" No, I found you as you were being robbed by three thugs. I got them to go away and brought you to the brothel I use. Figured to let you rest and recover, I am Valaric.  My brothel has been having issue's with the amount of traffic. I figured to repay me for rescuing you, you and your fellow fighter's could keep an ear and eye open to whomever is trying to disturb our business."

Looks around the room, before securing his new dagger into his belt. " I can be found here or you can leave word for me with the bouncer, he will make sure to relay it to me. I might even be interested in doing some training with your club."

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 30):

The brawny club fighter heaves a sigh of relief as he hears your words.

"Thank the heavens I did not sard some pointy eared fellow! You have my thanks my man. I did not think I would get so horribly drunk last night... As for my club fighting troupe... well, I don't think I'm going back there any time soon... I lost quite a number of fights last night and the troupe leader has chased me out... But I swear, something is strange with some of the fighters... they never hit so hard before, I can tell!"

"I guess I need some time away from club fighting anyway, it is making me make stupid decisions... I will help with your task, if you wish!"

"Otherwise, I think I'll be doing some odd job around here to recoup my losses from betting on myself too much..."


"And yes, before I forget... my name is Chander..."

The club fighter offers a handshake to you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:58, Mon 17 May 2021.

Valaric quickly takes the offered hand and shakes it. " Chander, is it? Nice to meet you. I am sorry to hear about your run of bad luck, but I believe it can be the start of a profitable friendship between us. I accept your offer of help, today work in the district getting customers to come here. While you are working, if you hear or see anything which might have anything to do with it losing business let me know tonight and we can make plans."

Valaric takes out two silver pieces and hands them to Chander. " That is your pay for today from me, you will also lodge with me here if you like. Talk to the head bouncer for the job tell him I sent you. He will also be paying you for your work, the first two silver are from me, since you will be working for and with me."

Once everything is done, Valaric will leave for the day. He will look for any marks or targets on his way to the Sheriva Archives.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 32):

"Great...! I can't believe my fortune would turn so quickly...!" Chander pockets the two silver pieces, and agrees to help in the investigations.

As you head out into the street in the morning, you realise that much of a street is empty even in the parts which was busy yesterday night - which is perhaps to be expected in the pleasure district.

Most of the morning visitors appear to be headed to the central Temple of Uctlil - though the gates that are now wide open and appear to have clouds of incense coming from within. Two guandao wielding protector nuns are standing guard outside as usual. As you travel through the streets you notice that virtually all potential targets you encounter are women:

1. A strange short, fat and horribly smelling dwarf with ragged black hair, wearing all manner of jewelry, some of which stick out of her exquisite coat

2. A swarthy, corpulent woman with dark brown hair, neatly dressed in an expensive robe, and a fat looking pouch hanging from her belt

3. A young looking but overweight and very tall woman with unkempt red hair. Everything she wears is laced and looks expensive, and she is escorted by two plainly dressed women wearing a black robe uniform.


All three of these targets are headed in the direction of the Temple of Uctlil, opposite of your direction of travel past a bridge which is part of the route to the Sherpa Archives.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Tue 18 May 2021.

Valaric appraised his targets quickly, then made sure to alter his course enough that he could come into contact with the I'll smelling dwarf. With practiced skill and deft hands, he made his strike attempting to lift some jewelry.
Rolled a 3

Continuing on his way as if nothing had happened. Once clear, he continues his trip to the Archives. Eyes alert for any other targets of opportunity.

Will need to get these things appraised after the archives or maybe have the madam have it done for me.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 34):

You manage to swiftly unhook a large golden locket with quite intricate engravings from the belt of the foul smelling dwarf, and she does not even notice your presence behind her. The locket actually feels quite heavy in your hand.

You continue on your way to the archive, and decide to take the fastest route, involving crossing Pavagi Bridge - a large masonry bridge decorated with numerous statuettes of various auspicious creatures like the phesasant and the turtle. The bridge crosses a mostly dry canal, with only a reasonable amount of filthy looking water at the small central channel of the canal. The dry parts of the canal are quite free of trash as you notice numerous tiny and large cockroaches feeding on the refuse thrown into the canal.

But what catches your eye as you cross this mostly empty bridge is a dead body partially submerged in this channel, and streaks of blood trailing into the darkness of the covered parts of the canal towards the south, and just barely as your eyes follow the trial, you notice a giant cockroach retreating into the shadows of the uncovered canal.

Witnessing this scene appears to be a group of four human explorers wearing large backpacks and leather armor, who quickly charge down the canal in pursuit of the escaping roach.

Unfortunately this time, apart from this happening, there does not appear to be anyone crossing this bridge at the moment. You imagine that you might probably have more luck in Mahir Scribe's Street where there is a greater crowd of scholars, booksellers and slightly wealthy people who can afford books and writing supplies.

Valaric makes his way to find the scribe Devan, wanting to negotiate a deal to explore the archives.

While on the way there he is looking for more targets, or a place to have the silver dagger and locket appraised. Hoping to take a couple of minutes to inspect the locket in greater detail himself also.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 36):

The locket appears to be quite a heavy one, and has the vibrant yellow sheen of pure gold. On its surface are intricate engravings depicting exotic looking rectilinear buildings. It appears to have a knob which would allow one to open it by turning it.

As you now step into Mahir Scribe's Street, you now notice a somewhat larger crowd of mostly skinny looking peoples in fine robes walking into and out of the various bookstores, scrolls shops, and sometimes antique shops selling a range of curiosities. You imagine that once you navigate this street, you would likely reach your destination. Unlike the Pleasure District, you notice that the roads are much wider here, and there are virtually no alley ways, with the backs of buildings being paved with a separate pattern where most of the loading and unloading of goods would likely have taken place.

Furthermore, the outside of most of the shops adjacent to the large street appear to be guarded by wooden staff wielding guards in finely decorated dark colored leather armor. They wear an open turban-like helmet decorated with a black goose feather with a golden tip.

You notice the following targets:

1. A corpulent man in extravagant robes with the upper half of his body seemingly stuck inside a canvas covered wagon. There are various crates near this wagon, and you see muscled Lamarakh eunuchs periodically haul the large crates into and out of the back of a shop some distance away every few minutes. The back of this man is exposed and you see a few finely dyed pouches hanging from his belt.

2. An extremely old looking man in fine robes leaning his side agaist a pillar. He holds a tattered book at one of the large stands selling books in poor condition for cheap. He seems to have fallen asleep standing. One of his pockets appears to be bulging.

3. An exquisitely robed woman wearing rather long jeweled nail guards on her pinky and fourth finger. She seems to be quite intoxicated with opium she is smoking, and she is lies on a finely made wooden reclining chair. The back of a row of shops where she is resting at appears to be completely empty and very well decorated compared to the other back streets, and there is even a finely built channel running across the centre of the street containing flowing, very clean water. Next to her on a small round table is an open but neatly packaged opium set - likely one of the brands of opium that produced by the 17 Cartels.

Valaric quickly sized up his targets and their possible rewards, before making his move on the rich lady and her opium set.
Rolled a 3 for theft

That set, should be valuable and has some other potential as well. The archives guard has interest in opium, should give me plenty of access and insight into the archives for sure.

After making his opium theft he continues his way to meet the scribe and guard of the archives.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 38):

As you expected, the exquisitely dressed woman is far too intoxicated to even notice your presence as she stares with a blank look in the sky, clearly enjoying whatever her smoked opium is doing to her.

After you bag the opium set, you walk further down the Scribe's street and eventually arrive at a large coumpound finely gated with spiked copper covered in patches of green patina.

The guards positioned at the entrance recognize you and let you through and you now see the large Sherpa Archives before you.

Beyond a ornate fountain of granite bearing the sculpture of a goat headed strongman seated on a rock reading a book in a pensive pose, is a large double winged mansion that rises up to 4 floors. Looking at some of the overgrown trees and bushes dotting the ground around the mansion alongside the condition of the fountain would imply that it might be abandoned, by the patrolling guards and occasional scholar walking to and fro attests to its current use.

You remember the scribe Madri to be on the second floor, while the small stationing office of Swaminathan is located deep in the first floor. As it is more convenient to meet with those on the first floor as you enter the Archives through the ground floor, you wade through the corridors of high legged and mostly shelves containing temporary holdings of books and eventually find yourself outside a partitioned area with its own windows and door where the Magician guards would take their breaks.

As it is still quite early in the morning, you find Swaminathan outside, seated at one of the tables with a two other guards starting to wear their dark colored, silver gilded leather armor.

Swaminathan notices you immediately and greets you. "Good morning Valaric. Got something good to sell today? Or are you looking to browse through a book? We are just about to check on a few new entries and make sure their condition and log their appearance, if you wish to follow of course..."

"I do indeed, have several things to attend to today here. Please lead on, let us inspect the new material together. " as He makes his way to follow the guards to do the inspection.

If given the opportunity during the traveling to the new material.

_{" You, are still dabbling with opium are you not. This recently came into my possession, I thought of you immediately. We can see about trading, if anything piques my interest in the new material."} showing the opium set briefly.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 40):

Indeed, as the archives are vast and it would take a few minutes to reach the parts where the new books are being temporarily held, Swaminathan eyes the opium set and his expression brightens significantly.

"My lord Valaric, where did you get such an extravagant set? This isn't something that the usual opium takers usually use. You must be pulling my leg aren't you? Is this not one of the counterfeits you got from Sundar Bazaar?" Swaminathan smiles as he nudges you.

"Well let me examine the goods later once we are back from our inspection. And if its counterfeit well, can't help it, you aren't known in the ways of the opium business any ways so I doubt you had bad intentions... you can always pay a borrowing fee in gold of course."

The party of 3 magic guards and you continue on their way down the long corridors of towering bookshelves giving off slightly intoxicating scents of exotic glue and varnish likely applied across the pages of the many books to preserve their contents for time immemorial.

But suddenly, you begin to hear the sounds of a strange squelching coming from ahead, and the guards all begin to load their chu-ko-nu (repeater crossbows) with bolts.

"Oh darn it, why does this morning have to be so much of a bother..." one of the guards remarks.

Looking ahead, and clearly prepared for this, the guards stand before you in formation slowly edging towards a large congregations of fat boar sized but very long worm like moth larvae apparently crawling out of a massive open book.

The giant larvae seem to have black deadly looking curved spikes the size of bastard swords sticking out from their heads, which glisten in the bright magic lanterns hung from the tops of the vast room. These larvae are all stuck together in sort of a ball and you can tell that there are at least 10 giant larvae in the way, feasting on the carpet, and beginning to crawl to the other books on the shelves, with some heading in your direction.

"Oh, Valaric, before you even think about it, don't be throwing fire bombs on them. Our job isn't to set the archives on fire..."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:50, Sat 22 May 2021.

" Yes, inspect it later. I will just sell it to the other party who wanted it, I was only thinking of you. I will just pay you in coin."

When the guards readied their crossbows, Valaric got his bow ready as well.

Once the larvae are spotted he fires two arrows, making sure to keep them in short range. " I better get a big discount for helping you do your jobs."

Should get a +2 bonus to hit for short range.
00:31, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 13,4 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
00:31, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 16,2 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

This message was last edited by the player at 04:47, Sat 22 May 2021.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 42):

"Alright, alright, let's focus on not becoming worm food first..." Swaminathan replies.

Your two arrows fly towards the ball of larvae and they strike one larva through the top of one of its segments, and grazes another in the face! Small drops of insect juice leak from their injuries but their continued squirming alludes to the persistent vitality!

In unison, the three guards fire their repeater crossbows twice in quick succession!

The first two guards' bolts fly forth and both of them strike another two Larvae once each, though they still appear to be very much alive!
Finally, Swaminathan carefully aims at one of the injured Larvae and fires two bolts, striking it in the head and causing it to collapse to the ground in a pool of insect juice!

The insects struggle for a few more moments and eventually manage to crawl out of their tight ball, and they all advance towards the party! At their slow pace however, they would likely only reach in 2 more turns.

From how you look at it there appears to be 11 larvae still alive, with 3 of them slightly injured.

Valaric again uses his bow, the arrow missing the target. He then moves back keeping the distance about the same before releasing a second arrow which also misses.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 44):

Swaminathan and his magic guard companions fire off another volley of 2 bolts each!
One bolt strikes a Larva in its head slaying it, and another grazes another Larva!

The guards then drop their crossbows and draw their sabers and bucklers!

Based on what you can see, there appears to be 10 larvae still alive, advancing at a steady pace, with 4 of them slightly injured.

"Get ready to strike boys!" Swaminathan hollers as his guards stand at the ready.

Valaric keeps his distance but makes sure he angles of to the side to get a good line of sight on them.

"Good luck, boys I will provide what assistance I can for as long as I can."

With that being said he fires off two arrows, aiming for the injured ones first both of his arrows strike solidly.

21:06, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 14,5 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

21:06, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 15,2 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 46):

Your arrows meet their mark on two of the injured larvae, cleanly striking two! But though heavily battered, they continue their advance forward.

The guards then charge forth and make their attacks at the three larvae at the front advancing row! The two guards strike two separate larvae, wounding them, while Swaminathan makes a deadly cleave at one of the larvae you just shot, slaying it on the spot!

The two Larvae at the front attack! While another Larvae from the row behind crawls forward to replace a dead one!
The two Larvae attacks are effortlessly parried by the two Magic Guards beside Swaminathan!

"A few more to go! Stay sharp!" Swaminathan barks!

A small distance away before the fighting guards are 9 larvae, with 3 of them engaging the guards, and 5 of them injured.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:26, Tue 25 May 2021.

Valaric continues to support the guards with arrow fire, targeting the injured larvae. Two arrows were fired again.

00:03, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 18,6 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
00:03, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 6,5 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 48):

Your first arrow zips through the air with great force and goes through the head a slightly injured larva, slaying it! Your second arrow however is deflected by their long sabre-like spikes.

Now focused in close quarters engagement, the magic guards strike numerous times with their sabers!
The first two magic guards make a quick play of three strikes, with two strikes each cleanly hitting the larvae!
Swaminathan then follows with a quick flourish of four strikes, with three strikes slashing at the larvae around cleanly!
The quick succession of deadly slashes slays a total of 3 larvae, while heavily injuring the rest!

In retaliation two of the larvae strike the 1st Guard, wounding him, and he staggers backwards from the deadly strike!

"Chettur, stay back, Sharya and I will handle this," Swaminathan orders the injured guard. "Curses, what a way to start the morning inspection..."

There are now 6 larvae remaining, with only 1 of them uninjured.

Valaric again fires two arrows, one misses but the other strikes a solid blow.

" Chettur, fall back to me I will cover you."

on phone, one misses the other was a crit natural 20 and 11 for damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 50):

Chettur nods at your advice, and retreats behind you!

The deadly arrow you let off strikes a heavily injured larva and goes through the entire length of it as it collapses motionless, leaving a trial of insect juice on the ground.

Following up with your attack, Sharya the Magic guard attacks twice again with his saber, beheading one of the heavily injured larvae and slaying it, while heavily injuring another!

Swaminathan too makes two strikes, decimating and slaying another two badly injured larvae!

The remaining two larvae mount an attack on Sharya, and terribly gore him with their black curved thorns!

He just barely deflects one with his shield and takes the second attack to the belly!

"Sharya, fall back. Leave the rest to me and Valaric..." Swaminathan says as he prepares to face the last two larvae.

There are now only 2 larvae remaining, with one heavily injured!
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Thu 27 May 2021.

Valaric moves forward to shield the heavily wounded guard. Firing off two arrows at the remaining larvae, " Let's finish them, and get your men to safety."

" Chettur, help get your friend to safety. We will finish these larvae off."

A 13 and 14 to hit with range bonus and a 6 and 3 damage.
21:08, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 12,3 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.
21:08, Today: Valaric Gryphon rolled 11,6 using 1d20,1d6.  To hit, damage.

In reply to Valaric Gryphon (msg # 52):

Your first arrow strikes the uninjured larva, badly wounding it!

Your second arrow slays the heavily injured larva, and it collapses in a pool of insect juice!

Swaminathan moves up to finish off the last larva - and it is beheaded!

You and the magic guards have slain 12 strange larvae, which grants all of you 600 XP each!

"Boys, just drink your potions for now to recover. We need to press on to make sure nothing strange is going on..."

Swaminathan kicks aside the dead Larvae and moves towards the massive book from which the larvae had appeared to crawl forth from.

He kicks it shut with his foot and takes out a length of silver chain and begins tying it shut.

"Looks like we'll have to send this one down to the deeper archives... What a bother..." Swaminathan mutters after which he makes an incantation and a gesture after locking the chains he tied around the book.

Meanwhile the two guards take out small vials of faintly glowing cyan liquid and quaff them and their wounds appear to give off steam. After a few moments, you can clearly see their flesh regenerating and their wounds disappearing.

"Thanks for the assistance Valaric. Didn't think there was going to be something like this. Anyways we have to press on, you with us?"

One of the guards helps to collect your missed arrows and some of the arrows stuck in the larvae that appear useable. Miraculously, it appears that only 1 arrow is damaged beyond repair, with its tip heavily dented. The rest of the 11 arrows look quite useable, though they are covered in some insect juice and smell quite yucky.

Valaric does his best to search the larvae while retrieving his arrows for anything of value or intetest. " Yes,  let's proceed I want to inspect the new material. Might be something of interest to me, I get a special rate for my assistance right."