PBEM - Episode 171, Stairs, traps, and Orcs

 ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY ONE

(I/C)

Giving a sigh, Brendon motioned back to the Ishtari area holding up his filthy towel. “Since we’re here.”

As he went in, Lannis took out his bloody towel and Abraxas nodded, “Might as well wash myself and stuff.”

As half the group was cleaning up Brendon said, “No one’s moved the deceased elves, I wonder if they are lying on something we might find useful.” He then turned to Lannis, “And what possessed you to think leaving your valuables behind was a good idea?”

“Um, you left your own food there, Pirate Bob.”

“Did I bring it?”

“Don’t you know if you did?” Lannis asked, flipping the brim of his hat back to make it better to see.

“Who knows,” Brendon shrugged. “I’ll check when I’m done.”

Wyn cleared his throat, "You okay, mon ami? You be talking bout stuff that already happened. We not in the bedroom no more. Maybe de bees did more to yer mind den we tought.” He frowned, “I will also choose to tink day de pain you are going through is causin’ you to be more... critical... of de rest of us. However, ye may want to consider not insulting everyone and stop being... how do you say eet... a dick.”

The Scout frowned, voice growing scathing, “I’m being a dick because I made a suggestion about the barracks. You do know from where we’re standing we might be passing them again. Maybe stick to what you think you know and tell us what we should be doing as usual.”

“Wow,” Lyra muttered.

Lannis snickered, "Yeah Wyn, make like a swamp tree and swamp leave him alone. Maybe if we're nice to Brendon we can sea if we can get him back to an even keel.”

“Lannis must you swamp us with your humor?” Brendon joked, lifting the towel up to check its cleanliness.

Wyn sighed, “It was more about how you criticize everything the team does, such as when you asked ‘What possessed you to tink leaving yer valuables behind was a good idea?’ Dis is not de first time, Monsieur. I just tink you can be overly critical of odders in de party.... and dis not be con-struk-teev  comments eidder.”

“You can say that again,” the Fighter muttered.

Covering his grin, Wyn concluded, “I be sorry iffin I ‘struck a nerve’ with what I said. Mayhaps I used de wrong word? Let's quickly leave our stuff in de butchas room, den go to de beekeepa room, oui?""

Wringing out the last of his dirty clothes, Abraxas stood up and stretched, "Enough of this chitty-chatty. There are Orcuses everywhere. We need to be mucho quiet. Beeskipper sounds fine to me. ¡Vamonos!"

"Oh no,” Lannis shook his head, folding his damp towel over itself. “No no, silly Abraxas, Orcus isn't here, that would be awful. Just do me a favor, if you see any decks of cards don't touch them."

"While I don't have anything to ferry over,” Lannis offered, “I don't have a better suggestion and would rather not be left alone. As for Brendon, his idea to make it look like we might still be using the barracks is solid, however, before you scold me, the things I left were less valuables and more heavyables, I get rained on enough by this group without feeling like I was taking on too much water."

The Cleric nodded, “I’m fine with investigating that area. We should be wary though, I doubt they have zero guards in that area now. One sign of orcs and I want out - especially with limited spells.” 

“I have no objections to checking out the Beekeeper hall to see what’s left,” asserted Kovid, “Let’s not give the Orcs too much time to plan their defense. We have the rest of the first floor to finish exploring.”

The group moved out of the Ishtari area and made their way slowly back across the Catacombs and then up the stairs. They detoured to the Barracks area and moved the cabinet back in front of the door at the Upper Barracks and Brendon took what less obvious blankets and sheets he could and still keep the place looking like it was being used.

Shutting the door closed they made their way north up the stairs, to the main north corner, and then took the Main Hall west with ears out. They passed by the hall running north and the door there was closed once again, and then kept going to the hall past the Scriptorium. From there it was faster feet through the long hall to the Butchers where there finally felt a bit more at ease.

Wyn stowed most of the items in the Freezer area behind the now empty book shelves and Lannis, Brendon, and Abraxas hung their wet items and towels in the Butchery over the sand. “Should be dry later,” the Magic user noted.

From there we left and shutting the door made our way along and through the corridors again until we arrived at the Main Hall. Ears peeled the group made their way down the hall to the North Corridor where they approached the closed door and Brendon gave it a once over, looking and listening.

The portal had seen better days and there were gaps and some rent holes in it. (WMC: Red/Black 4) Brendon motioned the group to be quiet while he swiftly checked the door out (<Find traps+10 bonus familiar door, Red 06) when he stopped and whistled low. “Hellllo, you sneaky bastard.”

“What did you find, Monsieur?” Wyn asked.

Brendon turned back to the group and lifted Kovid’s lantern a bit higher and then pointed through the gaps. “Can’t see it clearly, but there is a set of chairs right on the other side of this door, right? Well, I would guess that the orcs could stage a guard here and waster manpower...or…they can pile a bunch of large wood and metal crap against the door like they did so that when Iopen the door towards us, the leaning stuff slides off the lip of the stairs they are propped on and fall down 20’. Making a shit ton of noise and letting the pig faces know we are coming.”

“Can you remove it?” Kovid asked.

Brendon shook his head. “No, trap is a simple leaning trap and is on the other side of the door. There is literally no way that I think I can remove it, unless one of you has a better idea?”

Lyra was fidgeting. “Are they over there? Like, right over there?”

Brendon motioned the group for silence and listened (>Hear Noise +10 bonus, Red 76) and then shook his head. “Don’t hear them.”

Abraxas nodded. “So amigos, we go in weapons caliente and ready for the Porks, or we don’t and think of another way to open door without all the ruido.”

“Whatever we do, let’s be smart and safe,” Lyra hissed, sling out, ““It’s amazing... it feels like we’ve been exploring and getting our asses kicked a lot more than just a few hours today already.”

Time now is Day 5, 10:59 AM

(OOC)

Ok! Have a plan to remove the stuff on other side of door or get in asskicking formation and take the stairs by storm?

PBEM, Episode 170 - Bandages and Barracks.

 ONE HUNDRED SEVENTY

(I/C)

Brendon took a deep breath, the Scout’s eyes looking past the group. “Since we’re on this side of everything and have time to kill, let’s fill up our water before moving onto the barracks to check on our hidden items. Then clean off in the pool area.” He shrugged absently, “It might give the orcs time to settle in a bit before we fuck them over.”

Lannis lifted one eye brow and pursed his lips together in surprise. “Shockingly Brendon has made several good suggestions in a row. Water, the barracks, and baths all sound like excellent.”

Wyn drew his sword and swung his shield around in place. "Round de southern side of de castle en to de lower barracks? Dat works." He motioned Kovid, "Let's go wit de fighting hallway formation to keep Beefist du Lac safe along de way."

“Ha, bee jokes,” Brendon sighed, waving his swollen hand. “Never gets old.”

Lyra growled, “Wait. Let me know if after 3 days of bee jokes don’t piss you off as much as his horse jokes do me.”

The Scout looked her up and down as he walked, smiling. Glancing back at Lannis he said, “Lannis, your teasing the lass is getting to her. She’s becoming more…Abrupt lately.” He grinned, “Keep it up and she’ll probably stampede your ass.”

“I am so proud of you,” the Magic User said. “Lyra has plenty enough horse sense to know that hurting me would hurt us all in the long run.” He glanced at the dwarf who was growling softly. “Kovid however seems to be getting rather beeleaguered by all my bee puns, I'm starting to worry that if I continue to beefuddle him he might just come over and rock me one."

“I dunno,” Lyra stage whispered to Kovid, “Would it hurt us? One less noisy mouth to feed. One less liability. Especially such a WEAK and PUNEY liability.” 

“Ya don’t want to get blood on your armor, Lady,” he smiled, spinning his hammer, “Otherwise I’d say go for it.”

“I can hear you,” Lannis replied singsong.

“Go—od!” Lyra answered in a matching tune.

The part had made their way back to the south cavern with the pool and after making sure the FOUS were not around, everyone took a refreshing drink and made sure their skins were topped off. From there they climbed back to the main level and took the passages east past the Sitting Room to the long hall, beyond the library and near the storeroom.

“Kovid,” Brendon whispered, “Wanna stop at the cask for a swing?”

“Good idea, I’d like to stop at the storeroom to get that cask of ale before we rest tonight too. We’ll drink to our health, the promise of treasure, and killing a dragon.”

Wyn snorted, pushing the Scout gently ahead to the eastern door, "Dere be orcs about dat would rape yer mom and make you watch, en you want to grab a swig of piss shit goblin beer? Cen we just get down dere, get our stuff, en continue on?"

“Fine, fine,” Brendon smiled. “But if things go well later, we come back for a small cask.”

“Eef, Monsieur.”

“No drinking,” Lannis admonished and then flinched as Brendon and Kovid fixed him with a stare. “Now. No drinking now.”

They went down the steps to the bottom where they could see the door here had been kicked in. Proceeding slowly and with caution, Brendon listened (no roll needed) but heard nothing. They entered the hall by the barracks and saw the local door had also been forced in to the lower barracks AND the door at the top of the stairs going down to the catacombs had been forced as well.

“Orcs,” Wyn said, face set and firm. Even though the group was still and listened hard, there was nothing at all nearby (no roll needed). Finally Brendon led the group to the lower barracks.

The door had been forced open and the room looked mostly as we had left it, some of the mummified elves looked like they had been shuffled about but that’s it. The far door was ajar and we looked…nothing was there, just stairs going up. We went slowly, weapons ready, and the door here was also ajar.

We entered the upper barracks and looked around. The door in had the cabinet shoved aside and the door looked forced. There had been a cursory and quick search about the room. We looked and our food stores we hid here were still here, but some things were missing. The 2 dresses, the spare chainmail, and the Ishtari crate with the two books and the coins Lannis had hid in it. Brendon’s 2 days of Iron Rations were still hidden, Wyn’s 2 days of food, silver coins, and assorted items including the prayer books were still here as well.

“Well, shit,” Lannis cursed.

“Ditto,” the dwarf muttered.

What was still here we took and bundled up before heading out again. “Sonovacrap,” Abraxas moaned.

“Wot?”

“They took the wooden dog and puppy carving.” He moved the bed twice to check to make sure. “That…was…MINE.”

“Relax, relax,” Lannis said gently, “We’ll find it again.”

“Well, we will sleep well tonight amigos. We sleep back at the Butcher's, it is decided. At least with the Butcher's we can lock the door. And there is comida mucho. We could definitely use more of that. Ribs, Beef, Pork, Chicken... mmmm... I can almost smell them cooking now. I vote we sleep there again tonight."

The party moved on from here and went south, down the stairs and to the Catacombs. Again listening (no roll) revealed nothing in the area. We crossed the cave to the Ishtari baths and BOTH doors had been kicked in. “Fuck,” Lyra hissed, weapon ready.

But a search of the bath area showed that the orcs had moved on. The Cabinet had been kicked and the wood dented and splintered. The oils were missing from the shelf but the bath was still full and clean. The mural room and pedestal room looked no different and the steam room Wyn cursed. “Zoze bastards took moi pillow!” Sure enough, the pillow he had put here cleaned over a day and a half ago was gone.

“Ok,” Brendon said after we returned to the catacombs again. “The orcs went looking for us and checked out this area while we took the slow and long way around to the sulfur room and then left, heading back I assume to their area to report in. Because let’s all remember, the orcs are not in charge. Corfard is. And the hobgoblins are his ‘preferred’ henchmen.”

“Si, they are the patrol, not the captain.” Abraxas offered.

“In addition, the Barracks have served us well for a few days but right now, as Abraxas said, it’s no longer a good idea to stay there. We’ve done what we said we were going to do, and have what we have – so are we heading back to the Beekeeper and Orc area or doing something else?”

Time now is Day 5, 10:04 AM

(OOC)

Orcs did what they did, I made 2 WMC earlier about it, and then they went back to their area. They found some of your stuff, missed others. You are in the Catacombs outside the Ishtari area, where to now?

PBEM, Episode 169 - Bandages and Barracks.

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY NINE

(I/C)

The Dwarf gave Brendon a clap on the back, motioning him to the front. “On the way let’s take a peak in the Butcher’s to see if it’s been disturbed.”

“Oui oui,” Wyn agreed. “Roundabout to de sulfur water... through de warren en around de west side ov de castle. I will stay up front with de dwarf.” He turned to Brendon and frowned, “Monsieur du Lac, how’s de hand doing?”

After making sure the north door was not an issue, the Scout opened it and started walking north down the long dark corridor. He glanced down at his swollen appendage, “It looks like a rubber glove balloon and feels like jello.”

“Ew,” Lyra said with a shudder.

“Stopping at the Butcher’s room is a great idea,” he added. “We can get the stick I left to lower the bandages into the sulfur.”

Lyra shrugged. “I need to clean them, not just submerge them. Will require some scrubbing. Get it anyway.”

As they walked Lannis kept looking forward at the Scout’s hand and making corresponding buzzing and clucking noises. "At least we left those orcs beehind. Geez Brendon look at that hand! I can't beelieve it. I can tell just from looking you’re not feeling like the bees knees.”

“Lannis,” Lyra growled seeing Brendon’s back stiffen.

Ignoring her he continued, “Its going to bee hard for you to work your picks, but for someone as skilled as you I'm sure you can drown out all distractions so they just sound like a faint buzzing."

“Do we need to bring Lannis back after we get the Crown?” Brendon asked rhetorically.

“No,” Abraxas answered from the rear of the group. “No we do not.”

“Hmmph, that’s not very nice,” the Magic User sulked in reply.

“Again with the chatter with you,” Abraxas whispered as the group walked on. “Let us get to the Sulfur. I could put to use one of those bandages for the sleeping tonight. I feel like we can take on a small squad of Orcs. We took out the Beeskipper, a Bear, el Lobo, all at once. Some Orcs are certainly take downable. Let us get to it amigos."

The Cleric shook her head, sling out and shield up. “To be technical - we didn’t take out the beekeeper. A wolf did... and a bunch of rabid rats.” She glanced around as they approached the corner and turned west towards the former Guardian Chamber. “I’m not exactly confident in taking out a bunch of orcs. Especially when one’s a magic user and one’s a Gorgon.”

Brendon scoffed, “Excuse me. I killed the Beekeeper.” He mimed a stabbing motion with his sword.

"Honey, Please. Let’s not beelabor the point,” echoed Lannis again with a chuckle. “Whoever killed him will surely bee beequeathed with their proper prize."

Kovid leaned back, whispering, “You know, Big Brain, it’s hard to make puns with your hat shoved down your throat.”

After 10 minutes of walking, the group had arrived back at the Guardian Chamber.

No issue.

They continued on around the corner, alert and listening, checking out the Butcher’s door. It appeared to be undisturbed and opening it up showed again…No issue. Brendon quickly grabbed his 4’ wooden handle [5] and we returned to the hall after shutting the door behind us and kept walking south. Lannis felt a twitch as his Shield spell silently ended.

We made our way through the turns and twists until we passed the dressmaker chamber and the Scriptorium ending at the main hall where a quick listen and look (WMC: Red/Black 4) showed...no issue. “Nice,” Wyn whispered, pointing to the west.

We made our way down the hall past the small puddles of wax to the Statue door where we entered to see the statues were once again where the goblins had upset and broken them and the Ballista was still unloaded, the bolt not here. A look in the Warren chamber showed it was still stashed in the corner by the fountain where we had put it and we kept going, down the stairs, to the cold hall, and the long walk east to the stairs going up.

No issue.

From here it was only a few more minutes to the stairs going down to the Sulfur Springs. “Ok,” Lyra said with some finality. “I have to go because I’m the Cleric and I have to wash them. So there is that.”

“We can all go, Priestesse,” Wyn suggested.

She shook her head, “No. The vapors get heady and can make you sick or kill you. And no offense Wyn, but as an elf, you are probably not as hearty against poison and stuff as Kovid.”

“She’s right,” the dwarf said. “I was there before.”

Lyra looked over Abraxas (Highest Wisdom, no roll), “And I’m taking him as well. With Aine’s strength running through him and the sense of might and toughness he’s shown recently, I think he’d be just as resistant to the vapors as Kovid or I.”

“So what about the rest of us?” Brendon asked.

“Come part of the way down the steps and listen in case anything is coming. So you are out of the hall but not directly in the sulfur flumes.”

The group discussed it swiftly and agreed with Lyra’s observation. So she drew out the 2 dirty bandages and pulling her cloak across her face, went down the steps to the cavern below, Kovid and Abraxas following – mimicking her with their own cloaks and their weapons drawn.

She went right to the bubbling grey water, slipped on her rawhide gloves, dropped to her knees, and plunged the first bandage into the flume, rubbing the cloth against itself. “Ugh,” she grimaced, head turned to the side, “It STINKS so bad!”

“Andale!” Abraxas goaded her. “You are doing great.”

She worked the bandage under the water repeatedly, lifting it up again and again until after 3 minutes there was a flash of light and the bandage was pristine white again! “Great!” she said, moving to the second one and repeating the action.

Meanwhile at the stairs, the group was listening both up the steps and down (WMC: Red/Black 2) but heard nothing except their friends below.

Finally Lyra finished the second bandage with a flash and drew it out smiling. (Save vs poison: >Lyra White 16, >Abraxas +2 bonus Blue 16, >Kovid +2 bonus Yellow 19) “Done!” she said, “Let’s get out of here.”

The three of them went back to the steps and the entire party made their way out of the Sulfur Room at the top of the steps. “Good job, Lyra,” Lannis congratulated her. “I knew it would take a woman to know how to wash dirty clothes. Where to now?”

Time now is Day 5: 9:19 AM

(OOC)

All good, and I owe you xp:

Explore room: 30 xp each

Beekeeper: 350 xp divided

Bear: 300 xp divided

Wyn add 149 xp

Abraxas and Kovid add 148 xp

Brendon add 144 xp

Lyra and Lannis add 138 xp

What now?

PBEM, Episode 168 - Bandages and Barracks.

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY EIGHT

(I/C)

"Ok, let's get dat bucket full, en dose de handsy bees of du Lac's in de oil as mentioned by Monsieur Salazar. Can't 'ave a scout wot only one 'and." Wyn went to the blackboard with Abraxas and Lyra to remove it while Lannis went to the north door to listen and Kovid began stacking desks in front of the south door.

 "Oh good, he brought the bees with him,” Lannis groaned, looking at the Scout. “Yay. I love pissed off bees. If only we were all so blessed as Lyra to be able to swish them away with our tails.”

“Hey Lannis,” Lyra called.

“What?” he asked. When Lyra didn’t answer he repeated himself, “What?” She continued to help remove the blackboard without saying anything. “Hello? What? Oh! Hahahah, I get it.”

“Good,” she said. “Be happy you ‘get it’ or you’re going to ‘get it’.”

Back to the group and shaking his hand gently, Brendon said, “I was thinking of drowning my bees in oil as well.” Looking at his swollen hand and the bees still flailing around him, he drew out the poison atomizer, held the bottle and sprayer in his left hand, aimed and turned his head while squeezing the bulb.

A fine mist of vapor came out and filled the area in front of him, encompassing his hand and all the bees on it. He turned his head and still felt lightheaded from the effects, vision blurring just from the proximity. But after the mist faded away all that was left were dead bees. “And there we have it,” he said with a sigh, “and hopefully the last hair brained scheme. Wait for oil to kill the bees,” he chuckled.

“Thank god,” Lannis said, “I was going to set you on fire if you didn’t take care of that problem.”

“No loot, no bear skin, orcs looking for us, but there is no Beekeeper, no wolf, no rats, orcs injured, and no bear to deal with later,” Brendon said, counting them off the fingers of his good hand. He had out his elven towel and water skin and working on cleaning the hive and honey from his swollen hands. “All in all we did very well. I’d guess we are jelling much better lately.“

“Should ‘ave used the poison earlier, mon ami,” Wyn suggested gently while taking the blackboard off the wall with the other two.

Brendon shrugged, “Maybe you would use an atomizer with poison when your under the gun or running; tell me how that goes.” The towel was getting dirty but his hand was getting cleaner if still sticky. “Anyone want some honey?”

“Um, no,” Lannis shuddered.

“I should use the magic bandages to wrap my hand,” he looked around his person not seeing them, “Lyra, do you have them?”

She was holding the blackboard steady. “Yeah. They work best if I do them, otherwise don’t work at all. The bandages aren’t helping you. You’re essentially putting dirty magic-less bandages on your hands. I vote we find time today to wash them in the sulfur - at least before we sleep tonight.” 

Lannis nodded, “I'm not a fan of going back to the Beekeeper any time soon, if the orcs give up and turn around they might go back that way. I like the sulfur baths plan, that makes sense to me."

“Oui,” the elf agreed. “Afta dis, we go roundabout to de sulfur water... through de warren en around de west side ov de castle." He grabbed the bucket from the scaffold peg and began lowering it in the hole. “We know de orcs went East... dis means two tings... Un: we can travel de west side wit less chance of orcs. Deux: At some point later today we need to check on de barracks to make sure de stuff we stowed is still dere..."

"Dat fer later dough... fer now let’s get de oil, fill de lantern, den any flasks we still have."

“Can someone hand me another oil flask or empty vial for oil?” Brendon asked. “I used mine against the orcs.”

Kovid grunted moving the last desk in place. “Can’t help you, that’s one of the things we are running low on. Have to start saving potion vials and the like.”

“No way to seal them properly,” Lannis said.

“Soap and melted candle wax for now,” Brendon suggested.

“Dat we got.” Wyn hoisted the oil bucket up and proceeded to kill Kovid’s empty flask, and his and Abraxas’ empty potion vials.

“Senor, that is not the same amount of oil as in the grande flask.”

“No,” Wyn frowned. “It’s about ¼ the amount.” He sighed. “Better than nothing. I’d rather have a leettle oil when we need it zeh no oil.” While Abraxas, Kovid, and Lyra went back to sealing up the hole again behind the blackboard, Wyn cut off some slivers from his elven soap to make crude corks and then burned the wax off half of a candle to seal it in place. “There. Dirty but effective.” He handed the sealed vial of oil back to Abraxas and put his in his pack (each add 1 VIAL of oil [1]). “Don’t ‘ave a spare yet for you, Brendon. But as we drink zee potions, we will ‘ave more.”

Throughout all of this, Lyra was also looking around for sizeable stones that could be used for slinging (1d6 – White 6) and uncovered half a dozen of them. She added 4 to her collection (bring total and weight up to 7) and gave Wyn the other 2 (bring total and weight up to 6).

Looking at Brendon’s hand Lyra sighed. “Hold fast,” she said, bringing her hands up. “I have one left.”

Abraxas cleared his throat, giving her a querulous side-eye. “Lady Lyrka, if you have another heal to spare, I could really use it. That bear was a real challenge. I won’t be of much use without some healing during today. I can go help with the bandages if some of us want to go. If there is more fighting I can take only a very few hits on that front line in my current state."

Brendon held up his hand, swollen and nasty looking. “Hello?”

The Fighter pointed to his many open wounds, scratches, and his torn open neck and collar bone area where the bear was chewing on it. “Hello!?”

“Enough!” Lyra smacked them both on the back of the head. “It’s like dealing with children. Other people’s children. Who don’t listen and act all shitty. If I have to hit you both again, I will. Get me?!” The two of them lowered their eyes at her chastising. “Good. Ok, I’ll heal Abraxas now since we need him to do his job in the front and YOU Brendon, the next healing potion we find is yours as long as you are still wounded, ok?”

“Works for me.”

“Si.”

“Good. Aine, it’s magic time again. Heal my fighter of his wounds because we are going to need some help today.” (CLW 1d6+1: White 3 – Heal 4!) And Abraxas looked a bit better.

“Gracias, Senorita.”

“All good.”

Finishing up his dirty hands and finally getting them clean and unsticky, Brendon looked at Kovid and asked, “I remember someone saying there’d be a drink bought for killing something, was it the zombie or Beekeeper?”

The dwarf smiled. “I vote at the end of the day, we take one of those casks from the storeroom that Jowass pointed out and have a victory drink or two tonight.”

“Works for me!”

(<Hear Noise +20% bonus, Red 59) It had been some time and we had heard nothing of the orcs for a while. With everything back in place (Brendon, remove 2 days of water, reduce soap to ½, and mark your towel as dirty) the group all gathered in the middle of the class room and looked north. “Take the long way around to the sulfur water?”

Time is now: Day 5, 8:35 AM

(OOC)

Ok! Doing the Kovid suggested plan of around the long hall and past the Butcher to the Warrens and then south to the sulfur baths?

PBEM, Episode 167 - Bees and Bear!

 ONE HUNDRED SIXTY SEVEN

(I/C)

Brendon was shaking his hand around the corner, trying to dislodge the bee’s nest with little result, taking to wiping his hand against the wall repeatedly. “Bugbears, bees and bears, oh my!” he quipped as the sound of MANY orcs nearby grew louder down the hall behind them.

Lyra helped Abraxas stand up as the last of the potion coursed through him. “There goes our cover now. I guess our luck had to run out sometime.”

“Go, Kovid!” Wyn suggested and the dwarf nodded, pushing his way past the dead bear and asking, “Where we running to?” The dwarf (>Dex -2 penalty, Yellow 19) was making his way around the bear and slipped on a spreading puddle of blood, falling on his ass with a noisy clang and getting his entire right leg up to his waist fouled. “Thor’s Crotch Spiders! Fucking bear!” he cursed, kicking it as he went past, leaving a smeared trail behind him.

“I would have said to the Butcher’s,” Lyra suggested (<Dex -2 penalty, White 3), seeing Kovid’s mishap actually climbed onto the bear’s carcass and made her way across, jumping off at the other side without issue, “but now the Orcs might come snooping around and looking for her to ask questions. I’m just going to follow you goons and hope I don’t die in the process.” 

Lannis took out his towel and laid it across the worst of the blood (<Dex +2 bonus, Pink 11) and made it across without getting any on his boots. He then scooped it back up and folded it over itself to keep it from dripping as he jogged off after Lyra, nervously looking behind. “I say we make for the kobold warren, we can put a mana gem back into a statue so if they do follow us that far we have it on our side. If time isn't on our side we could just shout the command word, they don't know it won't work."

From the front and jogging along, Kovid grunted, “No, Manling. Not doing that. We’ll head for the classroom. We can block the doors there with the desks, get more oil for our flasks, and have a back way out round to the Butcher’s quarters. From there we can see if we are being followed. If not we can make a trip to the sulfur room for the bandages.”

Still driving the Giant Rats ahead of him, Wyn agreed. “To de oil room, den. Too many doors in de statue room broken en make hiding difficult. We will ‘ave doors to barricade en cen replenish oil.”

Lannis sniffed and shrugged. “Fine, fine. Don’t listen to me.”

“We won’t Monsieur,” the elf said (<Dex -2 penalty, Orange 1) not paying attention as he skipped up on top of the dead bear and bounced off of it without stepping in anything or fouling his shoes. He continued ,“Iffin we leave de rats en de bee in de spy room, that might get the orcs One Nut or Garbage Fire to go waste time in dat room first.”

Abraxas was working his way beyond the bear, rolling his legs over parts of it to avoid getting too dirty (<Dex -2 penalty, Black 8). “Senor Wine, I didn’t catch their names! Orcs is loco to name themselves that.” He sighed, swearing softly as he moved past the dead bear. "Mierda. This pelt should have been mine. Abraxas, the Ursine Ursurper deserves a pelt to commemorate this battle of man and beast. But guess we have to rush out of here now. Ugh.” He looked back, seeing the Scout had a number of bees around his right hand still stuck with large pieces of honey soaked hive, frustrated as he ripped a pouch off his belt and jammed his fouled hand inside. “Brendak, move your ass! ¡Vamonos!"

With the sound of MANY orcs in the hall behind and their reactions to the cloud of bees and dead Beekeeper there, Brendon broke into a run, chasing after the group, right hand in a bag, bees in the bag and trailing behind him as he ran (Dislodged hive? Lower is better: Red 4 – poor/average – more than 50% still on hand). As he closed to the bear and leapt up (<Dex -2 penalty, -2 BX baby, Red 9), his feet cleared most of the bear, spring boarded off the beast’s gut, and did a forward roll in the air landing very safely past any blood splatters and jogging on. “Damn the skull looks fucked up, that would’ve made an awwwesome head piece!”

Abraxas sighed, “Tell me about it.”

Brendon kept jogging, making his way to the front of the group (<Save vs Breath Weapon, Red 14, failed – take 1 hp damage and -2 on hits, saves, and etc) cursing as he did so as the bees in the pouch stung him on the hand and wrist. He waved it around, slapping it with his off hand, sticking the pouch to the spilled honey inside. “Mother fuck…where are we going?”

“Classroom,” Lannis said.

“Willco.”

“Monsieur du Lac,” Wyn said as he stopped at Travis’ Room and directed the giant rats and bees inside. “You should still check de oil room door in case dat blink steppin’ gob be back in dis area.”

“Aye aye,” Brendon said, waving his right hand absently, bees flying about, running to the front of the group. The yowling of orcs behind us was still there, along with some swears and yells. “Sounds like they are trying to cross the bees,” the Scout chuckled.

At the top of the stairs, Brendon and Kovid gave a quick look (WMC: Red/Black 6) and were satisfied it was clear. The group filed up the last of the steps and shut the door behind. At the corner Lannis took his soiled towel and wiped it on the east corner, away from where they were going meanwhile Lyra (<Wis Check, White 11) shook her head and said, “Stop.”

“What?”

She pointed at the dwarf. “Kovid, you are going to leave a trail all the way to the Classroom.”

He looked down at himself, seeing that he was leaving a telltale trail behind. “Shit.”

“Lannis, give him your towel.”

“Why?” The Magic User asked, holding it close to himself. “It’s mine, isn’t it?”

“Oh for the love of Aine, it’s to clean his damned footprints and leg you ninny.”

Kovid nodded. “I have no interest in keeping your towel, Big Brain.”

“Fine, fine, fine. I’m helping out. Here I am helping,” he handed the soiled towel over and the dwarf spent a few moments wiping his boots, legs, and feet clean.

“Thanks.”

“Ugh, don’t mention it.”

The group moved on to the west, running to the classroom where Brendon assured the group all was clear (no roll needed) and they filed in, closing the door behind. Catching their breath they listened and were rewarded barely a minute later with the sound of angry orcs spilling into the hall (Direction check: 1-3 west, 4-6 east: +2 for misdirection blood: White 5 – east) and then heading EAST and away from the group.

The party sighed and relaxed (Brendon, additional save: <Save vs Breath Weapon, Black 10, failed – take 1 point damage and -2 to hits and saves) while the Scout was hitting his hand on the floor and ripping the pouch off. “Damn shit fuck ouch ouch ouch! They keep STINGING me!” revealing a badly swollen hand and well over a dozen still living bees crawling over his honey and busted hive covered hand.

“Ugh!” Lannis cried out, “Don’t let the bees out in here man!”

Time now is Day 5, 8:20 AM

(OOC)

Brendon, the roughly 20 bees will continue to sting you until they are taken care of. You are in the Classroom and the Orcs went the wrong way. Not all of them made it up the stairs, some are confronted by 6 Giant Rats freshly released from their control, and all of them have uncomfortable and miserable stings on their body that they got from running through the cloud of bees. Long story short? They are NOT happy orcs. What’s the plan – between the bees in here and possibly oil? Kovid has 1 empty flask and 1 full one – lantern is a bit under 5 hours full – so in good shape.

PBEM - Reward 5, Kovid

For the 4th "homework assignment", I had the group each write an answer to the question in their character's voice what they would want to do with their share of the treasure found and the reward money for returning the Prism Crown. Had to name a personal item, a real pie in the sky sort of item, and 2 other miscellaneous items they might want to spend their money on. Also, they had to pick one item that another party member should get. After receiving it, I wove it into a story format and we presented it to the group every couple of days or so. This is the fifth one, Kovid Manslayer XIX, the Dwarf! Each interlude takes place right after the last one - so if you want to read for continuity, check out the previous 4: Lyra, Brendon, Wyn, or Lannis.

Follows:

Kovid and Reward Money

“All ziss talk ‘boot grapes and wotnot ‘as me feelin’ a bit peckish,” Wyn said, putting his bow down. He drew his pack closer and fished out some tired looking dried meats and vegetables. “Sacre blu, I ‘ope we kin find sumthin’ a’betterer ta eat t’morrow.”

“That barely steamed muskrat was certainly an experience,” Lannis supplied, digging around his own pouches. He pulled out a bit of hard cheese and flaked the dried and discolored edges off. “One that I am not willing to repeat.”

“Bah, I’ve eaten worse off the dock vendors when it was still a day before payday,” Abraxas offered. “Salted and Pickled Fishheads at Dos por a copper will keep you alive, but not happy.”

“It’s not the food that gets to me on this trip,” Lyra said, folding a dried piece of some meat around a slice of a hard waxy cheese and nibbling on it, “it’s the drink…or lack thereof.”

“Preach it, Sister,” Kovid sighed. “If I’d have thought of it, I’d have brought a small cask of Dwarven Red or at least some Two Boar Ale on this adventure.”

The Magic User frowned, “It’s fine to have a drink now and again, but don’t you think it clouds your thoughts and makes you unreasonably angry enough to throw alchemy gear at other people for simple mistakes or literally any reason whatsoever?”

“You’ve had a rough time of it, haven’t you?” Brendon asked.

“No! My life has been great and I am highly respected by all my peers,” Lannis asserted, back straight, finger pointing. “And anything you heard to the contrary is not only a lie, but a malicious rumor designed specifically to make whatever enemies I have feel adequate about themselves.”

“Sure, Big Brain,” the dwarf chuckled, taking a bite of his own hardtack, bits of crumbs getting lost in his beard. “Whatever you say.”

“Ugh, wipe your face,” Lannis scowled. “Get some of the food in your mouth, please. It’s like watching a garbage can spilling across a carpet.”

Lyra curled her finger under her thumb and leaned over, flicking Lannis in the ear. “Knock it the hell off.”

“Hey! You could have killed me with that talon of yours!”

“Eef t’at was gonna ‘appen, I’m sure one o’ us might…maybe…possibly would ‘ave stopped it, Monsieur,” Wyn deadpanned.

“Si,” Abraxas agreed, head bobbing. “I’d even make sure to clean up tu sangre.”

“Thanks, Abraxas. Glad you have my back.”

“De nada.”

Wyn took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I would be very ‘appy wit’ a fine Elven wine ta drink, meself.”

The dwarf shook his head. “No. Ale, beer, or spirits. Wine is for wetting your lips when they’re chapped, or watering the herb garden to attract bees. No one actually drinks it.”

“I disagree wit’ ya, Dwarffriend. Wine is an exactin’ drink for a refined palette.”

Kovid raised a single eyebrow, “Um, nothing exact about unfinished vinegar or weak paint stripper, Elffriend.”

“As ‘pposed ta drinkin’ a tankard o’ foam and armpit tastin’ pisswater?”

“DWARVEN Ale is a medley of folded ingredients and pure rainwater aged and sealed for months in oaken casks tended to weekly by skilled artisans,” Kovid replied, pointing the business end of a dried bit of sausage at the elf, “Pisswater is what you get at a human run establishment when you need to wash the taste of the fruitcocktail you just drank from the elven wine merchant out of your mouth.” He frowned. “And what in Thor’s Name is a palette?”

“It’s the thing that the goods go on when loading and unloading un barco, Senor,” the Fighter said.

“Have to lash them down in the hold or they tend to slip when seas are rough,” Brendon added.

“Comme parler aux enfants,” Wyn gritted his teeth. “Non, non, non. It’s the part in your mouth over your tongue.”

“And you think, that a ‘refined’ one,” Kovid asked slowly, “means you like wine?”

“Oui.”

“And if don’t like fruit juice…oh, I mean, wine, can I buy one? A palette?”

“Non, non. You cannot buy one.” The elf shook his head, face serious a moment before his lips curled up. “’Owever, if’n you wanted ta spend some o’ your reward money on good wine. Tha’ would be tres possible!”

“Nah,” Kovid chuckled. “I have my own plans for my reward should we get it.”

“Oh?” Wyn leaned back, placing one hand behind his head to get more comfortable. “So tell us then, what will you plan to do wit’ your share o’ the treasure we've found as well as th’ reward the Academy iz payin’ us for the return of ze Prism Crown?”

“Ha!” the dwarf laughed, loud and sharp. “That part is easy, Elfling.”

“I assume you aren’t going to buy a bottle of elven wine?” Lannis asked drolly.

“Two answers to that, Big Brain. Fat and Chance.” He wiped his beard clean and smiled. “No, in a way, Manling, you had the right of it. I want a new home, away from the mines. Away from the name “Manslayer”.”

“But Senor, that is your name.”

“Mayhap, but a dwarf is allowed to make a change twice in his life and it’s time I distance myself from that. No, I’d look for a new place, up on a mountain pass somewhere, carved into a small cave, maybe build a house with a log cabin facade.”

“Sounds rustic,” Lyra smiled. “I like it.”

“Thanks,” Kovid nodded. “Brew my own ale and sell it. Find a woman. Start my own clan. The Kovid Aledrinkers, hahaha!” He laughed, beard shaking. “I’ve got a great name picked out for the Ale as well… Korona Dwarven Ale!"

“Why not call it Kovid Dwarven Ale?” Lannis asked.

“I dunno. I wanted something that sounds like me, but just runs off the tongue.”

The elf shrugged, “Ale ‘as got an earthy taste to it, Monsieur. You aren’t gonna ‘ttract anyone but dwarves ta drink it.”

“Maybe. I guess I can always cut a piece of fruit and toss it in the mug when elves or halflings come to my Alehouse.”

“Eh, sounds weak,” Lannis offered. “Besides your obviously very original idea of a dwarf making his own alcoholic beverage to sell that tastes like all other dwarven alcoholic beverages with the exception of the orange slice you’re going to toss in…”

“Could be lemon,” Kovid interrupted, “you don’t know. Whatever’s in season.”

“Go crazy,” Lannis suggested, waving his hands in the air, “why don’t you and pop a lime in there.”

“Ugh!” Wyn shuddered, “Sounds dreadful.”

“See!” The Magic User pointed, “And he has a refined skid.”

“Pallet,” Brendon corrected.

“Pallette!” Wyn corrected again, with emphasis.

“Anyway,” Lannis tried to continue, gathering the threads of the conversation, “what else would you like with your coin? Beard combs? Severed goblin head mounted on a plaque? A dozen step stools?"

“Hmmph,” he drew his Theystran War Hammer and spun it on its handle, its silver head reflecting the lantern light. “I’d commission a dwarven-made silver hammer; twin sister to Theystra’s. Two is better than one.”

“The ‘riginal ‘ammer is elven. Why not ‘ave an elven smith make one?”

“It’s nice, don’t get me wrong, real nice. But it’s my money and I know a few weaponsmiths that would really like the work. The hammers though, I’d keep and display them both. They’ll not only be the symbol of Korona Dwarven Ale, they’ll defend the Alehouse from any raiders.”

“You expect many banditos to raid you, Senor Kovale?” Abraxas asked.

“You never know! Haha! My customers may be thirsty for ale, but my hammers are thirsty for blood.” He held the hammer high, brandishing it to the ceiling. “That can be our catchphrase: ‘You’ll be safe at Korona’s! Unless you’re a goblin’.”

“Catchy,” Lyra smirked.

“Yep: safety, alcohol, racism, and implied murder all in that catchphrase. Can’t wait to visit your drinking den.” Lannis took a swig from his waterskin and wiped his lips.

“Safety is no joke,” Brendon said.

“But seeing people fall and get hurt is always funny,” Lannis giggled.

“Ignore ‘im,” Wyn began.

“Always try,” Kovid interrupted.

Lannis barked, “Hey!”

“Anywho,” Wyn continued. “Zat sounds all sort of part o’ the same theme, Dwarffriend.”

“It is and it does,” Kovid agreed. “I’ve learned a lot on this adventure so far. Things are a lot more interconnected than I originally expected them to be.”

“What else?” Brendon prompted after a few seconds of silence.

“What else?” Kovid thought. He pulled the edge of his armor down and frowned. “I’ll say this, I’d also have a new set of plate mail made to replace the one devoured by slime as well as this secondhand one I’m wearing now.”

“Oui. It’s doing a pinch for you now, but eet is still a goblin made an’ fitted piece of armor.”

“You got that. I have to wear it, so I can still occasionally scent Travis’ stink at odd moments. No, a new set for me. And in keeping with the connecting theme, I’d like it to have silvered filigrees and details matching the twin war hammers.”

“Always thought dwarves were all about that gold,” Lannis mused.

“Nah,” Kovid shook his head. “I have a cousin who likes iron alloys. Breastplate he wears has a nickel back.”

“Bet he thinks he looks like ze rockstar,” Wyn suggested.

“Nickel back? Sounds like a schmuck,” the Magic User suggested.

“Him?” Kovid chuckled, “Could be. How you remind me.”

“Well Senor,” Abraxas offered, taking a huge bite of his own rations, “I would come an’ drink your cervezas wit’ lime and put my feet up on your stools and relax at your Alehouse if I am invited, por favor.”

“You are welcome, my friend.” He smiled. “Hell, you’re all welcome.” He took out his maps and laid them flat. “And that reminds me, the last thing I’d want."

“What?” Wyn asked.

“I’d like to purchase a cartographer’s set as well.”

“Eh,” Lannis sniffed. “You have some skill, I’d guess.”

“Are you kidding,” Brendon asked. “They’re really good.”

The Magic User gave Brendon a side eye, “I don’t know. I wouldn’t copy them.”

Kovid continued, “Mapping the Ispan’s Castle has been valuable and I seem to have the knack for it, even if it ends up as just a hobby.”

“A poorly executed hobby, can’t make a living drawing things. That’s not a real job,” Lannis muttered.

Kovid continued, not hearing the wizard’s murmurings, “A drawn plan could be useful in the design of the Alehouse as well.”

Wyn was nodding his head. “Monsieur Dwarf, getting back to your armor…”

“Yeah?”

“Iffin you be continuin' ta explore de places where kobs en gobs live, you may wanna consider buyin' some items dat resist dat limon vert, er, um, de green slime.”

“Yeah, that would suck if I had the Korona Ale platemail made and it got burned up three rooms in the next dungeon I go exploring.”

“Exactement! Potions ov de Ifrit may be de easiest solution since you liked bein’ on fire a’fore. De slime burns away, en Ifrit essence makes de drinker fireproof... you drink de potion, en keep yerself on fire when fightin' de slime hurlers. Reduces yer slime worries, oui?”

“You can save money on potions if I’m with you,” Lyra offered. “I’d Fire Resist you and you can set yourself ablaze from dawn to dusk.”

“Haaha! That WAS fun.”

“Fucking dwarves,” Lannis muttered again.

Wyn continued, “If’n you wanna more "pie een de sky" or "out ov de crate" idea? Mayhaps it be possible to spread de sheets of dat mineral... what be its name... mica? Oui dats it. Create plate mail or shield make ov de mica sheets... de slime no eat de stone... so den you be more able to deflect or defend against de slime.”

“Stone armor? Really Wyn?” Lannis scoffed. “Can you come up with a more dwarven sounding line of bull?”

“As ‘pposed to turnin’ a dead prostitute into a stitched t’gether magical sex slave?” the elf retorted, brow raised. Before Lannis could continue, the elf plowed along, “Kovid, eet might take a rather skilled armorsmidd to create sometin like dat, en mayhaps dat smidd cen 'elp you ta tink ov de best solution.”

The dwarf chuckled. “Why not. I know a really good guy that does great work.”

“Oh! No,” Wyn replied, head shaking, “Don't go for de "best" armorsmidd in a town ; go for de second best.”

 "Why?"

The elf scowled, looking past the dwarf, eyes deep in thought. “Dat guy will try 'arder en you don't be windin' up wit a backpack radder den a suit ov armor.”

PBEM, Episode 166 - Bees and Bear!

Never tell your players NO if you can avoid it. Always try to answer with Sure or Sure But! Even if they are being foolish. :)

Follows:

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY SIX

(I/C)

Taking in the tableau, Wyn shook his head and sighed, “A bear? Really? Ok dis ees gettin ridiculous.”

Unravelling her sling again, Lyra stomped her foot. “Really Abraxas? Aine Damn It. We couldn’t just let this bear go?? We’re going to get caught by orcs.”

"Of all the outcomes I've been witness to before, this was the least surprising,” Lannis lowered his hands, ear tilted backward to hear the horns growing louder, magic beginning to trickle down his fingers.

Kovid ran forward, snatched up his tossed war hammer, sheathed it, and then wound up his Theystran one. “You really wanted to have a rug for your girlfriend’s room, huh.” He shouldered the Fighter back and caught the bear’s next attack on his raised weapon, deflecting it to the side. He faced the bear as Abraxas reached into his pack with shaking fingers, feeling light headed from the damage and blood loss he had taken.

He took out the potion of Extra Healing and uncorked it, drinking it down. "Pendejo, it's either you or me. Let's finish this,” he yelled at the howling ursine. “¡Ándale! I WILL have that Bear fur, or my name is not Abraxas Servantes Salazar. And once I beat you, BEAST, I will make a monogram'ed cloak from your hide!"

Meanwhile Wyn was pushing the 6 Giant Rats forward, trying to get them to the bear fast enough to help out in the fight.

And that left Brendon. The Scout was looking back down the dark hall at the distant orc dancing on fire, the sounds of the horns and rocs coming, and the bees, so so so many bees in the hall over the dead Beekeeper and the entire area. “Poseidon’s Trident,” he swore, pulling his fur up over his head and holding it tight. “Nothing ventured, nothing gained,” and ran BACK into the hall making for the fallen Hobgoblin.

Kovid was trading blows with the bear and doing terrible damage to it. His hammer blows were sure and solid (>+3 to hit, Yellow 17) and they cracked again and again against the badly wounded animal. “Hi Ho!” he sang, hammer hitting a beat. “Hi Ho!” (1d8+2 Damage, Yellow 8 – 10 Damage and killed to 0 hp!!) His silver warhammer hit the bear full in the side of the head, staggering it and dropping it gasping to its haunches.

Lyra meanwhile had loaded up a stone and slung it out, “Aine Agua Rhapsody!” she cried out (>+3 to hit, White 18) as the stone flew off and smacked the bear between the eyes (1d3 Damage: White 6 – 3 Damage – and definitely dead) and the bear grunted and fell over dead.

Meanwhile Abraxas felt like his blood was fizzing as he gritted his teeth, his body going through a massive amount of healing in a short period of time (2d8: 7+4 = Heal 11!) gasping in surprise as it coursed through his body.

“You done hitting stuff?” Lyra gave him a whack on his back. “Done now? Orcs coming? Lots of them? Ring any bells? Let’s get the hell out of here. Aunt Delay and stuff. Go!”

Meanwhile Lannis finished his spell “IN SANCT EGO” and the air in front of him shimmered into a mostly transparent shield. “I’m ready! Let’s go team!”

Back at Brendon, trying to stay in the shadows he ran down the hall (>Hide in Shadows +20%, Red 67) and slid to a stop by the fallen body, bees all over the place. He kept the fur tight against his face, head and shoulders, clutching it with one hand while his other dropped to the Beekeeper’s waist and encountered odd lumps and many folds of robes, clothes, and cloaks. “Where is the damned belt?” he cursed, feeling bees start to crawl over his hands.

Finally he managed to untwist some clothing and felt something lumpy down there (“Belt pouch! Gotcha!”) and pulled. (>Save vs Breath Weapon +1 bonus, Red 18) and as he did so, over two dozen bees flew out of the beekeeper’s clothing and proceeded to sting the hell out of the Scout. (Take 1 Damage, and -1 on all to hits, saves, and the like). Many of them were stinging clothing or the scout managed to knock them free, but he was having a problem of too many bees and it was hurting. (Random belt grab: 1d6: Red/Black 3). Whatever it was he grabbed was hard to see in the dark but it was sticky and soft feeling as he pushed himself to his feet, more bees coming over to him.

From down the hall, another orc stepped out of the opening and hurled a large bucket of sand on the screaming flamed orc, dousing it as he yelled over the pain filled cries, “Shut up! Shut up! Patrol Coming! Shut up!!” With the light dying in the hall, Brendon ran back for the corner whatever was in his hand seemed to be stuck to it, his fingers sinking into the viscous feel, and from behind as he turned the corner he heard, “Hey! You runner! Stop! In the name of Corfard, STOP!!”

The Scout was very much at the back of the party as they were ready to run south, the sound of the horn now down the hall and orcish voices getting louder. “Um,” he said, “Ok, go time!” Looking down at his hand, he was holding a very sticky small honeycomb hive, crushed in his fingers and oozing all over him, gluing it to his fingers…

And at least 50 very angry looking bees.

Time now is Day 5, 8:14 AM

(OOC)

64 of 110 expired minutes. You are out of time. Where are you running to? Right now party is: Kovid, Lyra/Abraxas, 6 assorted Giant Rats, Lannis (w./shield 20 mintues), Doobie/Wyn, and then 10/15’ Brendon @ the corner with a honey filled beehive crushed in his hand and spewing bees. 

PBEM, Episode 165 - Bees and Bear!

 ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FIVE

(I/C)

Still peering around the corner, Wyn whispered, “Dat horn can’t be good fer us, mes amis... time to go, oui?”

“Yeah,” Brendon replied. “The rest of the group seems to be ok, I hear singing.”

"Monsieur du Lac, I tink it time fer us to get outta 'ere... if you throw dat lantern at de orc, I cen get de rats to pull de beekeeper away around de corner.” He was directing Doobie to land on Quatre and sting the last sleeping rat, while also squinting at the other 5, having them fall back from the Orc stalking them and surround the Beekeeper. “I do t tink de bee hive on de staff will bee enough to keep em away."

Brendon took out his unraveled rope and was lashing his last flask of oil to the lantern he took off the wall, his motions fast and exact as he wound and tied. He kept glancing out there and counting off the seconds under his breath. “You’re too attached to the rats, Wyn. Should’ve sent them after the orc and WE grab the body.”

Eyes straining, Wyn bared his teeth as he had the rats struggle to pull the body. “Don’t scold me, young Monsieur du Lac. I am currently controlling multiple creatures with my mind. Dis may be too complicated for a human to understand, but it’s taking several times me own concentration to do dis. I cennot drag a body en control de animals at else same time.”

(>Str check, Steel 15) The rats were tugging and puling and doing their best, feet scrabbling as they tried but the Beekeeper was too big for the 20# rats to drag. The elf was hunched by the door, directing them with his fingers and thoughts, chewing on his bottom lip as he pushed his will at the vermin. “Also, the rats need to be 30 feet from me, so I cennot send dem down the hall while I attack.”

“Hey!” the orc yelled! “Leave the sleeping Keeper Beekeeper alone or I’ll kill you two times!”

“We also need to get de feck out of here before de orcs show up,” Wyn continued, growing frustrated at the Giant Rats lack of success. “We were waitin for one of dem to die before we rush in. It doesn't matter if they know if we are here now.”

Brendon meanwhile seemed to be ignoring the elf as he wrapped up his efforts on the lantern and oil, stepped to the door, swung the lantern a few times to build up momentum, and then pivoted and hurled it (>+3 to hit, Red 14) where it sailed down the corridor and smashed against the brute’s armored chest, briefly illuminating his porcine surprised face garishly from below.

Before he was consumed in fire (1d8+ 1d6 Damage: Red 4 + Red 5 – 9 Damage!). “BWAHHHH!” he screamed, holding his face and stomping his feet, spinning around like a top, cloak flailing, spreading oil soaked fire everywhere. (Notice Brendon? 1-3 yes, 4-6 no: Red/Black 3 – yes) “BWAHHH! SOMEONE SET ME ON FIRE! A SOMEONE!! BWAHHH!”

The horns in the distance sounded closer.

Meanwhile Wyn was giving up on the rats being able to pull the body and realizing they were running out of time. He continued, “If was your suggestion to get de body out of here. I only offer a plan to do it. If you have a better idea based on de actual conditions we are in, I welcome it. Odderwise, trow de damn lantern.”

Brendon tapped him on the head and pointed at the screaming ablaze orc.

Slightly chagrined, the elf offered, “Oh... you did eet already?” He broke into a smile and stood up, dusting off his legs. “Merci beaucoup, mon ami. Allons-y.” He moved out of the room and made for the corner, the 6 Giant Rats leaving the Beekeeper alone and following him.

“You know, you’re starting to complain more than Lannis lately,” Brendon quipped, last guy out of the room and around the corner, watching the tableau behind with concern.

Meanwhile, Kovid was watching the bear roaring as it picked up speed to get away. “Let the bear go for now Abraxas. We gave it something to think about, and more trouble is on the way by the sound of those horns.”

"That horn sounds bad,” Lannis agreed. “Not as bad as a charging bear, but still bad." He stuck his finger along the inside of the Censer and proceeded to leave a marking on the wall in soot spelling out “LEAVE”.

Lyra gathered up her sling, wrapping it around her wrist. “I agree - let the bear go. If we get caught here we’re going to have a bigger orc problem.”

Meanwhile Abraxas was matching the bear’s retreat step by step, Scythe swinging back and forth. He smiled at the ursine, teeth bared, weapon arcing back and forth. “You can’t trick me again,” he whispered.  "After this, they will call me Abraxas, The Ursine Ursurper! Hmph!" From somewhere behind them they heard the sound of glass breaking and someone screaming their heads off as if they were on fire. “I thought they didn’t want the orcs to know we were here? Stupido!”

And then Abraxas lunged forward (>+6 to hit -4 Dam Defl, Blue 13) Scythe tracing a deep line across the bear’s forearm and through the thick muscles of its chest (1d8+3 Damage: Blue 4 – 7 Damage!).

“Abraxas!” The dwarf and cleric hissed. “What are you doing!?”

(Bear’s reaction roll: 2d6: 1+1 – Furious) The bear no longer made any attempt to flee, instead it rose up on its hind legs and roared a powerful challenge, rising at least 2 feet or more above Abraxas’ head.

(Initiative: Bear Red/Black 6, Party Steel 5) (Bee check: 1-3 yes, 4-6 no: Red 4 – not stinging wildly again yet)

The bear slammed down on the Fighter, its front paw (>+5 to hit, Red/Black 4) deflected by Abraxas’ Scythe. It followed up on a second swing, this time catching Abraxas (>+5 to hit, Teal 15) across the midsection (1d4 Damage: Blue 3) and staggering him back. But it was the bear’s open maw bite that descended down and hit Abraxas on the shoulder and neck area (>+5 to hit, Green 19) that dropped the fighter to one knee and strain to keep the bear from overpowering him as he felt his own blood run down his chest and back, and the bear’s hot breath in his face (1d8 Damage: Red/Black 7, Damage Deflection >Str: Blue 20 – Take 7 Damage!!)

Lannis just looked at the sight of the bear chewing on the Fighter and uttered, “Oh…shit.”

Time now is: Day 5, 8:13 AM

(OOC)

63 of 110 expired. Orc on fire and having a shitty day. Beekeeper way too heavy for the rats to drag. Bees in hall most likely start stinging for proximity purposes next round to hives. Bear is fucked up but Abraxas is fucked up too (Fighter has 24 of 29 points of damage), bear actually still has more HP that Abraxas does. Bear is now no longer planning on fleeing (reaction roll) regardless of morale check – attacked while fleeing, new paradigm. Horns getting closer – 1, maybe 2 rounds? Hard to tell from where you are. Bottom of round, you guys go.

PBEM, Episode 164 - Bees and Bear!

Group was in a musical mood on Discord and email and the Magic User went full blown song lyric for us.

As the Fighter pointed out - it was funny as hell that the target saved the effort and the spell fizzled.

Follows:

ONE HUNDRED SIXTY FOUR

(I/C)

Wyn was still low in the door frame, directing the combat with his rats as best he could, commanding Un, Deux, Cinq, Sex, and Sept to launch an assault on the badly wounded orc. The giant rats lunged forward while Doobie the bee flew to the sleeping Trois and stung him, waking the rat up from the sleep effect. (>+0 to hit: Blue/Purple 20 Critical 3 Damage!, Steel 14 1d3 Damage Red/Black 2: 1 Damage, Black 3, Steel 4, Red/Black 5) They hit the orc hard, ripping and tearing, chewing and shredding. The brute staggered hard, sweeping them off of his legs with the flat of his sword and stumbling back hissing in pain and wiping the sweat and blood from his face. “Damn it to Damn! I can’t do much this more!” he howled to the other orc.

Meanwhile Kovid humming aloud lifted one of his regular warhammers over his head and shouted, “Bear with me Abraxas, I’m on my way.” Bringing it back to his ear like a phone he hurled it forward with arm at full extension making sure not to flick his wrist to put too much spin on the hammer, aiming for the large bear a notch over 10’ away. The weapon flew end over end (=+2 to hit, Yellow 12) just striking the bear in the chest (1d8 Damage: Yellow 4) making it howl in pain and swipe the air with its huge paws.

“Bueno!” the Fighter cheered. “Señor Kodiak, now's el tiempo a kill this fucking bear. Señor Laintess, ayuda, por favor."

Lannis had his hands down, listening to the musical energies, feeling them pulse into his hands, swinging the censer back and forth. “Working on it. It’s going to be special!”

Lyra loaded up another sling stone (=+3 to hit, White 11) and let it fly where it too struck the bear (1d3 Damage: White 3: 2 Damage) stinging it, but no big damage. “It’s not going down fast enough!” She cried.

Abraxas had finally gotten into position to swing his Scythe and took advantage of the opportunity (<+6 to hit -4 Damage Defl, Blue 2) but the bear was ready for the shot and buffeted the Scythe aside. “Ah ah!” He smiled. “Like you, Ursa Minor, I too have dos attacks!” His Scythe came back around point first at the end of a flourish (>+6 to hit, Blue 11) and tore through the bear’s thick fur and hide, blood spraying in the aftermath of the strike (1d8+3 Damage: Blue 3 – 6 Damage!!), the animal yelping in serious pain.

“Ok! Get ready for this!” Lannis cheered. He started swinging his censer overhead in a circle, flashing it up and down to make a halo of smoke around him as his hands pulsed with pink and red magical lights. And he sang:

“Alright bear: Stop.

Abraxas, collaborate and listen

Lannis is back like a brand new magician

Lyra's face saddles me tightly

Flow like a squid sword daily and nightly

Will this nonsense ever stop? I don't know

Turn off the lights and swamp gas glows

To the extreme Kovid loves rocks like Brax loves big cats

Lights up her face and her box like it's dock time

Lyra cant rush but she's the one that turns

We're killing lots of things like an out of control fireball

Deadly when I cast my spells unfailingly

Anything less than the best isn't Lannis-y

Love me or leave me is the Lannis way

But if someone asks I hope Love me is what you say

Please don't hit a bullseye, the piper I don't wanna pay

If there's a problem my plans always solve it

This spell isn't that strong so I hope the bear don't solve it

Lann-is baby do do do do do do do

Lann-is baby do do do do do do do

Lann-is baby do do do do do do do."

The fight in the hall slowed down as Lannis gyrated and twisted his hips, bouncing around and up and down in a surprising show of skill at dance until the spell culminated and a final flourish of the Censer allowed his to toss a pink spellbolt at the bear to Pause it (>Save vs Spells, Green 20 – not paused). And the spell broke apart after hitting.

“Ah…fuck.” Lannis moaned. “All that work. And I felt so in sync with you guys.”

Lyra sighed, “Whatever Lannis just... sang or did. It was unbearable. Don’t ever do it again.”

(Initiative: Party Steel 1, Enemy Red/Black 5)

(Orc morale: 5+3 = steady) (Wounded orc Int check: <White 2)

“What we do?” the hurt orc said, struggling to keep the rats from massing against him again. “Can’t keep up this up!”

“I know! I know!” the other orc said. “Bees seemed to be less bee sting-y now, that good. BEEKEEPER! GET UP!” he shouted, pushing his companion behind him. “You go help get help. I see if I can wake up sleepy beekeepy.”

“Good call!” the wounded orc staggered back to the open door and disappeared inside with the second one remained in the hall and brought he sword around (>+3 to hit, Teal 11) where it slammed into Sept (1d8+1 Damage: Red/Black 4: 5 Damage and killed!) and sliced the giant rat in twain. “Corfard damn! There so many of your! BEEKEEPER! GET THE FUCKERING UP!!”

From inside the room was a resounding blast of a rams horn, followed by a second blast a moment later.

“Merde!” Wyn cursed. “That can’t be good.”

“He’s way too far for me to backstab…or even front stab,” Brendon moaned, the two of them still in the room and looking out. Sure enough the bee swarm was breaking up a bit as the bees were still all over the place, but they weren’t wildly stinging everything in the area. “What’s left for you?”

“I ‘ave 6 rats, and Doobie.”

“2 bees?”

“Non. Doobie. Th’ bee’s name is Doobie.”

“Oh.” Brendon shrugged. “That’s musical.” He sighed. “Seems to be catching.” He held his short sword before him. “There’s an orc out there, I want to stab it there, reaching out, stabbing him, in the chest…”

“Sweet song, Monsieur.”

Meanwhile the bear continued its assault on the Fighter. It’s claw came across (>+5 to hit, White 14) slamming into Abraxas (1d4 Damage: Steel 1) but the armor took the brunt of it. Then the second claw came across (>+5 to hit, Blue/Grey 13) and also connected (1d4 Damage: Blue 2), boxing the Fighter close to the ursine as it then tried to bite him (<+5 to hit, Blue/Red 5) but couldn’t get through his defenses.

“Ha!” Abraxas cheered. “Three attacks and Winnie Pooh couldn’t hit me hard enough!”

“Wait for it,” Lannis said with his head shaking.

“I am telling you, Senors, I can use the aid to take him down but the bear is not as bad of a foe…HOLY FRIJOLES!” he yelled in surprise as the bear suddenly wrapped Abraxas in its two arms and lifted the Fighter off the ground, dug its claws against his back, and hugged him while roaring in his face. “What the FUCK is this bullshit! Ahhh! Bear hug? BEAR HUG!?! Why did NO ONE tell me this was an option!? Too many bear surprises!! AHHH!” (Auto hit: 1d6 Damage: Red/Black 6: Damage Deflection <Str Check Green/Red 1, Half Damage – Take 3) He flexed and twisted and grunted in pain and managed to slide out of the bear’s grip, falling to the ground and hurting but able to remain standing by using the Morrigaan Scythe as an impromptu crutch.

(Bear Morale – Half damage: 2+6 = 8 failed, retreat and then run). The bear although it seemed to be having a better return on its fight against Abraxas, took in its own wounds and after snarling at Abraxas, wuffed and then backed up watching the group from 15’ away and looked to run away into the gloom.

And from somewhere else in the Castle beyond the hall with the orc and rats in it, we heard the distant answering return call of another rams horn.

Time now is Day 5: 8:12 AM

(OOC)

62 minutes expired on 110 minute potion. Bear failed morale and is running away. 1 orc in the hall, pretty healthy. Wounded one retreated to room and blew an alarm, which was answered. Wyn, you have 6 awake giant rats and 1 bee. The swarm in the hall is no longer stinging the fuck out of everyone, but that might be a lull for a round or two tops. What’s the plan?

PBEM, Episode 163 - Bees and Bear!

 ONE HUNDRED SIXTY THREE

(I/C)

Seeing the fight take place in the dark hall, Brendon leaned to Wyn who was concentrating on his myriad of animals and whispered, “Hold on a sec, I’ll be right back.” And stepped into the hall.

“Brendon. Brendon. Monsieur Brendon? Brendon!” Wyn hissed and whispered, trying to stop the Scout who turned back and held a finger in front of his lips, softly saying, “Shhh. Noise please.” And then turned back to the hall, sneaking forward.

“What the hell is that dumb ass doing?” Kovid murmured.

“What?” Lannis said, swinging his censer back and forth, keeping the smoke going, Lyra moving back a few steps debating on weapons before taking her sling out. “What dumb ass?”

“I think…” the dwarf spoke low and steady, eyes glued around the corner, “that Brendon…is going to try and take out the Beekeeper.”

“Oh? The crazed spell using god touched weird bee swarm yelling hobgoblin throwing giant rats off his body like a bucking bull? That one?” Lannis scoffed. “With what? A fucking fireball?! This whole fucking mission is bullshit. I call bullshit. Lyra? Bullshit? Abraxas? Bullshit? Anyone? Anyone?”

Meanwhile Wyn kept Huit on the Beekeeper, the giant rat leaping and driving against the hobgoblin, keeping his attention facing east and away from the sneaking Scout. The wolf lunged again on a series of attacks against the wounded orc (<+3 to hit, +2 bees, Black 8) but although was savaging the brute, could not land a fatal blow.

Two of the remaining awake giant rats went up to Un and Deux and nipped the sleeping vermin in the nose, breaking the enchanted slumber, and the last lone bee that Wyn was controlling dove down and stung Cinq in the flank, also waking it up (in BX, any violent action, slap pinch or the like will wake up a sleeper – no damage needed).

Huit tried to take down the bleeding Beekeeper (<+0 to hit, Green 5) but the tactics were very different when it was just 1 on 1, and was easily rebuffed by the furious hobgoblin. His hand was glowing in a whitish green light as he was beginning to cast a spell of some sort.

However, Brendon (<Move Silently +20% Battle , Red 23) walked his way through the dark hall, eyes fixed on the hobgoblin, head shrouded by the faintly urine smelling fur around his head and not disturbing the few bees idly in the area, until he was close enough to strike. He drew his 20” short blade in a single motion and stabbed it up and under the 5th and 6th rib (>+1 to hit, +4 Surprise, Red 20 – Critical Surprise Backstab: Max damage 6 x 2 = 12 damage and killed!!) and through the side of one lung and into the Beekeeper’s heart. The Hobgoblin made a single ‘Hurk” noise as Brendon lowered him to the ground and skipped backwards swiftly towards the room again.

The two orcs (notice: Steel 13) were too busy with the bee swarm to see what had happened and only noted the Beekeeper was on the ground. “Hey! Wake up you! Stop the damned wolf and bees you dummy dumb dumb head!”

No, the bees were still swarming and wildly stinging anyone in the area.

(WMC: Red/Black 2. Yes. What? Pink/White 3: Bear (# 1). 1-3 north, 4-6 south: White 5 – South. Distance? 2d6x10: 2+2 = 40’)

Abraxas and Lyra could hear the battle (>Hear Noise Blue 14..<Hear Noise White 3) going off in the distance but Lyra turned to the south and said, “You hear that?”

“What? I hear nada.”

“It’s closer?”

“What?”

“Umm…” Lyra was looking intently when she saw eyes bouncing up and down reflected in the distance and coming closer and FAST. “Oh..Aine save us!” She dropped a rock into her sling whirled it twice, and let it fly (>+2 to hit -2 dark, White 16) where it soared into the gloom and smacked into something (1d3 damage: White 3: 2 damage) that let out a deep roar and galloped faster. “Bear!!”

“Holy shit!” Lannis cursed. “How many!”

Abraxas and Lyra noted the one bear coming towards them, 500#’s of brownish/black ursine fury. “1 bear!” She said. “Si! It’s a fuck ton!” Abraxas cried out as the bear closed the distance.

(initiative: Party Steel 4, Enemy Red/Black 5)

(Save Orcs, Bee swarm: Breath Weapon: White 12, White 13 – both failed: 1 pt damage, -2 AC, -2 to hit)

(Morale orcs: 4+4 = 8 – staying)

“Fuck this all shit!” one of the orcs said. “Kill everything here with more than 2 legs!”

Snarling at the wolf that had savaged him earlier, the brute spat, “Start I do with you!” and hacked down (>+3 to hit, -2 bees, Red/Black 13) tearing through the wolf’s shoulder, driving it down with a whine, then lifting the blade and hitting again (1d8+1 Damage: Red/Black 6 – 7 Damage and killed!!) cleaving the beast’s head wide open and dropping it. “Ha! Dead you are!”

“Good hittage!” The other orc cheered, heading up to Huit and swinging his blade in a sliding slice (>+3 to hit -2 bees, Teal 12) ripping the giant vermin wide open (1d8+1 damage: Purple 2: 3 damage and killed!!) and leaving it to scream in agony as it bled out and died. “I got one!”

“Great shot, Orc!” the other cheered. “Don’t get cocky!”

Meanwhile from the far hall, Abraxas swung his Scythe around trying to figure out the best way to face the loping ursine who roared again and then barreled into the Fighter with claws slashing and jaws working. “Ah!” Lyra yelled, loading up another rock, “Don’t let it bite you!”

“No shit! Whaddaya think I am trying ta do?!”

The bear’s claws swept sideways and he managed (<+5 to hit, Steel 9) to get the butt end of the Scythe in place to deflect the 4 inch claws from connecting. The return swipe from the other claw was a surprise though (>+5 to hit, Grey/Red 16) and the Fighter was struck (1d4 Damage: Steel 2) hard enough to bruise him under his banded mail. “Dos hits! Didn’t see that coming,” he joked.

“Wait for it,” Lannis shook his head sadly.

“It’s alright, It’s alright,” Abraxas said, readying his weapon to swing, “I get to go…MADRE DE DIOS!” he swore as the bear then hit for a third time, this time a wide mouthed bite on the fighter’s upper bicep (>+5 to hit, Purple/Blue 16) that he could not get out of the way fast enough (1d8 Damage: Blue 3. Damage Deflection Strength check:>Blue 19 – failed  -full 3 points damage) and suffered the strike for it.

“Three hits?!?!” the Fighter snarled, nursing his arm and looking the bear up and down. “Big. You are a big hombre.” He spun the Scythe and smiled, “Let’s dance!”

“Alright!” Kovid cheered, hammer in his hand, “Bye, bye, bye!”

Time now is Day 5, 8:11 AM

(OOC)

Beekeeper is dead, Wolf is dead. Huit is dead. 2 orcs still alive 1 fucked up. Bee swarm did NOT dissipate, they are still around and stinging like mad. Orcs and marching west down the hall, hacking their way closer to you guys – they STILL don’t know about you!

Wyn you have Un, Deus, Cinq, Sex, and Sept awake..Trois and Quatre are sleep. You also have 1 bee, Doobie, still alive. Bottom of the round. Lannis, Censer is working great. Brendon, you are back in the wolf room without issue. Wyn you are in the wolf room, down low, head barely out the door. Abraxas, you are going toe to toe with a fucking 500# bear.

You’re up guys

PBEM, Episode 162 - Halls, Wolf, and Bees

 ONE HUNDRED SIXTY TWO

(I/C)

Lannis and Lyra worked feverishly fanning the censer with the edge of the robes and cloaks, blowing on it, and doing all they can to get it to smoke more and faster (<1/2 Wis Pink4..<1/2 Wis White 2) with rousing success. The incense cones smoldered and caught, smoke billowed, and damp cloth helped keep it from flaring and the reek of sandalwood was filling the hall and the Magic User and Cleric kept moving their heads away to get a deep breath and then turn back and blow and fan some more. (wide enough to cover 2 people if close together)

Kovid had his head turned away and was holding his beard over his mouth and nose and breathing through it to block out some of the stink. Abraxas hissed, “That smell is going to ‘ttract the Beeskipper!”

“But the smoke will keep the fuck ton of bees off our ass,” Lannis whispered back.

Meanwhile Brendon grabbed a fur from the ground, sniffed it, discarded it and tried it again with another one before draping it over his head and shoulders. He looked at Wyn and said softly, “to keep the bees off me.”

Wyn was concentrating hard, moving his hands slowly like two little bees and pushing them ahead of his, limbs shaking as he was staring intently around the corner. Somewhere in the mess, two bees each landed on an orc, crawled under their shirt collars and made their way down their bodies to the fleshy part near the arm pit. And waited.

The wolf meanwhile was slowing down and then stopped struggling, the rats were keeping out of the orc’s swinging range, and the Beekeeper kept making soothing noises and murmuring, “It’s ok! It’s ok. It’s ok.”

“Your wolf is be nutzo,” one of the orcs grumbled as the wolf seemed to finally stop twisting about.

“You stop!” Beekeeper snarled back. “What and where do be these rats come all here!?” He looked at his wolf, no longer holding it hard, instead petting its back. “You ok? You ok? Good boy. You ok?”

The wolf looked back and forth at the Beekeeper and the orcs twice, tongue lolling out...

And then lunged for the nearest orc, jaws wide to bite. Just before it struck, two bees (>+0 to hit, White 5..>+0 to hit, White 12) under the orc’s armor and clothes each stung their respective orcs in the armpit, one getting slapped and killed before it could complete the action…the other successful (-1 on next to hit and AC).

And it was that one that the wolf twisted to and BIT right in the orc’s crotch (>+3 to hit, +1 stung, Black 14) causing the orc to scream shrilly as it drove the pommel of its sword down again and again trying to knock the savage lupine off of him (1d6+1 Damage, Red/Black 5 – 6 Damage!).

“Don’t hit my wolf!” The Beekeeper howled but before he could do anything, all 8 Giant rats struck him. They clawed and bit and scratched and jumped, clinging to his chest and back, ripping into his clothes and the flesh beneath and the hobgoblin whirled around like a top screaming and flailing and rat bodies fell off, rolled back up and launched themselves at him again.

“All this screaming is going to ‘ttract something,” Abraxas said with dismay. “How we doing?”

“Can’t tell,” Lyra said muffling her cough with her sleeve, struggling to see. “I’d guess Wyn’s potion is doing good.”

“Well,” Lannis corrected. “Paladins do good. Wyn is doing well.”

“Fucking nerd,” Lyra replied, wiping her eyes clear.

(8 Giant Rat attacks on the Beekeeper (@ 1d3 damage per): >+0 Teal 20 – Critical 3 Damage.. >+0 to hit Grey/Red 14, White 4: 2 Damage, =+0 to hit Blue /Red 13, White 2:1 damage..>+0 to hit -2 bees Green/Red 19, Black 5: 3 damage..>+0 to hit -2 bees Red/Green 18, Green 2: 1 Damage..>+0 to hit -2 bees Purple/Blue 17, Red 5: 3 Damage..=+0 to hit -2 bees Red/Black 15, Steel 6: 3 Damage..<+0 to hit -2 bees Green 14..3+2+1+3+1+3+3=16 hp!)

Blood running down his shirt, across his face, and rats boiling around him like a carpet, the Beekeeper also heard the wail of his wolf as the orcs both tried to attack it, the animal latched onto the burly humanoid’s crotch and refusing to let go.

(Initiative: Party steel 2, Enemy Red/Black 6)

“LEAVE HIM THE FONGING FUCK FUCK FUCK ALONE!!!” The Beekeeper howled as the orcs slammed their swords down (>+3 to hit, Steel 16, 1d8+1 Damage Red/Black 7: 8 Damage..>+3 to hit, Steel 9) knocking the lupine free and ripping a wide swath in it shoulder down to its flank, making it howl in agony and roll back, finally letting the lurching orc’s delicate parts loose – blood running down its thighs. 

And then the entire swarm of bees lifted off the rats and hit the orcs like a freight train, the two burly humanoids wildly swinging their swords and screaming as they were stung again and again and again (Save vs Breath Weapon: Yellow 1, Yellow 7 – failed: 1 hp dam, -2 to hit AC and no spells).

The Beekeeper wiped another splash of blood from his face, slammed his staff down hard and howled out, “ZU! SLEEP!!” (4-16 hd: 2+1+1+1: 5 hd) and Un, Deux, Trois, Quatre, and Cinq all fell over unconscious – leaving three rats still standing and a VERY pissed off Beekeeper facing them, the wolf savaging the orcs, one orc badly bleeding and both of them in the center of a bee swarm.

Time now is Day 5, 8:10 AM

(OOC)

62 minutes of 110 minutes for potion expired. Bottom of the 2nd round – I WILL be making a WMC @ 2/6 for this round just a heads up. Damage done: Orc 1: 7, Orc 2: 1, Wolf: 8, Beekeeper: 16!!

Beekeeper looks pretty fucked up, Orc 1 looks pretty fucked up.

Bottom of the round – your turn!