PBEM - Episode 199. Return, Rest, New Day

ONE HUNDRED NINETY NINE

(I/C)

Wyn held his breath and then whispered back to the party, "I say we wait en avoid dem. Den move to de oil. No need ta pick a fight right now.”

"Agreed Wyn!” Kovid nodded, beard bristling. “We just rested and are preparing for the Jailer and beyond. No sense in weakening ourselves by getting hurt unnecessarily beforehand.”

"Si, I agree.” Abraxas slid his Scythe back over his shoulder, looking past the elf and scout down the hall. “Let's wait and let them go. No need to fight right away."

 “If rather not show up at the Jailer looking like a bunch of salamanders just walloped me,” Lyra cinched her backpack closed and turned back to the group. “I don’t want that thing getting the impression we’re weak, I don’t doubt he’d try to take advantage of the situation.”

"Agreed, let's save our strength for the Jailer.” Lannis pulled his hat off and checked the point before putting it back on. “If we have to engage him, let's be as ready as possible, let's finish our chores and get to it."

The Dwarf was rubbing his jawline under his beard, deep in thought. “Speaking of, do we have everything we need to get an advantage over this Jailer? He seems to prefer the dark... maybe we can use that against him. If we can avoid a fight, I'm all for it, but I expect some kind of doublecross.”

Brendon pushed back from the wall and gave the all clear sign. “They’re gone. As for the Jailer, no need to get into any fights unless absolutely necessary.”

Kovid agreed. “We should be prepared for when things go pear shaped. Maybe there's a way we can dowse the lantern the next time we speak to him so those of us who can see in the dark can get a better look at him and whatever he's with."

“I don’t want that thing getting the impression we’re weak,” observed Lyra. “I don’t doubt he’d try to take advantage of the situation.” 

The elf swung his shield back around and drew his short sword, lining up with Brendon to return the way they came. “’Owever it works out, Wyn be excited to get to de second floor finally... after probably more vomiting. Damn trogs."

The group began the long walk back down the cold corridor, the kobold warrens, the statue room…they listened at the Main Hall and were assured that if the Adepts had been this way, they were gone for now. So the group entered the hall and started walking east. They passed the passage that led to the Butchers and then stopped outside the Classroom. After a quick listening, Brendon (no roll needed) frowned. “Oil smell is pretty strong.”

“Hang on,” Kovid said, sniffing and looking around. After a minute of two the dwarf nodded. “I agree, it’s stronger but it doesn’t smell like it’s mixed with anything. Weapons up please people.” The group was ready as Kovid handed his lantern back to Wyn, hammer held in his off hand…and opened the door to the Classroom.

“Well, shitnuggets,” Lannis swore. “I guess we know where they were poking around this morning.”

The Classroom had been ransacked, desks and chairs broken and strewn about. As for the slate chalk board, someone had thrown a desk through it, revealing the dark hole beyond. There were large booted oily footprints about the floor and quite a lot of spilled oil about the hole, the floor, and walls. A look inside showed that the bucket and rope we had set up there was gone, and the base of the hole looked like it had been scraped repeatedly by something wooden.

“Is there any oil left?”

“Monsiuer,” Wyn smiled, “Dere was over 300 gallons in dere afore. I would guess dat de dirty Pigs took a bunch and our secret stash o’ oil is now no longer a secret an’ open ta us.”

“So what do we do?” Lyra asked. “We have 3 or so flasks and no way to get more right now unless we lower someone down there, right?”

“And what about tomorrow?” Kovid asked. “Will we be able to get tomorrow?”

“Senors, first they Gorblons took some of the green slime and have it. And now the Orclons took some of the oil and have it.” Abraxas drew out one of his three torches and shrugged. “Do we burn it all now and let no one have it?”

“Hang on there, Firestorm,” Lannis held his hand up. “I’m all for setting things ablaze but let’s discuss this for a moment before we toss a lit faggot down the hole and make either a very cool or very terrible result.”

“Don’t talk for too long, Lannis,” Brendon observed. “The Jailer is still waiting for us to talk to him this morning. And there is less morning remaining.”

Time now is Day 6, 10:25 AM

(OOC)

Orcs finally found the oil depository and took some. How much? Can’t say. But it’s obvious they know about it and most likely told their boss. Harvest more? Climb down? Burn it? What’s the plan.

PBEM - Episode 198. Return, Rest, New Day

ONE HUNDRED NINETY EIGHT

(I/C)

“Now I’m sure everyone slept as well as I did,” Brendon began, “And as for this morning’s direction, I was pretty out of it last night. But I think someone mentioned the sulfur pools.”

“That was me,” Lyra said, hand raised.

"I vote we go to the sulfur pit first,” Lannis suggested. “Get it out of the way now instead of later. After that you know the old saying "you can lead a horse to oil, but you can't make it think".”

“Then I agree we should get those bandages cleaned.” The Scout also looked down at his belt, “Also, Lass, I don’t hope to sling any more do you can have this one.” He handed Lyra the sling from his belt. “Just in case yours slips free you’ll have another.”

“Thanks,” she said, tucking it under her belt just beneath her backpack. “Another sling would be much appreciated, thank you!” 

“Who’s carrying the extra arrows?” Brendon asked, looking around. “I’d like to top off my quiver and have 1 in hand.”

"Monsieur Dwarf had de arrows,” Wyn shrugged. “You cen probably leave dem here, dwarfriend... dough du Lac en I will each take enough to fill up."

“Take what you need,” Kovid smiled, handing Brendon 2 and Wyn 1 arrow. “I’ll carry them for now. Ah!” He sighed loudly. “I feel as refreshed as Thor's balls in an Asgardian bath! As for direction? The sulfur pool is a good first stop."

Meanwhile Abraxas had been quickly cooking up a couple of 1 lb steaks on the oven for now, searing them and then covering them to speed up the cooking process. “I dunno, isnt the Classroom on the way to the Sulfur Cave? It doesnt seem to make sense to go to Sulfur cave THEN classroom. That would take too much time. Let's get the Oil first, then see about those noises, then sulfur, then Yailer.” (>Cha check, -5 penalty 5 others all want sulfur room first, Blue 13)

There was a round of discussion about it but the group pretty much want to take care of the Sclepian bandages first and now. “They have been the most important thing we’ve found regarding long term healing and truthfully, starting off the day without them at the ready just means we might be screwed up later if we don’t do it. The Oil will be there and we have to come back along past it again anyway,” Lyra said, getting a series of nods from the rest of the party.

“Ok, ok.” He pointed to the steaks that were just finishing up. “As for the Yailer, I'll bring him a gift. Otherwise we will be spending all day just roaming around de Bastille and el Yailer is waiting for us.”

“Doc, I admire they way you get on with things of other races.” Brendon smiled, “I hope in our time together I hope I too can learn from you.”

Giving him a sideway nod of thanks, Abraxas continued, “Should we decide now what we have available to trade him for the Flail should he agree to trade? This Honey I'm carrying I'm definitely willing to trade. Do you think he'd want this ribbon or these pins from the dressing room? What else do we have?"

“Let’s wait and see what his deal is before we go ahead and tat Mister Jail Spook a couple of doilies, ok?” Lannis asked. “Sulfur, Oil, what the fuck the noise was, then Jailer.”

“Do we need more oil at dis point...." Wyn pondered, getting 5 incredulous looks back.

Lyra laughed, “Haha... do we need more oil. As if that’s a question.” 

"Hahaha of course we do! Dat was silly of Wyn to ask." The elf finished his laughter and handed Lannis a rolled up scroll, “’Ere, Scroll of Detect Invisible.  I transferred it to me spellbook... so I tink it may be good to have two of us able to use de spell in a pinch if necessary."

“Thanks,” Lannis replied, tucking the scroll into his backpack. “We ready?”

The group nodded, Brendon taking out his towel. “I have an idea for dealing with the odor we‘ll have to inhale shortly. I’ll cut up my towel into several squares, lightly coat each layer with the soap i have then layer multiple squares upon each other. If Lannis will relinquish the some twine I will make a face covering for everyone.”

“Don’t have anymore. I used it on the censer, remember?”

“Um, none?”

“What part of NO more left, did you miss?” Lannis shrugged.

Gritting his teeth, the Scout took out his coil of rope and hacked off a 5’ piece. “Fine. Fine. I’ll just unravel more.”

Kovid frowned. “So, you are going to unravel that rope, and then cut up a towel, then coat it in soap, then punch some holes in it and string it together? And you’ll do this for SIX sets of masks?” He shrugged. “Sounds exhausting.”

“And who’s going to wear a mask?” Lannis scoffed. “Sounds like bullshit. Plus I probably can’t breathe in it. And who made you the boss to tell me what I have to wear and not wear? Infringing on my freedoms, you’re not the king. Also, it most likely won’t keep the smell out anyway.”

The party all made disparaging noises at the Magic User who shrugged, “I’m the Maga User…er…Magic User. I know more than all of you put together. Trust me.”

“Whatever Big Brain.” Kovid hoisted his backpack. “Let’s get going.” He made sure his lantern was full and the party left the Butcher’s chamber, closing the door with care behind them. The walk south down the long wall was without issue and the group made their way beyond the dressmaker’s room and the scriptorium. At the Wide Hall, they made sure there coast was clear and then turned west, making their way to the Statue room, where they were pleased and surprised to see the Ballista was untouched.

“I guess it wasn’t this that we heard them hitting,” Lyra whispered. We continued on beyond there to the Warren, then down the steps to the cold hall, and the long walk east to the corner where they turned south and went up the flight to the south west corner of the Ispan’s Castle. They went down to the next turn off and stopped at the top of the stairs going down. By this time Brendon had unraveled his 5’ rope into plaited lengths and was looking to cut up his towel next.

“Ok,” Lyra whispered. “Same as before, just Kovid and I go down. The rest of you watch up here.”

“Oui.” “Si.” “Yes.” “Stop yammering and go already.”

Shaking her head, Lyra and Kovid nodded at one another, the Cleric put on the rawhide gloves, made sure she had the Sclepian Bandages ready, and the two of them went down the steps to the bubbling grey pool. Kovid stayed back a bit at the priestess got on her hands and knees at the foul smelling pool and began scrubbing the first bandage in the warm roiling water. After a few minutes the bandage gave a flash and appeared clean. She smiled, rolled it up, and moved right to the next one (<Save vs Poison +2 bonus repeated visits, White 12…=Save vs Poison +2 bonus repeated visits, Yellow 8). She seemed to be handling it well but Kovid had to occasionally shake his head and turn to the side and cough – but the dwarf was still holding on – hammer out and eyes peeled.

(WMC: Red/Black 1 – thanks Kelly! What: 1d6 – 1, # Appear: 1d8 – 8. Close: 2d6x10 – 4+6=110’.)

(<Hear Noise +20% party, Red 12) Brendon was slitting the towel into 7” squares, his motions methodical and exact as he cut square after square. But then he stopped and tilted his head. “What?” Abraxas asked on seeing the Scout stop working.

“Um…” Brendon held a hand up and then motioned back. “Step back, down the stairs,” he whispered. “Coming.”

“Merde, already?” Wyn asked fading back. “Orcs?”

“No,” the Scout muttered very low. “6..7..8. Moving slow. Chanting. Coming closer, I think from the water pool south of here.”

Lannis had stepped further down the stairs, not too far though that the sulfur smell would overwhelm him. “What are they? Hobgoblins?’’

“If so, we might be able to take them by surprise,” Abraxas wondered.

“No,” the Scout sighed. “Chanting, hissing a bit. I can hear…Corfard…Guys, I think it’s a troupe of the clerical salamander Adepts.”

“The fuckers who blinded me?” The fighter gasped. “Not again.”

(>Enemy Hear Noise: Black 20 – failed. Direction: 1-3 closer, 4-6 away: Red 4 – going away)

The party could hear them, 8 of them, all chanting together in a monkish fashion, as they walked slowly out of the southern corridor and continued on immediately east and most likely to the Grand North Hall and beyond. “Getting water? Going back up to 2nd floor?” Lannis wondered. “Do we WANT to fight them? Bastards were tough before, had spells, and metal armor under their robes. Is this something we want to do now?”

From below Lyra had finished washing the last Sclepian Bandage and putting it away, took off her gloves, replaced them in her back and nodding to Kovid, the two of them went up the stairs to see the rest of the group quietly conversing at the top of the steps. “What’s going on?” they asked, getting a quick heads up of the wandering monsters who were in the vicinity but walking away now.

“So…we going to reckless and attack or just hang out a few minutes and let them get real far ahead?”

Time now is Day 6, 10:00 AM

(OOC)

Bandages clean. Still at top of stairs. Wait 1 or 2 minutes and then head back the way you came (which is NOT the way they are going) or attack the baddies?

PBEM - Episode 197. Return, Rest, New Day

ONE HUNDRED NINETY SEVEN

(I/C)

Struggling to keep from vomiting, Wyn bowed low to the darkened chamber, saying, “Tank ye kindly fer ye... *gag cough swallow cough* ...Tank ye kindly fer ye  time Masta Jailer."

Meanwhile also bowing, Abraxas backed up motioned the rest of the group to move, "Señor Yailer, it has been an honor to meet you. We must be heading back.”

“Good idea,” the voice replied, accompanied by another menacing growl. “It’sss ok, we’ll sssee them tomorrow.”

“Thank you por tu... como dices... Hospitality, ah yes. Adios, Señor. We will see you mañana."

Brendon maneuvered his way to the front as Wyn raced up to join him. “Let’s take the Jailers advice and leave. We should rest at the barracks again.” The elf glanced at him regarding the Barracks but the Scout winked in return and mimed listening with his ear. Nodding, the two of them picked up the pace, turning left at the “T” and heading back to the formal area of the castle.

Nervous, Lannis agreed, "Yes, let's, I'd rather not tarry here any longer."

Once the group had put some distance behind them passing by the Beekeeper’s Room and then the turn South, Kovid let out a tight breath and smiled through the nausea, “Nice, work Abraxas. Nasty Trog bastard let us leave, but he seems like a serious and untrustworthy opponent. Let's get our trade plan set and prepare for a possible fight. He might try to trick us, trap us, or try to play us against the orcs."

“If the Jailer enjoys holding prisoners then maybe we can offer him an orc for his menagerie,” Brendon scoffed.

"Ugh,” Wyn groaned, rubbing his nose and screwing up his face. “I really wish we had time ta go to de baths after dat encounter... I'd rather suffocate in de sulfur cave den deal with dat smell again. It be like a dozen catfish left out ta rot fer a week under de summer sun."

Trudging up the stairs the group passed the Spy’s room and then the on to the second flight. "That Yailer guy doesn't seem soooo bad,” Abraxas noted. “I mean he's definitely got a creep factor to him, but doesn’t seem to like the Orcges any more than Señor Wyncent.”

“I dunt like zem at all, Monsieur,” Wyn said.

“Si! And I've definitely smell'ed worse down at the docks. If he has an agenda…”

“He does,” Lannis interjected.

The Fighter continued, “Or wants to play us against the Orclads…”

“He does,” Lannis repeated, getting a nod from Lyra.

Abraxas pressed on, “I dont see a problem. We already are against the Orkluns. If we can aid him, and he doesn't betray us, it's a Wyn-Wyn situation in my book. If we can get that Flail, it'd be a Wyn-Wyn-Wyn."

The Cleric pouted, “Do we really need the flail? This almost seems more trouble than it’s worth. I don’t trust that thing.”

“None of us do,” Lannis said. At the top of the steps he cut his eyebrow and getting a few drops of blood, left a slight trail away from the direction they were going. “Look, Abraxas, far be it for me to be a pessimist but I don't like this Troglodyte thing. Before you say I said that about the Butcher and Jowass, yes, but I admitted I was wrong after we talked to them. Well, we've talked to the Jailer, and I'm even more worried about him now. It's like the parable of the scorpion and the toad, yeah?”

As they made their way west and past the Scriptorium, Brendon shrugged and answered, “Good idea or not Lannis, we said we’d see him later. If we don’t he might see us as untrustworthy. I suggest we keep our word with him. Right now he’s talking to us.”

“Oh I’m not saying DON’T meet him,” the Magic User gestured, “but be careful and for the love of the gods do not trust him. He has his own motives that almost certainly have nothing to do with amicable trade with us."

We arrived back at the Butcher’s area and once inside, closed and locked the door back to the main hall. We stripped off our armor while Kovid and Brendon went to gather up some meat for tonight’s meal. Abraxas lit the oven and Lyra made sure the brazier was active, warming the room. As the food was cooking we stretched it out with our own standard trail rations and washed it down with our waterskins.

Conversation was more muted tonight as we ate (everyone knock off half a day of standard rations and 1 day of water – there are now NO MORE standard rations on anyone’s sheets – just Iron) and as Kovid’s oil ran dry, Lannis took out a few slowburn candles and lit one. As everyone was finishing up, Wyn took stock of the party’s condition and suggested, "It looks to moi dat Monsieurs Dwarf en Salazar, en Priestess Adder should get de de bandages tonight. “While du Lac en moi be injured a bit, de odders cen get more benefit den us."

“Lady Lyra,” Kovid asked, “Would you mind? It will feel good to rest up and be back in top fighting condition.”

“No problem,” she replied, taking the clean and refreshed Sclepian Bandages out of her pack. She wrapped the first one around the dwarf’s worst wounds, pressing them tight and then tying them in place. “That should work. Abraxas, you’re up.”

“Muchos Gracias, Senora,” he said, pulling his shift high across his shoulders and letting the cleric minister to his wounds. She muttered small prayers to Sclepian and Aine as she worked while Abraxas was rocking his head back and forth, singing softly, “the sun, will come out manana.”

Clapping him on the shoulder, “Ok tough guy, you’re finished. Brendon? You up?”

Looking at his own wounds, Brendon shook his head and pointed at her. “Take care of yourself, milady. I appreciate it lass but if you go down, we all die.”

Smiling in thanks, Lyra bound up the worst of her wounds with the last bandage, wrapping up her spell and then smiling. “Ok,” she said, “That’s all done. So Abraxas, Kovid, and I need a full night’s rest. And don’t I usually watch with Lannis?”

“You are so lucky,” he said to which she stuck her tongue out. “Seriously though, yeah. And for spells you, Wyn, and I need a full night’s rest.” He glanced at Brendon, “And Stab-It-Man over there looks like he can use a night’s rest.”

“So we split up the middle watch then?” Brendon asked. “I’ll take the first half of it and Wyn take the back half of it. It means we rest longer but if we are going to go towards the Jailer and his bullshit tomorrow, I’d like to have as many arrows in our quiver as we can get.”

“It means a longer time resting,” Lannis shrugged, “We talked about this before.”

“We can risk it one night. I mean both doors out of here lock,” Lyra pointed. “That has to count for something.”

Abraxas nodded. “Senor Kodak and I will watch first and then that should be good.” He had taken his cloak off earlier and laid it on the Butcher’s bed. While looking at the garment we walked back to the tapestry showing Rowena and flicked the bottom…and the bed rippled pillows fluffed up, and the cloak seemed to shake a bit as well. He picked it up and inspected it with a smile. “Not laundry clean, but all the surface dirt is gone.”

“I am going to have that in my house as well,” Lannis noted with a smile. “Keep my golem free from the drudgery of laundry activity and more at my beck and call.”

“You’re just gross, you know that?” Lyra sneered.

“It beats making some unwilling beefcake half blind and stabbed with Eros’ assarrows when he glances your way, Princess.”

“Children, enough,” Kovid pointed at the bed. “Rest. You can be assholes in the morning.”

“Si! No night assholes, only day assholes. Siesta time.”

The group got comfortable and one by one, fell asleep. Kovid and Abraxas kept the first watch (WMC: 5, 5) but after a number of hours of hearing the Castle groan and settle, there was nothing to concern them. After replacing the burned out Slowburn candle, they awoke Brendon next, the Scout rubbing his face and shaking a bit to wake up. He too kept watch, walking quietly about and listening at the doors (WMC: 2, 6) but he too was satisfied all was fine.

After replacing the next Slowburn candle, at the end of his time he awoke Wyn who was well rested after his 8 hours, the elf taking over. Wyn was keeping a ear and eye out but took the time to scribe the Detect Invisible spell into his spellbook and then some time familiarizing himself with some study (WMC: 4, 5).

Finally he awoke Lannis and Lyra who were also very well rested, and another Slowburn Candle was set up. The three friends were studying and praying in order to keep the time down later when (WMC: 1, 3) somewhere in the distance (<Hear Noise, Pink 2), they hear something.

“What is that?” Lannis wondered, ear to the door and concentrating. (1d6: 5. # Appear: 2d4: 4+4 = 8, Distance: 2d6x10: 6+5x10 = 110’+. Coming closer or going away? 1-3 closer, 4-6 away: 5 – away!) Whatever it was there were a number of them and they were making no effort to be quiet.

“Don’t know,” Wyn muttered. “But dey aint close to us, dat for sure.” We heard the sound of things being moved, heavy, and clattering noises as well as banging and smashing. It was very distant and muted and lasted maybe 5 to 10 minutes before it ended and then it was silent again. They waited some time but it never came back and eventually they relaxed, the rest of the watch passing without issue.

Finally Abraxas, Kovid, and Brendon woke up and the group was in good spirits and broke their fast feeling great about today (Wyn: heal 2 @ 9/9. Lyra: heal 6 @ 22/22. Wyn: heal 2 @ 14/15. Abraxas: heal 6 @ 25/29. Brendon: heal 2 @ 10/11. Kovid: heal 10 @ 25/27).

Kovid refilled his lantern (reduce flasks to 3) and lit it with the last of the slowburn candle (Lannis down to 10 slowburn candles). Lyra unwrapped the bandages, now dirty and ready for another washing. “If we could hit up the sulfur pool first thing in the morning that would be great,” she asked.

“Good idea,” Brendon nodded. “Let’s figure out what our plan is this morning before our appointment with the Jailer.”

Time now is Day 6, 9:35 AM

(OOC)

Ok! What the deal, where we going, and in what order? Lannis and Lyra you both have your manacrystals on you, so keep that in mind as the day goes on.

PBEM - Episode 196, Caverns, Jails, Jailers.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY SIX

(I/C)

“Shit,” Lannis cursed, leaning towards Abraxas, “Just be careful what you say, treat him like a mushroom, I already don't like this."

Pulling her shirt out from the collar of her chainmail, Lyra looped it over her mouth and nose and shook her head in frustration, “Well shit. So much for waiting till tomorrow boys.”

As Abraxas stepped to the front, Wyn whispered, “Do what ye need Salazar... just remember why we are actually here. Like in dis castle. Odderwise, I tink you got the proper idea bout what needs ta be said."

“Si, Senor,” the Fighter nodded. “I’m on this.”

“Great,” the elf smiled and then muttered barely audible to himself, “Merde...I hope de gods be on our side... Ishtari protect us..." 

Kovid had his towel over his nose and raised his lantern up to offer more light but got a shake of the head from Abraxas and Brendon whispered, “Lil man, the light might set them off and we’re in no position to deal with them, we’ll get a look at that area later.”

“Sorry,” the dwarf replied, lowering the lantern, “Just trying to see who we’re talking to. No harm no foul.”

“Not yet, Senor Kovarc,” Abraxas said, finally in front of the group. He held his hands up, showing they were bare, Scythe slung across his back for now. Addressing the dark cavern and its occupants, Abraxas intoned, "Hola Señor. Mi llamo... my name is Abraxas Salazar. These are mis amigos,” he pointed to the group behind him. :I believe you are who we've come to talk to. How may we call you?"

For a moment it was quiet inside and then a rasping repetitive sound like scraping paper over rough wood followed, faster than slower than faster again. It took us a moment to realize it was laughter. “You are ssso very polite for a ssset of well armed and armored intrudersss.” (Reaction Roll: 4+2 = 6, Neutral/Aggressive) “I’m the Jailer. And thatsss good enough for now.”

The Fighter nodded, smile plastered wide on his face, "We were hoping to speak with you. It is a great honor to make your acquaintance."

“I’m sssure,” came the reply, followed by another low menacing animalistic grumble. “Ssssssshhh. They’re jussst talking.” The smell that had been foul already seemed to be growing more ripe the longer the group stood here talking. Most of the group began taking shallow breaths and holding their faces against their arms, cloaks, or even the towels if they were accessible. “You look tough. Thinking to match yourssself against me?”

“No, no, Senor.” Abraxas continued to keep his hands empty and movements slow and easy. “We have no desire for any violence to you or your wondrous charges. Simply looking to establish una discourse.”

“I’m sssure. Get to the point, Mammal.”

“We have had successful discussions with El Carcinera - The Butcher, Hoeass, Standart and Typically. All of whom are now on their ways back to Jector. I tell you this Señor to assure you, we are reasonable persons and would like to have reasonable discussions with you as well.”

“Sssure you did. I can sssee her Ssscythe on your back. Don’t think ssshe was just going to give it up.” There was the sound of a chain rattling and something metallic hitting the floor with a heavy thud.

“No, no, Senor Yailer. It was a gift the Butcher bestowed upon me herself. The Scythe of Morrigaan.” He made to pull it out to show but the growl in the room grew deeper and menacing and he left his hands up.

(<Jailer Int check, Black 6) “I can tell when sssomeone is bullssshitting me, Mammal. For now…I’ll take you at your word.” There was some shuffling in the room. “Ssso, they left?”

“Si. They did.” Abraxas smiled, making himself seem non-threatening (Cha >12, no roll). “I myself will be going to Jector after this adventure to meet up with those I mentioned, as mis amigos. I'm hoping you and I can be amigos after this talk, Señor Yailer.”

The reek was growing worse the longer the party stayed, cloying and noxious, it felt like tendrils digging into the party’s nose, eyes, throat, and even ears (Save vs Poison: >Pink 17, <White 5, <Orange 2, >Blue 20, <Red 7, <Yellow 6). Only Lannis and Abraxas were able to stomach the vomitous stink as the rest of the party was suffering from dry heaves, uncontrollable gagging, and sudden gut pains. Wyn had a constant stream of tears running down his face, Lyra was wiping her nose inside her undershirt. Brendon was holding onto the wall head spinning and dizzy. Kovid kept covering his mouth, the taste of bile on the back of his tongue and the need to spit was an almost constant presence. (everyone who failed has a -2 on all rolls and checks for the next 10 minutes)

“Ha. I don’t need friendsss, Mammal. Been there, done that.” There was a heavy sigh, “But I have a job and pissssing down your back isssn’t in my…or my chargesss…bessst interessstsss.”

“Señor, we are but meager adventurers, hired to retrieve the Crown of Ipsen, and return home. That is all we want. We do not want any unnecessary bloodshed or violence, if we can avoid it.”

The Jailer gave that odd raspy laugh again. “Thossse who sssay they don’t want bloodssshed, often bring it.” There was a snapping sound. “Tell you what, Mammal. You and yoursss so get a good nightsss rest. The Pigsss will be back real sssoon after the ssspanking you gave them. I’m not predisssposssed to helping them…or you for that matter.”

“Gracias, Senor.”

“I’m going to mull over you and what your being here meansss. Come back tomorrow and we’ll talk then. But I’d find whatever hole you’ve been ssstaying in and sssoon before the Pigsss come through here. Maybe we can help each other out.” He paused briefly. “Maybe not. Only Tiamat knowsss. Look for me here after the morning breaks. Now go.”

Time now is Day 5, 3:45 PM

(OOC)

The Jailer has nothing more to say at this time, pressing it will most likely produce a negative reaction. Also, somewhere to the south and far away, the group can FAINTLY hear the echoing sound of some door closing – meaning you have 3 minutes at walking speed to vacate the area or something/someones are coming. What to do? Where to go?

PBEM - Episode 195, Caverns, Jails, Jailers.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY FIVE

(I/C)

“I could try to open the lock,” Brendon suggested. “If successful, I’ll re-lock it. Then we can knock and play nice with the Jailer. We already know its weakness is light.”

“Dat is time we dunt have to waste, Monsieur Du Lac,” Wyn replied softly, digging in his pack. “I ‘ave de key, rem’ber?” He produced a key ring with three keys on it, pointing out the one marked “jail”.

“No, I didn’t remember that.”

“Per’aps we just knock at zee door and say ‘ello through dem bars an’ den mention Jowass and good stuff?”

Brendon nodded, “Ok Lannis, you’re up. Go talk to the Jailer.”

“Whoa, whoa,” Lannis held his hands up looking around while Wyn took one of the grey bags and held it to his nose. “I mean, just knock? No gift?”

Lyra swiftly looked through her bag to see if there was anything worth unburdening herself with for trade. “Blueberries? No, mine,” she muttered. “Honey? Also mine,” she rummaged some more, “Vanilla beans? Nope, also mine.” Shrugging she pulled out the lizard holy symbol, “I don’t know... Maybe he wants this? I sure as hell don’t really want it. Guess it would really depend on the race of the people or things in there.” 

“Senorita,” Abraxas frowned, “the honey isn’t just for you. It’s for trade, si?”

“Maybe. But if I don’t offer it for trade, I don’t have to worry about not having it.”

“How about the cat book?” Brendon suggested.

Lannis shook his head and moved further away. “Do we have to do this now? Wyn and I have no spells, Kovid’s hurt. Let’s just find the stairs, then rest up and tackle this first thing in the morning? Whoever is in there, they’re not going anywhere."

Nodding, Kovid whispered, “I agree with Big Brain. This is adding up to be more trouble than it's worth right now. If we have the key we can always come back. Let's wait 'till the hocus pocus guys have a light spell at least."

Smiling, the fighter agreed. "Señor LesMis, this is an idea bueno. We can come back later. Find the stairs, then head back and rest. Where are we resting then? La Carcinera's is the safest, but it is quite a far trek from aqui. Other ideas? Perhaps mañana when we come to talk to el Yailer, he will be alone. We have the honeys and other items for trade, yes?”

“Not the jar I’m holding,” Lyra suggested.

“Tomatoes?” he asked.

Wyn shook his head. “You cooked them up last night. We’d have to go out to the garden to get more.”

“Didn’t we pick up some sweets along the way? Maybe an elven towel or some sweet scents for him would be good. Maybe we cook some extra food tonight just for him.”

Lannis folding his arms across his chest. “I don’t think Trogs eat the exact same stuff we eat. Most likely carrion and stink bugs.”

“And another thing,” Abraxas continued, eyeing Lannis, “When we come back, maybe I should do the talking?”

“Just what are you implying, Abraxas?” the magic user asked.

“Nothing, Senor. Just using my capesa. Let’s vamonos, let's find those stairs and get back. Maybe we refill our water skins and Oil Jars while we head back, no?"

The party turned around and moved south away from the Jails and the voices, making it back to the “T” intersection where they continued on their way south. The reek in the hall continued and the light revealed the passage continued for some distance and sure enough, the gap on the western wall seemed to open up to a sizable chamber where a number of shadowy figures were standing around. (<Hear Noise, Black 1)

“You mussst be the trouble makersss making ssso much trouble,” a halting hissing voice sounded from the dark chamber. “Sssneaking around isssn’t your ssskill ssset it ssseemsss,” it chuckled. The group deduced it was male but little more and there was no way to tell which figure in the gloom was doing the talking.

“You might asss well come clossser,” it said, “and let me take a look at you all before the Pigsss return with either help or a rebuke.” The voice paused and we heard a low bestial rumble from the cave. “And don’t think to try anything funny or by Tiamat, I’ll be feeding your gutsss to my chargesss.”

Time now is Day 5, 3:35 PM

(OOC)

Interior of the room is dark, no light in there, lantern shows from where you guys are, roughly the dimensions of the room, but there are strange shadows in there and a number (dozen? Who can tell) of other figures within. What’s the deal?

PBEM - Episode 194, Caverns, Jails, Jailers.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY FOUR

(I/C)

“Privy, Brendon?” Lannis asked, wrinkling his nose. "I doubt they'd put a privy, if they even built one, elves don't have buttholes anyway.”

“Monsieur, I kin assure you dat you are mistaken,” Wyn asserted.

“Whatever,” the wizard shrugged. “Might have had chamber maids for guests though. Unless this runs along a naturally occurring vein of shit ore I think something quite unpleasant might be creating that smell.”

Kovid sighed, “And in that, you are ALSO mistaken, Big Brain.”

“Over thinking the situation there, Lugnut,” Lannis continued. “I say we follow south, maybe the orc was smart enough to avoid whatever is causing the smell, and we can too by staying on his trail."

The dwarf frowned, beard bristling. “Clearing out the jails before moving forward toward the stairs and our eventual goal seems to makes sense to me…” he sighed, “but, if the group feels otherwise, then maybe we should track that Orc while we can, before they set up defenses. I guess I’ll go south to catch the pig if that’s what the party prefers.”

Lyra pointed north. “Nope, the Jailer is my vote. Maybe there’s something or another someone there who can help us take on the rest of the orcs.”

The elf countered by pointing south, "Dat tusked boar trouncer ain't gonna get away iffin I cen help it... at de very least, we need ta know at least where de stairs be before we approach de troglodyte jailer.... mayhaps set some alarm traps like dey did to us so we know dey be comin in case we need ta prepare ourselves,” his voice dropped to a hiss as Brendon was waving his hand downward and frowning. “But we cen't know nothin till we know sometin bout where de stairs be. South is where Wyn be wantin ta go."

The Scout waggled his finger. “Wyn you’re letting the orcs cloud your better judgment. Kovid has a point we should deal with the jailer before we are forced to deal with the jailer. It didn’t sound like Lannis was keen on going south yet.”

“Um, I just said we should go south,” Lannis interrupted.

The Fighter pointed north. "I agree with Señor Kovlids, Senorita Linda and Ironon. I think the Yailer and his wards could be dangerous if they're able to attack us from behind. We already know the orkfors are setting traps and scheming up defenses. They know we have to come from this hall, correcto? So maybe there is another way around through the Yail, that no one would expect us to go through?”

“We’ve left nothing behind us if given a chance,” Brendon added.

Abraxas continued, “And if, BIGLY IF, we are able to talk to and reason with the Yailer, we may secure a safer passage without conflict or, if he hates Corgbat that much, maybe he and his wards may want to rise up against Corflarg, or just leave altogether. Convincing him to give us the Silver Flail would be the hardest part. Or maybe if he hates Corglin enough, he will give it to us in exchange for letting him live.”

“Dats a lot of ifs,” Wyn scowled.

“Who knows,” the fighter continued, “talking has worked for us in the past, in cases even better than fighting. He may or may not speak Common. Does anyone speak what Troglodytes speakses?"

"I believe they communicate through a delicate web of bad smells and rude gestures," Lannis said.

“Great, then you can communicate with them easily,” Lyra smiled, getting a rude gesture in return.

“Come on,” Brendon gently tried to steer Wyn away from the south passage, “this way. I had to walk away from the crate and lock. You can do this, big guy.”

The elf was quivering with indecision (<Cha check, -2 penalty racial hatred, Orange 3) until finally throwing his hands up and turning away, finger pointing north. “Fine. We go dis way den. And DEN we go back DIS WAY,” he pointed south, “when we dun.”

“That’s the spirit,” Brendon smiled. 

“Again, I was FINE going south,” Lannis noted. “Hello?” As the party lined up to head north he opened and closed his mouth silently. “Seriously, it’s like I don’t even count.”

“Let’s go, Big Brain,” Kovid gave him a nudge into line. “Can’t forget you.”

The party walked north, quiet as they could be, Abraxas constantly looking behind them to make sure nothing snuck up on them. The passage was crude, barely worked stone, and indeed turned more west the more north they travelled. Just up ahead the group could see the passage became finished castle stones again and a stout oaken door reinforced with steel bands and a set of iron bars in the middle of the portal. A stout lock was right over the knob and just before it was a sign scratched into the stone wall in both Goblin and Orcish. It read:

“No canduls or lantuns beyond this point unless wearing a huud. Jailer”

(<Hear Noise, +20 bonus, Red 24) As for the voices, being closer we could make out two of them distinct, sounded like a male and a female, and they were talking a language that seemed guttural and abrupt; nothing anyone in the party could understand. Their voices echoed oddly and every so often there was a strange deep animal sounding grunt or rumble from beyond the closed door. (>Scenting party, Black 12 – no)

“That looks like a challenging lock,” Brendon frowned.

Time now is Day 5, 3:15 PM

(OOC)

What’s the plan?

PBEM - Episode 193, Pushing On.

ONE HUNDRED NINETY THREE

(I/C)

Looking at the back of the room and the crate, Brendon was digging around for his tool. “Let me see what I can do with that lock.” Glancing at Kovid he asked, “Can you give me a hand turning the box so it’s side down, hinge to the bottom, hasp at the top?”

The dwarf frowned and pointed east. “I suggest we come back to this, Brendon. My vote is we press on right away to see where this hall leads. I wouldn’t spend too much time here.”

"I'm with the lollipop guild on this one,” Lannis suggested, pointing to the door, “let's just get a move on, either smash the crate open or let's keep it moving. Letting the orc get away again for too long probably isn’t wise."

Abraxas smirked, “If Berndar wants to open the crate, let him open the crate. I'll be in the hall looking out. Ready to move when we all are. If there is something useful in there, we should take it."

“I disagree, Abraxas, we should give it a wide berth for now.” Lyra adjusted her shield and continued, “I doubt that orc stuck around after that flaming mattress ordeal. He’s probably long gone and back to his pen by now. I’d still like to get some exploring done as quickly as possible before they have time to send reinforcements.”

“But…It’s right THERE,” the Scout pointed at the far side of the room.

Shrugging and waving him towards the door, Wyn suggested, “I'd like to know what's in de box as much as ye, mon ami... but looks like consensus may be to move on fer now, du Lac. I appreciate yer enterprising' spirit, but maybe we come back ta dis later. Cover as much ground as we cen fer now, oui?"

“Ugh. Really?” Brendon looked around (<Cha Check, Red 7) and sighed. “Fine, another time then please.”

He walked out of the room and got a clap on the back from the elf, "Mayhaps ye cen get some extra shots at de pig bastard dat shot putted ye down de hall?"

Once more in formation, weapons ready, the party left the orcish barracks behind and continued eastward. As they walked Kovid frowned and was sniffing the air. “Coming up to some unworked cavern like stones.”

“Something new?” Abraxas wondered. “The Roberts, they dig it?”

The dwarf shook his head. “No. This is old, part of the original castle.”

“Eyes front, buttholes closed people,” Lannis suggested.

As the passage indeed became less finished it “T”’ed at the end, running both north and south. Faint voices could be heard echoing from both directions, although the distance and acoustics played havoc with telling what might be making the sounds, male or female, or even what language they might be speaking. At the corner Kovid and Wyn stepped forwards and used their infravision to verify there were no heat sources in either direction and then Brendon and the lantern came closer to check the area out.

The passage to the north went off until the light faded, trending north with a slight westward angling as it went on. To the south the passage was mostly straight although there seemed to be an opening in the wall at some point that hinted at a chamber in the direction. “Pew,” Brendon complained as he stepped back closer to the party. “Must be near the privy, there is a stink around here.” He let the group know of the 2 possible choices while Wyn was absently looking around (<Wis +2 elf hatred, Orange 4) eyes flashing.

As he inched past the Scout to the corner, Lyra asked, “What’s up, Wyn?”

Touching the wall he smiled and pointed. Barely visible on the stone was a crude bloody handprint on the south wall and a few drops of blood on the floor. “Our quarry dat ran, came to ‘ere, paused to catch ‘is breath, and den pushed orf da wall and went south from ‘ere.” He fingered his sword. “Assumin’ we wanna go dat way an’ catch ‘im.”

Time now is Day 5, 3:05 PM

(OOC)

Ok, @ the corner. Nothing more can advise. North or south? Or something else?

PBEM - Episode 192, Pushing On.

 ONE HUNDRED NINETY TWO

(I/C)

“Well, glad DAT be over wit’!” Wyn exclaimed with a smile, handing the last of the coins out.

“I don’t think that the equipment was consumed by el fuego,” Abraxas noted. “Where’s all the shields and stuff we put in that secreta room?”

“I’d say the orcs most likely took it some time ago,” Kovid noted.

“Yeah,” Brendon frowned, “And the big bear? Noticed that seemed to be missing as well.” He looked around at the wreckage in the hall. “Should we police this area besides the bodies we removed?”

Looking at the blood and burned area all over the hallway, Lannis sighed, "No point cleaning up, no one is going to believe nothing happened here anyway. Upside on the rope though, no way it can go off a second time, right? Right? Well, let's get to it, maybe we can kill that guy before this totally spirals out of control.”

Taking his offered shield and sword back from Brendon with a nod, the elf asked, “To de nort’ an’ east, oui? Scoutin' formation? Or do Salazar en de dwarf want ta switch places?” He eyed them both over, “Ta be honest, ye both look pretty much equally beaten up... so it be up to ye both. I stand next to whoever be up dere."

Shaking his lantern and trudging his way to the front, Kovid said, “Nah, I’ll be alright.”

“Step ladder, you back the game?” Lannis asked, getting a chuckle from the dwarf and an eyebrow wiggle.

"Señor Kulvid, I will gladly return to my previous post,” Abraxas moved to the back of the party, Scythe held easily over his right shoulder. “Tienes fun up front with Señor Weinded."

Moving to the front, Brendon drew a fresh arrow and shrugged his shoulders to make sure they were loose. “Might as well press on and not give them the time or opportunity to prepare.”

Sling out and stone at the ready, Lyra said, “I’m still good to carry in. Feels like I’ve gotten a second wind, though I’d also like to avoid using the rest of the mana crystal today. I think that’s better saved for another day.” 

Lannis nodded, “I've only got one spell left, and I would rather not use my manacrystal right now unless you guys really think we're going to need it.”

“T’ats for your decision, Monsieur.”

“Then we’re good!” Pointing ahead with a dart, he finished with, “Lead the way Mean Burrito, we've got asses to kick."

Before they went off, Abraxas asked, “Señor LaNoche, did you want your Darts back?” He pointed south and up the stairs, “They are still in hammer'ed into the floor."

Shaking no, he replied, “They might still prove useful, I'll grab them on the way out. Sails at full, Captain Hook. Mush!"

“Ugh,” Brendon groaned as the party slowly made their way down the stairs and back to the long north hall. “Kovid,” he addressed the dwarf, “How we set for lantern light?”

“This flask? Another hour and a half. But we’re better off since we got two more irreplaceable flasks from the dead goblins. So all good.”

They made their way slow, eyes peeled and ears straining, and although there were the normal distance odd echoes, nothing was nearby to cause any alarm. As they approached the hall end they were looking intently, but the wolf trap that had been there earlier was no longer in place. The Scout crept forward and peered around the corner and then motioned the group closer.

The hall beyond also had no bear trap, the door to the wolf room was still ajar and a peer inside showed no one hiding or anything else to be concerned about. They pressed on to the Beekeeper room, also left open as well as the far door we had left open in our haste. But there was nothing different in the chamber and Brendon had the group wait a moment while he stepped ahead and listened (<Hear Noise +20% bonus, Red 35) confident that we were alone.

“No orcs, no nobody nearby.” He seemed to relax. “I think our last efforts made a crimp in their efforts.”

“They shot us from down there,” Kovid pointed east. “Look?”

Nodding in agreement, Brendon led the party east beyond the Beekeeper’s door, watching carefully as they walked on, the dwarf taking his paper and pencil out, marking the heretofore unmapped area. There as a door here, currently ajar and according to the lantern light, just beyond it on the left was another open doorway. “That’s most likely the south end of the room the orcs set on fire.”

Sniffing the air, the group was able to scent the old stink of burnt oil. Creeping through the door, weapons ready, they proceeded to the open door and stopped while Brendon carefully peered inside.

“No more fire,” he muttered and Kovid brought the lantern forward. “Thanks.”

The room was as it appeared before, two sets of double beds along the eastern wall, table, chairs, and a large 4’x4’ crate on the north wall. There was a half circle of burned floor that stretched around the table as well, but there was also sand everywhere. Anyplace there was a burn mark was also a thick layer of sand. As for the bear, it had been dragged in here and was in the corner near the door on the south wall.

Brendon and Kovid entered first, the dwarf looking at the walls with care for potential stone doors or secret areas of the like, while Brendon gave the place a once over (=Wis check +2 thief, Red 10) for issues and traps. Wyn was at the doorway while Abraxas, Lyra, and Lannis were in the hall, eyes peeled and watching.

After some time Kovid announced that there were no secret doors (no roll needed) and Brendon seemed more at ease. “They put the fire out with sand, seemed they had it planned earlier and took pains to avoid burning the entire room. No personal belongings in here, all the footlockers have been cleaned out, no clothes, no nothing. Crate on other side of room is closed and there is a hasp lock on it. Might have to pick it if you want me to look inside. As for Smokey over there,” he pointed to the bear, “Seems they pried off his claws as well as cut his midsection. I would guess, took a few internal organs for whatever reason stupid orcs do things.”

“Thanks!” Lannis nodded. “Real informative and stuff. So, we checking it out more and either yes or no on the crate and whatever pancreas they might have taken from poor Yogi?”

Time now is Day 5, 2:55 PM

(OOC)

Ok! What do you want to do?

PBEM - Episode 191, Pushing On.

 ONE HUNDRED NINETY ONE

(I/C)

Looking over at Abraxas who was watching the room on fire burn out, Kovid offered, “Nice dagger throw compadre.” He kicked over one of the held and dead goblins, then bent down and started rifling through the greenskin’s scant belongings. “We should search that one too once the fire goes out. And then smash its goblin skull in to be sure it’s extra dead.”

“Si, si!” Abraxas gave the last held goblin a cold stare, the squat female was visibly sweating as she was stuck in place. "Lo siento, verdito. Este es what serving Corblart gets you." He then slowly pushed the tip of the Scythe through her neck, raining blood all down her front. HE then shrugged, put his Scythe aside, and duplicated Kovid’s actions by looking over her stuff. "What have you all in your pockets?”

Meanwhile down the hall, Wyn was giggling to himself as he dragged the brute out of the fire and towards the stairs. “You never saw dis comin’ did you, Baiseur de Cochon? Wonder what ye ugly bastards got on ye.” As he was going through the orc’s burned belongings, still unaffected by the fire, Brendon came limping up with a frown, his face scraped up and purpling in places, sporting a fresh limp. “Sacre blue! What was de cart that hit you?”

“Bastard picked me up and threw me like a sack of shit,” the Scout complained. He then took in the very dead orc and the burning out mattress. “Well done Wyn on your tactic by the way.”

“Merci beaucoup!” Wyn stood up, dusting his hands clean, sporting a handful of coins. “Arrows got burned but we ‘ave plenty so not a problem. ‘E did ‘ave 2 gold, 6 silver, and 6 copper. So it wasn’t a total loss. And I got ta fly on a burning bed and kill an orc wit’ my bare hands. So all in all, a good day!”

“Let’s go back,” Brendon suggested, holding on to the wall for support. “And somehow, I blame Lannis for my face and wounds.”

The two of them made their way back to the stairs and up while the rest of the group had congregated around the hallway. Abraxas was frowning, looking about, "Anyone see donde Barden went?"

“I think he ran down the hall with Burning Itching Sensational Wyn,” Lannis offered.

Abraxas sighed. “Señor Kovish... perhaps your Majik eyes are better for this task?” He pointed to the steps down, “Ayuda me, por favor?"

Finishing peeing on the far most goblin corpse, the dwarf tucked himself away and replied, “Yes, Abraxas I’ll help you look. Just one memento as you would say.” He laughed, turning to Lyra, “Did I hear you say you had a healing word available, Lady Lyra?”

“Sure do!” the Cleric replied, stepping forward to place her hand on the dwarf. “Aine, sounding off here. Heal my companion please!” (CLW 1d6+1, White 5 – Heal 6!)

“Ah! Thanks so much! Another great job.”

Lannis had pulled out his Manacrystal and was mumbling, “Nice Molotov Lannis. Nice spell, pointy hat, grumblegrumblegrumble.”

“Eh?” the dwarf asked.

“Nothing,” he replied, holding the stone out. “Kovid, would you hold this for me for now please? I don't want to activate it by accident right now, unless we have plans to press on considerably further today."

Lyra raised her hands unsure. “It’s getting later in the day, right? Do we want to continue exploring or start calling it? Thanks to that manacrystal I can hold a few more fuckers if we need.”

Brendon and Wyn were back with the group now and the Scout smiled at the Cleric, “Good job lass on your ability to harness YOUR magic upon our enemies.” His eyes slid over the Lannis and his lips dropped to a frown.

“You got something to say?” the Magic User asked.

“Nope. Just letting my face say it all.”

“Well, turn your face down,” Lannis complained. “It seems to be set to ‘judgey’ for some reason.”

“Hang tight,” the Cleric interrupted, placing her hand on Brendon’s shoulder. “And another one for you, Aine if you don’t mind.” (CLW: 1d6+1, White 3 – Heal 4!) “Alright. We’re good. You get that last bastard with the bow?”

“Nope, after he spiked me like a football, he ran off.”

“Just great,” Lyra complained, hands on her hips, “That pig is going to run back to his others now and tell them they need reinforcements or something. Let’s get finish up here and get moving before more start stampeding down these halls.”

Wyn drew his hand axe out and Abraxas nodded, some of the party members bringing the dead goblins to the elf to be hacked and then dragged further into Travis’ room to be dumped. The Fighter went back into the secret room and reclaimed his thrown dagger, looking around. “Senor Lampnuts,” he called.

“Yeah?”

“The alarm rope bell that you said don’t touch? It’s gone.”

“What?” Looking in Lannis could see that the fire had burned the rope and it had most likely slithered back up the hole somewhere on the second floor. “Well…shitmonkey. That’s unfortunate. Let’s wrap it up people and move on since we don’t want to be watching the paint dry at this time, ok?”

The last of the goblins were searched, turning up (4+4+2+2) 12 more silver pieces. “Hokay,” Wyn suggested putting his axe away and the group shutting both the secret and the former spy’s room closed. “Let’s divide the coins and keep on going south, oui?”

Time now is Day 5, 2:30 PM

(OOC)

Monster XP: 2 Orcs @ 50 divided

6 Goblins @ 20 each divided

Treasure XP: Negligible

Kovid add 36

Brendon add 46

Abraxas add 47

Lannis and Wyn add 52

Lyra add 57

Coins: Everyone add 3 silver and 1 copper, Lyra and Brendon add 1 gold as well

Ok – 1 orc escaped, heading back north to the beekeeper area/barracks that was on fire beyond?

PBEM - Episode 190, Orcs and Fire

ONE HUNDRED NINETY

(I/C)

With the chaos in the hall all about, Kovid chuckled as he shifted his hammer to his off hand. “That crazy ass elf actually did it!” he exclaimed gleefully as he plucked both flasks of oil (add to inventory) from the held goblin’s and pulled the wicks free, looking for the loose covers on the ground and then thumbing the corks back in.

Meanwhile, holding a lone dart in his hand, Lannis was rubbing his leg and pointing down the stairs, "Go get that guy someone, yeah! I would but my leg is cramping up so bad right now, oww, ooh. I'll be right there, right behind you."

“Silly Big Brain,” Kovid laughed, winding up his hammer to swing, “you can always help me up here, you know.” And then he twisted, and the Theystran hammer whirled about smacking into the Goblin’s head, pulping it before tearing it free. “The only good goblin is a headless goblin!” 

“Don’t run,” Brendon shouted, slinging his bow across his shoulder and drawing his blade. “I want to be your friend!”

“Ah…nuts,” Lannis groused, running past Abraxas who was looking intently in the burning room, and taking the steps two at a time. "Oh! My cramp is gone, be right there!" And at the mid way point of the stairs he stopped and fired off a Pause spell (<Save vs spell, Black 9 – failed), making the distant orc slow down and stop, looking around absently as it pondered its decision to flee. “Annnnnd it’s back,” Lannis moaned, holding his leg, “Oh no!"

“Thanks, Lannis,” Brendon slapped the mage on the shoulder and then ran down the hall, picking his way slowly past the burning mattress and two combatants rolling about on the ground (Dex >12, no roll needed) tossing an absent, “Really getting into that, aren’t you Wyn,” at the elf as he had one knee on the orc’s crotch, and had both hands around the greenskin’s piggish neck.

"Yer false god has no power here!” Wyn was spitting while bearing down, “I am de fiery wrath of Ishtari! Die you sow fuckin hog blower!”

Shuddering, the Scout continued his run to the distant Orc who was watching him come, bow and arrow in his hand, sword out, and then he thrust! (<+1 to hit, +4 Pause, Red 4) and his blade dug into the orc’s armor and slipped through, but it skittered on his flesh and although drew some blood, wasn’t even close to a telling wound.

And the orc’s eyes snapped into focus as the Pause ended.

“Shit,” Brendon muttered.

Meanwhile stepping past the Fighter and Dwarf, Lyra said, “Damn Lannis... you’re really being a pussy.” She glanced back at Kovid and added, “I’ll be back to heal you in a second Kovid, I need to go make peace with a mother-fucker who shot me an arrow.” 

“Haha! Go do what you need.”

Stepping halfway down the stairs right behind Lannis she had a stone loaded in the sling and squinting in the dark asked, “Is that Brendon fighting that guy?”

“Yep,” Lannis said. “And I don’t think he’s Paused anymore.”

“Hmm…I might hit the Scout. Maybe I shouldn’t?”

“Bah! Sounds like quitter words to me. Go ahead. If you DO hit him, I’ll tell Brendon it was my fault.”

She sighed, “You’re a peach, Lannis,” and spun her sling overhead letting the rock out at the last moment (>+2 to hit, -4 dim light, White 20 – Critical – 3 Damage!) where it smashed into the Orc’s shoulder with punishing force, twisting him part the way to the side. “Got the bastard!”

“No,” Lannis noted, “You missed Brendon. You did get the orc though!”

Meanwhile Abraxas was debating the best way to get to the last goblin still standing and trying to put out the oil fire that was in the room and dangerously close to him. He had already been splashed earlier and had some pretty bad wounds but the flames were too high to get through at this time. “You!” he called, sliding a Stone Dagger into his free hand. “Come closer! Dying in the fire is NOT a good thing! Come! Ahora!” And as the Goblin steeled itself to make the crossing out of the room, seeing Abraxas outstretched hand, it made its way to the door when the Fighter then twisted and HURLED the stone dagger (=+4 to hit, Blue 9) at 7’ away where it smashed into its chest and drove the goblin to its knees.

“Spaz Tok Arick!” it cursed (1d4 Damage, Blue 2 and killed!), blood welling under its hands as it slumped down and died.

“I don’t speak, El Gobbo! Wot you say? Wot you say?!” He yelled at the dying goblin. Turning to Kovid he shrugged his shoulders and echoed, “Wot did he say?”

Kovid frowned. “Do I look like I speak that shit they spew? Most likely something about your mother.”

“Mi madre!” He whirled back, “You PRICK! If you weren’t dying, I’d totally kill you de neuvo!”

Meanwhile Wyn was driving his foe’s head down as the burning mattress smoked and billowed around the two of them, shoving and squeezing and throttling as hard as he could as the orc was grabbing his wrists trying to break the swamp elf’s punishing grip. “May yer filth be purged from deze walls! Block us in our quest and ye all will buuurn!" (>+1 Strength, +1 on top, +1 elf rage, Orange 11) The orc was struggling to breathe as Wyn powered down, the fire not helping the situation (1d3 Damage: Orange 2 – 1 Damage and 1 of 2 successive rounds to knock out) as the orc was unable to do more than kick and gasp as the elf’s face in a rictus grin stared down at him, the fire not affecting him at all.

(Bottom of Round: Orc takes 1d4 Fire Damage: Blue 3 – and killed!) The last thing it saw was the gleaming flames burning off the elf’s frantic eyes as he choked him to burning death.

(Goblin @ 0 in the burning room – <Save vs Death Ray to avoid taking any further damage: White 6 – fuck it – he’s dead dead!)

Meanwhile the orc that Brendon was fighting realized it could not get a shot off on the Scout so instead dropping its bow and used the arrow in its hand, stabbing it up and then DOWN (>+2 to hit, Red/Black 14) thrusting the arrow into Brendon’s upper body (1d4 damage with held arrow, Red/Black 2 – Take 2 Damage) making him gasp as he tried to turn away.

(Initiative: Party Steel 1, Orc Red/Black 2)

Seeing the wreckage down the hall but having to get Brendon away, the orc snarled, “You made BIG mistake, Manling!” He lunged forward (=+2 to hit, -2 BX Baby, Green 14) and wrapped one ham like hand around Brendon’s weapon arm, and the other lower just over his thigh. The Scout began twisting as the orc’s muscles corded and bunched and he (combative Strength vs Dex check: Orc White 5 (beat by 8) vs Brendon Red 18 (missed by 2)) HOISTED the human off the ground, limbs waving wildly in the air. “Corfard will get you all!” he roared as he HURLED Brendon down the hall (d4 + d6 feet: Steel 2 + Red 3 = 5’, half for damage: take 2 damage and knocked prone) where he hit with jarring force and bounced; the orc turning tail and running away to the north and into the darkness.

Time now is Day 5, 2:20 PM

(OOC)

1 goblin left that is held, Orc has escaped; no one is even vaguely close enough to give chase at this point. Wyn has 16 minutes of fire resistance remaining. Brendon went toe to toe with the orc, down to 4 hp out of 11. Current hp:

Lannis 11/11

Lyra 17/22

Wyn 12/15

Abraxas 19/29

Brendon 4/11

Kovid 9/27

PBEM - Episode 189, Orcs and Fire

And we have it - standard "Plan B" D&D - set something on fire! So proud! 😁

Follows:

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY NINE

(I/C)

Looking at the arrow sticking through the shield, Wyn pulled the shield off his arm and broke the arrow out of the shield. “Fuck this shit,” he cursed, turning back and marching up the stairs. Stepping over Lannis’ trip line he walked right to the bedroom past Abraxas and snarled, “Salazar, de time for sneakin’ be over. We be chargin’. Just need to get us a shield of sorts.”

“Senor,” Abraxas said pointing, “You have one. That one.”

“Oui. But deese be orcs and fuck those dirty ass chompin’ goat fuckers in dere blow hole wit’ a spiked bat an’ no lube.” He shoved the door open, sweeping the straw mattress off the bed and holding it up lengthways in front of him. "It’s time. I'm running down the hall after these pig fuckers. Whose coming with me?"

Lannis rubbed his chin and then swung his pack around, taking out one of his flasks of oil. "Running right into their potential traps seems dicey, but I don’t see as we have much choice at the moment." He broke the seal and jammed a torn bit of cloth the mouth, shaking it up. “I’m in.”

“It’s time for plan fire?” Lyra asked, pulling her sling out. “I’m always down for plan fire.”

Brendon was grinning broadly. “I’m down wit’ y’all.” Turning to the Cleric he asked, “Lyra, can you cast Resist Fire on Wyn and the Mattress?”

Lyra placed a hand on the elf’s shoulder and prayed, “Aine, bless my companion with the ability to resist fire.” He was covered in a faint red glow that faded after a few seconds (20 minutes from this mark).  “Remember,” she said, tapping the elf once more, “I know that’s what the mattress is for but fire isn’t protecting you from arrows... honestly it might just make it worse, I don’t know.”

“I’ll be fine, Priestesse,” Wyn said with a growl. “Dose Orcs dough, dey are gonna feel me hard.”

“I don’t know if that sounds gay or not,” Lannis muttered.

“Fuck you,” Wyn answered back, momentarily stunning the Magic User to silence. “Monsieur Kovid, Light me!”

The dwarf pressed the hot glass of the lantern against the front of the mattress as Wyn set himself up at the top of the stairs, the sheet beginning to brown and smolder as he tilted the glass to allow the flame to flare out. "Amigos, perhaps we let Señor Wynjes go a few steps ahead,” Abraxas suggested, Morrigaan Scythe held easily over his shoulder. “Give him a diez foot berth. Let him and Bribdirn go Prime. They will clear the traps, I will follow diez feet behind, you all follow behind me. ¡Vamonos!"

With a chorus of “aye’s” the watched as the mattress began to smoke and Wyn was shrugging his shoulders. “Un moment,” he muttered, slinging his back aside and dropping his shield (100) and second sword (60), lightening his load. “De Lac, si vous plait?” he asked, Brendon nodding in reply.

And then the mattress ignited after a solid minute and holding the sides tight, Wyn pulled it towards him (<Dex BX Baby -2, Elf +2, Orange 9) and then RAN down the steps, the weight of the mattress adding speed to his stride as he took the steps two at a time, the running causing the fire to spread FASTER along the front of his full body length shield. “Ah Ahm Comin’ Orcs!!” he cried out as he pounded down the steps at full speed.

Meanwhile, laughing aloud, bow out and arrow nocked, Brendon followed a few steps behind, the rest of the party following beyond them. The Scout was chanting at full volume, “Burn out the day! Burn out the night! I can't see no reason to delay this fight! I'm living for giving the devil his due! And I'm burning, I'm burning, I'm burning for you! I'm burning, I'm burning, I'm burning for you!”

Unseen beyond the burning mattress, the lone orc had returned to the steps and rose up to fire again (<+3 to hit, -4 cover, Red/Grey 3) the shaft burying into the burning mattress. Seeing the wall of flame coming his way at ridiculous speed, and the bellowing singing of the Scout behind the roar of the flames (Morale check, 10 – failed) caused him to turn and RUN down the steps, squealing and shouting, “Coming! Coming!!”

(Initiative: Party Steel 2 vs Enemy Red/Black 1)

Crossing the hall and running blind, the stones of the walls ringing against his knuckles as he held the now billowing still somewhat held together mattress ahead of him, Wyn was counting off the paces as he approached the steps, glancing past the flames to see them RIGHT here…and the orc at the bottom of the steps running at full tilt. (>Wis check, racial hatred, Orange 13 – failed).

“FUCK YOU ORCS!” he cried as he ran past the two open doors a living column of fire, pounded down 2 paces taking multiple steps at a time, and JUMPED holding the mattress ahead of him like some burning veil as he plummeted like a comet and (<+3 to hit, -2 BX Baby, Black 20 – AHHAHAHAH!) SMASHED on top of the fleeing orc, covering him in the now exploding burning mattress and driving him to the ground (1d6 Damage, Critical 6 Damage + 2 damage fire – 8 Damage) amidst the sound of his leg breaking and covering him in burning straw and furious elf.

And following right behind, Brendon slowed at the mid point of the stairs, burning straw littering the stairs as he saw Wyn grappling with the brute at the base. And down the hall, barely illuminated by the fire in the hall, was another orc with a bow. And an arrow loaded.

But the Scout drew back, aimed, and fired (>+4 to hit, -4 penalty dim light, Red 16), the clothyard shaft slamming through the orc’s leather cuirass (1d6 Damage, Red 5) and causing him to bark in pain.

As both the Scout and Elf had run through the area at full speed, neither one noticed that coming out of the secret area and the Spy’s room were two and another 4 goblins, armed with a couple of flasks with wicks in them as well as crude stone axes.

But the rest of the group did.

Abraxas hit the lead one first, a rather rangy looking greenskin with an oversized lesion on his scalp and an axe hoisted back to smash down at Brendon. “Huuu…” he grunted as the Scythe arced about (>+6 to hit, Blue 11) and then streaked across (1d8+3 Damage, Blue 6 – 9 Damage and killed!) passing through the goblin’s neck and cutting most of the way through, leaving only the spine still intact as its head flopped back and green tinged red blood fountained up and then across the stairs in a gory spray. “…uuuuwah!!” he finished.

Lannis, already with his own prepared flask, had scooped up a burning ember earlier and lit the wick, hocking back, and (1-3 Secret door, 4-6 Spy bedroom door – Pink 2 – Secret Door) called out, “Plan B!” hurling the glass flask (>+2 to hit, Pink 14) with deadly accuracy, causing the 2 goblins there to squeal in terror and try to back up (<Save vs Death Ray Green 2, Teal 16); one of them getting the full scope of the splashing fire and the other being partially covered in it (1d8 Damage: Pink 7 – 1 takes 7 and Killed! The other takes 4), both of the screaming loudly.

“Three or more,” Lyra muttered, jogging hard behind, pulling her holy symbol out. “Aine! Once more, last spell of the day. HOLD PERSON…er…HOLD GOBLIN!” (Random 1d4: White 4, Save vs spells: <White 8, <White 5, <Red/Black 5) all three of them freezing in place, one with a club held at his side, the other 2 with un thrown flasks of oil. “Got you ALL!” she crowed.

Kovid charged up, Theystran Hammer held aloft and smashed one of the held goblins in the head, the one with the club, bursting its skull open and slamming it to the ground. “Gotcha Greenshit,” he snarled. “Get those flasks from these two and pull the burning brands out. We can use the oil and the containers.”

Lyra began to smoke and glow, the Cleric looking worried. “What the hell is going on?” she asked fearfully. The glow got brighter and stronger and then there was a crackling noise and something in her backpack began to smoke. “Ah! Did fire get in here?” she asked, flipping the top open and digging on the side pocket to pull out…the Manacrystal. “Huh?” she asked. The Crystal looked more shot through with black cracks and appeared to be about half its former size and illumination, but it still glowed as she looked deep inside of it.

And then she smiled, feeling her holy symbol. “Guys,” she announced with a deep grin. “I had just cast all my spells…well…I have all my spells back RIGHT now.” Looking at the manacrystal she frowned. “And it looks like this thing half burned out to do it. Which means if I’m carrying it again when I run out, I should get another recharge at least once more.”

Abraxas smiled. “That’s great, Senorita,” he pointed down the stairs. “Can we talk about that later? There is a howling elf on a burning bed on a broken orchido and Brinedown is shooting at another orchido down the hall.”

Time now is Day 5, 2:13 PM

(OOC)

Secret of the Manacrystals (at least here) finally came up. Five out of six goblins held back to attack the rear have been killed or neutralized (Scythed, burned, held, held, held and killed, and finally 2/3rd dead on fire in a small room on fire). Two visible orcs – 1 under an exploded burning mattress and stabbity elf, and 1 far down the hall with an arrow in its chest. What’s the plan? Far orc is real far away.

PBEM - Episode 188, Orcs and Fire

ONE HUNDRED EIGHTY EIGHT

(I/C)

“I don’t like it,” Lannis said. “Let’s go to the storeroom and see how much beer Kovid could drink instead.”

Brendon shook his head, frowning. “Instead of getting drunk and letting them setup more shit for us to deal with, let’s move forward.”

“Wow, maybe I was just joking?” Lannis suggested.

The Scout continued, hand raised to forestall any further comments, “If Wyn will accompany me, I think we could move down the hall in the dark. We both have extensive training and we could use the embers as cover.”

“You can’t see in the dark, Genius,” the Mage said sarcastically.

“It’ll be perfect. Visual and defense will be impaired on both sides,” Brendon counted up on his fingers with each point. “Sauce for the goose. Odds would be even.”

“I don’t agree.”

He continued, “If we stay low, sweep our feet as we walk and approach slowly, we could light a torch in-front of them an momentary blind them.” He shrugged, “Maybe a wet towel over us will help to cloak the heat from our heads.”

Wyn raised a hand stopping Lannis from interjecting. “Mostly sounds bien, mon ami. No wet towels. Just stay low en we cen keep our bodies at de same heat as de embers. We sneak ahead and low to the ground, moving our feet with very low steps to avoid stepping on bear traps we don't know bout or trippin any wires. No sweepin' feet, though... dat is not sneakin'.”

Abraxas was looking troubled, “No me gusta este, amigos. This no es ...como dices... sitting right...? This does not sit right with me.”

Lannis sighed, "Doesn't sit well with me either big guy; unfortunately this is the only way to the other side. Unless you want to go through the portcullis. Which is also a bad idea"

The elf held his hand up, pointing ahead. “It’ll be ok. Well be safe and slow. When we to get to de doors, we listen and peer around de corners.”

“If things go wrong enough that you guys need help,” Lyra said, “I’ll come in to cast hold person. Hopefully they go right though.” She lowered her voice and turned aside, but Abraxas was able to hear her mutter, “For once today.”

“Si, Senorita. Something seems not right.” He tapped her on the shoulder and pointed further down the hall near the dead hobgoblin. “I will be there, just in case. I do not trust Orko. Stay behind me and let me know what Senor Wynches has to say.”

“Will do,” she answered, gripping her club tight.

“Brendon,” Wyn was summarizing, “If we get to door and see no orcs, den we light a torch off embers and quickly hurl it down the rest of the hallway to check out if dere be any orcs en traps down de hall. Den de rest ov de party meets us where we be. If we see more den two orcs, I sleep dem. Else, you try yer torch trick. I swap to bow en shoot dem.”

“Aye,” the scout agreed, ““When we get to the corner and it looks clear we should have some sort of signal for the others to move up. Not too close to give us away but close enough that they’re not too far from us.”

Kovid held his thumb up. “I’ll watch for it.” He paused. “Be careful.”

“Merci.” With his shield out and an unlit torch in his other hand, Wyn nodded to the Scout and the two of them began walking down the steps, crouching low and taking exaggerated steps to keep their balance, avoid getting upright, and prevent falling. With no light they were relying mostly on Wyn’s infravision and the faintish glow coming off the slowly cooling embers.

One step at a time they made their way down the stairs getting just past the half way point (>Look +2 thief, Red 10) when Wyn’s feet settled on the step and there was the audible sound of crushed glass grinding the soles of his boot. (>Surprise Check, Red/Black 5). Freezing instantly the two of them strained to hear (>Hear Noise +15 bonus, Red 89..>Hear Noise +2 bonus Orange 19) anything but in that instant Wyn saw the end of the hall where the stairs were a sudden heat bloom and then a loud TWANG!

He crouched lower and hunkered behind the shield (>+3 to hit, Red/Black 14) but the orcish shaft found a weak spot in the wood and punched through enough (1d6 Damage, Red/Black 3) to stab him in the left forearm. He kept his cool enough to glance past the shield to see the orc shaped heat bloom that rose at the far steps turn and disappear swiftly followed by some deep piggish sounding laughter.

Entire situation from stepping on the glass covered step? Barely 5 seconds.

Time now is Day 5, 2:12 PM

(OOC)

Orc in waiting, failed surprise, but still scored a hit. Turned and ran down the steps about 30, 35’ away. Laughter sound is just one. What do you want to do?