vs talking goblin

Hits AC 5 for 3

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 19:41, Sat 07 Mar 2020.

In reply to Atak (msg # 116):
PM

Black Angus maneuvers around the tree and again tries to separate the goblin's head from its body with his sword.

10:03, Today: Black Angus rolled 9,8 using 1d20+1,1d10+1.  attack goblin.

Veryn wings one of the ones that came out of the darkness, he's little affected as he readies he returns fire on Veryn, but seeing it coming he ducks around the Bob's mule who takes the hit instead (AC 2, Dam 2)

No more come out of the darkness, Darien's swing against the nearest as he circles the darkness goes wide, the goblin fully recovered from the ordeal.

An arrow shoots from the darkness and the surprise on the goblin talker's face is evident when it hits him solidly in the left arm.  The tree gives the goblin talker just enough cover as Bob's javelin ricochets off of the edge of it, and rips his leather helmet, giving him a fright but no real damage.  Between the arm and near hit, his javelin throw is far off, so much so, you aren't even sure who he was aiming for.  His last javelin used he pulls his more solid spear from his back.

Black Angus goes for the one he's chasing's neck, but it steps out of the range of his sword just in time, then throws his last javelin at Angus but it's deflected by his armor.

One behind the other tree throws his last javelin at Angus' back when he's chasing the one around the tree hitting him in a weak spot of his armor, and he chuckles at the hit (AC -2, dam 3) then ducks back behind the tree out of sight.

A third from the darkness also throws a javelin at Black Angus, but is very wide as it squints into the sun - it then runs behind the nearest tree getting some relief from the sun in the shade.

One of the ones that came out of the darkness turns and throws a javelin just as Atak enters the darkness, it misses, but came awfully close, a moment sooner and it would've hit.

The two who chased Darien along the tree line continued to do so, but only one has a good shot due to the intervening darkness and other goblins which finally lands piercing his deceptively strong lab coat (AC 4, Damage 4)

All of the goblins but the three nearest the darkness are now out of javelins, leaving them with only one spear.

(OOC Round 4!)
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:34, Tue 10 Mar 2020.

Not to be daunted by a hurled sharpened stick, he spins and takes another swing at the foe nearest him. His wrench makes a solid hit across the jaw, sure to knock out fangs but probably not enough to send skulls flying.

14:40, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 19,2 using d20+1,d6+1 ((18,1)).

Bob launches another javelin in a futile attempt to kill the leader.

ooc: 19:33, Today: Bob rolled 5,5 using 1d20+3,1d6.  Vs talking goblin.

The dice rollers hates Bob.

Black Angus yells in anger as the goblin he's attacking dodges away again, then a javelin tags him in the arm. "Get over here, you little creep! You can't run forever!"

As he finishes his taunt, he brings his sword down with authority.

10:42, Today: Black Angus rolled 15,7 using 1d20+1,1d10+1.  attack goblin.

Another arrow flies out from the darkness, headed toward the goblin leader.

((ooc: Today: Atak rolled 6 using 1d8+1.  Atak bow damage.

            Today: Atak rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Atak bow shot.))

Waiting on Veryn, then I'll update.

((ooc: maybe continue?))

Darien breaks something in the goblin with his huge crescent wrench, the goblin's hanging by a thread.

Though the leader has stepped away from the tree to get some cover from the darkness, Bob's javelin still goes very wide and hits it, now there's several javelins buried in it.  The leader again shouts at them

Black Angus' sword lands a vicious blow with his sudden leap nearly cleaving the goblin from collarbone to hipbone causing him to fall with a look of surprise.

Atak's arrow hits the tree as there's almost no target for the goblin leader.

09:08, Today: DM.Justisaur, on behalf of Veryn Darkwater, rolled 17,7 using d20+3,d8 ((14,7)).  Veryn pegs the goblin who hit the mule through the vitals, it stumbles back, falling into the darkness just it's feet toes pointing to the sky remain visible, as a pool of blood seeps out unto the road.

Their leader looks at all the dead goblins, while not a single one of you has fallen and yells "Chay Tron! Chay Tron!"  They look at him a moment then turn tail and flee into the short grass, he turns and does the same after they've started.


(OOC: You may take a shot, give chase, etc.)

"Buggering out, eh? Well I'm not done with you yet! Say Goodnight, Gracie!"

He administers a maximum dose of blunt force trauma to the dazed goblin.

12:45, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 15,3 using d20+1,d6+1 ((14,2)).

From the darkness orb an arrow flies straight and true, striking the leader.

((ooc: a 22 to hit! WOOHOO!

Atak rolled 5 using 1d8+1.  Atak bow damage.

Atak rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Atak final bow shot.))

Bob wings his javelin at one of the fleeing goblins, thinking maybe he was better at hitting moving targets.

15:56, Today: Bob rolled 21,3 using 1d20+3,1d6 ((18,3)).

Hits AC -3 for 3

Black Angus wipes goblin gore off of his sword and sheathes it. Then he returns to retrieve his dropped crossbow. "Let them run. They've learned their lesson."

Dr. Mason ends the goblin who turned to flee.

Atak hits the fleeing leader solidly in chest, he stumbles but continues running as fast as he can, you can see the fear in his eyes at last as he turns to glance back a moment.

Bob used to seeing his enemies flee finally finds a target on the back of one which drops.

(OOC: Goblins don't move very fast, if you wish you can chase the remainder down easily - if so decide if you want to capture or kill, there's nowhere else to hide anywhere nearby for them, just large fields where the grass is too short to hide in for long or trees along the road.)

You still hear a muffled "mff" "mfff" occasionally near the east side of the road.

"I hate to trouble you, Doctor," says Atak's voice, from inside the blackness sphere, "but I wonder if you have any science available to help my situation."

Atak walks out of the darkness, slowly. Two serious javelin wounds have bloodied his armor and self, although he carries no look of pain on his face. "I'm weak, so I must have lost a lot of blood. Can you heal me?" he asks. "If not, I fear we may have to return to that little inn we slept at last night. The mule is wounded, too, so we will need to find an ass repair shoppe."

He looks to Black Angus. "Can you see who's tied up in the bushes over there?" Atak asks, then sinks down to his knees.

The Doctor winces. "I'm sorry, I'm only trained to repair Robots."

Bob launches himself after the goblins, chittering loudly in his own tongue.  He pulls his short sword, and then a dagger ready to throw in his off hand..  He rises up on his back two legs, towering over the grasses.   He hunts down the goblins, rising up as he searches for the next one.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:35, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

The Doctor takes some strips of cloth and binds his friend's wounds as best he can.

Letting the Goblins flee, Veryn looks to his wounds. He's got little training in the field, but pull some strips of both from his back and tries to at least stop the bleeding.

Angus puts a hand over the worse of his two wounds to stem the bleeding. Then he nods to Atak. "I'm on it. Let's find out who or what those goblins were waylaying."

Angus heads toward the muffled sounds to investigate.

Bob enjoys the hunt, the goblins are no problem individually, it takes a little while as the remaining ones ran in different directions, but at last he hunts them down, ensuring no one will ever be waylaid by them again.

Black Angus goes behind the tree where the muffled noises are coming from and finds a ditch in it a muddied elf, you think the same one who was gambling in the tavern last night, tied up and gagged.

The bandaging done on your wounds is enough to stop any immediate threat, but without proper medical treatment it will take days to fully recover.

Atak expresses gratitude to the Doctor for his efforts. "I say we loot these bodies, take all their weapons and valuables, and find their lair. After we remove anything salable we then make a bee line back to civilization." He nods to the Doctor, but refuses to remove his armor for wound care.

"And you, elf- under what circumstance were you captured, and do you know where these goblins make camp?" he asks the former prisoner.

Bob brings back all the weapons and valuables he found on the goblins, and a half eaten arm.  "I can eats goblins." He said in his defense.  He drops the prizes on the path, fetches his javelins, then checks on Mule's wounds.

(assuming looting the rest of the dead there.)  Total of 13 spears, 39 javelins, 199 gp and 5 silver pieces.

The mule isn't too bad, just a flesh wound in the meaty bit of the flank.

(OOC: Also 55 xp each)
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:29, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

(OOC: Sorry, didn't see the question about the elf he's gagged is the only reason he wasn't talking)

After removing the Elf's gag, "I'm ever so grateful for my rescue! I was just traveling to the Cones on business,  when the goblins lept out and caught me by surprise, they hammered me senseless before I could react.  They me up and dumped me unceremoniously in that dirty cold wet ditch!  I speak some goblin, and gathered they're slavers from up north come to raid, they didn't speak specifically where they were holed up, and hand murdered a family with a farmhouse somewhere nearby.  They were waiting for some more victims before returning to it.  It must be around here somewhere?

 Oh they did rob me of one hundred twenty nine gold coins and five silver pieces they divided up amongst themselves, I don't suppose you found that?  My backpack and traveling gear they left with me presumably so I could carry it for later sale.

I heard you speaking of needing medical attention, if you free me I can call upon Father Winter's magic and heal one of you, though I'm in rather bad shape too." 
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:44, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

Black Angus cuts the elf's bindings. "We should try to locate this farmhouse. But first, triage. Who's hurt the worst? I was wounded twice, but neither is serious. Bandaging should be enough for now."

Atak nods to Black Angus. "Aye. First the farmhouse, then back to the Inn."

Atak looks himself over. "I... really don't know how badly I am wounded. Two wretched javelins hit me, and I am weak.

"I do not feel, in the sense that the rest of you do. I can't feel pain nor pleasure from my flesh. Doctor, could you take a quick look at the wounds on our fighters and see which requires aid the most?" Atak asks, glossing over the revelation of his odd nature.

((ooc: relying on the GM to tell us whose wounds are greater))

The elf takes a look at your wounds.  He points to Atak and Veryn "You two have the worst of it.  Sorry I just realized I haven't introduced myself.  My name is Pat. Pat the Elf."  He gives a big smile as he removes his hat and gives a jaunty bow and says "Ow!" as he does so, a big bloody wound under the hat revealed.

He carefully puts his hat back on then proceeds to say "If you'll allow me?  I'll need your full names." addressing Veryn and Atak

(OOC: Do Veryn and Atak give their names and compliance with him touching you before proceeding?)

Nodding to the elf, Atak gives his name.

As he approaches Atak, he pulls out a little silver buck from his backpack concentrates on Vern for a moment, then his eyes roll up in his head and he says says "Atak, Hmm, a bit borderline.  Rescuing me from being goblin food or worse is a nice mark which hasn't been tallied."  he nods as if checking something. Then continues "Oh Father Winter, I beseech thee to give this nice young man, Atak the gift of health!"

Atak's wounds heal quickly from deep holes leaking blood to scabbed over, not quite completely healed, and the feeling of lightheadedness from blood loss goes away.

He looks to Veryn awaiting his permission to proceed.

Bob watches intrigued as Pat calls upon his winter father to heal Atak.  >"I am Bob.  I not eat you." he says.  "Winter Father help Mule?"

Flexing and stretching, Atak notes the places where he is still sore and thanks Pat the elf. "Appreciated," is all he says.

Once Veryn is taken care of, and the mule's wound has been addressed, it's, "On to the farmhouse!"

Veryn looks at the Elf, a little weirded out but nonetheless interested in being healed, and nods his assent.

As Pat he approaches Veryn, he says"tsk. tsk. You've been a very naughty boy, but rescuing me from being goblin food or worse is a nice mark which hasn't been tallied."  he nods as if checking something. Then continues "Oh Father Winter, I beseech thee to give this nice young man, Veryn the gift of health?" He puts his hand out to touch Veryn.

A strange mix of icy and warm assaults Veryn's wounds, and he feels ever so slightly better (healed 2 hp)

"Well done," Atak says to their new compatriot. "We should load the mule with the salable items from the goblins and we can be on our way to the farmhouse."

Pat doesn't know which way it the farmhouse was.  (OOC: Do you have a search pattern?  Pick a direction?  There's the pointy thing in the distance on the horizon to the west down the side road, fields in all other directions besides the road going N/NE and S/SW.  You passed a few long driveways on dirt roads with farmhouses on the way, and presumably there's more ahead.)

Atak looks around them. "A dozen goblins must leave a pretty distinct trail as they move through the world," Atak opines. "We should examine the surround for evidence of their passing; if none is found, I suggest we make for that pointy thing in the distance." He indicates the spire or such with a wave of his hand. "If they weren't making a ruckus in the meadow grasses, then they were walking on the road, I would imagine."

He suggests the first places they look would be where Pat was trussed up and where they were lingering in the bushes to spring the ambush.

After Bob loads all the extra plunder onto Mule, he rises up on his rear legs.  "I see pointy thing.  We go that way?" he asks, gesturing in that direction.

Angus checks the mule to make sure it's wounds are not too serious, and that the load won't exacerbate the injuries. If he thinks it might, he offers to carry as much as possible himself.

The mule is doing pretty well, just a flesh wound.

Examining the locale the goblins are light, slow and careful there's not much to go on, but a couple partial muddy prints at the treeline going next to the road to the north on the west side.  Following along that side you come to a dirt path that leads out to a small farmhouse and barn.  You can hear some distressed animal sounds from within a barn.

"I suggest we sneak up on the barn and handle whatever is there, then move toward the house," Atak offers. "There can't be very many goblins left, and it seems certain there would be fewer in the barn than in the farmhouse."

Black Angus nods at Atak. "Sound plan."

Bob nods, drawing a javelin and his short sword.  "We go." he says.

As you get closer you can see the barn's been neglected for a quite some time, needing some repairs and paint.

Chicken-lizards rush out as the door of the barn is opened then the smell of a barn left uncleaned assaults you.   The barn has a milk brahmin that's mooing in distress, it has no food in it's stall and it's udders are swollen with milk.  A donkey, goat, and sheep also without any food also bray in their stalls.  There's a bit of water left, so it can't have been more than a few days since they were last watered.  There's an empty stall with a wooden lattice that extends to the ceiling with a strange looking saddle next to it that's in better repair than the rest of the barn.

Atak makes the clicking noise again, rapidly but in low tones, as the group approaches the barn. He suddenly holds out both arms to stop the crew from advancing.

The voice comes from deep inside his hood, where no light can reach.

"Leave the barn," he says, with determination. "There is a giant lizard inside. Three horns. It may be docile enough to ride, it may be something we have to attack and kill. But we do not have to handle this encounter immediately."

Atak points toward the house. "If goblins are here, the house is where they are. The sounds of the animals can help to mask our approach. Sneak up on the side of the house and see what's what. If we hear nothing, then Black Angus crashes through the front door."

Angus takes the artifact from his belt. It's a hollow metal tube with a wooden stock similar to a crossbow, but with no crossbar. Angus swings it around so he holds the stock forward, and smiles. "Ready to bust open the door."

Bob's head nods in agreement, and he starts towards the house, following Atak's lead.

Veryn nods his agreement with Atak’s suggestion and takes a wide berth on his approach to the house, arrow nocked and at the ready as he moves up to the side of the building.

The Doctor readies his wrench.

The group will conduct a quick movement to the house and listen for sounds, carefully peer through first-floor windows and check for any signs of life.

As you approach the house, you do notice smoke coming from the fireplace chimney.  The windows are all shuttered, and it looks like the door is already busted open.  The house looks to be in almost as poor repair as the barn.

There's rustic rickety looking furniture and stairway going up.  Two doors on either side are closed.  You can hear goblin voices arguing to the left through the closed door.

"Ambush?" Bob asks. "Be loud to make them come see?"

((ooc: clarification:

The main door is busted in. I assume we have seen inside the house, where there is a staircase and two closed doors. One of the doors has goblin voices behind it; the other is quiet. Am I correct? ))

Atak keeps his voice hushed. "Bob, and I say this with all the affection I can muster, you are one big walking distraction." He nods with a grin at the insectoid. "Go in the front yard, stand at your tallest, and make as much noise as you can. Veryn and I will shoot the first one out the door with arrows. Black Angus and the Doctor will take the second, or rush the house if no other goblins emerge. Shall we?" he asks the companions.

If all are agreed, Atak suggests placing himself and Veryn on the same side of the doorway, and the two rushers on the other. "Let him get three or four steps out the door before we fire," he suggests to Veryn.

"Surely there's another door into this house somewhere? Perhaps Angus and I should break in from the opposite side during the distraction?"

There is a back door around back, it's intact.

Angus nods. "Good idea. The Doc and I will bust in the back. If the goblins flee, you all ambush them here. If they fight, you flank them by coming in this way. Sound tactics."

OOC: so many of us using blue for speech, I'll switch to Dark Green to get some variety.

Nodding, Atak takes his place and nocks an arrow, ready for the trap to spring.

"OK, I go make noise."  Bob begins chittering loudly and stomping around.

(OOC How far away are you going Bob?)

Somewhere between the house and barn, acting like he's looking for something.

(The barn's about 75 feet away, so we'll call you 35 feet away.)

A couple of the windows on the left side of the house swing open after about half a minute. A number of goblin heads poking up just above the window sill can be seen as they throw javelins at Bob.

(Go ahead with your attacks & actions while the javelins are being thrown.)

Bob just dodges the best he can,  scampering to the edge of range and chittering what sounds like angry curses.

Atak holds his bow shot until he sees an unarmored goblin head poke out at point blank range. Shooting from surprise, he lets fly his arrow.

13:15, Today: Atak rolled 9 using 1d8+1.  bow damage.

13:14, Today: Atak rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Atak bow shot.

Darien tries opening the back door. If it's locked, he asks Angus to help him kick it down.

The back door is locked. (You can both roll an open doors attempt - a d6 plus strength bonus)

"Stand back, Dr. Mason."

Angus slams his odd artifact weapon against the door handle, cracking the wood around the latch, then throws his shoulder against it to force it open.

08:39, Today: Black Angus rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  Open door.

The door is brittle and old and breaks easily.  It leads into a dirty 6' mud-room with another door that looks in better shape.

(Waiting on Veryn to resolve the rest of the round)

A hail of 6 Javelins head at Bob, who's too close to avoid all of them, all but one bounces off his carapace or sail past, One finds a mark in a soft and tender spot (AC 0, 5 dam.)

Atak's shot just misses a goblin scalp.

Veryn hits the side of the house (AC 12)

Pat the Elf shoots one in the scalp, you hear some screaming in goblin.

(OOC: next actions)

Bob staggers away from the house, towards the barn, collapsing once safely outside of javelin range.

Six javelins... that's a lot of goblins, Atak muttered to himself from under his dark hood.

"Pat and Veryn, care for Bob, if you can and shoot anything else that comes out!" Atak says softly to the two archers. "Our men are wildly outnumbered in there. I'm going in." With that he drops his bow, pulls his sword and charges in through the front door.

Angus sheathes his artifact and draws his two-handed sword before charging in through the back door.

Atak and Black Angus (maybe Doc?) enters a large kitchen crowded with 6 goblins.
(if you're going to attack, make the rolls.)

Bob makes it to the barn where there's some cover.
Pat runs over toward Bob.

Atak screams loudly at the goblins, then takes a vicious swipe. "There are too many cooks in this kitchen!" he yells at the socially inept humanoids. He targets the leader-type, if one can be identified.

((ooc: WOOHOO! Huge critical roll!))

14:07, Today: Atak rolled 9 using 1d8+3.  Atak sword damage.

14:06, Today: Atak rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Atak sword blow.

Black Angus swings at the closest goblin, bringing his large blade down viciously.

07:49, Today: Black Angus rolled 8 using 1d10+1.  damage.

07:49, Today: Black Angus rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Attack goblin.

The Doctor takes position besides Angus, swinging his wrench, yelling in Goblin,

"The kitchen is CLOSED!"

14:31, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 13,3 using d20+1,d6+1 ((12,2)).

Black Angus goes for the largest goblin in the kitchen, who's wearing a bloody apron embroidered with "Kiss the Cook" neither the goblin nor the apron survive his mighty attack.

Atak takes out the next largest with his perfect attack.

Darien bonks one of the smaller ones that was trying to sneak behind Black Angus in his rush, which also crumples from the blow.

Veryn shoots through the window finishing off the one who was hit in the scalp previously.

Only 2 goblins remain, they turn to fight Black Angus, the biggest threat there, determined to go down fighting rather than be captured, One finds a chink in his armor, but 'tis a scratch (AC3, Dam 1)

(Actions?)

Darien takes another swing, but it's more difficult in cramped quarters.

12:50, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 9,5 using d20+1,d6+1 ((8,4)).

Atak advances on the goblins in the kitchen. He sees them scrabbling to attack Angus; he takes a swipe with his long sword, although he knows the enemies are just too distant to be reached this round. He moves closer to have a better killing angle.


((13:25, Today: Atak rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  Atak sword attack.
13:26, Today: Atak rolled 6 using 1d8+3.  Atak damage.))

Angus flicks blood off his sword and then swings it at another goblin. He's pretty sure he connected, but the goblin is so quick that the blade may have only sliced some of its clothes and not found skin.

07:48, Today: Black Angus rolled 15,2 using 1d20+1,1d10+1.  attack goblin.

Probably a hit, compared to other rolls, but minimum damage hence the description above.

While the attacks of the party leave one goblin a bloody mess, he still fights on, as does the other unscathed.  If fighting you can call it as they stumble over their own weapons, one just swings his spear around in the air and launches it into the fire underneath a cauldron, the other swings likewise, his spear slips from his hands and flies butt first into Dr. Darien's face The doctor takes 2 damage

They grab one of their remaining javelins each, even more desperate, javelins make poor melee weapons though, and it looks hopeless for them, but they continue fighting.

Pat the Elf reaches Bob and tries to look him over, but looks at a loss "Sorry I don't know um... insect anatomy, is there anything I can do for you?"

The chaotic battle in cramped quarters is not the best place to be swinging a two-handed sword. Black Angus tries to stab at one of the surviving goblins, but has to turn his blade away at the last second to avoid impaling Atak by mistake.

10:14, Today: Black Angus rolled 7,6 using 1d20+1,1d10+1.  attack goblin again.

Swinging his sword, Atak goes after the goblins again. "Eat my blade, fiend!" he cries out.

09:49, Today: Atak rolled 8 using 1d8+3.

09:48, Today: Atak rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Atak attack.

Bob's head swivels unnaturally, at least for someone with bones.  "I is play dead.  Goblins not comes out?" he asks the elf, rising to his feet.

Pat says to Bob "For goodness sake!"<Blue> He looks over at the house.  <Blue>"They're roughhousing in there, I think your ruse gave your friends the advantage though." Ending his remark with putting on an unsure smile.

"We'd better go help." with that he turns and runs back toward the house readying his bow again.

"OW! You'll pay for that!"

12:07, Today: Dr. Darien Mason rolled 13,7 using d20+1,d6+1 ((12,6)).

Bob rises with his sword in hand and follows the elf.

Darien smashes the goblin's head in that hit him in the face, indeed paying for it.

Atak does in the beaten up goblin from behind, only that advantage allowing his strike to land.

Bob and Pat arrive at the window and take in the carnage, a bloodier mess of a kitchen you've never seen before.

"It looks like a cannibal food fight in here! Cleanup on Aisle One!"

Atak looks at his companions, noticing that the wounds taken during the fight are not serious. He looks around the room for evidence of what the goblins might have been fighting about or anything obviously valuable.

"Angus, there is an upstairs. Please take the Doctor and search it for enemies or prisoners. Veryn, would you come in and loot the bodies?" he asks. "Let's give this place a good tossing." Atak begins searching the main floor, including a search for a trap door in the floor or other access to a cellar or similar basement area.

Black Angus shrugs. "Sure thing. Follow me, Doc."

Angus heads for the stairs and moves up cautiously, sure some goblins are going to try and shank him when he gets to the top, if they don't drop a brick on his head first.

There doesn't seem to be anything worth fighting over in here - old rusty pots and pans,  utensils and plates, but they were making stew in the large cauldron, smells like pork stew.

Upstairs Black Angus finds no goblins, but it looks like they've thoroughly tossed the place already, old threadbare clothes and torn up straw matresses are piled on the center of the  floors broken furniture just up against the walls.

Atak remembers a storm door outside against the house that must lead down to a basement.

Veryn turns up some gold on the goblins but not much, only 30 total, and the spears and javelins.

Atak suggests the group check out the storm cellar. "Seems unlikely to be any goblins down there, but let us be careful nonetheless," he asks of his companions.

Angus reports as he comes back down the stairs. "Nothin' left up there. The storm cellar sounds like a good place to check. And there's something in the barn, too, right?"

"There's always something in the cellar..."

He clicks the wheel on his wrench to lengthen the claw.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:18, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

"Yes, there is something in the barn," Atak confirmed. "Let's get at the cellar!"

The door is locked and seems to be thicker and more sturdy than the doors on the house, though still neglected.

"Veryn, would you pick this lock for us?" asks Atak

Bob waits, with sword and dagger to see what is in the basement.

Veryn tries to pick the lock spending some time but makes no progress.

"I can think of only three way to proceed," Atak says. "We can search the goblins again for a key, and the house as well; we can hack through the doors or force the lock; or we can hook a chain up to Bob's mule and have him help us pull the doors open."

He looks at the house, then the barn. "If the goblins had the key they would not have needed to search the house as they did. But, being goblins, they may have missed something. Pat and Veryn, please re-search the bodies and the house.

"If there is a chain or pry bar to use it will be in the barn. I think I know how to deal with the creature there." Atak waits for the others to decide their actions before going to the barn.

Bob reaches around and digs through his backpack.  "I has those." he says, pulling out a crowbar and a hammer and offers them to Atak.

Atak laughs aloud when Bob produces the tools. "Excellent!" he cries. He waves them over to Black Angus. "Best of luck. You're the man on this job, for certain."

Angus takes the tools from Bob with a grin. "You're a good man, Bob! Let's bust open those doors, what do you say?"


He places the tip of the crowbar just above the latch and hammers the end until the tip sinks into the gap. Then he applies his strength downward on the crowbar to force the door open.

06:46, Today: Black Angus rolled 6 using 1d6+1.  Str check to open door.

Black Angus expertly breaks the rusty hinge off revealing stairs going down into a dark basement.

"Well, well," Atak says, directed into the cellar.

A moment later he says, "Nothing is moving down there. It seems sure the goblins didn't make it down here, so any treasure this poor family had may be there, hidden. Let's get a light and head down. Do we have a lantern, or a candle from the house?" he says, looking at the cellar area to see if any lighting exists.

There's some very dusty candles and a lantern on some shelves down there.  Atak has no trouble finding and lighting one which reveals dusty shelves and jars, and a few boxes and crates with cobwebs between them.

Angus follows Atak into the cellar, and opens the first couple of boxes to see what's inside.

"What is?" Bob says from the top of the stairs."Is food? he asks.

One box is filled with old heavy blankets.  Another has a machine in it, it's covered in old oily dirt.

"Hmmmm what's this?" Bring the light a bit closer please..." He starts wiping off the dirt with a rag.

While Dr. Mason is examining the machine, Atak asks Veryn to search for any secret places or objects in the cellar. He tasks the elf with bringing up from the cellar everything within. "The former owners will not be needing these stuffs, and we have a mule to carry them in to town for us. The house should provide sacks or boxes for the items."

Atak leaves the cellar. "Goblins are food for you, Bob," Atak replies to his teammate. "Angus cut you up a nice one in the kitchen."

He looks toward the infernal howling and pleadings from the barn. "The racket from the barn disturbs me. I have a soft spot for cripples, bastards and barnyard animals." He listens for a moment, almost reaching up to cover his ears. "I'm going to give water to those beasts, and meet the horned lizard in the stable. I do not expect to have any trouble, but if anyone would like to come along, you are welcome to."
This message was lightly edited by the player at 21:21, Fri 24 Apr 2020.

” Goblins not taste much good." Bob replies, "Only for when much hungry or only food.". He backs up, uninterested in the basement.  "I go to barn too."

Atak nods. "Other than goblins and men, what do you eat, Bob?" he asks the insect-man.

Angus hefts the machine box and brings it up. "If there's more, I'll get them later. Better go to the barn with Atak, just in case there's trouble. Fingers crossed he's right that there wont' be."

Angus wills stay about 15' behind Atak as he approaches the barn, hoping not to spook whatever's inside.

As they approach the barn Atak advises, "This lizard is a remarkable beast. It blends its skin tone into the color of the background it is up against- in this case, the stable woods. It is halfway up the wall in the stable space which appears to be empty. There is a saddle in the barn, one which I believe the lizard is used to wearing." They reach the barn door area. "Angus, you've got the right of it. Hang back, you and Bob. My plan is to give the animals water and food, then to approach the lizard with the saddle and see if it will come down properly."

He nods toward the big two-handed sword. "And if he comes down improperly, I'll expect you to kiss the cook again, my friend."

The machine is pretty heavy, it weighs over 400 lbs, Black Angus is going to need some help to get it up the stairs.  There's a couple 6" wheels on it, but that's not so good for stairs.

OOC: Let's leave it down there for now then until we've got the barn sorted. Better to take care of any potential threats before worrying about leftovers from the Beforetime.

"Perhaps we should take the farm animals to the nearest non-destroyed farm and sell them for whatever we can get.....hmmm this looks like a generator of some sort..."

Atak keeps his attention on the barn and says, "That generator is certainly worth more than this entire farm." He walks into the barn.

Atak spends some time caring for the animals, and the distressed sounds calm down.


Pat says to the idea of selling the animals while shrugging "Maybe the locals would know next of kin for whoever lived here?"

(OOC: Rights of salvage would mean you can likely claim the farm for Vault Ventures and get a good reward for the place.  Farm animals and other loose items wouldn't be included with the farm, so you could sell those immediately if you wish.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:55, Mon 27 Apr 2020.

”Ah, this is a kerosene powered generator, and wheeled for semi-portable use. I’m not sure what they used it to power...possibly to warm the house during a deep freeze? If we had a cart we could bring it with us...”

He thinks again.

”Perhaps...it can power a cart?”

PM

Atak is taking some time in the barn.

PM
This message was last edited by the player at 19:40, Tue 28 Apr 2020.

Bob waits outside for Atak.  He inspects his chitin where he was wounded, while he waits.

Seeing that Atak is fine in the barn, Angus returns to the basement to help pull up the generator. "Pulling a cart? Sure, if we could fit the gears and whatnot. It would probably take a few days' work, though."

[How heavy is the generator? Can we pull it up the stairs to get a better look at it?]

The generator is about 400 lbs.  Tying up to Bob's mule and a couple more of you to help, you could get the box up the stairs.

"Hmmm. This is quite heavy indeed. Perhaps it was meant to power something in this cellar? Look for anything with an outlet in it!"

After looking around there doesn't seem to be anything with plugs on it in here.

Meanwhile Atak leaves the barn riding a giant brown horned lizard.

"His name is Randy," Atak informs the group, "until we get to town and I have some sleep." The lizard has a special saddle, with straps running over the legs. The rider urges the mount to move forward on a slow, steady pace, aiming to gain some experience in the saddle while searching the perimeter of the farm.

Bob goes into the barn after Atak leaves.

While Atak is riding around the field with green grass the lizard turns green.  It isn't particularly fast, no faster than a human, but the ride is very smooth, so smooth you almost start falling asleep.  As you do, lizard spots a chicken-lizard in your rounds stops and shoots out it's tongue about 30 feet which grabs the chicken-lizard and sucks in really fast.  There's nothing unusual that grabs your ear in your rounds.

The barn has a milk brahmin (two-headed cow), donkey, goat, and sheep in pens, as well as a chicken-lizard roost which is currently empty except for eggs.

Bob gathers the eggs to snack on while he ties up the sheep and goat and brings them out to tie to Mule's harness.

"What do you propose we do with the donkey and the cow, Bob?" Atak asks.

Then, "A rope or chain can be secured to the lizard Randy's saddle, and pull that thing up from the cellar."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:42, Sat 02 May 2020.

Angus nods. "Good idea, Atak. Let's hook Randy up. He can pull, and I'll push from below and guide it up the steps."

"Done." Atak looks for any materials necessary and works to extract the machine from the cellar.

There's rope and tackle in the barn.  Randy seems to be much stronger than a horse, though he's of similar size, and has no problem towing the generator up.  It's much easier to move around on it's wheels once up the stairs.

After unhooking the rope from the saddle, Atak climbs back on Randy and muses. "Now that I've seen what this creature can do, I think Randy is a poor choice of name for him. Pat the elf, what have you brought up from the cellar for us to see? and, did you find any kerosene to power the good Doctor's new machine there?"

He asks, "Bob, you took a javelin in that fight. How are you?"

If Bob's shoulders could shrug, they would. "You eat cow and donkey?" he offers.  "I bring sheep and goat for food."

He looks to where his chitin is damaged. "It hurt but will heal later." he says.

Atak laughs from beneath his hood. "Bob has the right of it, good fellowes. Let's gather anything we value from the farmhouse, property and the barn. If we are to claim this stead for Vault Ventures, and gather a reward for it, everything portable on this land is ours, anyway."

He shields his hood opening as he turns his head about. "This sun is brighter than is comfortable for me," he says. "Randy and I are going to the barn to see what we can salvage. Any food from the cellar or utensils from the house, we can now carry easily. It's back to civilization for us, I suggest, until we've healed enough to make a second run at our commission with Vault Ventures. Let's rehabilitate our wounds in a rich style."

Atak rides the lizard back to the barn, where he looks for anything salvageable, but particularly: kerosene; a cart or wagon; something to carry food in for the lizard; chain, rope, block and tackle; anything that looks like the Doctor might make use of it, including wrenches and other tools.

Atak also practices having Randy climb walls inside while he is aboard and saddled.

The Doctor checks the house and barn for paint or pitch or equivalent, and marks the front door with the corporate logo of the company.

"There!"

Pat says "It looks like most of the jars are whiskey, there's a good bit of eggs pickled in whiskey, and this egg-nog too." as he holds up one open jar dubiously sniffing at it.   "There's an awful lot of it." 

Darien marks the door with VV with some pitch he found

(OOC: Anything else I didn't respond to people are waiting for a response on?)

((ooc: what's in the barn? And how well is Atak learning to ride the new lizard?))

The lizard is extremely easy to ride, smooth and not any faster than a person - it can run as .  (OOC: assumed everyone knows how to ride a horse - well Bob excepted?)

The Barn contains typical farm implements - a bucket, pitchfork, hoe, plow, hay, a grain supply for the animals, and some other tools like hammers and nails, all are old and worn down and rusty.  It's unlikely they'd be worth more than a few coppers each.  If you had a farming background you'd be wondering how the field got plowed and planted with the wheat that's now growing in it with those tools.

The animals at least seemed to be fairly well cared for until recently.

Atak tries to remember if there were other farmhouses nearby, someplace where the cow could find a fine home.

Yes, you've passed a few

"Let's drop off this poor Bessie at the nearest farm. Even a decent meal would be a fair trade!"

"Well said," Atak agrees. "If we can get the brahmin and the donkey to walk behind the cart, we'll drop them off; otherwise, we'll visit a farmhouse and tell folk to come and get them from the barn. But, in any case, let us be off!" he says, from under his hood.

((ooc: nothing of value int he barn. Other than the generator, was there anything of resale value in the cellar? The whisky? And, is that really egg nog?))

"I can perform a chemical test on the mystery substance and perhaps find out. This doesn't seem to be the season for egg nog, is it?"

"Certainly not," Atak agrees, "but, as eggs and milk seem to be the two things this family had in abundance, it's not outside the realm of consideration."

The whisky's price really depends on quality and based on the unmarked jars it's not, though it looks a bit old from the dust, might be worth something, hard to say, and it's still whiskey and even cheap whiskey is somewhat valuable, the cheap stuff back at the Off-Key Inn was 5 silver a shot.  Obviously it would be cheaper by the bottle, but there's around 30 half gallon jars of pure whiskey each of which has about 40 shots worth, so by the Inn prices each would be worth about 20 gold, say half that for wholesale, 10 gold each.  The eggnog and pickled eggs are the same size, but there's fewer of each of those, around 10 each, the eggs almost definitely less than the whiskey by itself, the eggnog you're unsure of.

Darien: the eggnog reads to be very high alcohol content eggnog, it smells better than the fresh stuff if you like that sort of thing.

Pat says "Oh yes, you can age Eggnog for years if you use enough alcohol" He sniffs at it again, "Yes, definitely enough in there. Aged eggnog is quite prized up north, they've got contests for it, but it's not really my thing.  I wasn't quite sure it was eggnog as it smells a bit different than what I'm used to, I suppose they used this whiskey instead of rum."

(OOC: remembered Veryn has a farming background.)

Veryn says "Something's not right here, the tools in the barn don't look up to doing the work around here. That generator's suspicious, and it doesn't look like anyone's been in the cellar for years.  Where are the previous occupants?"

Pat says "Well, I did hear the goblins conversing when I was captured, that they'd killed them all."

Veryn says "Then where's the bodies?"


Veryn says in regards to the animals "We should really take them back to the general store to get full value for them.  If you want I could take them and put your share of money in your Vault Ventures account, and get the paperwork started on the farm.  I'm not sure going out to the edge of civilization is going to suit me.  Just being at this farm brings things I'd rather forget. I could probably take the other stuff in bags on the animals too, and hitch the generator to them." 

"I'm in favor of having Veryn and Pat haul back the loot from this episode," Atak opines. "My concern for those of us who've suffered wounds is still quite real. Bob took a javelin, and Angus was hit, and I still have wounds from the previous fight. I'd hoped to rehabilitate at the Inn, and tackle the task-at-hand after a full recovery."

He looks at the others and tries to discern how long it will take their wounds to heal up, if the party remains on the road to the Vault Ventures assignment.

Bob agrees.  "They go back, we rest, and go forward."   He cant seem to keep his mind off one of the jars of eggs, and eventually succumbs and opens it and eats one.

The egg's hard boiled before pickling in the whiskey, it's not spoiled (OOC: can't say much about how much an insect would enjoy whiskey pickled eggs, or anyone else for that matter)

Pat says "I'd rather get on my way than go back to Mellus.  Fun as it was, I don't think it'd be the best place for convalescing, and it's pretty expensive.   I'd hate to continue on alone, I didn't think it would be this dangerous.  I'm headed to The Cones, if I stick around I can heal you up a bit every day until we're all hale, and maybe you could escort me as far as you're going in that direction?  There seems to be enough food here, and whatever the goblins were cooking."

"That seems to resolve all issues," Atak concedes.

"At least we won't run out of rations for the journey. I used to love pickled eggs. My aunt made some with hot peppers instead of whiskey once. It had me rolling on the floor in agony for an hour or two..."

"I could surely use a rest. Those goblin spears didn't pierce too deep, but the wounds sting. Hand me some of that whiskey, would ya, Doc?"

Angus takes a swig of whiskey from the jar, slopping some as the pickled eggs shift. He fishes one out and pops it whole in his mouth, giving a thumbs up as he chews it.

"I suppose the only question remaining is, do we set out on the journey now or spend the night here and start forth in the morning?" Atak asks the party. "I'm for starting now. There's too many dead goblins to haul out of the kitchen before we could make an overnight in that house comfortable."

Veryn starts packing up stuff to take for sale.

Pat says "We could stay in the barn, the animals will be all gone?  Well I guess the lizard and chicken-lizards.  It's mid afternoon already, we wouldn't get to The Cones until around midnight, I'd prefer to travel in the day - if there's more goblins, they do better at night.  I don't think there's anywhere to stay between here and there?  What say we enjoy our pickled eggs and eggnog in the barn and we leave in the morning?"

Veryn adds "You might want to drag the goblins out to the field, and burn them, a bunch of dead goblins stinking up the kitchen for however long it takes to get a buyer isn't going to help the sale price. Too bad I'm heading out." He gives a big grin.  He straps the last of the valuables on the brahmin and starts off toward the road.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:52, Mon 11 May 2020.

Atak waves goodbye to Veryn, then shakes his head and dismounts the lizard. "It's all true, but we should remember to eat a full meal before we light those goblin bodies on fire. Their smell will kill any appetite. And the smoke might draw in some other interested parties."

After the gruesome work of disposing of goblins, you rest the night.

(No natural healing unless a full day of rest BtB)

Fresh and/or pickled eggs for breakfast,  Pat heals Dr. Darien for 2, and Black Angus for 2 having determined them to be the most hurt. (OOC: rolled 2 1s!)

You continue your journey, the fields eventually giving way to more untamed lands, the road looks less used, it splits off, and you head north east.  Small quaint farms are sparse along the low hills, the buildings all circular, with cone-shaped stone roofs.  When you arrive in the village, you find a few larger structures have been made by overlapping round buildings and their roofs. Few people are about, and as many seems to be dwarves on the shorter side with particularly large noses as are human, with none of any other race to be seen.  There is only one place to stay, a small one named The Timid Inn, little more than a bed and breakfast with a few rooms run by a spinster. There's one larger building of possible interest besides the usual small shops one might find in a small village.  The Steaming Flagon Tavern.

Asking passerby's and making a brief inspection reveals the following about them:

The Timid Inn, a rather small hostelry for travelers who require a room for the night. Common Room 1s
Room $1 (3 available)
Fresh Grapple 1c
Grapple Jam, Toast, Eggs, and Grapple Juice 3c
Grapple Pie 1s
Grapple Wine 5c glass or 3s for a bottle.

Steaming Flagon, a combination steam bath and tavern where patrons
strip down to white terrycloth towels while drinking fermented sheep’s milk.
3sp Fermented sheep’s milk & 20 minute sauna.

Pat says "Oh a Sauna! We have those, I'll surely enjoy that!" and heads in to the Steaming Flagon.

"Fermented dairy?" He shudders. "No thanks."

(OOC What's everyone doing in The Cones? Bob & Black Angus especially as we haven't heard from you for a bit)

As you look around The Cones you note that everyone is wearing red conical hats, some have some fancy embroidery, or tassels etc. a couple have small downturned brims, but the majority of the hat is still red and recognizable as a cone.  A small woman runs up and says with high agitation "You must have a hat!  Don't you know the devil will take you if you don't wear one!" 

She points out a habidashary. You can buy anything from a red waxed paper hat for a copper to a very fancy felt hat for 100 gold, or ignore the risk.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:51, Mon 18 May 2020.

"I'm going to secure a room at the Timid Inn," Atak offers. "Then I'll see to finding a safe place for my mount to overnight." He makes for the Inn.

Bob's needs are simple, he looks to the Timid Inn, curious what a Grapple is.  He waits and eats in the common room.  He looks for a hat that fits his head.

Angus doesn't mind sharing space in the common room of the Timid Inn. But first he decides the steam bath sounds like it might be good for his wounds, to keep them from getting infected. "Fermented milk? Like yogurt with alcohol? I'm intrigued. Let's go, Pat!"

When the woman comes up and tells the party to get hats, Angus shrugs. "I've got a helmet, ma'am. Should be good enough, I'd think."


OOC: Sorry, just got out from under a mountain of essays to grade. :D

"What? Trade my certified Neovictorian tophat for one of these tinfoil party favors? PREPOSTEROUS! Away, you old hag!"

Bob's head is pretty weirdly shaped for humanoid heads but he finds a tiny novelty one with straps to tie on for 5 cp after some fussing from the proprietors.

Grapple turns out to be like an exceptionally juicy apple that tastes of grapes.

The Steaming Flagon is a good place to hang out for gossip, a bit of the area is explained by locals along with some rumors.  To the north is the grapple forest, the only place where the grapple trees grow.  They say it's monster infested because the grapple trees provide so much food.  No one claims the forest due to the monsters, but many brave the outskirts to collect grapples.  Things like chicken-wolves have been reported stalking the forest and have picked off and eaten the slowest of those who've strayed too far inside.  (Unfortunately this seems to be the general area where the vaults you were sent to find should be.)

There's barren hills to the north west where there's been some nuggets of an unusual blue metal found - this seems to pique Pat's interest, and after he asks after it, there's a curio shop that may have a piece.

There's an mixed forest to the north where a giant squirrel has scared off people.

There's a small lake to the west, fishing is good there.

They talk of The Cone Devil, which is described by different people differently, some say it's a devil cat-fish that comes out of the lake as big as a house, others say it's something like a giant bear with mange that breathes fire from the hills.  Another says it's made of smoke and makes strange cricket noises that raises itself from the dust each night.  No one's personally seen it but has distant friends or relatives that have.  All agree that the red cones that make up the buildings and people's hats make the devil ignore them.

The fermented sheep milk is a bit of an acquired taste, but it seems to be fairly potent which helps get past the cheese like smell after a couple rounds.

The woman fretting over hats takes offence and backs off to the Dr.'s rebuff with a gasp making her busybody retort "I never!"

The Timid Inn is run by a little old lady, The rooms feel much like a bed-and breakfast with an overabundance of embroidered pillows and quilts.  There's enough room for most of the party in the common-room on various couches and lounge-chairs, and even a couple recliners before a large fireplace.  She recommends the veterinarian to house your animals, only a block away, prices are reasonable, only a couple copper per night per animal.

"I'll take a room," Atak says, producing the required money. "Then, the veterinarian and then, dinner."

"I as well, if you please."

Atak will take his lizard to the veterinarian after checking in and depositing his things in the room. Once there he asks the professional, "Good day. I'll need lodging and care for this beautiful animal, and I'd be very grateful if you could share any information you know about them."

Since he's staying in the Common Room, and bathing at the sauna, Angus will ask around for more information about the giant squirrel -- just how big is 'giant' and what are its known habits?

Bob struts around in his little red hat, seemingly quite pleased with it.  "I has a hat." he tells anyone who listens.  He asks Atak if they are going to share a room again.

"And a fine hat it is," Atak confirms. Then, "Of course we are sharing a room, Bob. We of a kind should stick together."

"Squirrels bigger than you!  Bear sized at least, they'll cut you in half like a tree with those big shovel teeth, and the fly too." The old man who made a claim of giant squirrels says.

The evening is quiet, the next day you wake refreshed.  Pat gives out a couple more healing spells to Black Angus (6 healed) leaving them with only a bit of tenderness.

Pat says "I'll stay here and make sure we're all ship shape before I head off.  I don't suppose you'd be available for a job afterward?  I can't pay an awful lot, but I wouldn't mind an escort to the hills, I'd like to investigate the blue metal that comes from the hills."

(OOC: I can figure out how many days until everyone's healed if you want to stay here until then.)

((ooc: Atak's having a conversation with the veterinarian))

Angus thanks Pat for the healing. His wounds have nearly healed, with only a bit of red, tender skin over the former lacerations.

OOC: I'm only 1hp down, so if we rest here for a full day, I'm good to go.

"I'd rather be on our way, even if we bear slight wounds," Atak suggests. "This seems an odd community, and we are sure to get in trouble one way or another if we linger long."

The vet, a middle aged woman shrugs and says "It's a lizard of some sort, probably mutated, it may be unique.  I can see it can change color, it's eyes can move separately, by the feet I'd say it's more adapted to climbing trees than walking on the ground. I don't see anything that would indicate it's sick.  Do you know what it eats?"

"It snatched up a lizard chicken quite easily with its long tongue," Atak replied. "This saddle seems customized to allow the wearer to remain seated while the lizard climbs vertically, wouldn't you agree?" he asks.

The Vet nods "Seems to be, I've never seen anything like it." 

Bob follows along with Atak to the vet.  He looks for lodging for Mule, and sheepfood and goatfood.  "I has a hat." he adds, pointing to his head.

"And it fits just nicely there, too," Atak replies to Bob. "Speaking of which, what goes on with these hats? Will we be arrested for not wearing one?" he inquires of the vet.

"No, no, you just might be torn to shreds by the Demon of The Cones!" she says in an overacting spooky voice. "If you get caught outside after dark without a hat. I don't know if there's really anything to it, I've seen evidence, but it could've been any animal, like those chicken-wolves which we know are real.  Supposedly whole buildings were destroyed with the occupants missing when they weren't built cone-shaped, but that was before I moved here.  I do have one pet theory if it is true, it'd have to be a really large creature that could hide easily - that really only points to the lake. It'd have to be some sort of giant amphibious creature, maybe a crab that lays red cone-shaped eggs."

She shrugs "The hats are tradition, can't hurt."

"Then I am off to buy a hat!" Atak advises. He pays for the lodging of his lizard and the mule, then heads out. After a quick purchase of a hat he looks to rejoin the party at the inn. "Any place you want to visit before we head back, Bob?" he asks.

He brushes some dust off his cylindrical hat and puts it back on proudly.

"Theory and conjecture! Superstition at the worst!"

(OOC: So back to morning the next day?  Heading off to the grapple forest or something else?)

((ooc: resume our contract, and if that is grapple land then so be it))

(OOC: Sounds like there might be some dissent, do we need a vote or RP to a unanimous decision or is the party splitting?)

OOC: If some of us are badly hurt, I think we should rest a few days. I'm only down 1hp thanks to Pat's healing, so I'm good enough to go, but if others are down a lot, it's better to get them healed up more. Have we noticed a doctor or healer other than Pat in this town?

(OOC The Veterinarian is the closest thing.)

((ooc: not interested in splitting the party. If we need another day let's take it.))

(OOC: I'm in favor of at least one day of rest.)

Atak informs the innkeeper that their group will be staying at least one additional night. He likewise informs the veterinarian of the same, keeping his ridiculous hat on while moving from building to building. He visits Randy the lizard in teh morning and in the eve, when the sun is not so bright.

Staying another day and under the care of the vet (5 gp if you want to spend it) you get double your daily rest hp back (normal 1d3 hp, so 2d3.) If anyone still needs any healing after that Pat is still there the next morning and can cast 2 more cure light wounds.

Randy is very calm, hardly moving and blending in as he was when you found him.

Bob spends time under the vets care and resting and eating grapples.

08:09, Today: Bob rolled 2 using 2d3.  healing with vet

Bob is still down 3 HP

Pat casts cure light wounds upon Bob the next day.

19:08, Today: DM.Justisaur rolled 2 using 1d6+1 ((1)).  Only 2 HP

He says "Anyone else?"

"I think we are ready to go," Atak advises. "What is the most direct pat to take to get to our destination?" he asks, hoping someone has the answer.

(Remembering back to what you were told, part of your task was just finding one of the vaults shown on the map you were given, and that they're suspected to be north of The Cones - approximately in the area of the grapple forest but it's a guess.)

Bob seems excited about the grapple forest.

(Assuming nothing else you want to do in town first)

There's no real edge to the Grapple Forest but about a mile out of town to the north the farms start to peter out and trees appear, only a few of them Grapple trees, being spring their leaves just sprouting and in full bloom, clusters flowers made of small purple and green petals cover them, some grapples seen still unpicked from last year in the upper limbs, their trunk splits into two smooth limbs that spread out resembling great arms with long fingers.

As you continue on there's more grapples and less of the other trees. The road turns to a trail, with many side trails.  You can see chunks of cement occasionally tossed aside and worn by age on or near the trail, and a wide stream flowing toward The Cones.  You come to a fork each path near half the width of the one you've been following.  The stream shadowing the left path.

After urging Randy the lizard forward to take a drink from the stream, Atak pauses. "I'd suggest taking the path that leads away from the water."

The Doctor furrows his brow.

"How did that saying go? You can lead your lizard to water, but you can't drain...hmmph...nevermind..."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Wed 17 June 2020.