Lief, you peer out of the knot hole.  Your neck is aching from the awkward angle and your back could use a good rub down.  But at least you can now see something.

That something turns out to be a small stretch of space.  There's a wall on the far side.  Some flickering light seeming to come from the right.  And that's about it.

Before you can think much more you hear a thud thudding.  It grows a little louder and you realize it's footsteps.  Heavy sounding ones.

Your lovely view of the wall and flickering light is blocked by what you think might be a trouser leg.

The barrel starts to shake.  Then suddenly you can feel blessed sweet, fresh air pouring down on the back of your neck.

Then something rough and warm, which you think is a hand, pours over the back of your neck.

You find your self lifted by the scruff straight up out of the barrel and left dangling in mid air.  A large man...a very large man.  Even bigger than a half orc...wearing trousers and a hide shirt is holding you up.  He peers into your face intently.  Than after a moment, says in a deep growly voice.

"You're not a muffin.  Growl likes muffin.  Jox said there was a muffin here.

"Did you eat the muffin?"

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 1):

And here he thought crouching into the corner of a watch tower for a few hours was uncomfortable, being stuck in a barrel definitely just took the top of the list.

Face to face with this large.... creature... "do you know which barrel it's supposed to be in?" He almost stammered but one thing the mercs helped him with was being quick to say something back in the heat of a moment.

In reply to Lief Forthwind (msg # 2):

Growl seems to think on that for a bit.

"Jox said it was in barrel with a big X on top of it."

You can see around the room.  Your barrel is one out of what must be twenty barrels.  There are also some crates and boxes.  Stacks of wood.  A pile in the corner which seems to be your stuff.  But that's pretty far away.

And...oh yeah.  The barrels. Every single one of them has a big X on the lid.

It seems Jox...whoever he is...wanted Growl to spend some time looking for said "muffin".

Questions?

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 3):

Quickly glancing around the room of barrels "umm, how about I help you look??" The gnome offered hopefully.

Above is a map of the room.  You are dangling in Growl's grip where his position is marked.  Your stuff has ingeniously been labeled "Stuff" in the bottom right corner.

The northern door is the one partially open.

Lief, Growl brings his snout close to you.  He licks a rough, thick tongue over some rather razor sharp looking teeth.  And he says, in a rough, deep voice...

"Okay.  But you better not try to run away."

Over his shoulder, you can see some shadows at the door to your north.  Like someone might be lurking on the other side of it...

---

Zale, you watch the others approach as you listen at the door.

It's actually open just a smidge.  As if someone had not closed it all the way.

From inside, you can hear a rough deep voice say, "Okay. But you better not try to run away..."

Peeking through the door, you can see what looks like a hairy ugly bear man holding a gnome up by his shirt as they stand in the midst of a sea of barrels, each with an X painted atop them.

The bugbear and gnome are located on the spot marked "Growl"

Well this interesting. Obviously Zale doesn't like barrels. First, the murder halfling. Then Duane. And now a lot of them. His eyes narrow as his body seems to shift as water forms in his right hand. Gnome and some other big hairy beast. The undine gets closer, getting within 30'. A whistle comes from Zale as he lets loose a waterball towards the creature!

Awsome to hit. Horrible initative.

18:47, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.

18:34, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 10 using 3d6.  Damage.

18:32, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 23 using 1d20+4.  Waterball Attack! Ranged Touch!

Offering what he can only hope to be a genuine smile, having been fighting the urge to gulp in fright the whole time, it probably came out more like he was also bearing his teeth. "I'll start overe there then" pointing towards the barrel between the one Lief was in and the one marked to have his stuff.

whether he was let down before the waterball or not, as soon as combat starts he tries to flip a barrel onto himself while ducking to hide.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:09, Fri 13 May 2022.

Breya figured this party had already been started, and waded into the fray.  "Hey, that's my gnome!"

So I'm going to double move, given the Terrain penalty, that should get me to Growl.

16:57, Today: Breya rolled 21 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

lol waste of a nat 20

Cassandre was all the way by an other door when the first one got opened. She paid it little attention, focused on listening at the one she had elected. But as the others appeared intrigued enough to jump right in and ready to rumble, she doubled back and stoped at the door frame, crossbow at the ready. She made herself small so anyone could pass her, but readied a shot in case a foe appeared — or tried to leave the room.

Bellinha was fine with letting the more combat oriented of the group charge into the room.  She wanted to keep close to Moon, Duane and Cassandre, just in case.  That didn't mean that she was going to keep out the of the fight.

"Unhand Breya's Gnome and stand down!" she shouted commandingly at Growl.  Bellinha uttered several arcane words and cast Flare at Growl.  Maybe he would be less likely to fight if he couldn't....

Bellinha cast a quick glance to Cassandre.  "...wait...Breya has a Gnome?!"

OOC:
Initiative 8
Casting Flare (DC 13 Fort save or Dazzled for 1 minute)

"HER gnome?" Kozibi let out a theatrical sigh but chuckled and muttered under his breath, "So the fierce one already has a lover, eh? Almost a shame."

He stepped to the doorway to see what all the fuss was about. "Before we all attack them, I could..." Zale, angry little Undine that he was now, and possibly Breya didn't waste any time. Or words. He shook his head and stayed back for the moment, making sure no enemies were outside of the room.

OOC: Aaaaaand back to crappy rolls, my safe place.
07:09, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
07:19, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 10 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

 Cassandre readied a cantrip to daze the creature holding a gnome, but she wasn't sure if the visiblity would allow it...

 

---

 Cast Daze on Bugbear if I have a line of sight.

Jevin switched things up this time around.   He let the others take the lead and assisted from the back.

Seeing the gnome and bugbear, Jevin opted for the furry target.

He shouldered the crossbow quickly and fired.  Smirking at the bugbear, he yawned like he was bored as he reloaded the crossbow.  Hells, he even decided to speak to Kozibi while he looked for any other aggressors.

"Hey Koze, I'm hungry.  Think we have time for a sit down meal after we save the gnome?  Was thinking frying up some eggs.   You got any tea?"

Jevin's country accent was strong as he looked to Kozibi like he was thinking about food.

OOC: pew pew

01:06, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 8 using 1d8.  Hurt the Bug.
01:05, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  shoot the Bug.
01:04, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.

This message was last edited by the player at 05:12, Fri 13 May 2022.

What is with the 21s?  Are you guys just trying to kill my bad guy?

By the time the sound fades from Breya's spoken "gnome", said gnome has been hurled sideways as Growl is suddenly crossbow bolted and finds Breya standing before him.

Lief, you land easily and take cover as you mentioned.  Good thing too as there's a loud sploosh and Growl gets beaned with a solid ball of water.

Zale, you hit.

With a wave of your graceful hand, you send your beam of loveshine Bellinha.  But Growl is too busy throwing a barrel.  He ducks and the flare passes by.

Growl growls and growlfully grabs a barrel, lifting it easily with one hand and throwing it the beautiful, bombastic Breya.  Breya, make me a Str check 8-.  If you fail, make a Reflex save 12- to avoid falling over.  I'm fairly confident you'll pass the Str check though.  Take 4 pts damage.  You did get hit by a barrel.

Moon shakes her head.  "It wouldn't surprise me if she had a gnome.  It's just a question if she was saving him for dinner or snuggling.  She seems the type it could go either way."

Cass, make a perception check 10-.  If you make it, you can cast daze no prob.

Did I miss anyone?

On to the next round.  Post your actions please.  Thanks

Your guys go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:58, Sun 15 May 2022.

A ball of water forms within Zale's hands. His eyes narrow and the waterball flies at the bugbear!

18:47, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 13 using 3d6.  Damage.

18:47, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 6 using 1d20+4.  Confirm Crit.

18:46, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Waterfall! Ranged Touch.

21:04, Today: Breya rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Strength.

21:04, Today: Breya rolled 16 using 1d20+1.  Reflex Save.

The wood splintered and broke over Breya, who staggered.  It had been a particularly well built barrel.

"Oh hell no."

Breya through a haymaker.  It went wild, but she was mad now.

21:07, Today: Breya rolled 8 using 1d20+6.  Slug it Out.

Whamp Whamp, round of fail.  Except for not falling over.

Forgot to update for Moon's healing, HP total is set to reflect the damage now however.

Having not really seen or heard anyone coming up behind them, he turned his attention back to the room - but only after flashing Moon a smile and a chuckle. "But aren't friends and lovers like that the best sometimes? Expect the unexpected!"

He gave a shrug and walked in to the room, weaving his way among the barrels in a slightly circuitous route towards the bugbear. "Hey there. Can't we talk this out? You stop hitting me friend and we'll try to stop Zale from making you any more wet?"

OOC: Moving in to the room and weaving through the barrels, aiming to come around to one side of Growl.

For the daze!
DC 10 perception :
Cassandre Lagrene rolled 13 using 1d20+10.  Perception

In reply to Cassandre Lagrene (msg # 19):

Growl managed to hook a mace off his belt while you were dealing with the barrel Breya.  He starts to swing, but suddenly acts as if he's dazed...which he is Cassandre.  He swings wild to match your swing.

The waterball he takes on the side of the face doesn't help Zale.

Koz,, Growl is trying to back away, sensing he's being overrun.  So he flinches when you ask your question as you come up on his flank.

Alrightie.  Breya and Koz are on each side of him.  He missed Breya.  And it's ya'lls go again.

He's a tough one, this Growl

Now he was pinned in.  Breya telegraphed a right cross, but threw an elbow strike at the last second!

So second verse same as the first with the Power Attack and whatnot, but he's Flanked now!

21:14, Today: Breya rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  Flanking Power Attack!

That probably hit!

21:15, Today: Breya rolled 8 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

So 8 damage, but since that's an unarmed hit I get Bleeding Attack!

21:15, Today: Breya rolled 2 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

So 2 bleeding damage, 10 total for the round.

Jevin moved in closer where he could get a clear shot.

Raising the crossbow to his shoulder he fired on the bugbear.

OOC: 14 to hit    8 possible damage


22:22, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 8 using 1d8.  Slug  the Bug (Crossbow bolt).

22:22, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Shoot the Bug.

Kozibi saw the bugbear starting to rethink things and maybe try to leave. He whacked them across the rear with the flat of his longsword. "Hey! Stop that! Don't try to hurt Breya. I haven't known her long, but she seems cool if a bit angry."

OOC: So Nat 20, but not a crit I'd guess with AC 12 for the follow-up.
Hit Nat 20 for 9 damage. Demoralize check 17 against them to be shaken for 9 rounds.

21:15, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 24,9 using d20+4,d8+2.  Non-Lethal Flanking Attack.
21:16, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 12,7 using d20+4,d8+2.  Crit threat confirmation.
21:18, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Intimidation check to Demoralize.

Okay, everything was under control, thought Bellinha.  Her spell was shrugged off by the Bugbear and she doubted that casting it again would be more effective.  It was a pretty low level spell after all.

She chanced a look over the railing into the open room below, hoping that the noise from the fracas that her companions were making did not carry too far into the building.  The last thing that they needed was to have more pirates coming up from behind.

 Cassandre walked purposefully into the room, meandred between the barrels and went right behind the bugbear.
 She sniffed and looked around, trying to find the gnome who was there just a few moments before...
 In a surprisingly decent accent, she hushed in the gnome language:
  "Well hello there young gnome fear not the big ones are taking care of the bear-man you can be safe with us will you come out now I hope you're not one of the leg-cutting cat-feeding pirates are you?"

---

move and talk

Well Koz seems insane. Bell is just standing there and now Cass is talking to the gnome when the bugbear is still looming over her? Let's save the enemies.

No.

Screw that. Zale raises his crossbow and fires at the bugbear.

03:38, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage.

03:38, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 18 using 1d20.  Crossbow Attack.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Mon 16 May 2022.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 26):

With the sounds of combat still going on nearby, and that the bugbear didnt actually hurt the gnome but the party came in combat first and wholly, clearly, devided in intent with a few offering peace while a few continued trying to murder. the gnome found it fairly difficult to just trust the words of this gnomish speaking furry. Using the cover of combat, a brightly lit humanoid figure dashed from behind a barrel opposite form cassandra, weaving through the other barrels, to across the room.


OOC edit: added a private to gm part I forgot to add, nothing else changed.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Mon 16 May 2022.

In reply to Lief Forthwind (msg # 27):

The bugbear manages solid swing that connects to your head Breya....  Almost.

He gets distracted by a thwack on his backside from Kozibi's sword.

Then he has a face full of elbow and two crossbow bolts sticking in him.

Then he falls over.  The bugbear has shuffled off this mortal coil.

Casssandra, the brightly glowing figure dashes past you...

Cass, please make a perception check

 Cassandre's call appears unheard, or at least unanswered... but then a figure jumps out of the barrel and into an other!

 She straightens herself up and claps her hands:
  "Weee I love this game!"

 "Usually play it with a pebble though..."

 She looks at the two barrels with a knowing eye and knocks on the first one.
  "Not so easily fooled!" she claims.
  "Stay in there for now, we'll sort you out."

 And with that she hops and sits on the barrel, adjusting her crossbow to shoot at near point-blanck range at the furry monster. It is but a glancing shot, but one sure to at least distract and potentially enrage the bugbear.

---

Cassandre Lagrene rolled 22,28 using d20+10,d20+8.  perception, arcana: where the Gnome?
Crossbow shot: hit AC18 for 1 damage

Seeing the bugbear defeated, he just goes to each barrel. He takes out his chum knife and goes to get them open one by one. If they have prisoners here, they could be inside. Like Duane. The undine doesn't say a word.

"Good work.  Everyone okay?" Bellinha asked as she stepped into the room.  She walked up to Breya to check on her, the woman had taken a barrel to the head after all.  The wound was minor, Breya had still been fighting after getting hit, but Bell was going to fuss over her all the same.

"Did anyone see where the Gnome went?" she asked the room.

 Cassandre waved cheerfully at Bellinha, with an air of saying "Me, me, pick me!".

 She pointed to the barrel upon which she was sat, crossbow on her lap.

  "He's shy though. Understandably so! We did just overrun the room and destroy a bear-man... maybe they were friendly? We did not exactly question what was happening in here."

 She tapped her finger on the barrel and called out in gnomish:
  "You can come out now I promise it is all good the tall folks are brusque and quick to knock teeth our but is you are no pirate you have nothing to fear from us."

In reply to Cassandre Lagrene (msg # 32):

Having unsuccessfully diverted attention away from himself, a small squeak came from the barrel "What may if dont know what I am? let less alone where..." The situation had been an escalating whirlwind of stress and it was finally catching up with his tongue.

Cass replied instantly and this time in the common tongue:
 « Oh worry not! That is how usually it starts. Just be content we found you before you were introduced to the local cuisine! »

She added in a voice which, while intended as reassuring, came out as creepy times threatening.
«  Last person we got out of a barrel lost a leg. »

Looking up from his work, Zale doesn't find what Cass is saying to be funny. Not even remotely. Instead of saying anything he just goes back to work on the barrels trying to see if he can hear or get anyone free if anyone is inside of them making sure to do every one. Once done if nothing is found he goes back to the courtyard and looks down upon it seeming to be lost in his own world and trying not to snap at anyone. Or cry. Or show any emotion. A occasional glance goes to Duane and the otter bouncies along besides Bell then runs off and sits down at Zale's feet.

16:17, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:18, Tue 17 May 2022.

Kozibi frowned down at the bugbear and then looked back up at Breya. He flashed her a quick smile and shrug of his shoulders. "Ah well. I was not quick enough with my words I guess."

He then whipped his head around at Cassandre, "Wow. You are not a nice person. All the sensitivity of the barrel you are sitting on." He shook his head, lip curled in disgust.

He let out a sigh and stepped out of the room.

Breya seemed to rather enjoy the attention and subconciously flexed and strutted a bit, making her biceps pop for no reason.

"Well that is one of the deadlier opponents you can have, a bugbear, but he just wasn't up to the challenge.  Though I do have a splinter in my forehead I wouldn't mind help with...  Seriously, who hits someone with a barrel?"

She observed Zale's activity.  "Hey Big Z has the right idea.  We got to check every barrel and probably crates too.  Hey get back in here, we need to check these before we move on!"

Breya didn't laugh at Cassandre's joke but she didn't condemn her either.  She did offer some counsel in a low voice.  "Ooof, Shortstack.  I get where you're coming from, you got to laugh at this shite or it'll eat you up inside.  But.. gotta read the room sometimes...  Don't worry about it, next time it'll be me and when I put my foot in my mouth I get it it all the way to my knee..."

In reply to Breya (msg # 37):

The barrels are easily opened.  They contain:

-One gnome (the one under Cass's bum

-Several piles of that weird smelling jerky

-A human woman, bound and gagged.  She is dead.  Apparently her neck was dislocated from being stuffed into the barrel and struggling to get free.  None of you know her.

-A pile of stuffed animals.  Children's toys stuffed animals. Cats.  Dogs.  Ocelots.  Otters.  A peacock.

-A couple of barrels are filled with crossbow bolts.

-There's a barrel that contains a thick bluish gel.  The gel has no odor to it.

-A small dwarven boy.  Maybe about eight years old in human years.  He is bound and gagged.  He is looking at you all with big, fearful eyes.  Moon looks him over.  "He's dehydrated and malnourished.  Lemme work with him."

-A barrel full of pitch.

The bugbear has his mace, which looks to be of fairly decent quality Masterwork mace.  He also has a nice earring.  40 GP worth of nice

There is a red kerchief tied around his head.  The kerchief has three knots tied in it.


Zale and Kozibi, the two of you are out on the mezzanine, keeping watch or calming down.  Other than cats, you aren't seeing anything or hearing anything.

While you all were working on the barrels, if allowed to, the gnome would quickly move to try to be useful and search the boxes.

Bellinha had started to search through the bugbear corpse.  The earring was pocketed, something else that would be split amongst her companions once their adventure was over.  She had picked up the mace, curiously feeling the weight of the weapon, before the red kerchief caught her attention.  She roughly pulled the kerchief from the bugbears head and stared at it.

Still looking at the kerchief, she rose to her feet and turned to the rest of the room.  "Can anyone use a Mace?  It's a..."

The words caught in her throat as she saw the contents of the room, specifically two contents.  A dead woman whose neck was at an awkward angle.  A thin dwarven boy.  She stared at the dead woman, occasionally glancing at the boy and Duane.

Breya shook her head.  There were others more qualified to handle the living, and Breya would probably terrify the child.

But the dead deserved more dignity than being stuffed in a damn barrel, even if there was no proper place to put her, the woman could lay in state in a corner somewhere, free of that horror.

"I got this... I'll... fudge... I'll be right back I'm going to put her where I can find a place they won't see her when we walk out."

With a grunt Breya lifted the barrel and rolled it along gingerly, using her impressive strength to good effect.  She didn't intend to be gone long it's just... she had to come out of there, at least.

Breya talked to the corpse as she worked.

"Sorry girl, no idea who you are, but I wouldn't want to be left in a damn barrel myself after I bite it, that's forked.  Got nowhere better, going to put you right here.  Gonna try to go get them that did this to ya.  After that we'll do our best to round folks up.  Gotta take care of the living first but we'll see to ya, might be just sending the right people back.  Sorry I can't do any better by you at the moment."

 Cassandre raised a befuddled eyebrow at Zale and Kozi as they left the room — apparently to be away from her. She hopped off the barrel to let the gnome out, and as he showed himself she simply said:
  « I’m Cassandre. You’re free now. »

She didn’t say more and proceeded to search the room with a keen eye. When Breya crouched by her with counsel about appropriate behaviour and conversation, she winced and replied:
« I don’t understand, what was funny in what I said? I was relieved we found the gnome in time… now I’m disappointed we did not come here early enough for this woman… and the ugly bard thinks I’m a bad person apparently. »

 Breya left to give the dead woman a decent resting place, at least she hoped that is what the sculpturesque brawler was doing! Cassandre took an interest in the other barrels. She was ill-equipped to deal with the dead, and equally so to deal with the living.

 Liquids however, she could manage. She checked the blue liquid, and the pitch, trying to assess their properties and qualities.

---

Cassandre picks up 20 bolts, and 3 toys: Cat, Otter, Dog
 Cassandre Lagrene rolled 17 using 1d20+8.  knowledge: liquids.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:06, Wed 18 May 2022.

It seems to be too much. After finding the body of the dead woman and seeing the dwarf boy-Zale looks at Moon, anger and sadness filling his soul. Zale grabs 22 bolts to be sure he has enough. He looks at Bell, lowers his head. Grabbing one of the stuff animals-the otter he kneels down to the small child and offers it. Seeing Breya stuff the dead girl back into the barrel is just too much. Cass's side comment about cuisine makes the man sad, angry and other emotions. He looks at Koz for a moment. The undine starts to walk off without a word, probably just wants to be alone away from the group. His otter looks around and scurries after the man whom raises his hand and the otter merges with the undine.

Away from everything.

Jevin moved through and had remained mostly silent.  Retrieving his bolts from the dead bugbear, he put his crossbow away and helped in opening barrels.

As the gnome made busy searching the boxes, Jevin moved to assist him.

"Hey bud, I'm Jevin.  Nice to meet you."

He kept it simple to introduce himself and start searching through the boxes.   Most were affected by this in different ways and the dwarven boy seemed terrified.   Jevin had seen how a drow scarred children and kept his distance.   Breya moving the dead woman to help give her reprieve moved Jevin, but he remained silent.   'Work to make things better and move on.'

"No Bell, a mace isn't my style.  This place takes a toll on someone though huh?  Wonder how many more are out there needing saving."

Once again, Jevin tried to engage a member of the party in conversation.  Perhaps it was at the wrong time.

Not seeing anyone else to save, Jevin made ready to move on.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Wed 18 May 2022.

In reply to Jevin Holt (msg # 44):

Finding the box with gnome sized gear, Lief's gear, he cautiously began to draw out and equipped himself but kept a wary eye on anyone who could, or was, watching him. If anyone took his actions as threatening, he would be quick to submit... they did just take down a big ol bugbear after all.

Turning to Jevin when addressed "umm, hey, I'm lief."

((visible gear retrieved:

Masterwork Backpack /w weaponrack (muffled bells can be heard jingling inside)

Armored Kilt,   Portable sweat lodge (basically a small tent)

Bedroll, Belt pouch, Spell component pouch, Filter hood

Filter mask, pocketed Scarf, hanging Tent, Strange colored boots

Strangely bulky gloves and a Poncho))
This message was last edited by the player at 03:19, Thu 19 May 2022.

Bellinha started at Jevin speaking to her.  She had been miles away, deep in thought.  "Huh?  Oh...yes..."  she said softly.  "Sorry, i was just thinking the same thing.  I really was not expecting to find pirates here, much less people mut...mutilated and stuffed into barrels.  We really need to put a stop to these pirates.  This cannot continue."

Jevin words seemed to break her somber mood, as if to remind her that there was still work to be done.  She gave the man a grateful smile and then it was back to business.  "Cass?  Did you figure out what those liquids are?"

The undine goes to each room, glancing around to see if anyone is following him. If anyone does-he backs off not wanting to deal with anyone. Seems like everyone is busy talking to the gnome that was just saved. Zale doesn't really want to deal with anyone.

Though Cass calling Koz 'ugly' was priceless.

13:08, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Checking the right hand door and working my way clockwise.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 47):

Cass...Knoweledge: Liquids?

Sure.  What the hell.

The pitch seems fairly standard grade...pitch.  You could make some torches out of it but you would guess it's useful for the pirates related to their boat repairs.

The blue gel...that's odd.  There's no odor. And it's not sentient.  Or at least it hasn't tried to kill you yet.

It is organic though in terms of composition.  Maybe some kind of plant sap?Cassandre, need to know if you are touching it or just studying it from a distance.

Thanks


The boxes contain crossbow bolts mostly.  Sorry Lief.  The earlier list was of all contents, not just the barrels.  I should have specified

The halfling woman waves at you Lief.  "I'm Moon.  The healer."

She turns to everyone in the room.

"Lissen guys.  I don't think dragging these two," she nods at Duane and the Dwarven Boy, "around with us is the best idea.  And I'm not much in a fight."

She looks at Bellinha, Kozibi, and Zale (if he's in the room at this point).  "You guys remember that shack right at the edge of the property? Where we fought those creepy crawler thingies?  That should still be clear.  I was thinking about taking these two over there.  It's close enough you guys can get me if you need me.  And I wanna give him," <aqua> She nods at Duane, <aqua>"A better exam.  And this guy..."

She reaches out to tossle the Dwarven Boy's hair.  The Boy flinches.  Moon sighs.  "I think it'd be best if I get him away from any more...loud, sudden happenings.

"It should be after sunset.  We'll camp there tonight.  Maybe about midmorning, I'll take these two down to Salt Lick.  Ya know.  If you guys aren't ready to come with us."

That's the nicest way she can say if you guys die obviously.

Moon shouts for Zale "Zale!  Can you tell Duane to come with me?"

Zale, I am assuming you are back on the mezanine overlooking the courtyard.  I labeled the doors you guys have not gone into above.

Let me know which one you are starting with please.

There are also two doors in the barrel room you guys have not opened yet either.

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:47, Thu 19 May 2022.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 48):

No, Im sorry if I misunderstood. I thought you said my stuff was over in the boxes.

Clearly unsure whether to trust the group, still not even sure where he is, the gnome is looking around for anything useful while giving a sideways glance at whats being said. Seeing them try to be helpful to the other captives certainly seemed to ease him though.

Turning to kevin "umm, you guys said salt lick? Where is that? who are these people? and who are you people?".

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 50):

Zale, the first door Door F, looks like it leads to the stairwell coming up from the southeast tower.  See above

Opening the next door...well.  You get more of what maybe you've come to expect from this place.

The room beyond was once probably a grand bed chamber.  There's a large fire place across the way, cold and black from years of non-use.

The furniture in the room has been pushed towards the northern wall.

Piled in the middle of the floor are skeletons.  Human by the looks of them.

They are too old to be more barrel inmates or prisoners.  The flesh has long since rotted away.  There isn't even a scent of decay coming from them.

They are just piled up there in a mound.  As if someone wasn't sure what to do with them and just dumped them all here.

In reply to Lief Forthwind (msg # 51):

The halfling nosd at you Lief.  "Sorry.  Salt Lick is the town I, her...

She points at the woman with the sword, "...whose name is Bellinha...him..."

She points at the handsome man who likes to hit bugbears on the bum with the flat of his sword.  "...who's name is Kozibi...and..."

She looks around and then back at you, "The blue guy who's kinda quiet.  That's Zale.  You've met Cassandre there.

"The tough lady is Breya.  And the tough guy is Jevin.  Did I miss anyone?"

The undine doesn't respond and listens to Moon as he steps in briefly. He doesn't seem to want to talk, nevermind to everyone at the same time. Tilting his head, he says something to Duane in Aquan, putting a hand on Duane's shoulder before looking at Moon and the young boy. Zale just nods and walks out without a word heading to the right. He sees it probably leads to another stairwell and keeps going to the next room. He doesn't expect anyone to follow but never know.

When he gets to the door with the skeleton remains, his eyes dart around the room. The dagger gets drawn. He enters and watches the bodies then goes to check the furniture and glances back expecting them to slowly rise up. A pile of bones that need to be buried but later he notes. Once done he goes out and keeps moving to the next door. One by one.

15:41, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 8 using 1d20+3.  Perception

Jevin listens as Bellinha and Moon chine in about who is who.  He seems about to add something when Moon mentions getting the others to safety.

"I agree about getting them out of here Moon.  Do you need an escort or any help getting them to safety?  We are ready to assist you all in however you need.   I do also agree we should spend an evening here and rest.   I think we could all use some."

Jevin seems ready to assist the others in getting comfortable and resting for the evening.  A slight yawn escapes his lips as he moves to help them find a safe spot in the room and bedding for the night.

Cassandre doesn’t like the idea of opening doors without the gang there for support, but she understands that Zale doesn’t feel like asking for support right now.

In any case, she moves to the newly opened doors and checks inside. If there is danger, she will step in to help the blue man.

"I'm...her..?" Bellinha muttered.  Breya was tough woman and Jevin was tough guy but Bellinha was just 'her'?  A small shake of her head as she handed the Mace to Moon.  "If you are sure that you are going to be safe, Moon, then I think that it is a good idea.  We'll have to be careful with our healer not present but you are right, we cannot continue exploring and dealing with pirates with Duane and the boy along.  I'd rather not split up the company but maybe it would be for the best to get the non-combatants out of the way."

She turned to Jevin.  "Tired already?" she asked a touch playfully.  "We should press on.  There are still two doors in this room and we have other doors on this floor.  If we wait and rest for too long, I think that we might let the pirates escape and they have done too much damage."

Bellinha started for one of the doors at the back of the room.

"We need to stop Sulky McSadface from wandering off like that, he's going to open a door full of sticky clock demons or something and kill us all."  Breya pointed out to the others.  "What he does affects the rest of us.  I don't mind doing it, but he hates my arse, so it might not go well."

If the undine doesn't see or find anything in the room of bones, he starts to head into the mezzanine and stops as Cass is blocking his path. The man watches her for a moment, and doesn't ask her to move. He goes to move around her and goes into the next room if possible. Maybe he is trying to be productive. Or wanting to stay away from the group. Perhaps some other reason but hard to tell.

OOC
Checking the room and going to room 'C' then 'B' ect.

This message was last edited by the player at 19:09, Fri 20 May 2022.

Kozibi had stepped away and watched the courtyard below while the others talked and searched, but not far enough away to not hear Moon when she spoke up. He listened and gave a nod. "Shack? Sure. Good idea. Stay safe." His words were clipped, inelegant, lacking flair, nothing like how he normally spoke.

He was about to head towards Zale when Cassandre. His lip curled a bit and he stopped, stepping back once more. She was a cavalierly inconsiderate and unkind person thus far and he didn't care for her, and apparently she didn't like him either. So he stayed back, watching and listening for anything beyond the rooms they were all in.

08:56, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Perception.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:56, Sat 21 May 2022.

Seeing everything settling, Lief moved over to the pitch, content to ignore the drama and set to re equip himself. He took a barrel lid and begun reinforcing it so as to use it as a make shift shield.

He had a mind to turn a barrel into armor but the silliness of it was too much a thought.

Okay.  I’m going to simplify our lives a little bit. And by “ours” I mean “mine”

Jevin, Moon double times the boy and Duane back down the stairs and out through an eastern door down in the courtyard.  You watch them as they cross the yard and head towards a cabin in the distance.  You head back up.

You step back up on the mezzanine at the same time Zale and Cassandre are done examining the room with the bones.

---

As the bones appear Zale and Cassandre, these bodies are old.  These people probably died before either of you were born.  There’s nothing on them of interest.  What little clothing they still wear is scrap that falls to dust when you touch it.

There is a couch shoved into the back of the room.  And underneath it’s dusty cushions you find five gold coins that look antiquish the lot of them can be sold for 75 GP to a collector and a rolled up vellum tube of paper Scroll with Blur

---

Bellinha, you open up the two doors in back of the barrel room Map below.  One looks like it leads into a library and the other looks like it’s some kind of private theater.  You don’t immediately venture into the rooms as the sight of Lief making a barrel lid shield is kind of interesting.  But you scan each room from the doorway.

A quick survey of the library shows a number of books too far gone to be salvageable.  There is one odd looking tome that seems to be made out of leather pages.  And another one that seems to be more a collection of embroidered hankerchiefs someone has bound together between two hard sheets of wood.

You are stepping out of the library as Jevin comes back on to the mezzanine, Lief finishes his shield, Zale and Cassandre finish their recon of the bone room.

Breya and Kozibi, you guys are on watch.  Kozibi, you notice the cats below seem to disappear.  It maybe they are settling down for the night, but as you keep an eye out, you hear fewer and fewer meows.

Okay.  Bell and Lief, you are in the barrel room.  Jevin, Breya, and Koz, you are on the mezzanine.  Zale and Cass, you guys are coming out onto the mezzanine from the bone room.

Give me a moment and I will post a couple of maps and some further explanation please.

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:29, Sun 22 May 2022.

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:33, Sun 22 May 2022.

Alrightie.

The "Where We Are All at the Moment" Map is just that.  Please find your name.  Ignore the "You Are Here".  Can't get that to crop out for some damn reason.  Sorry Bell.  I named Breya twice instead of you once.  You are the blue Bel on the nap.

The rooms still not explored on this map are labeled B, C, and D.  Room A is just a landing leading down to a foyer near where you guys fought the mimic/clock.

The second map "Beyond the Doors in the South Wall of the Barrel Room" are the library Bell found and the theater she looked into but hasn't explored yet.

Bell, you have found those two odd books I mentioned but haven't really studied them yet.  You   may do so now.

Moon, Duane, and the boy are safely ensconced in the cabin.  The cabin is not far away so if someone gets wonked, Moon can be fetched by someone not wonked easily enough.

Now then.  This means there are a total of four rooms on this floor unexplored.  B, C, D, and the Theater.  There are also two books that need to be looked into.

You guys may break into groups or proceed as a single group.  Your call.  I just need to know who is going where with whom and doing what.

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:39, Sun 22 May 2022.

Kozibi frowned, looking down below for a moment and then glancing over at Breya. "The cats are...leaving. Or being quiet." He continued, "I hope it's just bedtime for them and not...something coming."

His speech patterns seemed to be less terse and brusque than a moment before.

He poked his head back in to the barrel room a moment and quietly called out to Bellinha, "It looks like Zale is moving on to other rooms. You okay in here?"

The undine grabs the coin and the scroll. Its not too useful for him but he goes to the next room after sticking it into his pack. His eyes dart to Koz and Breya. Great. Just great.

OOC
00:25, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 17 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Next room: D, C, B.

Taking the Scroll of Blur and coins
(as he would have found it before Cass showed up and no one knows of them)

It takes more than being early and a bit of sleight of hand to keep something from Cassandre, but she says nothing. As the blue man without a group comes back out, she evidently does not try to stop him, but when she walks around her she dares speak up:
  “This place takes a toll on all… and on you more so. I can’t pretend that I understand you more than you could understand me… but we’d be stronger if we stayed together.”

 “Just so you know, Moon is taking your fellow from under the sea to a safe place. If you wanted a word with him beforehand. Or advise against it.”

Once the interaction with Zale was over; she goes back into the room to pick up one of the skulls.
  “Who were you, ancient one? Could we have been friend? Yeah I didn’t think so…”

She place the relic in her pack.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 69):

"Let's pick a room and all go to it."  Breya suggested in reponse, realizing at this point no one was listening.  But she'd try.  She leaned into the barrel room from before.  "Hey come on."

She leaned back out and called out to Jevin.  "Hey, you hearing anything over there?"

Jevin saw Zale and smirked at him.  The others were spread out and he had just returned from seeing Moon and the others to the shack safely.

Breya's question got a frown from him and a head shake.

"No.  I'm gonna check this room."  He pointed to door "B" and headed that way.

Drawing his hand axe, he tried to open the door.

OOC:  Opening the door to room B.

In reply to Breya (msg # 72):

Lief nods to Jevin, grabs the barrel of pitch, and starts after Breya "on my way" Following her into the other room.

The undine stops at the door. He thinks about what Cass just said. 'This place takes a toll on all… and on you more so. I can’t pretend that I understand you more than you could understand me… but we’d be stronger if we stayed together.' Toll it did. So much happened. And Zale wants to do something about it. Anything. And no one can understand what the man is going through. Pain. Anger. Sadness. Other emotions. No one understand. Everyone tells them they do-but they don't. How can they? Perhaps he has started to remember. Maybe. He wants to kill the pirates and the sharkmen for taking their lives. Taking the lives of the slaves and throwing them into torment and pain. But most of the others won't kill the pirates. Put them to justice. How can they do that? They are evil. Corrupt. They will come back if left alive. Reek vengence. He kepts the hand up to open the door.

Flashes of people who lived in Salt Lick. Happiness it seems filled him with Hettie. Karla. Everyone else from the village.

Memories.

The glass objects left behind. 'I like them all.  Cos they're pretty.'

'I'll ask Mom to make her best sandwiches then!'

Memories.

Why can't he remember his past? What is real and what is false? Think. Remember.

Why did he leave? What happened? Why can't he remember?

A redheaded merfolk. Duane mentioned it.

Is it a memory? Maybe what he said was false. How is she linked to him?

Memories.

One of the kids paddles up.  'Hey!  How long can you hold your breath?  If you dive down you can see the bones down there!  It's kinda cool!'

And his hand lowers. Maybe he's becoming what he has fought. A killer. No remorse. But its not what he wants but what he is becoming slowly. Or fast. Zale turns and starts to head back to the barrel room. Anyone he passes its revealed something different.

Tears. They roll down his face.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:42, Mon 23 May 2022.

Bellinha was looking over the books that she'd found, holding one in each hand and turning them over.  She was curious about them but they didn't really have any time to spend reading them.  She stuffed them into her back pack and started to look over the blue goo.

Breya said something from the door, breaking Bellinha curiosity.  "Huh?  What?" she said, looking up.  Lief was taking the barrel of pitch out the door.  What was that all about?  It was then that Bellinha noticed that she was the only one in the room.  Everyone else had moved on.  Bell had been distracted with her own search that she had lost track of what everyone else was doing.

"Coming." Bellinha called back.  She took step towards the door then stopped.  That barrel of blue goo.  Quickly, Bell pulled out a small glass vial and scooped up some of the goo, before putting the top back on the barrel and leaving the room.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 76):

Jevin, the door opens easily enough.

Based on what you recall of the layout downstairs, this door should lead to the northwest tower.  You can see a hall beyond the door See map above.

Across the hall, you can see the door that goes to the northwest tower.  Or should go to the northwest tower.

To the west, the hall opens on to an area to the south that has a wooden floor. Again, judging by what you recall of the floor below's layout, that should be the landing to one of the staircases that leads down to the foyer.

The other thing that gets your attention is the chill.  The area beyond this door seems notably cooler than the rest of the manor thus far.

You think there is a cold breeze coming from under the door to the northwest tower, but you would need to go inside to verify.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 78):

Bellinha, you scoop up some of the blue gel.  Some of it comes into contact with your finger tip.  Your finger does not sizzle or fall apart.  Instead, it feels sort of cool.  And for some reason you can suddenly smell the ocean.  That salty, fresh smell.

But then it passes, you're stopping up the bottle and moving on.

Alright all.  It looks like Jevin has opened Door B and looked inside.

Koz, Breya, Bel, and Lief are headed that way.

Zale and Cass, I am guessing you guys are headed that way as well, correct?

Thanks

Jevin looks back at the party and shivers like he's cold, then points toward the open door.

He pulls his dagger with his off hand and starts to slip inside.

The cold is coming from somewhere.  He slinks along and looks at the foyer.  Making sure no one is there and there is nothing of note.

OOC:  00:33, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  Perception of the foyer and then the NW door.

00:33, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 24 using 1d20+8.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:34, Mon 23 May 2022.

 Cassandre sees Jevin opening the door accross the courtyard. She trotted to catch up to him, asserting:
  "That is the door I picked. Let's see..."

 She followed gingerly after him, eyes darting and feet floating on the floor.
  "Bit chilly, isn't it?" she whispered.

---

 Cassandre Lagrene rolled 21,16 using d20+16,d20+10. Stealth and Perception.

In reply to Cassandre Lagrene (msg # 81):

The area to the west does appear to just lead to the foyer landing.  There doesn't seem to be anything of interest in that direction.

The door to the tower though is a bit more interesting.

Someone's driven an axe head into the bottom of it on this side, obviously to serve as a wedge to keep the door shut.

The wood is cold to the touch.  Fingertips feel a little numb the closer they get to the door itself.

Behind the door is a soft whooshing sound.  Like someone left a window open during a winter storm.  Except it's not winter.  So...yeah.  Probably suspicious.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 82):

Shuffling the barrel of pitch along, following after breya, Lief wills trivial amounts of magic to his eyes while breathing out "Cautha'hen".

OOC gm, activating detect magic.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:05, Mon 23 May 2022.

Kozibi was in no hurry to catch up to Cassandre so she could insult his good looks again, so he hung back a bit. Also, he did so because he wanted to make sure Belinha and Breya were also coming along. And...he wasn't sure about that new one, the one they'd found in a barrel, who hadn't seemed to even leave the room with all the barrels. It was a bit weird.

He hummed softly to himself as he waited and watched.

Breya made her way up to the others with a suppressed sigh, but she couldn't help but notice the temperature shift.

"Few more minutes of this and I'll be cutting gemstones...  there's either going to be some amazingly cold ale in here or something horrible that we shouldn't have messed with."

Seeming to be alone in the barrel room, he sits down. Zale raises his hand up as the otter begins to form. It looks at him and then sits on his lap. His eyes close as he leans against the wall. Slow breathing. The tears are still forming and drip down onto the otter. It nuzzles up against him.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:43, Tue 24 May 2022.

In reply to Lief Forthwind (msg # 83):

Lief, there is nothing magical on this side of the door.  Definite magic on the other side of it.

Jevin sees the axe head used as a wedge and nods.

He chuckles at Breya's comment but tries to muffle it.

Still being quiet, he looks to the others and points to the door.   A thumbs up he shows and a thumbs down.

Jevin motions a thumbs up.   He looks to the others to see what they think they should do.

"Open the door, or move on?"

OOC:  Jevin votes for a thumbs up to open the door.

Bellinha came up to the others last.  She took a quick head count.  Jevin, Breya, Cass, Kozibi, the strange barrel fellow, and Zale.  Wait.  Where was Zale?  Bell looked around, not seeing the Undine, and cursed softly.

Hopefully no one heard that.

"You guys take it slow and be safe.  I'll go and find Zale and be right back and then we'll carry on all together." she said to the group.  Turning, Bellinha quickly retraced the steps that the group had taken, peering into the open rooms looking for Zale.  Hopefully he had not gone far.  She found him in the barrel room, sitting on one of the barrels for some reason.

Bellinha paused at the door, unsure of what to do.  She wasn't sure if Zale would listen to anything that she said, but she couldn't just leave the Undine behind.  He was part of their little company and she felt responsible for him.  Sighing, she walked towards Zale.

"Hey, Zale?"  She started.  "We are moving on to the next room and I think that it would be best if you came with.  Okay?"

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 87):

going to continue focusing to decypher the magical aura. what kind of auras of magic? if there are multiple, which kind is the strongest?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:25, Tue 24 May 2022.

 Cassandre comes close to Jevin, looks at the door then up to him, and nods.
  "There's nothing more enticing and frustrating than a closed door... I say everybody stand back while I open, and be ready to jump in if something springs at me."

 

---

 when we do open the door, I'll use an intuition roll in case there's a save to make

After a moment, the undines eyes slowly open. The otter sits on his lap looking at him then up at Bell. He wasn't sitting on a barrel but against the wall near the door to the north. And he doesn't look happy. Sadness. The tears kept coming down. Whatever happened hit him hard "Why? You don't trust me. I don't even trust myself." Its simple. What is wrong with this undine? The otter looks at Zale, getting up close and personal. And it makes its barking sound over and over. Maybe its 'yelling' at him. Or talking to him. Its hard to tell if Zale even understands it. The otter puts its paws on Zale's face. It looks pretty funny with the man seemng to get upset and the otter telling him off. Or whatever its doing.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:38, Tue 24 May 2022.

Kozibi gave a nod of agreement to Jevin's question but hung back especially once he had seen that Bellinha was going back for Zale once more. Who was trying to leave the group. Again. He restrained a sigh and waited for them to catch up.

As Cassandre moves to remove the axe head so she can open the door, Lief senses the chakras.  Or whatever they're called.

Lief, there's hints of necromantic and evocotaive magicks.  But they are overlaid by a stronger sense of something having been conjured up.


I want to give a few players a chance to react to some things.  Will update again later tonight.  Thanks.

Furrowing his brows, trying to concentrate more deeply on the auras, "umm, before you go in..." he gives a wary glance over the would be rescuers, still unsure of their character or nature. "There seems to be some kind of conjuration and necromancy magic in that room. If its cold, you may be dealing with a ghost trap or perhaps even enhanced summoned undead? There's a little evocation so I'm leaning towards Enhanced undead." he finishes speaking and begins leaning against the barrel of pitch.

"Can't really tell if its an Item or a loose spell."

"Maybe... we not go in there?"  Breya dared to suggest, having been better informed.

In reply to Breya (msg # 96):

The door stands, waiting for your decision...

Cass?  Still opening?

Bellinha looked at Zale for a long moment.  He was hurting, that was obvious.  What was not so obvious was how she could help him, or even what to say to him.  After a long pause, she spoke.  "You are right.  I am having some difficulty in trusting you, and sometimes I find you to be on the scary side.  But I am trying to look past that.  I mean, you keep yourself so closed off that half of the time I do not know what you are thinking.  You go off on your own, scowl at everyone, and give the impression that you do not want to be around us.  I do not know if you even want to give us a chance.

"Maybe you do not like the others, or me, and I guess that is your decision to make.  What I do know is that when Salt Lick was attacked, you helped.  When I asked for people to help with this commission, you joined up.  I do not think that the money was the reason, I think that there was some other motivation, and that gives me some hope that here," Bellinha touched Zales chest.  ", that in here you are a good person.  What I have seen you do in this manor does not make me believe otherwise.  It...it is just taking me...time to understand you.  You don't make it easy.

"I am not expecting us to become friends, or for you to become friends with anyone else in our merry little the company.  I want us, at the least, to be co-workers, partners, for the duration of our commission.  That is how I see you, how I want to see you.  Not someone that I do not trust, but someone that will watch my back as I watch theirs while we stop these pirates and clean this place out."

"What do you say?  Can we be partners?  Can we play nicely with everyone while beating up pirates?  When this is all over, you can go right back to hating me or ignoring me in town, although Salt Lick is kind of small and we would probably bump into one and other more often than not but you won't have to listen to my longwinded ramblings again.  Or...you know....once this is all over and you...you know...need someone to talk...talk with...or..."

Bellinha pulled back the hand that she had placed on his chest and held it out to him.  "Shall we catch up with the others?  Partner."

Jevin listens to Leif and his eyes light up.

"I disagree with Breya.  Let's burn it and kill it.  Think if nothing does anything if it gets loose and kills children and common folk.   Let's light torches or use things that burn and finish this threat."

He looked at the others and began to get a torch or two from his backpack.

Still thought, he looked at the others to see what they thought.

 Cassandre was pulling with all her might on the wedge, not budging it by any noticeable fraction of an inch. She heard Lief and replied: "I know... cold dark magic."

 "But aren't we here to save the world from undeath? Or something of the sort?"

 Jevin's intervention was more to her liking.
 "Exactly. If not us, who?"

 "Young Mr Forthwind, you serendipitously lean on a barrel of pitch. Let us schmear a good layer of it on the floor, open up and set fire to this Enhanced Undead."

 She kicked the wedge with her sandal.
"I can't open this thing anyway."

---

Teamwork!

1 All spread pitch on floor
2 Breya grab a torch
3 Jevin move the wedge
4 Cass open the door
Everybody in fighting position!

Cassandre will cast mage armour first, then open the door.
(got reasonable saves, resist cold, and a re-roll if things go really bad)

In reply to Cassandre Lagrene (msg # 100):

Lief quickly raised an eyebrow "I do not recall calling myself Forthwind, and I am probably older than you... maybe..." he looks over Cassandre to try and understand her age, "Do you lot know me?"

"As for burning the room out."
He quickly hoists himself from the barrel, then looks at it and the surrounding area appraisingly "While that is likely to kill whatever is in the room, it could kill the whole building... including anything useful or important in the building. Before lighting the place on fire, I'd advise we move important things out."

Then Looking over the wedge axe "besides, if the pirates dont like whatever is in there then wouldnt it be a good idea to use it against them? since you are currently fighting the pirates anyways, no? Say it is enhanced, or a ghost, if you plan to fight it... and fight the pirates... having it fight the pirates means you probably dont have to fight both and whoever's left is weakend, no?"

Then giving another dubious glance over them all "or, am I mistaken in any of those three understandings?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 08:51, Wed 25 May 2022.

 Cassandre looks like she's in her fifties, but she's probably younger than that.
  "Apologies then! Your face just looks so juvenile... I made the assumption that you were an adolescent gnome. Are you not? I can't recall how I know your name, sometimes the things I know astound even myself."

 She went back to the matter of the plan and refined thus:
  "I wouldn't propose to use the whole barrel... just a few scoops. But your plan sure sounds interesting. How do you propose to control the monster -if monster there is- and command it to fight the pirates?"

"well, we need to understand exactly what it is... first. Clearly a wedged door holds it. Assuming it is a creature then either we lure it to some pirates or the pirates to it. Once we know what it is, we could figure which way to try. We are making noise and it's not trying to get out so that says a few things as well. As for the fire idea, pitch is used for torches and so has a long burn time. Fire, also, by its very nature is very unpredictable. Best to assume if we use pitch and fire then its likely the building will go up."

OOC gm, have the emenating auras moved at all?

The undine looks at the hand on his chest and then the otter staring at him "I want to kill the pirates and sharkmen...stop the undead. More then anything and it is something new. I don't remember my past and want to figure it out. And when I found all my people were killed or captured without anyone in the group backing me....even you..." Zale takes a deep breath "It won't bring them back. Maybe ease the pain but I grew tired of argue. Grew tired of fighting. I saw the girl laughing. Saw Hettie smiling. Company? Its a bomb ready to explode on itself." Zale slowly stands up and the otter barks "When Salt Lick got attacked, I didn't have a choice. And when you asked I have little choice. Don't like it, not having a choice. And everyone doesn't want to kill the pirates. If they escape, there will be more. More then they can handle. Part of me doesn't want to fight, to kill. Yet now I don't have a choice but everyone views me as being the enemy. Try having it land upon your shoulders. Try to understand something that can't be understood." He takes a deep breath "Salt Lick isn't my home. Its the ocean. You have nothing to fear from me." Others? Maybe "Partner?" Well for now it works "Alright. Partner." Still, Zale is a mess. Tired. He pulls out the scroll and hands it to Bell "Useless to me."

OOC Passing the Scroll of Blur to Bellinda.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:36, Wed 25 May 2022.

Jevin listens and motions everyone to meet up at Lief’s  barrel outside the room.

“Listen, I’m about ta open that door and do my best ta kill that evil creature inside.  Ya can help me or not, but I’m from this area and here because of evil people killing innocent men women and children…good folk.  Tired of it and not gonna let it happen no more.  Let’s take some torches I got and dip them in that tar Liefs got and maybe lather the floor or make some sticky balls out of cloth and tar and kill this evil creature.  Lief, I’ll get ya more tar later to replace what we take and help you get stuff.  I ask for y’all’s help now.   Ya with me?”

Having said that, Jevin takes off his backpack and starts getting torches out and sees if the others are on board.

OOC: switching to green for speech to be different than Zale.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:30, Wed 25 May 2022.

Kozibi was splitting his attention, which was rarely a good thing, but something he was a bit adept at. In a lot of social situations, you missed much if you only concentrated on one thing at a time. So he half-listened to Zale And Bellinha for a moment but then his attention was yanked back towards the group as he heard something about...

"Fire? Burn?" He stepped a bit closer to the 'door group and shook his head. "No, no, no. I may be resistant to fire, but burning the place down would be bad."

He then gave a shrug and a nod to Jevin. "Very well. Let us do this." And he got ready for what might be wanting behind the door...standing a little bit behind Breya. Not out of fear, but just wanting to be able to assist her in the upcoming fight should it arrive. And definitely not sneaking a glance at her, that would be bad form.

Breya groaned.  "All right all right, if we're going to murder it everyone should murder it together, ironically the more people that kill it the safer it is.  I'm game for whatever plan, personally.  Well... a good variety of plans."

Bellinha looked at the scroll in her hand, a little confused. "Thank you." she said.  What was this?  A gift?  Was she supposed to give him something in return?  Oh, she really needed to read up on Undines.

At least it was a sign that she had gotten through to Zale.  Maybe.  She disagreed with some of what he was saying, what she understood from him anyways, but now was not the time to argue the point.  For the moment, Zale seemed willing to be part of the team, regardless of his negative opinion about them.

Bellinha slipped the scroll into her pack, and motioned for them to rejoin the others.

He actually broke his concentration with Jevins comment "that was.... very generous. You lot outnumber and most of you out gear me but you show respect for my interest in something I literally just picked up? Alright Jevin, Breya," he turns to cassandra "and your companions. until I figure out where I am and why I'm here... I'll help you the best I can."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:25, Thu 26 May 2022.

Cassandre picked up on Lief’s question this time around.
“Do you mean that in metaphysics terms? Or pragmatically?”
“ I woke up in here and don’t remember coming in, so I don’t know what it looks like from the outside, but I gather it is an old mansion, abandoned for a long time but now used by pirates as a base of operation. We’re near the coast I think, and close to a village called Salt Lick.”
“Does any of this make sense? What’s the last thing you remember, you know before the barrel and the bugbear?”

With this sorted, she proceeded to open the door.

As the two of them head back, Zale stops at a open doorway where the group first got to the second floor. He glances to where the others left thinking outside the box "Should check out the area, maybe hooks around or leads to it." He speaks quietly.

msg #282 (south west tower) and if nothing is seen going over to the door, listening to the doorway (A)

02:57, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Wants to check out if it meets up to the 'Foyer' or if it is blocked
This message was last edited by the player at 09:58, Thu 26 May 2022.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 111):

Cassandre removes the wedge....

Beyond the door is a short hall leading to the north.  Beyond that is the top of the tower.

As the door opens, a chill wind whips down the hallway and into the area you are all gathered, as if it had been waiting for the door to open up.

Fort save 9- or 4 pts cold damage for Cass, Breya, Jevin, Leif, and Koz.  Zale and Bel, you guys are coming up the hallway so you can see what's going on but aren't in the area of effect. Yet

Standing in the tower room is a tall, gaunt, naked man with bluish skin.  He has a rather vacant stare and turns his head your way.  He blinks.  Then blinks again.

And turning, he starts to shamble your way...

He is thirty feet away from everyone except Bel and Zale.  He's fifty feet away from ya'll let's say.

You guys do have time to shut the door.  Or you can murder him all together.  Your call.

If you are murdering, you guys won init.  I got a 1.  I swear.

Remember to post your rolls and actions, including init rolls.  Do not just post an init roll and wait your turn.  Take your actions as well please.

Thanks

First...

22:18, Today: Breya rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Fortitude Save.

Save passed.  Hooray!

22:19, Today: Breya rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Well... poop.  There it was.  Too late now, it was time to get to the murdering.  Though if it was a freaky thing like this was murder the right word?  This was pest control.

Keep it simple.  She reminded herself.

She ran for him, and opted to knock his block off.  Or try to.

So at least with a nice wide opening like that we can charge.

22:21, Today: Breya rolled 15 using 1d20+8.  Power Attack Charge.

Hmmmm, maybe yes maybe no

22:22, Today: Breya rolled 9 using 1d3+6.  Schrodinger's Damage Roll.

Weirdly, by RAW, undead do suffer from "bleeding" damage, but a lot of people think that's dumb and house rule it, and I see both ways because it depends on how literally you take that word "bleeding", so I'm gonna roll it anyway just in case and let the GM decide on such things.

22:24, Today: Breya rolled 3 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

So possibly 0, 9 or 12 damage or even less if he resists Bludgeoning.  Yay 30 foot movement speed.

Kozibi let out the barest hint of a shudder and a small grunt as a wave of cold reached out to grasp him...but he didn't feel it. He'd been expecting worse, but the power and heritage of his bloodline repelled the effect. He shook his head upon seeing the creature, but bit back a comment.

He steeled his resolve and called out, infusing a bit of his will and power in to his voice. "I believe in some of you - and I'm sure the rest of you will try your best."

OOC: Inspire Courage. Move back 20 feet.

An affected ally receives a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

21:40, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 7 using 1d20+1.  Fortitude save.
21:53, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

When Zale shows up, hell froze over. He makes his way through the foyer and sees this odd beast. The undine gets within range and his body seems to form up into a waterball and he fires missing the mark by well a lot.

22:32, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 5 using 1d20+4.  Waterball Attack: Range Touch.
(I go before Koz does his song)

Spell has a 30' range so moving up to it.

22:39, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.

Cold Resistance 5

Coming up from area (A) or (B)

Bellinha was a few steps behind Zale, but she paused upon seeing the creature.  "Ha!  Undead.  Finally something that I was prepared for!" she exclaimed, moments before uttering a memorized arcane phrase.  Small bolts of lightning flowed down her arm and wrapped themselves around her blade.

She ran forward, shuddering as a wave of cold washed over her but it did not stop her.  Bellinha moved to stand beside Breya and struck at the creature with her sword.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 16 Initiative.
Bellinha rolled a 5 for Fort save.
Casting Shocking Grasp using Spellstrike
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 21 to Attack for 20 damage

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 116):

Mr. Whitey there seems to move like an oak tree, but at the last moment, he sidesteps you Breya.  You can feel the chill coming off his skin as your swing misses his cheek by inches.

The sidestep makes your waterball go wide Zale.

But it set up a glorious strike for you Bellinha.  Mr. Whitey sizzles and shakes a moment as your sword electrifies him.  He stumbles back a bit...

Go ahead and post actions and rolls please.  If you did not go yet, go ahead.  I will resolve in order.  Thanks

Taking a deep breath, the undine pulls out his crossbow and tries to get within range of Koz's inspiring song! He fires at the undead beast, trying not to hit Breya and Bell.

OOC

17:41, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 7 using 1d8.  Crossbow Damage.

17:39, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 17 using 1d20.  -4 since shooting into melee! Crossbow Attack!

If getting within Koz's song: 18 to hit, 8 damage.

Without it: 17 to hit, 7 damage.

40/39 Bolts

Kozibi stepped back towards the undead creature a bit, but still stayed behind the 'front line' people. As he did he said, "Bellinha, you are as talented as you are beautiful! Breya, you almost got him! Let's wrap this up, people!"

He still had his longsword in hand, and switching out to his sling - which he doubted its effectiveness against that creature - would take time. So for the moment, he watched and listened to make sure nothing else was attracted to the noise of the fight.

OOC: Free Action to maintain Inspire Courage (but dropping it after this round).
Move Action: Move 20 feet back towards the undead but keeping an eye out around and behind the group.
Action: Perception check, 22.

19:10, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

Showing an unto now un-exhibited capability, Breya, despite her large size, suddenly rolled and sprung up on the other side of the deadling, coming up on the opposite flank as Bellinha.

21:14, Today: Breya rolled 16 using 1d20+2.  Acrobatics.

I imagine his CMD is probably 16 or less at this level, so that should be sufficient to move through his threatened spaces enough to get him in Flanking position with Bel.

And she tried again, hoping the worse positioning for her opponent would open him up.

21:19, Today: Breya rolled 24 using 1d20+9.  Flanking Power Attack!

21:20, Today: Breya rolled 8 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

The rings on Bellinha sword chime softly as she swings again.  Following her sword attack, she shouts out some arcane words but something goes wrong and nothing happens.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 9 to attack with the sword for 7 damage
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 13 for her Defensive casting concentration check, losing the spell

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 121):
As the door is being opened, lief dips his hands into the pitch, using both like a bowl, and gathers as much as his small hands will hold. Moving in, towards the thing, he tried to move into a flanking position next to it while focusing further on its magical auras.

As moves in, he tries to get a better understanding of the exact natures and functions of its conjuration aura.


In the following round, as it seems people have already started the next round, Lief will try to use a flanking touch attack to put pitch on the things feet, or foot, whichever he can get. Dropping some at its feet and reaching out to smear the rest on the feet. his hope was to create a sticky effect to slow the creature down... allowing others a better chance to hit it if it cant move as well.

In reply to Lief Forthwind (msg # 122):

Zale, your bolt makes a SCHWIIING sound as it thumps into the dead guy's forehead.

Meanwhile, Breya and Bellinha show teamwork!  It must have been Kozibi's inspiring words!

Lief, you get the pitch ready and fling it, glopping it on it's foot.  As you do, you study the effects.  The monster has some kind of aura which is causing the conjuration effect.  It seems to be where the cold is coming from.  It's being conjured from...?  Well.  It's being conjured here somehow.

Kozibi, you hearten your fellows, glancing over your shoulder as you do...

And it's a good thing you did.  Down below, in the courtyard, three scurvy looking fellows, all with those red kerchiefs tied on their heads, are scuttling across the courtyard, apparently headed for the door to the southwest tower.

Just to be clear:  The three pirates below are not on the same floor as you guys.  They are below in the courtyard.  But they will probably be here soon.

 Cassandre turns back and confidently asserts:
  "I'll take care of the living, you just deal with the dead, all right?"

 She calculated the timing and the path the three pirates would have to take, and made ready to welcome them with a well-timed unicorn fart.

 Reaching into her pouch, she produced some colourful powder, and went into hiding to catch the three fellows unaware. Apollo the Cat was right with her, ready to either pounce or create a diversion.

---

  Move and Hide, get ready to cast Color Spray on the three.
 AC18 / 18hp / Stealth 19 

Kozibi made sure the group was kept informed while they were focused on the undead. "We have three pirates coming our way it seems. I think heard they were missing out on a fight, so let's make sure we welcome them properly by finishing off this creature, yes?" A small pause. "Ah. Wonderful. The insultress is on it."

He then readied himself for if a pirate got close to him, or he supposed Cassandre as well.

OOC: Maintaining Inspire Courage as a free action.
Ready a non-lethal longsword swipe at a pirate if they come in range, but NOT moving to where he'd be hit by the incoming Color Spray.

Breya grunted.

Just great.  This thing needed to die, again.  She tried to hurry it along.

12:58, Today: Breya rolled 8 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

12:57, Today: Breya rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  Punch it Again!

  “Insultress??” Cassandre noted with a raised eyebrow as she shuffled her colourful skirt out of the way.
  “What have I ever said to insult you?” she asked with big black eyes, one slightly larger than the other.

And like that she coordinated her position with Koz so that he could strike with his sword while she conjured her awesome display of lights.

"guys, either its conjuring cold air or there is cold air being conjured near or at it."

Having placed good at its feet, he stepped back then flicked out an energy ray at the creature.

Not sure what is going on, the undine loads his crossbow and watches the undead creature to see if it attacks or is well 'dead'. His eyes dart between Bell and Koz. He watches as Lief attacks the creature after he puts pitch on it. Curious. Koz and Cass arguing. Well he waits to see if someone starts a argument with him which won't solve anything. Bell seems to calm him down but how long will it last? Pirates coming up from the southern tomb. Creepy odd undead that could be dead or alive or whatever its called. The group seems to be their worse enemies arguing amongst themselves. Course Zale didn't help. He just stands in the middle sort of, trying to look to the southern door and then at the creature.

OOC
Holding action to shoot the creature if it 'fights' or does anything. Not sure if its 'dead again'.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 129):

You can hold that shot Zale. Between a punch and a beam of pure LOVE ENERGY<, Mr. Frosty falls over and...well.  He's not getting back up.  Let's leave it like that.

Koz and Cass, you can tell at least two of the pirates seem to be coming up the foyer stairwell.

Below is a map that I believe is where everyone is currently located more or less.

You have a little bit of time to set yourself up into position.  Like...post by 10 AM CST tomorrow or you are where indicated on this map please.

Koz and Cass, there isn't much to hide behind other than the wall you guys are against.  But it should suit your needs I think.  You think there are at least two of the pirates coming up the stairwell to the south (labeled Stairs Down to Foyer)

Oh, and the Jack Frost (that's what the cold thingie is called) is dead.  Dead dead. Not undead dead.  Just to be clear.  You don't have to stop stabbing him, but you can't damage him any more than you already have.

Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Tue 31 May 2022.

The cold Undead thing fell over, and Bellinha grinned.  "Good work, team.  That's one less undead to go wandering about the woods attacking folks.  We'll search the body later but first let's deal with these pirates."

Bell squeezed in between Kozibi and Cassandre, poking her head around the corner to survey the situation.  "Hmmm.  It's too narrow here on our side.  It'd be better if we could reverse that, but not really too many places to hide and ambush.  Maybe we could sneak around behind them and attack them from the front and back while they are on the stairs?"

Jevin had seen the creature and immediately sheathed his weapons.

Taking off his backpack, he rummaged through and retrieved a torch.

Dipping it into the pitch was his next order of business.  He made sure it was a light glaze and not full immersion dunking.

Then he was ready.  Lighting the torch took a moment with the striker.  Looking up, the thing was dead.

Jevin frowned.  He proceeded to the creature's corpse and searched it, before lighting it on fire to verify it was dead.


OOC: Sorry all, had a family emergency.  Back now.


00:21, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 8 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.

Kozibi gave a small gesture spreading one hand and looking, for just a moment, slightly apologetic. "Oh. My apologies. I suppose it's possible you just have bad eyesight. You keep calling me ugly which is kind of funn...uh, wildly inaccurate." He cut himself off before he made a comment about her looks. Even if turnabout was fairplay, it wasn't nice.

He frowned at the potential positioning. "It would likely be better if we trapped them on the stairs. Come on!" He hurried forward to stop the pirates from being able to get in to the open.

OOC: Will stop at the top of the stairs and ready to attack one that reaches him.

 Cassandre took a deep breath in, realising what the bard was saying.
 "Oooh, I see... you thought your looks were a measure of your value? I meant no offence. Isn't beauty in the eye of the beholder anyway?"

 With everybody joining in to attack the pirates, she thought she'd withold her spell for now. No use wasting ressources when the bigs ones could throw punches all day.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 132):

looking over the body they just dropped, trying to study the conjured wind to better understand where it's coming from, he piped up "both ya are ugly, people are trying to kill us." Not noticing Jevin moving to burn the body, the gnome quickly pops out one of its eyeballs and then goes to tear off anything that seemed to be the primary source of the fading conjuration magic...


Edti: Fixed my grammar
This message was last edited by the player at 18:42, Tue 31 May 2022.

Taking a deep breath, the undine just snaps at Koz "Stop! It won't solve a damn thing. Your talking to a wall." His eyes turn on Cass "Just stop. Now. We're in this -together- even if we don't like one another. You already insulted him more then once\ and insulted him. Maybe if you treat him with kindness he will do the same damn thing! Who the hell cares! All of this back and forth just needs to stop. Now." Holy. Whatever got into his cheerios and he's definatly not in the mood-the group has a mission and standing there throwing insults at one another won'd solve anything. He raises his crossbow up. Maybe something Bell said. Or he had enough of everyone going back and forth, and wanting to go on his own. He still does but that doesn't help the situation. He doesn't bring up the cusine thing involving Duane. And all the witty things added in.

The crossbow is raised up, aimed at the stairwell. Zale waits.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:32, Tue 31 May 2022.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 137):

As Zale finishes, "-And you are too loud, and too young at least these two uglies are somewhat coordinated."
Still focusing on the body as lief speaks.

The gnome gets ignored as Zale doesn't know him and it will start yet another pointless conversation, with everyone teaming up Zale. Again. He seems to try to get the group to work together instead of going after one another which is completely ironic. And why should he just let someone that he just met get the better of him? Its pointless. Just another argument that he doesn't want to bother dealing with when the group has pirates coming up their rear end.

A bomb ready to go off on itself that Zale was to throw it at the enemy. He keeps the weapon raised up, waiting.

Breya was going to quip something, but, in a display of her being a bit smarter than she let on, opted to not to.  Nothing she could say was going to help so the only winning move was not to play.

"I'm going to drop on the last one up, right after you all let loose at the top. So try to shoot me."

"Hey!  You!  Enough!"  Bellinha hissed at Lief.  Just when it looked like Zale was finally on the same page with the rest of the company, and trying to defuse a situation, the gnome had to go and keep at it.  And maybe it was that constant needling back and forth but she was starting to get tired of it.  "I don't care who is ugly, loud or young.  We have a job to do.  We need to focus on pirates and not on unfiltered comments towards each other."

She took a moment to stare daggers at the gnome, and Kozibi and Cassandre just to be on the safe side, before taking a breath.  "Kozibi, good idea with the stairs.  Let's make sure that they are stuck in the bottle neck and not us.  Breya, I like the idea of flanking them.  Were you thinking of dropping over the bannister into the other room or jumping down the stairs?"

"I was thinking falling on them like a sack of old potatoes on the top shelf."  Breya commented, trying to get the discussion to the matter at hand.  She admired Bellinha for trying, she just didn't see that issue resolving any time soon.

Seeing Leif try and take body parts off the ghoul, Jevin immediately starts burning it all over with his torch.

"Don't take parts off a dead or evil corpse.   I am against that and would eventually turn on you myself.   Just don't."

As the blue creature is now on fire in multiple places, Jevin looks for anything of value on the corpse.

OOC: Taking anything of value from the corpse, jewelry/ items/ pouches.

 Cassandre looks down to her feet as Bellinha chastises them for the constant bickering. She surely had something more to say, but felt like silent deference would probably be better received.

 She readied to cast Daze on the firt Pirate in sight.

In reply to Jevin Holt (msg # 143):

While he missed that bellinha's hissing was at him, it was clear from the fire and proximity that Jevin was talking to him. While the rest addressed the pirate threat, he took a moment to turn to Jevin "Respect, are there more in the manor like this creature? How is risking an evil object on its person any better? Who made this creature? Please do not threaten Researchers... I'm trying to identify who made this creature and if there is an active sigil nearby."

The group is being attacked and Lief is taking time to figure out things and examining the burned corpse? Zale watches him for a brief moment, then glances at Bell. Another deep breath, trying to keep himself focused. Damn gnome. But when Jevin intervenes, he turns back to the stairs. Apparently he doesn't know Jevin well but when someone endangers the group and wants to prod into a dead corpse....Jevin will deal with them. And he has no love for the gnome whom he threw his spell at to stop the bugbear.

Zale watches Breya, and her whole flair of dropping down onto them. Interesting move. He just nods, and waits keeping the crossbow loaded and towards the stairs.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 146):

The tension's so thick, you can cut it with a chain saw.

Welcome back Jevin.  No worries.

Lief, I'll get back to you on what you find out.  I need to look something up.

Now then...

For those of you ready at the stairwell, i.e. Koz, Cass, Bell, and Breya

You all tense, waiting to see the red of their kerchiefs.  You peek over/around the bannister...

Two of the pirates are on the stairwell.  They've both got their heads cocked, as if listening to something.  One of them glances back at the other and holds up five fingers. The other one shakes his head and holds up five fingers, then puts up two.

They are starting to slowly and cautiously back down the stairs...

Meanwhile, back at the burning corpse...

Zale, you are kind of at an inbetween place, crossbow ready, aimed towards the stairs.  Lief, you are trying to figure out the chakras/auras/etc.  Jevin, there is a silver chain hanging around the now smoking zombie thing's neck worth a whopping 35 gp.  But not much else of interest.

What is of more immediate interest is the Pirate which has come sauntering up the mezzanine.  He's standing at the doorway you all entered through originally and is staring at the burning bodies.  Then at you Jevin and Lief.  Then back at the burning bodies.

He says, in a loud voice, "I'm actually kinda glad you guys smoked that one.  He was a real pain the ass.  So...THANKS!"

As the loud THANKS hangs in the air,  the two pirates on the stairwell startle and hesitate, apparently unsure what to do.

And we are in init people.  There are three pirates...map to follow in a moment.

If you believe I have you in the wrong place on the map, please let me know and I will adjust.

Pirates 1 and 2 are going last unless anyone rolls a 1.

Pirate 3 is going on 17.

Thanks

Turning to the pirate in the mezzaine, Zale lowers his crossbow and starts to walk towards them. He looks unarmed and puts up the arm that has Sniggy attacked to it "You need to meet my friend. His name....is..." The eyes narrow "Sniggy."

OOC
16:22, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 13 using 1d20+5.  Initiative (if needed).

Moving towards Pirate 3.
Using 'Sniggy. to try and wrap them up.

Any child could put two and two together, this crew that had picked lief up was trespassing... whether for good or ill... and so it was to be expected that this encounter with the residence and this crew could only end in conflict.

It seemed to him that further investigating this arcane energy was no longer possible at the moment.

Rather than flee, or hide, being the closes to the pirate in the mezzanine and now in danger, Lief threw a hand up and drew out an equally loud "You're Welcome" as four torch like lights burst from his fingers and towards the pirate. whether the pirate stood or tried to dodge them, the lights would zip out in horizontal arcs to converge behind the pirate... forming a bright humanoid figure.

He will then move next to the pirates right side, hoping to allow Jevin Flanking bonuses.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:32, Thu 02 June 2022.

16:58, Today: Breya rolled 12 using 1d20+1.  Initiative.

Well that's better than 1.

Now with that settled, let's do the really stupid part first.  I think it was pretty low DC to fall on top of the pirate in the rear.

16:59, Today: Breya rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  Acrobatics.

I believe per the OOC that gets it, let's see if it is an actual hit, unarmed Power Attack:

17:00, Today: Breya rolled 23 using 1d20+6.  Power Attack.

That probably is.  If it's not we're in a heap of trouble.

7 damage from putting punched in the head - 17:01, Today: Breya rolled 7 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

Plus, Bleeding Attack!

17:02, Today: Breya rolled 3 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

So 10 possible combined damage on Pirate 2.

It wasn't her most graceful maneuver, but their plan hadn't quite worked out.  It was all right.  Jevin was on the other side, she could get this one.  Hopefully.

She didn't exactly sail through the air like an eagle falling out of the sky, but she did manage her potato sack drop square into the rearmost pirate, hitting him with a brutal double handed clubbing blow.  It was incredibly unorthodox, but sometimes crazy won fights.

Kozibi started to wonder what was going on. The pirates didn't materialize up the stairs. He waited. And waited. He peeked over to look down at them and they were...counting? He rolled his eyes. They were trying to ascertain how many were up above, he assumed.

He shrugged and walked down the stairs towards them, sword in hand. "Hello, boys! Have you met the beautiful and agile woman with me?" He grinned and swung out at one of them.

OOC: Well, Koz was trying to block them from being able to come all the way up the stairs, but this is fine. He will try to reach one this round and attack. Not sure if that's possible with stairs being difficult terrain or whatever.

20:18, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 7 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.
20:21, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 17,6 using d20+2,d8+2.  Non-lethal sword strike on pirate he can reach.
20:22, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 20 using 1d20+7.  Intimidate check to demoralize pirate (if he hit and did damage).

Cassandre saw the pirates hesitate, and thought it just right. How about they carry on doing that for a moment?

---

initiative 23  :
Delay to cast Daze on whichever pirate is still healthy after everyone’s turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:03, Fri 03 June 2022.

On the Mezzanine...

The pirate ducks one of the glowing orbs Lief and rushes forward, pulling out a cutlass.  He slashes at you and manages to graze along your side as you rush past  6 pts damage Lief.  But you arrive in position.

Jevin, you will get a flanking bonus

Zale, you step forward a bit and let Sniggy fly!

Sniggy wraps around Pirate 3 like a goblin on haggis.  And we all know how much them goblins love their haggis!

Pirate 3 is entangled this round

Meanwhile, back at the stairs...

Breya, you leap the bannister.

For a moment, you can see Pirate 2's face as he looks up at you.  He manages to mutter, "I always dreamed of a woman falling out of the sky, but not one who can bench press their own body weight..."

And then WHUMP!.  There you are punching him in the head.

The two of you start to tumble...or do you?

Breya, take 3 pts impact damage.  You did land on a guy.

Make me an acrobatics check at 10-.  If you miss, tumble down the stairs next round for 5 pts damage.  If not, you pinwheel and can take your actions

Pirate 2 is a tough bastard.  He staggers under the impact but he doesn't fall.

The whole episode of a beautiful, brawny she devil leaping atop his fellow seems to have stunned Pirate 1.  Then Kozibi's sword thwack stuns him even more.  And then Cassandre's daze dazes him even further.

Poor guy.

So to reiterate:

Pirate 1 is dazed on the stairwell.

Pirate 2 just got Breya'd, but has managed somehow not to go tumbling down the stairs.

Pirate 3 is Sniggy'd/bound in a rope and flanked

Your guys go.  Please post your actions and rolls. Let me know if there are questions.

Thanks

21:57, Today: Breya rolled 7 using 1d20+2.  Take a Tumble?

Well that sucks. The dice giveth and taketh away.

Breya cursed her own stupidity as she fell down the flight of stairs.

Whamp Whamp

But if I hit him the last time, he still takes the bleeding damage so I'll roll that

21:59, Today: Breya rolled 2 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

In reply to Breya (msg # 155):

It was a good try Breya and well worth the effort.

Yes, you are at the bottom of the stairs.  The round after this, you can charge back up and attack again.  Hang tight until probably Sunday.

And Sniggy did its job. Zale raises his already loaded crossbow. The bolt fires at the pirate, hitting him! Zale loads up another bolt. Anger billows up within  the undine but he doesn't let it show.

19:55, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 7 using 1d8.  Damage.

19:55, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 2 using 1d20.  Confirming Crif.

19:54, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 20 using 1d20.  Shooting into Melee (-4).

DC Strength 14 to break free
This message was last edited by the player at 03:04, Sat 04 June 2022.

Kozibi winced slightly as he saw Breya land and not stick it, but rather fall down the stairs a bit. "Are you alright?"

He didn't let up on the pirate in front of him still, however, attacking them once more, hard, this time NOT with the flat of his sword. "It's like you've never been in a fight before! You don't just STAND there looking stupefied!"

OOC: Forgot to add in my Intimidation speech so there you go.
Uhhh...I think I just hit him hard. Maybe with a crit.

13:26, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 22,8 using d20+2,d8+2.  Lethal sword strike on pirate 1.
13:27, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 18,9 using d20+2,d8+2.  Critical hit confirmation

Jevin was so focused on burning the corpse that the pirate actually took him back that it reached the mezzanine so fast.

He wasn't the least bit worried about him though and had continued to burn the corpse.

It was the pirates attack on Leif that got his attention.  Dropping the torch on the deceased undead, he charged forward and drew his weapons.

He tried for his favorite combo; the right to left chop with the axe followed up with the spin through and slam the dagger home after doing a full 360.

OOC: 21 Initiative
             21 Axe attack    9 axe damage
             27 crit confirmed as 21 dagger attack    13 dagger damage


03:30, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 13 using 2d4+8.  Critical hit dagger on pirate.
03:29, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  Confirm dagger critical hit.
03:28, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 27 using 1d20+8.  dagger attack pirate.
03:28, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 9 using 1d6+4.  Axe Damage pirate.
03:27, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+8.  axe attack pirate .
03:25, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.

This message was last edited by the player at 07:43, Sun 05 June 2022.

In reply to Jevin Holt (msg # 159):

Pirate 1 stops blinking as your sword slams into his side Kozibi.  "Damnit!  That hurt!".

He shakes his head, the pain seeming to help him snap out of it.  He's getting ready to charge.

You come to the bottom of the stairs and get yourself back on to your feet Breya  When you look up, you see Pirate 2 has thrown a dagger at you.  It thwips into your shoulder, not sticking in too deeply.  But...yeah.  That hurt a bit.  3 points damage. Shake it off

On the mezzanine, poor Pirate 3 is having just the most awful day.  He just wanted to be friends!

He falls to his knees under the crossbow bolt/axe/and yikes!  That dagger!.  He's still breathing, but he's sniggy'fied and not making any motion like he's trying to resist.

Alrightie.  Your guys go.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:03, Tue 07 June 2022.

Eyes narrowed, the undine fires again at the downed pirate! He then reloads.

18:58, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 8 using 1d8.  Damage.

18:58, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 19 using 1d20.  Crossbow Attack .

Breya was glad the idiot threw something at her rather than follow her down.

She grunted and got up and ran right into his stupid face!

So getting up is a Move, getting back to him is a Move, so that's it for me.

Edit:  Forgot this if he's still bleeding from round 1

01:16, Today: Breya rolled 4 using 1d4.  Forgot the Bleeding.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:16, Mon 06 June 2022.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 160):

Without a doubt, the evisceration of the pirate, from jevin, clearly shocked the gnome. However, he had clearly seen his fair share of combat situations because the moment the pirate dropped the gnome sprung into action.

being faster than even jevin, he was able to stabilize the pirate before zales attack, smoothly drawing out the first bolt and staunching the wounds in a matter of seconds.

When, or if, zales new bolt attack struck the pirate... Lief gave out a confused gasp "huh?"

Kozibi looked much less stellar, graceful and dangerous when the pirate was no longer stunned. His next attack was horrifically-aimed and thunked in to the stairs somewhat near the pirate he was facing off against. "If you surrender, I might be able to protect from my murderous friends, but if you keep fighting I can't guarantee anything."

OOC: Btw, is the pirate shaken from the Intimidation Demoralize?
21:17, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 4,4 using d20+2,d8+2.  Sword strike on pirate 1

Jevin wasted no time as he turned from the downed pirate and headed to the stairwell.

Calling out to Zale as he rounded the corner and past him was important though.

"Don't kill him.  He'll talk."

Whether Zale listened or not wasn't important.  Getting to the stairwell and seeing what he could do was more important.

OOC:  Triple move to the stairwell.  Trying to get down and in the stairwell this round.   Like, in the middle of everything.

On the Mezzanine...

"Urk!" Pirate 3 urks as the crossbow bolt hits him.  He flops over but is still breathing.  He manages to pull his arms out of Sniggy, and holds them upright.

"I give!  I give! This stupid crew ain't worth dyin' for."

Jevin, you speed through the hallway and reach the top of the stairs as...

Pirate 1 makes a half hearted swing at you Kozibi.  He manages to sidestop your own swing, but it's more luck than skill.  He seems a bit panicky.

Or shaken.  Yes, it did affect him Koz

Breya, you head for Pirate 2 as he throws another dagger your way.  This one goes wild, and he pulls one more in his other hand, getting ready to go stabby stabby with you.

Jevin, you are next to Koz.  You can both attack Pirate 1.

Breya, you can attack Pirate 2.

Everyone else, Rhumba!

Ya'lls go.

Thanks.

Breya was just straight up mad at this point.  She threw a vicious uppercut and managed to give him some chin music in exchange for his playing with knives.

Because only the GM gets to play with knives.

20:16, Today: Breya rolled 1 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

20:15, Today: Breya rolled 8 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

20:15, Today: Breya rolled 25 using 1d20+6.  Power Attack.

Kozibi got a little fierce look on his face and he pulled his arm for a swing, trying to put all his focus in to it this time. He wouldn't miss badly again like before. This time he woul- "AH!"

He was startled as Jevin suddenly rolled up next to him just as he was about to swing. Man, that staircase was taking a beating. It wouldn't too long before it surrendered for sure.

19:52, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 8,8 using d20+2,d8+2.  Sword strike on pirate 1.

Jevin appeared beside Kozi and wasted no time attacking the pirate in front of him.

A vicious chop of his axe followed by a near miss on Kozi of his dagger and Jevin reigned himself in to be careful as he tried to help take these last two pirates down.

OOC: axe attack 28 unconfirmed crit of 11    Damage axe 7
             dagger attack of 9 misses and nearly cuts Kozibi.


04:39, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 9 using 1d20+8.  dagger attack pirate1.
04:39, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 7 using 1d6+6.  axe damage pirate 1.
04:38, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 11 using 1d20+8.  Confirm axe Critical hit.
04:37, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 28 using 1d20+8.  axe attack pirate 1.

As much as the undine wants to yell at Lief for aiding the pirate, he doesn't. But the gnome will get no help from him for he's the one that started the fight and freed Lief.

And now he feels like Lief doesn't care. So be it. His eyes narrow on the pirate and gnome then he turns towards the stairs. With a loaded bolt, he raises it up and tries to get in a shot.

OOC
Not sure if I can get a shot but can move around and look for it.

12:22, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 10 using 1d20 ((10)).
That's a definate miss.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 170):

"Chin Music".  Haven't heard that one in a long time.  Thanks Breya

The stairs groan as they take a mighty blow. But they are drowned out by Pirate 1 as he takes a mighty blow from Jevin's axe.

He sidesteps a sudden crossbow bolt and swings upwards, landing a mace on Jevin's shoulder.  9 pts of damage there Jevy

Pirate 2 definitely hears some chimes, Breya.  He staggers, making a wild swing that cuts across your torso 5 pts damage Breya.  But then sort of topples sideways, hitting the stairwell.  He still seems to be breathing. But it's kind of a close thing.

Meanwhile, Pirate 3 keeps his arms raised.  He looks at you Lief and mumbles, "Thanks.  Could ya take this other bolt outta me too please?"

Pirate 3 has surrendered.  Pirate 2 is laying on the stairs, still alive but just barely.  Pirate 1 is not going down without a fight.

Your guys go.  Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:13, Wed 08 June 2022.

Lief quickly sets himself to further binding the pirate jevin gave the one to three to earlier. Using the pirates cloths and whatever else he can find nearby to manage it.

The undine loads a bolt and fires at the pirate attacking Jevin but he completely missed.

Load a bolt. firing.
08:37, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 3 using 1d20.  Crossbow Attack.

 Cassandre seems a bit lost in the midst of battle. When in doubt, shoot the pirate, her mom always said. At least she would have if she knew anything about this place. Thus she took inspiration from Zale's matter-of-fact approach: load, fire, repeat.

 Now of course she wouldn't point-blank shoot a downed enemy, unless they seemed really annoying.

---

 Posting 2 rounds worth of action as I missed my last one ;)
   Cassandre Lagrene rolled 15 using 1d20+4. sense motive - are they really annoying?
   Cassandre Lagrene rolled 14,2 using d20+5,d8+1. fire crossbow (inspired) round 1
   Cassandre Lagrene rolled 18,3 using d20+5,d8+1. fire crossbow (inspired) round 2

 (Zale pointed out the Pirates are in melee, so that hits AC10 for 2, and 14 for 3)
This message was last edited by the player at 13:38, Wed 08 June 2022.

Breya was bleeding and busted, but she figured either she'd connect and end the fight, or make it easier for someone else to end it.  She'd ended fights in the pit in worse condition, or so she told herself.

lol at 1 HP, but moving up to flank the remaining pirate with Koz

16:48, Today: Breya rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  Flanking Power Attack!

Probably hits

16:48, Today: Breya rolled 9 using 1d3+6.  Unarmed Damage.

A new victim!  He gets to start bleeding!

16:49, Today: Breya rolled 4 using 1d4.  Bleeding Attack.

So 13 damage, AC 19 hit.

Kozibi narrowed his eyes. He stared down in disgust at his sword and the arm wielding it. He was getting worse each passing second. He must be getting fatigued. He wasn't sure at that particular moment if he COULD hit the broadside of a barn. He might just miss.

16:11, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 4,3 using d20+2,d8+2.  Sword strike on pirate (if he's still up).

Finished with the pirate that snuck up on him, he dragged their body into vew of everyone else and to where he himself could see the rest of the fight... and that breya was pretty beat up. Oh no, she needs her gnomes little fingers to do their magix.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Wed 08 June 2022.

Jevin's shoulder throbbed, but he wasn't going to let that stop him.

Playing off of having this pirate slightly surrounded was key.  He waited for the pirate to slightly change his viewpoint and waded into him.

He tried for the low high approach.  This time he reversed it's traditional application trying to mix it up.

He went high with the dagger after going low and chopping with an uppercut with the axe.  If either hit it was going to hurt.

His eyes burned with a lust for this battle to end, and a slight grin crossed his face as he knew this pirate was being overwhelmed.

OOC:  Unsure if the +4 to hit from flanking applies.  please remove it from my to hit if it does not.

            Axe Attack 21      Possible Axe Damage 7
            Dagger Attack 24   Possible Dagger Damage 6


22:04, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 6 using 1d4+4.  dagger damage pirate.
22:03, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 24 using 1d20+12.  Dagger Attack with Flank Bonus.
22:03, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 7 using 1d6+4.  Axe Damage Pirate.
22:02, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 21 using 1d20+12.  Axe Attack with Flank bonus.

Pirate 1's eyes go wide and he mutters, "I want my Mommy..."

Instead he gets sword/axe/dagger/fist and probably high blood pressure.  He's been well and truly murder-hobo'd.

Cassandre, while Pirate 3 might be annoying when he's ambulatory, he is not ambulatory at the moment.  You don't think he's faking it.  The guy is really surrendering.

Pirate 2 moans from where he's laying on the stairwell.

But other than that...no sign of enemy activity.

Pirate 2 is at 1 HP.  Pirate 3 is at 2 HP and completely demoralized.

You guys can catch a breather.  Or what have you.  Someone can show Breya the way to the cabin/Moon if Lief cannot handle the full healing.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 179):

Taking a look over his companions, he cursed the lack of his usual tools "You really take things for granted until you wake up in a barrel with nothing but the shirt on yer back."

If Breya has the time and preference he will bandage her up best he is able to, making the bandages particularly tight so that the wounds heal better.

Aside from that, however, he will also set back to looking for suitable material to make gear with. First order of business was a weapon. Throwing useless light orbs at the enemy is all well and fun but not very practical.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:50, Thu 09 June 2022.

Breya looked like hell, but She Was Ticked.  Lifting the Pirate who had dared throw his knives at her, she grabbed him with one hand and stripped him with the other.  It's much less arousing than it sounds, even if you're into that kind of thing.  After that she used both hands and pushed him up against a wall.

"Tell me why I shouldn't shove the handle of your knife up yer arse and make you peel onions!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:57, Fri 10 June 2022.

As much as Zale wants to rip into Lief for doing nothing, he loads his crossbow and keeps it lowered. He even 'saved' a pirate. No one seems to understand the fact that pirates want to kill them and they keep letting them go. Zale watches the pirate hoisted up. And yet he doesn't get involved. He'd kill them all and take their loot if they have anything of worth but the group goes against it. All he wants to do, they seem to be against the undine. Some die but seems to be against what the group wants to accomplish....

Breya seems to be against him yet for him at the same time. Its somewhat intriguing but frightening at the same time.

Zale doesn't check the bodies. Two pirates left alive. He checks on Bell, making sure she is okay and sits down, watching what is going on. He goes to see if any of the bolts shot are still useable. Both his arms glow a dark blue as two more tattoos form. He flexes his arms as the otter comes from his body and sits on his legs not sure what is going on. It snuggles up against the undine probably for support. The undine watches the pirate that he sniggified. He glances arouund, eyes narrowed. Silence. As much as he wants to go check things out on his own, he made a promise. Sometimes promises are ment to be broken. Sometimes.

OOC
Casting Detect Magic, Looking Around

Kozibi lets out a breath as the pirates either surrendered or dropped. He glanced over at Jevin and nodded, "Thanks."

He rolled his neck around a bit back and forth to work out a kink. "I think we should see about holing up somewhere and resting for a bit. This has...been a lot, honestly."

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 183):

Lief, there are a couple of light crossbows around.  And plenty of bolts back in the barrel room.

The Pirates have two cutlasses, seven throwing daggers, and four regular stabby type daggers.

Zale, you wander about, but nothing picks up as magical.

Breya, Pirate 2 hangs pantsless from your grip and looks confused.

"I...I'm sorry. But I'm not sure I follow.  How could I peel onions if a knife was stuck up my backside?  I think I'd be dead."

"Oh no," calls out Pirate 3 from where he is seated, all bound up in Sniggy.  "I think she means she'll stick it up in there hilt first.  And then make you chop up some onions."

"That kinda seems an inefficient way to make slop."

"No.  I think it could be done."

"How?  You couldn't even see the onion."

"No. No.  If you..."  And Pirate 3 leans over, his head resting on the ground, back bowed upwards.  He adjusts his head so the top of his head is pressed into the floor and manage to spread his legs a little.  He then starts to wiggle his butt in the air, making motions like there's a knife back there and he's using it to chop up onions.

"I don't think you'd get any onions cut up that way.  But it does look like good exercise."

"Oh yeah.  I can really feel it in my glutes and hammies."

"Anyway," Pirate 2 looks back at you Breya, "I don't think you should kill me cos I'm more than willin' to do what I need to do to live.  I mean...Hey Gus.  Gus.  You can stop choppin' onions with your butt.  We get the idea.

"Anyway.  What do you want here?  I ain't got no money.  I can tell ya where some is.  Will that work?"

Jevin watches the pirates and is at a loss.  He lets them continue on with their interpretation for a moment.

After the pirate offers to tell them where money is he smiles.

"Ahh yes treasure.   Treasure I am looking for is how many pirates are down below and names of who is in charge.   Where are the slaves kept and who do you give the slaves to?"

Taking out his axe as he talks, Jevin carefully starts to sharpen it.  The distinct sound of metal pressed and rubbed on stone is heard as he lightly sharpens the blade.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:21, Tue 14 June 2022.

In reply to Mr. Whetstone (msg # 184):

As much as he wanted to listen to the pirate banter, they were suppose to be getting interrogated and were entirely too comfortable. Stupid or not, they needed a little more fear to them.

Grabbing one of the crossbows, and a stabby daggy, he whipped his belt off and quietly walked up to the bandit breya held. placing the belt as a buffer between the string and the dagger, handle end out, the moment he was within legs reach of the bandit he picked up step to swiftly move under the bandit to let the bow drive the handle home.... almost critting it up the pocket.
"Maybe we find out, and you lot can stop all the extra chatter and just answer the pretty lady with the muscles."

moving back a little, he prepared another dagger, this time pointy end sticking out "Or shall we see how many I can get up yer bum?"

ooc gm, what kind of clothing and armor?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:36, Fri 10 June 2022.

Kozibi's face started to pull in to a frown a bit more and more as they talk went on. First the threat, and then...a ridiculous discussion about the threat. He rolled his eyes and let out a sigh, then rubbed his temples a little.

Besides, he was much more interested in something else. Something was different, in him. He could feel it. He had been thinking over something, with his connection to magic and sound, for the last day or so. He thought he might have unlocked it, or at least another piece of the puzzle.

He walked over to Breya and quietly asked, "You are hurt. I think I might be able to help a little. Do I have your permission to touch you?" He then quickly added, "Um, you shoulder or your hand or something I mean."

Breya was fuming, about to just punch that pirate, but she stared at Kozibi.  Not in a mean way, but a bewildered one.

"A'ight, I get what you're trying to do.  But you should have stopped after I might be able to help a little, the rest of that... made it weird.  Like the spirit of it, just... little awkward, not a big deal just letting you know because you were trying to help.  Are you a cutman?"

Kozibi hesitated. "I'm...not familiar with that term."

He then gestured at the pirate she'd 'downed'. "I simply didn't want to make the mistake of touching you without permission and...ending up like that if you took offense or thought I was being too forward with you."

At that, he did smile at her finally. He was teasing her a little apparently.

He then cast a spell that he had never cast before, almost fumbling part of it. But a healing warmth washed over Breya from his hand on her shoulder. It wasn't a lot of healing but...it was better than nothing maybe.

OOC: Of course I hit enter when I was still typing in the +3 bonus AND rolled low to boot. Oh well. Breya - heal 5 hit points.

22:05, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 2 using 1d8.  Cure Light Wounds on Breya.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 189):

Lief, each of the pirate gentlemen is wearing a suit of rather shoddy looking leather.  None of them Gnome sized.  Red kerchiefs on their head.  Boots.  Nothing special.

Pirate 2 sighs.  "Look.  I'm already sayin' I'll tell you.  Making more threats just makes it look like you don't have any...whatchmacall'em...listening skills.

"Anyway.  If you want and you got some paper, I'll draw you a map.  How's that?

"As far as who all is down there...lemme see.

"There's Wilma and Jox.  And they got the...whatchamacall 'em...Momma and Poppa cats.

"As far as other guys...I think there's Fred and Karla an' Biff and Roscoe.  I don't know if you can count Biff though.  He's kinda stupid.

"There ain't no more dead guys.  Jox drove 'em all out of the house.  'cept that one cold guy.  We had him boxed up in the tower.  Course you guys killed him.  So...you know.  No more dead guys.

"I don't know who's buyin' the slaves.  You'd have to ask Wilma.  She and the Cap'n are the ones who make the deals.  I just fetch what they tell me to fetch.  There's no more slaves left here, other than the ones that were up here.  Wilma shipped the ones downstairs out this mornin'.  They'd be headed off to wherever.  You'd have to talk to her about 'em.

"Some lizards are buyin' the weapons though.  That I know.

"So?  You wanna let me down and give me some paper so I can get to drawin' that map?  Or do you just wanna make a bunch more threats cos you ain't go no...whatchamacall 'em...smarts?"

Pirate 2 is fun.  You guys should try to recruit him.

Fight breaks out. Zale gets ignored. Fight ends. Zale gets ignored. And what Lief did seems ti be ignored. Everything seems to be that way. He just watches the pirate seeming to ask for death with all the armed people standing over them. And the pirate is such a smart a**. He tries to keep his cool and take a long, deep breath. In and out. They have the smarts and listening skills-the pirates lost. His hands go from being taught to being more relaxed. He just listens to the pirate and all the things going on with the group. The undine wants to kill the pirates but he knows it won't solve anything. What he wants to do and what he needs to do is all mixed together but seems to be getting better. Sort of. Lizardfolk buying the weapons. Pirates ain't the main goal. The lizardfolk are. And the sharkmen. Slaves that will need to be saved. Just as long as they were less annoying then Lief! Perhaps what the pirate said was true. Maybe not. Pirates will do anything to save their lives...

Memories seems to pop into his head but what is real? Redheaded merfolk. Strange.

Pirates. Undead. Lizardman. Catfolk. Mimics.

Zale stands up, brushing off his legs. He grabs his backpack and turns to leave going towards the old libary and stops "I am going to check out the library." Its something he wouldn't normally do but he made a promise to Bell.

Willma. One less pirate to kill. Momma and Poppa cats. Whats this with all the damn cats?

The wheels are starting to turn.....

Jevin had continued to sharpen his axe and got it razor sharp.   Putting it away, he began to sharpen his dagger.

He waited a moment and listen intently as the pirate spoke.   Waiting for the others to speak,  he noticed no one wanted to give the pirate rebuttal.

As Zale left to check out the library, he nodded to him.

Turning back to the pirate who had spoken, he put his dagger away.

"I am interested in seeing a map of the area and going into detail about what is where on the map.   Quick question though.  The momma and poppa cats, describe them for me. Go into detail describing everything you can about them.  Are they the cats that made the little cats that were with the crazy cat lady up here?"

A chill went up his spine as he thought about it and what these cats could be.

"I say we take this pirate with us.   Would you be willing to fight for us and with us?"
This message was last edited by the player at 01:20, Tue 14 June 2022.

Breya was getting pissed off by every word he said and was about to punch his lights out, but Jevin asked good questions.  Bloody and angered, she was practically feral when she shook her prisoner to answer.

 Cassandre went around the pirates, and gathers those red kerchiefs. She collected them and mentally labelled them, trying in the process to work out if there was a ranking system to them.

 As Jevin was offering a job to the subdued pirate, she approached and prosaically said:
 "Allow me to verify something firstly..."

 "What is your name, Mr Pirate? the petite magician asked with an inquisitive look, and followed with a flurry of magical gestures and a whispered incantation.

 She grabbed the pirate's hand, read the lines on his palm, mused.
 "Hmmm... oh I seeee. Wow. Ah ok that makes sense... sort of..." she mumbled half to herself.

---

Cast Discern Next of Kin - trying to gauge the morality and reliability of the Pirate in the process.
 Lagrene rolled 19 using 1d20+4.  sense motive. 

Well its a damn good thing that Zale didn't hear the fact that Jevin seems to be trying to get the pirate to join the group as he seems to really hate them for very good reasons. Slavers, murderers, setting weapons to the highest bidder. The works. And most likely it will turn on the group for revenge. Of course Jevin nods to him as Zale left...he's up to no good! Course Zale couldn't do much. No one will listen to him anyways, just that he might be the last undine because of the pirates. And the sharkmen. He's bitter towards them.

Rummage rummage rummage inside the library with the otter at his side.

An easy enough fix, Lief would grab up the leather [and the pants] from the bandit breya stripped, as well as from the unconcious bandit, another 2 cross bows, three stabby daggers, and one of the cutlasses. There was a lot of bolts, he'd probably take a hold of about 125 bolts and if they are metal tipped then only the bolt head off of another 100 bolts.

Setting to work with this, he will cut down breyas' bandit's leather to something more gnome sized before then making leather cordage with those cut offs and turning the other leather into strips and carefully preserving any of its stitching. Intent to make a makeshift backpack from leather cord and the pants.

He will then reinforce the shody, now gnome sized, leather to have a decent piece.

Kozibi's eyes widened and his mouth dropped open. He stepped towards the talkative pirate and said, "Now, hold on there! Give us a minute."

He angrily yanked Jevin back and spoke quietly, "what the hell do you think you're doing?? why would we be offering to have pirates join up with us? we aren't a pirate crew! they're murderers and slavers! Zale won't stand for it, and I don't like it either."

OOC: Define “yanked back”.

As Kozibi grabbed Jevin and tried to yank him back, Jevin simply stood his ground.

He sheathed his dagger that he was trying to sharpen and attempted to tuck the stone away in his pouch.

Jevin walked back with Kozibi away from the others and out of ear shot as he listened before responding.

"You ever gut a deer or fish?  How about you think you have skinned as many furred animals as I have and traded them?  Ones that were overpopulated and causing problems?   Probably not.   Look, I am used to people hating and being angry at me cause my heritage.   If he thinks he has a chance he may work with us.  If not why give us anything?  I asked you about skinning animals because I can cut either pirate open real easy.  Let them cling to hope and want to impress us to get in good.   Can always kill them.   Why don't you go check on Zale and stay with him.   Maybe calm him down or see if he's alright.   He's flying off and upset and needs a friend.   Before you go though I'm going to pat you on the shoulder.   Let's see how good your performance is.  Knock my arm off of you and curse me as you storm off...to check on Zale."

Finishing his statement that was a borderline whisper to Kozibi, he lightly patted him on the shoulder...like you would a kid that doesn't understand.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:17, Tue 14 June 2022.

Kozibi listened but shook his head at Jevin. Of course he'd never gutted an animal, of any kind. He'd never even hunted an animal before! Well, one time, when he'd gotten lost and run out of rations - but he didn't want to think about horrible that had gone for him. He repressed a shudder.

He frowned even more deeply at Jevin, which might actually enhance his performance he supposed, but did as he'd been...'asked'. "That's absurd! You shallow-brained thug! You-" He kept cursing as he 'stormed' off.

Honestly, he wasn't even sure he shouldn't be angry and cursing at Jevin. Jevin might not be sure if Kozibi was angry and actually cursing him either really.

18:39, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Perform - Act? If Bluff, it's +4 more.

Jevin frowned at Kozibi's departure.

Turning back to the pirate he smirked.

"Any of you have anything to write on?  I believe we need a map drawn."

He rested his hands on his weapons as he waited to see if anyone else wanted to chime in or the pirate had anything to say.

In reply to Jevin Holt (msg # 201):

Zale, the library is mostly full of old tomes which long ago turned to dust.  You can see where some volumes have been taken off the shelves, probably by Bellinha when she was in here.

The room is quiet.  And for a moment, you have a space all to yourself.

---

Pirate 2 watches the interaction between you both Jevin and Kozibi.  He then watches Kozibi stomp away.  He studies you for a moment Breya, and frowns slightly but does not resist your touch Cassandre.

He then looks back at you Jevin.

Someone comes up with paper and ink...

And we will move to a new thread in a moment.  Thanks

Koz headed to the library, looking around for Zale. Upon finding him he asked, "So. Eat any good books lately?" He flashed a friendly smile for just a moment.

Then he sobered and shrugged. "Come on. I believe we are about to venture downward and encounter more pirates that require your harmful touch."

"So against pirates I can't kill? There is no point. I'd rather sit and watch the group kill eachother." Well Zale seems to be in a bad mood. He sits at a table, looking at old books but not getting anywhere as they are dusty, dirty or falling apart. His crossbow sits on the table aimed at the door. He leans back, looking tired and frustrated "First Bell now you?"

Kozibi bit back his initial gut reply. He took a deep breath. "I can't begin to understand what you've gone through, what you're feeling. But I can understand wanting revenge, wanting to kill." He shook his head. "I don't care if you kill the pirates, personally. My fighting style requires me to start with a non-lethal intimidating first hit, to shake their confidence and their ability to fight back. Then I start stabbing. and for the record...*I* never told you not to kill anyone."

He waved a hand. "Do whatever you want, Zale. I'm not here to save you, or move you along, or to make sure you stay with the group. You don't want to travel with us anymore because we won't help you kill?" He shrugged. "That's on you. We haven't travelled together long enough to be friends so you don't care about me or Bel. I get it. Sorry to have bothered you."

He turned and started exiting the library to rejoin the others.

"I am not asking to be saved. Or need it. I don't want revenge!" He snaps out "I want my family back. I want to remember my past and I can't. You try to be around people who want to use you as a weapon. Everyone here does. I don't care? Have you even tried to talk to me about this? No. You didn't. You don't understand and I can't explain it to you to make you nderstand."

Kozibi paused at the door, turning his back to half-look towards Zale. "I'm not asking you to be a weapon. I thought you wanted to hurt and kill pirates. If you don't...don't." He shrugged. "Do you WANT to talk? I've tried to ask you about this and how you are several times, but you have wanted to be angry and stormed off alone every time."

He turned halfway and looked at Zale. "Nothing can bring your family back, I'm sorry. I wish I could say differently. I can't help you remember your past either. I don't have that kind of magic, at least not yet."

Once again Zale was lashing out and claiming no one could understand and no one wanted to. So he waited a moment.

"I want them to fell the pain that they put me through but I can't. And everyone else wants me to fight but then I get yelled at when I do. It makes no sense and I am tired of being used. And you never asked me anythng. Not once. I don't want to be angry but right now its how I survive." He rests his hands on the table "If I get attacked, I fight back to kill them. When I get order to stop, no one understands. They are the enemy. Not a friend, not someone they can pull to their side. But the others they don't care. They want to fight each eachother and it won'd solve a damn thing. I got a mission. You with me or against me?" He stands up, grabs his backpack and goes to leave but not towards the group-towards the southern east tower and heads downwards but not fully. Ha makes sure they are gone before he grabs a few more bolts to be fully stocked, checks to see if there is anything odd or something useable and waits. The undine casts a spell upon himself.

OOC
Mage Armor. Last 3 hours

16:31, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Stealth..
This message was last edited by the player at 01:51, Wed 15 June 2022.

Kozibi looked at Zale for a long moment. His voice was calm when he spoke, no hint of anger or anything in it. "Just to be clear, I reached out to you twice. I asked if you were alright and I asked if there was anything I could do for you, so don't throw me under the wagon and act like I don't care."

He shook his head. "I'm not against you." But he silently added, Time will tell if I'm with you.

"If you truly care, help me." The undine looks at him and holds a hand out "Please." A strange sight. Does Zale mean it? Maybe. Maybe not. He does this before he slinks down into the cellar (SE)

Kozibi showed great willpower and restraint as he held back the first couple of things that came to mind. He wasn't sure what Zale really wanted. He shook his head slightly but then gave a shrug. "Fine. Don't make me regret it. Let's go." And he followed after the undine.