Exactly as the second morning bell sounds out it's last peal, Jacko opens the manor door.  He has a back pack for each of you.  Nothing fancy.  Just a shoulder bag with some hard tac, dried fish, flint and steel, and a small flask of oil.  A small canteen filled with cold well water lays beside each pack.

"Master Coombs thought these supplies might come in handy."

Orus comes out, chewing on a piece of toast.

"Morning.  Don't you all look fresh faced and lively.  Got everything ya need?

"Okay then.  Try to come back in the next couple of days.  If you don't, I'll head that way myself.

"Thanks again.  And best a' luck."

Assuming there are no questions...

---

A quick jaunt out of town brings your little group to the top of a hill.  You can see the coast to your left, and the deeper woods to the right.

Moon wipes her forehead with a hankerchief.  "We gonna hoof it through the woods?  Or up the coast?"

The woods have owl bears roaming through them.  But this time of year, they should be setting up to hibernate.  You might be able to avoid them.

Going up the coast is, in theory, safer.  In theory.

Once he gets the gear, its obvious where he wants to go-the coast but willing to follow the others. He's pretty quite, bare feet against the ground. Not sure how the dwarf will deal with him he keeps his distance but feels nothing bad happened but he did leave before the others so he doesn't know. The otter barks and drops down from Zale, looking around.

The morning had come quicker than he had expected, still, though, Ordin was ready for the adventure with the others.  He would show them that the circle was not the cause of the undead rising.... or at least he hoped it wasn't.

When he got the pack and it seemed everyone was ready, Ordin nodded to Orus and Nys, who was there to see him off.  "We will get down to what is causing the dead to rise."

---

Finally out of town and just over the rise Moon had posed a question about their direction.  Sure they could go through the woods but just the other day he saw the owlbear eating.  It probably was full by now but they needed to consume a lot of food for their fat stores for the winter and it could still be hungry.  "I think we should move along the coast.  It gives us a wider view of anything that could come at us if we are attacked that is."

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 3):

The Coast "road" is really just a trudge up the coastline.  Very little of it is sandy beaches.  Most of the Redtide Coast is rocky.  Or high cliffs overlooking the water.  Areas slopping down to the ocean like Salt Lick are uncommon, and if large enough, where villages tend to spring up.

Your little group marches forward.  Moon whistles a happy song as you go.  She's surprisingly good at whistling.  Thought it would be nice if she learned a new song.  You've heard this one five times by the noon hour.

You come over a small rise.  The downward slope actually levels out to a small, rocky cove.  A couple of large tidal pools have been formed.  You can see crabs scuttling along them, searching for prey.

A rowboat is laying on it's side near one of the tidal pools.  It's hull is facing you.  You can't see on the other side of it.  How it's managing to sit upright like it is you have no idea.

The boat looks newish.  It must have washed up just recently.  It appears there's a hole smashed on one side of it, but from where you're standing you can't be sure.

A number of gulls are circling overhead above it.  You can see quite a few crabs scuttling around it as well.

Bellinha had to admit that, even though they were all walking towards potential danger, the coastal land was beautiful.  Much more picturesque than trudging through the forest, and less Owlbears.  Still, there could be no gloom in their march with such amazing scenery.  It brought back to mind the stories that she had been told growing up about the adventures of her ancestors, adventures that involved tall ships plowing the ocean waves.

As beautiful as the water was, it could be fickle.  There were also stories that she had heard down on the docks of Coinhaven, where proper young ladies like her were not supposed to frequent, of sips enduring the wrath of an unsettled ocean.  And there was that wreck of a ship that the kids of Salt Lick liked to play on.  And there was also that rowboat with the hole in it.

"Hey."  Bellinha said, pointing at the small wreck.  "That boat doesn't look at all that old.  I wonder if it belongs to anyone in the village.  did anyone report a missing boat?"

Undaunted by the crabs and birds, Bellinha started to make her way towards the upright rowboat.

The undine stare out into the ocean. He starts to walk into it and spots the rowboat. A whistle from him to try to get the others attention as Zale holds his hand up "Stay here." Hard to tell if the others will listen but worth a shot. He dives down into the water and goes to get around it for a better view.

When the blue man tells everyone to stay, Ordin stops moving towards the turned over boat.

Ordin held back Dillo too so he wouldn't go after the blue man as he went into the water.

"We'll stay just here.  Be careful!"

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 7):

Moon shakes her head at your question Bellinha.  "Not that I've heard.  No fishermen missing either.  That doesn't look like one of our boats either.  Trust me.  In a town as big as Salt Lick, you get to know everyone's boat."

Zale, you hit into the tidal pool and manage to slip around so you can see the other side of the capsized boat.

The crabs and gulls have been feasting on two bodies, neither of which are moving.  Two men who appear to have been dead for about a week maybe.

They are dressed as sailors maybe.  Each has a cutlass.  That's all you can tell from here though.

Bark bark bark goes the otter and Zale moves swiftly fowards trying to get the crabs and gulls away from the dead bodies.

Bellinha watched Zale move out of the water towards the rowboat.  It didn't look as if there was any danger, not with the way that the blue hued Zale moved forward.

"I guess it is safe."  Bellinha motioned for the others to continue towards the rowboat.  "Hey...uhm...Zale!  Did you find anything?"

Kozibi didn't object to the coastal road - at least it afforded a better view in his opinion. He stayed near the back of the group, not wanting to 'lead the charge', as it were. But that didn't mean he wasn't paying attention.

The rowboat seemed to pique the interest of the others. He wasn't sure what the significance was, yet, but he listened to what was said. "I hope it didn't bring a plague or the undead to the shore." he said offhand.

He glanced at Bellinha when she took the otter making noise as 'the coast was all clear' - pun unintended. He shook his head but followed just a bit behind her, but kept pausing to look around every once in a while, just to be safe.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 11):

The gulls squawk and the crabs click, but it's easy enough to chase them off.  None of them seem undead.  Or were-vermin.

Moon squats by the bodies.  "Hmmm.  These guys have been out here a week at least.  I can't tell for sure, but this one..."  She points at one of them, or more specifically, to a large gap in his chest, </pink>"...this one bled out.  Think he got stabbed with a spear or a harpoon or somethin'.  The other one...can't tell.  Crabs have been into him too long."</pink>

The bodies have a couple of knives on them.  There is a harpoon laying close by, though the tide has washed over it a few times by now, so you can't tell if it's what had killed the one guy or not.

Both of the sailors have red kerchiefs tied around their heads.  There's no particular design.  But it's the same shade of red.

There's a name carved into the prow of the rowboat.  Little Jupiter.

Perception test from everyone please.  Thanks

Bellinha regarded the bodies from over Moons shoulder.  "...bled out....not a nice way to go.  Do you suppose that whatever killed them happened here or maybe out on the water and they just washed up here?"

She turned her attention to the rowboat.  The name on the boat didn't sound familiar.  She looked over the hole in the boat briefly before turning to the discarded weapons.  Bellinha spoke a few arcane words and looked around the scene once more.

OOC:
Bellinha will cast Detect Magic.
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 16 using 1d20+6.  Perception

Ordin had moved over once it seemed the coast was clear and that there wasn't an incoming attack.  He hadn't seen anything like this before.

"My best guess would be that they washed up here.  Most likely the tide brought them in though I couldn't say for certain."  Ordin looked over the hill and then the bodies looking for any other thing the others may have missed.


08:18, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 23 using 1d20+9.  Perception check

The undine tries to figure out if he knows the ship. He kneels down, watching the dead corpses "Think they will 'come back'?" He watches them still, and goes to grab the handkershiefs for some strange reason as well as the two blades. Its not like they are going to be used and perhaps he can find a good use for them "We should bury them? Or burn then?" He ponders as he listens to Moon "The sea is unkind to most. One must know how to treat it." Words of the wise.

11:57, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 4 using 1d20+3.  Perception.
I see nothing as my eyes are somehow closed.

Kozibi examined the dead men - from a distance, with his eyes - and didn't get TOO close. He noted a few things about them, and Moon mentioned some things as well. He nodded to himself, but then went back to keeping an eye on their surroundings and the water.

To Zale's question, "I would assume if they aren't already undead, being dead a week would mean no...but there is magic that can animate corpses so...it's not a hard no."

23:20, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 16):

Moon glances out towards the water.  "I would think they were attacked out on the water, yeah.  The tide here could wash them up.  I think this one..." She points at the one who bled out, "Was alive when they got here.  You can see he tried to crawl away from the boat.  Unless those crabs are really strong."


Bellinha, nothing lights up in response to your spell.  No magic around here other than the beauty of nature.

Ordin didn't know if it was relevant to the situation or not but he told the others what he noticed.

"Before you remove the kerchiefs Zale, I want to point out the knots.  It is interesting why they made 3 cause only one of them is holding the kerchief to their head.  I am not sure why it is like that.  Have any of you seen anything like it before?"

Looking at Ordin, his eyes narrow "There is just two of them, not three. And both are on their heads wearing them...." Is the dwarf daft? He glances around not seeing a third one. The undine decides to not take the blades but keeps the two kercheifs and checks to see if they are covering something.

The knots Ordin is referring to are at the back, where the kerchief is tied around the head.

One is obviously there to hold the kerchief in place around the head.  But past that, in the part of the cloth that hangs out, each kerchief has two additional knots tied into it.  They seem rather elaborate.  Almost like the kind of knots that are used for decorative purposes rather than for the purpose of tightening something.

There doesn't seem to be anything else of interest here.

The two knives are just ordinary daggers.  The kerchiefs are high end cotton cloth.

Let me know if there are any questions.  I'll move us on tomorrow if not.

Bellinha a steeled herself and moved closer to the bodies in order to get a better look at the kerchiefs.

"Is there something symbolic about the knots?" she asked Ordin.  "I mean...do some sailors use the number of knots in a kerchief as some sort of identifier?"

The undine watches as the others look at the bodies. He holds out the two kerchiefs for Bel to look at and once done, he pockets them after everyone takes a look. Zale watches the bodies and glances at the others realizing he was ignored about what to do with them. He starts to head to where the Estate is, keeping his thoughts to himself. The otter keeps up as well and stops, waiting for the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Wed 01 Dec 2021.

As Zale moved off, Ordin calls to him, "aren't we going to give them a proper burial or funeral pyre?  I thought you wanted to do that for them.  Even though we don't know the circumstances of their death they deserve that."

Eyes narrowed on the dwarf, Zale leans on his staff "I do not know your ways. It is up for everyone to decide." Right to the point, the undine watches the dwarf. Two seperate worlds. The ocean and woodland. He is definatly odd.

Ordin sees Zale look at him with eyes narrowed and wondered why.  He hadn't done anything to the strange blue man to warrant such looks, "it seems my ways are similar to yours in wanting to make sure they are taken care of.  It matters not how to me either way."  Ordin returned the look with a genuine smile as he then looked to the others and their thoughts.

Kozibi looked at each person in turn as they spoke. He noted idly that there seemed to be some underlying tension, disagreement or something between Zale and Ordin. He wasn't sure exactly what was going on between them, not yet. Maybe it was sexual tension! His eyes lit up a bit and he definitely shipped the two of them!

He looked at the decorative kerchief-and-knots being discussed, but didn't think he had any information to provide more of a clue to what they might represent. He gave a shrug and filed it away mentally to see if he could find more later.

His eyebrows rose. "That sounds like it will take time. A pyre, at least, sounds easier." And less messy. He was definitely not made for digging graves.

Whistling, the otter stops as Zale goes to grab several bundles if possible for the pyre. He assumes everyone else chips in for the pyre and someone else lights it as Zale keeps his distance-perhaps he's afraid of it or something else. The man doesn't say a word, watching the other three as he adjusts his bag afterwards. Not a smile forms on the undines face as the otter looks around. Once its all done and the bodies are possibly lit, Zale starts to head to where the Estate is located. He sticks to the ocean whenever he can, with the otter following.

"..._{and we were off to such a good start}...Guys...Guys...hold on a second...Zale?  Wait a..."  Bellinha started to say, trying to get the attention of the others.  "If I could just..._{oh you are going to make me be that girl are you}..."

Muttering a few arcane words, Bellinha held her hand high causing a bright flash to flare up in her palm, something that she hoped would draw attention to her as she spoke.  "<Aqua>If I could have your attention for a few minutes.  I took this commission and I asked for your help because we all seemed to work well the other night, and I know that we are coming from different backgrounds but we need to work together if we are going to be successful here.  I am in agreement with the rest of you, we should bury the bodies...well they are burning so I guess we are burning the bodies now...but the point is that they need to be put to rest.  I'm sure that if it were any of us, we would want the same done.

"We are not in a hurry, so I am suggesting that we wait until these bodies have been...uhm...properly disposed of before moving on.  So, Zale, if you do not mind waiting for just a little bit.  At the very least we should make sure that there is nothing left of the bodies that might suddenly decide to get up and stumble through the woods looking to eat somebody."

So why is everyone fixated on Zale? The undine already came with them but asked for nothing. He stops, watching and waiting for the others but doesn't say a word. The undine doesn't have a reason to speak, and doesn't know any of them but he's on a mission. Zale looks out over the ocean as the otter swims around near him and back to the burning bodies. It goes up to the shore at times and looks around. The bodies are dead, theres no reason to remain and yet everyone seems fixated to watch them burn. Maybe they are pyros? He is indeed ahead but not too far ahead.

Bellinha was right they needed to work together and so Ordin thought that while they waited for the fires to burn the bodies he would ask Zale if there was a problem.

"I agree with Bellinha.  We need to work together and not have any animosity between us if there is.  Thank you for joining us on this mission but I have a feeling that something is not right between you and I.  If it is something I did I am willing to talk it out so we can come to a resolution."

Well Zale is out in the water-not the shore. He just watches the dwarf say what he needs to say-perhaps he means it, perhaps not. But not a word is spoken from Zale. Why is it everyone gets all focused on him when he hasn't done anything? After last night blaming the circle and he defended it....

Magic can be manipulated.

Perhaps he's silent because he has nothing to say. Or he's just quiet. The otter watches the dwarf, peaking up from the water's surface. He keeps away from the 'pet' and darts off as Zale waits patiently.

The bodies catch fire, the smoke wafting up over the beach.  And the smell...

But you're satisfied the dead sailors won't be rising anytime soon.  Whatever their names were are only known to the sky and surf now.

The land starts to rise upwards again.  You climb up off the beach and onto the bluffs.  In about another hour, you catch your first sight of the Estate.

What you can see above the trees is a two story brick and wood manor home.  The afternoon sun glints off what's left of the broken windows.  At each corner of the building stands a tower that rises up an additional level.

As approach, you san see a trail leading up to the grounds of the Estate. Ordin, you know that it's the remains of an old road that leads to the east.  The road itself was originally going to connect Salt Lick to Coinhaven, but it never got completed.  Once the Brakers lost their fortune, no one else was interested in investing in the venture.

You can head to the east yourselves and head up to the main manor.  Or you can head up through the treeline, passing the old woodcutter's cabin to the south of the manor.

Please see the map in the Adventurer's Almanac.  You can either approach by the trail that's coming from the east (North on that map is at the bottom of the page), or you can come up through the tree line passing by location 2 on the Estate map.

You could try to swim up to it, but you'd have to scale the cliffs to reach the manor. A climb of about 80'.

Let me know if there are questions.  Thanks.

Kozibi watched the bodies burn and glanced at the others. "Well then. Let's keep this show going. No rest for the wicked...er...for those...doing good...things..." He shook his head. It sounded weird when he said.

He walked along with the others and one eyebrow rose at the sigh of the manor. "Hmm. Not too shabby. Could be worse, could be better. Definitely needs some love and attention."

He gave a shrug. "Well, no sense in dividing our forces and splitting up. We've nothing to hide, really, right? I say let's just march up the trail together. Well...walk up the road. I don't do marching." He flashed a brilliant smile.

Tilting his head, the undine stops and watches the odd bard. He looks down at his bare feet, letting them caress the ground. Forest. So much forest and no water. For a moment he looks around and points towards where the woodsman cabin is "Go there? Check manor afterward?" Its a small step but then he walks near them but keeps his distance as he grips his spear. The otter darts nearbye, looking around.

Bellinha paused to look in both directions, the woodcutters cabin and the manor itself.  "That idea sounds good to me.," she says in response to Zales suggestion.  "Woodcutters cabin, then the Manor and then the stone circle."  She took several steps forward, intending on taking the lead towards the woodcutters cabin, but then stopped.  Turning back to the rest of the party, she said "Are we ready to go?  I do not mind going first though my knowledge of the forest pales in comparison to Moon or Ordins, I would imagine."

With the manor now in sight, Ordin quickens his pace with Dillo easily padding along beside him.  Once they were closer and a decision was made to check out the woodsman's place first Prdin said, "I can take the lead through the woods.  Dillo and I are well suited for such a task."

If it were okay with the others Dillo would take point with Ordin about 5ft behind him.

You head out up the tree line towards the cabin.

It's in surprisingly good shape.  The windows all have shutters on them, and those shutters are closed.  Though, as you get closer, you can see a wane light shining through the cracks in those shutters.

There is a main building, probably the cabin proper where the woodcutter and his family lived.  Attached to it is what looks like some kind of barn or storeroom.  Probably where the lumber was stored.  In front of the storeroom is an old wagon.  The wagon is in much worse shape than the cabin.  Two of it's wheels have fallen off, and it is stuck in the dirt like an old socialite well past her prime, whose tea parties no one attends any longer.

None of you see anything out of the ordinary or hear anything of concern from where you are.



I am assuming you guys have circled the cabin from the northwest to the northeast and back again to recon it.  You are about 45' out.  There seems to be a dim light shining from inside the cabin, but the windows are all shuttered and you cannot see inside.

Area 1 is the main cabin.  Area 2 is the storeroom.  The wagon is obviously the wagon.

Let me know if there are any questions.  Thanks

The undine moves towards the building, spear in his hand. He tries to be stealthy, the otter now sitting on his bag. Zale just waits to see what the others do but keeps his distance.

17:09, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Stealth.

17:09, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 13 using 1d20+3.  Perception.

Bellinha slowly drew she sword from its scabbard, the rings on the back of the weapon chiming lightly with the movement.  "Could that light be bandits?" she asked softly.  "No one is supposed to be living up here."

"Okay, so the front door is small, will only let one of us go in at a time but the store room door is bigger."  she said.  "I'm thinking that maybe we check out the store room first.  Thoughts?"

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 18 Perception.
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 5 Stealth.

Not known for his sneakiness, Ordin watches the others as they step and follows their movements surprising himself with how quiet he is moving.  That is until Bellinha speaks out.  Turning back to her he gives a nod not wanting to make any further noise as he approaches the barn door.

As he gets close he reaches into himself and tries to tell if there is anything undead inside.

08:41, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 20 using 1d20+2.  stealth check.

08:41, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 22 using 1d20+9.  perception check.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 40):

You being to creep towards the barn door. Slowly creeping.  Carefully.  Stealthily.

Slllllllooooooooooowwwwwwwly.

You come in around the northwest corner of the building.  The wagon pays you little attention.

As you get closer, you can see the door is closed, but there is a rather large hole, as if something dug it's way out from inside by tunneling under the door.  The rut isn't large.  Maybe a couple of feet wide.


None of you can hear anything other than the afternoon breeze.  A squirrel scampering up a nearby tree.  A fallen leaf landing on the ground.

But not each other.  Because you are all moving really, really slowly. And carefully.

Kozibi stayed back a bit from the group. He wasn't used to be stealthy really, aside from trying to get away quietly from the very infrequent jealous significant other - he usually tried to stay away from married/committed people romantically as a rule.

He frowned at the quiet discussion, and then gave a shrug. He was certainly not the ideal choice to go in through the door first. He was not a fighter. So he stayed silent and kept his senses mildly alert.

21:46, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 8,12 using d20+5,d20+4.  Perception, Stealth.

Taking a deep breath, the undine moves towards the storage area, against the side of it. He grips his spear, and glances at the otter. The otter looks up at him and slowly moves down the rut.

Zale, you come up to the door.  You cannot hear anything on the other side of it.

Is your otter-bud crawling inside through the rut under the door?

As the otter goes into the door through the rut, Zale focuses and mutters something. He slightly glows as well as the otter.

OOC
Casting Mage Armor on the otter. Last 2 hours.

Bellinha touched Ordin on the shoulder and indicated to the tracks.  Slowly, she creeps up to the wagon, leaning over to see what might be in the back.  Hopefully nothing, but she had to be sure.

Ordin had seen the tracks as well and when Bellinha touched him and showed the tracks he gave a nod to her.

Ordin likewise moved to the wagon ready for whatever may be inside.

The otter is armored up Zale.  He dives under the rut and is on the other side of the door.

At that same time...Bell and Ordin, you both begin to move towards the wagon.  As you do so, you can see the faint line of tracks head under one of the sides that is still held up by a wheel.  It almost resembles a little cave of sorts under there.

And of course, there's something living in there.

As you get closer, two long, thick coils of large centipede dart out from under the wagon.  They both seem to be as long as Koz is tall.  And they both have what look like octopuses for heads.

Oh.  No. Those are tentacles.  These are a pair of those whatchmacallits. Carrion Crawlers.

Yeah.  That's it.  Those things.

We are in combat people.  Ordin and Bel are 10' away from the two crawlers.  Koz, you are 55' away. Zale, you are 15 and by the door to the storage room. Zale, you have already cast the Mage Armor on Otter.

The crawlers are acting on an init 10.  Roll init and post your actions.  Thanks
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:05, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

After armoring up the otter, Zale turns and see the crawlers. He takes a deep breath "Do not let it hit you. Poison."

OOC Trying to figure out what the creatures are.

19:37, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 25 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Planes).

19:37, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 23 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Arcana).

19:37, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 25 using 1d20+5.  Intiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:23, Wed 08 Dec 2021.

"GAH!" Bellinha shouted, startled by the tentacle things coming from beneath the wagon instead of inside of it.  Plus they were giant centipedes with tentacles.  "...I mean...what are those things!?"

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 21 for Initiative.
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 11 for Knowledge Dungeoneering.
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 16 for Knowledge Planes
Readying an action to attack the Carrion Crawlers if they get close.

Kozibi was more than happy to let the others do the more hands-on portion of investigating, but hadn't realized he had gotten so distracted and let them get so far ahead of him. He'd meant to stay much closer. So he was a bit surprised when an attack happened.

His eyes widened and his eyebrows shot up. He then let out a small curse and drew his longsword as he hurried forward.

OOC: Wasn't planning on staying quite THAT far away but that's fine, lol.

Standard and Move action: Move forward 30 feet and draw longsword.

21:41, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Initiative.

Ordin had never seen anything like these things before.  It seemed to Ordin that the things had built a home under the wagon and had presented themselves to defend against intruders.

"I think we should back up and leave them alone.  They are probably just defending their home."

Ordin will move back towards the storage building.
06:38, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 3 using 1d20+2.  Initiative

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 50):

Zale and Bellinha</purpele> both of you have heard of these before.  Carrion Crawlers are like giant centipedes with octopus heads.  To <purple>Zale's point, the tentacles are coated with a thin poison.  You both think it's paralytic.  Though maybe it causes you to burst into flames and die while reciting your grandmother's recipe for baked squash.

That last part might not be right.  You'd have to let the tentacle touch you to be sure.


The two seem fixated on you Bellinha, as they skitter across the ground in your direction.

Post your actions and rolls please.  Bel, they are within striking distance of you now.

Thanks

Zale watches the centipedes as the waterball forms in one of his hands. He launches the orb and then backs up but keeping them within the range. His otter stops trying to be still probably in the rut.

OOC
Standard Action:: Waterball (Touch Attack)
Move Action: Keep within 30' of the creatures

18:41, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 10 using 2d6.  Damage.

18:40, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 12 using 1d20+4.  Waterball Attack.

Bellinha held her sword at the ready, but swung it wildly when the carrion crawlers advanced on her.  She wasn't as ready as she thought and her slash went wide.

"I don't think they like me!" she said loudly, noting that both of the crawlers seemed to coming towards her.  Out of hours of practice, Bellinha stretched out her free hand and, upon uttering several arcane words, a bright light erupted from her palm.  She followed this up by stepping forward and attacking with her sword.


OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 4 for her readied action (most likely a miss)
Cast Flare
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 7 for her attack (again a miss)

Kozibi ran up towards the closest one and swung his sword - but it seemed to look like he wielded it in such a way that it didn't seem to cut deeply in to the creature. More like it would hurt but not be lethal.

As he did so he said, "Bad worm!" but then almost tripped over a rock when he tried to connect.

OOC: Le sigh.

11:54, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 5,7 using d20+2,d8+2.  Nonlethal attack with longsword.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 56):

One of the worms stops and turns as Zale's water bomb strikes it on the side.  It starts to dart in his direction.

Bellinha and Kozibi, the crawlers turn out to be trickier than you would have thought.  The one still heading towards Bel grabs at her shin with it's tentacles...

Bell, please make a Fort save vs. 12.  If it's a miss, you're paralyzed for 2 rounds.

The second crawler is halfway between the wagon and the storage room door at the moment.

Zale, you can sense that, inside the store room, your friend is curious about something. But he doesn't seem to afraid of anything.

Despite her mighty swings, the carrion crawler grabbed Bellinhas leg.  Through the leather covering her legs, she could feel the tentacles tighten, and it was not a pleasant feeling.  "GETITOFFGETITOFF!" Bellinha shouted as she tried to pull away..

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 10 for Fort Save.

The undine forms a ball and throws it at the beast coming at him!

Cast a spell then back away 30'

23:21, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 7 using 2d6.

23:20, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 11 using 1d20+4.  Waterball!

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 59):

As Bellinha stiffens up, Zale's waterball pings on the other crawler.

Moon runs forward brandishing a dagger and manages to slice at the tail of the one on </purple>Bellinha</purple>.

Your guys move.  Thanks

Still keeping his distance he lobs another ball of water at the creature previously hit!


20:32, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 7 using 2d6.  Damage.

20:28, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 18 using 1d20+4.  Waterball!

Dillo charged forward and slashed with his claw at the beast even as it seemed to paralyze one of his master companions.

Ordin drew an arrow and tried to shoot his bow but the arrow missed wildly.



08:52, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 5,1 using D20+3,d6.  Bow attack.
08:51, Today: Dillo rolled 14,8 using d20+9,d6+2.  Claw attack.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 62):

Dillo digs into the tail of the one attacking Bellinha as Zale's<purple> second water ball slaps aginst the side of other Crawler.

<purple>Kozibi makes a valliant flourish, and slashes deep into that same one as it passes him.  The crawler makes a high pitched screaming sound as it comes apart into two pieces, a foul smelling bluish goo splattering the beauteous bard.

The only crawler left, the one on Bellinha slips off her, dodging around and heading back for the cover of the wagon.

One crawler is dead.  The other is retreating for the cover of the wagon.  Ordin, if you want to take an AOP for Dillo, go ahead.

Koz, you got a crit.  You're welcome.

Your guys go

As the thing retreated from Dillo, he slashed half-heartedly at it like swatting a ball or something.

08:07, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 10,5 using d20+7,d6+2.  AoO.

Kozibi flashed a dashing smile at Bellinha after he somehow successfully hit the creature very hard - after stopping his very poor attempt at intimidation. He didn't know why that didn't work more. But that was for another time.

"You're welcome!" - as if he had scared the second one off by killing the first.

He hurried his step, trying to head the next creature off from an escape, slashing out with his sword.

16:13, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 15,9 using d20+2,d8+2.  Longsword vs crawler.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 65):

Kozibi seems to have it going on today.  He manages to smack the retreating crawler fairly soundling.  It stops it's flight and turns back on him, lunging...and missing.  Missing widely.  Missing so much it's almost embarrassing.

It looks like it's blushing.  It's that bad a miss.

Ya'lls go.

Bellinha stumbled, dropping to her knees.  It could have been from that flashing smile that Kozibi had given her, or from the paralysis poison slowly wearing off, either could be a reasonable assumption.  "Thanks."  she replied.

The crawler that had accosted her was still there, several feet away.  In spite of her better judgement, Bellinha closed the distance to the crawler, determined to avenge her paralysis.  She slashed at the creature with her blade, the rings lining the back of the blade chiming softly.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 23 to hit and 6 for damage.

With the one crawler already dead, Dillo charges back in only to miss just barely as he tried to chomp down with his teeth.  At the same time an arrow came streaking by once more and once again it missed as the creature fled into its makeshift home under the cart.

08:17, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 9,1 using D20+3,d6.

08:17, Today: Ordin Oakbranch rolled 9,7 using d20+7,d6+2.  bite attack.

Kozibi smiled at her and gave her a half-bow, one arm outstretched towards the remaining creature and the other tucked against his stomach in a "After you!" sort of gesture.

Then he followed after with a few quick steps and slashed his longsword towards the same spot he'd hit and seemingly split open the last one, thinking it might be a weak spot or something - or probably just a lucky shot, really.

17:26, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 15,4 using d20+2,d8+2.  Longsword vs crawler (if Bell doesn't do it in).

Pulling out his sling, he grabs one of his rocks and launches it at the crawler!

17:12, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 2 using 1d4.  Damage.

17:11, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 21 using 1d20+4.  Sling Attack.
*Note its 17 if throwing it into combat with another ally

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 70):

Between sword/sword/claw/arrow/rock, the crawler doesn't make it back under the wagon.  It's soon so much Dillo-chow.  You've vanquished another foe.

Zale, the otter is still curious about something.  But it's not sending out any vibes of danger.

With just a quick nod to the others, the undine grips his spear. Out of instinct, he goes to shove it into the skull of each of the crawlers making sure they are dead. Zale goes over to the door leading into the storeroom and tries to open it. His otter just remains still, watching the inner area.

Seeing the last creature fall to the combined attacks of her compatriots, Bellinha lets out a sigh of relief.  "I was not expecting Crawlers.  Undead but not crawlers.  Nice work team."  She gave everyone a smile before turning her attention to the door to the store room.

"We are right behind you, Zale." she says, stepping behind the Undine with her sword at the ready.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 73):

There's a bar across the inside, locking the door, but the gap between the two swinging doors is wide enough to slide a sword or harpoon in and push up.  A few thwonks on the underside of the board knocks it up enough for you to move it off it's hook.

Inside the shed are crates and barrels.  Lots of them.  Some are overturned.  Maybe the crawlers were in here and knocked them over.  If anything was alive in here, it's gone now.

Most of the containers have old supplies in them.  Coal for a stove.  A few shovels.  Some of the barrels are stuffed full of what once may have been mulch for fertilizing vegetable gardens.  It's all mostly junk.

There is an old skeleton laying on the floor.  It doesn't get up and seems to be of the still-dead variety.  Some shreds of moldy purple velvet cloth cover it.  What was once probably a shirt or robe.  Around the skeleton's neck is what looks to be a small locket.  It shines slightly in the dark.  Magically so.  Those of you so attuned guess the locket has some kind of magic cast upon it.  But you aren't sure what kind of magic it is.

There doesn't seem to be anything else in here.

Bellinha slowly approached the skeleton, kneeling down to examine it.  She didn't want to get too close, dead things were never pleasant to be near.  "There's a locket here..." she says, looking back at the others over her shoulder.  "I'm sensing magic coming from it."

She turned back to the locket and studied the flow of magic around it, trying to identify what the enchantment could be.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 11 for Knowledge Arcana.

Waiting for a moment for Bell to be done, the undine tries his chance to examine the necklace afterwards. His otter watches him and starts to move around.

00:52, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 24 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Arcana).

Ordin replaced his bow on his shoulder and gave a look inside.  Seeing the shed was just a storage place Ordin decided to keep guard outside.

"Dillo, you did well.  Now we wait to see if the others find anything inside." Ordin said as he placed his hand on Dillo's strong shoulders.

You recognize the style of locket Bellinha.  It's an old "Lover's Kiss" locket.  The locket opens up and each wall of the interior has a small portrait.  It's fashionable for lovers to have have their portraits placed inside so when the locket is sealed, it's as if they are kissing.

The enchantment is a simple one Bellinha and Zale: the locket is enchanted to glow with a soft, warm bluish light. When the little latch is opened, and the locket opened, that glow projects in a beam.  It's not long or wide, but it's enough to illuminate about five feet away, though the light is only dim.

Inside the locket are two portraits, as per the lover's kiss tradition: a dour looking gentleman, and a young, pixish woman.

There doesn't seem to be anything else inside this store room.

A door leading into the cabin proper is set into the western wall. But it's barricaded by several barrels.  You can move them. But it probably will be tough to do so quietly.

Team? Kozibi made a very soft scoffing noise out of her earshot - he thought. They were just the unlucky individuals more competent than an average townsperson and had the stupidity to run towards danger instead of away from it.

...he was no hero.

He hung back a bit and kept his senses alert for any danger outside while the door was opened. Magic locket? His interest was piqued a little. But it just...glowed? He tried to stifle his disappointment.

"Anything else interesting in there?" He stayed outside and kept on guard.

"We should take the locket.  There might be someone in town who may know who these people are, and I'm sure that the other would like to know what happened."  Bellinha said.  If no one objected, she would offer to take the locket, if only because it was her suggestion.  "We can lay this body to rest at a later time.  Our mission should come first."

Looking at the blocked door, Bellinha frowned.  "We are not getting through that any time soon.  Better to find another way in.  Perhaps the front door?"

Heading around the outside of the cabin, you can see several windows, but the shutters on them are drawn and locked from the inside.  A dim light, like maybe from a lantern, peeks out from the cracks in the shutters.  You can't see much through those cracks.  The inside looks empty from what you can see.

The front door does not appear to be locked.  There are some indications someone wearing boots has been by here, but not just recently.

You cannot hear anything from inside.

Gripping the front door, the undine pauses. He glances at the others and goes to pull it open but stepping off to the side to use the door as a shield in case something bad occurs.

Ordin and Dillow stood ready in the case that something was inside and Zale would need assistance.  The wizard certainly was an asset that should be protected for them to complete their mission.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 83):

The door comes open with a creeeeeeeeaaaakkkk that comes out of a bad bard's story.

"Wow," mutters Moon.  "Kozibi! I'm suddenly reminded of that story you were telling at the tavern last week!"

The source of the light is quickly apparent: a lantern is set on the ground.  The shutters on it are partly open, letting the light spill out.  The light inside does not seem to be from a wick.  Instead it seems to be an enchantment causing the light to shine forth.

It's apparent that the room has seen recent use. The room is surprisingly tidy.  Not much dust.  A newish broom is leaning against one corner.  The sheets on the two cots smell recently laundered.

There are two trunks at the foot of each cot.  One of the trunks is open, the lid thrown back and leaning against the baseboard of the cot.  Inside look to be some clothing, a dagger in a whaleskin sheath, a pair of boots, and two teak wood cups with some fancy, carved dice inside.

The other trunk is locked.

There doesn't seem to be anything else inside the cabin.

Not seeing an obvious threat on the inside of the shack, Ordin turns around and faces out with his bow still in hand.  The place looked to have been used and that means the user must be around here somewhere.  Who was it, Ordin wondered to himself....

"I will keep a watch out here while you all check it out,"  Ordin called over his shoulder.

Bellinha approached the open trunk, and started to poke through the contents.  "Is anyone good with a lock?" she asked the others.  "The best that I could do would be to bash it in.  That's always an option but maybe this is a time for finesse rather than brute strength."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 86):

Moon steps forward.  "I'm not great at it, but I can give it whirl..."

She pulls what looks like an unbent fishing hook from the hem of her jacket and squats in front of the locker.  After a while she nods and opens the lid.

Inside are some more clothes.  Men's.  A couple of shirts, a pair of trousers, and some socks.

Nestled into one side is a small book.  Opening it up shows most of the pages blank.

The first page has a scrawled note in very bad handwriting

Bilkok, don 4git them pazzez agin. Kurby wil hov ur hed

After that, there is a folded sheet tucked inside the book.  The sheet has more writing, this in a much more legible and educated hand:

Rotate the sequence based on the day of the week.  First day is rum day. Second is cleaning duty. Last is coin day.  Get it right you dumb bastards.

Under that it reads

Green

Brown

Blue

Furrowing his brow, the undine takes the two parckments if allowed. He tilts his head and puts them down "Maybe a pass is needed to enter the estate. But isn't it empty?" Zale seems to be not at ease.

Ordin listened as the book is read and then the much clearer note.  Before he could say something Zale asked a question he wanted to answer first.  "It is supposed to be empty, but since it is far from the city anything and anyone could have moved in.  Only way for us to know for sure is to check it out."

"There really isn't much else here, so having something in the main house would make sense.  That makes our next destination obvious."  Bellinha said.  "Let's make our way to the main house."

The manor squats like a fat toad on top of a brown lily pad on a scummy pond.  The stone walls still stand upright mostly.  Most of the windows still have glass in them.  Most.

The manor is basically a rectangle with a tower perched on each corner.

Please refer to the map in the Almanac

From what you can tell there are two obvious ways in:  the main foyer Area 1 and some stables around the other side Areas 8-9

Ordin, you recall one of the ground floor windows has been completely busted in.  A quick check confirms it The window into area 16 is completely broken open and can be climbed through

Of course you can bust out the glass in any of the other windows.

You do not see any signs of life from the outside.

Let me know if there are questions and which way you want to try to enter through.

Thanks

Taking a deep breath, Zale starts to head towards the stables-if there is anyone inside, spotting a horse or some other thing to ride on would be ideal despite the area seeming to be deserted. Never know the undead can rise up from the ground and kill everyone....

Just a thought.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 92):

The stable has three sets of doors.  Two larger ones on each side and a main gate.  The main gate is closed while the two side doors are each partially opened.

Judging by the smell, there aren't any recent livestock in residence.  The air is stale but no odors of animal or manure.

Peeking in, you can see eight stalls, four to each side of a door leading into the manor.

There is no sign of life inside.

Ordin, you do notice one thing that seems odd.  There are sets of tracks which can't be more than a week old.  They are coming out from the manor door and headed towards one of the stalls to the north.  It seems there was a lot of traffic that way at one point in recent time.

That is what you see from the doorway.  I am not assuming anyone has gone inside yet.

Thanks

In the spirit of 'Sticking together', Bellinha follows Zale to the stables.  Not seeing anything from the entrance to the stables, she takes a firm grip on her sword and slowly walks in, moving from stall to stall to see if there were any items of interest.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 94):

The stalls are empty <purples>Bellinha</purple>.  Currently.  You can see signs they were not empty recently.  Tracks.  Imprints left from barrels and crates in the soft ground.  There are a couple of small crates, empty now, in one stall.

You also find fresh rope, casks of oil, a bucket of nails, hammers, and some wooded planks in one stall (the one you see activity going to and from Ordin)

The sorcerer waits, looking inside for a moment. He steps in after a moment, the otter curiously going from stall to stall and stops at Bel's feet. It looks up at her, tilting its head before rushing back to Zale. Odd creature. Zale taps his spear "Nothing?" He asks.

Ordin pointed out the tracks to the others to make sure they knew that there had been activity recently.  Once it seemed like there wasn't anyone in the stables Ordin said in a soft voice just loud enough for the others to hear.  "I am not sure but it seems like there has been quite a few people here and judging by the prints they probably aren't dead.  The work supplies and such are telling me that something is being built inside.  I saw a broken window earlier that we may be able to get through to get inside without going in the front door.  What do you all think?"

Bellinha looked down at the otter, and gave it a small friendly wave with a couple of her fingers.  It was a cute animal.  She watched it run back to Zale before speaking.  "I have to admit that I had expected more dead things and less....building materials.  Maybe we should take a look inside and see if your hunch is correct Ordin.  Let's try the broken window.  I don't hear anything but that doesn't mean that the manor house is empty."

Heading around the outside of the building, you move north and come to the busted out window.

It was a large picture window at one point in time.  Now it's just a gaping hole.

Beyond it is what must have been a servants' barracks at one point in time.  Old cots are lining the wall, each so decrepit they would probably fall apart if anyone laid in them.

There's a door into the room right across from the window.  Ordin, you also recall there's supposed to be a trick door in one wall.  It leads into the room to the west.  Some kind of old office if you recall correctly.

There's no sign of life inside the barracks.  And no sounds from inside the mansion. At least none you can hear through the shut door to the south.

Please see the map. This is area 16.  I am assuming no one has ventured inside yet.

Thanks

As they made their way inside ORdin looked around and saw the barracks.  He tried to remember something about a door but it escaped him at this time though he made mention to the others softly.  "I believe there is a hidden door on one of the walls.  We can assume that it isn't the one with the other door so that leaves the one on our right or the one on the left.  We can try the main door there."  Ordin pointed, "or we can try to find the hidden door."

Bellinhas eyes briefly flashed with excitement at the mention of a secret door.  "A secret door might give us an advantage on anyone else in the manor house.  I say we take the secret door."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 101):

Stepping carefully inside over the window sill, you enter the room.

It manages to smell both mildewy and dusty at the same time.  There doesn't seem to be anything of interest under the old cots.  You would guess passers by have picked this room clean over the years.

The secret door is relatively easy to find.  A section of the wall is slightly open.  Pushing on it causes the wall section to groan slightly but swing with some difficulty.  On the other side of it is what was once a larger bedroom Area 15 on the map

A desk is tucked into the northeast corner of the room.  A bed is set against the western wall. Between them is a large table.  Remains of several chairs are strewn beside the table

The desk seems well preserved.  An old oak monstrosity, it looks like the kind of desk a bureaucrat who was full of themselves would own.  The drawers have all been pulled out of the desk and lay on the floor around it.  Scraps of mildewed paper lay here and there.

The bed seems to be in better condition.  An old but still servicable looking quilt covers it.  The quilt is decorated with odd red and gold squares and patches, giving it the illusion of flickering flames.

The table is bare.

There is a large picture window on the northern wall.  A door leading out to the hallway is to the south.

Again, assuming no one has entered the room yet.

Glancing around the room after everyone enters through the secret passage, the undine looks at them. He then starts to head towards the door and leans against it probably to hear if anyone is anywhere around despite being in a old, delapiated home. He ponders something, and glances at the others.

12:34, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 14 using 1d20+3.  Perception for the heck of it.

Having found the secret door and opened it slightly Ordin could see inside.  He watched as Zale moved to the door to see if he could hear anything and as Zale did that, Ordin moved into the room having not found anyone inside.  He waved Dillo inside right after him.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:30, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

In reply to Ordin Oakbranch (msg # 104):

Zale, you can hear something faintly.

In the distance, it sounds like there is a rhythmic chuk-chuk sound.  You also can hear what sounds like a cat meowing. But that's further away so you can't be sure that's what it is.

Wall? Zale is by the door. He listens for a moment, and turns towards the others "Can't make it out. Sounds like clicking. And I think I heard a cat." The undine looks a bit perplexed. He decides to slowly open the door slightly....

Bellinha followed the others through the broken window.  She spent a few minutes walking around the room, using a cantrip to see if there was anything magical about the place.  She didn't expect there to be but one never could tell.

At Zales words, she turned to look towards the secret door.  "Careful, Zale." she whispered.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 107):

Bellinha, the quilt on the bed pings magic of some kind.

Zale, you crack open the door.

The hallway outside has obviously seen better days.  Thick dust.  Cobwebs.  Bits of the ceiling have fallen onto the floor.  But no nasties in view.

The rhythmic sound you heard earlier is clearer now.  Mechanical obviously. A clock maybe?  One of those large types that stand as tall as trees and make great gonging sounds every hour on the hour?

The meowing is more definite as well, though the clock sounds drown them out somewhat.

The clock is closer and to the southwest.  The meowing is somewhere beyond that.

The otter glances up at Zale. He furrows his brow "I am going to check it out." Despite being low on spells-he's got his spear. The undine pauses, looking back at the group but slowly opens the door fully remaing on guard.

Kozibi, for the time being, was content to follow along behind the others, especially as at least some of them seemed to have foreknowledge of things, like the secret door. He tried to stay attentive and keep his senses alert for anything coming towards them or from behind them especially, as they moved along. And he stayed silent, which was difficult for him. He loved the sound of his own voice.

11:26, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Perception

Bellinha gave the quilt on the bed a curious look.  For the moment, she forgot about Zale and the secret passage as the hints of magic coming from the bed captured her attention.

"What an odd thing to find here..." she muttered, walking up to the bed.  "What are you, hmmm?"

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 17 for Spellcraft to figure out what the enchantment might be.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 111):

Bellinha, the "quilt" actually seems to be more of a cape.  A quilted cape.  Yeah.  Apparently that's a thing.

The enchantment on it seems to be of a protective nature.  Some kind of elemental ward...

Cloak of Fire Resistance.  +3 to saves vs. flames.  Success means no damage, failed saves only net half damage

Kozibi and Zale, the two of you peer out into the hall as Bellinha and Moon examine the quilt-cape thing.  Yeah. Apparently quilt-capes are a thing.

You are at the southern door in room 15, looking out into the hall

The door lets out on to the corner of an L-shaped hall.  Directly to your right is a door that, according to the map you have, should lead into the manor's northwest tower. Area 10 on the map

To the left, the hall passes the door into the dorm room you entered through the window.  The hall crooks to the south, with a door into the northeast tower at that juncture Area 11 on the map.

Ahead of you, the hall heads to the south.  There are doors off it to the west To area 14, and to what must be the manor courtyard Area 5.

The ticking-clock noise comes from the south, straight ahead.  To the southwest from around area 3

As the undine wants to check on what is ticking and the cat, he knows not to leave anything unturned. Glancing at Koz, he nods his head and goes to the door closest to him and leans against it perhaps listening to it. The otter pads along next to him and remains there.

OOC
Listening to the door (area 10):

19:19, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 23 using 1d20+3.

Bellinha picked up the quilt...cape...thing and examined it more closely.  "Odd to find such a...garment here..." Shrugging, she carefully folded up the garment and put it into her backpack.

She motioned for Moon to follow her as she stepped as quietly as she could towards the secret door.

Finally he couldn't take it anymore and while he kept his voice pitched very low, it was almost like an audible dam bursting. "oh, didn't you hear? quilted capes are all the rage in the cities these days! it's the height of fashion!" He let out a chuckle to show he was joking, but then realized what had happened and immediately shut his mouth again.

He frowned at himself as he went to the corner of the hallway where it turned, farther away from the group, watching and listening for anything.

08:23, Today: Kozibi Januson rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

I am assuming everyone is in the hall, outside the door to room 10. Bel, you and Moon are just stepping out after the fellas, stowing your lovely quilt-cape-thing as you go. Please let me know if there was anything else you wanted to check in the secret room (area 15).  That's where you got the quilt-cape-thing

Zale, the door into the northwestern tower is fairly stout.  It seems to have weathered the years fairly well.  Through it, you can't hear much.  What you do hear sounds like wind whistling through a hole in the wall.

Koz, you glance down the hallway as Zale listens and Bel finishes stowing her fashion accessory.  Moon is watching to the east, leaving you to glance down the hall to the south.

As you look...and it could be your eyes playing tricks on you...you could swear the next door down Area 14 just shut.  Like it had been open a crack and was now shutting.

But that's probably just your imagination.  Why would anyone be hiding in a room in a spooky old mansion that was maybe the source of a zombie invasion?  That just sounds like a plot contrivance in a poorly told tale.

Zale, you hear the soft click of a door shutting down the hallway.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:00, Mon 07 Feb 2022.

As the undine is about to open the door, he looks down the hallway. The otter glances down the hallway as well and it looks up at Zale. Gripping his spear in one hand, he holds a hand up to his lips as he looks at the others. Slowly he goes down the hallway like a shark going after its prey. Sorta.

OOC:
17:41, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 6 using 1d20+3.  Steath: Be very very quiet..

Well not very quiet!

Kozibi peered down the hallway and then stopped. He blinked a few times. Was that his imagination? Had he seen that? Actually, it wouldn't surprise him. Someone or something had to be animating or creating the undead...right? So maybe someone was there. And it didn't hurt to be a little paranoid in a spooky mansion.

He turned to look back towards Moon and Bellinha. He spoke very quietly, "i'm not certain but...I think I saw a door close down the way just now...

Bellinha finished stowing away the quilted cloak, wondering if Kozibi had been telling the truth about it being a fashion trend.  Maybe she should be paying more attention to recent fashion trends.  Her mother would probably...

Bells musings were interrupted when the Bard spoke quietly about a door closing.  "It looks like Zale is already investigating.  Let's follow for support." she replied softly.

She tried to keep her steps quiet but she wasn't the best at sneaking around.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 14 for Stealth

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 119):

The door ahead seems to crack open just a thumbnail's width.  THen, when Zale steps on a loose board that creeeeeeeaaaaks like a banshee, the door shuts quickly.

You can all hear what sounds like footsteps inside the room Room 14 on the map

The footsteps seem to go away from the door but not too far.

The otter gives Zale a really odd look and seems to scold him. He grips his spear, and glances at the two others before going over to the door. Taking a deep breath, he goes to slide it open but cautiously using the wall like a blocker.

Bellinha moved closer to the wall, tightly gripping the hilt of her sword, and nodded back at Zale.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 122):

The door slowly opens.

Slooooooooowwwwwwwlllllly opens.

Inside is what looks like used to be another dorm room.  The cots in here have weathered the years much better in that most of them are still standing.  The dust in the room hangs like clouds before a storm.

Huddling in one corner is a halfling.  The little guy stares at you with wide, fearful eyes, his body shaking.  His wrists are bound together by manacles.  He's in his small clothes and doesn't look to have anything else to his name.  Whatever his name is.

He just stares back at you, shaking and fearful like.

Koz hesitated between continuing to watch the hallway and going in to the room, but only for a moment. Then he entered the room. He was more fascinated by who, or what, was in this place. He stepped inside and looked around slowly.

Upon seeing the halfling, he flashed his winning smile at them, but he kept his voice on the quiet side when he spoke. "Hello, I am Kozibi. May I ask who you are and why you are hiding in this...place? We thought it abandoned."

Bellinha cautiously followed Kozibi into the room, her eyes sweeping the room as she did.  Seeing the halfling cowering in the corner, she quickly sheathed her sword, hoping to appear less threatening.  Kozibi was probably the best person to reach out to the poor fellow, so she gave the halfling a small wave and what was hopefully a warm smile and let Kozibi talk.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 125):

The halfling shudders and balls himself up as you enter.  He then peeks at you Koz as you start to speak to him.

He nervously licks his lips and slowly says...

"So...you're not gonna kill me?

"I'm Brillum by the way.  And yeah. It's not abandonded.  This room at least.  Cos I'm here.  Me.  Brillum. Huh ha ha ha ha."

He finishes his nervous laughter and then licks his lips again. "So...you're really not gonna kill me right? Or feed me to those cats?"

"I say we use him as bait." Is Zale serious? Its hard to tell if he trusts the halfling and he's still tyed up. The otter looks at him then back at the undine. Maybe he was bluffing. Or maybe not. Again the otter looks up at Zale and walks over to the halfling. It sniffs him for a moment "Cats?" His watches the halfling.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:07, Fri 18 Feb 2022.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 127):

Brillum blinks rapidly at you Zale.  He then glances at Otter and then back at you Koz and Bel.  Then back at the Otter.  Then back to <puprle>Zale</purple>.

"You...you haven't run into them?  That lady...she's crazy!  She likes to feed her cats people!  She feeds her cats people!"

He grabs the front of his face and pulls down, like he's trying to stretch his chin down to his chest.

"PEEEEEEPPPOOOLLLLEEEE!"

Bellinha quickly stepped forward to try and calm the Halfling. The last thing that they needed was more racket to alert anyone else in the building that they were here.  "Hey, hey.  Calm down.  You're not going to be...fed to cats." It was unbelievable that she had to add that last part in.

"Why don't you tell us about this woman and her cats and we can help you to escape from...this pretty open mansion.  Why are you here anyways?"

Kozibi turned and gave Zale a look that hard to pin down. It was a mixture of a frown that spoke of thoughtfulness but also a bit of disappointment maybe. "No. I don't think so."

He then turned back to Bellinha and the halfling, listening to what was said. But she was already asking the questions that he wanted to know the answers to so he waited for the response.

In reply to Kozibi Januson (msg # 130):

Brillum manages to calm his quivering chin and wipes snot off his nose with the back of his hairy hand.

"She...she's crazy!  There's like these...I dunno. Guys in robes.  They keep goin' on about the great Sea Devil.

"I was just a guy in Burkersburg. But my boat sailed into this weird fog.  Next thing I know, I'm handcuffed in a a barrel.

"Then these guys take me and these other people outta barrels.  And they start cuttin' up some of the others and throwin' 'em to these cats.  And the cats started eattin' everybody!  I mean just like chowin' down!

"I was able to slip out while they were doin' somethin' with the other people's bodies.  I found my way up here.  But then the cats showed up.  So I ran in here to get away.

"Please don't feed me to the kitties!  Please!"

As the undine turns to leave he stops and looks at the halfling "Sea Devil?" That definatly perked up Zale "Do you know where the cats are?" He looks at Bel and Koz.

21:04, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 17 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Planes)-Sea Devil?

21:03, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 10 using 1d20+7.  Knowledge (Arcana)-Sea Devil?

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 132):

Zale, "sea devil" can be used to describe a number of different entities.  Some people call sharks sea devils.  Some people use the term to refer to certain acquatic races, like the sauhagin.  You seem to recall hearing a story somewhere, sometime about a giant squid being called a "sea devil".  Though...where and when you heard that story eludes you.

Brillum looks towards the south.  "I hear them. From further in the mansion..."

You can all hear them.  Their cute little meows can be heard faintly from the south.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:44, Mon 21 Feb 2022.

"Boat....fog...maybe that's what happened to that other boat that we found on the beach." Bellinha said.  She was trying to be analytical, trying to make some sense of what the halfling had told them.  Sea Monsters and being fed to cats sounded terrifying and the less that she thought about that the better.

The faint meows coming down the hallway were not helping in any way.  She turned back to the halfling, hoping that the sound of her  own voice would drown out the meows.  "How many of these...people...or whatever did you see?"

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 134):

Brillum purses his lips.  "Uhmmmm...six maybe?  I was too busy being scared to really get a headcount.

"But there's twelve cats.  The crazy lady told us that.  One cat for each of her toes."

"Ten cats. Ten toes." Zale watches this odd halfling. He looks at Bel "Seems we're outnumbered. Unless we get them separated."

Bellinha nodded at Zale.  "Ten...wait...twelve...cats does seem like a lot.  Maybe they are small housecats?  That doesn't sound as bad.  If they are Tiger sized then that could really be a problem."

"I think that we need to know for sure what we are up against, numbers wise.  There is the crazy lady and the guys who work for her, and then there's these cats.  Zale, I don't suppose that your little friend is sneaky enough to scout out the opposition for us?"

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 137):

Moon is watching out the door.  She looks back over her shoulder.  "Pssst," she psst's in a quiet whisper.  "C'mere..."

She's cracked the door open.  Peeking over her head, you can both see out into the hallway.

The doors directly to the south have been opened.  You guys are in room 14 looking out into the hallway.  The doors to the south leading to area 5 are the ones open

Strolling down the hall is...a cat.  An orange tabby.  Maybe a little bigger than the usual sized cat, but certainly not a monster. It stops and sits on it's haunches, then seems to glance around.

After a bit, it gets up, strolls back out the door to the south and disappears through it.

The southern door shuts soon after.

The cat went back to area 5.  The door to area 5 is now shut

Brillum whispers from beside your elbows, "Oh yeah. They can also open doors and windows and crates and stuff."
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:42, Sun 27 Feb 2022.

"Maybe they aren't cats but look like them." Zale steps back, the otter at his feet. He scoops it up and turns looking at Bel "No." Right to the point.

In reply to Zale Morcant (msg # 139):

Moon groans but shrugs.  "Whether they are or they aren't, we can't set up camp here.  I think that clock...or whatever it is...is around the corner to the west.  You guys wanna look at that?  Or take a peek through the door that cat came outta?"

The undine hears the ground and shakes his head. He just turns and walks out, holding his spear and with his otter. Leaning down, he looks at his friend and it sinks up into his arm. Satified, the man heads towards the clock not saying a word. He's not friends with anyone and apparently talking about what they may fight doesn't seem like a good idea to Moon. How he longs for the sea. And no undead. If only he could remember...anything.

"...or very well trained cats that can open doors...and eat people..."  Bellinha said softly, to no one in particular.  She hesitated at the door, expecting the cat to come back, but Zale apparently had other ideas.

She frowned as Zale went off on his own, again apparently.  "We need to work on our teamwork...and communication...and teamwork...." she muttered before slowly following the Undine.

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 142):

I am assuming you guys are in the hall to the east of Room 3, looking into it

Around the corner is a dining room.  The table and chairs are obviously fancy.  They are polished black oak, carved with intricate patterns and painted with silver and gold paint.  Over the table, a small chandelier hangs.   Sunlight streams through the window to the west.

Just south of the window is the source of the Ticking and Tocking.  It's a large grandfather clock.  Rather intricate.  It stands out even more than the table.

It's taller than Kozibi, perhaps seven feet or so.  The round clock face depicts numbers that seem to be fashioned out of small gems.  The great swinging pendulum is made of silver.  It swings back and forth in a wide arc inside the clock's base.

As you look, the clock clicks loudly and starts to chime the hour.

Clang

CLANG

CLUNK

Seems like it's three o'clock.

Well its probably good that Zale didn't hear Bel. Someone needed to do something...so Zale did. Talking wasn't working and he didn't like Moon. Or Bel. But at least there's some sort of comraderie at least. He stops and tilts his head, looking at the big clock. He glances around, and leans on his spear almost jumping when it turned to 3 o'clock "Think it should be silenced?"

Bellinha thought for a moment.  "No, let's leave it as it is.  If we silence it, that might give someone cause to investigate it."  She said.  "Let's investigate where that cat came from.  Not sure if we need to be wary of these cats but a peek through the door wouldn't hurt."

In reply to Bellinha Grunnel (msg # 145):

Bel and Zale, you crack open the door to the south so you can see into the area the cat came out of.  You are looking into Area 5 from the northwest corner door

You are looking into what must have once been a courtyard.  It's open to the floor above and overhead, a broken skylight opens to the sky.

In the center of the courtyard is a raised platform with a fountain on it.  The fountain isn't working. If it did, that might help the smell.

The courtyard is stuffed with cats.  Not just 10.  Not just 20.  An even fifty might not be out of the question.

They are slinking around, being cat like.  Moving among them is a squat, heavy woman in a garishly bright orange and lavender robe embroidered with cat like figures all over it.  She has shockingly red hair which she's somehow managed to updo so it stands like a spike off the top of her head.

She has a bucket in one hand and is reaching into it, throwing out some rather bloody looking meat.

"Oh Mr. Snugglepuffs! Aren't you a handsome fellow today?"

The cat in question jumps on the lump of meat...which may actually be a spleen...and starts to dig in.

"Pooperbottoms!  Are you gonna give momma nose boops later?  Yes you is!  Yes you is!"

Pooperbottoms gets what is either a tongue or a...well.  You don't want to think about it.

"Momma" stops and sits on the edge of the fountain.

"All my lil snuggly wugglies!  Who wants fresh kittles?  You can have some if you love Momma!  And you do? Don'tcha? DON'TCHA?  Cos if you don't Momma's jus' gonna cry and cry!"
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Sat 05 Mar 2022.

Bellinha watched the scene for a long moment before pulling back behind the door.  "I had expected that we'd find something in this place but not this.  Who is this woman?  And what is with all of those cats?"

She looked back at the door to the room, her thoughts her own.  "What do you think, Zale?  Moon?  Maybe we can go in and talk with her, or is that being too optimistic?"

First, the undead. Now a very large amount of cats and it appears to be a witch. Zale watches for a moment and glances at Bel "Bad idea. We should check out the rest of this place." He seems unenerved by the amount of cats, perhaps not knowing much about them.

Jevin had seen enough and knew what was about to happen.

Before it escalated he charged forward.   Leaning into his charge, he drew his long dagger and hand axe.

"Look out, male halfling is about to backstab the female halfling!"

It came out fast as a throaty whisper and he bore down on the little man.   Swinging his axe rapidly, he spun it before making contact and attempted to throttle him into submission rather than kill him.

OOC:  Going for subdual damage with the back of the hand axe rather than lethal.

18:34, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 3 using 1d6+2.  Hand Axe Damage.
18:33, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 20 using 1d20+6.  Hand Axe charge attack.

In reply to Jevin Holt (msg # 149):

Bel and Zale, the two of you hear the throaty whisper behind your group.

Turning, you see Brillum standing behind Moon, holding a knife, apparently about to plunge it into her back.

Charging from behind is a guy with an axe Jevin, I will let you describe yourself

The axe guy may be on your side as he swings into Brillum, but not soon enough to stop him from stabbing at Moon

Jevin, you make contact with the hateful halfling but he manages to cut across the woman's back.  She makes a moaning sound and stumbles sideways.

Bell and Zale, Moon has staggered to the side, apparently trying to get out of the way.

Brillum isn't down.  He seems to be drawing in his breath to shout...

And we are in combat.  Brillum is going on a 10.

Please roll init and state your actions.  Thanks.

Jevin, do not wait for "your turn".  Post your actions and rolls including your init roll please.  Zale and Bell, same for you as well please.

Oh.  And make me a stealth check everyone.

Thanks

Before Bellinha could respond to Zale, stuff started happening.  Happening very quickly.  She wheeled around at the sound of the whispering words, just in time to see Brillum stab Moon.  Out of instinct, she thrust her hand towards the halfling, uttering several arcane words before her palm exploded in a flash of bright light.

Bellinha stepped towards Brillum, trying to put herself between the halfling and Moon, and thrust the pommel of her blade at his face.

OOC:
Bellinha Grunnel rolled 6 for Initiative.
First action is casting Flare at Brillum. 
Second action is non-lethal attack on Brillum.  Attack roll of 13.  7 damage if it connects
Stealth check is 8.

Eyes wide opened as he sees the halfling's blade sink into Moon, Zale grips his spear and aims it at Brilliam. As much as he doesn't seem to like Moon-she's with them and he doesn't take kindly to the crazy halfling. And he doesn't know the half-drow but the man seemed to want to help, but so did the halfling in his odd sort of ways but he attacked. If Brilliam doesn't want to be food he's got more then he bargain for. Perhaps it wasn't the best idea but out of spells, the undine grabs at the door and opens it up if not opened already! "Here kitty kitty kitty..." And he tries to hide behind the door or at least not be seen.

OOC
Open the door if not open and hide behind it.

19:13, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 23 using 1d20+3.  Stealth.

19:12, Today: Zale Morcant rolled 14 using 1d20+5.  Initiative.

Jevin looked large for a drow and average in height for a human (5'9"), and lean but of a muscular build.

His jaw line, slightly rounded ears that still ended in the elven point, and musculature stated human.  It was the skin tone and white short haircut that said drow.

His studded leather armor and heavy bear skin cloak appeared woodsy, along with his choice of weapons.  Hells, even his smell; a mix of pine, earth tones, and a hint of lavender mixed with leather screamed wilderness to you.   Most noticeable though was his accent.  He sounded very country human in his accent.

He held his hand axe at ready to chop down as he quickly cast a spell.   Light blue minor flames danced across the halfling's body, lighting him up but not burning.

"Look here bud, you got one of two options.  Drop the dagger and surrender now or see how good you can dance with me.   You won't like the second option."

His eyes and smile lit up as he watched the halfling and waited to see his response.  Ignoring the others, he tightened his grip on his dagger and hand axe and waited.

OOC: Lighting the murder hobo halfling up with Faerie Fire.

00:19, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 9 using 1d20+4.  Initiative.
00:18, Today: Jevin Holt rolled 12 using 1d20+8.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:32, Sat 05 Mar 2022.