PBEM - Episode 503. Clearing the Chimney

FIVE HUNDRED THREE

(I/C)

Taking out a couple of spikes, Abraxas held them out and yelled up to Kovid, "Tenemos tiempo, amigos. Usas el Towel, Señor Koglish. Menos sounds equals menos monsters, si? Usas cuidado."

“Hang on, Li’l Man,” Brendon advised, entering the chimney and climbing the rope (Climb check with rope, no check needed), “I’ll bring stuff up to you.” The Scout made his way up and handed the dwarf three spikes from Abraxas as well as his Prybar. “Don’t be a hero, and if or when you break through, let me know in case of shriekers and I’ll come back up to finish them off.” With that Brendon climbed back down and gave Lyra and Abraxas a smile, heading for the door where Wyn was keeping watch.

“I betta go keep an eye on Offop,” the elf suggested heading out, “Let Wyn know iffin ye need anytin.”

From above, Kovid called down, “Chiseling’s a go, look out below!”. Wrapping the end of his green towel around the tools, he proceeded to start working on the mortared stones with bar, hammer, pick and spike. Grit, dirt, and gravel slowly rained down as the dwarf worked, the sounds muffled and blows a bit off kilter (Stonework check: Yellow 3) but still effective.

As the first of the blocks finally broke free, Kovid lowered them below his legs and let them fall, where they hit the pitched section of the chimney and then slid down a bit before falling to the hearth below. Taking turns, Lyra and Abraxas swept out the bricks one at a time, piling them to the north side of the fireplace. As the mound was slowly growing, Lyra asked, “Is this really worth gaining the fireplace route upstairs back? Seems like a lot of work.” 

“Si,” Abraxas replied, “But it’s worth it. Once we take care of El Roberts, the stairs should be muchos bueno to use.”

(WMC: Red/Black 4)

In the hall, Lannis was watching the north hall with a heavy focus, sparing a glance at the elf now and again. The two friends chatted quietly for a bit, before Lannis cleared his throat and sighed deeply. "I'm glad you’re here Angel Heart,” he said.

“Why dat?”

“It’s because I can explain to you why everyone is clearly intimidated by my intelligence, power, and sexual charisma,” he replied. He held up his off hand and raised his first finger. “Starting with you, number one..."

The dwarf continued to work, breaking off the stones one at a time. After a bit, the first spike became too dull to be used and he was forced to abandon it, letting it fall down below. Abraxas gave it a look over and smirked, placing it in the discarded section of broken stones. And still the dwarf worked hard. He was making good time and then a second spike eventually became too dull to be used and was too let to fall.

(WMC: Red/Black 2)

Even though there was the rhythmic pounding, the paucity of the number of denizens in the castle meant that no one and nothing was coming to investigate. At one point, Brendon went down the hall to  check on Lannis and Wyn, finding the elf sitting on the floor, head lolling as Lannis continued droning on and on. Frowning, Brendon whispered, “Who the heck are you talking to?”

Meanwhile Lannis’ torch had run out and he had lit a slowburn candle next, and was now launching into more of the party that he was having issues with, oblivious to the fact that Wyn was so far gone and no longer paying any attention, "Next is Brendon. 1: I know more about boats 2: I know more about making sex 3: I know more about making sex on boats 4:..."

Shaking his head, the Scout headed back, taking up his position at the door once again.

Meanwhile Kovid finished up his mining and the last half dozen stones broke free and he was able to laugh, dropping them down one at a time before letting the third spike fall (Abraxas, remove 3 spikes from inventory). Holding on to the rope, he poked his head through the grate hole and then backed up on seeing 2 pretty sizable Shriekers just outside the hearth were swelling slightly at his presence. “I see you,” he muttered, and lowered his head, climbing down with care (<Climb, +2 rope, Yellow 11). Finally at the bottom, he gave a thanks to both the Fighter and Cleric for their help and efforts, while Brendon went down the hall to get Wyn and Lannis.

“Chimney’s clear above,” he said wiping rock dust from his beard and hair. “2 Shriekers up there, pretty close together, just outside the hearth. You wanna go up, Big B?”

Time now is Day 11, 2:20 PM

(OOC)

Great job! Chimney cleared. Brendon with poison and then we all go? If so, where do we go? Lab for healing potions? Secret area? Ghoul area to get the missing brass ball? Back hit the Hobs?