After a meal and a nightcap, you all agree to meet outside The Snapping Line in the morning to head to the old mansion on the cliffs.

You've gotten an early start, so there are not a lot of people on the street, but a handful catch sight of the group gathering up outside the tavern. As you start off, they look to tag along.

The weather was much more pleasant yesterday, but at least it is not raining. The road to the house winds through the rocky coastal terrain, often offering a view of the sea below. low clouds press upon you; occasional patches of sunlight appear out over the water. A stiff wind blows in off the waves, carrying the briny stink of churning salt water.

A local child of ten or so, who looks familiar to Sylvy, steps up closer to the halfling after a few minutes. "Gee, miss, are you folks really going to the haunted mansion?" A couple others make similar inquiries to the group.

After a couple of miles of walking along the old road, most of the townspeople have faded back toward Saltmarsh. The child and a sibling linger a little longer, until the group finally spots a large structure in the distance.

The child gulps audibly. "Well, um, time for us to get back home," he says, scurrying off the way you came.

You draw closer and see that a beaten roadway leads off the main path to the decrepit house, which sits on the highest ground in the area. Around it, a stone wall has crumbled in many places, exposing the interior grounds. An ornate metal gate lies open al the end of the road, swaying slightly in the wind. Wild flora grows throughout the inner yard, but all the years cannot hide the evidence of a well-tended garden that once sat here. Near the house, the rotted wooden roof of a water well rises out of the tall grass.

Sereyna was up just before dawn, as was her habit, to greet the sun. This was her ritual, sitting crossed legged and watching the darkness give was from the violet, to Orange, to the stark rays of yellow.

She was the first outside the inn, having paid her tab so far. The half elf wore her well worn grey leather boots, but today was armoured in a light grey studded leather armor, the studs looking like small pieces of stone or coral. At her hips were her etched dagger and a well worn scimitar. Her bag was a simple sachel worn over her shoulder, carrying rations for a day or two and some nessessaties

Sereyna greeted all as they arrived and when they left, she walked by Preston, a step or two behind Sylvy. When the children came, the woman ushered each up, and tapping into her magical talent to create little flowers for each.

As the house loomed into sight, Sereyna loomed at it with a neutral look. The house was not small, and was once bound yo be a magnificent place, but now it was in ill repair.

She looked at the place, hands on hips. "Not as bad as i was expecting..."

As the group stumps along making their way towards the old house, he sees Sereyna entertaining the children, and with a smile joins in, creating a few illusions of fairies and bright flowers along the roadway. Brightening the children's day and maybe bringing a little wonder, it seems to lighten his own spirit, at least for a bit.
As the house came into view, the joy seemed to seep away though.
Looking over to Sereyna when she spoke up he replied. "True, a bit dingy and weather worn but not horrifying. Course it's often the critters that look harmless that turn out poisonous."

Thaylan walked a bit ahead of the group. He was more used to working on his own, so wasn't as well versed in the social graces of working with a group. As they drew near the house, his pace slowed as he scanned the ground and the area around. He took note of anything that indicated someone had been up to the house recently.



00:50, Today: Thaylan rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Investigation.

00:50, Today: Thaylan rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  perception.

Preston walked along quietly, watching the others weave their magic to occupy the children as they went. He only had a bit of a headache this morning, vowing to try a better brew the next time he was at The Snapping Line. When Thaylin walked ahead, Preston thought about catching up to him, but when they reached the house, he noticed that he was examining the area and stayed back, out of the way. Which suited him fine anyway... he was sure that he was going to have to put something to the sword before too long, and if Thaylin could give him a clue as to what it might be, so much the better.

Though Sylvy liked to hang out at the Snapping Line, she wouldn't pay for a room with good coin when a free bed awaited her. Thus, she slept in the room she had growing up. The place wouldn't be hers to use for much longer, but it was for now. Sooner or later, someone in the village would put the place to use.

Years of long habit had her up well before the sun. Her profession did its best work in the steel gray hours before dawn. Enough light for the skilled to navigate by, start still providing guidance, but the cloak of darkness to hide them. She spent a bit of time going over her gear with a rag and oil before kitting herself out for messy business and making her way to the tavern.

She nodded to Sereyna when she arrived and noted the other woman's kit. She smirked as she slid in beside her wearing leathers darkened with oil. She, too, sported a dagger sheathed on her right hip to counter-weight the quiver of bolts on the left. A hand crossbow was holstered in the small of her back. Hey long hair was tied back tightly and a braided cord circled her head.

As they walked, she smiled at the children and nodded. She knew their life; it had been hers. Any type of strange goings on in town drew attention. There was little else to distract. She smiled but was focused while her new companions entertained them.

Once the old house was in sight, she was focused like a raptor on its prey. She ran her eyes over the place carefully and even eyes the ancient garden. "Aye, looks harmless. So do I. Most days."

The half elf who was growing to like the halfling Syvly, smiled at her comment. "Things may look harmless but suprise you. At my home, there is a snail that lives by the sea with an unusual shell. very pretty, but it's secretions are poisonous. The simple foamy slime paralyses people, and many a person has drowned by their 'beauty'. Looks are deceiving, and looking at you, I can tell there is more that appears."

Thaylan pauses to take a closer look at the grounds outside the house. The crumbling wall makes it easy to see into the garden, where a few broken gardening tools and tangled weeds are all that remain of what might have been a nice, productive vegetable garden. A massive rosebush near the front gate has overgrown the wall and choked out most other plants. Thaylan notes some mounded up dirt around the base of the rosebush, likely the result of some sort of burrowing creature.

Looking toward the well, even from a distance he can see a cluster of the remains of several small animals, possibly mice, chipmunks, or something like that, in a small pile in the grass.

He sees no other particular signs of recent activity on the grounds. The air here closer to the cliffside is chillier and damper than on the main road. Gray clouds cover the sky in all directions.

Sereyna looks at teh clouds looming in the sky, sniffing. "Seems as if nature itself casts a shadow over this place." She looks at tyhe others and shrugs. "Lets just go in and see what's in there"

"Ready when you folks are." Preston readies his shield and sword. He looks over at Thaylan, and asks, "Want me to take the lead?"

Sylvy drew her crossbow and the prod of her crossbow sprang into place. She drew the cord back into the hook and set a bolt into place. With the crossbow in one hand, she drew a dagger into the other and then followed at a reasonable distance behind the larger folk.

Sereyna see's the others draw their weapons, and she shrugs, drawing her slender scimitar, stepping up beside Sylvy. "After you preston."

Seeing the others are ready to move forward, Thaylan takes the lead again. "Thanks, but best let me look for traps and suck. Just keep an eye on my back" He says in reply to Preston. He examines the door for any alarms or traps before opening it. Once open he inspects the entrance for anything out of the ordinary and gives a strong listen for any sounds in the house.




13:21, Today: Thaylan rolled 22 using 1d20+7.  perception. (Sounds in the house)

13:21, Today: Thaylan rolled 14 using 1d20+7.  perception. (The room the door open into)

13:21, Today: Thaylan rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  Investigation. (The Entrance just past the door)

13:21, Today: Thaylan rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Investigation. (the front door)

This message was last edited by the player at 18:26, Fri 11 Dec 2020.

Thaylan takes point in approaching the house, leading the group along the path that passes through the broken gate on its way to the front door.

Just as Thaylan gets past the gate and the massive, tangled rose bush, he hears a loud scrabbling sound accompanied by the gnashing of teeth. Four massive weasels burst from the bush and the ground beneath it. They are clearly aggressive and on the attack.

Everyone roll initiative!

Rough idea of where you all are:

     Thaylan
        |
  Weasel Weasel
  Weasel Weasel
        |
     Preston
     Kerrek
  Sylvy - Sereyna

Preston half-expected something to come out of that bush, and is on his guard.

21:11, Today: Preston Severn rolled 18 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.


00:55, Today: Preston Severn rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  attack weasel.

00:58, Today: Preston Severn rolled 4 using 1d8+3.  sword damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:59, Mon 14 Dec 2020.

Sereyna heard the sound before seeing the animals, perhaps her natural instincts linked to nature, or pure chance, but she saw them come out, had her scimitar in hand ready.

She held out her empty hand, muttering in the elvish language as fire erupted from her palm. She threw the fire like a pile of cloth at the nearest, hitting it, but the damp soil and fur did little damage.

<OOC: Sereyna rolled 19 using 1d20+2.  Iniative.

Action: casts produce flame

Sereyna rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  Attack - Produce flame
Sereyna rolled 3 using 1d8.  Damage  - produce flame.>
This message was last edited by the player at 05:37, Sat 12 Dec 2020.

Thaylan curses under his breath as the animals jump out. How did I miss that? He thinks to his self. He turns pulling the rapier he has. Well this isn't good He thinks as he sees that he is cut off from the group. With out hesitation he stabs at the weasels  on his right.




With Advantage:
Hit AC 14 for total damage of 13

Without Advantage:
Hit AC 12 for total damage of 8


09:00, Today: Thaylan rolled 5 using 1d6.  sneak attack damage.

09:00, Today: Thaylan rolled 8 using 1d8+3.  damage.

09:00, Today: Thaylan rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  advantage.

09:00, Today: Thaylan rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack.

Thaylan:
AC: 14
HP: 8/8

EDIT: forgot to roll this

04:13, Today: Thaylan rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.


This message was last edited by the player at 09:14, Sun 13 Dec 2020.

Sylvy raises an eyebrow at the weasels as they burst from the ground. She hadn't sensed them in any way, but a good smuggler reacted well to surprises. That's how you made it past spot inspections and suddenly wary guards. She snapped her crossbow to one of the critters toward the back of the pack and released the bolt. She cursed as either the dexterity of the creature of the wet air caused the bolt to flop out of her crossbow like a too drunk sailor. She spat a rather colorful word into the morning air and stepped to the side a bit for a clear view for her next shot even as she pulled the string of her crossbow with practiced ease.

---

Move: Step to the side for clear line of sight.
Bonus: n/a
Action: ranged attack

Sylvy rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  initiative.

Sylvy rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  to hit. Nat 1 miss! yay!

As the beasts leap from cover and streak towards the group, Kenrrik responds quickly indeed! Shoving a free hand towards the beasts he speaks a word that echos across the air like jabe bells cracking as they eing, and a flask of of green and purple swirled energy streaks at the closest of the weasles!

OOC:
17:32, Today: Kerrek rolled 7 using 1d20+5.  Spell Attack - Eldritch Blast.

17:31, Today: Kerrek rolled 18 using 1d20+2.  initiative.

The weasels burst out from the tangled bush and the ground, but several of the party members react quickly.

Sereyna summons druidic fire and hurls it into the closest weasel. The flame scorches the creature's sleek, dirty fur and it lets out a snarl but keeps moving.

A blast of dark power from Kerrik follows, but the beast's speed make it a slippery target, and the attack only hits dead weeds.

Preston is also quick to pick up the attack. He slashes at the singed weasel and draws blood. The creature is bloody and burned, but it's still alive.

Perhaps it is the sight of flame or the smell of the blood of one of their own, but the weasels seem confused and addled by the unexpected resistance. Two bite weakly at Thaylan, but the group's point man proves agile, dodging their gnashing teeth. The other two snap at Preston, but he easily wards off their blows with his sword and shield.

Thaylan stabs his blade at the weasel on his right, but can't quite connect.

Sylvy shifts to get a better shot, but her bolt also sails into the tangled weeds covering the ground.

Initiative Order
Sereyna
Kerrek
Preston
Weasels
Thaylan
Sylvy

The weasels rolled pathetically, so no damage to anyone on this round
W4 is the injured weasel

       Thaylan
          |
        W1 W2
        W3 W4
          |
       Preston
       Kerrek
Sylvy     - Sereyna

Thaylan takes another swipe at the weasel on his right. He wasn't a fan of being in close combat and he hesitated a bit at fully engaging the creatures.



14:57, Today: Thaylan rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  damage.

14:56, Today: Thaylan rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  attack.

EDIT: Due to Faerie Fire

04:35, Today: Thaylan rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  attack. (advantage)

04:36, Today: Thaylan rolled 5 using 1d6.  sneak attack damage.

Hit AC: 18 for total of 12 damage.

Much better :)


This message was last edited by the player at 09:37, Thu 17 Dec 2020.

Sereyna reverses her scimitar so the blade is pointing down, and narrows her eyes in concentration as she speaks in elven, holding out her hand. Within seconds, items are lined in green fire.

<OOC: Sereyna casts Faerie Fire

Dex 12 save or be lined in green flame. all creatures lined in flame can be attacked with advantage>

Preston stabs at the same weasel he hit a moment ago, if possible.

21:14, Today: Preston Severn rolled 6 using 1d8+3.  sword damage.

21:14, Today: Preston Severn rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  sword attack.

Clicking her tongue audibly in annoyance, Sylvy dropped to a knee and let a low, slow breath out between her teeth as she lined up her next shot. It was no harder than shooting a fish out of the air mid-jump. She pulled the trigger and watched the arrow zip through the air toward the lined target. She smirked as the bolt seemed on target this time, but her fingers were already reaching for the next piece of ammo. She winked happily at Sereyna.

---

Move: n/a
Bonus: n/a
Action: Fire crossbow targeting one that failed its save if possible.

18:01, Today: Sylvy rolled 4 using 1d6+3.  damage.
18:01, Today: Sylvy rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  ADV.
18:00, Today: Sylvy rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  attack.

Sereyna unleashes another spell, and three of the weasels suddenly glow with emerald fire, their every movement easier to follow.

All of the weasels except W3 above failed their save. Attacks on W1,2, and 4 have advantage. I will resolve the rest of it when everyone has made their posts. These are some unlucky weasels!

Visibly annoyed and cursing.....wel, like a salor....Kerrik summons forth another blast of purple and green energy and hurls it at one of the glowing beasts! "Ha! Dodge all ya want ya filthy animal, down ya go!"

OOC:


19:56, Today: Kerrek rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  advantage attack roll for eldritch blast.

19:56, Today: Kerrek rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  eldritch blast on glowy giant tube rat! .

19:58, Today: Kerrek rolled 4 using 1d10.  corrected damage for blast.

This time, Kerrek's eldritch blast hits the mark, striking the already-injured weasel. It collapses to the ground. W4 is dead

Seeing that creature fall, Preston steps up to attack one of the weasel's closer to Thaylan. His blade connects again, opening a bleeding wound in the weasel. Preston hits W1

Driven into a frenzy at the scent of its own blood, the weasel viciously attacks Thaylan, sinking its teeth into him and piercing his leathers. Thaylan takes 7 damage on a crit from W1!

Now smelling Thaylan's blood, the other weasel bites at the rogue, but he nimbly twists out of the way despite the painful bite he just took. W2 misses v Thaylan

The third surviving weasel suddenly locks its eyes on Sylvy--much smaller prey! It bolts toward her. Preston is able to get in a quick stab at the beast, and once again his blade finds weasel flesh, but the beast keeps moving. It snarls and snaps at the wee halfling, but she nimbly dodges.W3 moves to attack Sylvy, Preston hits it with Opportunity Attack

Thaylan may be hit, but he has plenty of fight left. His blade flashes out quickly, slashing the weasel's neck. It falls. W1 is down

Sylvy fixes her stance and fires a crossbow bolt into her attacker at pointblank range. It lets out a whine but appears ready to keep fighting!I used your two advantage rolls as two rolls with disadvantage for ranged attack while in melee - still a hit!

Here's updated rough positions. W2 is glowing and attacks on it still have advantage; it is uninjured. W3 is not glowing but is injured.


        Thaylan
          W2
        Preston
          |
          |
W3      Kerrek
Sylvy     Sereyna

Sereyna stepped towards the weasel attacking Sylvy, her scimitar in hand. With a determined look on her face, she swung at the attacking weasel.

...and missed.

<OOC: attacks weasel 3 with scimitar

Sereyna rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  attack - scimitar(with advnatage).
Sereyna rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  attack - scimitar.

Damn....even with advantage I roll a natural 1 and 2!>

Preston again stabs out at the weasel, trying to draw its attention from Thaylan. "Die, already," he mutters under his breath.

15:21, Today: Preston Severn rolled 22 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  Attack w/Adv. weasel 2.

15:22, Today: Preston Severn rolled 7 using 1d8+3.  damage to weasel 2.

Sylvy grunted a curse that's make sailors blush as the weasel charged her. She snapped the shot off just in time to twist to the side as the thing tried taking a piece of her back. Annoyed beyond belief, Sylvy quickly dropped the crossbow and a curved dagger appeared in her small hand. "Oh no, beastie, you'll not have a bit of me this day." She nimbly struck at the thing with her blade and clicked her tongue as it seemed to repeat her own feat of dexterity. She reversed her grip on the dagger and motioned the thing to come at her with its best effort. There was a wild gleam in her eye like this wasn't her first or even hundredth knife fight.

---

Move: none
Bonus: drop crossbow?
Object Interaction: draw dagger
Action: Attack and, I presume, miss.

21:10, Today: Sylvy rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  damage.
21:10, Today: Sylvy rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  attack.

Having dispatched the one, Thaylan disengages his self from the animal and moves around to put others between him and the animal. The wound he received is bleeding heavily and his skin already looks pale from the shock of it.



Action: Disengage
Movement: Move right of Kerrek

OUCH! that really hurt. I'm not built for front line work. Do we have a healer?

Moving forward to get a clear shot on the weasel facing a visibly wounded Thaylen, once again a burst of eldritch energy flies towards the creature! "We almost got the! Stay sharp!"

OOC:09:11, Today: Kerrek rolled 1 using 1d10.  eldritch blast damage.

09:10, Today: Kerrek rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Attack roll for eldritch blast on W2 weasel.

Sereyna quickly rushes to help Sylvy, but her blade misses the writhing beast.

Kerrek sends a bolt of arcane energy into the weasel between Preston and Thaylan. The creature proves a little slippery, and the blast only barely grazes it.

But that provides a good opening for Preston, who slashes the weasel with his sword, opening a major wound. It appears to be on its last legs.

The weasel stuck between Thaylan and Preston looks from side to side, seemingly panic-stricken, snapping its jawas at nothing but air (W2 misses)

The other remaining weasel lashes out at Sylvy again, but the nimble halfling easily dodges its snarling mouth. (w4 misses)

Thaylan carefully steps away from the weasel and its nasty, snarling face, moving back toward the others.

Sylvy stabs at her attacker but also misses.

The two remaining weasels are battered and bleeding, clearly near their end. Both suddenly scramble for the base of the big rose bush in an attempt to escape. Apparently they are used to easier pickings.

Both weasels are retreating. Preston can get an opportunity attack on W2, and Sylvy and Sereyna can get OAs on W3. Or you can just let them go into their burrow. Up to you.

Only Thaylan took damage in this encounter, but it was pretty serious.

Preston will take the OA on the weasel, thanks.

<Sereyna will take the OA


Sereyna rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  OA - Scimitar
Sereyna rolled 5 using 1d6+2.  Damage - scimitar.(If hits)>

Feeling no remorse for the things which had tried to bite off more than they could chew, Sylvy darted in to stick her dagger in the things side as it fled. It would have done the same to her. Besides, best not having large aggressive weasels near a village with curious, explorative chilredn.


22:53, Today: Sylvy rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  damage.
22:52, Today: Sylvy rolled 21 using 2d20+5, dropping the lowest dice only.  AOO.

As the weasels attempt to flee back underground, they find no mercy from their intended victims. Preston and Sylvy cut the last two of the animals down before they can escape. The last weasel lets out a quiet whimper as it dies, and now all that can be heard is the wind and the sound of the sea crashing into the cliffsides far below.

OK, combat is over.

"Is everyone all right? Who has taken damage?"

As he is asking about the welfare of the others, Kerrik is making a slow turn taking in the surroundings making sure nothing else is approaching.

"Does anyone have skill at treating wounds, or healing?"

Once the weasels have been dealt with, Thaylan puts his sword away and sits down. His face pale and a sheen of sweat over it. The wound he received still bleeding. "Sorry. I noticed the den but didn't think much of it. I'll take more care next time. Also I could use some medical aid if anyone is able. That one that bit me did a good number on me."

The half elf took a breath as she calmed her mind and body, the appearance of the enraged animals. She sheathed her sword and looned at the rest. "I have some minor healing, but can only use it once today...and I use it and I'll be unable to cast anything more than minor magic"

She steps over to Thaylan, taking out some dried leaves and a drop of oil. Crushing them in her palm, she places it over the wound, chanting in the musical elven language,  allowing the warmth of her hands to flow into tbe man, healing him.


<OOC: Sereyna will use healing word on Thaylan

Sereyna rolled 6 using 1d4+2 (Healing word)

Thaylan heals 6 HP>


This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Fri 25 Dec 2020.

Thaylan gives Sereyna a smile as the colour returns to his face and the wound closes up. "Were that all healers were sp pretty." Thaylan says as he stands up. "Thank you. I'll try not to waste the healing." Turning back to the group. <purple"I think we should consider staying in pairs. If Preston doesn't mind I would like him to take point with me. I'll still need to check for anything of note as well as any traps that could be set for unwanted guests."</purple>

Sylvy looked around slowly and then nodded before wiping the blood off her dagger onto the beast's pelt, "Assumes the beasties here didn't scare anyone off. Eh?" She looked around at the others and then nodded. "Pairs seems a somewhat excellent idea. I'll still close to Sereyna here then as we both have a liking for the back of the group." Sylvy chuckled then eyed the Mansion. At least she had a nice story about aggressive giant weasels to entertain the lads at the bar. Ought to raise a few eyebrows.

"I will be happy to take point with you." The fighter also cleans his weapon and asks the others, "Anyone know how to tan these furs? Could be worth a few coins."

Sereyna looked at Thaylan and smiled at him with a wink. "Flaherty will get you everywhere." she looks at the others. "Be that as it may, my healing skills are used up until I can rest for a bit, so try not to make it a habit of trying to kill yourselves."

She looks at Sylvy with a nod, happy the halfling had her back. "Lets let the boys play....we can stick back."

Now that the group is a little closer to the front of the house--and not under attack--you can see the building a little more clearly.

It's a big, two-story structure--over a hundred feet long on the front side, which is what you're facing. A single door sits at the center, and there are five windows more or less evenly spaced along the front of the building, to either side of the door. Ten windows laid out more or less the same can be seen on the second floor as well.

OOC: I have Thaylan down 1 HP, everyone else at full HP. Let me know what you'd like to do next.

<OOC: I used healing word on Thaylan and healed him 6hp, so is at 7hp now

I used my second and last spell slot healing him.>
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

In reply to Sereyna (msg # 46):

Oops. For some reason I thought he had 9 HP rather than 8. My bad. He is at 8/8. Thank you!
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:23, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

"So, try the door or check the windows and see if we can see anything? Or walk around back? Not sure any idea is better than the others, I sort of favot the door but I can be talked out of it."

OOC: Above was my intention before the ambush. I'd still like to follow along with it. If you want me to do new rolls or anything please let me know. Otherwise I think whats there should work.

Also thanks for clearing up the HP . I must have mis counted when I updated it.

Sylvy retrieves her crossbow and whatever bolts she can from the weasels and terrain then steps in close to Sereyna while watching the scouts approach the creepy, large old house.

Sylvy recovers half the bolts she fired.

Thaylan approaches the door, with Preston close behind. A check shows nothing of concern, so Thaylan gently tries the door. It isn't locked and easily pushes it open.

The front door opens onto a large, musty, dirty entrance hall that is about 25 feet by 35 feet. The windows may be grimy, but they allow enough light to pass so that you can see the entire room. The interior looks generally dilapidated and damp, with much of the woodwork gone rotten. Cobwebs and dust are thick, and the rubbish of years is scattered about. Plaster fallen from the walls and ceilings lies strewn across the floor, along with the remains of vandalized furniture. The walls are bare.

To the left, a a corridor leads into the west wing of the house. Ahead of you, another corridor leads toward the rear of the house.

A staircase on the eastern wall climbs to the next story, reaching it at a balcony that overlooks the entrance hall along its north and west sides; the stairs appear safe to climb, though the balcony rail is broken in several places. Under the stairs at the north end of the hall, a third corridor leads east.

Thaylan peers about the room from the doorway and notices what look like two separate sets of tracks in the dust. One set leads from the front door, through the room and into the corridor leading toward the rear of the house. The second set of tracks leads from the foot of the stairs across the room and into the passageway to the west.

"Two sets of tracks. Each going separate ways." Thaylan whispers to Preston as he points them out. He looks to see where they came from as well as takes a closer look to see how old hey may be.



18:50, Today: Thaylan rolled 22 using 1d20+6.  Investigation. (age of prints)


18:53, Today: Thaylan rolled 13 using 1d20+7.  perception. (check where the prints came from)

Sereyna, standing behind Thaylan and Preston and beside Sylvy, listened to the mans softly spoken comments. "Just be careful...you get stabbed, bitten or anything and I can't heal you until i rest a bit." The half elf had a look of concern on her face.

Sylvy eyed the tracks for the space of a few minutes then kicked the dust on the floor. "Aye, two sets but nothing saying one person what made them. Care should be taken. Aye. much care..." She was just adjusting her crossbow with another bolt loaded and scanning the room as she spoke. There was surely something worse than rabid weasels in this house to explain what had happened to the unfortunate soul caught in the nets. whether that was bad men, monsters, or something more spooky remained to be discovered.

"Can we tell how old the tracks are? if not we might as well go in and see what we can find. Cautiously, but we need to find out what is going on here."
Looking around with one more glace at the animals dead in the yard he shivered.
"Definitely cautious, but we won't learn anything out here."

Upon further inspection, both sets of tracks have very little dust in them (as opposed to the rest of the floor), so you surmise that they are pretty recent--definitely within the last few days. It's not possible to tell anything specific, such as whether they are from different people, other than that they are humanoid and roughly human-sized. The tracks going toward the back started right at the front door (where you entered). The tracks going west start at the bottom of the stairs, and you can see faint remnants of tracks on the stairs as well.

OOC: Let me know if you want to follow tracks or otherwise head in any particular direction.

After looking the tracks over Thaylan stands up. "The tracks are a few days old. Both from humanoids. The ones heading to the back came in the front entrance. The ones at the stairs I can't make out where they came from but it looks like the stairs are used enough to leave faint impressions. I would suggest we start up stairs and work our way down. Perhaps we could secure a bedroom upstairs for a short rest as well if one is needed." Thayln allows time for the group to decide what they would like to do.

Thaylan takes the lead as the group heads upstairs. The steps creak ominously as Thaylan first tests them, but they appear to be solid. He arrives at the top of the stairs to see corridors running in both directions, with doors on the south side and windows on the north. At the northwest corner of the balcony another corridor runs north toward the back of the house. The hall at the top of the stairs is part of the balcony that runs over the entry area below on its north and west sides.

The floor creaks a little and you can hear the wind moving outside - it seems to have picked up speed.



So plenty of doors to choose from. Let's say that left to right the doors (on the south wall) are Doors 1 through 5. There is also the corridor going off to the north/back.

If it helps with visualizing the place, the overall shape of the house is like an upside down T. Sort of like this (Not to scale, just a general sense):

                            ____________
                            |          |
                            |          |
                            |          |
                            |          |
             _______________|          |_______________
            |                                          |
            |                                          |
            |                                          |
            |                                          |
            |__________________________________________|

Sereyna followed after Theylan, each step measured and slow. She looked up the corridor left and right. She looked at the others and shrugged. "Look at each door one at a time?" she offered.

At the top of the stairs, Sylvy's practiced eyes scan up and down the corridor. A chill sweeps up her spine at the wind and she purses her lips. She directs her eyes to the floor looking for the tracks again.

Looking at the floor, Sylvy can see that tracks head down the corridor to the east. It looks like they head toward the door that is furthest east. She can't be sure but it looks like there may have been more than one person.

Seeing the tracks, Sylvy looked up to the group and nodded, "Yes, explore the doors, but I vote for starting with that one. The tracks seem to lead to it. Yeah?"

With a nod of his head Kerrek gave his assent. "Ayr, that makes sense. Check that one first and work to the others if need be."

Sereyna, holding her scimitar, nodded staying at sylvy's side. "After you." she muttered, looking atKerrek and Thaylan

Kerrik gives a nod and a bit of a grin. "Fair enough, I'll go first, just promise to kill the beasties that come out of the floor behind me will you?" Withthat he starts to make his way down the hall and quietly as possible.


OOC: 21:38, Today: Kerrek rolled 17 using 1d20+2.  stealth, stealth, stealth down the hall to the door.

Kerrek moves quietly down the hall to the door on the far east of the corridor. The door is closed, as are all of the doors along the corridor. Otherwise, all is quiet other than the moaning of the wind and the occasional creaking of the  house.

Sereyna let's Kerreck lead the way, the half elf a few steps behind him, her scimitar in hand. She looks around at the creaking house with a furrowed brow

Staying near to Sereyna, Sylvy checks her crossbow and follows along as quietly as she can. The house had a feel of tension to it. They all expected to find something. What that would be and how friendly or menacing was the part they waited to find out.

I'll move at Passive stealth if possible.

Drawing close to the doorway, Kerrik reaches out to test the door and attempting to open it. "Here we go, lets see what we find." He whispers.

The group moves quietly down the hallway to the last door.

Kerrek tests the door and finds it locked.

Looking down for a moment, Kerrik shrugs and reaches down to pick up something from the floor need the door. Looking at the key in his hand he tries it on the door's lock.

Sereyna places a hand on kerrek's shoulder and looks on with a frown. She places a finger over her lips, indicating silence as she looks at the door. She pointed at her ear, then the door. She looked at Sylvy and nodded, drawing her scimitar. She leaned into kerrek and whispered. "Careful....there is human sounds behind there. It maybe enemies, but may be the girl."

Noting the hand signs, Sylvy ratcheted up the level of her sneaking. She'd often been told halflings had a knack for it. About that, she had become more certain as she met others of her kind. However, a lifetime of shady activities had taught her the art of silence. She used the tips of her fingers to trace along her crossbow, a habit she had learned on many a black night when a properly loaded weapon was the difference between success and failure. She then shifted her self to stand more or less directly behind the door but across the hall so she'd get a clean shot if all others moved out of the way. OR, failing that, a messy shot between legs.


11:29, Today: Sylvy rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  stealthy.

Preston had allowed the quieter folks to get in front of him in here, because stealth seemed more needed than might.  But now, hearing that there might be enemies ahead, he readies for a fight and waits for a signal from the others to move up and engage.

Kerrek inserts the key into the door's lock and finds that it opens easily. The door pushes open with a soft creaking sound to reveal another dilapidated, dusty room with remnants of various rubbish strewn about. The doorway is in the northwest corner of the room; there do not appear to be any other entrances or exits other than windows on the southern and eastern walls.

In the southeast corner of the room lies a human male. He is alive, but bound and gagged, lying on his side with his hands tied behind his back and his legs tied together at the ankles. He appears to be clad only in undergarments.

He gazes over at you with a pleading look in his eyes and tries to speak through his gag, making only muffled noises, which Sereyna recognizes as the sound she heard coming faintly from behind the door before it was opened.

Kerrek stares at the man on the floor far a moment before speaking. Somehow, totally not what I was expecting."
Moving forward he steps into the room and works hos way over to the man and starts examining the bindings to see how they come off.

Sereyna, holding her scimitar, followed after Kerrek, seeing the man bound. She replaces her scimitar and kneels next to him, placing a finger over her lips indicating quiet. She draws the dagger and begins cutting his bonds.

She removes his gag and speaks softly. "Who caught you, how many are here and are there any other captives?"

Sylvy regarded the bound man with exasperation, "Was that it? Seems a lot of fuss for nothing." Still, she courched with a good line of sight to both doors and listened to teh questions and answers.

Kerrek moves into the room heading for the man in the southeast corner. As he crosses the room, he feels a floorboard start to give way under his weight. He catches himself in time and steps to the side.

As he does so, you all suddenly note that the floor in a good third of the room looks worn and unstable, as if something might be rotting it from below. The rest of the floor looks fine, and you can see traces of tracks leading to the corner where the man lies.

Taking care to navigate the somewhat treacherous floor, Kerrek and Sereyana make their way over to the bound man. Sylvy stands watch near the door along with Preston, while Thaylan traces a line in the dust on the floor to mark off the zone of unstable floorboards.

Kerrek starts working on the man's bonds and notes that they are effective knots, though hardly tied by an expert.

"Thank you, thank you," are the first words out of the man's mouth as Sereyna removes the gag. He coughs and clears his throat before looking up at her. "I...I don't know. I just came in here for shelter...thought I'd see if there was anything left in the kitchen. Maybe find a drink. Just saw a blur behind me in the kitchen, then woke up here a while ago."

With his hands unbound, he rubs at his wrists. "Thank you again. Are we near Saltmarsh? I was on my way from Seaton but the hour was late so I came into this foul place. The name's Ned by the way, Ned Shakeshaft."

Serenya looked at the man and smiled. "Saltmarsh is but a few miles down the road...not far at all. I suggest you go there Ned. But before you do, have you heard any noises here...people coming and going or anything else strange?"

Sylvy listened to the man's story and felt bad for him but kept her weather eye out for troubles more aggressive than rotting boards.

Preston kept his weapon ready and as the others talked, he watched the direction they came from for any trouble.

Ned looks between the various members of the group as he slowly rises to his feet, stretching his arms and legs. He raises a hand to his head and rubs at the back, wincing and grunting quietly.

"Again, you have my thanks," he says. He glances at each of you again, as if taking the measure of the group.

"Say, you look to be an adventuring party, right?" he says after a moment. "I'd heard there was work for adventurers in Saltmarsh. I wonder if I might stick with you lot for a bit. I'd like to at least find my proper clothes and my gear. Your freeing me is all the compensation I need. What do you say?

Sylvy looked around at the others and then, seeing no one volunteering, looked at the poor man with sympathy then shook her head. "I'll be willing to see you as far as the door, Ned, but I don't know you from a hole in the wall. This place has proven... troublesome... already, and I don't need strange knives at my back." She held up forestalling hands in the face of any possible arguments and looked at her allies for support or disagreement, "It's just how I feel. Nothing personal to you. I don't expect you'd backstab us as such, but you can't be too cautious these days, savvy?"

Sylvy would back down if her allies objected to her objection, but someone needed to start talking.

Sereyna smiled at Sylvy and shook her head. Even in the short time they’d known each other, she had found the halfling skilled, particle and cautious. She looked at her. “Don’t be too hasty....maybe we all search the rest of this floor. He can team with the warriors. When we go back downstairs he can make his way to saltmarsh.”

He held the man out a dagger. “You can use this until we find your gear, but I expect it back....it was a gift from my uncle.” She sides up to Sylvy’s side and whispers to her.

Ned sighs and shakes his head at Sylvy's words. "Aw come on now, miss, yer words sting me very heart. That I would even consider drawin' a blade 'gainst those what saved me. It's not fair to say." He doesn't sound terribly offended or upset, only to defending his honor.

He looks a bit pleased when Sereyna speaks up. "Sure, I'll team up with any of you. You look like a rough and ready crew." His eyes light up a bit when he's presented with the dagger. "I'll tell you one thing though--if'n we find the one that cold-cocked me, I want first dibs on him." He twirls the dagger in his fingers. It certainly looks like he has some experience with a blade.

Thaylan and Kerrek nod their heads at the compromise Sereyna seems to have struck, seeming willing to go along with the plan to explore this level with Ned before heading downstairs.

With their newfound companion Ned joining them, the group moves back into the hall and heads back toward the center  of the mansion, stopping at the first door (the one next to Ned's accommodations). Thaylan checks the door and it seems safe. He pushes it open.

The room inside appears to be another dirty, decaying bedroom without furniture. Even viewed from the doorway, it's evident that the floor in here does not look safe; some of the floorboards are missing, and others are partially dislodged.

Thaylan crouches for a moment then looks back over his shoulder to the others. He points to a trail of tracks that appears to lead from the door to the window, following mostly along the west side of the room to avoid the decaying section of the floor.

Sylvy crouched to gaze at the floor (13:06, Today: Sylvy rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  perception.). She nodded once the trail was pointed out to her and made a tsking sound that she had missed it. Looking to the window, she bit her lip then looked at the others and motioned to herself then made a walking gesture with her fingers. She glanced at the weak floor and then smirked. Perhaps he slight stature was more and more a gift.

Gritting her teeth all the same, Sylvy made her way along the west wall, following the tracks, as carefully as she could.

Pre-emptive Dex save: 13:09, Today: Sylvy rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  dex save.

Sereyna, behind the small form of sylvy, noted the next room and then the trail pointed out. At the woman's gesture,  she simply nodded once, her scimitar in hand, she wished she had magic for healing.

Watching her step by step, she waited, barely breathing to see what she found

Preston continues to watch the rear, but his concern for Sylvy shows on his face.

Sylvy edges along the side of the room. About halfway across, a rotten board suddenly gives slightly underfoot, but she nimbly pulls her foot away before anything worse happens.

She reaches the window shortly. Her journey across the room is clear enough for anyone else to follow safely.

At the window, you can see that this room has a commanding view of the Azure Sea. The sky is gray, and a strong wind whips up whitecaps on the sea's surface.

Ned stands just outside the door, looking in. "Doesn't look like my stuff is in here," he says. "How 'bout we split up to save time? This lot can come with me." He nods his head toward Thaylan and Kerrek.

"Fair enough," replies Preston. "Yell if you find something."

The druid looked at the others and nodded. "Preston, Sylvy....let's finish upstairs here, then we can keep looking. Kerrek, Thay....take our new friend downstairs and see if you can find his stuff."

She looked at the two with a nod as the groups separated. Then she moved to the next room. "Preston...you want to lead the way?"

"Sure." With little or no chance of moving quietly, Preston simply steps up and opens the door to see what's inside.

Ned nods, and Thaylan and Kerrek join him, heading back to the stairway that leads to the ground level.

A moment later, Preston pushes open the next door to reveal another bedroom. This one has no furniture, but rubbish is scattered everywhere, and webs cover the walls and ceiling. From the doorway, you can see a glint of light in the fireplace from a small, highly reflective object.

See below. Door on the north wall, window on the south, fireplace on the west.

As the slightest and most nimble, Sylvy crept forward. As an unrepentant criminal, she headed straight for the shiny bit. Still, her eyes scanned the room  as she moved forward wary of traps and ambush.

Sereyna, scimitar in hand as her small friend.mived, looked around the room for signs of danger

Chief Pieros stepped into the single open door of the large structure. There was a small axe and a dagger in his belt, but they were more tools than weapons. Also, he didn't have any armor, but the fine-meshed bronze scales on his flesh shimmered slightly with arcane protection; at least when they caught moonlight at the right angle. He was tall and lanky, much less muscular than typical for his kind. His clothes were simple and smelled of the sea. They included breeches, shirt, vest and hat. Over his chest was a satchel on his back was a small pack. Sometimes the wind tugged at his clothes, both indoors and outside; as if he brought his own little breeze wherever he went. His left arm was missing from the shoulder and he had an impressive scar over his eye on that side.

"Kerrek?" Chief's voice was a smoldering rumble; a half-whisper, half-shout. "You there?" He looked at the corridors, stairs and gallery, not really expecting an answer.

I'll have cast Mage Armor before entering.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:23, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Sereyna, her eyes on the room, heard the call for Kerrik from downstairs, and looked over her shoulder. Whoever it was knew Kerrek, so they were not the reason for the capture of the man or the disappearance of people.

She looked at Sylvy. "We have company....someone who knows Kerrek it appears." she looked at Preston, hoping he was on guard, then smiled, letting out a whistle.

Sylvy has taken about two short steps into the room when everyone hears the previously unknown voice call Kerrek's name.

Just a split-second later, a blood-curdling cry of agony echoes through the house. There is something vaguely familiar about it to everyone--as you've all heard Kerrek speak before. It's hard to be certain, but it sounds like him! It sinks into a strangled, almost gurgling moan and then is silent.

Preston, Sereyana, and Sylvy, it sounded as if it came from downstairs, not far from where the other strange voice just called out.

Chief is standing just inside the main entrance of the house. It sounds like the scream came from behind the wall to your immediate right.

Chief, there's an opening on the east wall of where you are that would seem to be the quickest route to the source of the scream. Upstairs crew, the sound obviously comes from downstairs.

What do you do?

Sereyna hears the call, and after telling sylvy to hurry, she heard the scream. "What in the...."

She looks at Preston and makes for the sound, a grim look on her face, hoping the others follow.

Preston tries to keep both ladies in sight, hoping Sylvy follows Sereyna.

Chief glanced in the other directions, but turned his focus to the left. It sounded like Kerrek, but the sound was terrible. The dragonborn moved for the opening. His one hand held up in front of himself in anticipation to what he'd find. In addition to the rumors of being haunted, the death of the local youth and his missing girlfriend was clearly an undisputed fact. Something bad was going on here, but Kerrek had always been able to handle himself in tough situations.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:35, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Quick correction due to my own mental lapse: The opening Chief is headed toward is to his left not his right. My mistake!

See below for entry hall. "C" is for Chief. Others would be coming down the stairs that can be seen. Chief, the scream seemed to come from somewhere nearby behind the wall to the left.


This message was last edited by the GM at 21:27, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

Sylvy freezes and her eyes move around while her body remains motionless. She'd become quite adept at surveilling with just those orbs in her life. A new strange voice looking for a member of their little party and then that voice screams like it was dying. After a long, breathless pause, Sylvy looks to Sereyna and raises a questioning eyebrow, "We going to see what in the nine hells that was or beat feet?" As an almost afterthought, she included Preston in her questioning look.

"C'mon," says Preston quietly. "We can't let her go alone. That shiny thing can wait." He tilted his head in Sereyna's direction. Sylvy could tell that Preston wanted to see what the glint of light was, too, but not if leaving Sereyna alone meant he'd have to hear her scream like that. He started after Sereyna.

As Chief heads toward the opening in the west wall, he hears footsteps above, and a half-elf woman appears at the top of the stairs, with others clearly moving quickly behind her.

As Sereyna gets to the top of the stairs, she sees a one-armed dragonborn male heading for the opening in the west wall, which is in the general direction of the scream all heard that sounded like Kerrek.

Just then, everyone hears a man's voice cry out from the same direction as the scream. "What in the Nine Hells have you done!" the voice shouts. 

A second later, you all hear the loud sound of glass shattering from the same direction as you rush toward the source of the sounds.

Sereyna pauses for a slight moment, looking at the Dragonborn with curiosity. Normally she would have considered him an enemy, but the sound of Kerrek as well as the call from Ned - the man they rescued, was deeper on the house. The half elf, scimitar in hand, sprung forward down the stairs and ran towards the sound on light feet, born in the ocean

...she hoped the others were following

Chief Perios looked at the figures appearing on the second floor, giving them a nod. They didn't look hostile, but he was going to have to be ready for anything. It sounded like Kerrek was in trouble, so the dragonborn continued to move through the opening in the west, seeking out the source of the scream and the shouting as fast as he could.

Sylvy stood calmly around the corner. She trusted the one-armed dragonborn about as far as she could throw it. IT was a weedy thing, but she doubted she could get it far nonetheless. She let the other two take the lead of talking to the newcomer and focused on the newest voice. Pursing her lips until they paled to the complexion of the rest of her face, she edged toward the way it had come from.

She worried that the group that was supposed to be heading out did not sound like it had done anything of the sort.

There's no more screaming as Chief leads the way to the west, with the others just a few steps behind. The corridor to the west has doors on the north and south walls, as well as at the end. The door to the south, everyone's best guess at where the sounds came from, is open.

Chief looks in first and sees a room that looks like it was once a library, with bookshelves around the walls. Most of the shelves are broken, and in many places they come awy from the wall. The few shelves still intact are empty, but a pile of books rests in the southwest corner.

All of that barely registers, though, given what else in the room.

Kerrek lies face down in the center of the floor, a pool of crimson spreading out around him. He is not moving.

Another man stands with his back to the door, looking out a south-facing window, the glass of which has been shattered. He spins around at the sound of new arrivals and looks wide-eyed at Chief before seeing Sereyna behind him. Sereyna recognizes him as Ned, the man they freed. He has the dagger she gave him in hand, but there's no sign of blood on it.

"He's getting away!" Ned shouts. "He killed him!"

See below for general layout of the room and situation. K=Kerrek, N=Ned

Chief Pieros turned to the others. There was no time for politeness. His deep rumbling voice was strong and authorative, yet clearly marked by emotion. "You have a healer? Please help Kerrek, if you can. He is a friend." The dragonborn rushed to the window, to see if he could see anyone escaping. "Did you know the attacker?! Who was it?!"

He also made sure to check if the window had been broken inwards or out, just in case this was all some ruse by the man with the knife.

Sereyna looked at Kerrek and as the dragonborn spoke, she dropped to her knees, checking the mannfor signs of life. She wished the group had rested before entering....regaining her magic would have helped if anything could.

She looked at the dragonborn and nodded. "I have some skills as a healer but this may be beyond me. We have known Kerrek a short time, but he was a good man....I will do what I can."

She looked at Preston, then Ned. "Keep an eye in Ned. Sylvy....can you find some tracks? You...." she said looking at the dragonborn.  "Help the halfling...we will get to the bottom if this."

She looked over the man she traveled with, a little flustered, but tried to focus

<OOC: Sereyna rolled 9 using 1d20+2

Not the best of rolls, but I expect tbe roll is moot anyway. Worth a shot>

This message was last edited by the player at 21:53, Wed 10 Mar 2021.

The man--Ned--responds to Chief. "It was the other one with them!" He points to the Sereyna, Sylvy and Preston. "That Thaylan! Stabbed him right up and into the heart, then slashed his throat!" Ned sounds more than a little rattled.

Chief sees that indeed the window has broken outwards, as if something went through it with great force from the room. There's a narrow strip of land between the house and the edge of the cliff here, with the sea beyond. At a glance, nothing and no one else is in sight.

Sereyna rushes to help Kerrek, but quickly discovers that sudden, massive damage and acute blood loss has put him well beyond help from all but the most powerful of restorative magic. He is already dead.

Sereyna closed her eyes tightly and slammed her fist against the ground. "DAMNIT!" she said loudly, bending over and sighing. She sat up and their was a test in her eye as she looked at the others, shaking her head.

...he was beyond her aide.

She stood up, a grim look on her face, and with the blood still on her hand, she dragged a finger across one cheek, a smear of blood placing a line across her cheek.

"We will find him and get answers, but we came for a reason." She looked at Ned. "You need to get back to saltmarsh and told them what has happened. We will finish here and return... then find Thaylan and he will answer for this."

She looked at the dragonborn with sorrow in her eyes. "I am sorry for your friend....our friend. He was a good man, but we came here to find a missing girl and answers. Once this is done, you have my word that whoever did this will answer for it. You are welcome to help us, in fact your help would greatly help."

She looks at the other two, then the dragonborn again. "My name is Sereyna."

"This Thaylan was in your group?" The dragonborn decided not to rush after the assailant. It would be safer to work together with someone, instead of running into danger. He looked at Kerrek and shook his head, then turned to the others. "I am Pieros. They call me Chief. All my crewmates do, anyway, including Kerrek."

The shaking of his head, in disbelief of the brutality, changed direction and turned into a series of nods. "I'll help, of course. This man needs to be stopped. Answers must be found. This must surely be related to murdered and missing youths? I heard the stories."

Sylvy moved to the window to examine it and glanced outside to casually scan the ground for tracks of any sort.

Sylvy rolled 10 using 1d20+4.  perception.

After that, she returned to the center of the room and looked down calmly at Kerrick's body. She'd seen enough death in her life not to be too rattled by it. Still, the slowly growing pool of crimson was jarring enough. It was enough to send shivers of one's own mortality through you. She glanced at Ned then and pursed her lips.

Perhaps a life among criminals had made her too suspicious, "Yes, get yourself to Saltmarsh..."

She let her eyes slowly moved to Pieros then and grimaced. There was a lot of information here that was complicating the situation. Her fingers tightened on her crossbow and she stepped back suddenly as the pool of blood approached her feet. She looked to Sereyna and motioned for her to take the lead.

Preston acknowledges the dragonborn with a nod, replying simply, "Preston. Preston Severn." He kneels over the body, trying to avoid most of the blood as he examines the dead man.

"Would he be carrying anything that should go home to his family?"

Chief shook his head, but added some words to let them know that it was not a no. "I don't know. We never spoke about family."

The dragonborn removed his sailor's hat and ran one hand over his head. "Could something here have affected this Thaylan or was he the villain all along? Shall we pursue him right away or search this place for any other nefarious allies, clues or evidence?"

Sereyna, still grim faced, looked at the dragonborn. "We didn't know him long, like Kerrek, but he seemed a stand up guy. He could have hidden his true nature, but just to do this, doesn't make sense."

She looked around. "I say we finish what we started here. Thaylan already has a head start, and if someone else here lives and we leave, they may suffer a similar fate. I don't know if it was this house or just him, but I want to make sure either way. Let's finish upstairs, move down here and get this done. We can bury or burn Kerrek's body after we are done with the house."

She removed her cloak and.placed it over Kerreks body, a sad look on her face. "I'm sorry I couldn't help you....rest well my friend until we meet again."

She then looks at the others. "Sylvy...let's finish that room and then the others. Preston, Chief, you follow and keep a sharp eye for any sounds. You..."

She pointed at Ned. "Go to town. Tell the guard of what you saw. Tell them we finish our job and will return when we find answers. If Thaylan is still at large, then we will help hunt him down and get justice. Now, go."

Sylvy sent a long hard look at Ned. Her eyes were flat and blank. Finally, she shrugged and stood up to stalk back to what she had been doing. Kerrek had not been a friend of hers, at least not enough she was going to worry over-much about his death. it was regrettable, but it was done. Whoever was guilty would live with it or not. She had work to do.

Once more in the room, she paused to relocate the shiny object then began the slow crossing again.

Chief was as used to taking orders as giving them. He was a leader among his fellow crewmen, but certainly no officer and definitely not a captain. He just gave Sereyna a nod of confirmation, although he didn't mention that he was slightly hard of hearing on one ear and his scarred eye was somewhat lacking in peripheral vision. With that in mind, he tried to be extra vigilant as he followed the others, guarding their rear. Thoughts of his murdered friend lingered on his mind, however, leaving a grim expression on his face.

Ned's lips parted as if to protest that he didn't want to go to Saltmarsh alone, but caught the look on Sylvy's face and shut his mouth. "All right, all right," he said in a slightly shaky voice. "I better not run into that killer on the road..."

He looked around at everyone there and finally gave a firm nod. "You've my thanks again for freeing me," he said. "I'm truly sorry about your friend here." With that, he walked out the room and headed toward the front hall and the exit.

Everyone else returned to their exploration of the house, heading back upstairs to the room they'd just been about to enter when all hell had broken loose.

Sylvy quickly spotted the glittering object in the fireplace and crept forward to investigate. Just as she reached the edge of the fireplace, the sound of thousands of tiny, clattering legs filled the air, as a swarm of spiders poured out from behind a nearby mass of webs on the wall, moving quickly right toward Sylvy.

Please roll initiative all and declare initial action. The spiders are moving quickly; their initiative is 19.

The dragonborn sailor reacted fast at the sight of the swarm of spiders. His single hand swirled through the air to form an incantation, paired with arcane syllables escaping his lips. A streak of blue-white light sparked from his fingers, with frost spreading across a part of the swarm - unfortunately not affecting very many of the spiders.

Initiative 20
Action: Ray of Frost hits AC 20 for 1 hp cold damage.

Equally as fast as the Dragonborn at her shoulder, the half elf muttered a singe word in sylvan, a handful of fire appearing in her hand. Almost on reflex, she threw it at the swarm, protecting her friend.

<OOC: Sereyna rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  Iniative.

Casts produce flame and throws it at the swarm

Sereyna rolled 16 using 1d20+4.  Produce flame attack.
Sereyna rolled 7 using 1d8.  Produce flame damage.>
 

Preston, caught just about flat-footed, fumbled into his pack for a torch to light.

13:53, Today: Preston Severn rolled 6 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Sylvy audibly squeaked upon seeing the mass of spiders crawling her way. "By the hells!" Sylvy reacted by trying to move away as fast as her feet could take her.


01:09, Today: Sylvy rolled 18 using 1d20+3.  init.

Chief and Sereyna barely flinched at the sudden appearance of the spider swarm, reacting with precision to unleash an attack of fire and ice on the angry arachnids.

Squeaks and chittering sounds filled the air as the spiders seemed to screech at the elemental attacks. Dozens of spiders laid frozen or smoldering on the floor, but the swarm kept coming, surrounding Sylvy's feet.

But the nimble halfling twisted and shuffled around the nasty little beasts, avoiding any real harm!

OOC: Swarm is hurt but still moving. Everyone is up now, with Sylvy and then Preston's actions first in line. Sylvy, let me know where in the room you are moving--back toward door where the others are or further away into the other part of the room.

Preston gets a torch lit and burns any and all spiders that come his way.

Again calling on her elemental nature, the druid opened her hand, fire aain sprouting in her palm. As the spiders ran across the floor, she rolled the fire almost like a ball along the floor, with an underhand throw

<OOC: Casts Produce Flame

Sereyna rolled 22 using 1d20+4.  produce flame
Sereyna rolled 7 using 1d8.  damage - produce flame.>

Chief Pieros liked how they were destroying the swarm of spiders with fire from one side and ice on the other. The recent loss of his friend, however, was a weight on his spirit. He was far from his usual merry self. Venting some of his frustration on the many little creatures, Chief sent off another blast of cold light, hitting them well.

Attack: Hits AC 19 for 4 hp cold damage.

The pressure to scream bubbled up inside Sylvy like bear foam trying to overflow a glass. Still, other instincts had her tamping the need down fiercely. She had long operated in a profession that valued stealth and silence. Her lips pressed together in a familiar pain as she twisted and slapped at her own form to escape the miniscule horrors accosting her form.

Still, a certain presence of mind was more than she could muster. Beyond that, she moved without paying attention to where she set her feet. Instead of moving back along the trail she had followed before, she moved more into the center of the room. Anything to get away from chimney as fast as possible.


Moving toward the center of the room as long as that is away from the chimney. Throwing an "unarmed attack" at the spiders to represent slapping at them as the climb her form.

Sylvy rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  attack.

Pretty sure that is just a point or two or bludgeoning damage. Sylvy is on the edge of panicking here.

Sylvy slipped into the center of the room, trying to get away from the fireplace and the swarm. She swatted as she went, managing to crush a few of the nasty creatures.

Preston lit a torch and tried to thrust it into the swarm, but the spiders seemed to sense the flame coming and for the most part skittered clear of the torch.

Sereyna and Chief continued their elemental energy assault on the swarm, dozens upon dozens of spiders either freezing brittle and cracking apart or being consumed in fire.

The swarm was scattered now, most of its number dead, but the creatures' primitive instincts persisted as the arachnids pursued Sylvy. Their tiny fangs pierced her feet and ankles.

((Sylvy takes 4 HP damage.))

Status:8/12hp

Sylvy continues her dance. The pressure of the scream built within her throat and her mind. She felt her heart fluttering in her chest as she beat at the things, killing one or two here and there but feeling like the stings of their bites overwhelmed her efforts. She could not see the dissipating mass of the swarm, only the things crawling on her. Hyper-focused, her attention flit from beast to beast as she swatted until her own skin glowed red. Hope of escaping faded as she twisted in place trying to slap each new source of pain.

Standing still now. Floor is safe?

11:24, Today: Sylvy rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  slapping.

Critical slapping! Still just a handful of points of bludgeoning damage.

The dragonborn sailor scanned from side to side, seeing the spiders scurry about. More cold energy radiated from his hands, but he only managed to hit a few of the creatures.

Attack: Hits AC 23 for 2 hp cold damage.

Sereyna, smiling but with beads of sweat, looked around. "Never used this spell much" she muttered as she again produced fire in her hand, seeing a clump of spiders, threw it like a child would a ball.

<OOC: Produce flame

Sereyna rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  produce flame.
Sereyna rolled 6 using 1d8.  damage - produce flame.>

The onslaught of fire, ice, and halfling slaps finally stilled the swarm. A few scattered spiders scampered back into their webs or skittered up towards windoes, but the threat was passed.

Sylvy continued to dance and slap long after the last actual spider was gone back into its hidey hole. Eyes wide enough they looked white and panicked grunts continued to emit from her dancing form. Still, she contained the screams and slowly slowed her dance.

She had the presence of mind to turn a rather bright shade of crimson as her sense returned. She rather pointedly did not look at her companions. "Terrible creatures." She collected herself and took note of her placement within the room. She wanted to make sure she was not on the weakened boards now.

"I'm not a good friend of spiders myself." said Chief. The cold blue light around his fingers died out as there were no more spiders to kill.  "Let's continue." He didn't lead as they moved along, but kept up with the rest of the group.

Sereyna couldn’t help but hide her smile at her friends distress despite the disappearance of the spiders. At chiefs comment, she nodded. “They have their place, but I’ll admit to not being a fan of them myself.”  She looked at Sylvy and spoke. “Look at what you saw earlier and we’ll move on”

Preston offers to hold the now-lit torch up for Sylvy to get a better glimpse of the bauble that caught her eye.

Pressing her lips together firmly as she momentarily considered the possibility of another swarm. She visibly shuddered and then cautiously approached the location she held in her mind again to seek the bauble. If all this was for a single silver coin, she was going to scream.