PBEM - Episode 307. Vault, Snakes, Guardian(s).

THREE HUNDRED SEVEN

(I/C)

Brendon took a half step back, hoping to get a good shot it. “After this excursion, I can use a vacation,” he lamented.

Watching the fight unfold, Lannis frowned, “I think a vacation now would be ill advised. I’d wait until after.”

Wyn leaned to Lyra and hissed, ‘Did you see what it did wit de tappin of de head? I tink we need to take out de Guardian as soon as dis snake be done. Can you tell it to drop its sword after it attacks de snake? Don’t want it to be able to use it on us.”

“I’ll try Wyn, no promises though. I don’t think it’s going to put that sword down.” She frowned. “Maybe if I make him think it’s part of the strategy and not a trick.” She raised her voice. “Chuckles! Drop the weapon! Grapple and beat the snake!”

Hearing Lannis muttering a spell behind him, Wyn loaded up an arrow and offered, “Monsieur Offop, ye may want to hold dat dart incantation fer de G zombie. Not sure how much we gonna need to hit it after dis.”

“If you insist Mister Wyn!”

And with that, seeing an opening in the melee between Abraxas, Kovid, and the Guardian versus the undead serpent, the elf let his arrow fly (>+5 to hit, Orange 16). It streaked out and hit (1d6 Damage, Orange 6 and killed!!), punching through the skull and hitting the snake’s rotting brain…dropping it immediately.

Still ready to attack, Abraxas called out, "Serpente down! Serpente down! Tabajo bueno amigos! So.... que ahora?"

And the Guardian seemed to smirk, glance around, and bent down to pick up the axe again, giving Kovid the opening he needed. "Only true love can break your curse,” he addressed the zombie, “My love hammer!" and swung, making the Guardian stagger from the blow and roll to the side, battle drawn. Lyra was gritting her teeth, hoping to keep control, feeling the connection with the zombie flutter.

(Initiative Party Steel 5 vs Guardian Red/Black 4)

As soon as it stood up and faced the dwarf, balefire running down its cheeks as it reached for Kovid with one clawed hand, he was met with the crushing impact of the silvered warhammer (<+5 to hit, Yellow 2). But he leaned back, unnaturally far, and the hammer spun through the air missing the zombie by at least a foot and a half. Abraxas took advantage of the sudden combat to swing his scythe (>+6 to hit, -4 dam defl, Blue 17), hitting the Guardian with a devastating slash through the blackened energy around its midsection (1d8+3 Damage, Blue 6+3=9 Damage!), and sending it to crash back 2 steps. It snarled, spat out the word, “Corfard!” and lunged forward again where the Fighter struck a second time (<+6 to hit, Blue 1 – Fumble!! 1-2 lose wpn, 3-4 1 pt dam, 5-6 stunned 1 rnd. White 5 – stunned). And was met with the Guardian’s first straight in the center of his forehead, staggering Abraxas back a step and making the fighter see stars, struggling to clear his vision.

“Fuck this,” Brendon said, reaching into his quiver. “Silver or magic, silver or magic, silver or magic.” He pulled out one of his +2 arrows from the Ispan’s stores, loaded it up and pulled back. The runes in the head and shaft all flared to bright silvery and gold light and the entire arrow seemed to hum just before he fired (=+6 to hit, +2 Magic, Red 8). It slammed into the Guardian hard (1d6+2 Damage: Red 3+2 =5 Damage!), making it howl in pain and whirl around. “Thief! Stealer of Corfard! I will swallow your soul!”

“Don’t call me a fucking thief!” Brendon shouted back.

Seeing the axe too close to the Guardian, Lyra scooted forward and gave it a kick, sending it spinning across the chamber and making the Guardian glower at the Cleric. She stood back and tried to exert her will on the fragmenting control, hands gripping the Flail tightly. “Can’t swing, or its all over,” she muttered.

Lannis though was finishing up his spell, quickly aiming for the Guardian’s eyes. “Hey! Look at this! IN BET GRAV!” (<Int check, BX Baby, directed target with Dart spell -2, Pink 13 – yes!). The pink dart slashed across the room and drove into the Guardian’s right eye socket (1d4 Damage, Pink 1), sending balefire to burst out and negative energy to leak across the zombie’s face, as it leaned back and chittered aloud in pain. “With Corfard’s will,” it moaned, “You’ll pay for that!”

But the Guardian whirled and smashed its fists and fury on the stunned Abraxas (>+8 to hit, +1 stunned, Black 10), its necromantic anger driving the fighter to his knees, his armor making horrible ringing sounds as he was impacted (1d8+4 Damage: Red/Black 4+4=8. Damage Deflection <Str, White 7 – yes. Half Damage 8/2=4 – Take 4 Damage!), but he rolled with the blows and turned as he was struck, forcing the hits to glance off where able to. (Save vs Petrification: <White 7 – no) But he felt his limbs seize up, his muscles grow taut, and his body shuddered as it stopped moving; the Fighter Paralyzed (2d6 rounds: 5+6=11 rounds).

It then turned back around as Lyra shouted out, “STOP!! I command you to STOP!!!” The potion roiled and frothed within her, her will streaking out, the Guardian rocking from the command (>Cha check, White 16 – failed).

And then it was over. With an audible popping sound.

“Aine…fuck,” Lyra cursed.

(Initiative: Steel Party 1 vs Red/Black Guardian 4)

“May Corfard fuck you!” The Guardian sneered and turned on the Cleric (=+8 to hit, Black 9) hitting her in the shield with its leading hand, shoving it aside, and then following up with its other, closing in to striking range as it hit Lyra again and again (1d8+4 Damage: Purple 6+4=10 Damage!). The Cleric gasped as she was hit, the chainmail flattening in places, her body rocking back, blood frothing on her lips as she was hit with deadly punishing force. (Save vs Petrification: <White 8 – no) But she found herself slowing down and then freezing in place crouched over, hurting, her limbs refusing to obey…paralyzed (2d6 rounds: 4+6=10 rounds).

And the Guardian lifted its gaze to Brendon. “That statue belongs to Corfard!”

“It belongs in a museum!” the Scout fired back.

Time is now Day 8, 7:28 AM

(OOC)

56 Mins Det Invis. Control Undead potion over.

Abraxas and Lyra both paralyzed for 10 rounds. Can still breathe, see, and even squeak out and mutter things to say – just can’t move.

Guardian looks hurt. And there are 4 of you left. Your turn.

PBEM - Episode 306. Vault, Snakes, Guardian(s).

Besides the Giant Snake, the group was aware of the downward counter on their time controlling the Guardian. So the plan was to take it out as soon as the snake fight was finished. Again..."plan". Very soon.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED SIX

(I/C)

Glancing to the side at the Guardian that was attacking the snake, Abraxas moved closer with his scythe out but held his blow for the time being. Kovid glanced at him and the Fighter made a lowering motion with his off hand, the dwarf getting the gist of it and backing off his attack long enough of the undead zombie to finish expending its assault. “Rapido Amigos,” he said quietly, “let's finish them and remove their cabezas."

The tactic paid off as the empowered zombie spun its axe in a wild display of skill and effort (>+8 to hit, White 14), ending up with three cuts to the same place as it then hacked low and high (2d6+4 damage: White 2+1=3+4=7 Damage and killed!), crushing the snake’s skull in before severing its head as far as it’s spinal column. It then whirled around, looked at Abraxas, and tapped its own head lightly with his axe, while keeping eye contact long enough to feel weird, and then finally turning back around to the other zombie snake that was now moving away from the door and slithering towards the party with some haste, jaws opened wide.

Weapon swapped to his bow, Brendon loaded up a single arrow and shot it (>+6 to hit, Red 18) at the snake, the shaft burying halfway into the body (1d6 Damage, Red 3). With a sling stone loaded and ready to hurl, Lyra warned the group, “Keep an eye on that snake there. We don’t want a repeat of what happened before.” Her sling whistled as the rock soared (+5 to hit, White 17), cracking against the serpent’s flank (1d3 Damage, White 6: 3 Damage!).

Hoping to repeat his same shot as earlier, the elf growled, “Wyn be gettin tired of deze putain de pute snakes in dis putain de pute throne room.” His arrow hit (>+5 to hit, Orange 15), ripping deep but the zombie came closer (1d6 Damage, Orange 2).

Lannis lifted one of his physical darts taking aim. “I tell you, the path of the genius wizard is beset on all sides some times.” Seeing the mouth open, he lunged forward and let the dart fly (>+2 to hit, Pink 20 – Critical – Max Damage – 3), the heavy projectile passed into the zombie’s mouth and slammed into the top of its skull from inside the snake. “Boom! Vengeance laid on you!”

The zombie python pressed on and Kovid pivoted closer to head it off, hammer already swinging. “Hold on to your butts!” (>+5 to hit, Yellow 10) the Theystran Hammer stopped the snake cold, as he beat against it (1d8+2 Damage, Yellow 5 – 7 Damage!), the floor shaking from each impact.

“Gracias!” Abraxas thanked the dwarf, coming to the other side of the snake and working his Scythe with an exacting precision (>+6 to hit, Blue 18), ripping into the undead’s flesh and making it shudder and writhe about (1d8+3 Damage, Blue 8+3=11 Damage!!).

(1-3 Kovid, 4-6 Abraxas, Red/Black 6 – Abraxas!)

The snake did get two coils under itself, allowing it the room and power to lash out and bite at the Fighter (>+6 to hit, Black 17), getting a scoring hit with its fangs and driving Abraxas back a step (2d6 Damage: 3+3=6, Damage Deflection <Str, Blue 15, Half Damage – Take 3), but he managed to get the shaft of his weapon in the way of the bite and pulled back in time taking a light wound for his efforts.

(No initiative check – Snake goes last)

Time now is Day 8, 7:26 AM

(OOC)

24 Min Control Undead, 58 Mins Detect Invisible.

Top of the round. 1 snake dead, the other really fucked up. Really great dice rolls. Each snake has 32 hp in their zombie state and you guys are kicking some serious ass. You guys go!

PBEM - Episode 305. Vault, Snakes, Guardian(s).

THREE HUNDRED FIVE

(I/C)

The group broke into a series of back and forths on the merits of each choice until there was a lull in the conversation and Wyn had a chance to speak. "So, I know some of yous do not want to go north,” he noted.

“No shit,” Abraxas grumbled. “No me gusta fighting those Serpentes again, pero con los Guardians leading the way, maybe ahora es el tiempo a hacemos. Y si correis *motions towards Guardians* then we don't have to worry about them anymore. Y they get usais their sword y axe for el tiempo primo."

“Unnerstood,” the elf sighed.

“Really?!” Lannis scoffed. “Cause I didn’t.”

He held his hand up and continued. “But here be my pitch to ye. My concerns are deux fold.” He ticked up one finger, “Un. If we go south, de snakes will still be dere later... en I have no more Knock spells. I spect we be needin' another day to deal with dis castle, so we need a place to sleep dat be safe, so we gonna need to get back to de secret hall somehow... en de only odder way be through de throne room. In odder words, we either deal wit de snakes now OR we be needing to find another place to rest tonight.”

Drawing his silver dagger, Brendon picked up the 20’ coil of rope and slung it over his shoulder, nodding. “Ok then. I like not being attacked when sleeping. Let’s take care of the snake issue once and for all.”

“Eccelente. And deux. From what Priestess been tellin us, she be havin control of de Gs fer bout another 31 minutes.”

“And less now,” Lyra noted.

“If we send dem after de snakes, dere be a good chance dat at least one of dem will die en another will be weakened even more... making it a bit easier fer us to take it out when de control time runs out.”

Kovid meanwhile had picked up the flask of oil (add to inventory), and remarked to himself that he had dropped off 280 silver and 170 gold earlier in the vault, “never noted it before,” he muttered silently, “so that drops my coin weight to oh, er..1158. Means I move 90/30.” Taking out his Theystran Hammer, he spun it once and worked his jaw, making his beard bristle briefly. “Alright so north it is. Let’s make the best use of Thing One and Thing Two.”

The elf took out his bow and arrow. “Wyn will unlock de nord door, den we get into position to hurl en shoot. We all stay 20 feet behind dem. If de snake does not attack right away, den we push de Gs to attack de snake, staying 30 feet behind dem as they do. We let dat fight play out, shootin and throwing as necessary.”

“I’m going to have to get up there, you know,” Lyra said.

“Oui. And de fighter should be wit’ you in de front.” He held out the dagger he had just picked up from the orcs. “Salazar, you cen take dis dagger for en extra throwin' weapon.”

“Gracias,” the fighter said, also bending down to take the Healing Potion. The rest of the group nodded as him and he smiled, putting it in his bag.

Wyn was wrapping up, “If de snakes somehow sound en alarm, den we just retreat back to the de hallway and go south. Everyone will go running to de throne room en we cen sneak back through de summonin room.”

He turned to Lannis. “Monsieur Offop... do you want to get detect invisible going now? We know Duchess cen be invisible AND she likes to sneak around looking around the Throne room.”

"Sure, I'll cast it, right before we walk in.”

“If she was to open the door en was invisible, the snake wouldn't know what to attack and would just leave her alone. So she could be in de throne room en we not know.”

“This all sounds good, but hold on,” Lyra walked up to Abraxas, “First the healing.” Laying a hand on his shoulder she prayed, “Aine, Goddess of Summer, your healing touch once again on our fine Fighter friend please.” (CLW: 1d6+1 = White 4 – Heal 5!) The Fighter looking more flush and hale smiled in thanks and Lyra gave him a clap on the back.”

As the group was lining up in the hall, Lyra pushing the two Guardians to the front, Wyn, who was by the secret doo, turned to ask, “When do we close de door to de hall? And at some point while we are in here, do we grab the ballista bolt and stash it in the secret hallway? Just some ting to think about.”

Lannis raised a finger, “Forget the bolt. As for the ballista shouldn't we disable it now while we have the chance, so it can't be captured and turned against us again? Just my two cents."

Both Kovid and Abraxas shook their head. “Si we clear out este Throne Room Señor Lainslides, we can potentially drag Corflutz to chase us here, and usamos el Ballista on him. It is not loaded ahora. So we can find the Bolt and put it in the Secret passage cuando we find it. Tenemos una location, tenemos una Ballista, tenemos una Dragon a mueremos. Este should be our place of lucha ultimo. Pero primero, necessitamos clear out y behead los serpentes."

“Too much trouble,” Brendon said. “There’s one bolt, right? Let’s fire it at the snake staring at the door across the room. They can’t use the bolt after it’s jammed though a snake and logged into a wall.”

The Fighter chuckled. “Firing the Ballista at the Serpente is muy peligroso and very loud. Something we should save for Corselutz. It is a Siege weapon. It should he used on a castle, a ship, or the broad side of a dragon infidel."

“Ok people, show time.” Wyn bent low, looking back at the two Guardians.

“Hold on a moment,” Lannis said, hands waving about. “TEGERE AN GESITUS!” and he seemed to shudder a moment, eyes flashing. He looked around and smiled, “Nothing invisible here. But I’m ready. Sixty minutes on the clock.”

Lyra leaned forward to the two undead, tapping their weapons. “When we open that door, there is going to be two undead snakes in there. Your job is to kill them both. Use the swords obviously.” The glanced at her, expression lax, and the Cleric moved a dozen paces back, sling and stone out and ready.

The elf unlocked the door and quickly ran back to the rest of the group, lining up behind Abraxas. Lyra pointed to the Guardians and said, “Ok, it’s open. Push that door in and let’s go attack some giant undead snakes!”

The pushed and the secret door pivoted open and the two Guardian’s entered the Throne Room, the rest of the group maybe 20’ behind them. And Idiot Too who was on the right, was SMASHED by a poised and ready undead giant snake who effectively fell upon him, jaw wide open (>+6 to hit, Black 7) cracking the zombie’s back and breaking his neck (2d6 Damage: White 5 & 4 = 9 Damage and killed!), before it buckled to the floor. The snake then turned its head and threw the zombie a half dozen feet where it rolled to a stop broken near the pedestal.

“And THAT’S why I didn’t want to come here first!” Abraxas noted with disgust, already picking up speed, Lyra right behind him.

As they hit the room, the last Guardian was already swelling up, black energy running up and down its form, casting a negative shadow upon it, dark balefire running from its eyes. Smoke rose from its head and Brendon looked down to see the Corfard Statue he was holding was smoking the same as the last Guardian, the silver dragon statue still cool to the touch, just some negative energy was leeching off of it.

And Chuckles flipped his hand axe from hand to the other, gave it a flourish, glanced at Lyra who just made it through the door, and smiled at the Cleric. Then he launched himself at the zombie snake and STRUCK hard two, three, five times in a dance of fluid hacking death (>+8 to hit, White 5) that sent deep cuts running through the snake’s body and large chunks of dead flesh was sent flying in a display of skill and death (2d6+4 Damage: Red/Black 5 & 2 = 7+4 = 11 Damage!)

“Um…yea!” Lyra cheered weakly, spinning the sling up and letting the stone fly (>+5 to hit, White 17), the rock striking the snake (1d3 Damage: White 6: 3 Damage!) in the skull before bouncing away.

Looking at the other snake as he ran into position in the room, iron dagger ready to hurl, Abraxas noted that undead serpent glanced at the party, but made no other movement on change of position, stayed ready to attack through that door. “Catch!” he called out, and let the poniard fly (>+4 to hit, Blue 14), where it struck the snake deep in the chest (1d4 Damage, Blue 2) before it slid free and fell to the ground with a clank up on the dais.

Wyn backed up once through and fired his arrow (>+5 to hit, Orange 18), sinking the shaft half way to the fletching in the undead’s head near the jaw (1d6 Damage: Orange 3).

Kovid took a different tack, turning towards the snake and circling around to the opposite side of the negative energy radiant Guardian, his silver hammer swinging. The enchanted Theystran weapon did give Chuckles some concern, the Guardian watching the dwarf out of the corner of its eye, but Kovid stayed true to his cause and beat (>+5 to hit, Yellow 10) the serpent without mercy (1d8+2 Damage: Yellow 4+2=6 Damage!).

Brendon came in and seeing the fight, backed up near Wyn and twisted his silver dagger in his grasp, taking aim and hurling (>+6 to hit, Red 20 – Critical – Max Damage 4) it where it flew true and sunk 7 inches into the snake’s left eye, bursting it. “Ha!” he cheered.

“IN BET GRAV!” Lannis intoned, firing a short dart (1d4 Damage: Pink 1) that hit the undead snake but it continued to fight on. He was more interested in looking around the chamber and his weird double vision showed nothing invisible in the chamber. 

(Other Zombie Snake: Does this apply to “second orders”? 1-3 no, 4-6 yes: Red 2 – no)

And the other zombie snake kept looking over at the combat and group but stayed at its post coiled and perched ready to strike over and at that doorway.

(No Initiative – zombie snakes go last in a round – unless they are coiled and ready for the drop on the party. Also, Guardian no longer goes last in the round.)

Time now is Day 8, 7:25 AM

(OOC)

25 Mins Control Undead. 59 Minutes Detect Invisible (60’ radius around Lannis).

One snake really bad off. What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 304. Vault, Snakes, Guardian(s).

I might have mentioned it earlier, but given the nature of the PBEM, I am being a stickler for weight and encumbrance. And the group had run into the BX problem - which is too much treasure. So they had a chance to reorganize their packs and figured the vault hadn't been found for 30 years, it should be safe to leave here for now - regarding treasures.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED FOUR

(I/C)

Wyn pointed to the Throne Room. “I say we go nord. Unlock de door, en de two Guardian zombos open it. We be ready to do extra damage to de snake with ranges shots when it strikes den we rush in and try to finish it off.”

“I don’t plan on getting in there unless I have too,” Brendon groused. He had swung his pack around and was looking at it frowning. “I’d like to drop off some of my extra weight, any chance we can open up the…”he nudged his head to the side.

Wyn broke out the grey sacks he had and nodded. “Priestess, please ask dem to cover dere ear holes and hum to demselves. It might be eerie, but necessary.

"Cover their eyes, that makes sense, right right,” Lannis nodded slowly, bringing the hem of his robe up and starting to take it off over his head. “That snakes waiting for the door to open. Guess we'll just have to be careful."

“What in Aine’s world are you doing?” Lyra asked.

“Um, to cover their eyes?” he asked pointing at the Guardians.

“Monsieur, leave your robe on,” Wyn said with a frown, holding the sacks a bit higher. “We got dat covered. As you should be.”

Lannis mumbled something and Brendon asked, “He hasn’t been right for a while.”

“Must be all the ringing I keep hearing in my ears,” the Magic User replied.

The party covered the Guardians’ heads with the grey sacks and Lyra stood before them, “Cover your ears. Mutter continuously. Don’t stop or move.”

“Corfard with take you soon,” Chuckles intoned, followed a moment later by Idiot Too.

“Bien!” Wyn said, taking out the key ring and unlocking the Vault door. Once done the group went through their belongings, leaving items here to lighten themselves up as well as gathering a few items from the loose pile we had amassed.

(Lannis leave 325 gold in vault – new CW is 348 (120/40)

Lyra leave 350 gold in vault – new CW 526 (90/30)

Wyn take Alha Short Sword (30), Dagger (10), Empty Flask (1), 5 Arrows, Leave Short sword, 40 copper, 170 silver, 280 gold in vault – new CW 1068 (90/30)

Abraxas take Alha Short Sword (30), Leave 289 Silver, 42 Copper, 4 Dragon Scales (40) in vault

 – new CW 1246 (90/30)

Brendon take 1 Dagger (10), 8 Arrows, Leave 539 gold in Vault – new CW 462 (90/30)

Kovid take 14 Arrows, leave Iron Shovel (20) in Vault  - new CW 1607 (60/20) )

While all this was going on, Brendon was covering whatever noise they were making by singing a sea shanty, and the group was also discussing their next destination and options. The party was split with half wanting to go through the Throne Room and taking out the 2 giant undead pythons now and the other half wanting nothing to do with it and risk going south through the smoke and dead orcs. As for the end destination, that too was also being battered back and forth with Duchess’s rooms maybe in the north east section of the castle as a place, as well as the Alchemist’s Lab and even making our way to the Chapel and looking there.

But the group finished their gear adjustment and leaving the last of the gathered material on the floor as unwanted, they shut the Vault door, relocked it, and took the two sacks off the Guardian’s heads as Brendon finished his song.

“Ok,” the Scout asked, “So where are we going?”

Time now is Day 8, 7:19 AM

(OOC)

31 Mins on Control Undead.

Updated all the weights and gear on my side, plus Leo needed me to lie down with him for a bit, and Jill is waiting on me to play Potion Explosion so I had to cut out some of the convo – but it seemed like there was not a definitive answer on where to go next. So Discord it and I look forward to seeing which way the group goes! Both have the merits and their problems.

PBEM - Episode 303. Vault, Snakes, Guardian(s).

THREEE HUNDRED THREE

(I/C)

Fingering the gold comb, Brendon noted the small pearls on the handle and mused aloud, “Worth 200 crowns back in Specularum.” He then proceeded to comb his hair, absently looking about before walking up to the chest and crouching low. He handed the half full vial of ink to the wizard, asking, “Lannis what’s the deal with the ink?”

“Let me take a look,” the Magic User replied, checking the seal and shaking it slightly.

“The way I see it,” the Scout said, “I think we have a few options. Stay here and wait for the wolves to leave or go through the Throne Room. I for one don’t think we need to go through the Throne Room. There’s nothing in there we need.”

Wyn nodded absently, moving back to the south side of the chamber. “I tink we just wait a little to see what happens.”

"I agree,” the Fighter said, taking out the two short swords and proceeded to wipe the grime off of them. “We should wait por uno tiempo por los perros a go bark up un otro arbol. Let's see que treasures we found!"

“It will take ye a bit to check de chest proper like,” the elf noted. “Du Lac,” he nodded to Brendon and then walked all the way up to the south wall. “Wyn go keep ear to door em listen to what be going on.”

Kovid meanwhile went up to the north wall and studied it with care, listening through the secret door to the Throne Room and grunting softly. “ So, we are literally between a rock and a hard place. Who has the next bright idea? Big Brain?"

“Offop... cen you use ye crystal ball to see what be in de throne room? Maybe we see what de drilling en noises from de udder day be all about?”

“Hang on, this ink is...” Lannis shrugged. “Well Master Scout, it appears to be...red. Hmm. I could look into it, or the crystal ball to see the throne room. If no one has a preference I'll start with the ink. I figure scrying into the throne room is the last thing we should do before leaving."

Brendon had shifted the chest around so it would open away from him and towards the wall, but proceeded to check it over for traps(no roll needed). “Iffin you have time after de chest,” Wyn asked, “is dere a way fer ye to look over de north door fer traps? Wyn not know deze tings en I figure it worth de try. Mayhaps if we don’t know, we cen unlock it and let one of de dead guys open it?”

“Sure,” the Scout answered, “one thing at a time.” Still running his hands over the cover, he glanced around. “You guys wanna back up a bit? Can’t assume there’s not a gas or some other fucked up trap.”

One of the Guardians was hanging out pretty close to Wyn, making the elf nervous. “Priestess, I know you do dis already but keep does tings quiet, s’il vous plaît.”

“I know I know,” she griped. “They need to be quiet. It’s VERY hard to do while in combat.” She turned to both of them, one finger out accusingly, “Keep both of your mouths shut or so help me Aine, I’ll make sure I turn you both into rotting pieces of furniture. You’ll be a fucking nightstand besides Lannis’ bed and will watch every night as he defiles his mom.”

“Don’t say that, Lyra,” Lannis muttered, still studying the ink. “It’s very hurtful.” As the Cleric made her way to the north wall to help Kovid out, she muttered, “Do we want maybe a detect evil or we know what’s around?”

Abraxas was swinging the short swords now and again, chuckling. “I think it would be helpful at some point.” He then started to put them each through a series of fighting moves, testing their weight, balance, and capacity (<Wis, +2 Fighter stuff, <Blue 11), hoping to learn something about the blades.

Brendon was pretty sure there were no traps on the chest so with a careful hand, he lifted the oaken lid and waited. Nothing happened. So he took a look inside and grunted. “Lots of orc clothes.” He sighed. “Let me clear it out, I’ll let you all know what’s in here.”

Wyn had his ear to the south wall (>Hear Noise, +3 bonus quiet, Orange 1) and Kovid was doing the same to the north wall (=Hear Noise, +3 bonus quiet, Yellow 7) as well as checking the smooth fitting secret door for any cracks, gaps, or signs of tampering from this side (<Stonework Check, Yellow 1).

Lannis laid the half full ink vial down. “It’s red ink, no special properties except for the color. Probably stains. Half a vial means that she used it but outside of angry letters she most likely used in all capitals and poorly spelled, I’m not sure there is anything else to glean about it.” He took out the crystal ball and stand, set it up and sat down in front of it. “Ok, ten minutes and we’ll know what’s on the other side of that wall,” he pointed north. With that he began to study the crystal, sending his will within (<Int check, Pink 6).

Wyn could faintly hear the wolves in the distance, still barking and howling, scratching and what not. He could also smell the acrid burning scent of the flaming beds, wrinkling his nose in distaste. Kovid could hear nothing on the other side of the wall but his keen dwarven sense did spot a few fine particulates of ground up rock and maybe mortar. “Hmm,” he muttered, “they must have been trying to get through on the other side but were unable to.”

Brendon had gone through the chest and laid out quite a lot of the material from within. “Ok, so we have: at least a dozen orcish nightshirts, each of them have some mothballs in the breast pocket. There’s some half a dozen pairs of large footed sandles. Three flasks for oil are in here, 1 full and two empty.”

“That part’s good,” Kovid muttered. “I have 1 left.”

“Anyting else?” Wyn asked.

“Yeah. Four candles. Two pretty decent iron daggers. About 20’ of rope. And this,” he was frowning as he picked it up. “A Brass ball, maybe 2 pounds.

“Don’t you have one just like it?” Abraxas asked.

The Scout nodded. “Yeah. I’ve had it for a bit. Truthfully thought it was just an oddity. Worth probably 15 crowns back at the city. But this is a second one.”

“Dey aren’t magic,” Wyn commented. “We’d ‘ave known de times we cast de spell.” (WMC: 3, 4, 4) The elf then pushed away from the wall. “De stink of de fire is pretty rank, but de wolves barked and howled and made tres noise and dey have now gone away, done being crazy I guess.”

“And did anyone come and check?!” Lyra asked.

The elf shrugged, chuckling. “No! I guess Alha and her wolf nuttiness is common ‘nuff dat no one gives a fuck.”

Still working the crystal ball, Lannis muttered, “This is a silly castle.”

Abraxas had lowered both swords. “These weapons are not orcos made,” he said with confidence. “I would guess dey are elven based upon their weight and size.” He swung one and then the other. “They also seem to swing light and easy, almost like they are pulling my hand.”

“Magic?” Kovid asked.

“I am no Brujah, so I can’t tell you. But they are both easy to swing, just short and light.”

“Der be a bunch o tings we need to check,” Wyn noted. “Let’s wait until Monsieur Offop is done and what he sees and we’ll see about looking for de magic.”

By this time Lannis’ multiple images faded away and he was coming to the end of his time and the images in the Crystal Ball grew clear. “Ok, getting something. Ok. I can see the Throne Room. And there is a large assed undead snake perched on the dais, coiled around the Throne, staring at the south wall where the secret door is.”

“Great,” Kovid sighed. “Any damage to the door?”

“It looks like the entire area had been beaten and hacked and drilled and what not. Wall is all scarred up and messed up, but it’s all on the surface. The under stones are all fine. Looks like they spent some time trying to force their way in but couldn’t do it.” He squinted, “So they set up the undead snake to attack anyone who comes through the secret door.”

He pulled back and ran his hands over the ball like he was spinning the image within. “And there’s the north door, and look, they raised the other damned python from the grave and that one is coiled up and staring at THAT door, ready to attack.”

“Not a bad plan,” Brendon noted. “Anything else? Like another guard, goblin, or otherwise?

Lannis was running his fingers over the ball. “Well..you know how we wondered where the Ballista went? Well it’s up HERE.”

“Really?” both Kovid and Abraxas asked with some excitement.

“Yeah. And it looks like they spent some time fixing it up. Doesn’t appear to be as rusty. Still only see one bolt though.” The crystal ball faded and the image went dark. “And there we go. Done.”

“So…what do we do?”

Time now is Day 8, 7:09 AM

(OOC)

And Treasure XP: 215 divided

Everyone get 35 xp, except Kovid get 36.

41 Mins Control Undead

3 WMC and no one gave a fuck. Lol. Ok there is a lot to divvie up if you want it and I need to know where the group is looking to go. Let me who is taking what. Please check the last post OOC section as well as this one to let me know who takes what.

PBEM - Episode 302. Orcs, wolves, and fire.

Plan B. Fire. Gets used all too often and for most any reason they can come up with.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED TWO

(I/C)

“Someone silver dagger and stab that orc,” Brendon pointed at Alha, the werewolf already reverting back to her normal orcish form in her death. “Disguise the wounds, make sure she’s dead.” He quickly started scanning the bodies for anything of value.

The last orc turned and ran for the bedroom, squealing as he charged away. “Not today!” Lyra called out, stepping forward and swinging her flail at full extension (>+3 to hit, White 20 – Critical – Max Damage 7 and killed!), smashing the back of the orc’s skull in and pitching it to the ground. She gave it a kick and then turned to the two Guardian. “Pick up a weapon from the ground, and start to use them when I tell you to attack.”

Abraxas lunged for Alha’s two dropped swords, the Fighter noting the superior crafting of the weapons even though they were well worn. “Not these, Senorita.”

“No problem,” she said, nudging one short sword with her foot and pointing to a dropped axe with her free hand.

Kovid had turned to the back wall and was dragging sleeping orcs away from the wall while Wyn shut the door to the room just as a four count of wolves hit the outer door and started scratching, banging, and howling there. “Dey are here, peoples. Let’s do dis room an’ go.” He jogged up to Alha, silver dagger stabbing and cutting as Brendon stripped her of whatever she had on her, loading his bag. As he was stabbing the orc, trying to disguise her wounds, he said with a smile, “Well, DAT be done! Dwarffriend, you be done over dere?”

“Doing what I can to make it snappy,” he said, dropping one of the greenskins but not before slicing its throat and holding it down as it woke up briefly, struggled, and then died.

“I have a plan,” Lannis called out, running to the orcs’ barracks. “Let me know when you’re about ready with that door!”

“Will do,” Abraxas went to the wall with Kovid, grabbing a second orc and also dragging the archer away. Once in place, he too sliced its throat and held it in place as it spasmed and died. And still the wolves were frenzying trying to bash down the door, howling and barking with madness. From somewhere in the Castle we could hear a voice cry out, “Alha! Shut those fucking wolves up!”

Abraxas glanced at the door, “Rapido amigos. Los Lobos are coming."

Inside the orc’s barracks, Lannis was going to toss some oil on the lower bed but he spied the oil lamp already in here so he picked it up, lit and all, and hurled it at the lower straw bunk bed, setting it ablaze. As it began to smoke and burn, he made sure the blanket was lit and then dragged it to the other bunk bed and made sure that bed ignited too. Satisfied with himself, he bent down and grabbed the chest that was in here, grunting from its weight and the shifting sounds inside, and staggered his way out of the room as the smoke and fire started to  spread. “Some help?”

Abraxas dropped the last archer away from the wall and Brendnon quickly scooped up their arrows. “I’ve got it,” the Fighter said, helping the Magic User with the chest.

Wyn handed Kovid his axe and the dwarf nodded as the elf worked his magic and pushed at the secret door. “BRAS!” he intoned, and there was a definite click heard as Kovid worked the towel and axe into the floor space in order to open the portal from this side. And STILL the wolves were beating and bashing at the door (WMC: 3 of them: 4, 6, and 5 – NO one else but the wolves at this time!), the portal holding but we could hear cracks and splintering as the maddened animals tried to beat it down. “Someone shut those fucking wolves up!” came another cry in the distance.

Brendon managed to find a comb of gold, a potion of healing, and a vial of red ink, half filled as Kovid (<Str check -4, Blue 7) managed to get the secret door open. “Got it!” the dwarf said flushed with success. “Let’s go! In!” The party filed in behind the dwarf making room carefully until Abraxas was the last one through and he pulled the secret door closed until it latched at the bottom. Once the group was safe and the sound of the wolves had faded behind multiple doors and the secret wall, they proceeded to let out a shaky breath and take stock of their situation.

Time now is Day 8, 6:54 AM

(OOC)

8 Minute Mirror Image, 56 Control Undead.

XP: Explore – Orc Barracks – 45 each (not much to see or do, but you grabbed the chest and set it on fire)

Monster: 7 Orc Warrirors @ 50 each, divided.

Alha, Orcish Werewolf Leader @ 600 xp divided

(Won’t do any treasure XP until next update after you look through the stuff you got)

Wyn Add 158 xp

Lyra Add 173 xp

Abraxas Add 178 xp

Brendon Add 183 xp

Lannis Add 224 xp

Kovid Add 234 xp

We have: 1 potion healing, Gold comb, 2 Alha swords, 27 arrows, the orc’s chest from their room, and a half vial of red ink. We are in the hall between the Throne Room and the Summoning Room, the wolves are making a shit ton of noise and every 2 minutes will check to see if anyone comes to visit or they calm down and disperse (whichever comes first). Although the smoke and fire should also draw someone to see what’s going on.

Lyra the Guardians each have a weapon now as well – increasing their potential damage (was d8+3, now is 2d6+3)

PBEM - Episode 301. Orcs, wolves, and fire.

THREE HUNDRED ONE

(I/C)

Brendon sidled a bit more to the right, calling to Abraxas, “Hold on, Doc. Let me see if I can free you up.” He took aim at the wounded orc, sizing up the werewolf before shooting. “Are you a wolf trapped in a fucking ugly pig’s body or a troglodyte?” Alha screamed at the Scout, scraping the floor with her claws. “I guess we’ll find out when we examine your carcass in a few minutes.” He fired (=+6 to hit, Red 8), the shaft winging the orc in the head (1d6 Damage, Red 1), making it reel but the shaft was deflected by the slope of his forehead.

Meanwhile, giving the door to the hall a worried glance, Wyn leaned towards Lannis while readying another arrow and shrugged. “I’d throw more insults at her, but I don tink she understands common. Just wastin’ my breath really.” He gave the one that Brendon had just shot, his attention. “I guess I’ll just kill ‘er flunkies.” He pulled back and let another fly (<+5 to hit, Orange 7), the arrow skimming just over the orc’s shoulder and cracking on the back wall. “Prick.”

Kovid pivoted to the same orc that was blocking Abraxas, hammer whirling. "Well I think she smelled worse as an orc, so that's an improvement!" The werewolf howled in frustration, eyes going wide at the dwarf took a two handed grip on his weapon and WHAMMED it down (>+5 to hit, Yellow 15) on the wounded brute (1d8+2 damage: Yellow 4 – 6 Damage and killed!!), caving his chest in and slamming him to the castle’s stones.

 "Don't be mean Kovid,” Lannis said, readying his rod for another attack. “She has a condition, it's not nice. Shame we have to kill her, we didn't even try diplomacy"

“Gracias!” the Fighter tossed off, able to turn and give all his attention and fury at the snarling Alha. “¡Muere, puta! Comes silver'ed Scythe of la día, Morrigaan." His first series of blows came in low and fast, cutting her off at the legs and making her leap about to keep her footing. The enchanted weapon left half a dozen deep bloody scores in her flesh (>+6 to hit, Blue 16), making the lycanthrope moan in agony (1d8+3, Blue 3 – 6 Damage!). As she was trying to regroup and tear her claws into Abraxas, the Fighter launched another series of sweeping attacks (>+6 to hit, Blue 17), spraying blood in all directions as his Scythe hacked deep and often (1d8+3 Damage, Blue 5 – 8 Damage!).

“Oh dear,” Lyra said mockingly, flail already spinning overhead, “you killed their brother and my favorite personal zombie.” She attacked, her weapon rattling as she smashed it against Alha’s flank (<+3 to hit, White 3), but unable to connect with seeming force. Frustrated, Lyra ordered the 2 Guardians remaining, “Keep avenging your Asshole brother!” She tossed back to Lannis, “And Diplomacy? Ha!” she laughed, “Please don’t tell me one of you would consider fucking a DOG. Disgusting.”

“Technically, that’s a werewolf,” Lannis shouted back. “And not all diplomacy involves sex.”

“Only the best kind, Senor,” Abraxas replied, ducking a vicious slash from the werewolf.

“Gotcha,” Lannis squeezed the handle of the Rod and the counter or runes slipped down to 8 (# of Bolts: 1d3+1: Pink 1 + 1 = 2 bolts. >+6 to hit, Pink 16…>+6 to hit, Pink 19). But the Rod fired off twice, one enchanted bolt tearing into the werewolf’s guts (1d6 Damage, Pink 5 and killed!), the second blossoming in her chest (1d6 Damage, Pink 2 – she’s still dead!), pitching her over very dead.

Lastly but finally able to lend their efforts to the fight, Chuckles the Guardian (<+7 to hit, White 6) turned his attack on the last standing orc, the greenskin dodging and weaving as best he could to avoid serious damage. But he forgot about Idiot Too (>+7 to hit, White 15), who struck him with a series of bone snapping hits (1d8+3 Damage: Red/Black 6+3 – 9 Damage!), making the orc squeal in agony and (Morale check: 6+3 = Failed) drop his weapon, hoping to run back to the safety of the orc’s chamber.

But still in the short hall, Lannis and his 2 duplicates turned back around to hear the multitude of approaching wolves (D4 wolves: Blue 4) coming closer and closer, howling and panting with need. “Doggos coming, less than a minute!”

Time now is Day 8, 6:51 AM

(OOC)

11 Minutes Mirror Image, 59 Minutes Control Undead. Wolves will be at the door in 1 minute. 1 orc left, looking to run back to the room and hide. 3 sleeping orcs. You don’t know if the wolves are attracting others or not or even if they are coming by themselves or not. 1 minute to plan and prepare and resolve. What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 300. Orcs, wolves, and fire.

Yes, it's a werewolf. And she is a tough fight. But then again, the group have proven themselves to be pretty damned tough and resilient.

Follows:

THREE HUNDRED

(I/C)

Taking another bead on the orcish leader, Wyn taunted, “You orc cows always be moo-in' orders. Putain like ye gotta learn ye place. Better out in de fields, I'd say.”

“Step up to my blade,” Alha snarled, neck swelling up as she swung her sword, “and say those words, Baby-Killer. Assuming you can pull your skirt up!”

The elf fired (<+5 to hit, Orange 1 – Fumble! Heartswood bow reroll..<+5 to hit, Orange 1 – Fumble! (again!!) Elven 1/day Sureshot reroll..<+5 to hit, Red/Blue 5), the arrow seeming to wobble in the air, twisting as it flew and missing the orc by at least half a foot. “Oh,” he barked with surprise, “I didn't tink a fat old piece o breedin stock could move dat fast ye bludcunted merde stain!”

"I had no idea Master Wyn could be so vulgar,” Lannis quipped, drawing his Ishtari Rod out. “Does he know there's a lady present?"

"Switch with me Brencheck!” Abraxas exclaimed, “Shoot las caras de cerdas con tu arrows. Make pincushions del hides. Make them squeal!" Brendon loaded up another arrow, sidling to the right and allowing Abraxas to hit the front line, the Fighter already working his Scythe against the undamaged orc on Kovid’s flank, the dwarf landing hammer blows like rain on the one he had driven back earlier.

The Scout frowned, glancing back through the doorframe, “Did you two switch personalities?” Scanning the foes ahead of him, he too drew on Alha and fired (>+6 to hit, Red 10), drilling a deep wound that stuck out of her leg armor (1d6 Damage: Red 5).

“This takes me to single digits,” Lannis noted, but him and his two copies all leaned to the right and raised the Rod up, firing it at Alha. (1d3+1 Bolts: Pink 4: 2+1 – 3. >+6 to hit, Pink 20 – Critical Max damage 6!..<White 3..<Pink 2). Three bolts ripped free, one of them striking her in her weapon arm just over her elbow, making her howl in agony, the other two got deflected by her armor. “You miserable WEASEL! I’m going to choke you with your hat!”

“Yer gonna have ta move dat flabby ass of yers, ye pigskinned cow!” Wyn crowed, “Or ye just gonna sit there en help ye useless underlings look for dere food stamps?”

Kovid meanwhile was powering into the wounded orc, hammer spinning in a dizzying display of skill. “I’ll guess I’ll have to redraw your bitch of a leader,” he laughed, lining the orc up for a headshot (>+5 to hit, Yellow 18), whacking the tusked warrior in the jaw (1d8+2 Damage, Blue 4 – 6 Damage and killed!!), shattering it and smashing his head into the stonework, blood spraying everywhere.

“Dilgol!” Alha howled, her eyes rolling yellow as she was barely keeping her fury in check. “I’ll eat your gizzard for that, Digger!”

“Whoa! Racist!” Lyra complained. She gave her Guardians the side eye, frowning at them. “Hey you useless rotting assholes. Do BETTER.” She in turn concentrated her effort on the wounded orc at the front line, with Chuckles and Idiot Too also beating at the overwhelmed brute (>+3 to hit, White 12). Her Lolthian Flail spun wildly cracking against the orc’s chestplate, blowing loose scales and rings off its surface (1d6+1+1-1 Damage, White 2, 3 Damage!)

Meanwhile Abraxas was holding his own with one of the few unwounded orcs, his Scythe spinning and arcing around in a dance of death. He struck and sliced (>+6 to hit, Blue 9), making the orc moan and wail as he faced the superior warrior (1d8+3 Damage, Blue 4 – 7 Damage!), coming pretty bad off during the exchange of blows.

“May Gruumash take you all!” Alha roared out, the orc shaking and quivering, steam rising off her form. Her forearms bulged. Her legs flexed. There was a ripping sound coming from her spine as she seemed to swell and grow, gaining mass and size visibly.

“Um…what the actual fuck?” Lannis asked.

Brendon (good guess during Discord, +25 xp) looked at his arrows and shook his head. “I’ve seen this before.” Alha tilted her head back and roared, teeth bursting, jaw lengthening. Fur rippled down her back as her center of gravity shifted. Muscles tore, knit, and tore again. “There ISN’T a wolf. SHE’S the wolf.”

“Aye, she’s a bitch!” Wyn agreed.

“No! Get your silver weapons ready me boyoos because she’s a Poseidon Damned Werewolf!!”

Agony was etched in Alha’s expression as she exploded into her hybrid form, half orc, half wolf. She stood almost 8’ tall and had to weigh close to 650 lbs. She dropped her swords and bared her jaw and claws, all of them gleaming in the lantern light. The damage she had taken seemed less (heal half from the change – 11 hp) and she tilted her head back and HOWLED (Summon wolves. 1d4 Rounds. Blue 2 – 2 rounds), her echoes running through the stones, the walls, and the air, making the party quail from its passing.

And then Alha the werewolf tore into the Guardian known as Asshole (>+7 to hit, Black 11). Her claws ripped bloody trails of flesh from the undead’s chest. The zombie shuddered, feeling the damage from the lycanthrope’s assault, capped by her leaning down and biting the Guardian at the juncture of the neck and shoulder, ripping a cavernous chunk from the zombie’s body and letting it fly (2d4+3 Damage, 2+4=6+3 = 9 Damage). The Guardian went from whole to more than half dead in a short explosion of violent attack.

Bolstered by Alha’s appearance, the remaining orcs redoubled their efforts. The one facing Abraxas hacked and chopped with his axe (<+2 to hit, White 11) whacking the Fighter in the armor but not getting through to do serious damage. The wounded one fighting Lyra (>+2 to hit, Green 17), managed to get a lucky blow in (1d6 Damage: Red/Black 1, Take 1 Damage) but most of it glanced off her shield at best. This left the last standing orc to try his efforts against the Cleric (<+2 to hit, Green 3) but fared little better for the attempt.

Moving slow and attacking last, the three Guardians finally managed to make their assault. Asshole, leaking broken chunks of rotted flesh and dark brown blood oozing slowly from the terrible wound, bashed the werewolf hard (=+6 to hit, White 9), necrotic flesh pummeling the lycanthrope and making her stagger from the assault (1d8+2 Damage: Blue 3+2 = 5 Damage!). Alha roared in pain and locked arms with the Guardian, the two of them ripping and punching at one another.

Chuckles struck the wounded orc at Alha’s side (<+6 to hit, Black 2) but it rolled with the attack and fended most of the blows aside. But Idiot Too was at his rear and the Guardian hit hard (>+6 to hit, Red/Black 13), breaking the orc’s arm and them following up with a pair of shots to the brute’s chest (1d8+2 Damage, Red/Black 4+2 = 6 Damage and killed!), putting it down finally.

And on seeing another of her orc’s drop, Alha screamed in righteous anger.

“I can't believe they let ye out of ye pen,” Wyn yelled at her, giving her the finger as well. “Ye dirty merde munchin cow. Figured sometin as awful smellin as ye might have been put down in ye first summer!”

“Are you fucking crazy?” Lannis asked. “She’s a werewolf!”

“Aye. But she’s an orc too. So dat makes her less den nothin!” he spat.

(Initiative, Party Steel 2, Orcs Red/Black 4)

From somewhere in the Castle, Wyn could hear the howling cry of a wolf. And then a few moments later, the cry repeated, but sounding closer. “Merde!”

The lone orc still facing Lyra, unwounded and whole (no morale check while Alha is around) bashed at the Cleric with his cleaver (<+2 to hit, Steel 5), raising sparks and scratches, but couldn’t get a telling blow. The other greenskin pretty hurt, redoubled his efforts on Abraxas (>+2 to hit, Teal 18), getting a few lucky strikes in (1d6 Damage: Pink 2 – Take 2 Damage – Did not Damage Deflection as it would only save 1 hp but give you a -4 on your next to hit, figured you want all the advantage you can against Alha) that made the fighter wince but was far from enough to take him out of the fight.

A few of the more terrible wounds on the werewolf appeared to be less hurtful than they were earlier (regenerates 2 hp/round). Alha and the Guardian were locked together in a titanic struggle, the werewolf lifting her free foot and ripping down, flaying skin from the undead’s thigh and then followed up with a lift and twist, shaking as she pulled and shook and bit and savaged the zombie (>+7 to hit, Yellow 16). Asshole quaked and moaned, intoning, “Take one of us down, the remaining only grow stronger!” moments before the werewolf busted something deep inside the Guardian (2d4+3 Damage: 3+2=5+3=8 Damage and killed!) and she hurled the broken form to the floor with a triumphant cry.

The last two Guardians both shuddered and grew more sure and confident looking, a dark radiance running over both of them (Each now +3 to hit and damage, still attack last, can use weapons and tactics). They turned to face Alha, glancing down at the broken Guardian and said, “Take one of us down, the remaining only grow stronger.”

Time now is Day 8, 6:50 AM

(OOC)

Good hunching guess, Brendon. Two orcs left, Abraxas’ orc is pretty beat up, Lyra’s is undamaged. Whatever wolf(s?) Alha summoned with her change will be here next round. She needs silver to hit her (doesn’t have to be magic), and appears to be about half damaged. You have 2 Guardians left: Chuckles with 3 pts of damage, and Idiot Too with only 2 hps left. Bottom of the round – you guys go.

PBEM - Episode 299. Orcs, wolves, and fire.

TWO HUNDRED NINETY NINE

(I/C)

 "There are quite a lot of them,” Lannis noted, “perhaps we should thin the uh...hmm. What do you call a bunch if orcs? A 10-31?"

“Then let’s push on through!” Kovid growled, swinging his hammer in a wide arc and then (=Str BX Baby knee tackle hammer smack drive back, Yellow 13) threw himself at the orc in front of him. His mailed shoulder slammed into the greenskin’s thighs (>+4 to hit, +2 BX Baby tackle, Yellow 16), staggering it back. It tried to stop the dwarf who lifted him off the ground and charged forward, tripping and dragging the orc at least 5’ further back (Str check, White 10, under by 2). And once he was done, brought his hammer up in a off-balanced swing (Half damage: 1d8+2 Damage/2, Yellw 7+2=9/2=4 Damage!) finishing the assault. “Now Lannis!”

“SCOOT!” Lyra called out, “OUT OF MY WAY!” The Cleric shoved forward, flail leading the way and Brendon faded back, allowing the Cleric to take his place while the Scout shook the pain out of his hand and swapped to his bow and arrow.

Meanwhile, seeing Lannis and his 2 copies working his spell, Wyn tried to push his way forward, "Offop, swap with me en hug de wall. You cen still see dem from here." He then drew a bead on the orcish leader, Alha. "Hey Miss Piggie! Does it hurt being dat ugly? I feel like I might throw up a bit from starring at ye too long... so I make dis a quick shot.”

“Quiet elf,” she growled back, eyes flashing, working her sword against the Guardian before her, “before I use your pelvis as an ashtray, while you’re still alive to feel it” 

“Bah!” he snorted, drawing back the bowstring, “I heard puttin lipstick on a pig might help tings... so you better start praying to yer taint-lickin whoreson god fer all de lipstick in de realm.” (>+5 to hit, Orange 13) The bow hummed as the shaft flew out, cracking against the orc along her shoulder, denting the armor there and making her his in pain (1d6 Damage, Orange 5).

“Agh!” she snarled, “Your mother hits hard and probably has a bigger dick, Treefondler!”

“Yer motha was a hamster, en ye fatha smelt of eldeberries!"

Lannis meanwhile was wrapping up his spell, pink lights dancing around his fingertips, the scent of roses in the air. “And here comes the big finish…ZU!” he called out, and a blast of somnolent energy flew out and struck the far Orc on the right side readying another shot (4d4 hd: 3+4+3+4 = 14 HD!), dropping that one, the next one, and the Next one! The energy also reached out far enough to just caress Alha’s back, but the orcish leader shrugged off the spell while the three archers were neutralized.

“Ah! Magic Users!!” she bitched. “Give me a FUCKING break! I’m going to EAT YOUR FUCKING LIVER YOU PINK ROBED SISSY MAGE PRICK!”

“I think I pissed her off,” Lannis noted, looking over at Abraxas. “Can you help me?”

“Si! Looking for some room!” the Fighter whined, seeing the hall ahead was crowded and there was little chance he could make it in. He gripped his Scythe tightly, shaking the weapon in frustration. "Putas, chupa me Scythe, you tusk'ed Orcasas!"

Not seeing any of the Archers still standing, Brendon shifted his aim to one of the orcs in the front rank that attacked him earlier (>+6 to hit, Red 20 – Critical – Max Damage – 6!), sinking a shaft into the orc’s chest, just nicking his lung and making his gasp in agony. “Tag, you’re it.”

Seeing the sleeping orcs across the chamber, Lyra commanded her Guardians while she plied her flail at the wounded Orc before her. “Attack only the conscious orcs!” Her weapon spun about, slapping about the greenskin (<+3 to hit, White 5), but she was unable to land a telling blow.

“Death comes to those who face us,” the Guardian identified as Chuckles intoned.

“I told you guys to be quiet!” she complained, unable to keep that part of the command in place while in combat.

The one behind her, blocking the doorway, Idiot Too, repeated Chuckles observation, along with the one facing Alha. “Death comes to those who face us.”

“Enough of this!” Abraxas shook his head with anger and both Lannis and Wyn threw themselves against the wall as the Fighter charged down the hall, holding the Scythe at a low angle and in front of him. With the doorway blocked by the Guardian, the two spellcasters were worried the Fighter was going to strike the undead but (=Str check, BX Baby throw the Zombie over the battle line -2, Blue 15) instead hunched low and HIT the Guardian at an oblique angle and SHOVED (>+4 to hit, +2 BX Baby power toss, Blue 20 – Critical!), throwing the undead OVER the next Guardian, skimmed the ceiling, and over the orcs facing them, where it landed with a bounce and a roll, pushing itself back up to its feet and turned back around giving the Fighter a deathlike glare. “NOW there’s room for me!”

Brendon smiled and stepped back half a step. “Please Doc, take my place when you can.”

Asshole struck out at the Orc leader (>+6 to hit, White 12), pummeling her hard as she rocked from the undead’s blows (1d8+2, Purple 5+2 = 7 Damage!). Chuckles struck out the orc next to Alha (<+6 to hit, White 4), but the brute was able to weather the hits and blocked what he could with relative ease. That left Idiot Too, on the other side of the Battle line, lurching forward to tag team the same orc with Chuckles (<+6 to hit, -4 thrown, White 10), also connecting but not doing any serious wounds to the tusked warrior.

(Initiative Party Steel 4, vs Orcs Red/Black 1)

Time now is Day 8, 6:49 AM

(OOC)

Top of Round 2 – party has initiative! Nice. Archers are asleep – cannot coup de grace with an arrow – has to be personal. Just a FYI. Four orcs in the melee and Alha. Alha wounded (not as much as youd expect given the hits she took, but she did ignore the effect of the sleep spell), and 2 of the other 4 orcs wounded. Check the pic for placement. You go!

PBEM - Episode 298. Looks and Orcs

TWO HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT

(I/C)

Checking his lantern (down to 3 hours oil in lantern), Kovid clapped his hands together and pointed at the door, asking Lannis. "Big Brain, is your ball put away?”

“Always,” the Magic User replied glancing down. “OH! I got it, funny. Must be all the ale. Yeah, we’re good.”

The dwarf chuckled, “Ok we got a plan. Back south the way we came through the goddess arches and east to the summoning room. Then we tiptoe north to the summoning room and take on the orcs.” He got a chorus of affirmative grunts and nods. Rubbing his chin, he asked, “Should we check for activity in the Ogre room? Maybe disable that alarm rope, we saw?"

Wyn shook his head, counting his arrows one last time. “Nah. Leave sleepin’ dead ogres lie an’ all dat. I be looking forward to takin deze orcs out. De only good orc is a dead orc, after all.”

The Scout lined up at the front door, listening to the hall beyond. ““I feel so much lighter, where did you all decide to go?”

Frowning, Wyn tapped Brendon on the shoulder. “Orcs, mon ami. Make sure to take de right to go down de ogre hallway."

“Will do.”

Lyra maneuvered her trio of Guardians to the door as well, taking place behind Kovid. “You heard it boys,” she addressed the undead. “We’re moving out. Remember, no noise. We’re hunting orcs today. You, Asshole,” she pointed to the unwounded Guardian, “in the front.” It plodded up there, standing near Brendon. “The others with me. We will give you direction for which halls to turn down.”

Taking up the rear of the group, wiping the last of the foam from his mouth, Abraxas readied his spear and smiled broadly. "So, Orcasas then? Vamonos amigos! Let's let sleeping Orcasas die."

Pulling out a dart and striking a shallow chested impression of a heroic pose, Lannis chuckled along with the Fighter, saying, "Ha ha! Yes! Vamonos! Using our advantage against a presumably defenseless orcs makes sense to me, let’s go."

“You mocking him?” Kovid asked.

“Me? No!”

Abraxas grinned, the smile not quite making it up to his eyes. “It’s ok, Senor Limpwrist mouth sometimes spends pesos that aren’t en el banco.”

“Look alive people,” Brendon cautioned, hand on the knob. “And keep the chitchat for the next time we have to sit around and navelgaze. Let’s go.”

He opened the door and once sure the hall was clear (WMC: Red/Black 2), he motioned the party to follow. They proceeded east, feet moving slowly but surely down the hall. Abraxas closed the portal behind them and they did their best to keep noises to a minimum. At the corner, Brendon listened and peered around, waiting a few before leading the group on. We travelled south, at a faster clip since we had been here before, more sure of ourselves, but still methodical and exacting as we looked and listened for any foes either ahead or behind. It was still some time before the door to the Lounge where the Ogre had come from and was eventually left slain, came into view; still looking undisturbed from their encounter earlier.

At the Goddess Archways, Kovid pointed east and after making sure the coast was clear (>Hear Noise +15%, Red 92), Brendon felt that it was safe to go (Enemy hear Party: >Black 10 – no), taking us with care to the hallway east. With the Gardens to our south we trod the hallway expecting something but were pleased to arrive at the north door leading to the Summoning Room hall without issue. Brendon led us through after making sure we were not going to have a problem on the other side, and the rest of the party followed, Abraxas sighing with relief as he shut the door behind us to the hall.

Laying his ear to the door, Brendon listened (<Hear Noise +15, Red 06) and even though there was some space in the open room, could faintly make out many orc voices muffled and joking, indicating they were up and did not expect the party at this time.

The group readied their weapons and opened the door, the Summoning Room looking no different from all the times we had been here earlier. We began to file in one at a time, ready to set up to assault the orcs in their chamber (<Orc Hear the group: White 3 – yes!) when the faintly heard laughing stopped, and the other chamber was ripped open, burly greenskins in various bits of armor scowling at the party from across the way.

(Initiative: 5 vs 5 – reroll! Party Steel 1 vs Orcs Red/Black 4)

“There they are!” the large female spat at the group. “Kill them all! Leave the elf alive for Corfard!”

“YES ALHA!” they all roared and charged across the chamber surprisingly fast, engaging the group when only about half of them had made it to the room proper.

“Ha! Fucking zombies!” Alha the Orc sneered, “I’ll take point on the fucking fleshbags,” she was beelining for Asshole the Guardian. “Take out the rest of these fools.”

“YES ALHA!” Three of them had bows and were setting on on the far end of the room but Alha and 2 others hit the party from along their front. Brendon was facing against two of the tusked brutes, one with a ragged hand axe, the other with a notched cleaver. The axe wielder had the Scout on the defensive immediately, his blows coming in hard in a four, six, eight count of overhead chops. The few that did get under Brendon’s parrying sword (<+2 to hit, White 12 – missed by 1) was turned aside by a faint pulsing glow from his enchanted ring. However it was two foes he was facing and he could not defend against every assault so it was the second orc (>+2 to hit, White 14) that managed to score a solid blow against his ribs (1d6 Damage: White 5 – take 5 Damage!), making Brendon hiss in pain.

Kovid found himself facing two orcs, although only one of them was focusing on the dwarf, the second was giving adoring glances at Alha and plying his attacks against the Guardian. So as it was, the dwarf was able to fend off the attack (<+2 to hit, Teal 14) without much issue.

The Guardian looked like it wanted to say something, but Lyra clamped her will down on Asshole as it defended itself against Alha and the other orc, and its words were squashed before they could be uttered. Alha spun her sword with an obvious mastery, feinting blows and hitting the undead repeatedly (<+4 to hit, Green 2), but none of them were anything other than flesh wounds. The other orc was cheerfully swinging his short sword, hacking and slamming the blade into the undead’s head and neck. He got a telling blow that rang against the Guardian’s skull with a wet thwock (>+2 to hit, Green 14), causing Asshole to pitch to the side before shaking it off and standing upright again. The orc frowned, staring at his sword with some concern. “What it Gruumash’s Lunchbox?” he swore.

“Concentrate on the Dwarf,” Alha commanded. “Leave this one to me,” she started to breathe deeply as she swung her weapon again and again at the Guardain.

Meanwhile the three orcs had finally set themselves up and each one called out, “Twit!” “Dead Guy!” “Stuntie!”, picking their targets before letting their arrows fly (<+2 to hit, Brendon: Red/Black 2 – no. <+2 to hit, Guardian: Black 2 – no. >+2 to hit, Kovid: Steel 16 – yes), all three of them soaring out, but only the one shot at Kovid penetrating enough to stick. “Got the Stuntie!” the Orc yelled, and the others good naturedly cheered him on (1d6 Damage: Red/Black 4 – Take 4 Damage!).

“Leave the zombie,” Alha called back. “Take care of the rest.”

Time now is Day 8, 6:48 AM

(OOC)

Bottom of Round 1. Your guys turn. Those in the front line have to face the orcs unless you swap back 5’ (ONLY) and allow another to take your place. You can ALSO, try using your Str to push the orcs forward,, allowing others to fill in the space behind. The orcs are all sporting 12 Strength, FYI. What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 297. Looks and Orcs

TWO HUNDRED NINETY SEVEN

Eyeing the potion of Growth but finding no room for it, Brendon started going through his pack and sifting the silver and copper coins from his pouches. “Let’s use the controlled Guardians against the others in the garden, get rid of them all.”

The elf placed his hand over the potion vial with the single drop in it and shook his head, handing it to Kovid. "No no, du Lac, you be carryin enough of de magic trinkets, Monsieur. I tink Monsieur Dwarf should take de giant potion. He cen take a hit when he is made giant size en he would have a good benefit from de strength bonus."

“Just asking, but isn’t a giant dwarf like a Human?” Lannis shrugged.

Wyn laughed, picking up the Crystal ball and then handing it to the Magic User. "Monsieur Offop, please feel free to take de crystal ball for now. Do you want to use it to find where Duchess or Mirabellis' cat might be? Or maybe peeking inside de alchemy lab?"

The Dwarf had mis map unrolled and was updating it when he looked up. “Oh Magic Man got a magic ball.... Is that what we’re doing? One thing rocks shouldn't be is magic.”

“Crystal, dwarf. It’s crystal.”

“Crystal is a mineral. Hence it’s a rock. Fancy rock, but a rock.”

“Whatever,” Lannis replied with a smile. “It’s nice to be handed a piece of magical paraphernalia, I tell you that.” He carefully placed it on the stand and then sat in front of it, legs folded and arms crossed. “Yeah, Brendon, sharing is caring. Thanks Sun, I'll start work with this.”

"While we be havin' de guardians, dere be two options:  Take them after sometin with no magic like de orcs or de goblins to wipe them out, or go after something that we want to soak up damage with... like de mage or other guardians. Or de orcs and DEN some other ting."

Lyra tilted her head and hummed. “How long you need to get that to work?”

“Ten minutes,” Lannis replied. “If we're going to fight the orcs we should know what we're facing, right?"

She nodded, “Ok. We can spare a little bit of time if you want to look for the Dutchess. After that I’m good with maybe going after the orcs. There was A LOT of them. And honestly they scare me a whole lot more than goblins. If we can tear through them fast enough maybe we can finish them off fighting something else.” 

Abraxas rooted around the shelves and glassware until he uncovered two mugs of clay that were still usable. He lifted the last ale barrel onto its stand, located the tap on the floor, fitted it to the bottom of the prepared barrel, and using his hammer, slowly tapped it into place. He then turned it and filled his mug with ale. Closing it he stood up, rested on the barrel, and took a long deep drink, sighing contently on finishing his swallow. “Whittling down Orcasas in their Barracks may be a good place to put these putas to work.” He pointed at the Guardians and wiped his mouth on the back of his sleeve before taking a second swallow. “Mess up their "safe space" como haceis a our rest spaces. Of course if Señora quieres to detect where the most evils are gathered, we can pick that spot vayamos.”

 “Woah there big guy,” the dwarf said with a grin stepping forward and pulling out the orcish Ram’s horn. Plugging the bottom with his thumb, he motioned for the fighter to turn the tap. “Save a swig or three. I’m thirsty.”

“De nada,” Abraxas answered. He gestured to Lannis. “Let me know what is seen in la pelota majik, I'll have una bebido."

“Will do,” Lannis replied. “And I’d like some too when I’m done.”

Wyn meanwhile had gone to the other room, stripped off his armor and personal clothes, and then placed on the uniform and livery of the Ispan’s Palace Guard. The fabric was of the highest quality and it felt real good and right. He strapped his armor over it and then placed the finishing touch, the tabard over the entire ensemble. It was hard to explain but as soon as he smoothed it into place, he felt…complete. Nothing seemed to have changed or was different, but Wyn felt good while dressed.

Sliding the grass bracelet on his wrist he looked over at the group and took a sip of the ale, frowning. “It’s no wine, but I’m sure it is tasty.”

“Indeed.” Kovid looked around the room and then motioned the party to look over his map, everyone except Lannis who was working the Crystal Ball. “Ok, here’s what I’m thinking.” He glanced at the Guardians and then squinted, finger on the map over the Garden area. “I want nothing to do with this place right now. Freaks me out.”

The group nodded in agreement except Brendon who thought about it first before giving a thumbs up.

“Our current goal is here,” he continued, pointing to the Chapel. “But we might have to go through this area,” his finger slid north the area that Arik indicated was Mirabellis’ Room, “and that seems like a fight we should be prepared for. If we are feeling fresh, now might be the best time, especially with the extra help.”

His finger slid north to the Summoning room and where the orcs had been heard, “If we DO try here first, we take the chance of weakening ourselves and we might need another day to recover before we do anything else.”

“All true,” Lyra agreed. “Let’s see if we can narrow down any information about Duchess and then we’ll plot out where our next destination is.”

He nodded in return, rolling up his own map, “Let me know what you think and I'll mark a route. Just let me know after Big Brain covers up the all seeing eye."

Meanwhile Brendon had divested himself of all his silver and copper coin, as well as the Brass Ball and the Manacles, putting everything in the hidden niche and then worked the stone cabinet closed, hiding his extra good within.

By this time Lannis was coming to the end of his contemplation period on the Crystal ball, all three of the mages’ hunched over the sphere which proceeded to swirl and smoke within. “Guys, I think I’m about there.” The party rushed over, looking over Lannis’ shoulder but not seeing anything in the smoky interior of the Crystal.

“Is it working?”

“Hang on. Ok…” he squinted and he was able to see the image grow clear. “Got it. I see her. She’s awake.”

“Where is she?”

“Hang on. She’s in a room. There is sunlight in there, streaming in. I see…windows. Two of them.”

“De castle dunt have windows.”

“There is that Glassstone sections. Where it looks solid from outside.” Kovid pursed his lips, making his beard bristle (Stonework, no roll) “Morning, sunlight coming in. East. She has a room on the east side of the castle.”

Lannis continued to squint, looking deeply. “Bookcase, nicely carved. There is a statue in here. A girl holding a dove. Elven looking. Not terrified so most likely wasn’t Medusaed. Two benches. Scrolls on the benches, rolled up. Weird looking room, kind of long.”

“Can you see her?”

He nodded. “Yep. Brunette, late 20’s, early 30’s. Not unattractive. Fit. Longish hair. She’s dressed, leather armor. Bandolier across her chest with potion vials in it. I’d guess six? Two swords, one on her back. Um…one of the potion vials on her bandolier is empty.”

“Probably already drank dat Recall potion den.”

“She has a necklace. It’s some sort of plant. Small flowers? I don’t…” (Wizard Int > 14, no roll) “Nevermind. She has a necklace on…of Wolfsbane.”

“What the hell?” Lyra frowned. “Why? It doesn’t smell nice.”

Lannis shook his head. “It’s to ward off lycanthropes.”

“What, Senor, is a Misanthrope?”

“Lycanthrope. Verewolf,” Wyn sighed. “Dere be a shapeshifter in here somewhere an de Duchess dunt want to get bit.”

The crystal went dark and Lannis blinked his eyes and stood up slowly. “And there we go.” He put the cover back on the sphere and tucked it and the stand in his backpack. “What’s the plan?”

Time now is Day 8, 6:32 AM

(OOC)

30 Minutes on Mirror Image. 78 Minutes on Control Undead Potion.

Ok – what’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 296. Looks and Orcs

TWO HUNDRED NINETY SIX

(I/C)

Giving the wreckage about the chamber a satisfied look, Wyn smiled at the party and headed towards the wight. “Good job, mes amis. I’ll check out de wight’s body en anyting on dat side of de room.”

Kovid meanwhile headed right back to the door and cracked it open, peering into the hall.

“Um, what are you doing?” Lannis asked, his copies repeating his actions.

“Checking the hall and verifying the map,” he said, noting the passage ended beyond here which made sense in relation to his map so far.”

“That’s great,” the Magic User uttered, looking across the chamber towards the cabinet. “Your addition to this party is immeasurable.”

The elf was stripping the Hobgoblin Wedding ring and armband set from the wight and Lyra took it, checking it against the one she had. “Matched set.”

Brendon looked it over (Thief Int>12, no roll) More than doubles the value. “Complete set of 4 pieces makes it worth 125 crowns back at Specularum.”

Nodding, Lyra stowed it in her pack (Increase weight to [8], Qty to 2, and value from 50 to 125 crowns) and looked over her three Guardians.

Pointing to the other chamber, Wyn asked, “Cen someone keep an ear to de doors in case we be making enough of a racket to bring tings dis way?”

“I’ll go,” Lyra said, “And I’ll bring the Trio with me.”

“Tres bien. Oh, and Priestess,” Wyn asked with a pointing finger, “did you do sometin different wit yer hair dis mornin? You just look positively glowin at dis moment.”

“Thanks,” she smiled, “I feel positively splendid.”

The elf got up and followed Lyra and Brendon to the other chamber while Kovid, Abraxas, and Lannis were checking over the wight’s chamber. “While I be tinkin’ bout it, two tings I suggest you be tryin wit de Guardians.”

Brendon commented, “Since Lyra can tell how badly the Guardians are maybe we leave the one with the most damage alone and witte down the others. It’ll make it easier on us when they get stronger.”

“Not a bad idea,” the elf nodded. “But for de immediate, first, command them to tell you what might be hidden in dis room.”

She frowned, ear at the door. “I don’t think it works like that. I can control them but can’t force them to do anything I don’t know or reveal anything they do.

“You are going to face death before this is over,” Chuckles the Guardian said.

“Yeah, an’ dats de second ting. Command dem to not say a damn word to see if we cen get dem to be quiet while goin through de halls. Can’t have dem announcing our presence, can we?”

“I’ll try,” she muttered, looking them over. It took some concentration because after almost 30 seconds the other 2 looked like they were going to talk but struggled instead, jaws moving and eyes flashing…but they didn’t say anything. Finally Lyra released the breath she was holding in and relaxed. “That was a pain in the ass.” She frowned. “I was fighting against the entire weight of whatever negative force powers them. It’s doable, but it means I’m at a stop during the time I try to keep them from talking. Just a heads up.”

The groups were looking everything over, turning shelves aside, moving tables, chairs, and looking through the cabinets and shelves. There were about 8 or so busted wine glasses in the wight’s chamber, from when it dumped the table over. And Abraxas verified that one of the casks was still sealed and in good shape. “It’s bueno,” he said, leaning down to look it over. “It’s stamped Stoutmeadow Jector Ale, Casked 326 CE.”

Kovid sighed, “That makes it 8 years old.” He looked it over. “Cherry wood barrel as well.”

“That’s pretty good,” both Abraxas and Brendon said in unison.

“Yeah. And only 1 cask left.” The dwarf frowned. “Barely 10 gallons.”

“Yeah,” Lannis nodded, “So little. I don’t know how you’re going to survive on only 100 lbs of ale in a barrel. I weep for your loss.”

There was a copper brazier in the room but it had only ash in it and was cool. And finally the cabinet by the ale casks was closed. A quick look showed nothing going on about it and peering inside there was a single uniform within. Looking it over it was the livery of the Ispan’s Palace Guards in green, gold, and white; complete with pants, shirt, doublet, hose, tabard, and hat.

“Fancy threads,” Abraxas hoisted it up and held it against his chest, much to small and thin. “And not built for me.”

(Given the size, Brendon and Lannis could wear it tight, but it’s made for an elf – Wyn would be best fit – if you want to take it.)

While the group was searching around, Lannis called out to the other chamber, “So Lyra, how long until that potion wears off and our new friends go from passively hating us to actively hating us?”

The Cleric took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “These zombies? We only have about an hour and a half. Maybe a little more. I don’t think we should leave them alone... or alive honestly. We should go pick a fight and have them kill off as many enemies as they can - if we don’t WE will have to fight those enemies eventually and have to fight these guardians.”

The Magic User nodded, “We should bring them to bear on someone soon, like the mage, or someone who doesn't have magic or silver available."

"Perhaps we bring the Guardians to the Decapatatoros in the Garden,” the Fighter pondered, “or maybe to the Orcasas barracks? Somewhere else? Señora Loppyearya, can you detect the creatures malo like yesterday? Maybe we see the best place to bring the Guardians to attack and die off before the potion can wear off?”

“Maybe if we start running out of time we just tell them to kill each other,” Lyra frowned, getting a three-fold look from the undead. She raised her hands placating, “Sorry zombies, no nothing personal.”

“Your doom is coming swiftly,” the Guardian she referred to as Asshole intoned.

Shaking his head, Abraxas added, “And if the Guardians in the Garden die to make ours stronger, maybe we send them in to take on a Mirabellisimo or Douchechess or Teleportationing Gob like Senor Lymedisease suggested?"

“Possible,” she agreed, squinting as she sought to control the other again, preventing them from repeating what the first had said, “Also I’d appreciate if you guys shut your mouths and don’t talk anymore at all. No more noise, no shouting, no alerting others.” They all stared at one another until the compulsion to speak passed and the Cleric could relax again. “Thanks.”

As for the original Guardian side of the room, besides the broken crockery on the floor, the cabinet that had the Statue in it originally contained a well worn clay pipe and a small pouch of tobacco (enough for 1 good smoke). There was a bracelet made of woven grass, intricately plaited and showing some skill. There was also a vial in the back and Brendon shook and revealed the bottom of it had a single fat drop of some orange potion still within. “Hey,” the Scout said, handing it to Wyn, “Check it out. This still good?”

The elf looked the potion vial over, cracking the top, sniffing it, and getting a feel (Elf check, <Int Orange 10 – yes) from what it might be before smiling. “Good find, Monsieur Du Lac. It WAS a potion of Giant growth.”

“And now?”

“It still is, but dis is only a drop. So for only one minute, whoever drinks it will grow DEUX times dere normal size and be like a giant in strength and weight!”

“1 Minute?”

“Oui. 1 drop, 1 minute.” He sealed it right back up. “You all let me know who wants dis.”

(Search check: >Wis +2 thief, Brendon Red 15 – no. <Wis Wyn Orange 6)

As the group was about ready to call it quits and finished, the elf turned to look at the arch and stopped. He walked over there and was looking over the north wall with a critical eye. He pushed at some of the stones and pried at a couple, and then a small section of the wall slid over and up, amidst a spray of dust and falling grit. Within was some symbology of the four elven goddesses and a shelf with stacks and stacks of gold coins. On a section above it was a round object covered in a piece of black velvet and 30 years of dust. “Sacre blu!”

The group came over to look it over, counting the stacks swiftly and coming up with a total, while Wyn and Lannis slowly lifted the velvet covering aside. Revealing a 10” diameter crystal ball and stand (30).

“Holy shit,” they both said slowly. “Do you think it’s real?” Lannis whispered.

“Sweet gods o de swamp, I hope so.”

Meanwhile the rest of the party finished their count and rocked back on their heels. “Um guys, there is TWO THOUSAND GOLD PIECES in here.” (Everyone add 333 gold pieces (and the weight) except Brendon and Wyn – add 334)

The party stood there in shock, contemplating their new found riches and suddenly felt very very far from home.

(WMC: Red/Black 3)

Time is now Day 8, 6:21 AM

(OOC)

Explore XP: 2 Rooms @ 45 xp per – 90 xp each.

Treasure xp: 2000 divided.

Brendon and Wyn add 424 xp

Everyone else add 423 xp.

Congrats, you found the secret cache the High Priests had left behind.

Anything else the party wants to take? Who is taking the Crystal Ball (wizard or elf type to use)? Uniform? Anything else we found?