PBEM, Episode 115 - Guardians and Plans

 ONE HUNDRED FIFTEEN

(I/C)

“Enough,” Wyn said, waggling his finger at Lannis. “So next I tink we 'ead up de Spy hall. Will of course need to check dat door fer traps, du Lac. First, someone had de tought ov gettin de bowl fer de smokin' our de bees?”

“That was me,” the Magic User replied. “Make a censer, bees hate smoke.”

“Hokay... so I tink we 'ead to de kitchen first, oui?"

Going into his pack, Brendon pulled out a wad of rope. “I have the unraveled frayed rope from the well to fashion a cradle for the bowls.”

"Do you still have those spare slings?” Lannis asked. “Two of them crossing each other would make a fine cradle as well.”

“Got em.”

"Monsieur Dwarf,” Wyn turned to Kovid, “ye look like ye fought a dozen gaters wit nuttin but yer skivies... you need some 'ealin' before we 'ead out?"

“Know what?” he dug into his own backpack, pulling out a glass flask. “I could use some healing. I’ll be more effective up front the more hits I can take. This chainmail isn’t as tough as my plate armor was.” He tilted the bottle back and drank it down (Heal 1d6, Yellow 4 – Heal 4) sighing in satisfaction when finished.

As the group was getting ready to leave, Abraxas gave a satisfied smile. "I hope that statue at least melted a bit. I hope every piece of Careforts iconography that we destroy weakens him a bit. Dios falsos typically draw their majik from their followers, isnt that correcto, Señor Lanenses? The more we destroy the less fuerza they can pull, si?"

Lannis nodded, "Yes, very good Abraxas, very astute observation. Many gods do draw their power directly their worshippers.”

“Now…” Lyra began, Lannis interrupting her with a raised finger.

“Lyra, don't correct me." He glanced at her flushed face and faint weave. “Are you…did you have a drink?”

“I had a drink, sorry.”

“Well slam a few more and let’s get this adventure together.”

“Ugh,” she scowled.

“No, this party needs drunk Lyra at the wheel.”

“Senor, enough.” Abraxas scolded, sword and shield at the ready.

After making sure the coast was clear, the party left the Classroom and entered the main center hall. From there they travelled east to the North Hall and turned there. Going beyond the Dining Room they stopped at the pantry where Brendon listened to the door (WMC: Red/Black 3) and heard nothing. They opened up and stepped in, closing the door behind them.

Lannis and Brendon scoured the room for a particular sized bowl amidst the broken utensils and spilled dishes while the rest of the group listened at the door for anyone coming. After a few minutes of searching, Lannis (<Wis, Pink 9) and Brendon (>Wis +2 thief, Red 16) managed to find 1 chipped wooden bowl that would suffice.

They then spent the next 10 minutes making a swinging cradle for the bowl out of the frayed rope with Brendon’s experience as a sailor helping out in the knotwork (Background, Dex>10, no roll). Eventually they had a sturdy rope censer set up almost 3’ in length with enough room for the incense cones. In addition, the unraveled rope could still be untwisted even more to act as a wadding for the cones to stay in the bowl without crowding.

(Brendon, remove 20’ unraveled rope [4]. Lannis add Rope/Bowl Censer [10] to inventory)

Time now is 3:37

(OOC)

Ok! Censer is set up, moving to Spy hall or anything else?

PBEM, Episode 114 - Guardians and Plans

ONE HUNDRED FOURTEEN

(I/C)

The group continued to back up just ahead of the reaching Guardians. Swinging his silver Dagger, Abraxas said,  "Thoughts? Think they follow us to the statues? How far do we drag this out? We know silver and magic work. Señor Koivirds and I can hold the line. Everyone else fall back.”

Kovid shook his head. “We should go and go now. I can’t stand too many hits toe to toe with them. We have your dagger, my hammer, and maybe Lannis’ spells and that’s it.”

Lannis kept looking back, "They seem quite slow, if we pick up the pace maybe we can get away from them. I personally don't like being called a defiler, I didn't defile anything.”

“No more chitchat,” Wyn hissed at the corner, the sound of the harp once again playing behind the doors. "I will move forward to 'ear around corners. Let us not talk bout where we go. Wyn has an idea of where to go quick."

Still fingering the potion of Control Undead, Lyra said, “I don’t know... they don’t seem like ordinary undead. There’s something strange about them.” 

Taking the backpack from her, Brendon quipped, “And I thought I was carrying a lot. Let’s go Wyn, run it out.”

The group ran (Group move Silently +0, Red/Black 5) surprisingly light on their feet and with only some foot steps and the odd jangle to announce their presence. Wyn was in the lead and the party made it to the Butcher’s door and kept going, Kovid and Abraxas watching behind us – and the Guardians following but at a walking pace and being left further behind.

Moving quicker, Wyn made it to the corner and looked, and then again (Group Move Silently +0, Green 5), his infravision picking up nothing and then nothing again when the lantern light grew closer. (WMC: Red/Black 3) As we made it to the far corner Abraxas and Kovid could not see the Guardians anymore if they were even following us. But me moved as if they were.

Wyn took us past the dressing room (Group Move Silently +0, Black 8) and then past the Scriptorium where a quick look left and right showed no one following and then finally he took to the hall, ran us east to the Classroom and opened it so we could all file in. We were huffing and puffing and shaking with adrenaline as we caught our breath and tried to listen outside with our heart hammering. But after a few minutes we heard no followers, no Guardians, and no pursuit.

“Well,” Abraxas sighed, “That did not go exactly to plan, si?”

“Oh!” Lannis asked surprised, “There WAS a plan? Must have missed it when I was organizing my spell components.”

Time now is 3:12

(OOC)

No pursuit, no WMC, and we made it back to the Classroom.

PBEM, Episode 113 - Guardians and Plans

 ONE HUNDRED THIRTEEN

(I/C)

After seeing his massive sword stroke had no discernible effect and the steaming wound done by Kovid’s hammer, Abraxas hastily sheathed his sword and drew his silver dagger, thrusting it at the closest Guardian.  "These creatures are on repeat. They just keep saying the same thing. And Plata! ¡Usamos Plata! Make them burn, amigos!"

Dismayed at the effects the group has had so far, Wyn called out, “Dis not gonna work, mes amis. Need magic to 'it dem. Time to fall back and regroup. Dwarfriend, break de engaging. Salazar, stop trying to poke 'em to redeath. I don't tink they will leave de statue area, but just in cases... we head down de hall to see iffin they follow. Offop, block de 'all iffin dey follow. Else we cen get away easy. Dey slow like a dwarf waste deep in de quicksand. Allons-y. Allons-y." He tripped backwards down the hall, looking to see if the group was following.

Almost immediately after him came Lannis, the Magic User offering, “Oh blessed Corfard! We apologize for our transgressions. In fact, we were just leaving. Right guys?"

Lyra fingered the potion of Undead Control but did agree, “My vote is to also fall back.” Moving down the hall.

Abraxas hearing the words and seeing what was going on, lunged once at the one that Lannis’ dart had wounded earlier (>+5 to hit, -4 penalty swap weapon, Blue 13) his silvered dagger ripping into the Guardian’s abdomen and raising a reeking vaporous burst of steam and causing the figure to hiss and draw its gut in as if in agony (1d4+2 Damage, Blue 1 – 3 Damage!). 

Brendon was at the corner of the room, waving the Fighter and Dwarf back, “We all make snap decisions based on our thoughts and feelings, and sometimes it maybe wrong and cause others to hate you! I know this first hand! Don’t be like me! Trust the team! We promised each other we’d go home.”

Kovid gave two halfhearted swings to clear the area in front of him and them ducked back and skipped towards the entrance of the room. The Fighter did the same, dagger held in front of him, lining up with the dwarf as they joined the scout at the entrance, the three of them fading west out of the room.

“Abraxas,” he offered, “Thanks you for trusting Layra's intuition, my honor, Kuvoid's wisdom, Wynses' pact making, and even Lannis’s intellect.” He strung his bow across his shoulders and continued to head out. “Come on Let’s go!!!”

The Guardians strode purposefully after the group, steady and methodical if a bit slow. “You shall be consumed,” the lead one said, the wound from the dart and the slash from the silver dagger both oozing slow fresh ichor that burbled from the ruined flesh, “Consumed by the fires of Corfard.”

Meanwhile the one in the fire pit finally stood up, holding a shining statue over its head. “You shall be consumed. Consumed by the fires of Corfard.”

The group was about 4 paces ahead of the approaching 4 Guardians and strung out down the hall. Wyn who was at the corner did glance down in that direction (WMC: Red/Black 4) and saw it clear for now, both doors still closed.

And the occasional played string from the harp sound had returned.

Time now is 3:03

(OOC)

At the corner: Wyn, Lannis, Lyra, Brendon, Kovid/Abraxas – that’s the current order with the back of the line closest to the guardians who for now are still approaching but are a bit slower than most of the group (barring Lyra). I can also tell you, the one that was in the fire to get the statue, doesn’t seem to be bothered by the fire or the fact that his flesh is burning. Also, they are NOT running, but walking – so if at walking speed Lyra is the same speed as them, running is a different situation – but causes other problems (can’t prepare to see what’s ahead, noise, WMC, etc.)

What’s the plan?

PBEM - Application 4, Abraxas/Fighter

This was the 4th application of the set of interludes I had the group do for homework. I had them to write 2 paragraphs about what they told the Academy of Explorers that made them get hired over other potential applicants. In addition, I had everyone also write the same amount for 1 applicant (not them) that was NOT hired.

Follows:

.ABRAXAS

 “Blessed Corfard?”

 ~ ”Yes, Adept?”

 “What is it you are doing?”

~ “Modifying this Warhammer minifig."

“Blessed Corfard, that is not a Warhammer.”

~ “No, my child. It is the company I purchased it from.”

“Oh.”

~ “I should have not been such a purest though and just gotten an applicable rep from Reaper. Would have saved more than half.”

“I am…Your Blessed one can reap all those who stand before him.”

~ “Reap? No, child. Reaper.”

“Male or female, your magnificence can reap anyone.”

~ “Never mind. I am having a hard time getting the heads to swap. You would think it would be easy enough to make a Bretonnian mummy riding a manticore but shows what I know.”

“You know everything that is needed to know, Blessed Corfard.”

~ “Quite. Let’s get out of here though, I’ve heard that too much build up of glue fumes can play havoc on your breathing.”

“Is that why you had the windows open and those zombies waving fans around?”

~ “Yes, Adept. Only a fool would use glue that he or she has a bad reaction to in an enclosed space. And even do it twice.”

“So correct, Blessed Corfard.”

~ “And speaking of fools, it is time for us to learn the origin of the next personage from the adventuring group in our castle.”

“I am concerned, Blessed Corfard. We have not heard from the K’bold Shaman, Grilljax, today yet.”

~ “I too wonder.”

“Is it possible that they had encountered the Shaman?”

~ “I will convene with the Spy later this day and hopefully we will get some updated information. But for now, let us deal with matters we can address. So let me expend my divine will, and push back on the barriers that gird the realms of beast and men. Allow my want to be manifest and reveal to us the original interview of Abraxas Salazar…BEHOLD!!”

The room quivered with unbridled energy and a crackle of lightning stroked down from the sky, slamming to the cobbled earth the two figures stood upon, shredding the air with the stink of ozone and charred wood. Through the tear, a hole could be seen and in it a well lit room with a half dozen older men and women standing about, with a solidly built fighter in metal armor and a sword sheathed at his side.

~ “Ah, there is the Fighter in question.”

“Blessed Corfard does the impossible every time. I am a worm compared to your august presence.”

~ “Please, Adept. We are all who we are. Some are just greater and others are not. What matters is that we do the best we can and that we give unwavering fealty on pain of death to those better and stronger than yourself.”

“I shall, Blessed Corfard! I do!”

~ “I know, Adept. I know. Shall we listen to hear about this Abraxas?”

“Let us, please.”

"So, Master Abraxas, what makes you the best candidate out of the other choices to be entrusted with this mission? Why you?"

~ “I am curious on this matter.”

“Why Blessed One?”

~ “The Fighter is the both the most common and most important person in an adventuring party. Anyone with 60 gold pieces can string together a set of Chainmail, a Shield, and a Normal Sword and call himself a fighter. You don’t have to exert yourself beyond combat situations, and even if you are a poor roleplayer with no imagination, you can stand in the front and whack things with your metal weapon until it dies.”

“Blessed Corfard does not have much respect for the Fighter, then?”

~ “And that’s the other piece, Adept. I do. Because a Fighter is the most required person in the party. Without him or her, the other classes cannot do their job. The thief cannot set up to backstab, the wizard has no one to hide behind to cast spells, and the cleric can take blows but isn’t even close to the Fighter in regards to hit points and attack bonus. The Fighter always has the best to hits and does the most damage so anyone who stands before it is in danger of ending up dead in no time.”

“So this Abraxas, he is good, yes?”

~ “So it would seem. Let us listen.”

Why would I make a good adventureres? Es mas facil, señors. Necesito dinero y tengo fuerza mucho.

“Um…what?”

~ “Hold on. Hold on. We had this problem with the Babykiller Elf earlier, remember? Let me check…Set Up…Languages…That’s odd. Both Common and Spangommon are checked. Let me see…No…No…Damned remote. Best I can do, Adept, is subtitles on the bottom.”

“Blessed Corfard, I despise subtitles.”

~ “I agree. If I wanted to read something, I’d pick up a book. Nothing to do for it. Let us rewind this a bit and let it run its course.”

Why would I make a good adventureres? Es mas facil, señors. Necesito dinero y tengo fuerza mucho.

[Why would I make a good adventurer? It’s easy, gentlemen. I need money and I am very strong.]

~ “Ugh, my immersion. Let us continue to muddle through this.”

I can carry whatever the group needs of me, and have never lost a fight.

[I can carry whatever the group needs of me, and have never lost a fight.]

“Blessed Corfard? There was no reason to subtitle that sentence.”

~ “I know, I know. Just make believe there was, ok?”

“This is truly stretching my patience.”

~ “We will both have to deal.”

Granted, most of my experience is in bar fights, usually after defeating un o dos bad hombres. I can swing a sword better than most men at the docks. I can certainly punch better than all of them.

[Granted, most of my experience is in bar fights, usually after defeating one or two bad guys. I can swing a sword better than most men at the docks. I can certainly punch better than all of them.]

~ “As had been indicated earlier. He is more of a laborer that a professional fighting man.”

“But he was picked for this mission.”

~ “I would imagine he was chosen for necessity and the fact he would be willing to work cheaply on contingency. Let us listen further.”

I definitely could use some extra coin after the incident at the docks. But as we say at the harbor, "Ships come in, ships go out, as long as we've got work, what's there to worry about?"

[I definitely could use some extra coin after the incident at the docks. But as we say at the harbor, "Ships come in, ships go out, as long as we've got work, what's there to worry about?"]

“Blessed Corfard. He just seems so easy going.”

~ “True, Adept. I would also go far as to say easy going and confident in his skills. See how has no need to embellish his capabilities? Sign of a fighter who knows what he is capable of without any braggadocio.”

And right now there's no work. So my boss sent me here. Where do I sign up? I will do just about anything for some coin these days.

[And right now there's no work. So my boss sent me here. Where do I sign up? I will do just about anything for some coin these days.]

The image froze showing the council members all nodding to one another.

~ “And there we go. A mixture of confidence, need, hardship, and strength.”

“This Abraxas and his situation had that in its entirety.”

~ “Very much so, Adept. Sometimes it is best to get the best overall person for the job instead of someone who might have a few stellar aspects but a paucity of character strengths.”

“Blessed Corfard uses words like a five silver whore uses her…”

~ “Yes, Adept. Yes. And from your words, you do not.”

“I am sorry, Blessed One.”

~ “It is ok. Let us see though what an example of a Fighter that was not chosen was like? I bent the cosmos once more to my whim and shuffle the flow of time to reveal to us…BEHOLD!!”

The view changed again to the same room but this time there was a younger man with a nervous gleam in his eye, wearing a set of chainmail, carrying a shield, and sporting a sword. All the items appeared to be gleaming and new.

~ “Ah! As I said earlier. Any fool with 60 gold pieces can put together a basic fighter outfit. Let us see what this one has to say.”

"Bring in the next fighter please!"

["Bring in the next fighter please!"]

~ “Wait, wait, wait. Let me turn off subtitles…ok.”

“Thank you, Blessed One.”

~ “De nada.”

“Excuse me?”

~ “I said…ugh, subtitles are off. Never mind.”

“Blessed One?”

~ “Shhh.”

"Um, hi... I'm here to, uh, fight? I guess?"

"Yes, that is why you are here. Please tell us why we should choose you."

"Oh, um, well, the thing is... you probably shouldn't."

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah... I'm not really sure I'm the best guy for the job here."

“Blessed Corfard? Is this the way one would go about getting a job? Is he doing a negative thing to drum up interest?”

~ “No, Adept. See the sweat on his lip? The shifting of his eyes? The tremor in his leg? I honestly believe he is terrified of the possibility of going on an adventure.”

“Then why would he do it, Blessed Corfard?

~ “I do not know. Let us find out.”

"Well then why in Aine's name are you here?"

~ “Seems they want to know as well.”

"My dad? M-my dad told me I had to at least try to interview for this job."

"Who is your dad?" One of the other council members leans over before the young man can answer and whispers to him. "The magistrate?! You’re the magistrate's son?" The young fighter nods slowly prompting the older dwarf on the council to mutter, “Thor’s mighty love sack.”

“Blessed Corfard, does Thor keep his mighty love in a sack?”

~ “…You know what? I’ll answer that and the physiology of mammalian creatures and their reproductive organs another time, Adept.”

“I await that conversation.”

~ “That makes one of us.”

"Ok... but you ARE a fighter, right?"

"Yes."

"Good with a sword?"

"Ye... well, I'm ok, bu..."

"Right, ok. And can you take a hit?"

"Good enough, I gu..."

"And how do you feel about hiking days through the woods, past wild dogmen, to an old castle covered in magic, with only enough food to last you a few days, then fighting off dozens of kobolds, goblins, and other assorted creatures, while remaining days from civilization and potential help, risking life and limb for the chance to split a few hundred gold?"

“Blessed Corfard, it seems that the council is trying to dissuade this Fighter from going on the mission.”

~ “Indeed. As I said, the Fighter is the most important person in the party because if he or she cannot do her job, the other members suffer needlessly for it. By showing the young fighter what is awaiting him, he can make his own decision to vacate this possible posting.”

“Pretty smart.”

~ “Good planning on the council to help guarantee the mission has a better chance of success.”

"W... we... well..."

"Yes, son. Speak up?! How does that sound to you?"

"That sounds horrible!"

"Great. So you're here to get a job because you dad told you to?" The young fighter can be seen nodding furiously, barely keeping his emotions together. "Is this your first time applying?"

"Second," voice cracking on the second syllable.

~ “I believe he will need to oil his chainmail after this interview since it’s safe to assume he has peed in it.”

"Wow. Ok, but you can take a hit or two if necessary?"

"I, uh, I guess so?"

"Sigh. Yes or no, son. What would your dad want you to say?"

"Yes?"

"Good. How about we start you on a caravan and see how that goes? How does that sound?"

"Good?"

"Great. You can pick up your startling funds for the caravan job down the hall. Not as big as this castle trek, but it should get you the food you need." The Fighter stood up, bewildered and started to walk out of the room. "Oh! And son?"

"Y-yes?"

"Tell your dad he owes me one."

With that the image froze, faded from view, and the hole closed up with a hissing spray of sparks.

“Blessed Corfard. It would have been better to have that fighter in the group arraigned against us.”

~ “True, Adept. It would have been. But we must deal with the situation that has been given to us. It’s nice to want something to be different.”

“Like changing heads and other features on miniatures for the Blessed Corfard’s army?”

~ “…”

“Blessed Corfard?”

~ “…”

“Oh. I have angered you, Blessed One. I…I will leave now.”

~ “Yes Adept. You should.”

PBEM, Episode 112 - Guardians and Plans

 ONE HUNDRED TWELVE

(I/C)

Seeing Abraxas held off the ground, left arm twisted behind him locked by the shield, Wyn nocked an arrow swiftly and drew aim, “Oui oui. Defiler defiler. Arrow in de face. Etc etc. Salazar, be more careful next time, s’il vous plaît?” He drew bead at the one holding the Fighter by the neck (>+5 to hit, Orange 10) and the arrow flew. It scored out and struck unerringly on the Guardian’s chest, causing it to grunt and hunch a bit as the blunted arrow dropped to the ground.

Kovid spun his Hammer of Theystra in a wide angle and stepped to the two that were approaching.  "I think we need to communicate better as a team if we don't want to die in this castle!" The Guardians had a odor of rot on them that made the dwarf grimace but the doughty fighter stayed the course and thrust and pivoted with his war hammer (>+3 to hit, Yellow 13) slamming the silvered head into the rightmost Guardian’s chest. There was a stink of burnt corruption upon impact and the figure (1d8+2 Damage, Yellow 6 – 8 Damage) shuddered and squealed in pain, wisps of smoke rising from the new wound.

Brendon took up the spot that Kovid has just vacated, his own arrow up and aiming at the other figure holding Abraxas. “Really, Doc you must learn to govern your passions; they will be your undoing. Logic suggests...,” his bow thrummed at the released string (>+4 to hit, Red 17) the clothyard shaft hitting the Guardian under the raised arm and weakened its grip on the fighter, the bent arrow fell out and clattered to the stone floor.

“Si! Si! Hot head. No!” Abraxas was struggling to break the grip of the two holding him. “To be fair, I really thought there were only TRES in the room!”

“Yeah,” Lannis agreed, hands waving as he worked a spell. “I can totally get how two of those guys just faded into the woodwork. Oh wait, there wasn’t any woodwork.” The air before him was crackling with energy. “"Hey guys I feel like I was left out when we decided on this plan and now I look like an idiot in front of the Corfard guys. Next time we make a plan I think it’s only fair that we tell everyone about it. IN BET GRAV!" Taking aim at the one that Wyn had shot holding Abraxas, a pink dart of chaotic energy streaked out and flashed into that Guardian (1d4 Damage, Pink 2 Damage) where it raised a fresh rip in the creature’s skin and a wisp of burnt smoke rose from the impact, a hiss of pain escaping its thin rictus lips.

“I don’t know, I feel kind of bad,” Lyra sarcastically lamented, sling whizzing overhead. “We did infringe on their right to congregate and worship in their cult.” At the apex she let the lanyard go and the sling stone (> +3 to hit, White 12) arced out at the one Kovid was fighting, slapping against its face, turning its head briefly, as the stone bounced off into the room.

Meanwhile, gritting his teeth and seeing the other figure still leaning over the fire pit trying to get the missing statue, Abraxas flexed hard and scraped his boots down the one holding him by the neck, trying to relieve the strain on his left arm (Combative Strength Check: Blue 3 [beat Str by 14] vs Black 11 [beat by 7] and Teal 14 [beat by 4]) growled and cursed at the Guardians while whipping his body around. “Pendejos, you worship un dio falso! Él no es uno dio, he is a hombre muy malo. If we cannot convince you, comes mierda y morir!"

Their grip slipped, strained, and then broke as Abraxas stepped back drew his sword and hacked it into the closest Guardian, arms at full extension (> +5 to hit, Blue 10). There was a crash as his sword blade smashed into the figure, bowling it over and backwards, stumbling it to the table where it briefly held itself upright and staring at Abraxas, pushed itself back towards the fighter its midsection looking no worse for the wear.

“Um…Senors? I hit it, but I don’t see…” That was as far as Abraxas got as the two Guardians struck out at him.

“Defiler,” one of them intoned, voice breathy and gravelly. “You shall pay with your lives.” It beat at Abraxas who had his shield up in time, the blows falling like rain on a metal roof, clattering against his bulwark (< +4 to hit, Green 6…< +4 to hit, Purple/Blue 11) and although stunning his twisted arm, did no lasting damage.

“Defiler,” the one assaulting Kovid said (=+4 to hit, Red/Grey 10), “You shall pay with your lives.” It was a buffeting series of hits and the dwarf’s chainmail, although well made, was not the same as the platemail he had been wearing earlier in the adventure, and some of the damage did pass through to him (1d8 Damage, Red/Black 1 – Take 1 Damage).

The second Guardian, the one he had hurt earlier, also murmured out, “Defiler. You shall pay with your lives.” (> +4 to hit, Red/Black 12) Kovid tried to roll with the hits but their blows were sure and strong (1d8 Damage, Purple 3 – Take 3 Damage) and the dwarf felt them through his armor and into his bones.

Lastly, the one that was leaning over the fire trying to get the statue (50/50 grab: Red/Black 4 – no) was having no luck. “Defiler.” It howled, skin popping in the flames. “You shall pay with your lives.” It pulled itself entirely into the fire pit and began scooping out hot burning embers from within and throwing them out of the pit while looking for the tossed lizard looking statue.

(Initiative Party Steel 1, Guardian Red/Black 3, Guard…PARTY wins initiative.)

Time now is 3:02

(OOC)

Even though the party did not roll well on the initiative, your side acts first. Lots of hits, very few recorded damage. What’s the plan?

PBEM, Episode 111 - Guardians and Plans

 ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN

(I/C)

Lannis whispered to the group, “I’ve got this. Watch.” He cleared his throat and stepped forward, hands upraised in a sign of friendship. “Oh blessed Guardians, we ask you to welcome us. We have heard the words of Blessed Corfard and have come on a pilgrimage here to pray at his altar. His wickedness and power stretch far beyond the walls of this castle, to realms awaiting his touch. Our long journey and hard fought battles have brought us here so that we… Oh! Hey!” He interrupted himself, the burly Fighter pushing past him, his sword sheathed and his shield up, growling. “Abraxas, where are you going?"

 "Fuck Corefart!” he howled and then CHARGED (double movement) towards the table with the statue on it. “That mama la pinga, can chupa mi culo!”

Kovid gripped his hammer and cursed, “Thor’s Balls, Abrax-Ass!” while Brendon slipped out of the room looking back down the hall we came from, bow in hand and hissing, “Noise!”

The badly disfigured Guardians (Surprise check: Red/Black 5 – no) were not prepared for the Fighter’s charge but the two closest to the table made to intercept the running man (combative Dex: Blue 1 [beat number by 10] vs Red 19 and Grey/Red 6 [combined failed number by 7]) but Abraxas was way too fast for them. He hit the table just ahead of them, and turned in one motion toward the table with the fire burning, howling out, “Eat fire, Fucker!” as he tossed the heavy silver statue (&gt;Throw Blue 15) unerringly across the chamber where the stature fell into the raised table and fire, sending up a cloud of embers.

Wyn stepped in and to the left and Lyra stepped in and to the right. The elf tried to appear non threatening, saying, “Sorry 'bout yer statue. Dat Corfard fellow blinded mon ami 'ere en did some likely lastin' damage to 'is min…”

That was as far as he got when all hell broke loose the two closest figures grabbed Abraxas (&gt;Grapple Black 20 – Critical!...&gt;Grapple Teal 18), one of them latching onto his shield and bending his arm backwards painfully while the other gripped the fighter by the throat and with apparent ease, lifted his clear off the ground and was squeezing. “Defiler.” Is hissed in its sepulchral voice. “You were told to leave.”

At the other table two of the figures turned to the party while the last one leaned over the wall of the table and ignoring the fire, reached into the burning mess to try and fish out the statue that had been tossed in there, the stink of burning flesh filling the room.

“Defiler. You were told to leave.”

(Initiative: Party Steel 5 vs Guardians (without Starlord) Red/Black 2 – Party wins)

Top of the round

Time now is 3:01

(OOC)

Well, I am shocked, shocked to see this happen! Hahaha. No really, I’m not.

Wyn had mentioned quickdraw and sure shooting his bow at one of the Guardians holding Abraxas – one has his by the throat and is lifting him off the ground, the other has his shield arm locked up and twisted in place (the critical – 1 arm tied up). Lyra has sling, Kovid has hammer, Brendon has bow but is looking back down the hall for the Butcher and/or anything else to come, and Lannis has his pluck.

PBEM, Episode 110 - Scooby, Dresses, and Hallways

We're back! 

ONE HUNDRED TEN

(I/C)

The group decided to have Kovid open the door and as the dwarf went up to do so, Lyra laid a hand on his arm and whispered, “Before we go in this room - maybe we should consider some precautions? Stuffing some wax in our ears might be a good idea. We don’t know if this music is safe or not and honestly... very few things have been safe in this castle thus far.”

The party all looked at one another, Brendon opening his bulging backpack and rooting around for the dried wax candles within. “Good idea, lass.”

Kovid took the candle from Brendon and busted off a piece, sliding the wick out as he worked it between his fingers. “Hmm I am suspicious about this music as well. I fear it conceals danger. Thanks for the wax, Brendon, and for the idea Lady Lyra."

The Magic User held his hand out for the flaking candle as well. “"Yes Lyra, good thinking. I had already thought of it of course, but had yet to vocalize it, so I applaud you on thinking of the suggestion second. Hand me the wax, Brendon, please."

Wyn also broke off a piece of the candle, most of the group was now trying to work the wax softer. “Dis ees good idea, Priestess.”

Abraxas did not take a piece. "Someone should stay alert for dangers amigos. Es muy peligroso for all of us to have no one listen. Señor Lawmess y Señora Leyera, I have seen you freeze pendejos in their tracks. Can you perhaps be at the ready to cast it on me if I am enchanted? I will go in without the waxy ears, and keep my ears y eyes open. I will remain at the back, so can one of you watch me as I enter? Gracias amigos."

The elf nodded, clapping the Fighter once on the shoulder in gratitude. “En tank you Monsieur Salazar for keeping an ear open.” He looked at the party. “I shall keep one ear open, ready to plug it up should need be.”

“Again, having great ideas when I have them,” Lannis said. “I shall do the same but will do it first and Wyn shall do as I would have suggested to do.”

The minutes passed by as the group tried to work the candle softer but all it did was bent and break and flake off and after a few frustrating minutes Kovid tossed his mangled wax pieces to the ground and held his hand out to Brendon. “I have an idea, let’s try a candle that isn’t as dry as Loki’s Itchy Scalp, huh?” As the scout handed over a fresher candle that had taken from the box, the dwarf repeated his gesture with breaking off a piece and this time was able to work it and mold it swiftly to his needs.

The rest of the party did the same, discarding their older pieces in exchange for fresher until most of the group had their ears plugged except for Abraxas, while Wyn and Lannis only plugged one ear, a wax plug ready for the second one. Weapons ready, relying more on hand motions and what not, the all drew together as Kovid grabbed the handle and turned it, pushing the door solidly in and to the left.

And the door stopped before it even opened. He turned the knob a second time and pushed again. And again the door barely moved. “Stuck,” he said enunciating the word. “Barred from the other side.”

Abraxas tilted his head. “Senors?”

“Don’t think I should open it,” Kovid said, pulling one of the plugs out. “It’ll make a hell of a lot of noise. Should move on to the next room.”

“We have ear plugs in, nobody can hear us,” Lannis said.

“Senors,” Abraxas repeated.

“Butcher would hear us making a racket,” Kovid added.

“I’m sure he’s busy,” the Magic User suggested sarcastically. “Open it up.”

“Lannis, why don’t you open it up with your superior intellect,” Brendon scoffed.

“Don’t listen to that coward,” Lannis smirked. “Kick it in.”

“Don’t damage your foot, Kovid,” the Scout added. “Use Lannis’ thick skull.”

“The two of you, knock it off,” Lyra hissed, pulling out an ear plug as well.

“SENORS…” Abraxas whispered again intently.

“Eh?” Wyn asked.

“La arpa.”

“What about it,” Kovid asked.

“She has gone quiet.”

The group all grew silent and listened. Where before we could hear an occasional not being played. At this point, there was none. Nothing. It was silent beyond the door.

“Change of plans,” Lannis said, folding his hands over his chest. “Move on to the next room.”

“Oh. Thor’s Billowing Flatulence,” Kovid swore.

“Can still go in,” Wyn suggested.

“Barred, from the other side. And it’ll make too much noise.”

“Senors, let’s vaminos. Forward, si?”

The group was already moving forward around the corner, Wyn hanging back briefly to listen to the door one last time. “Zee music. I cannot ‘ear it. I wonder iffin dere be any song I remember from me younger days being played in dere..."

"Doubtful Wyn,” Lannis said, motioning the elf to go ahead of him, Abraxas taking up the rear. “That sounded like a harp of some kind playing; not a clay jug and wash board.” He scoffed, “To be fair, it could have been a banjo."

Moving to the corridor and turning east, Brendon resumed his scouting, head shaking with concern. “That is two doors we’ve now gone past and left at our six. We have to be vigilant from this point out, don’t want to be caught with foes behind us and before us.”

The passage had gone east maybe 40’ before opening up to a larger room. A wavering light was in the corner of the chamber. The north wall was crude and unworked cavern stone while the floor, south, and east walls were finished castle stone. There was a DOOR on the far end of the room, the door had been staved in some time ago and had a massive hole in the bottom of it but still worked on functioning hinges.

A raised round stone TABLE and pit 3’ around was in the southeast corner, a single flame was burning in the center, illuminating 3 figures surrounding it. They were in terrible shape, their flesh was mottled, burned, scarred, and missing in some places, showing raw muscle and ligament beneath. In the northeast corner was a wooden TABLE with 4 skulls on it, humanoid, and in each corner. In the middle of the table was a silver STATUE of some lizard looking figure. Two more badly hurt and carved up figures were standing there, one watching the statue, the other was facing the rest of the group, its hand upraised in a ‘stop’ action. (Reaction roll: Red/Black 3, 3 – 6 – neutral and waiting)

“See?” Brendon huffed. “See? What did I just say?”

“Leave,” the figure with its hand upraised said, its voice was raspy and deep, breathy and strange. “We are the Guardians of Corfard.” The other figured in the room all turned to look at the party, their muscles and joints making strange creaking noises as they moved. As one they all intoned, “Leave…We are the Guardians of Corfard.”

“I hate this castle,” Lannis bitched, holding his chest tight between his clenching hands, backing up so he was safely behind Lyra’s armored form.

Time now is 3:00

(OOC)

What’s the plan?

Hurricane Isaias - Interrupting

Yep - been without power for a few days as well as some of my players

Hopefully we'll be back soon!

Thanks and be safe

-V

PBEM, Episode 109 - Scooby, Dresses, and Hallways

ONE HUNDRED NINE

(I/C)
“Hmm,” Brendon rubbed his chin, deep in though. “I wonder if there is copper sulfate beyond that door. Sand and salt are used to in separating the copper.”

Lannis looked the scout up and down incredulously. “Have you SEEN any copper works anywhere so far? And that just seem needlessly complicated to even contemplate.” He shrugged. "Let's avoid the Butcher for now, the music seems far less dangerous. Jowass certainly didn't make his visits here seem all that pleasant, and I'd rather not have my nipples be made to be part of a charcuterie board at the moment.”

The Cleric nodded. “I agree with Lannis. Copper salt and sand though? I don’t really know where the sand would some from…The copper smell could be... I don’t know, blood?”

Meanwhile Abraxas lifted his shield up and motioned down the hall. “To the door, Senor,” turning to Wyn he whispered, "On your mark, amigo."

The elf shook his head. "Monsieur... I dont tink we attack right now. We wait... scout more... knock on door to Butcher later... oui?"

Kovid grunted, beard bristling. “We may regret not having dealt with the Butcher first while all was quiet. I don’t like enemies coming up from behind”

Addressing the Dwarf, Wyn replied, "I tink we need to deal with de Butcha at some point... but mayhaps it be better to wait still we know what ees round de corner up dere. Can we walk quietly up to de corner en du Lac en moi scout furdder?"

“It would be best for my nipples. Mine and yours,” Lannis asserted.

"Oui, exactly. Protect de nipples... ok? 'opefully de Butcha do not come out while we gone. If 'e does, just say dat you down 'ere 'cause Jowas gave us a map before 'ee left en we explorin de castle. Den apologize fer disturbin 'im.”

Thinking about it for a bit, the dwarf sighed and nodded once. “I agree with my elf friend. We should see what is around the corner before we take on such a foe.”

"Ok... allons-y..."

The group drew up again to explore, Brendon Wyn and Kovid in the front, Lannis in the middle, Lyra and Abraxas in the rear. With blows, slings, swords, and hammers at the ready, the explorers travelled down the long north hall moving at a slow and measured pace. Brendon was most concerned about the party’s noise as they walked (Br +4, Ly -1, Lan +2, Abr -3, Wyn +1, Kov -3 = Net +0. Move Ambient Noise: Red/Black 10 + 0 = 10). There was the occasional jangle of metal on leather or the scuff of boot on stone, but for the most part the party did their best to travel past the “Butcher’s” Door.

Kovid was looking intently for any splatters or drag marks (none) and the group didn’t see anything else or different that the two scouts had reported 10 minutes earlier.

Eventually they made it safely past the door and continued on to the end of the hall. The door here was closed and Brendon proceeded to check it over intently while Kovid and Wyn went around the corner, relying on their infravision to help out. Wyn (>Wis, Orange 15) had to walk a few feet down the passage to get away from the light, the dwarf had left his lantern with the others to join him in looking. Listening as well, ears cocked (>Hear Noise, Orange 5) he paused letting his senses fill up.

“Stale.” He muttered. “Smells stale, like eet is not fresh. Can’t explain it.” He squinted, whispering to Kovid. “Looks like eet opens up, 25 paces or so into a room, no features, no heat sourzesz.”

“Hmm,” the dwarf murmured (Stonework, Yellow 1). “Stale yes, but I think the walls, north side, they appear to be cruder than the rest of the castle. More hacked into the rock than built out of it.”

“Whats it mean, Monsieur?”

“Don’t know. And not going to check without the others.” He pointed a few feet back to the corner. “Let’s go back.”

Meanwhile Brendon was giving the door a once over (>Find, Red 46) and although he was sure the door was unlocked plus it opened away and to the left, there were no traps or surprises to be found. As for the music noises, everyone could hear the odd harp string being plucked from behind the door. No pattern, no tune, just idly plucked string now and again. Head to the door listening (>Hear Noise, Red 56) Brendon tried to see if he could hear anything else in the chamber but nothing was discernible.

Both Lyra (>Hear Noise, White 18) and Abraxas (>Hear Noise, Blue 13) were carefully looking back down the hall but nothing had come out of the Butcher’s Room and they heard nothing coming their way. With everyone back together we discussed what he learned and tried to make a decision on what to do next.

Time now is 2:45
(OOC)
Door is unlocked, corridor around goes 30/40’ and opens to some sort of larger room. Harp noise, idle strings, from behind this door.

PBEM - Application 3, Lannis/Magic User

This was the 3rd application of the set of interludes I had the group do for homework. I had them to write 2 paragraphs about what they told the Academy of Explorers that made them get hired over other potential applicants. This was the one for Lannis, the Magic User, whose snark and irreverence is both entertaining and cutting. In addition, I had everyone also write the same amount for 1 applicant (not them) that was NOT hired.

Follows:

LANNIS

~ “Sometimes I forget the pleasure of just sitting in the sun, my child. Let that be a lesson for you, that small things are just as important as grand gestures.”

“As you say, Blessed Corfard.”

~ “Quite. Well, enough of this. Before I get my team together and try to get some loot drops around the Goodyhut, we should look at the next member of the group that has infiltrated the Castle.”

“It there a hut structure we are to look at next, Blessed Corfard?”

~ “No my child. I just hate when we parachute into the Island and I’m looking for a pizzagun and I end up with a loot piñata instead. I mean energy drinks and level 3 backpacks are nice, but at the start of the game it would be nice to have a DP-28.”

“The Blessed Corfard has once again gone to places this Adept is unable to follow.”

~ “Worry not, child. My raid team isn’t for half a glass.”

“They must not be thirsty. So, Blessed Corfard, who shall we be learning about this time?”

~ “The dashing and disreputable Lannis Offop, the party’s Wizard.”

“The Magic User, Great One?”

~ “Indeed, the very same.”

“He has shown some skill and capability, Blessed Corfard, but a lack of bravery as well.”

~ “The Magic User is a dichotomous person, Adept. Weak and at the same time strong. Timid in the beginning and fierce at the end. One should never be surprised by the antics of the Magic User because typically they are thinking of the situation 2 or 3 spaces ahead of those around them.”

“So we anticipate this Lannis Offop to be that person?”

~ “Truly I do not know. We should then clear our minds and prepare ourselves as I tear a void in the space-time continuum and use my divine will to reveal to us the original interview of the Magic User known as Lannis Offop…BEHOLD!”

The roof shook with energy and a crackle of electricity burst from the air before them, steaming up from the stones they stood upon, tearing the air asunder with the stench of burnt paper and ozone. Through the tear, a hole could be seen and in it a well lit room with a half dozen older men and women standing about, the late day sun peeking through the slatted windows.

“Blessed Corfard! I never grow tired of seeing this display of your might and power.”

~ “Thank you, Adept. Should see how I’ve hotkeyed my Battleground Optics and Winkyeye if you want to be impressed.”

“Any place your Blessedness seeks to destroy his foes will be an impressive battleground, Mighty Corfard.”

~ “Nevermind. Let us listen.”

"So, Master Lannis, if you are ready to address us? What makes you the best candidate out of the other choices to be entrusted with this mission? Why you?"

“Blessed Corfard? I do not see anyone else in the room.”

~ “Neither do I. Most strange? Is he invisible?”

“Master Lannis? We await you? Pastor, we only had 2 magic users apply, is that not correct?”
“Yes, Janis.”
“I had such hopes that we could get a Magic User on board for this endeavor. The party will need a competent magister if they hope to return with the Prism Crown.”

“It appears Blessed Corfard that the Magic User Lannis did not even stay around for the interview.”

~ “No it does not. Yet I am concerned as to how he got on this mission then?”

“Master! A person enters the room! Perhaps it shall answer the question for us?”

“Pastor. Sirs and Dames. I have this note left here for your group from the Magic User Lannis Offop”
“Read it at once then.”

~ “This is most strange, Adept. To apply by post and still get on the adventure.”

“He must be a formidable wizard, Blessed Corfard.”

~ “Indeed and that troubles me. Let us listen.”

This paper indicates I should write several paragraphs about what qualifies me for a position within an adventuring group. I will not being doing that. To do so would be an insult to myself and every user of the arcane arts that deigns to contact your agency.

“Blessed Corfard! Such arrogance.”

~ “Indeed, Adept. If he was to be in my employ, I would have him staked out over an Ankheg den and his skin used as a sofa covering. He dares much indeed.”

I expect to be placed in your most capable group immediately, and any further correspondence outside that matter will be taken as a personal insult to both myself and the mages guild.

“Blessed Corfard, is it possible that that this Lannis Offop is a magister of standing with the Mage’s Guild? Perhaps one of the High Masters?”

~ “I am unsure, Adept. I have but a few contacts in Specularum and never had I head Offop’s name as a High Master. Let us continue to see and perhaps we can learn.”

In future have someone smarter deal with such matters, lest you find yourself the target of the combined ire of all the masters of the mystic weave in the kingdom.
    Yours, without respect
               Lannis Offop

~ “This is unheard of. I cannot fathom that the Academy allowed this to happen.”

“They do appear to be aggrieved, Blessed Corfard.”

“I am most aggrieved, page! The gall on that man. Is there no one else?”
“There was that other one but we decided against him.”
“Ah. Damn it. Perhaps the group can survive without a Magic User on this mission.”
“Wait, Page, there is writing on the back side of that paper. Can you read it?”

“Blessed Corfard, the writing on that missive does not appear to be the same as the writing on the front.”

~ “Good eye, Adept. Remind me to set you up with an account, I have an old console I can lend you ans can use you on our Raid team as a spotter. No it does not. The writing appears to be more ornate and careful. A woman’s writing I would think.”

“Perhaps his apprentice?”

~ “Let us listen.”

This is Mrs. Offop, Lannis's mother.

“Blessed Corfard, did he just say, Lannis’ mother?”

~ “I…I believe he did! His mother?!”

Please don't take what my son wrote to heart. He's a good boy deep down, brave and caring to his friends. The way he speaks is all bluster, I think it started when his father left for his other family, saying at least there he had a real son.

~ “Ha ha ha ha ha. Oh, this is rich indeed!”

“It almost seems cruel, Blessed One.”

Lannis is quite the accomplished mage, having spent years studying under High Mage Brooklyr, one of the five great wizards at the Mages Guild.

~ “Brooklyr?! Ha ha ha ha ha!”

“Blessed One?”

~ “Worry not, Adept. My concerns about Lannis Offop are dropping rapidly.”

He practices his art every day, taking his skills very seriously. He speaks passionately about becoming the greatest mage in the kingdom, so that one day he can use his powers to protect everyone.

“That does sound sweet.”

~ “It sounds like something someone’s mother would write indeed.”

I implore you, please accept Lannis for this position. If he didn't get it he would be devastated and may never leave home. I couldn't bare it if his spirits were crushed and he never left home. Lannis is most qualified for this position, and should he be given the opportunity to leave home and spread his wings, would thrive.

The image froze showing the council mouths agape and a few moist eyes being wiped tear free.

~ “He got the job…*snicker*…because his ‘mommy’ … *chuckle*… wrote a letter for him.”

“It does seem somewhat endearing as well as a bit sad, Blessed One.”

~ “That it does, Adept. I cannot understand why they indeed went with this posturing buffoon?”

“Perhaps we could see about the other Magic User they mentioned?”

~ “Excellent idea, Adept. Let me once again harness the powers beyond that of mortal understanding…and BEHOLD!”

The view changed again to that of the same room but with an older male with a salt and pepper beard, wizard’s hat at an angle with a number of floating stones orbiting his head. A silver and emerald drake the size of a large cat was perched on his shoulder, tail wrapped around his free arm that had a number of decorative fetishes woven into his cloth of gold robes.

“...yeah, so I traveled for a few years finished my training at the Wizard's Tower and specialized in Abjuration and Enchantments - focusing on buffing team mates and defense. I'm just looking to really grow with a party and develop a strong sense of group and community. I have a strong desire to make a positive influence in my party, our adventures and, hopefully, in the world at large.”

~ “Already seems more capable and level headed than the Magic User currently in the party.”

“I actually have been approached by a few squires asking me to meet their Lords and Masters in the hope that I'd be able to protect their knights on their journey. I said I'd be grateful to meet and offer any services. They've been VERY generous with their offers.” He could be seen rubbing his fingers together, stray sparks of light flashing from his numerous rings to dance around the air as colorful motes of light.

“He wields magic without concern, Blessed Corfard.”

~ “Indeed. I am thankful that our people do not have to face this wizard of skill and ability.”

“I understand the Guild doesn’t typically pay out on the scale of the services I provide and have already been offered, but I am curious as to what it is the Guild can offer, and if there is a party that would be more in need of my services. I am really much more interested in the greater good, which starts with the men and women of the earth. I'd rather help out a lesser able group if it was an opportunity to do some real good in the world.”

~ “And he seems to be likeable as well. With his abilities and force of personality, I dare say the party already here causing problems would be much more effective than they already are.”

“Blessed Corfard, I am thankful this Magic User is not here.”

There was some mumbling answers and cross conversation by the Council members of which only some of the words were able to be clearly heard. “mumble mumble... Overqualified for what we're... mumble mumble... don't want...mumble... waste your superior talents....mumble mumble... not world ending... mumble mumble... idiots really... mumble mumble... too good for them... mumble mumble... probably die.. mumble mumble...”

The Magic User stood up and held his hand out, where a black staff festooned with grey and yellow crystals floated away from the wall and settled into his grip easily. Smiling and nodding he bowed low in thanks and said, “Understood, I thank you for your time. Let me know if something changes, I believe I'll be following up with the Lords and Knights. They seem to have pressing matters of world importance they believe I would be of serious help with. Please let me know if you have anything else that comes up.”

With that the image froze and ended and the hole crackled once and sealed itself closed.

~ “All together, excellent my Adept! I am very pleased with what we both ended up with as well as what we avoided getting in regards to the party’s Magic User.”

“So true, Blessed Corfard! Imagine what it would be like the other way?”

~ “I would hate to imagine it, Adept. But it is time for me to logon, so we shall do this again later.”

“Yes Blessed One. Good logging and may the trees work out for you.”

PBEM, Episode 108 - Scooby, Dresses, and Hallways

ONE HUNDRED EIGHT

(I/C)
“Dresses!” Kovid scoffed nervously. “Just lady garments? Hahaha. Thor’s shorts I almost shat my own!”

"I tought dis may be de case,” Wyn said relieved. “Priestess, I tink we take de pair of dem fer now en see iffin they be magic later. It be weird that dey not be touched by time while everytin' else be a mess.”

“Phew,” the dwarf continued, “Never cared for spirits and the like. Gives me the willies. Oh well not ALL spirits o’course... I love my alcoholic spirits mind you, but you all knew that already, hehe”

Lannis sighed, "Those elves certainly know how to make a blue dress. I wonder what's kept them safe all this time. I wonder if we can use those dummies for some kind of shenanigans. Not much else to see I guess, grab the dresses, if they are magic I'm sure we'll find a use for them,” he glanced at Lyra and then down at himself, “for the both of them."

“Dis may be Wyn gettin' paranoid but Monsieur du Lac, cen you check to see iffin anytin will 'appen iffin we take deez dresses off? Want to be sure dere be no wire or threads.”

“No problem, my friend. But it’s yellow, Magic Man.”

Brendon gave the two dresses a quick look over while Kovid continued his concern. “Phew! That was a close one... Any one else feel warm? I’m sweatin’ in my chainmail, haha.” He squinted closer at the dresses. “Well now that yellow one is a looker. Might look mighty fine on lady Lyra if I might be so bold. Although, dwarves aren’t a fine judge of these sorts of matters of frilly fabric and lace, so what do I know.”

Abraxas had picked up the Pincushion with 50 pins (2) and the 30’ spool of blue ribbon (1) while Brendon was wrapping up his look. "Señor Korvix, the dress is clearly blue. Where do you see yellow? I will carry all these useable items. Perhaps before we rest, Señor Wynx can use his magic eyes to see if anything we have is magic? Especially if this dress obviously changes colors depending who looks at it!"

“Dis is clearly yellow, Monsieur Salazar,” Wyn chided, “but who to say whedder we see colors da same?”

As Brendon gave them the thumbs up clear, Lyra shook her head, “Blue? They’re clearly white and gold. You all need your eyes checked. Men.” She took them off the dummies and Lannis helped her take the second one down.  “Aw, Lannis. If you want to wear a dress no one here will judge you. Not too harshly at least.”

The Fighter took both dresses folded up neatly and placed them in his backpack for now (2 dresses [4]). Meanwhile Wyn was disturbed at the shadows that were thrown by the dummies. “Hm... what could have cast de shadow? Aren't we de light in dis room? From the wrong side of de screen?” He stepped up and waved his hand behind the screen then the other side. Then he moved the light and tried it again and gasped “Aha!”

“What?”

“Zee panel curtain! It is one way!” He waved his hand to show that nothing was showing through. “If you are one side, regardless of the light, you cannot see through, and the other side you can.” He then moved one of the panels out and turned it around. “But see? Someone had reversed the panels so it was facin’ th’ wrong way.” (Good job Wyn on catching that – bonus xp later).

“Oh.” Abraxas shrugged. “So you can see a naked person if you are on the wrong side? Sounds like a fiesta to me!”

Pumping his arms and anxiously swinging the lantern, Kovid asked the group, “What’ya say we keep moving west down the hall here. Map needs fillin‘ in.”

"Onward to de ouest 'allway, oui!"

The party relined themselves up and proceeded walking west. They marched slow, Kovid painstakingly mapping as they traveled on. The passage was some 25 paces to the west before it turned it south for a few paces and then continued west again. There was a corner where the passage turned north again. The group was proceeding with care, looking for traps, issues, secret doors, or anything else of concern (no rolls needed).

At the north turn the passage went on at least as far as the lantern light and kept going. There were signs of traffic on the ground, Wyn and Brendon were sure this passage was used lightly but constantly. Distant sounds and echoes came back but nothing the group could identify. They proceeded north from here, time passing along with the slow burn of their oil and the scratching noise of Kovid and his mapping.

It was a good 45 paces until the passage turned to the left (WMC: Red/Black 2) and still luck was with the group. Sneaking up to it they peered around and could see another short 12 pace or so hall that turned north again. Being at an area of the map that Kovid had marked earlier as possible Butcher, Wyn and Brendon went on from here. The elf lit his partial torch and the two scouts traveled on with quieter steps (<Move Silently +10 bonus, Red 15..<Move Silently +1 bonus Orange 1) and faster movement.

At the corner north Wyn looked first, his infravision showing residual heat and nothing else, passage was pretty clear. So the two of them stepped out and scouted ahead. About 25 paces down there was a door on the right hand side and at the limit of the torch light was another door on the right hand side. Listening with care (<Hear Noise, Red 05..>Hear Noise Orange 16) Brendon checked out the local door and Wyn stepped a few paces down the hall to listen further in that direction.

Brendon checked the door out (no traps) and didn’t dare check if it was locked as from under the door he could see a wavering light like torch light from somewhere in the chamber. There was movement but not nearby, but he could hear it. There was also the scent of sand. And salt. And smoke. And a coppery smell. All mixed together. He motioned for Wyn to return to him, the elf coming back nodding his head slightly.

As they travelled back south the elf heard what Brendon had to say about the door and added, “I wasn’t sure, mon ami, but I would guess I ‘eard a few harp strings. Nothin’ clear, but some sorto music notes, I be sure o t’at!” The two of them made it back to the party, extinguished the torch again, and shared with them what they had learned.

Time is now 2:35
(OOC)
Figured I would make life easy for you guys and combine 3 turns (60’ travel) in one. Ok, two doors and a hall turning to the right at the end of the long hall. What’s the plan?

PBEM, Episode 107 - Scooby, Dresses, and Hallways

ONE HUNDRED SEVEN

(I/C)
“¡Espiritos de Dios! ¡Phantasmas!” Abraxas cried out, silver dagger flashing.

Kovid staggered back, “Thor’s scrote it’s a g-g-ghost! Brendon, go backstab it.”

“First that’s not how it works lil man,” Brendon scoffed. “Second I wouldn’t have ever guessed hanging clothes could startle you mighty heroes”
“Oh my goddess, you’re all a bunch of babies,” Lyra chided. “You challenge a giant ape, but a few shadowy figures? Running for the hills.”

“Um... I don tink dey be ghosts,” Wyn said, drawing his sword and entering the room with care, “but ‘ave yer magic en silva ready just en cases...“

Taking out a dart and looking up and down the hall, Lannis replied, “"I'm sure it’s something simple, but I'll let let you handle it. I'll be out here keeping an eye out for ghosts...er enemies.”

“Wait for me, Wyn,” Lyra said, hand on her holy symbol and frowning as she entered the room with the elf.

“Bravo. Señora Leyara, make them go away por favor."

With weapons out, Lyra and Wyn walked around the screen at opposite sides…to see two dressmaker dummies, each with a fancy elven made dress on it. “Clothes!” Lyra called.

“Told you,” Lannis shrugged.

“Did not.”

“Surely I did,” the Magic User retorted.

“Lissen Velma,” Abraxas answered, “You keep sayin’ that you know everything. But sometime you do not know the things that you say that you think that you know. You know?”

Lannis just looked at Abraxas, mentally unpacking that statement, before asking, “Who the hell is Velma?”

“Never mind,” he said. Turning around to the room, he glanced around muttering, “Jinkies indeed.”

Lyra and Wyn looked over the room. The two dressed were finished, one of them white with green accents, the other orange with yellow accents. They were surprisingly clean and unspoiled although the rest of the room didn’t fare as well. Bolts of cloth look like they had been hacked up and were dirty with countless grubby handprints. A loom had been chopped up and parts taken away, thread had been turned into large snarls binding multiple spools together.

As for useful items, the two dresses counted as well as under other cast off garbage they did also find a pin cushion that was a red ball of fabric sewn tight with a fifty count of 2” pins in it, and a 30’ clean spool of red ribbon. Lyra was looking at the dresses and she did note that either one of them would fit her.

They went back to the front of the room and shared with the group what they had learned and found.

Time now is 2:05

(OOC)
Taking anything? Moving on?
EXPLORE XP: Everyone add 30