For several years, organized bands of pirates and slavers have made a living by raiding the coastal towns on the Sea of Gearnat. Ranging from Onnwal to the Wild Coast, they have descended quickly and ruthlessly on the small towns and villages, and carried off innocent citizens into the night. Although these marauders were not approved of by the lords and rulers of the lands they raided, they were allowed to continue their depredations.
Feuding amongst the lords and lack of funds prevented all but an occasional naval battle with the villains and the slow fortification of towns. Bribery was often a more effective method of protecting one’s lands from the incursions of these avaricious sea-wolves.Recently, however, the slavers’ attacks have become more frequent and vicious. Believing their prey to be weak and helpless, the raiders have burnt entire villages and pulled down the walls of towns. Women, children, and whole families have disappeared; and though bribes are accepted, the agreements are ignored. Vast tracts of coastline have been reduced to ashes, left barren except for packs of wild dogs.

The lords have finally become determined to take action, forgetting their petty squabbles to unite against the marauders of the yellow sails. Through information gained from escaped slaves, and those fortunate enough to have been found and bought by families or friends, the lords have traced the slavers to a port from which they launch their swift attacks on the coast—the despoiled city of Highport in wasted Pomarj. Some who have lost kin and fortune to the reavers have advised taking a fleet and crushing the outpost, but cooler heads have prevailed. They have pointed out that such a base is undoubtedly well-defended and that the slavers, if alarmed, might arrange that loved ones and kin are never seen again.
Instead, they have chosen a plan of stealth. A band of adventurers has been gathered together, attracted by the promise of gold and perhaps revenge, and will be sent to infiltrate the base and destroy the leaders of this evil band. Caution is recommended, for the true strength and extent of this slave ring is not known, but they seem to be stronger and better organized than encounters with their small raiding parties would indicate.

Highport was once a human city, but the land and town have been overrun by humanoids—orcs, goblins, kobolds, ogres, and gnolls. Looted, burned, and ill-kept, the city has become a base for human outcasts wishing to deal with these unsavory creatures. Your party, provided with transport, has managed to arrive in Highport and pose as one of these groups come to deal. You managed to sneak over to the presumed hideout of the slavers: a ruined temple compound, located on the edge of the city and surrounded by destroyed buildings. Although the interior appears to be gutted and burnt, the walls and some attached outbuildings still appear to be solid and habitable.  There is little traffic about and those passersby that are around pay no attention to the party. It is nighttime and occasionally the shadows of guards pass overhead, but none of
the guards seem to notice the party. Following the indications given to you, you reach the back of the temple and find a secret entrance in the outer wall. You step inside...

At the end of the 10’ long passage is what is obviously the back of a secret door. Constructed to look as if it were part of the wall to those on the other side, no attempt has been made to disguise the presence of the door from this side. Light from the other side faintly outlines the door, and there is a handle to pull the door open.

Angus stands quietly by the door waiting for it to be checked, just in case it is trapped, though he doubted it since it was a 'secret' door.

Falan moves quickly behind Angus, staying well clear of the entrance but prepared to ready his bow at a moment's notice.

"The Brawler smiles upon or endeavors."  Brother Nerrag grinned, taking a moment to place a gauntleted hand upon his mace-and-spear pendant and offer a silent prayer to Kord the Mighty.

Hefting his mace, the priest looked about at his comrades, an eager look upon his grizzled face.

Bernhard turns to Thoric.

"This looks like your department, my friend. If the door is free of traps or alarms, I will open it."

"As long as the Brawler does not want us to live up to his name so soon, I shall be happy, Brother! A city full of evil must be approached carefully."

Vandarin made sure to stand somewhere in the middle of the crowd, both to suit his skills better and for security. The elf was no slouch in a fight, but there were many ways to skin an orc.

Lahrart Vermillion joined the group after wandering for years along the Flanaess, serving as a fighter in different group of mercenaries.

He travelled for days with the newfound group, the elf finally reaching the destination.

"Here we are" he said while holding his magic spear, the elf trying to detect some unseen details from the door and its surroundings.

Thoric looked up to Bernhard and simply nodded.

Moving quickly to the front of the line, he frowned to most everyone and made a motion with a single finger over his lips.

He began to look the door up and down and checked for traps.

OOC: 22:31, Today: Thorik rolled 6 using 1d6.  Find traps---.

Peering through one of the cracks (too narrow for an appendage to pass through, but maybe wide enough for some other implement) in the door all one can see is the hint of a rope to the side, emerging from somewhere in the door and going upwards towards the ceiling - evidently it is part of some sort of mechanism: perhaps a counterweight to close the door, or something more sinister?

Ronan also moves to the door and after Thorik finishes he will try to listen to any noises coming from the other side.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:10, Sun 10 May 2020.

A trap? Can you disable it?" Angus whispers. He holds his blade up.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:16, Sun 10 May 2020.

Thoric saw the rope and area above the door.

"Probably" he whispered back.

He moved and began to apply countermeasures to disable the trap.



OOC: 09:29, Today: Thorik rolled 3 using 1d6.  Disable device—.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:40, Sun 10 May 2020.

"If we're not certain we could try to tie our ropes around those and try to pull them from distance" the elf said.

"That would be an alarm and may block us in, or, out."

In reply to Thorik (msg # 12):

It quickly becomes apparent to you that the way to disable this particular device, if one wanted to, is to cut the rope.

“I need an arrow from one of you pointy eared bow shooters.”

Thorik  smiled and stood by the door with his hand out stretched toward the party.

OOC:  When handed an arrow, Thorik motions everyone back and slides the arrow through the hole and saws the rope.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:41, Sun 10 May 2020.

"Let me try to listen and see if I can make out something. When you cut the rope the door might open.", Ronan whsipers.
He hands Thorik one of his arrows.

OOC: 14:59, Today: Ronan rolled 5 using 1d6.  Listen at doors.
Is there a way to hold the door so it doesnt opem?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Sun 10 May 2020.

Bernhard moves back so that Thorik and Ronan have room to work, but close enough to move to their aid if needed.

Falan quietly indicated for Bernhard to step ahead of him. He preferred to use his bow before his blade, and gladly ceded his space to his comrade.

Thorik saws the rope: the bottom part falls limp while the top sways softly, hanging from somewhere in the ceiling. Ronan holds the door... but it doesn't seem to move at all.

Thorik motions everyone back slightly and pads over to Bernhard.

He whispers loud enough for people nearby him to hear.

"Ok, I think I disabled the trap, but it is very close to falling.  Would be careful opening the door and watch above in case it does fall as you slowly open it.  If we can see the hinges some lamp oil on them would be good."

Handing back the arrow he borrowed, he fishes out a small vial of lamp oil and shakes it smiling.

Bernhard nods to Thorik.

"Ok, let's get on with it. I'll be the one to open the door."

Once ready, Bernhard will open the door, shield at the ready to block any incoming missiles or falling objects.

Ronan falls back near Falan and also readies his bow.

Larhart held his spear with both hands, waiting for the door to be opened.

Thorik backed away from Bernhard and nodded to him.

Pulling a dagger out, he prepared to throw it and rotated looking up where the trap would be and at the door.

The door opens... and nothing happens. Stepping carefully inside, you see the rope was tied to a ring on the door, which would pull on it when the door is opened. You now see where the rest of the rope goes: through a couple of rings on the ceiling, then back down to attach itself to a pin. The pin seems to be holding back a spring loaded wooden board with nails, spikes, glass and other jagged items stuck into it; and it would be pulled off when the door was opened - a crude trap.
 Ahead of you, the passage splits in a T-shape.

• The right hand passage goes 20' straight then it turns left for another 20', with a door to the right.
• The other passage goes straight for 20' and has a door on the right there at the end.

Brother Nerrag eyed the crude trap.  "An unwelcome surprise, that."  He said, nodding his thanks as he and the others made their way into the hall beyond.

OOC — is it lit, do we need torches?

As everyone crowds in front of him, Angus moves to the rear and waits for the door to open.

Bernhard steps into the junction, looking right and left, sword and shield ready.

"We'll need some light up here," he says quietly.

"That door is closer," he says pointing down the left passage with his sword. "Shall we start there? We should leave a rear guard here to hold our escape route just in case while someone checks the door."

OOC: How wide are the passages? How many can walk side by side?
This message was last edited by the player at 15:20, Mon 11 May 2020.

Angus holds his torch high and nods agreement, he'll stay back and watch their backs by the escape hatch.

The flame-haired elf reached the side of the human warrior.

"Left or right is no big difference in an unknown plsvr. So let left be" Larhart said, keeping his senses keen.

"Left? I like left. We'll backtrack later, if it's possible."

"If we live you mean?" Angus whispers.

Thorik grunts and moves to the front of the line.

"Lemme stay near the front.  I can check for traps as we go.  Closer sounds better."

Thorik squeezes past people and gets up front to be near Bernhard.

Nodding to him, he had a dagger out and points it at the closer door.

Padding forward, he checks the hallway as they move and then left door for traps.

OOC:15:25, Today: Thorik rolled 6 using 1d6.  Traps on the left door.
15:25, Today: Thorik rolled 5 using 1d6.  Traps hallway.

From now on, Thorik will stay at the front or near the front to look for traps as they are moving.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:26, Mon 11 May 2020.

Bernhard moves along about 10' behind Thorik, careful to stay out of his way as he works.

Vandarin makes sure to stand in the middle of the group, but he keeps his eyes scanning all around them for security.

The door is untrapped. It opens to reveal another narrow, sooty passage much like the previous one. It runs straight for 60' then turns right for 10' onto another door.
As you walk, at about the middle of the passage, from the other side of the ruined wall to your right comes a muffled, low groan. You notice a section of the wall so damaged that it is almost paper thin; there are even some holes here and there.
You arrive at the door without further disturbance.

Ronan will take a closer look at the section of the wall that is paper thin, looking through one of the holes, if possible. If nothing special comes from it, he will listen at the new door.

Bernhard holds at the door until Ronan can investigate the damaged wall and sounds beyond.

OOC: Was the damaged section of wall along the 60' long passage?

Larhart placed himself behind Ronan, trying to focus on noises.

OOC
06:17, Today: Larhart rolled 1 using 1d6.  Listen Noises.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:19, Wed 13 May 2020.

In reply to Ronan (msg # 38):
It is hard to see - illumination is provided exclusively by moonlight filtering through holes in the broken roof. You can only make out debris, a lot of it, in what seems to have been a room long ago. Nothing seems to be moving.




In reply to Bernhard (msg # 39):

OOC: Yep, to the right as you went, about halfway through.




In reply to Larhart (msg # 40):

Everything is deathly still.

If the group passes by, Falan will try to listen in at the thin spot on the wall, before lowering himself below the holes in the wall, in case anything is watching from the other side.

OOC: "13:59, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 4 using 1d6.  Listen Noises."

"Maybe you should go ahead and check the door Thorik?" Bernhard suggests. "Then we can move along once they have finished checking that crumbilng wall. I'm not sure our targets are hiding behind there."

Thorik had taken up a position behind Bernhard.

Hearing him ask, he moved forward and checked the door for traps.

OOC: 19:50, Today: Thorik rolled 4 using 1d6.  Check for traps on door..

This message was deleted by the player at 23:51, Wed 13 May 2020.

Falan, you hear the same thing as Larhart, that is, nothing at all.

Thorik, the door doesn't seem to be trapped to you. However, on closer inspection you notice severe damage on the door: the boards are cracked and charred, and the  handle is deformed, as if slightly melted. You cannot see the hinges from this side, though.

As for sounds [I'm presuming this'll be part of the SOP]: there is movement, sounds of a short scuffle. Gnawing. All distant. Something hits the floor and bounces once.

"I don't like those sounds" Larhart whispered to the group, nocking an arrow on the string of his elvish bow.

"No, it's not a very inviting door," Bernhard remarks quietly. "But we either push forward or go back the way we came. I'm not sure we're going to light the sound of much in this place. I'm for pushing forward."

Thorik had moved up in the line and was right behind Bernhard.

"Let's open the door and move in."

He hefted his dagger ready to throw and was ready to move in.

OOC: I'll get this out of the way so as to not spend excessive time on this door - you're going to eventually try to open the door.

The door seems to stuck. One would have to apply considerable force or break the door down to open it.

"Put your shoulder to it!" Angus whispers.

Thorik tried to open the door.

He whispered “Bernhardt”, and motioned at the door when he tried to push it.

OOC: 8:19, Today: Thorik rolled 4 using 1d6.  Open doors 5-6.

Bernhard takes a couple of steps back and charges into the door.

11:59, Today: Bernhard rolled 5 using 1d6.  open doors 5-6.

Bernhard crashes into the door!

The room beyond is severely burnt, its furnishings buried and ruined beyond recognition. The ceiling has collapsed for the most part, revealing another chamber on the second floor. About 5’ of the ceiling still remains around the walls of the room, forming a narrow jagged ledge. The floor is littered with beams, plaster, ash, and unknown pieces of junk. The air is filled with the odor of rot.
There is a door to the north on the northeastern corner.

"Holy Seldarine" the elf whispered, standing behind Bernhard with the bow and arrow held in his hand. His bowels churned at the stingy scent of rot filling the air.

Ronan covers his nose with his cloak. Looking at the upper chamber, he moves towards the door:
"I think we should go this way, the quicker we move the better."

"Agreed," Bernhard says moving behind Ronan and keeping an eye on the chamber above. "This is an excellent spot for an ambush."

Angus follows in the rear.

"Hmph." Brother Nerrag grunted, wary of the ledge but making his way with the others.

Thorik drew a second dagger and stalked carrying two now.

His head was on a swivel as he advanced into the room and made his way across.

Looking around as he moved, he looked for anything of value.

Last to walk across was Angus, watching their rear, looking for any threats on the party.

Falan backed up behind Black Angus, ready to let fly an arrow at the first sign of trouble.

Dungeon Master, for the NPC Monsters, rolled 4 using 1d6.  Surprise 1-2.

As you walk across the room, one of you sees something move up there on the ledge. He's scarecely able to give a shout of alarm before it leaps down with a howl. An emaciated monstrosity drops down a few feet from you - a ghoul. Others follow it, and you can discern among them a couple of their more sinister cousins: ghasts. In total there are 2 ghouls and 1 ghast with you, about to get into melee range; and 6 ghouls and 1 ghast leaping down from above.

Okay, let's see if this way of handling combat works. Tell me your overall strategy for the fight.

Ronan curses his haste and moves so his Color Spraycspell can get most of the creatures. Then if the he will engage the enemy with his daggers. If things are not going well, he will cast another spell, Web or Sleep.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:45, Sun 17 May 2020.

In reply to Ronan (msg # 64):

Angus swings at the ghoul leaping for his throat and misses it by a mile! Fumble

08:45, Today: Black Angus rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  to hit

Brother Nerrag will keep his back to the entrance ... the better to cover a fighting retreat should the monsters gain the upper hand.  The first thing he would do is Turn Undead.  Then he'd cast Protection from Evil on himself and then smash anything that comes close enough with his mace.

OOC — That covers about three round's worth of actions ... is that what you were after?

Thorik will back pedal and throw daggers and his hand axe.

If one closes to melee with him he will draw his short sword and engage.
OOC:  attempt to move and stay ranged and throw daggers and the hand axe.  Only draw short sword and melee if they close.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:43, Sun 17 May 2020.

Bernhard pushes forward toward the undead beasts, his magic sword shining in the torchlight. He is mindful to keep them away from his less armored comrades, but also does not move too far forward to keep himself from being surrounded.

Attacks:
Round 1: 18, 6 (Hit AC -1)
Round 2: 10, 5 (Hit AC 7)
Round 3: 8, 4 (Hit AC 9)

14:49, Today: Bernhard rolled 18,6,10,5,8,4 using d20+1,d6+1,d20+1,d6+1,d20+1,d6+1.  Bernhard attacks.

"By the grace of Sehanine Moonbow!" Lahrart shouted, the elf invoking the name of the elven goddess who was a sworn enemy of such vile creatures, loading three arrows on his longbow.

He aimed at the closer ghast, aware that his touch could be more deadly than a ghoul's one.

OOC:

Ugly rolls. Only in the 3rd round I will be able to hit AC 9.

Round 1, vs ghast: 4
Round 2, vs ghast: 3
Round 3, vs ghast: 8

22:02, Today: Larhart rolled 4,3,8,6,2,3 using d20,d20,d20,d6,d6,d6 with rolls of 4,3,8,6,2,3.  Longbow attack.

This message was last edited by the player at 20:06, Sun 17 May 2020.

Falan climbed back, aiming his arrows directly for the ghast. Should anyone kill the creature, Falan will then turn his attention to whichever of the two ghouls seemed most injured.

I think that what the RTJ thread clarified is that I should just give my strategy, right? Let me know if I should roll for my attacks for three or four rounds and I'll edit the rolls in.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:29, Mon 18 May 2020.

If there is space Vandarin will push forward into melee, knowing he is immune to the ghoul's paralysing touch. If there is no space he will be ready to step into the breach should any of his companions be paralysed.

Fentin, from the back, throws daggers at whichever one he has a clear line to.

OOC first throw pretty good, second one a fumble11:09, Today: Fentinbrook rolled 4 using 1d4.  Damage.

11:08, Today: Fentinbrook rolled 2 using 1d20+1.  Throw dagger.

11:08, Today: Fentinbrook rolled 19 using 1d20+1.  Throw dagger.

Round 1:

The PCs seize the initiative!
20:24, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6.  Initiative - Monsters.
20:24, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d6.  Initiative - PCs.

PCs
Ronan casts Color Spray! The two ghouls in front of the group are automatically affected. The ghast fails his saving throw too! Their savage minds are disrupted by the colorful patterns and they fall limp to the floor. Enemies behind are sheltered (and anyways are on a different floor).
20:30, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4 using 1d20.  Ghast - Saving Throw vs Spells.

Angus takes advantage of the situation and delivers a coup-de-grâce to the ghoul lying in front of him! It is slain.

Bernhard does likewise and slays the ghoul in front of him.

Brother Nerrag is (as per the marching order) right next to the exit - pretty far away from the entrance. He turns undead:
20:44, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Brother Nerrag, rolled 9 using 2d6.  Turn Undead.
20:48, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Brother Nerrag, rolled 10 using 2d6.  Turn #.
The rest of the ghouls and the other ghast, which were in the process of leaping down at you, stop dead -heh- in their tracks, screeching!

Vandarin switches places with Ronan and strikes at the disabled ghast. They gravely wounded, but the beast is not yet slain. They are still unconscious, though.
20:56, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 20 using 1d20.  Ghast Death Save.
[For future reference: I'm ruling that striking at a completely helpless opponent automatically strikes for maximum damage adding your HD; and if that doesn't kill the target they must save or die]

Thorik throws a dagger at one of the ghouls on the upper floor and misses.
21:01, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Thorik, rolled 5,5 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

Larhart shoots his bow at the other ghast and misses.

Fentinbrook throws a dagger at a ghoul and hits for 2 damage.
21:06, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Fentinbrook, rolled 2 using 1d6.  Damage.

Falan shoots at the Ghast and hits for 2 damage.
21:09, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Falan Oakenheel, rolled 20,2 using 1d20,1d6 ((20,2)).

Monsters [all turned]
Ghast 19(-10, unconscious), 16(-2)
Ghoul 4(-2), 10, 6, 5 ,6, 7

The ghoul and ghast that were hit get a save vs spells to break free from the turning effect.
21:12, Today: Dungeon Master, rolled 8,3 using 1d20,1d20.  Sv Ghoul, Ghast.
They do not, and can't do anything but wail and groan horribly.
Neither can the rest of the monsters, but two of them were unable to stop their momentum and fall down to your level - they scramble away from Brother Nerrag as soon as they hit the ground.


Round 2:
Monsters lose initiative due to turning effect.

PCs:
Angus strikes at a ghoul, who scrambles away in thime.
21:20, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Black Angus, rolled 2,4 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

Bernhard attacks and destroys a ghoul.

Vandarin strikes once again at the unconscious ghast, destroying it this time.

[Brother Nerrag - I'm ruling that you need to keep presenting your holy symbol to maintain the turning effect; I'll assume you keep doing it because it seems clearly beneficial at this point]

Ronan steps forward to strike at the only ghoul remaining on your level, but misses.
21:25, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ronan, rolled 4,5 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

Thorik throws a dagger at the remaining ghast, hitting for two points of damage.
21:26, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Thorik, rolled 15,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

Larhart misses.

Fentinbrook misses.

Falan shoots the ghast... for two damage.
21:28, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Falan Oakenheel, rolled 16,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.


Monsters:
Ghast 16(-6)
Ghoul 10, 6, 5 ,6, 7

The ghoul on the bottom floor climbs a rotten beam and leaps onto the upper floor to join its companions..
The monsters continue making noise and back away from the edge. You can't see where they've gone now.

"Let's get through this chamber quickly," Bernhard calls to his comrades while watching for more leaping undead. "Someone check the next door and let's go!"

Ronan follows Bernhard's suggestion and quickly moves to the door, but most of his attention is still at the upper level.

Thorik retrieved the dagger and quickly checked the bodies for anything of value.

"I'll check for traps."

He moved up to check the door leaving the room for traps.

OOC:20:46, Today: Thorik rolled 1 using 1d6.  Check for traps on door..

Vandarin keeps his sword ready for more undead-bashing, should they decide to return for a re-appraisal.

"Burn what can be burned, if you can. Better to leave a fiery trail between us and them, hoping for some damage" the elven fighter said, following the group towards the door.

Falan held up until the others had passed through, keeping an arrow trained and waiting for Angus's signal to move.

Are you going to set fire to the room?

Yes, Falan will attempt to light the room on fire before shutting the door, so long as we can move forward relatively quickly on the other side of the door.

Angus waited for the fire to be lit then moved forward leading the way in the other direction.

You put the torch to a nearby pile of debris. In a few moments, it begins to smoke and the first flames begin to sprout. It isn't much of a fire right now, but it will doubtlessly grow much bigger given time.

[The party gains 2400 experience points - divided between the 9 of you, that's 267 experience points for each character.]

The door opens to reveal a passage leading to the left for about 25' feet, then turns ninety degrees to the right and goes straight for another 10'. It opens to a wider 10x15' space. In its far end, to the right, there are some stairs leading to a door on the wall opposite you.

With the room behind them set alight, Bernhard grimly pushes forward ready for just about anything and pondering what they had just seen. Why would slavers have undead creatures in their lair? Were they in the wrong place?

As they enter the wider space, Bernhard scans the ceiling and corners for any signs of lurking threats, leaving space for their specialists to inspect the stairs and door.

Angus took his station in the rear as he allowed the others to pass him by. He kept watch to make sure nothing came up behind them. His weapon ready.

Larhart walked beyond Black Angus, the elf still holding his bow and trying to use his senses to locate doors and listen noises from the surroundings.


OOC

20:54, Today: Larhart rolled 2,5 using d6,d6 with rolls of 2,5.  1st roll to Find Hidden Doors, 2nd roll to Listen Noises.

Only the latter should be a success.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:56, Sun 24 May 2020.

Ronan falls in the marching order and also chances looks for concealed or hidden passages and tries to listen at the door.

The door seems to be untrapped, and no noise can be heard inside.
It opens to reveal a room, about 15x20ft. The floor here is almost entirely gutted as is the floor below. 30’ below is the gray stone of the cellar floor. There is an open doorway on the opposite side of the room on this level. Any exits from the first floor or the cellar have been completely filled with rubble. There are three possible ways to walk across the space—a charred and crumbling section of floor clings to the left wall, a narrow pathway of fallen beams stretches across the center like a bridge, and a sounder section of floor, only burned at the edge, runs along the right wall. All three paths are accessible from this end and lead to the doorway on the opposite side.

"The right hand wall looks like the safer way to go," Bernhard says. "Which likely means that it isn't. What is with this place anyway. First a ruined room full of undead and now this. I beginning to think we chose the wrong path."

Bernhard shrugs and begins to move around the right side of the room.

Angus patiently waits for the others to follow and goes last, with eyes in the back of his head!

Ronan follows Bernhard 3 feet behind and follows him, very cautiously. He wonders if they should have taken different paths or used to ropes to secure themselves.

Falan holds, keeping an eye on the floor beneath the feet of his comrades to check for any signs that path won't hold up to repeated use.

"We haven't been hired to count butterflies. I guess every road could be the wrong one" Lahrart said to the group.

The right hand path creaks as you step on it, but it seems more or less stable as you slowly make your way to the other side... Up until almost the end. Bernhard, going first, places his foot down on a beam which shifts underfoot. The wall beside them collapses inwards, threatening to knock them off the ledge!

08:42, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bernhard, rolled 15 using 1d20.  Paralysis Save.

However, he manages to hold on for dear life. From there on, the party can easily progress forward - it's only a short skip to close the gap created by the collapse.

The door on the other side opens (no noise, no traps) to a passage going 10' forward, and then to the right 30', turning left again down stairs for 10' to reach another room. But before that last turn, you can see a small alcove set along the center of the passage. It has three barrels in it. These barrels are sealed and dusty. The wooden staves are stained a dark brown.

Angus looks at the barrels, "Beer? or smuggling barrels for victims?"

"Would beer have lasted that long? Someone would at least tried to open it. I think. More on the nasty side, would be my guess. Shall we try to open it?"

"I have a crowbar and hammer, but what about the noise."

"Never mind the noise--we've already made plenty, and stones haven't yet rained down on our heads." Falan set about working his own hammer and crowbar on another of the barrels, urging Angus to do the same so they could pry open the barrels quickly.

Angus opens another barrel of the lot.

While the others set to work on the barrels, Bernhard stands guard at the top of the stairs that lead into the next chamber, wary of any sounds or movement.

"The barrels may be of no value to us, or they may prove useful in a pinch. Lets take a quick look and move on."

"I agree with Vandarin. Better be quick on that and then advance further" the elf said.

It is easy enough to open the top of one of the barrels. Inside  is  a  dark,  thin,  sour-smelling  liquid. Further inspection reveals it to be nothing but old  soured wine, more  vinegar than alcohol.

"Vinegar, time to move on I guess." Angus tells the others after he checks the contents of his barrel.

Falan set an arrow in his bow again and motioned the frontliners down toward the room, trying to keep in a position to cover them on either side as the group moved ahead.

Receiving the signal, Bernhard leads the way down the stairs and into the new chamber, mindful of tripwires and loses stones.

Progressing through the passage leads to a room, about 25'x25'. It is almost bare except for the stairs you are climbing down and the door on the right side of the wall opposite you. 5’ from this door is a mound of tarry looking rags. Many flies buzz about the room and the air has a sweet honey smell.

"Let's see what we will find."
Ronan approaches the pile and pokes it with the tip pf his spear, carefully and slowly.

Angus watches from the stairs, long sword in hand, no room for his sling.

"I don't like the look of this," Bernhard says quietly. He moves up with Ronan to shield him just in case.

"That makes two of us!" Angus whispers as he comes down the steps to stand with them.

"A sweet smell and flies? Hardly a standard dungeon atmosphere. Perhaps we should tread carefully..."

Larhart looked around the room, his eyes looking up over the ceiling while still keeping his bow ready.

As Ronan approaches the pile it suddenly stirs and lashes out with a ragged tendril!

11:59, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).

Ronan ducks!

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 114):

07:34, Today: Black Angus rolled 5 using 1d6.  initiative.

07:36, Today: Black Angus rolled 9 using 1d8+2.  damage.

07:35, Today: Black Angus rolled 13 using 1d20+1.  to hit.

Ronan will attack with bis spear and move away from the line of fire of his friends.

Prepared for an ambush, but not quite like this, Bernhard forces himself between the seeming alive pile of rags and Ronan. He slashes at the tendrils, but the strangeness of his opponent puts him off balance.

Attacks:
Round 1: 4, 7 (miss)
Round 2: 15, 5 (Hit AC 2)
Round 3: 6, 6 (miss)

13:36, Today: Bernhard rolled 4,7,15,5,6,6 using d20+1,d6+1,d20+1,d6+1,d20+1,d6+1.  Bernhard attacks.

The elf started pinpointing the creature hidden in the rags.



20:34, Today: Larhart rolled 9,2,5,2,11,1 using d20,d6,d20,d6,d20,d6 with rolls of 9,2,5,2,11,1.  Hitting the target, at least until its death.

Falan was ready for a fight, and held an arrow in his bow, aimed at the pile of rags.

OOC:

Round 1, attack enemy with clearest line of sight: attack 15, damage 5

Round 2: attack 13, damage 2

Round 3: attack 16, damage 6

"15:52, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 15,5,13,2,16,6 using 1d20,1d6,1d20,1d6,1d20,1d6 with rolls of 15,5,13,2,16,6.  attacks with longbow."

Looking for a more pragmatic approach than mere combat, and using all of his sizeable intellect, Vandarin drags one of the barrels of vinegar closer to the top of the stairs then smashes the top and pours the contents down.

"Watch your steps, my good friends! A little vinegar ought to solve our fly problem!"

Fentinbrook avoids the vinegar. not wanting to smell like a sour pickle.

There's enough alcohol left that it is still flammable too, so watch the torches."

19:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative - Monsters.
19:35, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative - PCs.
Fentinbrook and Thorik have +1 to initiative.

Fentinbrook - I'm going to have you not attack in melee (I believe you do not have daggers left?) since this thing has many attacks and could strike you back.

Thorik attacks with his sling and misses
12:49, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Thorik, rolled 5,5 using 1d20+2,1d6.  Attack.

Bernhard attacks and misses.

Ronan attacks and hits for 3 damage.
12:51, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ronan, rolled 14,3 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

Brother Nerrag attacks and hits for 7 damage.
12:53, Today: Brother Nerrag rolled 18,7 using 1d20+1,1d6+1 ((17,6)).

Vandarin reaches the barrels.

Larhart attacks and misses.

Falan attacks and hits for 5 damage.

Black Angus attacks and hits for 9 damage, killing the monster!



The monster attacks each character within reach with its tendrils six times! (You have the same initiative count so his and your attacks happen simultaneously) These tendrils
end in sticky globs of sap and attach themselves to those hit.

-Bernhard is hit by 5 tendrils, taking 9 points of damage.
13:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13,13,10,13,17,12,3,2,2,1, 2,1 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

-Ronan is hit by two tendrils, taking 4 points of damage! One of them latches over his face! He's suffocating.
13:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 12,5,3,20,8,1,2,2,2,1, 2,2 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

-Brother Nerrag is hit by 3 tendrils, suffering 4 points of damage.
13:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 4,3,14,4,15,17,2,1,1,1, 1,2 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

-Larhart is hit by every tendril, suffering 12 points of damage. He's knocked unconscious and is in grave condition.
13:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 9,12,10,13,17,13,2,1,3,1, 3,2 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

-Falan Oakenheel is hit by 3 tendrils, suffering 9 points of damage.
13:00, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 13,4,5,8,6,14,3,3,2,3, 1,3 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

-Black Angus is hit by every tendril, suffering 10 points of damage. One of them latches over his face! He's suffocating.
13:01, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 10,19,20,19,17,13,1,1,2,1, 3,2 using 1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d20,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3,1d3.

Wow, that was pretty harsh.
The party gains 1152 points of experience. That's 128 points for each of you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:16, Wed 03 June 2020.

Angus, desperately trying to get it to let go, swings a skillful swing into it (crit?)

09:09, Today: Black Angus rolled 8 using 1d8+2.  damage.

09:09, Today: Black Angus rolled 5 using 1d8+2.  damage.

09:08, Today: Black Angus rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  to hit.

In reply to Black Angus (msg # 124):

It's dead, Jim.
Though you still have a tentacle with very sticky sap attached to your face.

Angus begins to pull the sticky tentacle from around his mouth so he can breath! He'll use his hands and a dagger if he has to to carefully peel it from his lips. Breathing being the most important thing! "Help Larhart!" he yells after he gets his mouth and lungs back!
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Wed 03 June 2020.

Ronan drops his spear and tries to pull his dagger from his belt and cut the tentacle.
If he succeeds he will try to heal other people.

Bernhard moves to help Ronan remove the tentacle from his mouth.

OOC: Hopefully we have a good supply of CLW on hand.

Ronan, you cut the tentacle, but there's still a glob of sticky stuff blocking your airway!
Pulling on the tentacles has about a 25% chance of removing the resin.

12:04, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ronan, rolled 96 using 1d100.  25% remove.
12:04, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Black Angus, rolled 93 using 1d100.  25% remove.
You tear the tentacles from your faces, but the resin is stuck to you too tightly, and it stays.
Trying to remove it with a dagger may be an option, but there's no way you can do it quickly enough while at the same time being sure of not doing any harm - and likely some disfigurement.
There might also be alternative ways.

Brother Nerrag has 1 CLW spell available, plus 2 potions.

Angus uses his dagger to help clear the glue from his airway. As he slowly asphyxiates.

OOC - how many attacks per round that thing get? My God it made 25 attacks at least!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:33, Thu 04 June 2020.

Ronan forgets momentarily the stick thing on his face and go looking for his friends:
"Nerrag, please help Larhart, I will tend Bernhard"
He bow his head and prays, invoking his god healing powers.

10:38, Today: Ronan rolled 1 using 1d8.  CLW.


He barely sees any improvement on Bernhard's conditions. Stop, breath, think.
"Please, whoever is better keep watch. And anyone has any idea how to remove this messy stuff without making me a new mouth?"

OOC: I know how much people lost, can I know how much they have?

"The vinegar--the vinegar might dissolve this substance. Hurry, Vandarin!" Having been struck, although not in the face, Falan himself could not rush to help Vandarin, being able only to urge him to move quickly.

"I may need help to lift this. I do not believe these barrels were meant to be carried by one, average-strength elf."

Bernhard gives Ronan a quick nod of thanks for the healing and rushes to help Vandarin with the barrel.

Ronan hurries to the side of Nerrag, trying to figure out how Larhart is doing.

OOC: CLW if there is need.

Falan took some of the vinegar on his fingers and tested it against the sticky material to see if it could dissolve the material, testing just a bit. If it proved effective, he would take a rag and begin trying to use it to clear more of the material off of his skin.

"I am heavily wounded, if I am attacked again that could be all for me."

Angus, gasping for air, dips into the vinegar trying to dissolve the glue! The dagger being ineffective.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:49, Sat 06 June 2020.

The vinegar quickly dissolves the sticky resin, allowing for air to enter the lungs of those suffocating!

Nerrag approaches Falan and lays his hand on his shoulder. "Fear not, friend, for Kord smiles upon those who fight courageously." A wave of positive energy spreads through Falan's body, and his wounds begin to heal.
He then opens a small leather bag, revealing two small bottles alongside a small flask of alcohol. "And if it were necessary, there's always liquid vigor to help."

16:32, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Brother Nerrag, rolled 4 using 1d6+1.  Cure Light Wounds.

Two potions of CLW, just grab 'em if anybody wants one.

"I'll take one and Larhart needs one too!" He gives the other one to Larhart after he clears his mouth of glue. (Larhart, roll 1d6+1)

10:41, Today: Black Angus rolled 5 using 1d6+1.  CLW.

I put my AC and HP under my name in 'biography' if you ever wish to know my character's health, he is at 9 out of 14 at the moment. After the CLW. He was down 10, picked up 5.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:46, Sat 06 June 2020.

After thanking Brother Nerrag, he turned to the others. Noticing the powerful effects of the resin, Falan suddenly thought to speak: "Angus, I've got an unusual idea. Hand me the bottle for that potion, I'm going to try and work some of this resin into it. This could be useful. We should consider taking several bottles filled with this substance." He started trying to gather the resin from this creature into the bottle.

"There were two potions used, fill the other flask too. Good idea Falan, never know when we need to stick something."

The elven warrior slowly woke up, feeling the warmth of the healing potion still filling him mouth. "Thanks.. Black Angus" he said, seeing the human's face in front of him and the empty healing potion.

The fighter stood up, walking around to gather the arrows he threw.

OOC
20:30, Today: Larhart rolled 3 using 1d6+1 with rolls of 2.  Curing Potion poured in his mouth.

"We're in pretty rough shape," Bernhard says. He investigates the remains of the creature to get a better idea of what it was. "Everyone keep a sharp eye out for any more of these. We'll need to give them a wide berth. Or set them on fire from a distance."

There's enough resin to fill at least a dozen bottles.

Bernhard investigates the creature. It is a strange kind of plant, anchored in place by hairlike roots, half buried in a mound of rotting mass. From the roots stem thousands of ragged, ropelike tentacles, all piled around its body. Each tentacle secretes sticky resin at the end.

OOC: By the way - I realize now I didn't respond to you, Angus. The creature got to attack everyone within range six times - no maximum number of attacks. It's pretty crazy.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 145):

WOW!!! meant to be a party killer!
This message was last edited by the player at 11:23, Sun 07 June 2020.

After cleaning the resin as better as he can from his body, clothes and weapons, Ronan examines the door from a safe distance "Well, we have the door. Probably fire trapped."
Looking at the remains of the creature:
"Wonder why it was here"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:40, Sun 07 June 2020.

"It was the trap, I say we find somewhere to rest and heal up. We're battered."

"Thorik, can you check the door?" Bernhard asks.

"Are we ready to move on?"

"Aye, just give me a moment." He sets to work on the door. "Nothing here."

You smell smoke.

Upon further inspection you see something glimmer at the base of the sundew, hidden under its glue. There are 500 gp, three gems (500 gp, 1,000 gp, and 10 gp) and a ring of spell with three faintly glowing crystals.

The door appears to open to the corner of a hallway.
It goes left for 20' and comes up to a door.
It goes forward for 100' and turns left for another 30'. There are doors to the right and left at the end.
About 20' in front of you, a passage splits to the right. 10' from the intersection a door opens right. The passage goes forward for 40', then turns right for 10' then it arrives at some stairs going down. Right after the turn there's a door to the left.

OOC: Hope that's not too confusing
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:17, Tue 09 June 2020.

Angus picks up the items, "this looks magicy, wizard? I'll carry the rest in my pouch until we split what we found. Or until you empty my pouch when I pass." he whispers, holding up the ring for a wizard.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:46, Tue 09 June 2020.

Larhart touched his wounds, still hurting from the previous combat.

"I will stay in the back, sorry for that" he said, holding his bow.

In reply to Larhart (msg # 153):

"Sorry for what? We need to find a place to rest for myself, Larhart, and anyone else hurt."

Bernhard looks at the pile of gold and gems. Once that was all that mattered to him, but now things had changed.

"Lot's of choices," Bernhard says while standing the doorway. He points to the left-hand passage that ends in a door. "This way is closest and may be a place we can rest."

"Ronan, Falan? I found a ring for you. We'll go the way you want Bernard, we just need rest."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Tue 09 June 2020.

Ronan nods at Angu: "I will take a look at it later. Just give me a second to try to help Larhart. And I agree we need a place to rest." He approaches the elf. Then he gestures and prays lowly.

OOC: Last CLW: 11:24, Today: Ronan rolled 4 using 1d8 ((4)).

Larhart felt the holy energy empowering him. "May the Seldarine be with you, Ronan. Thank you" the elf fighter said.

After Larhart was healed, Falan fell back into formation, heading in the direction which Bernhard indicated.

OOC: "02:06, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 2 using 1d6.  listen noise." Nope!

Falan - you hear movement and voices inside, though you cannot make out exactly how many or what exactly is going on.

He motions Larhart over towards the door, hoping that he might have better luck.

Larhart tried to hear noises from the same direction, probably with a similar outcome.

OOC
20:54, Today: Larhart rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Listen Noises.

Yep - no dice.

The smell of smoke gets stronger.

"It seems that our fire is spreading," Bernhard says quietly, smelling the air. "We need to move on. If we act fast we can perhaps ambush whoever is on the other side of the door. We are here to eliminate slavers."

In reply to Bernhard (msg # 164):

"It seems so, everyone ready?"

"Yes, anything but staying in the same place for long."

In reply to Ronan (msg # 166):

"Let's go then, lead the way oh great leader, I'll be right behind you."

You open the door.
This room seems to be a smaller wooden building annexed to the temple. It is in good condition - clearly someone is maintaining it. In it is a row of stalls for horses, three of which are occupied at the moment. Tack hangs from the walls and three saddles are piled near the double doors. Piles of hay line the walls opposite the stalls and several open sacks of grain are beside them. Four very ugly humans are sitting on the sacks, their short swords thrust into the hay beside them. A ladder near the single door leads to a loft.

The group of men all turn to you and reach for their weapons, clearly alarmed at the sight of unknown armed men. "Who are you?", one of them says in a raspy voice.

"There's a fire burning inside," Bernhard says to the men with authority. "These horses need to be moved. Secure the tack and saddles as well."

The elf was going to shoot an arrow but the wise human acted first. Larhart hoped that could have been a good plan.

13:42, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bernhard, rolled 9 using 2d6 ((3,6)).
The men let out a surprised gasp, then replace their weapons. The apparent leader exhorts his men into labor: "Well, get to work then!". He directs a pair of them to get the horses, while he orders the other to open the door leading outside. The leader knocks on the bottom of the loft, "You too, get moving!". Turning to you, he says "Are you going to need help with the fire?"

"No, it's being handled. We're working on containing this end and clearing out who and what we can just in case. You best get busy."

Once he is sure the men are busy, Bernhard turns and steps back toward his comrades. He finds the magic users and whispers, "Can any of you put this lot to sleep?"

"Sure." Ro an gets some sand from his belt pouch and, while srinkling it says a few magical words.

OOC: Sleep

The leader of the men opens his mouth to answer, but a sudden drowsyness comes over him and yawns instead. In a moment, he drops to the ground, deeply asleep. The others around you are likewise incapacitated.

OOC: Had the ones in the loft already come down before the spell was cast?

In reply to Bernhard (msg # 175):

If not, Angus will climb up and slit their throats.

"Better go quick before they wake up. Maybe we could block the door with something" the elf said, looking around to find something to be used for that purpose.

OOC: Nope!

Angus climbs up the stairs to find a very emaciated looking man dressed in rags cowering behind a few sacks of grain. He eyes the fighter's weapon and falls to his knees, pleading: "No! Please... I was just finishing my work here... I've been a good slave, I've worked hard..."

"Shhhh, I won't hurt you. Here, have some rations." He hands the man some rations to eat, then proceeded to cut the throats of the guards!

When he was done, he led the man down the ladder.

After assisting Angus with his work, Falan quickly searches the bodies--around the belts, in pockets and any bags the men might have carried.

The men carried 20 gp each, for a total of 80gp. Other than this there is nothing of value in the stables except for the horses and the saddles.

The slave greedily devours the food. He eyes the corpses of the dead men. "Take me away from here, please. I can help you, I know this place well."
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:20, Mon 15 June 2020.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 181):

Angus hands him a dagger from the fallen enemy so he is not unarmed. "Good to know, what do you all think? You wear armor from one of them?" Angus says to the others then the man.

"Yes, we need a place to rest and plan, The armor is a good idea too." Ronam carefully look at the slavers trying to figure any marks.

"This may be the best place to rest. But if that fire is really spreading, no place may be safe for long. Maybe we should go back in and go down the long passage to get a far from it as possible. Or else out that way?" Bernhard points to the exterior door to the stable.

"I certainly could, master..." the man throws out the word tentatively, "but I'm not sure it'd be of much use; it's not like the slavers matching wear uniforms."

In reply to Slave (msg # 185):

"It might help protect you and disguise that you were a slave" Angus replies to him. "You can defend your life if you want to as well."

Falan reassured the man: "Just stay away from the exposed parts of our formation--and close by one of us with a strong sword arm--and you will be safe. If your protector falls, don't hesitate to attack with everything you have. You never know whether one moment of bravery will be your salvation."

He turned to the others: "I think it more likely that the smoke is filling the place than that we'll be directly threatened. I suggest we rest here, and keep a watch of two men--one to keep an eye on the door, one to keep an eye on our exit there. Do you all agree?"

In reply to Falan Oakenheel (msg # 187):

"I agree, sleep on a bed of straw, it will be softer. I'll take second watch so casters can get their rest."

OOC: In game terms, how long will we need to rest to be effective (regaining spells, HP, etc.)?

"I am not a mage, so I can take any turn. I suggest to make casters sleep fist" the elf said.

"If that is what you wish, master" the slave says, looking rather unconvinced. But he begins donning one of the dead men's armor.


OOC: Resting for 8 hours will recover 1 hit point plus all your spells. If you wish, I can have Brother Nerrag prepare all his spells as Cure Light Wounds; that'll give him three uses.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:12, Wed 17 June 2020.

"Have all of the clerics used all of their healing magic?" Bernhard asks. "If so, please do so now and then get some rest. I'll take first watch."

OOC: Looks like the consensus is to rest. We did get pretty hacked up.

You sit yourselves down to rest...

19:11, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 3,5,4 using 1d6,1d6,1d6.  Random encounter rolls.

You hear a rumble in the distance. Otherwise, eight hours pass without incident.

His magic recovered, Brother Nerrag begins to tend to the party's injuries.

OOC: Everyone recovers 1 hit point, plus all spells if applicable. Hooray!
Up to three of you (or the same person multiple times up to three) can roll 1d6+1 for a healing spell from Nerrag.

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 193):

OOC - Recover 1 hp, or 1 hp per level?

"Brother Nerrag, please start from the frontliners" the elf said, waking up after the rest and checking his equipment.

"Aye, I could us a touch more of healing," Bernhard says.

Bernhard accepts a Cure Light Wounds spell from Brother Nerrag.

"My thanks," Bernhard says and he readies himself for their return to the monastery.


10:19, Today: Bernhard rolled 7 using 1d6+1.  CLW.

"I'm hurt to, but I don't think it's too bad, I'll let you look it over and decide."

OOC - 10 of 14

Ronan turns to the former slave: "Do you know your way around the temple? Have you been inside?"

"Yes, yes, naturally. Inside the temple, all the way to the pits in the sewers down below where they keep us slaves, Pelor help us poor souls..."

"How do we get there?" Bernhard asks. "Are the leaders of the slavers there as well?"

"There are some stairs nearby that lead down, but the path passes through the caves in which the insectoid servitors of the slavers lair. I'm sure there are other ways, but alas we slaves are brought solely through this one. As for the masters... I've never come face to face with one of them - but judging from what I've heard, they must be down there somewhere too." He clutches his newly gained equipped tightly. "Which incidentally makes me a little unsure about going down there again. I wouldn't like to find out what they do to rebellious slaves."

"We could cut a hood out from the slaver's clother so you won't have to worry about it. Just a wide hole to leave your eyes uncovered" the elf suggested.

"You are not a slave any more, you are free.". He pauses a second and continues "I cant promise much, but I will try to help you get back to where you come from or find somewhere to <DarkBlue>work. Where are you from and what you did before?" Ronan tries to smile "What about working as guide? You will get some money to restart."</DarkBlue>
This message was last edited by the player at 21:04, Sat 20 June 2020.

"Oh, that'll help for now. But when they finally get us, that's not going to make much of a difference."

He is taken aback by the question, but he hides it well. He hesitates for a moment before answering: "I come from the city... Greyhawk. I was but a poor low-life, nothing awaits me back home." He throws all of you a pitiable look. "If you intended to obtain a reward for my rescue, I lament you're out of luck. I can only hope to keep myself alive with what little opportunities Istus puts in my path, whatever those are."

Ronan sighs, he was never good with people: "That wasnt what I was thinking. But I will try to help you back to Greyhawk, if that is what you want. And if you dont want the job, it is your choice." He goes back to his spell seclection.

"A torchbearer is always welcome. Light and fire are good friends in places like this" the elf said to the human slave.

In reply to Ronan (msg # 206):

"As will I. Greyhawk is looking like a better place all the time. Never know what power is behind the slavers."

"If you can serve as our guide we will reward you," Bernhard says to the man, "even if you simply guide us to these stairs you mentioned. If nothing awaits you in Greyhawk, perhaps you can find enough here to make a new life? What is your name?"

"Here? In Highport? I don't think so! A second set of chains is all I can hope for in this wretched hive of scum and villainy. You can call me Bakelion. I would gladly lead you there, if you promise to get me out of this place as soon as you accomplish whatever it is you seek to do here... what would that be, incidentally?"

"Indeed Bakelion, I meant a new life in Greyhawk. We are here to put an end to these slavers. If we can free more of their victims all the better."

Falan looked about to interrupt as Bernhard told their new friend Bakelion of the plan--he thought that if the freed slave knew, he would panic. But he did not react quickly enough, and so watched closely as the slave absorbed the information. "If the gods favor us--and if we keep our heads about us--we will end this scourge."

"Either you are tremendously skilled warriors, or you have vastly underestimated the size of the task! I would try to dissuade you, but if you've come so far, then there's little chance that my cowardliness would turn you away. May Kord give you strength to fulfill your aims. If you've rested sufficiently, then I shall lead you to the aforementioned stairs - though if I may, I would ask of you to clear the way out of the temple for me to escape before you descend. I'm not sure I could brave the tunnels."

He put one hand on Bakelion's shoulder. "You are a good man, and I'm sure my comrades will have no problems with doing this for you. Which way would be best to clear out for your escape?"

"Where do these doors lead?" Bernhard ask Bakelion pointing toward the exterior stable door. "Do you just need to get from the stairs to here?"

"Also, you mentioned something about insectoid servitors. What did you mean by that?"

While the others were talking with the former slave Larhart started walking around the ground, trying to catch any sign of approaching noises to keep the group unsurprised.

"These lead directly outside, but no doubt I'd be quickly spotted by the watchmen standing guard on the gatehouse if I tried to escape this way. Those guards need to go. And of course, there's the possibility of being intercepted on the way from the stairs, too."

"Yes - some sort of insectoid creature helps the slavers underground. I could hardly bear to look at them, especially knowing 'bad' slaves are sometimes fed to those monsters. They are ant-like, larger than a man and as intelligent as one; and of course, much more dangerous! I've heard the slavers refer to them as 'aspis', whatever that is supposed to mean. The aspis make their tunnels underground to expand their hive - somewhere in those tunnels their queen lays her eggs, from which the aspis' young spring, ready to devour man-flesh. I would hardly like to stumble upon such a chamber."

In reply to Bakelion (msg # 217):

"In that case, please guide us to the gatehouse so we can kill those guards and allow your escape. Do all agree?"

"I think we should have him guide us to the stairs first," Bernhard suggests. "That would seem to be the way to our objective."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:02, Tue 23 June 2020.

"I agree with Bernhard. Maybe going with Bakelion will help us in the future, knowing already an escape route" the elf said.

"The stairs are on the way to the gatehouse. Come, I'll lead you there."

He leads you back through the passage up to the first fork. You turn into it, pass a door on your right after 20', and stop after another 20'. To your right, a set of stairs descend into what seems to be an underground tunnel. In front of you there's a door.

"Down those stairs are the aspis' tunnels, which lead to the sewers where the slave pits can be found", whispers Bakelion. "On the other side of this door is one of the two guard posts housing the winches to open the porticullis to the main door. Be ready: it will be guarded, but not heavily, I think."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Wed 24 June 2020.

Angus readies himself just in case. They were at least getting to know the lay of the land and learning of these , . . Aspis'.

He balanced his sword in his hand and nodded to the newly freed man!

Ronan, still sulking about not being able to convince Bakelion to talk, kocks an arrow and readies himself.

Larhart got closer to the door, knocking an arrow on his bow, trying to discern any noise coming from the other side.

OOC
22:25, Today: Larhart rolled 6 using 1d6 ((6)).

Bernhard motions for Bakelion to move back and then waits for the signal to open the door.

You open the door and go in!
The room beyond is cluttered with ropes, wooden blocks and stools. In the main section is a table with a dagger, a candle and a bowl of gruel on it. In the alcove at the back of the room is the winch for raising the outside portcullis. Sitting at the table is a man eating dinner, his sword leaning against the table. Sullenly staring at him from the far wall are three slaves, chained to the wall by neck collars.

The man is raising the spoon to his mouth just as the party rushes through the door. He looks at you, eyes wide in surprise.

19:05, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 1 using 1d6 ((1)). Surprise 1-2

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 226):


13:13, Today: Black Angus rolled 6 using 1d20+2.  to hit. Missed due to cursed die roller!

Bernhard and Black Angus appear to get tangled up in each other as they both try to strike down the guard.

13:49, Today: Bernhard rolled 4,2 using d20+1,d6+1.  Bernhard attacks.

Falan rushes in, arrow notched, and lets loose the arrow at the slaver. If possible, he will use his movement to get closer to the slaver and take the sword from the side of the table to use for the next attack (in this event, Falan stows the bow or drops it as needed).

OOC: "15:13, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 13,5,11,2 using 1d20,1d6,1d20,1d6.  two attacks + prospective damage."

Larhart knocked aimed at the slaver and shot an arrow like Falan did.

OOC
11:23, Today: Larhart rolled 19,1 using d20,d6 with rolls of 19,1.  Arrow attack.

Ronan moves and try to get an angle to shoot the slaver as his companions attacks. In case the man moves toward his dagger he releases his arrow.

01:16, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Fentinbrook, rolled 20,3 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:16, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vandarin, rolled 20,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

The guard is grazed by Larhart's arrow, but Ronan's and Falan's miss him by mere inches. He stumbles to his feet, and ducks under the other's blows as he makes for the exit in the southeastern corner of the room, and then he is struck by one of Fentinbrook's daggers, and an arrow from Vandarin.

01:14, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 2 using 1d6.  Initiative - Monsters.
01:13, Today: Dungeon Master rolled 5 using 1d6.  Initiative - PCs.

01:15, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ronan, rolled 13,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:15, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Larhart, rolled 3,3 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:14, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Bernhard, rolled 2,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:14, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Black Angus, rolled 1,5 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:16, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Fentinbrook, rolled 20,1 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.
01:16, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Vandarin, rolled 19,2 using 1d20,1d6.  Attack.

The man seems to avoid all blows as if by magic, but as he lays his hands on the door, another dagger strikes him in the side of the neck, and he collapses, gurgling blood.

The slaves on the corner are visibly excited at your arrival. One of them, a stocky Baklunish man, points at the corpse. "Quick, get the key and free us!"

"A lot of effort for one man," Bernhard says, out of breath. "Lucky for use there were not more."

Bernhard searches the dead man for the keys and whatever else he can find and then tosses the keys to the slaves.

"We may have alerted the other guards with all that noise. What's on the other side of that door?" Bernhard asks the slaves pointing to the door the guard was attempting to reach.

Larhart moved closer to check on the slaver's body and the table, trying also to understand if he was wearing something allowing him to be that resilient to their attacks.

Falan trains an arrow on the door across the room, in case any other guard attempts to barge in on the party.

Ronan turns to Bakelion and asks: "Do you know them?"

In the pockets of the fighter’s clothes you find the key to release these slaves and a gem worth 1,000 gp. Apart from the chainmail he was wearing, he seems to have been protected by a gold ring on his right head. By your experience with similar artifacts, it appears to be a ring of protection (+1).

One of the slaves hastens to answer: "It's the door to the main courtyard. There often are a few guards there."

Before you toss the keys, Bakelion whispers to you: "I'm not sure it would be a sound idea to free these men. Maybe the other two, but the Baklunish... I recognize him. I've heard that he's a cruel man, a barbarian with no morals. He's as like to help us, as he is to turn on us."

Bernhard shows the others the gem and the ring.

"This one seems to have been important," he says, "to have such fine things. This ring may be of use to one the less well armored. It truly gave us some trouble."

Bernhard refrains from tossing the key to the slaves and considers Bakelion's words.

"They could also cause trouble if we do not release them," he whispers to his companions. "If they start yelling this will be over."

"We have to release them, I think. We will try to keep an eye on him." He turns to the former slavers, remembering Bernhard behaviour, he asks "What are your names?" and offers them some of his rations.

Angus takes the keys and unlocks the slaves. One by one.

"May Moradin bless you all!" he helps Angus unlock the slaves and tends to the weaker more hurt ones.

The large man unlocks his chains and tosses them aside. Instead of reaching for the chains, he grabs the sword resting against the table. "My name is Dhar-Gradvig, and I swear I will avenge myself upon these cursed slavers! To put me in chains, like a dog..." His grip tightens around the weapon.

One of the other two slaves speaks up: "I am Ivarasrann, and this is my brother Immontendenvarak". The latter is busy wolfing down his part of one of the rations. "Thank you, kind sir", he sputters out between bites.

"Will you end the tyranny of these slavers, Dhar-Gradvig, and ensure you will remain forever a free man?" Falan put out one hand to shake Dhar-Gradvig's.

"Revenge must be pursued with your a clear mind" the elf said to the enslaved humans, now free. "If you wanna help us with these slavers, we will happy. Otherwise you are free to go" he added, while trying to gather his thrown arrows from the floor.

"You can start by helping us clear the courtyard," Bernhard suggests. "That will be your way out if you choose. I suggest we keep moving and maintain the initiative."

Ronan agrees with Lahart and Bernhard with a nod, also examines his arrow to see if is still useable and readies his bow for the courtyard.

"Indeed! They will pay for their crimes with their blood!" the stocky man says. The other two seem less eager. "We'll stick close to you until we can make our escape".

Bakelion opens the door just enough so you can see into the courtyard, but not be seen. It is a large open area. For the most part it is bare dirt, but tall, rank weeds grow up in the corners. At the north end is a large gatehouse to the outside. This way is blocked by two heavy porticullises. There is a wooden door on either side of this gate. Opposite the gatehouse is a pair of huge double doors leading to the temple proper. In the courtyard are two tables, one near the gate and the other near the temple doors, and an unusual looking pushcart. Three orcs stand near each table  and  four  humans  or  half-orcs  are  standing  around the pushcart. They are distracted at the moment, playing cards, fighting, napping...
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:45, Mon 06 July 2020.

In a low tone, Ronan speaks: "I can put some to sleep, whoever has ranged weapons readies them, the others charge after I cast?"

"I think we should kill more down here first, but will do as desired by the majority."

"If we can kill them quietly," Bernhard says, "then I think we should do so. These men and whoever else we manage to free need an avenue of escape. Your plan seems sound to me Ronan."

Bernhard readies himself for the charge if the others agree.

Thorik readies his sling.

OOC: What is the range from the doorway to the slavers?

"Put your weapons away and walk up to them nonchalantly and surprise them?"

Larhart held his bow and got ready to shoot.

Vandarin was right behind him, gathering magical energies in case of danger.

OOC:

Both elves trying to listen noises.

"If another of our magic users can cast a sleeping spell over these men along with me, we may be able to put them all to sleep without a noise. Then we cut their throats." He looked to the other members of their group for approval before moving ahead with this plan.

"I can do that" Vandarin said, looking to Falan.

Assuming no one intervenes, Falan looks to Vandarin and speaks. "When you're ready, we move on the count of three. One...two...three."

OOC: If anyone wants to stop me, go ahead! The best plan should win out. Otherwise, Falan rushes out, casts Sleep and moves aside for Vandarin to cast Sleep, if it is still needed. Here's my roll, which looks like it would be needed:

"21:51, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 7 using 2d6+2.  Sleep spell (4-14/2d6+2 enemies put to sleep)."

Ronan sighs as his plan is taken over by another party member. Well, he better fend off for himself.

OOC: I'll be using the 'henchmen' for now.
18:09, Today: Dungeon Master, on behalf of Ronan, rolled 5 using 2d6+2.  Sleep spell (4-14/2d6+2 enemies put to sleep).
Oops, that was a bit simpler than I expected.

The wizards' spells render everyone in the courtyard unconscious without so much as a shout - they are now at your mercy.

A closer inspection of the cart reveals strange device. The front of the vehicle has been fixed with a mantlet, protruding from which is a nozzle with a slow burning torch mounted on a bracket in front of it. Behind the mantlet is a barrel attached to some sort of bellows.

A set of double porticullis block the way due north. A large set of double doors block the way south. There are two other doors: in the north-eastern corner, facing north; and the southern end of the eastern wall, facing east.

Angus starts slitting throats that belong to slavers.

Brother Nerrag whispers a silent prayer to his god, then hits them in the head with his mace and busts their skulls into pieces.

Bernhard joins in dispatching the slavers, showing no remorse. He then studies the courtyard.

"We need to raise the portcullis to get you out of here," he says to the freed slaves. "Are any of you familiar with how to raise it?"

OOC: I'm a little confused of the layout. Where was the door we came from? Does the door in the northeastern corner enter a side of the gatehouse?

Larhart and Vandarin moved closer to check the status of the doors, trying to find any particular details in them.

OOC: Oh, sorry - the door you came from is in the northwestern corner, facing north. I forgot to mention that one.
So the north side of the courtyard has three thirds: in the westernmost one is the door you came through, in the central third there are the porticullis, and in the eastmost third is another door. Yes, each door leads to each side of the gatehouse.

"One of the porticullises is raised by the winch we were forced to work, in the room we've just left", Ivarasrann says. "The winch for the other, I suppose, is on the other side of the gatehouse." He points to the door on the northeastern corner.

There appears to be nothing particularly interesting about most of the doors: they're all alike, stout wooden doors with iron reinforcements; except for the double doors in the south, both considerably taller (about 15') and wider than the others - and they're made of stone, with worn floral engravings. None are locked.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:41, Thu 09 July 2020.

"Should we get the portcullis open and let these me get out of here?" Bernhard asks. "We'll need to secure the northeastern tower first. I can lead the way in."

OOC: Bernhard still has the ring of protection +1 for any lightly armored character that wants it.

OOC - it would take Angus' AC down to 2, but the wizard should probably have it.

Falan took the ring for a brief moment, looking it over, before gesturing back at Bernhard with it.

OOC: I almost feel like suggesting Bernhard take it--a character with a 0 AC is tough to beat. But if everyone else feels so, we should hand it over to a spellcaster.

Bernhard holds up his hand as Falan offers the ring back to him.

"I won't need it," he says. "I'll get the northeastern door. Let's not forget to search these bodies after we clear this area."

Bernhard moves to the northeastern door and opens it.

"Shit, no one wants it, give it here, make me tougher to hit!" Angus says.

Larhart and Vandarin followed Bernhard, both ready with their weapons.

In reply to Larhart (msg # 270):

Angus followed as well.

Brother Nerrag muttered prayers to the All Father as he followed behind the others, Keeping close so as not to get separated.

Seeing the way already crowded with able combatants, Thorik busies himself with searching the dead in the courtyard.

The corpses, save for their armour and weaponry, are mostly devoid of any valuables. Thorik manages to scrounge a paltry 12sp 23cp.

Ronan follows the others into the courtyard and looks over the dead for any signs or information.

You open the door into a small room. A small window looks into the space between the two portcullises, a large winch dominates the center of the room, and two humanoids are sitting on stools facing each other at the other end of the room. One, an obvious half-orc, is holding a sword and pointing it at the other.
"What did you do with Jexal? Don't try anything, I'm not going to fall for your tricks anymore!"

Falan froze, waiting to see what would transpire between the two humanoids. If the one kills the other, all the better for their group!

The man with the weapon looks at you, then his gaze comes back to the other. "He's some sort of monster! He's taken my friend's form, I'm telling you!" He points his weapon menacingly at the suspected monster, apparently completely unaware that you do not belong here at all. "He's gone mad! I don't know what he is talking about!", the other man says, not without a hint of terror in his voice.

OOC: Are the two men dressed as the slavers have been? Do they both have weapons and armor?

Angus steps back to let them fight. One less to kill.

Ronan nocks an arrow at the low carry and readies for combat.

Both Larhart and Vandarin got ready to shoot arrows if attacked.

 Fentinbrook moved behind those with the bows,and spoke  to  the archers, in his husky tone of voice." Why not feather them both? They are Slaver scum after all, or they would not be here."

OOC: Yes, both of them look exactly like the other slavers you've fought. Are you going to attack the two of them?

"We don't have time for this," Bernhard says, and quickly moves to run through the slaver with the sword.

15:44, Today: Bernhard rolled 21,6 using d20+1,d6+1.  attack slaver w sword.

The elves Larhart and Vandarin both shot arrows towards the slavers

06:13, Today: Vandarin rolled 17,3 using d20,d6.  Bow attack.
06:13, Today: Larhart rolled 2,6 using d20,d6.  Bow attack.

Falan also lets loose an arrow.


OOC: First up: "00:33, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 16,3 using 1d20+1,1d6.  attack + prospective damage with bow." And then: "00:34, Today: Falan Oakenheel rolled 13,3 using 1d20+1,1d6.  ditto."

Ronan lets loose an arrow but the arrow tip breaks as he draws back.

07:23, Today: Ronan rolled 1 using 1d20.  Bow attack.

"So much for fun, I was enjoying it!" he says with a grin.

The slaver, who had his attention fixed on the other man, is easily dispatched and perishes without any resistance.

The remaining "slaver" throws his hands up and yelps "Wait, wait, don't hurt me! I'm not a slaver! I'm a spy - from Oxengrad!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:27, Thu 16 July 2020.

"As I said, we don't have time for this. If you are a spy then you won't mind us tying you up before you tell us everything you know. Thorik, would you be so kind? No sudden movements from you."

Bernhard places the point of his sword at the "spy's" throat.

Thorik pulls out his rope and approaches the man.

"Hands behind your back."

 Fentinbrock just watched the prisoner
 But a throwing knife did appear in his right hand.

"Well, it seems to me I have no other option." The man slowly turns around and puts his hands behind his back. "Though I'd recommend you be quick about it if you don't want to get us all killed. A caravan is expected shortly."

In reply to Dungeon Master (msg # 294):

 " Since you wish to take him with us, once he spills, gag him. The last thing we need, is for our new friend to cry out."

"Yes gag him at least, but we should make sure he tells us everything he knows....everything." Ronan says with a gleem in his eyes.  "if he has been down here with the slavers the whole time, he must know quite a bit"

 Fentinbrook would wait until the prisoners  hands where tied. The move forward to frisk thier new buddy.

"Hold on, anyone examining our work would clearly and easily notice that we tied one man up instead of killing him outright. Whether he is a spy or not, this will be a dead giveaway that we haven't treated him the same as the others should anyone capture some part of our companions."

OOC: Hey everyone, just wanted to say thanks for bearing with me here. My frequency has been bad all month I think, but I think I should be able to bring it back to a good clip from here on out.

 " We either do this, or open his throat.I see no other  options."

"Well, prisoner, if there's any way to prove beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are who you say you are, now is probably the time. Otherwise, we tie you up and perhaps doom you by doing so." He gripped the prisoner by the shoulder, looking him deep in the eyes.

"You can start by telling us everything you know about this place. Where are the slaves held and how do we find them? Where are the slaver leaders?"

Bernhard turns to the slaves they've freed so far.

"Why don't you all work on getting the portcullis' up and the gate open? Then you can make your escape."

Ronan keeps watch on the hallway to make sure they don't get surprised.

The slaves get to work, and the old structure groans as the heavy iron porticullis rises into the arch of the gatehouse. After a short while, the way out is clear, and most of the slaves prepare to make their escape. "Thank you - I could hardly ever repay my debt to you", says Bakelion; and the two brothers bow deeply and kiss the ground before your feet in gratitude.
"I shall not go yet", says Dhar-Gradvig. "There is still work to do here."

"I-It's not been that long since I've arrived here", says the prisoner. "I'm still a low-ranked thug. Don't expect too much!"
"The prisoners: they're being held underground in the pits and the cages in the sewers. Lady Alinda is being held there, she can prove I'm who I say I am! As for the leaders, as far as I know, this place is run by a single man going by the name of Herndar; but I don't think he's the end of this. From what I garner, he takes orders from somebody else. Herndar spends his time in his office, close to the slave rooms"
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Sun 19 July 2020.

"It seems this place is run by a vast network. We must be careful about not alerting people.. but it has to be done" the elf said, Larhart nodding at the fellow elf.

Angus kept to himself a bit, not knowing who to trust and who not to.

 Fentinbrook regarded his  companions, and then gave a hard look at the so-called spy. " If I were captured, I would spin a tale, such as he has just done. Perhaps he is what he claims, perhaps not. I would not take chances, and end him. Why take the chance he is an enemy, and shall betray us, at first opportunity.Such is my opinion." Said in a matter of fact tone of voice.

"I'd prefer not to slay him out of hand," Bernhard says. "We can gag him and toss him somewhere. Maybe in that wagon out there. Then we can make our way back to the entrance to these pits."

Falan took Bakelion by the arm, and told him not to stop until he could find safety with a trusted friend. As the other slaves left, he nodded to Dhar-Gradvig, knowing that there was much work awaiting them.

"I would be ill at ease killing him at this moment without definitive evidence either way...and I would rather not kill a potential ally. If we can vindicate his testimony, I believe he can be helpful. When we move underground, what can we expect?"

Falan knew what Bakelion had told them, and he wanted to test to see if the prisoner would leave anything out which he should know of.

 Fentinbrook shrugged, when he seemed to be overuled." As you wish. I but hope you do not regret  this act of misguided  mercy, in the near future."

Brother Nerrag was glad they decided not to kill outright, it gave him a good chance to evaluate the man's 'soul'.

"I think there are enough eyes to be kept on him. A simple gag could be enough" Larhart said.

"So be it then.  I agree with Fentinbrook-I 'hope' that we don't regret this."

"Alas, I doubt there will be trusted friends or safety waiting out there for me. But I must depart - may the gods protect me!", and with these melodramatic words, Bakelion departs from sight.

"For what it's worth, I too support not cutting the throat of a defenseless, innocent man!"
"Okay, so, there's several ways to get underground. You're going to want to take the tunnel beneath the statues in the temple. Remember! The trapdoor is trapped - there's a catch in the left foot of the statue to disable the trap. To get to the statues, you must go through the double doors in the courtyard. Listen, make sure to take this route. If you tried to go under through any of the other ways, you'd find trouble real quick. When you go down into the caves beneath, make sure you take the first opening to the left - don't go straight forward: the ant-things will smell you out and make short work of you. Yes, ant-things. I don't know what in the hells they are, and I don't care to find out. Well, you turn left and then you'll have to go through this pit. Just make sure not to fall into it - and by the love of all that's holy, don't touch anything! Then, follow the sewer tunnel until you come to an intersection. You should take the tunnel to the right. I have never been further than this - the innermost chambers are not open to the likes of me. I've merely brought slaves to the tunnels."

 Fentinbrook  headed over to intercept the departing Bakelion. He pressed a finger to his lips, then pressed a small pouch and a dagger hilt first, into the former slaves hands. And in a whisper." It is not much, but it is something. From one son of the city to another. Fare you well, citizen." With a faint smile, Fentinbrook returned to the others.

 * 50 pieces of gold in the pouch*
This message was last edited by the player at 02:58, Thu 23 July 2020.

OOC = Well done Fentinbrook, more money than he can make in a year!

After hearing the answer to his questioning, Falan paused for a moment.

"I agree with Larhart. What say you become our guide for now, show us to this path you've been discussing?"

"Well, we appear to have a path," Bernhard says. "Let's get to it before any guards come out to relieve the lot we just killed."

As they turn around, Falan gives a quick and private prayer to Sehanine Moonbow, in hopes it might aid Bakelion in his escape.

Taking up his position in the party Ronan readies himself for the next encounter.

Angus and Nerrag fall into line to follow the indicated path.

Bakelion thanks Fentinbrook profusely, uncomfortably so. After a hug that drags on for a bit too long, he manages to stammer out in his excitement: "T-thanks! I will n-n-n-ever forget you! I wish you the be-be-best of luck, sir!"


"Let's get on with it, then."

OOC: Are you keeping him bound?

Your prisoner walks you back outside and then through the double doors in the southern edge of the courtyard. Beyond the doors is a corridor stretching forward for about a hundred feet, leading up to another set of double doors. Every  10’ there are statues in niches on both sides. These statues are life-like carvings of orcs and gargoyles, set on 5’ high pedestals. They are in a series of orc-gargoyle, orc-gargoyle. Each orc carries a different weapon in an attack position, while the gargoyles are crouched, ready to spring at an unknown foe. All the statues are clean and look relatively new.

"Alright, see the statues? When you reach the 5th pair, touch one of them as you walk by. Doesn't matter which side you touch, but don't let go until you are past them."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:23, Fri 24 July 2020.

"Certainly, one of our warriors should move ahead in just that way, but take him by the arm and make him walk with you--if this is a trap, he might think twice before letting the trap spring on him as well."

"Don't worry, I'll do it first, so you don't have to fear anything."
He does as he said, and safely passes the statues. "See? Easy."
"Now, in the room beyond there's going to be a few guards. They're not that many, half a dozen tops maybe, but since this is a rather important place they're not going to be pushovers either. And the woman... I don't know, she scares me. Do you intend to just go and slaughter them, or are we trying to do this stealthily?"

Bernhard and Thorik follow their guides lead, touching a statue and not letting go until there were past.

"Stealth would be preferable," Bernhard says. "Fights are noisy and liable to bring more guards. Is there a way to sneak by them or can you bluff us through?"

"Stealth may be the best option, but I would hate to get into a fight later on and have a group of slavers behind us."

"As long as we remain committed to a stealthy approach we should be able to avoid any such...multiplications of our enemies. Do you all agree?"

"The fewer enemies we leave behind us, the better. I'm not much of a warrior though, so my opinion is just that. My opinion, don't worry about it."

 " Stealth as much as possible, but at some point, steel.must settle the issue. Between many of us, we can overwhelm the enemies near to hand, with magic..that shall remove a threat to our rear, as we advance. I have a sleep spell. As someof you do."

 Fentinbrook seemed to hesitate a moment, but then continued." If we do render the near at hand enemies, unconscious, with magic, what is to be done with them? I do not relish the slaying of the helpless, but that is the best way to secure our rear."

"You're the ones calling the shots here, so naturally what you say goes. But if subterfuge is the way to proceed you'd better make up some excuses for the guards inside - as I told you, only a select few get to go freely into the lower level. I've only gone there escorting slaves, I'm ignorant what else will grant us passage."
"I should remind you, by the way, of the incoming slave caravan. If they arrive before we're out of this place, they'll see the open porticullis, the carnage in the courtyard and that no guards are in their posts, so they'll know something is up."

"Why don't we see if we can put the guards up ahead to sleep then?" Bernhard suggests. "I'd have no problem putting them down once they are unconscious. These at least I know are slavers and speed seems to be of the essense."

"I can put them down to sleep, if that's the plan" Vandarin said, the elf Warlock talking to Bernhard.

In reply to Vandarin (msg # 331):

 "Agreed. If one sleep is not enough, two should be more then needed."

"If we want to fool the guards, we might instead take in some of our own number as slaves. If that plot fails, I would judge that you may put them to sleep, Vandarin. Do all agree?"

Beyond the double doors is a large open room, lit by braziers and candles. The scent of incense is faintly noticeable. Across the room opposite the door is a dais and an altar.
This consists of a semicircular 3-step raised platform projecting out from the wall. On the dais rests a gigantic statue. This statue is of a one-eyed orc-like humanoid standing with legs spread, holding a sword in both hands above his head. Behind the statue is a door.
In front of the statue, standing on the main floor, are 6 half-orcs dressed in plate mail and carrying halberds. Behind them, sitting on a velvet cushion on the floor, is a woman wearing plate mail and carrying a mace on her belt. To the right of the double doors is a poorbox mounted on the wall. To the left and in the corner is a font with 10 slaves chained hand and foot beside it.

The guards stand at attention as you come in, and the woman rises slowly from her place. She speaks with a commanding, sinister voice: "Halt! What is your purpose here? I know ye not. Who comes to serve Gruumsh?"


This message was last edited by the GM at 19:54, Thu 03 Sept 2020.

Angus stops in his place, looking in awe at the Orc god and his priest. The guards were a worry too. Nothing trivial in here he thought to himself, not knowing how to answer. He stood in front of Nerrag to shield him from view.

Falan had volunteered himself as a "slave" for his plan, having a simple thong tied around his hands with a catch in case things went disastrously bad for them. He tried to play the part by looking balefully at the floor in a defeated manner.

"We've brought new slaves to the pits," Bernhard says, "and to offer our services."

Thorik stands looking miserable, his head down. He keeps his eyes up, however, eyeing their foes and waiting to make his move.

 Fentinbrrk was in the rear, doing his best to skulk in the shadows.

"What? The caravan has already arrived and Mannifos has not informed me?" Her hand goes to the mace on her belt and her grip tightens upon the upturned handle, but she does not draw it. She sighs and steps closer to the 'slaves', eyeing them like one who seeks to purchase a horse. "It appears that this batch will make up in strength what it lacks in numbers. And what about you? You do not appear to carry His touch. Have you been initiated to the Faith, are you aspirants, or merely... mercenaries?". She says the last word with disdain.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:35, Mon 03 Aug 2020.

"We are on the path, but not yet worthy of His touch," Bernhard replies. "Yet we aspire to it."

Bernhard keeps his hand lightly on the hilt of his sword, ready to draw and strike when the time was right.

OOC: I think we'd have set up a verbal signal for when to attack. How about "vermillion"? :)