Again ill fortune struck the Moorland Magpie Inn. The landlady Lorna kept the old inn clean and cosy. All were welcomed by the middle aged woman, her husband Bren who rarely spoke kept himself busy in the stables. However no food had been delivered for days and Lorna was forced to serve stale bread for meals in the common room. She did not charge for the paltry offering, the only cost of one gold piece for a private room or one silver piece to sleep in the common room.

In the common the beautiful Thomas, a grey haired man with his left leg missing, was drinking with the kooky old fisherman Frode.

Gael took a seat at one of the empty tables in the common room. He thanked Lorna for her hospitality and insisted on paying at least a silver for his food. He held his palms over the stale bread and briefly recites "With the blessing of the earth, I honor the lands that sustained this meal." Gael contentedly began to eat his meal. He called for Lorna and inquired if there was any drink available. "If I may ask, what misfortune befell your Inn that you must resort to serving stale bread?" He asked in a sympathetic tone.

Kara makes a stop at the general store, seeing if they have bandages and ointment for sale. If so, she purchases them. She then makes another stop at the odd pastry-selling woman's shop.

Afterwards, she goes to hire hirelings/henchmen. Buying drinks, posting a notice and hiring the services of a town crier. She waited in the Magpie Inn for responses.

(ooc)
25gp paid for the advertisements, plus whatever cost it is for bandages and ointment.
And 20 gold worth of Genuine Dungeon Slime Pastries (tm)- now without dungeon slime.

At the store Millie was happy to sell Kara some bandages, four bandages for one copper piece. Then she was off to buy pastries before the magic-user headed to the inn.

---

The inn although worn was well kept and there was beer to drink along with the stale bread “bandits” Lorna bemoaned “the Ghost Beggars we call them. All dressed in clothes of black and yellow. They’ve been troubling the road. Caravan should have been here days ago, likely raided. The wardens been keeping a watch out for them.”

The beer was good and the welcome from Lorna friendly so as the day turned to evening the common room grew busy. Word of Kara’s offer of employment was passed around Fourtower Bridge and those inhabitants desperate, foolhardy or brave enough approached the magic-user.

First was Eglantine Basset, a decrepit woman with a lusty eye for men, she cackled and goggled at the other three hirelings that introduced themselves to Kara. She came equipped with chainmail, shield, short sword and short bow, her fee was twenty gold pieces a day. The other three were a rarity in Fourtower Bridge, all being hardened adventurers seeking paid employment. There was Bosley Cosin, a brawny teenage boy with a menacing look in his eyes. Garrick Cely, a devoted cleric of St Kanatius, the old man walked with a stoop and vouched that he was afraid of nothing that lurked in the darkness. Aylmer Montfort, a cleric of Ky, he was dress in a robe of forest green adorned with purple flowers, however the cheerfulness of his robe contrasted with the gloominess of his mood. Both Bosley and Aylmer wore leather armour, Aylmer sensibly also wearing a helm. Garrick wore chainmail. All three of them asked for a half share of any treasure gained.

Kara cannot hire anyone for shares, since share discussions would have to be made by the group. So she had to dismiss the three regretfully, unless they wanted to negotiate a fixed amount.

She considered Eglantine, but waited to see if anyone else showed up before making a final decision.

(ooc)
Have any non-combat hirelings applied? (Torchbearers, etc).
Are Burne de Corbeil or Preston Chandos still available?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:24, Sun 08 May 2022.

There was no-one else who came to Kara for hiring. Preston’s family farm was not far from Fourtower Bridge and likely where he would be, if Kara wish to enquiry if he was willing to return to the dungeon.

She would check with Preston as everyone possible has to be considered.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:23, Sun 08 May 2022.

Gael stroked his beard as he considered the bandit issue. "Nothing in existence is fixed, these treacherous times will soon be behind us. At least that is what I sense..." He offered these words of consolation to Lona before ordering his drink.

Gael heard of Kara's call-to-arms and promptly introduced himself to the elf. "Excuse me, I understand you are leading an expedition into Stonehell Dungeon. May I join your cause? I seek to cleanse the area of its undead inhabitants."

Gael stayed at the Inn,  introducing himself any customers, buying drinks and discussing terms of employment for any and all who were brave enough to join the expedition into Stonehell.

OOC:
1sp for bread
How much for Gaels drink?
5gp to try to recruit retainers at the Inn.
What time of day is it?

To Gael: "No, the others called me the group leader as a joke, but there is no official leader. I am hiring mercenaries and hirelings for a Stonehell expedition though. Unfortunately," she indicated the three she had turned away, "as I told those others, I cannot hire anyone for shares of treasure, only for a flat amount of gold. But if you are set on being paid in shares, then I can introduce you to the others when they return. If they agree, then it works out for you all. And I happen to know they are in need of a reliable cleric."

"Ah I see, a community of equals then" Gael seemed pleased with the idea. "If you are in need of a cleric... That I am, a faithful servant of Ky. I believe I may be of assistance to the group. I will stay here at the Inn tonight, and await your group's return. Regardless, I will be delving into Stonehell. At the very least it would be mutually beneficial to agree to a pact of non-aggression."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Tue 10 May 2022.

OOC The 1sp paid for lodging will cover any drinks for the evening.

All the prospective recruits have been summoned to the inn by Kara’s advert. No need for Gael to pay again. Feel free to hire any of the retainers in msg#4.

This message was deleted by the player at 04:40, Wed 11 May 2022.

Gael continued his meal. He tried to overhear any conversation between Thomas and Frode.
OOC
Bosley, Aylmer, and  Garrick. Are asking for half of just Gael's share or the entire party 's?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:39, Tue 10 May 2022.

Kara shook her head. "There's no reason for aggression and wouldn't anticipate any from my erstwhile companions. There are more than enough aggressive beings in Stonehell already that we don't need to add more ourselves. But if you intend to go to Stonehell, and it's your decision to make, I would not recommend venturing there alone. There are quite a few bodies that didn't come back, even with a group." She paused, then added, "Those others weren't the first group I've been with. My initial group, everyone was sacrificed by snake cultists. I don't know how I made it out, but left part of myself with their deity."

(ooc)
Was Preston available?
This message was last edited by the player at 04:41, Wed 11 May 2022.

OOC Preston is not in the Inn to check on his availability Kara will need to go visit the farm.

Bosley, Aylmer and Garrick are asking for a half of a share. For example if Kara, Gael and Bosley went on a delve and brought back 5gp, Kara would keep 2gp, Gael 2gp and Bosley 1gp. As classed adventurers they will also receive a half share of XP and will be able to level up. The party previously had a hireling Orla Pont, a cleric, amongst the party and no one challenged them receiving a share of treasure and XP.

(ooc)
In message 7, I said Kara would go and ask him. You said it was not far.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Wed 11 May 2022.

OOC As you continued to interact with Gael I took it that you hadn't left the inn yet. If Kara is now leaving the inn I will update as such from now on.

Kara rustled in her bag and turned to Gael. "As a man of faith, perhaps I can trust you for assistance." She handed him a bag of bandages, and said "If you see a dwarf with a skin condition, please give him these, with my apologies that I could not get him lotions or a potion of healing. If he has a cleric with him, let th pastor know I arranged a month of tutoring for him with the pastry girl who is an expert in dungeons and dungeon madness. He needs a clue far more than a scroll of healing. And finally, their companion, Wyndam, well, everything I tried for him did not succeed. So just remind him to check out the water in the dungeon, and to stop by Preston's. If the boy is available, then he will be Wyndham's on retainer for a few weeks. For your help please accept this donation," she gave Gael a silver rod.

"I've been told it is worth 100 silver. Best of luck to you."

Kara then departed the inn. She withdrew her money from the vault, and went to Preston's, hiring him for Wyndham's employ for 20 days if he had a mind to do so, and then left town.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:19, Wed 11 May 2022.

"We are in agreement then, Aggression is never in anyone's interest, only defense."  Gael appeared to be satisfied with the agreement. He carefully listens to Kara's experiences in Stonehell making sure he could avoid a similar fate as her late companions. Gael attentively listened to the elf's directions. "I will see that your wish is fulfilled, I will deliver these bandages and inform the group". Gael carefully places the silver rod in his pack. "You have my thanks, I will never forget your kindness and aid you have lent me for this perilous journey"

Gael enlisted the services of Bosley, Aylmer, and Garrick. He buys each man another round of drinks. He was accepting of anyone who was willing to aid his cause. He has been living in solitude for quite some time and was especially eager to have companions to discuss the finer points of Theology. Gael rallies his new companions. "I've sensed an ominous aura emanating from Stonehell, no doubt due to the unnatural inhabitants who reside within its walls. Our mission: cleanse the dungeon of its undead and restore balance". He raises his mug to celebrate this group brought together through fate.

)OOC
Will Bosley, Aylmer, and Garrick require weapons and backpacks to be purchased for them?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:01, Mon 16 May 2022.

The three retainers welcomed Gael’s offer of hospitality. Bosley the too young fighter was looking forward to the killing and violence of adventure. The elderly priest of St Kanatius showed no fear of the dangers of any dungeon. The flower robed priest Aylmer despite the gaiety of his dress was rather morbid and was more interested in the deaths in the dungeon than the treasure.

OOC They all have weapons, none have backpacks.

Gael appeared to be satisfied with the eagerness of his newfound companions. The first order of business: Gael takes all three men across the street to Millie's General Store to outfit them with supplies for the coming expedition.

The young fighter Bosley was excited by the shopping trip and picked up the scabbard that made it possible to unsheathe his sword whilst carried on his back. More sensibly the two clerics each opted for a backpack, torches and tinderbox. Millie added up the haul and charged Gael fifty-eight gold pieces for all.

Gael takes a quick look through his pack. He pulls out the silver rod. "I understand this is an unusual form of payment but this is 100 gold worth of silver. Would you be able to exchange it for me?" Gael takes a look over Millie's inventory. He is especially looking for anything that stands out as not being standard adventuring gear.

After Bosley already claimed the fabled back scabbard the only other curiosity in Millie’s store was a pair of leather boots of amazing quality. As Gael wandered around the store the two large dogs Thongor and Brute prowled after him.

When it came to paying Millie shook her head “that’s not worth one hundred gold” she measured and weighted it “one hundred silver perhaps, I’ll trade it for ten gold pieces” she offered.

Gael leaned down and attempted to pet both of the dogs. "Good boy!" he said attempting to befriend them. "Alright lads, turns out I am a bit low on coin at the moment. So the luxuries will have to wait till our next visit. Don't worry I've the necessities with me." Gael exits the store and goes to investigate the ruined tower on the on the outskirts of fourtower bridge. He will be examining the status of the building, Is there a door or can he see inside the tower from a distance?

OOC
Gael will buy two backpacks if they are the standard rate of 5gp each
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Wed 18 May 2022.

Bosley was disappointed in having to put back the scabbard when Gael reduced the shopping down to just two backpacks. The big dogs were friendly with Gael and followed him around the shop until he left and they returned to sit by the counter.

The old tower ruins had no door but a gap in the crumbling wall. Oddly inside the crumbling walls everything was scrubbed clean and the floor well swept and clear of overgrowth. The height of the walls varied from five foot to fifteen foot in places.

OOC Yes 10gp for the 2 backpacks.

"Cheer up, after a few jobs we'll get your scabbard. Soon as possible, I promise"
Gael pats Bosley on the shoulder as he attempts to console him. Gael then hops over a short section of the wall to get a closer look inside. He instructs his retainers to come with him and keep an eye out for anything unusual.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:42, Wed 18 May 2022.

The interior of the ruined tower was clean and tidy, there was no mess or rubble. The wall looked to have had some minor repairs recently. The wall and the flagstones were bare, they showed no sign of what the tower was built for or who might occupy it.

Upon reaching town, Wyndham stops by the inn to let Kara know they' returned with the glyph markings. But not finding her there, he continues on to Dagunn Rakel's.
"Hello. The name's Wyndham. I've been exploring the area with friends. I think you know Kara? Anyway, we discovered some silver glyphs on a large metal ring in the basement of Modhar's tower. We couldn't understand them so I made some rubbings to bring back. Any idea what they say?"
Wyndham shows her the glyph rubbings.

Gael, exits the structure and makes his way to the magic user's tower to inquire about the rod and the ruins. When he sees someone already speaking with the magic user he stands beside them waiting for a time to speak. "Greetings, sorry to disturb you but I believe I may have something of interest." He pulls the silver rod from his pack. "Suitable for a wand perhaps? It was given to me by an elf named Kara. So I suspect there may be something magical about it.". "By the way do you know about that old tower on the outskirts of town? Was it inhabited by a former adventurer such as yourself?"

This message was last edited by the player at 14:07, Thu 19 May 2022.

In total there was twelve glyphs Wyndham had copied. Mistress Rakel was polite and invited Wyndham and Gael into her tower. On display in the tower was a stuffed crocodile.

Rakel laid out Wyndham’s rubbings and shuffled them about, she read them aloud “Journey, Star, Moon, Travel, Gate, Fast, Way, Door, Lunar” the offered of the silver rod was declined “nay there’s nothing magical about that” the magic-user shook her head.

On discussion about the old tower “Mother Majken seems set on rebuilding. Only thing I know is that it is old, older than Fourtower Bridge.”

Gael placed the silver rod back inside his pack. "Thank you, perhaps in the future, I may come across something magical that is worth your research". Gael's eyes lingered on the stuffed crocodile. On his face, there was a perturbed expression, but he did not speak up about it. He stroked his beard as he pondered on the meaning of the glyphs before turning to Wyndham. "Hmm, doesn't mean anything to me. Oh, excuse me I forgot to introduce myself. I am Gael: faithful servant of Ky."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:40, Thu 19 May 2022.

In reply to Gael (msg # 33):
Wyndham writes down the word beside each glyph for later reference. When the other man speaks, he pauses to look up.
"Well met, Gael. The name's Wyndham. Nice silver rod you have there." Wyndham scowls at the euphemism, but continues, "Where'd you happen to find it? I have its very twin."

Gael has a chuckle at the situation before responding. "Well, that's some coincidence. A nice elf lady gave it to me to relay a message. Wyndham... You must be one of the companions Kara had mentioned! She gave me this message: check out the water in the dungeon. Oh, and to stop by Preston's, she was going to hire him as your retainer for a few weeks. Regardless, she mentioned that you've been delving into Stonehell dungeon. I am planning an expedition to purge the dungeon of its unnatural inhabitants. I propose we ally. This agreement is in everyone's interest. Strength is to be found in numbers. What say you?

"Stonehell, eh?" says Wyndham trying not to wince. "Our last foray there cost us more than what we went in with. Maybe," he pauses, "you would first consider a quick outing to Modnar's tower? These glyphs here," he waves at the rubbings, "may lead us to an uptick of prosperity... if not opportunities to vanquish evil, of course. If you and the rest of the party are in agreement we could head out in the morning. Let me finish up my paperwork here and I'll join you at the inn."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:26, Thu 19 May 2022.

"I sense that our meeting was not mere coincidence. Very well, I will accompany your group to Modnar's tower and together we can uncover the meaning of those strange glyphs. Thank you for your hospitality Mistress Rakel" Gael leaves the magic user's tower and retires at the Inn for the evening.

"We can meet back at the inn," Devin said once they'd crossed the bridge into town.  He headed directly there himself as he was ready for lunch.  If he saw her, he'd fill in Kara on their progress.  He wasn't sure how fruitful their journey was, but they'd all come back in one piece.

Wyndham finishes up the glyphs and thanks Mistress Rakel for her assistance then asks, "Have you any gear to sell to a struggling adventurer?" After a moment of thought, Wyndham adds, "And would you happen to know any mages looking to earn a little coin for a dungeon romp?".
This message was last edited by the player at 02:49, Fri 20 May 2022.

The Moorland Magpie Inn welcomed the returning adventurers with beer and stale bread. The fighter Bosley and the two clerics Aylmer and Garrick spent the evening in the inn getting to know one another.

At Rakel’s tower Wyndham was told that the magic-user had neither any items to sell nor knew of any magic-user in search of adventure.

Dejected, Wyndham returned to the inn. He greeted the clerics then sought after Eglantine and Preston for employment.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:50, Fri 20 May 2022.

One night at Magpie Inn sees Derry fit and ready to return to Modnar's Tower. While Kara and her expansive thoughts would be missed, he welcomes the newcomer and his retinue, wondering if they will enjoy the company of rats and skeletons as much as he has.

Let's return and continue down that western corridor.

16:47, Today: Derry the Dwarf rolled 4 using 1d6.  healing.
-1.5 GP for lodging.
-3 GP for 3 flasks of oil.
Ms. Eadwynne Haute now UNENGAGED.

ooc -- Forget Preston. Wyndham will take on Eadwynne and Eglantine. Sorry, I lost track: how much are these peeps going to cost per day?

"How many of us are there, now?" Devin asked, seeing so many new faces.

Gael sat in the Inn and discussed Theology with his new retainers. He was not forceful in his opinion. Gael was open-minded and discussed his views freely. When he saw the rest of the group enter the Inn, he greeted them. "Well met, you must be Derry. I am Gael, devoted servant of Ky. Kara arranged that I deliver these to you. He hands the bandages to the dwarf. What ails you? The surrounding forest may provide medicine that will speed your recovery." Gael's expression was one of equanimity and his words were friendly.

He turned to the man wearing the sky sigil of Auril. "You must be the pastor Kara spoke of. Pleased to make your acquaintance. Kara has arranged a month of tutoring for you with the pastry girl. Apparently, she is an expert in dungeons and dungeon madness". Gael appeared satisfied that he was able to keep his promise to the elf. "I understand you are traveling to Modnar's tower? May We accompany you? I do not know the meaning of those strange Glyphs but I sense it is part of something greater. This is Bosley, Aylmer, and Garrick. All have assured me they are not apprehensive accompanying us into Stonehell."

OOC
Wyndham, Kara already spent gold on Preston. If I remember correctly, he would be free for you to hire for 20 days. If you would like.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:51, Sat 21 May 2022.

Gael found that Bosley had a cruel streak. The two priests Garrick and Aylmer were more pleasant company although Aylmer was a bit morbid at time. Garrick as fellow worshipper of Ky was venerably old, with his old age came a recklessly and fearlessness of death.

OOC They will have to spend 2 nights in Fourtower Bridge for Derry to heal, recovery of hp is only after 24 hours of bed rest.

The party is now 9 strong.

Wyndham has employed 3 men-at-arms Eadwynn, Preston and Eglantine. Eadwynn and Eglantine are both 20gp each per day. Preston is 12gp per day but has been paid in advance by Kara.

Gael has employed 3 adventurers, Bosley, Garrick and Aylmer. They will claim a half share each of all treasure and all XP. Therefore for the next delve treasure/XP will be split 11 ways with the PC receiving 2 shares each. Garrick and Aylmer has both been bought backpacks.

Do folks have anything they want to do in the extra day or should we skip to the morning they plan to return to Modnar’s Cellar?

Wyndham and company are ready to go.

-1.5 GP more for lodgings.
Gael, you seem gung ho. You can set up the new marching order. Put Derry in the 2nd rank.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:05, Sat 21 May 2022.

OOC
How does something like this look? Use the first one when there's enough space and go down to the second one when necessary. Keep in mind I don't have much gaming experience, so I'd be open to suggestions. Gael is ready to depart to Modnar's tower.

Front
Gael, Garrick, Devin
Bosley, Wyndham, Derry
Preston, Eadwynn, Aylmer
        Eglantine
Back

Front
Gael, Devin
Derry, Wyndham,
Garrick, Bosley
Preston, Eadwynn,
Aylmer, Eglantine
Back

This message was last edited by the player at 15:59, Sat 21 May 2022.

Put the hirelings in front. Do not spare their lives. There has not been enough space for three abreast these many expeditions, the road to Stonehell excluded.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sat 21 May 2022.

How about reversing the second marching layour? (I.e. back becomes front)

Then it may benefit to put hirelings wearing chainmail in the front Garrick and Eglantine are. Not sure about Preston and Eadwynn

Devin isn't so sure more bodies will be more effective in the close confines of the cellars.  However, he's ready to go when they are.

Ok how does this look for the order. Gael will give Bosley his pack to carry.

Outdoors
Front
Eglantine, Garrick, Bosley
Derry, Wyndham, Gael
Preston, Devin, Aylmer
        Eadwynn
Back

Dungeon
Front
Eglantine, Garrick
Derry, Gael
Aylmer, Bosley
Devin, Wyndham
Preston, Eadwynn
Back

Sorry Devin I forgot to wait for your reply in the OOC thread. If my retainers are considered excessive I will dismiss some or all next time
This message was last edited by the player at 04:20, Sun 22 May 2022.

After another day in the inn the party of ten gathered early in the morning as the clouds of the previous days broke into rainfall. Throughout the trudge toward Modnar’s Cellar everyone’s cloak was soaked. Once they were past the cultivated fields, off the road into the woods the rains ceased and sun began to shine.

They reached the toppled walls and moss covered flagstones without any interruptions.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 9:00am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light?

"Since all you lads and lasses are carrying the heavy arms, allow me to light the way."
Wyndham lights a torch before descending slowly/carefully down the slippery stairs.

For the newcomers, Derry provides a warning about the slipperiness of the steps.

Preston will also hold a torch.

Gael thanks Derry for the warning before he descends the staircase. Gael instructs Garrick to dry the surface of the stairs using the empty backpacks, before stepping on each stair.

OOC
Would it be beneficial to pass one of those torches up to one on the retainers in front? I think both of them have a free hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:17, Sun 22 May 2022.

Devin lit his own torch and descended carefully with a free hand on the wall.

In the centre of the ruins was a rusty trapdoor. Pulled open trapdoor revealed a dark spiral stairway of niter encrusted steps. Garrick's attempt to clean some of the steps with his backpack soaked up some of the wetness but failed to clear all the slime from the stairway.

With caution the party made their way down until they reached an octagonal room, thirty foot by thirty foot. Corridors went north, east, south and west. All the corridors were ten foot wide and ten foot in height.

Strands of cobwebs swayed lazily in errant dungeon draughts. The faint smell of chemicals was mixed with must and mildew.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 9:10am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 1 turn
Preston: Torch 1 turn
Devin: Torch 1 turn

If there are no objections by the party, Wyndham directs them south through the vivisection room to the ring room.

In reply to Wyndham (msg # 61):

Gael follows Wyndham's direction south towards the vivisection room.

The party headed southward into the dark tunnels. The smell of chemicals lingered in the air and throughout the vivisection room. The next room where the incomplete ring of arcane silver glyphs smelt of blood and damp fur.

On the floor in the centre of the room was two corpses. The corpses were large, hairy grotesque humanoids with pallid, earth-coloured skin and red eyes. The hairy humanoids were dressed furs and blood pooled around them and two filled large sacks that lay close by. At the face of one of the corpses a giant rat gnawed at its bulbous nose. The rat looked up as the door open, its snout and teeth reddened with blood.

OOC Neither party is surprised. Actions?
Day 26. Time: 9:20am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 2 turns
Preston: Torch 2 turns
Devin: Torch 2 turns

"Eadwynn, Preston, Eglantine? Would you mind dispatching that rat, please?
But... be careful. Looks like our hairless friends over there may have underestimated it. Unless something else killed them and the rat is just munching on the leftovers. I'll keep the eye out."
Wyndham glares menacingly around the room and ceiling, looking for signs of potential mischief.

Derry advances into the room and hurls one of his axes at the feeding vermin.

17:14, Today: Derry the Dwarf rolled 5,4 using d20+1,d6.  Axe throw.

Wyndham ducks, narrowly avoiding Derry's wild throw!

Gael leads his men into melee with the giant rat. He instructs Garrick, Aylmer to take the left flank. Gael and Bosley approach from it's right side.

17:40, Today: Gael rolled 1 using 1d6.  mace damage.
17:39, Today: Gael rolled 19 using 1d20.  mace attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:41, Tue 24 May 2022.

Devin remained in the doorway to watch the corridor for assailants as he slid on his shield.

The men-at-arms rushed forward led by Gael. Swords were swung but only Gael’s mace struck true, injuring the lone rat. The rat was surrounded, it lashed out at Gael in retaliation but the rat’s teeth failed to penetrate his plate mail.

OOC Declarations for next round.

Derry stands guard along side Devin.

Gael, will remain where he is, ready to engage in melee.

Did the Eadwynn, Preston and Eglantine power trio not have a chance to attack last round?
Wyndham shouts from the sidelines for E, P & E to stop navel gazing and get into the game.
"KILL THE RAT!"

Devin was surprised to see the dwarf with him covering their rear.  He'd often chastised the acolyte for not joining the fray and now they were standing side by side in strategic awareness.

He wanted to say something, but thought his silence spoke more eloquently of their solidarity.

The rat continued to scampered and bite at its attackers, though wounded it attacked wildly and without success. Both Eadwynn and Eglantine stabbed with their short swords and finished the beast off which died with a squeal.

OOC Combat over. Yes the men at arms all attacked and missed in the first round.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:10, Thu 26 May 2022.

With the room secured, Wyndham skulks in to discover what is in the open sacks. On the way, he keeps an eye out for crawling nasties on the ceiling.
ooc - Go E&E! Chalk one up for Team Wyndham!

Gael returns his mace to his belt. "We must be more vigilant. I will do what I must, but I did not come to this place to disturb its natural inhabitants." He spoke in a regretful tone. He instructs Garrick to lean on the eastern door to keep it shut from any intruders. He tells Bosley to do the same on the western door.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Fri 27 May 2022.

In reply to Gael (msg # 76):
"Nah, don't worry," says Wyndham over his shoulder. "There's plenty of undead creeping around here for you to destroy. Then you'll feel right as rain!"

"I certainly hope you are right friend, so that this trip was not in vain." Gael glares sorrowfully at the dead rat. "Regardless, if we are blindsided again by an animal, don't go willy-nilly attacking it like that. Allow me to commune with it, and show it we mean no harm. It should let us pass. Violence is not intrinsic to these creatures, it only arises from a lack of understanding."
OOC
Gael opens the sacks in the room to take a look inside.

Derry warns Gael that he'd best look the other way before severing the tail from the rat and adding it to his ever growing collection.

"You speak rat?" he asks the newest member of the troupe.

"Can you tell if the rat killed those two?" Devin asked of those nearby.

As the others secured the room or chatted about the rights or wrongs of slaying the unfortunate animal Derry began his butchering whilst Wyndham explored the two sacks. The two sacks were both full of electrum coins.

Wyndham's greed battles his practicality but the greed wins.
"Preston, you take one and I'll take one but we'll dump 'em if they become a nuisance. Now, if everyone's agreeable, let's head to the ring room."

I think we're in the ring room. I don't think a rat killed those two buggers. Maybe an ape?

Gael is in awe by the Dwarfs morbid collection. "I admit sometimes these actions must be taken, this is a fact of life, but only out of necessary, and pleasure must not accompany such an action." Gael was forthright with his views, but made an effort to not sound patronizing. "No I have tried, but The oral tradition tells us that Ky has granted the power to those deemed worthy. However, Animals can sense your demeanor, We like to think of ourselves as distinct from the animal kingdom, In truth there is not much that separates us. We are all cut from the same cloth so to speak" He spoke bluntly.

Gael and his retainers are ready to go into the ring room
This message was last edited by the player at 22:52, Fri 27 May 2022.

Mr DM, sir. Can you please refresh our collective memories on what's in this room? If I remember correctly, there's a ring in two parts. Once reassembled, we align the glyphs and boom, magic happens.

The room was thirty foot by thirty foot. Two doors were in the south west corner of the room, opposite this in the north east corner of the room sat an incomplete ring of steel sections which were inlaid with silver glyphs. The three quarter incomplete ring was set upright against the wall, the remaining quarter sat on a creaking wooden stand nearby.

In the middle of the room was the corpse of a giant rat, its tail severed. Next to the dead rat were two large, hairy grotesque humanoids. The bodies were covered in furs, although it was hard to determine where the furs ended and their hairy bodies started.

"If anyone wants to search the bodies..." Wyndham waves towards the corpses.
Depending on how heavy the ring third is, Wyndham will ask  Eadwynn, Preston and Eglantine for their help reassembling the ring. Before doing so, however, he asks, "Is everyone ready before we're assailed by a horde of demons or whatever?"

"Let's see if anything happens," Devin said, holding his torch high so they could see what they were doing with the ring.

Tail acquired, Derry checks out the bodies for any other extras.

While the others search the creature's bodies. Gael takes a look to see if it bears any resemblance to anything he has seen in the forest. Specifically, he will be checking the fur pattern, teeth, and footprints. When he is finished he faces the ring in the center of the room, he checks his footing, wields a mace in one hand, and raised his shield high. "Ready." He told the thief.

The strength of all the men-at-arms was needed to move the last steel ring sections. It took their combined effort and any other idle hands then lots of heaving to get the section into place.

Gael inspected the creatures; both were ugly with pallid skin. They looked like goblins but bigger and hairier.

Derry patted down and searched the corpses. What had initially appeared to be a humped and grotesque back was another sack held on each of the corpses.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 9:50am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 4 turns
Preston: Torch 4 turns
Devin: Torch 4 turns

Devin couldn't tell if anything had happened when the section was put in place.  He'd been expecting some glowing, humming, or at least for the room to be swept with an ominous feeling of some kind.

Thanking the hirelings for their pains, Wyndham examines the ring to see if there are any moving parts, hidden compartments, switches, etc. that can be adjusted or turned.

Lenny whistles, "How about that?" at the discovery of two more bags. Bags of what? If they're worth keeping, he'll put one in his backpack (if it fits) and hand off another to one of their mercenaries.

The sacks were around half filled with electrum coins, they were too big to fit into a backpack.

The ring now complete stood against the wall in the north east corner. There was nine silver gilded glyphs encircling the ring. There was no sign of magic, although none of the adventurers had any understanding nor learning of magic to be sure there was magic there or not...

Wyndham looks for a way to spin the wheel.
"What good's a wheel if you can't turn it?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 12:19, Mon 30 May 2022.

"Maybe we should keep moving," Devin suggested, "see what else we can find on this trip?"

There was no mundane way that Wyndham could see to turn the wheel.

"Dead end," said Wyndham sadly.
"The only other place I thought to go to was the room with the pool. When Kara went in, it seemed to transform her. Made her stronger? I could use being stronger if only to help me lug this sack a round. Anyone interested in checking it out?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:33, Tue 31 May 2022.

"Maybe on the way out," Derry replies. "Let's continue exploring for now. You can also have a second go at that locked door."

He pauses and surveys those assembled before him. One of them should be able to force that door.

In marching order, continue down that main western corridor and then head south.

"Interesting, Perhaps we we can bring a sample from this pool to Mistress Rakel. It may be worth her time if it has these magical properties."


Gael will follow Derry to keep exploring the area and check out the pool next. Is anyone carrying a 10ft pole? Might be worthwhile to give it to one of the retainers in front.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:37, Tue 31 May 2022.

Directed by Derry the party headed westward then southward. The corridor was dusty, dank and rife with cobwebs. A lingering smell of chemicals permeated the musty air.



OOC
Day 26. Time: 10:00am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 5 turns
Preston: Torch 5 turns
Devin: Torch 5 turns

Derry chooses the north passageway, warning the expedition to look out for spiders having encountered them on previous expeditions.

Wyndham does a preemptive torch lighting so they don't all go out at once.

Devin sticks with the others.  Torch in one hand, shield in the other.

The eastward corridor continued on only a short way before turning back northward. The first turning to the north led on forty foot before coming to two doors. The air here smelt of filth and earth.

Wyndham holds a finger to his lips as he creeps ahead of the group to listen at each door. After doing so, he returns to his position.

There was no sound at the doors to reveal to Wyndham what might hide behind them. At the western door the earthy rich smell was stronger. At the eastern door the smell was more of filth and bodies.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 10:20am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 1 turn

West it is, with a hireling in front opening the door.

OOC Anyone else doing anything? There'll have been plenty of time whilst Wyndham was listening at doors.

Not sure what else we would do beyond maintaining our customary vigilance?

This message was deleted by the player at 23:12, Thu 02 June 2022.

The search on the south wall from Gael discovered nothing.

The decrepit Eglantine opened the door whilst the venerable Garrick stood at the ready. As the door opened a rich smell of earth wafted outward. In the dark room were four raised beds filled with brown loam and an overabundance of pale grey mushrooms.

"Spores!" hissed Wyndham.
"Can't stand 'em! Somebody torch them things!" said the man holding the torch.

"Now, now," interjects Derry, "they don't seem to be blasting off spores. They seem pretty content all buried in their beds and all. Let's have one of our hired hands harvest a few and then we can bring them back to town for identification."

Wyndham prepares a retort to Derry, his lips threatening to expel a torrent of objections... until a stray thought apparently reaches him. Instead of speaking, he clamps his mouth shut and backs up to the wall to let any hirelings pass.

"Let's try the other door next," Devin suggested to Whyndam, pointing at the other door in the junction.

The decrepitly old Eglantine entered the dark room and slowly knelt by one of the raised beds. She plucked up a few of the pale fungi to no ill effect.

Derry encourages the venerable retainer to harvest some more before they try the other room.

Was there any evidence of ongoing horticulture?

Derry entered the room to inspect the raised beds and found them to be well kept and orderly.

OK, interesting, thank you. On to the next room.

OOC Is Derry and Eadwynn going alone or waiting for the others?

All as one.

Gael and his retainers will accompany Derry. Eglantine, Garrick are in front opening the door. Gael would have also inspected the sample of mushroom and see if it is like anything he's foraged in the forest before.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:42, Sat 04 June 2022.

Devin stuck with the large group.  It was actually quite crowded this time around.

Again the elderly Eglantine opened the door whilst the foolhardy Garrick stood at the ready. The room was twenty foot by twenty foot. There was another door in the north wall. Inside the room was filthy and messy with bones and hair. Seated in the centre of the room was an albino ape.

They were going to have to get on good terms with this denizen of the tower's dungeon, seeing as this was the third time they had encountered him, Derry reminds himself. He reaches into his pack, grabs a couple of apples, and rolls them the way of the albino ape.

In reply to Derry the Dwarf (msg # 127):
"The monkey might prefer Hazel?, Fluffy?... yer bunny."

Gael is in awe that this dungeon was home to such a rare creature. His wide eyes visibly revealed his astonishment. He was happy Derry had the food ready. Gael steps in front and greets the ape in a way customary for neutral aligned creatures "We are your friend. Enjoy this food. Let us pass." His gestures were slow and non-threatening.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:14, Tue 07 June 2022.

In reply to Gael (msg # 129):
Wyndham waits quietly for the biting and clawing to begin.

"We shouldn't bother it," Devin said quietly.  "It's a wild animal."

The big white ape snatched at the rolling apples hungrily and remained seated in the middle of the messy room.

Obligingly, Derry will roll apples in the direction of the hungry ape until its hunger appears to be sated.

More apples were rolled which were greedily snatched up by the ape.

OOC
Day 26. Time: 10:30am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 2 turns

Derry will continue rolling apples over to the ape until his two bags are empty or the ape stops eating them.

Wyndham mutters, "We should have laced the apples with poison... I mean with a sleeping potion,' he adds hastily before the clerics jump in.

"Or we could just leave the wild beast alone and find another way," Devin pointed out.  No matter how much they fed it, it was still a wild beast that could tear into them at any moment.

After eating many, many apples the starved ape watched Derry attentively and eyed up the empty sacks.

With his supply of apples exhausted and the ape apparently unsated, Derry retrieves three days of rations from his pack and tosses them to the ape. Regrettably, it would not be the first time the ape had eaten meat or meat byproducts.

"Hazel?" whispers Wyndham.

The ape picked at the rations with its thick fingers, it sniffed at some bits curiously and poked at others suspiciously.

Derry steadfastly ignores Wyndham.

With no more apples to give and the ape's dietary preferences established, Derry makes sure his sword is sheathed and starts to move towards the northern exit.

OK, let's sheathe our weapons, give the ape a generous birth, skip listening at the north door, and pass through in the standard marching order.

Wyndham follows Ferry's lead, keeping an eye on the ape.

Gael follows Derry and Wyndham. He is content leaving the ape undisturbed.

Devin was more than ready to move on and did so with the others.

There was a lot of shuffling as the party had to go in single file to keep their distance from the white ape. The northern door was opened to reveal a chamber twenty foot by thirty foot with another door in the middle of the west wall.

The room was as messy as the previous den of the white ape. Eglantine stepped into the room successfully however when Garrick stepped forward the floor fell away and he fell down into a pit injuring himself. At the sound of the crash five giant rats burst out of the detritus and shadows to surround Eglantine and bit at her. The elderly man-at-arms was able to fend many of the attacks off but enough got through her defences to knock her off her feet and she now lay bleeding on the floor.

Derry stood at the doorway with Gael behind him; in a single line behind them the party was stretched out all the way back through the room around the white ape.

OOC Garrick triggered the pit trap and Eglantine was surprised by the rats. A ten foot deep pit separates the party from Eglantine. Now into combat rounds, declarations!

Day 26. Time: 10:40am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 3 turns

Wyndham has Eadwynn and Preston attack the rats.

OOC To give some idea how far removed Eadwynn and Preston are from the battle. They can attempt to use their bow and sling respectively but they can't see much and there’s lots of other people in the way not considering the reaction of the ape!

The cross at the door way represents the 10'x10' pit separating the party from Eglantine.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:52, Sun 12 June 2022.

Update
Wyndham, Eadwynn and Preston will stay back and keep an eye on the ape until the corridor ahead clears somewhat.

From his position, Derry retrieves one of his axes and hurls it towards the rats. It sails well beyond the juicy targets.

16:12, Today: Derry the Dwarf rolled 3,4 using d20,d6.  axe toss.

Realizing that his torch went out, Devin pulled a new one from his backpack and lit it from Wyndham's.

Gael instructs Bosley to light a torch and pass it to him. Assuming there is enough space to maneuver around the pit trap, he approaches the rats. "Go on now, get away!" His voice was stern and his movements threatening as he swung the torch at the hoard of rats. Gael retained a bit of his collected aura even in this situation.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:29, Sun 12 June 2022.

The pit was directly behind the door and there was no way for Gael to move around it. Bosley lit a torch and would be able to pass it forward now.

Derry’s axe missed all of the rats. The injured Garrick got to his feet and reached up toward Derry “throw me a rope” he called from ten foot below.

Devin successfully lit his torch. With Wyndham’s, Devin’s and Bosley’s torch the ape’s room was well lit with nary a shadow, to north Eglantine fought for her life at the edge of shadow.

Too injured to fight Eglantine stood her ground but was overcome, the rats bit as her and she lapsed in unconsciousness.

The flurry of activity and the drawing of weapons had the ape sit up on its haunches but it did not attack.

OOC Next declaration!

Spurred by Garrick, Derry retrieves his rope and throws the end of it to the retainer below.

"Let's back up nice and slow," he encourages those behind him.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:26, Mon 13 June 2022.

Wyndham and henchmen back up to make room, all the while watching the ape for any sudden movements.

Gael will offer to help pull Garrick up from the pit if required. He will then back up with the rest of the party.

"We're leaving someone else behind again?" Devin said in dismay.  "She may still be alive.  Just shoot them from across the pit!"

As the others fell back, he stepped forward and threw his torch at the rats.

Helped by Derry and Gael the old and injured cleric Garrick began to climb out of the pit. Over there heads Devin tossed a torch to frighten away the rats from devouring the fallen man-at-arms. The torch which landed near Eglantine sent the rats scurrying to the corners of the now lit up room.

Wyndham and the remaining hirelings all retreated back into the corridor. The big white ape watched the activity closely but did not move from its seat.

Derry throws his second axe with the same efficacy with he he threw his first.

Anyone who can attack from range should do so.
10:41, Today: Derry the Dwarf rolled 6,1 using d20,d6.  Axe #2.

Seeing the ape sit placidly, Wyndham swivels and jostles his way to the edge of the pit. Lining up an arrow in his bow, he takes a shot at a rat.
22:42, Today: Wyndham rolled 14,3 using d20+2,d6.  bow attack on rat.

"We need to get across to help her," Devin said.  "Lower me down with someone else and they can boost me up to help get her out of there."

He gauged whether he could dangle over the edge and drop down without killing himself. He needed to get over there.

OOC Gael any action?

Gael will go down into the pit with Devin and boost him up to the other side.

Working together Devin and Gael climbed down into the pit. Derry’s axe toss went wide, Wyndham’s arrow flew true and impaled a giant rat but did not kill it.

OOC Next actions…

Derry sets aside his ax-throwing competition aside for the moment and tosses the other end of the rope, the one with the grappling hook onto the far side of the pit.

Wyndham lets fly another arrow at the injured rat.
18:15, Today: Wyndham rolled 13,1 using d20+2,d6

"Boost me up and I'll hand her down to you," Devin said to Gael.  If he could get her down into the pit, he could use one of the scrolls he had to save her.

Gael nodded in agreement with Devin's plan. He was calm and focused on the task at hand. Gael interlocks his hands for Devin to step o. He tries to push him up the wall and over the pit.

Wyndham shot and killed one of the rats. The four remaining rats looked angered by this and squeaked aggressively as Devin with the help of Gael climbed up the other side of the pit. Derry tossed his grappling hook over to the other side of the pit.

OOC We’ll go back to declarations now whilst Devin is on the other side of the pit with the angry rats.

Does Derry have a plan for his grappling hook, anything in particular he wants to try to hook it on to?

Emboldened by the his success against one rat, Wyndham attacks another...
Unfortunately, his elation is short-lived as his next shot is well off the mark.
17:06, Today: Wyndham rolled 7,2 using d20+2,d6 ((5,2)).

Derry lights a torch and traverses the pit with the aid of the rope and grappling hook.

OOC What are you trying to attach the grappling hook to? How is Derry climbing with a torch in his hand?
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:15, Mon 27 June 2022.

Instead, Derry will light a torch and toss it to the other side of the pit. He thought the hook could grip the edge of the pit, but that didn't appear to be required. He lowers himself into the put, walks across, and then hoists himself up and over the other side.

Devin had been thinking he could lower the injured woman down to Gael, but it looked like it would only exacerbate her injures.  Instead, he pulled out one of the healing scrolls and chanted the divine words to heal her instead.

OOC Devin and Gael worked together to get into the pit and get Devin out. Gael are you helping Derry?

In reply to DM (msg # 175):

Sure, Gael will help Derry get int and out of the pit in a same way he did for Devin.

It looks like the room is a dead end so Wyndham will wait on his side of the pit with his two henchmen and keep an eye on the ape.

It has a western door.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Tue 28 June 2022.

Seeing Derry point to a door to the west, Wyndham instructs his hirelings to carefully descend into the pit and climb up the other side via the rope and grappling hook.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Tue 28 June 2022.

DM has already said that the rope and hook are of no utility in this particular circumstance.

Devin stood up tall in the room and called upon the power of wind and sky, divine breathe was cast into Eglantine from near death she coughed and spluttered into life. Her wounds were still ragged but enough life was in her limbs now to walk herself out of the room.

Derry lowered himself with the help of Gael into the pit. Eadwynn and Preston worked together to follow the pair into the pit.

Wyndham and Aylmer remained watching the sated and rather sedate white ape.

Garrick and Bosley loaded their slings and shot at the rats but both missed their targets.

Once Devin had finished his prayer the rats came forward and bit at Eglantine and Devin. The rats were unable to get passed Eglantine armour but one of the rats successfully bite Devin drawing blood.

OOC Party won Initiative. Devin cast his spell then was attacked and bitten for 2 damage.

I didn’t say the rope and hook couldn’t be used, I just asked what you were attaching it to?

Declarations for next round…

Now in the pit, Derry calls out to Devin to help him get up and out of it, so he could deal with the rats.

Wyndham continues his barrage of missiles at the rats, starting with the bitey one.
18:24, Today: Wyndham rolled 20,3 using d20+2,d6.  rat attack with bow. 

Gael will look at the wall. Does the surface appear rough so that it could be climbed? If any rats approach the pit Gael will swing his torch.

Now that the armswoman had been revived, Devin was eager to climb back down into the pit.

"Quickly," he said to her, "climb back down into the pit and away from these rats!"

He did likewise and hung over the edge to drop into the pit.

Gael is standing by ready to assist those climbing back down. He held his torch high so that others could see.

The rats were quick to bite at Devin and Eglantine as the pair began their escape. Eglantine was bitten again and stumbled toward the pit as she lost her strength. She remained conscious but unable to move any further. The waiting hands of Gael, Eadwynn and Preston lowered Devin and Eglantine to the bottom of the pit.

The arrows and slingshots from Wyndham, Garrick and Bosley, wounded and killed another rat so that three rats remained in the room.

OOC Declarations.

Seeing the arrows and stones flying above him, Derry hunkers down for the time being. Maybe Wyndham and the others could kill or drive off the last of the rats.

In an ongoing attempt at providing cover for his friends, Wyndham continues his missile-ing, but to no avail.
18:59, Today: Wyndham rolled 4,2 using d20+2,d6.  rats, rats, lay down flat.

"We'll need to get her back to town," Devin said as he examined the armswoman's condition.  He was more than happy to let the stones and arrows take care of the rats.

Gael will attempt to climb up the pit and return to the side he came from.

"Let me give you a hand and then I can hand her up to you," Devin said to Gael as he gave him a leg up.

The rats remained in the room and did not follow the injured Eglantine into the pit.

Gael was helped out of the pit to join the defenders Wyndham, Bosley and Garrick on the other side. The arrows and slingshots killed another rat, reducing their numbers to three.

Declarations.

Wyndham joins with the hirelings to extract everyone from the pit via the ropes.
Once everyone's up, Wyndham's going to lob 3 oil flasks over at the rats. Then he's going to light a second torch and throw the old one at the oil to start up a blaze.
Does the bandit mind if the rat tails are a little crispy?"

"Alright, hand her up. Nice and easy" Gael reaches into the pit to pull Eglantine up. "Hang in there Eglantine we're going to get you healed" Gael was concerned but collected and focused on filling his duty.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 11:47, Thu 07 July 2022.

--No action.


"I've got 11 in my bag that say he doesn't," calls back Derry.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:18, Thu 07 July 2022.

Devin lifts the armswoman as high as he can for the others to pull up.  The rescue mission looked to be a success, thank Auril.

Bosley and Garrick continued to provide covering fire with their slings as everyone began to climb out of the pit trap. One more of the giant rats was killed and Eglantine was lifted out of the pit.

OOC Happy to speed things up a bit now. Actions?

oov - Please see msg 194

Derry will join the others on the ape-side of the pit, should he receive a helping hand, and wait for the rats to be exterminated or flee.

Devin helps boost the dwarf out of the pit before reaching up to be pulled out himself.

Gael carries Eglantine down the hall and away from the fighting. He gently lays her down. He stands guard and watches for anything that may approach from behind.

Combined efforts of everyone and using ropes everyone was hauled up and out of the pit. Oil and fire is thrown at the surviving rats as the party retreated into the corridor. Eglantine was conscious but unable to walk, supported by Gael the woman-at-arms was taken away from danger.

In the corridor Gael spotted nothing else approaching.

OOC

Day 26. Time: 11:00am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

Light
Wyndham: Torch 2 turns
Gael: Torch 2 turns

With the help of Bosley, Derry will once again lower himself into the pit followed by that same man. Then, he'll climb up to the rat side and harvest their crisped tails and anything else valuable that he spots. Should that be accomplished, he will return the same way he arrived.

OOC Then back to Four Tower, taking the hallway that eventually links up to the entry chamber with the stairs.

"Mind if I take a dip in the sauna pool? Kara seemed to benefit. An' I don't expect we're coming back here."

Stoutly, Derry replies, "We're making good progress and getting better as we go. We're coming back. Save your dip for later."

Devin was all in favor of getting back to town for a rest.

In reply to Devin Harper (msg # 207):

Gael hands his torch to Bosley. His priority was to get Eglantine back to Four Tower Bridge soon as possible.

OOC I need to know exactly where everyone is and who has the torches.

Gael and Eglantine went into the hallway. Gael handed their torch to Bosley who then went into the pit with Derry. Where is Wyndham and his torch? Is Wyndham with Gael or is Gael in darkness? Where is Devin with Gael or Derry?

Wyndham has a refreshed torch and is with Preston and Eadwynn. We are all together on the ape-side of the pit and are heading back to town.

This message was deleted by the player at 12:38, Tue 12 July 2022.

Devin sticks with the wounded armswoman as he still has one scroll in case her condition worsens before they get back to town.

Burdened with an injured Eglantine and many sacks of Electrum pieces the party retraced their steps and returned to the stairs. As they climbed upwards towards daylight and escape of the dungeon Wyndham was sure he heard movement below.

OOC

Day 26. Time: 11:20am. Weather: Sunny and wet. Vision: Daylight. Movement 20’

"Hold! There's someone or something down there! Maybe they're following us. Derry, mind having a peek with your dwarf eyes? Or should we just hightail it back to town?"

"Back to town with eyes at the back of our heads," Derry responds, unwilling to curtail their progress back to Four Tower.

Led by Derry the party escaped the dungeon and entered the clearing in the forest where the ruins of Modnar’s tower lay. It was near midday, the sun high above them. The moss covered flagstones and tumbled blocks were wet with recent rain and the clouds overhead promised a damp march to Fourtower Bridge.

Nothing was spotted emerging from the closed trapdoor as they exited the clearing into the cover of the trees. The remainder of the journey was quiet. They reached Fourtower Bridge in the middle of the afternoon.

OOC Party members receive 201XP each. Retainers Bosley, Garrick and Aylmer receive 100XP each. Retainers each claim 182ep of the treasure, leaving the party with 1454ep.

Their return in the middle of the afternoon left some time for shopping before retiring to the inn (-1.5 GP). Derry first sees about restocking his apple supply, this time buying 3 bags (-3 CP). Then he considers the length of that incommodious pit and what manner of board could help ensure its safe traversal. Should such lumber be available, he will buy it.

He leaves decisions pertaining to hirelings and retainers to Gael.

For their return, he thinks they could start with a spa treatment for Wyndham and then they could try to pick or force that locked door nearby. He would prefer to return the next day, worried about the overdevelopment of the ape's appetite.

Wyndham Will

• Set up Eglantine with a private room at the inn for a week (7gp)
• Spend a night at the inn for himself (1gp)
• Visit trader Ricky Pickles about her special pair of leather boots
• Attempt to recruit a mage/elf (Buying drinks, posting a notice and hiring the services of a town crier) (25gp)
• Restock oil and torches (7gp)

This message was last edited by the player at 20:30, Fri 15 July 2022.

"I'll need to take some time to heal," Devin said to the others.  "One of those rats bit me pretty good."

Devin will take a day off, but the others are free to go on without him as they do have another who can fend off the undead.

OOC: Devin Harper rolled 3 using 1d3.  Day of Healing.

More apples were bought by Derry at the store, the dogs Thongor and Brute watched the visitors to the store carefully as they lounged by the door. The leather boots were of amazing quality and Millie asked twenty gold pieces for them. Oils, torches and general supplies were all available to buy.

Despite Wyndham’s investment and call for a sorcerer, wizard or elf he had no enquiries from any applicants.

As the evening wore on Frode, now drunk, told a tall tale of when he once caught a pike the size of crocodile.

After a full day’s rest Eglantine once again was conscious. Some of her wounds remained but she was eager and lusty to get back into the dungeon whenever the party were ready.

OOC Purchases for general supplies can all be made at standard prices. Wyndham’s advert for a magic-user or elf this attempt was unsuccessful.

When do you plan to return? If you go straight away it will be minus Devin and Eglantine, also Garrick will still be wounded.

Wyndham was disappointed not to find a mage. He sorely missed Kara's sleep spell on their encounters.
He consoled himself somewhat by buying the boots from Millie. He discarded his old pair and pulled on the new ones.
Now, Wyndham waits for the others to finish up their tasks before deciding next steps.

We'll wait until Devin's ready.
Gael can make the call regarding retainers and hirelings.

What about the planks? Are they considered general supplies?

In reply to Wyndham (msg # 221):

Gael would like to buy the scabbard and a 10 foot pole.

Millie wasn’t sure easy it would be to carry around heavy planks but getting idea what Derry needed she fetched some ladders. The ladders were ten foot long and she charged five gold pieces each. If Derry really wanted planks she said she can get some for the same price but they would be a lot heavier.

The fabled back scabbard cost Gael forty gold pieces.

OOC The ladders weight 150 coins each. Planks will weight 300 coins each.

In reply to DM (msg # 224):

Gael presents the scabbard to Bosley. "There you are lad, just as promised... Now, I sense there are treacherous times before us. Do you truly accept this mission, to restore peace to this realm? You alone must make this decision."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:44, Wed 20 July 2022.

Astounded, Derry grasps the full implication of Millie's revelation and buys a ladder.

-5 GP.
-1.5 GP for another night at the inn.

Wyndham takes an end of the ladder.
"Derry, don't be getting any notions of us carrying you around like a wee dwarf prince on a litter. We won't have it!"
After a moment of consideration, Wyndham continues,
"Maybe if the adventuring thing doesn't pan out, we can put this thing to use rescuing cats or something."

Their purchases made everyone retired to the inn to hear Frode’s tall tale of the exceptionally big fish he once caught.

Bosley was pleased with his new scabbard and soon tried it on, proudly wearing his sword on his back. He seemed less pleased with the sermon he received and offered Gael only a nod but no vow of any such heroic nonsense. From the battles earlier in the day Bosley looked like he enjoyed the fighting too much to want anything as grand as peace and harmony.

Wyndham and Derry carried the cumbersome ten foot ladder between them.

OOC To clarify then Derry, Wyndham, Gael, Bosley and Aylmer are returning to Modnar’s cellar in the morning. Everyone else including Devin are staying in town?

No, we're waiting until Devin makes a full recovery before returning.

In reply to DM (msg # 228):

Gael has a pensive look on his face before nodding his head. "Alright then, the road ahead will require our vigilance. When we return to Modnar's tower, tap ahead with this pole. We must not allow ourselves to be blindsided like last time. Now, let's get you fitted for some proper armor. Remember, defense is the most important aspect of any combat." He tries to keep his sermon brief this time.

Gael purchases two sets of plate armor for Bosley and Aylmer.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Wed 20 July 2022.