PBEM, Episode 14 - Hall and Kobold Library

FOURTEEN

(I/C)

"Good fighting everyone,” Abraxas said with an infectious grin. “That was fun. Let's see what booty abounds in this Kobold Cave." He grabbed one of the kobolds and proceeded to shake it violently, its limbs flailing about as he twisted it, shook it, and turned it upside down to shake it again. Little bits of bone began to rain out of the kobold’s clothing, falling to the ground.

"Thanks Abraxis,” Lyra said. “Aine knows we probably would have killed it eventually but you stepping in was much appreciated." She walked past Wyn to the cabinet while the elf made his way to the catty corner bookcase.

“Mon ami,” he said, looking at Kovid. “You look for secret doors, oui?”

“Aye,” the dwarf answered. “Aren’t any.”

Wyn chuckled, “I am sure at first glance it would appear to be so, but if I were to ‘ide a secret place, behind this shelf would make the most sense. Can you hold shelf while I climb? Den I check for other secrets.”

Kovid frowned. “Sure I can hold it while you climb, but we can also just slide it aside.” He gave the elf a pointed glance. “Unless you prefer to do things the difficult way?”

“No, no. I just was looking to make as little noise as possible, I am sure you be t’inkin’ that a good idea, no?”

“Sure, it is,” Kovid replied, lifting one end of the shelf and crab walking it out to make it easier to step behind. “But sometimes it’s easier to remove an obstacle than go around it.”

“That is a very dwarven way of thinkin, Dwarfreind.” He patted Kovid on the shoulder and moved past to look at the corner of the room.

Kovid pursed his lips and muttered, barely loud enough for Lannis to overhear, the Magic User thumbing through the 2 tomes, “If anyone is to find a secret door in the stonework, it won’t be the elf!"

While all this was going on, Brendon made his way to the desk on the far side of the room. The drawer was closed and a casual look showed that it was locked – and from the pry and gouge marks around it, someone had tried to open it in the past but failed. Squatting low, he moved some of the stained paper and crushed ink wells aside, and rifled through his thieves tool to find the right set of picks to open the lock.

By the time Abraxas was done looking through the kobolds, he found 1 LEATHER NECKLACE (3) with 3 elf ears on it, about 15 finger long bits of bone the kobolds were using as fasteners, and on one of them, a stained small folded pouch with 5 CINNAMON STICKS (0) in it that it appeared the kobolds were eating.

Meanwhile Lyra had gone through the cabinet slowly and with care (Wis >10, no roll needed) and found many torn and useless sets of clothes, a spot where up to two kobolds were using the cabinet as a nest behind the clothes, and in one pair of pants, a folded bit of prayer cloth with markings to Maestro, the pagan god of music, with 10 INCENSE CONES (10)

After some time both Kovid (Search Secret Door: Yellow 6), and Wyn (Search Secret Door: Orange 4) emerged behind the shelf satisfied that besides dust, there was no secret doors back there. With that, Abraxas, Kovid, and Wyn stacked the dead kobolds behind the shelf before lifting it up and putting it back in place. Wyn nodded back at the door, “I’ll go back there to listen and see if’n anyone else be a comin’.” (No listen check needed at this time)

By this time Brendon had worked the lock of the desk drawer (<Open Locks: Red 17) and with a satisfied click, managed to unlock it. Sliding it back he could see it had some useless quills, some dried and crumbling sponge, 60 COPPER PIECES, 1 FANCY SILVER MIRROR (10) worth (Thief, Int >12, no roll) 25 Gold Pieces, and a rolled up scroll. He opened it up and it was a CLERIC SCROLL of DETECT EVIL (1st level, 120’ range direction looked, duration: 6 turns).

Lyra took the scroll (Add Scroll: Detect Evil to sheet) with thanks. At this point, while Lannis was still reading the two books, Brendon, Abraxas, and Kovid began the laborious project of taking apart the kobold warren of tables and chairs, Lyra drew out her club and was watching the process intently in case there was another kobold hidden in there.

It was hard work but Abraxas (<Str +2 bonus, Blue 7), Brendon (>Str +2 bonus, Red 12) and Kovid (<Str +2 bonus, yellow 11) managed to take the structure apart with little issue. In the detritus they found 50 COPPER PIECES, 1 sorry looking and falling apart Feather Duster, 10 EDIBLE MUSHROOMS, and 1 HAND DRUM (5).

And finally, Lannis (=Int, Pink 18) was able to tell that the two tomes were the quartermaster record books for Halgafar’s Castle here in Acreage. And although it was written in elven, Lannis was able to read it, skim through, and come to the conclusion that there was little of interest to be had now. Except for one part where the Ispan’s Headmaster had commented about a panic room where if the Castle was even under a magic assault and the Ispan and / or the Arcanist were ever slain, the Scriptorium would dump anyone who tried to plunder it into an oil filled pit that would then go up in flame.

And there was a small map about it as well!

The party divided up the coins (Brendon and Abraxis add 19 Copper pieces, everyone else add 18 Copper pieces) and except for the Cleric Scroll that Lyra now has, would discuss what items to keep from the found piles. And then knowing the hall is currently clear, would discuss where to go next – NORTH down the hall with 3 doors on the left, and 1 on the right (noise coming from the 2nd on the left) and the corridor still kept going – or back to the ENTRANCE Room and try the other hall that had 4 different walking points.

Time now is 11:28

(OOC)

Area Explored!

Base Xp: 15 per Explored area., 5 bonus Brendon and Wyn
Treasure Xp: 25 gold + 110 Copper divided
Abraxas, Kovid, Lannis, and Lyra: add 19
Brendon and Wyn: add 24

Decide what you are keeping and let me know, then tell me which direction you are going and where you’d like to end up to either open or explore to.

PBEM, Episode 13 - Hall and Kobold Library

THIRTEEN

(I/C)

Slinging the gore off his sword, Abraxis shouted to Kovid, “Dah Smell, it's how you say, gross?? ¿Si, porque no? These Koboldeses smell gross? Die Koboldeses!!"

Kovid dodged another thrust from the kobold he was fighting, quipping back, “And you thought they smelled bad on the outside, Abraxas!” while beating at the one attacking him.

Lyra skipped backwards, trying to get away from the Kobold menacing her when Lannis slammed into it from behind, his quarterstaff knocking it forward and causing it to stumble before turning around to face the Magic User. “Foul creature, you dare approach me? The insolence of this vermin is unbelievable!” He swung his staff surely and with great arcing swings (<+1 to hit, Pink 6) and although attracted the ankle biters attention, failed to do more than buffet the creature wildly.

Taking advantage of its attention elsewhere, Lyra loaded up another stone and let it fly (<+3 to hit, White 6) but this one missed by inches and clattered into the pile of tables and debris in the corner. Wyn charged into the fight from the side, joining Lannis in harrying the kobold who was now beset on 3 sides and visibly crying (<+3 to hit, Orange 6) as it somehow managed to avoid getting a killing blow.

Menawhile Kovid managed to stomp on his kobold’s foot, pinning it briefly in place for his war hammer to arc over his head and (>+2 to hit, Yellow 17) smash it down on the dogfaced foe, (1d8+1 Damage, Blue 4: 5 Damage and killed!) crushing its skull and drawing a satisfied grunt from the bristling dwarf.

Not to be outdone, Brendon redoubled his efforts, sword dancing up and around, slicing, cutting, thrusting (>+1 to hit, Red 18) until he got a solid blow across the kobold’s neck (1d6 Dam, Red 6 and killed!) where it gurgled on its life blood and fell over.

Abraxis, seeing the dwarf and thief finish off theirs, turned back to the kobold Wyn, Lyra, and Lannis was assaulting and shouldered his way in, 3’ of sharpened steel plunging into the kobold’s lung through its armpit (>+5 to hit, Blue 11) and then ripping through the other side, (1d8+2 Damage, Blue 2: 4 Damage and killed!) putting the last of them down.

Feeling great for their efforts but concerned over the length of the fight and who might have heard, Wyn(>Hear Noise, Orange 12) and Lannis (>Hear Noise, Pink 14) took up position near the door and waited, listening hard while the rest of the group fanned out and searched, Abraxis wiping his sword clean before taking up position near the Magic User and the Elf. After some time they felt comfortable that nothing was out there and with the door closed, the sounds of combat did not attract any unwanted attention.

Kovid after giving the walls a solid once over and seeing the way the kobolds were behaving (Search Secret Door: Yellow 4) was pretty sure there were no secret passages out of the room. Lyra looked high and low for her thrown rocks (White 6) but was only able to find one in the chamber that would be usable (total sling stones – 8).

And lastly, continuing where he left off earlier, Brendon gave the bookcase that was catty corner a solid look over (<Wis +2 bonus, Red 5) where discovered that even though the shelf seemed devoid of tomes, there were two of them that had fallen behind the case, very dusty and there for 30 years, but still viable. He dragged them into the light and Lannis’ eyes grew wide.

Time Now is 11:18

There are 5 dead kobolds in this room, and to look at if interested still the SOUTH wall BOOKCASE, the PILE OF TABLES AND CHAIRS the kobolds were using as a warren, the CLOSED CABINET where a kobold had been hiding, and the DESK on the north wall that had not been looked at and had 1 DRAWER on it closed with a keyhole but no key.

And of course you can just leave.

(OOC)

Good job! Combat finished!

Base Xp: 15 xp per kobold
Lannis and Lyra – Add 12 Xp each
Kovid – Add 17 xp
Brendon and Wyn – Add 18 xp each
Abraxis – Add 23 Xp

Room isn’t finished so exploring XP isn’t given yet

PBEM, Interlude 3 - Abraxas

This was the third character's backstory that they had emailed back to me in response to some questions about their life and past.

Follows

ABRAXIS

The night before the group camped outside of Acreage they could see the ruined warehouse and docks that the river Gelterdam ran against. Whatever fishing vessels were once here are long gone and the docks were in terrible shape. Abraxis sighed, leaning against his sword, the tip pressed into the firm earth.

“Something up, Abraxis?” Brendon asked as he unfurled his bedroll.

“No, Senor Agua, I was merely thinking about my job and when this task for the Academy is over, if I can get back to it.”

Lyra looked up, “You’re not a fighter?”

Abraxis laughed. “Sure. I do fight. I also drink and go to the tavern for some cerveza now and now and again.”

The Cleric shook her head. “No, I mean, fighter is not your profession? You are not part of the militia or Specularum’s armed forces?”

“Sweet heavens, no.” He lifted his sword free and wiped off the tip before sheathing it. “I am a worker of the docks.”

“So…,” Wyn asked slowly, “so…you help make ze docks?”

“Nah! That’s too much for me to know to do, Master Benji. I mean I work for Hexia for the last 3 years as a person who unloads boats on the docks, and sometimes loads things from the docks on boats. And sometimes I bring things from the warehouses to the docks. And there are times I bring things from the docks to the warehouses.”

Lannis smirked. “So, you’re a dockworker.”

“Yep!” Abraxis said with a smile.

“You’re a laborer. You literally pick things up and put then down.”

“Got it in one, Senor Offput.”

Lannis shook his head. “A dockworker. And you’re supposed to be the person we can count on in a fight?”

“Hey! I take mucho offense to that.” Abraxis scowled. “Without dockworkers there would be no movement of cargo and then your precious coats and goods and foods would not get where it needs to go. I go in and I work. I work hard.” His scowl softened to a smirk. “Not too hard, mind you. Just hard enough to look like I’m working, but not so hard that I am tired at the end of the day.”

“Holy crap,” Lannis muttered.

“Don’t knock it, Master Mager. It takes some effort to do your job well enough to be doing your job but not too good that you draw too much attention from the Headman. Hexia, that’s my supervisor, she even let me slide a few times I came in to work after the shift bell rang and I didn’t get shorted a single copper.”

“But seriously…”

Abraxis continued, staring down Lannis. “One thing you can say about me is that I am dependable. Rain? I’m there. Sun? I’m there? Sick? I’m there? Crotch spiders? I’m there. Like a clock, I am there and work all the day until manana.”

Kovid’s brows beetled. “What in the darkest deep is a crotch spider?”

The big man shrugged. “I got it after bonus one time when I went upstairs to line up for the new girl at the Iron Flame Brothel. Had good time, she had a good time, paid her in good silver, and the next day my pene was being covered in crotch spiders. Had to douse myself in good spirits a few times during the day but I still come to work.”

“I don’t want to know, mon ami,” Wyn said, “but at the same time I do. Si vous plez, how did you get rid of them?”

“Used a dagger to cut the hair off around my pene and while in the water used a hot candle to burn the ones that were still running about, ducking under the harbor water to ease the burn. Not fun. I now don’t pay the low 3 silver rate for cheap girls, money saved not worth it if crotch spiders make you loco.”

“You must be well liked,” Lannis said after finishing his laughter. “That was a pretty funny story.”

Abraxis shrugged, opening his backpack and taking out a bit of dried cheese to eat. “Maybe. I dunno. Like, we go to bar and laugh and I work hard, but truthfully, sometimes coworkers don’t know my name and I try to speak to them but I talk too slow and the just call me ‘Hey you’.”

“Wow, that sucks.” Lannis rubbed his chin. “Look, it’s been a week or less and I know your name. How can your coworkers not even bother?”

“Not all of them. Some. I don’t mind! Sometimes I don’t know their name so I remember a name that sounds like them and that works!” He put the cheese away and took out his own bedroll. “Right now though, I am not working. Pallet fell off stand, spilled goods on warehouse. Hexia real mad and send 5 of us home who nearby. When incident be over and done, I look forward to go back to work. Right now, Academy job come my way perfect fit.”

Kovid nodded. “The gold crowns will be nice.”

“Maybe. Gold nice but not last. Too much gold means too many women and too many nights deep in cups. Few drinks, some laughs, place to sleep and some clothes to wear when others get worn all one needs.”

“Don’t you want to be rich?”

“Maybe. Never were before. Don’t see need. Rich people have too much and are just as unhappy sometimes as poor people. Better to have companions you can depend on and have your back.”

Brendon nodded. “That’s a good philosophy, Abraxis.”

“Gracias, Senor. Simple truths are the best truths. I take this job because I am dock worker now, but I am also fighter. I am good fighter. I fight, protect others, be like caballero, make some centavos, and at end of day, maybe tilt a few back with good friends and share a meal.”

The party was silent for a bit, digesting Abraxis’s words before Lannis sheepishly added, “Can’t ask for anything better than that.” He sighed, “Sorry if I insulted you.”

“De nada, Senor. If I was bothered by anything you’ve said so far this trip, I already learned to tune your chattering voice out.” He laughed long and hard at that, smacking his knee and wiping the tears from his eyes while the rest of the party chuckled in agreement.

PBEM, Episode 12 - Hall and Kobold Library

TWELVE

(I/C)

Brendon turned to Lyra and muttered, “I HATE Being right,” while rapidly sheathing his long bow and drawing his short sword in one fluid movement.

Lyra, dancing backwards while Lannis was weaving his fingers together and muttering under his breath, dropped her cudgel back to her belt and unwound her sling. “Dammit I hate when you’re right, too!”

While the air was crackling around the Magic-User’s hands, he turned his attention on the kobolds assaulting the group and shouted in the raspy inhuman draconic tongue, “Krizz! Kal thak mik ton!” (Halt! Come no further!) But the kobolds didn’t respond to the threat. So instead he pulled his hands up, linked his fingers together, and finished whatever spell he had started, shooting a pulse of arcanic energy at the charging kobold (<Save vs Spells, Red/Black: 1) who skittered forward one step and froze in place, Paused (reduce # of cantrips by 1).

Abraxis yelled out, “Señor Offphth, get behind me! I'm coming Wendy!!” as he went to intercept the now still kobold.

“No! Lannis shouted! Leave that one, he’s frozen for now!”

“Aye!”

Across the room, Kovid eyed both kobolds and turned his attention to the one on the left, seeing Brendon stepping forward to help. “Kobolds, prepare to be Ko-Dead!” The dwarf hit the kobold with his war hammer, the heavy weapon moaning as it whistled through the air, clipping the enemy a few times, but the little ankle biter was too fast for the dwarf to get a solid blow in (<+2 to hit, Yellow 5).

Meanwhile the second one was trying to thrust at Kovid when Brendon came stepping up, “From Hell’s heart I stab at thee!” shoving the length of his short blade at the kobold’s side. The shorter foe twisted aside, getting a superficial cut in return  and dodged the next three thrusts as well (<+1 to hit, Red 9) but his attention no longer on the dwarf.

Abraxis instead went after the kobold attempting to stab it’s crude knife into Wyn’s back, his shield leading the way. The wooden and iron edge blocked the stab and the Fighter’s sword slammed out from floor to ceiling, slapping the kobold back and opening its midsection wide open. It drew breath to scream and Abraxis slammed his pommel across its throat, silencing it. Bleeding and trying to block the ferocious blows raining down about it, (>+5 to hit, Blue 11) it was met with punishing steel (1d8+2 Dam, Blue 7: 9 Damage and killed!) and killed.

Wyn, giving Abraxis a nod of thanks, danced around with his kobold, knocking the thrusts aside with gentle flicks of his sword, or turning them away with well placed dodged and blocks. Driving the smaller foe ahead of him, Wyn growled low, “Yous kolbolds need ta learn one ting...” and brought his sword back and then straight in (>+3 to hit, Orange 20) and right through the kobold’s chest. “Ya don't mess with da elves!" (1d6+1 Dam, Critical, no roll, Max Dam: 7 and killed!)

Seeing which way the battle was going, Lyra took aim at the kobold fighting Brendon, loading a stone into her sling and spinning it over her head three times before letting it fly (>+2 to hit, -4 penalty, White 17) where it cracked against the kobold’s skull with a wet thwacking sound (1-3 Dam, White 4/2: 2 Dam) staggering the beast but not killing it.

The two kobolds still standing and able to fight plied their crude knives at Kovid (<+0 to hit, Steel 3) and Brendon (<+0 to hit, Steel 6) but neither one could score a hit.

(Initiative: Party Silver: 1, Kobolds Red/Black: 2, Kobolds win – New round)

The battle raged on and the Kovid continued to defend himself from the kobold before him (+0 to hit, Red/Blue: 11) with little issue, but Brendon caught a jagged slice against his midsection (+0 to hit, Red/Grey 19) that made him wince (1d4 Damage, Steel 1, Brendon take 1 damage).

As for the Paused kobold, it shook off the effects of the spell, looked around the room (>6 Morale: 2d6 White: 12) dropped its knife, screamed, and seeing little chance of survival, broke and ran towards the door of the room. Abraxis tried to trip it up (>Dex -4, Blue 15) but fear let it run around the fighter, and right towards Lyra who saw its feint and then leapt right, shield leading the way (=Dex -2, White 9) hitting the kobold and stopping it in its tracks.

Time is 11:08.

(OOC)

Three kobolds left. 1 with Kovid, 1 wounded with Brendon, 1 with Lyra.

Bottom of Round 2, Brendon took 1 hp of damage.

PBEM, Episode 11 - Hall and Kobold Library

ELEVEN

 (I/C)
The group discussed options, settling on 3 members going in for a fast search and then the rest of the party follow.  Lyra swapped to her club, Wyn drew his sword, Brendon nudged the elf who glanced back at the thief – pointing at the torch. Wyn nodded and handed it back to Abraxis and leaned in to the dwarf and said, “Stand guard in doorway with hammer ready to smash, s'il vous plaît. Keep light here too."

He then whispers to Brendon, "Stay here. Don't want you dead. Will call you in soon."

Lannis leaned in and said, ”I'll stay here and watch until it's clear and I know nothing will eat my nipples.”

“Nipples? Really?”

“You don’t know,” Lannis replied indignantly. “Who knows what’s in here.” He nudged the Cleric,
“Be thorough, but do be careful with the books."

“Shelves look empty,” she replied.

“Again. You. Don’t. Know. Ok?” He sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. “Just, if you see anything on the bookshelves, book or not, just don’t touch it, ok?”

Abraxis clapped Lannis on the shoulder, “Kofevevd and I will protect you Senor Lame-ass.” Giving Wyn and Brendon a wave, “We will await your palabra... I mean your word. Make haste, mis amigos.” At that, Kovid and Abraxis stood back to back, weapons drawn, watching the NORTH and SOUTH corridor intently, Lannis standing just to their side.

Wyn, then Brendon, then Lyra entered the LIBRARY with care. Debris on the floor made walking difficult so they proceeded carefully. The Cleric went to the middle of the room and looked around with care, (<Wis, White 4) seeing that the place although wrecked, most of the debris was small. There were no large pieces of busted wood or metal – only light and useless reeds, papers, and the like. She listened (>Hear Noise, White 8) and heard nothing of interest.

Wyn went to the cabinet first, glancing at the one lone TABLE in the corner that had not been piled with the others. Loose papers and trash abounded on the TABLE, and there was 1 DRAWER on the underside of the table that was closed and with a keyhole – but no key was here. Giving the CABINET and PILE a look, (>Wis, Orange 17) he noted the Cabinet was closed and the doors did not shut properly. Using the tip of his sword he pried open one door, and then the other – seeing nothing inside. He listened carefully (>Hear Noise, Orange 13) but heard nothing. As for the Pile, there were benches, chairs, old tapestries and rugs torn off  the walls and similar items interspersed under the tables – making it difficult to make out anything and in the dim light, his infravision showed no heat sources.

Brendon matched Wyn’s concern with the PILE (<Wis, Red 2) and even though there was nothing there or seen, the thief felt his senses were fully alert. There was a redolent odor in the air, mixed in with old carpets and musty books, faint and wisping, like spices somehow but he could not define it. He listened as well (>Hear Noise, Red 25) but heard nothing but the party.

Lyra made her way over to the bookshelves and Brendon joined her, Lannis in the hall shrugging his shoulders and mouthing, “Hey!” but they looked behind the two shelves and saw nothing.

Quick search done, the group motioned the others to come in. Kovid shut the door and made his way westward past the shelves, eyes fixed on the stone walls, Abraxis stood behind Lannis who joined Lyra at the Bookshelves. The group quickly shared what they had learned so far and the decision was made to give the place a more thorough search.

However, just as they were about to embark on it, Wyn caught a glimpse of movement in the dark interior of the cabinet and brought his sword up just in time as a 4’ tall, 65 lb dog faced lizard looking creature with a sharpened stone dagger lunged out of the cabinet and tried to stab the elf. (>Surprise Check: 3) He ducked, rolled his shoulder, and flipped the beast off his back while bringing his sword up to skewer the bastard.

“Comrades!” he called out, his sensitive ears picking up wispy movements from the debris pile. “Company!”

Lannis whirled around, eyes wide, fingers white knuckled on his staff. “Fucking shit! Kobolds!”

Four move came out of the debris – one sneaking up behind Wyn, one charging towards the Magic User but would have to pass fairly close to the Fighter. And two of them bracing the Dwarf who sighed and spun his War Hammer in his ready grip. Brendon plucked the string on his bow and took a half step back, “Let’s bring the Noise!”

(Initiative: Party Silver: 3, Kobolds Red/Black: 2 – party wins)

Time is 11:06

(OOC)

Party won initiative. Look at the pic and see where you are in relation to any kobold that is attacking. We have 2 on Kovid, 2 on Wyn, and 1 going after Lannis. Again, Let me know: FRONT LINE, SUPPORT FRONT, MISSILE FILE, OTHER. If you are already engaged – keep that in mind on trying to break engagement.

PBEM, Episode 10 - Hall and Kobold Library

TEN

(I/C)

The group mostly wanted to start with this door, Lyra echoing Lannis’ thought earlier about being quiet. “I don’t think we’re the only ones in this place.”

Lannis, standing next to Lyra, agreed, head bobbing and the end of his hat flopping. He kept looking behind us, straining to listen.

Brendon, Kovid, and Wyn conferred briefly, the dwarf taking out a torch and lighting it, handing it to the elf who was filling a small pouch with loose stones from the crumbled castle floor. “Wyn and I are going to check ahead,” Brendon said. “Do NOT open the door with out us. Wait for us, Abraxis.”

"If not back in 10 minutes, somet’ing went wrong. Please come,” Wyn added with a nod. “If we are fleeing from something coming for us, I will whistle the sacred song of Aine down the hallway.”

We watched them as they walked down the hall, proceeding with care, their torchlight giving them a bubble of light as they traveled further and further away. Moving with care, Brendon (>Move Silently, Red 76) and Wyn (>Move Silently, Orange 61) made their way down the old castle corridor. As they traveled they listened, trying to hear anything of interest (>Hear Noise, Red 49..>Hear Noise, Orange 12).

About 15 to 20 paces from the party they came to a door on the left, but another half dozen paces showed another door on the right. And then beyond that they continued finding another door on the left about 10 or so paces past that. And still wanting to finish their checking, found a fourth door, the third on the left, easily 100’ past where they had left the party – and STILL the castle went on.

As for the doors, they did stop to listen briefly at each one, only hearing noise behind the 2nd door on the left which sounded faintly like things being dropped on the floor. Maybe wood? Hard to tell. It was infrequent at best, but heard if standing near the portal. Blocking the torch with his body and turning away, Brendon was able to douse some of the light enough for Wyn to hazily make out via Infravision that the passage continued for another 40’ beyond even this door. Wyn took out one of the loose stones and tossed it down and we waited…Nothing happened.

So he did it again and the two of them waited…and again, no noise.

Gone now easily 10 minutes, they turned back down the passage and headed back to the party where they were happy to see the two scouts return. In quiet voices they shared what they had seen and their concerns.

Meanwhile Lannis had kept a ready ear out behind us (WMC – Red/Black 3) (>Hear Noise, Pink 10) but was sure nothing was there at this time.

Brendon gave the door a solid check (>Find Traps, Red 39) but was sure the door was ok to open. So Abraxis, shield up at the ready and holding it before him, grabbed the handle, turned it, and shoved hard (>Open Door, Blue 4) the door sliding open and shoving a number of dumped over CHAIRS out of the way. We waited…and looked.

The room was large, 50’ x 50’, and at one point was a LIBRARY or classroom of sorts. Old pens, dried ink wells, littered paper and torn books littered the floor. A number of TABLES had been overturned and tossed haphazardly in the far CORNER. There were still two BOOK SHELVES standing on the SOUTH wall, the others had fallen away to refuse and loose boards. The SHELVES appeared to be empty. A CLOSED FREESTANDING CABINET was just inside the room and on the EAST wall.

Time now is 10:56

(OOC)

Ok, lots to think about. Room is as described, plus long hall and 4 other doors, 1 with a noise behind it, and this door Brendon thought he heard something some time ago but it never repeated.

What’s the plan?

PBEM, Interlude 2 - Kovid

This was the 2nd interlude based upon some questions I had sent each player about their character's origin or backstory. Everyone had a slightly part of their history to discuss about - this was the dwarf's.

Follows:

During the week long trip, Wyn kept up a running commentary about some of the benefits of shrimp and how to some swamp elves, it can be considered, “the fruit of the sea.”

Abraxis scratched his head. “Fruit isn’t a sea thing, Windy.”

The elf sighed and replied, “No, it’s a saying. If you’d like, I can tell you ‘bout where I am from, ‘long wit’ all the gators, coons, and down ‘ome cookin’, yah I kin say.”

“No.”

Wyn, who was ready to launch into the story about his home turned to look at Kovid. “Dwarfriend, wot do yo mean, ‘no’, ami?”

“You asked if I’d like. And I don’t like.” He bristled his beard and sighed. “And truthfully, between Lannis swearing he knows everything…”

“I do!” the mage replied indignantly.

The dwarf continued, eying Lannis sideways,“And you going on and on about all sorts of shrimp I think it’s time that maybe someone else tell a tell about where they came from, given that we are going to be travelling for a bit and adventuring together.”

“Well, I don’t know where you come from, Master Dwarf, but up here in civilized lands, you have to wait your turn.” Lannis harrumphed and crossed his skinny arms across his chest, hat flopping sideways as he did so.

“What to know how I got my nickname, Manslayer, Manling?”

“Wait,” Wyn asked, “That’s not your clan name?”

Kovid chuckled. “Not even close.” He gripped the end of his hammer and sighed. “And it’s not one I’m proud to have, but to all dwarves, your name is who you are and no dwarf would deny any part of themselves.”

“I’m the son of Kovid XVIII. The Kovid name runs as deep as the iron mines beneath the small dwarven city we hail from. Manslayer is a title, given somewhat ironically, but a welcome one.”

“Go on,” Lyra prodded as the dwarf grew silent.

“Deep in the iron mines, I developed a strange cough that lasted many weeks. Perhaps from some of the strange mold and fungi that grew down there, I didn't know. And truthfully, if it had nothing to do with extracting iron, as a clan, we didn’t care much as to its origin.”

He kicked a loose rock and then continued. “Throughout the mine the cough was passed from Dwarf to Dwarf but it was nothing more than an annoyance. Later, me and my father, the foreman of the mine, were set to negotiate a trade with a Manling settlement: A few crates of HIGH quality iron in exchange for some much needed meat and grain.”

“Seems fair,” Lannis offered.

“True, Dwarves typically don’t waster much time on harvesting or husbandry. My father…” he paused, tilting his head back in thought, “is a dwarf of some questionable morals…”

“A dickweed,” Lannis offered as Kovid paused.

“Perhaps. However, he did secretly place mostly LOWER quality iron in the crates. He believed humans stupid and wouldn't know the difference. At the time of the meeting even though a crate was inspected the deception DID go unnoticed. I felt pretty terrible about double crossing the human traders but my father was almost dancing with glee. I shook the human leader's hand, and accidently let out a single short cough. In the sun I could see spittle hang in the air a moment, before we went their separate ways.”

The Dwarf drew his war hammer and inspected its head, frowning as he recalled his story. “It was that damn mine cough, but I was glad it was almost gone. The next night I confronted my father about his deception and was furious, but there was not much to be done. Hopefully the manlings would be dumb enough not to know the difference in iron quality.”

He sighed, “Were we fucking wrong.”

“Wait, wait, wait,” Brendon interrupted. “Was this like 5 years ago? What was the name of that place…Whan Province?”

Kovid nodded and Brendon whistled. “Whoa. I know how this ends.”

Abraxis nudged the thief. “I don’t! Let him finish. Go on Senor Kornfed, tell us the rest.”

Clearing his throat, Kovid resumed his tale. “The next day scouts could see an army of thousands over the ridge, forming ranks, and erecting trebuchets ready to raid the dwarven city. My father had cheated the wrong humans. We holed up in the mines and mountains, shut the paths, and hunkered down preparing for the raid the best we could; knowing an attack could come at any moment. Then a day passed... and then another... All was quiet over the ridge. Spotters could see all movement had ceased.”

“What was going on?” Abraxis asked

“The Thane demanded that my father take a small party over the ridge to inspect what had happened.” Kovid sighed, eyes getting misty. “The war effort had been abandoned. It looked like many fled, but hundreds did not. Every single soldier that remained...lay dead on the ground.”

“Dead?” Lyra asked. “Plague, sickness?”

Kovid nodded shamefaced. “I can still remember it. Blood spattered over their mouths, most clutching their chests as they died. No other manlings from Whan Province ever had dealing with our clan again. Perhaps whatever struck this encampment affected the entire settlement. It was unclear what really happened but the last exchange between the two races stuck in my father’s twisted mind.”

He resheathed his hammer and lifted his head, walking on with his back straight. “My father…my proud father,” he spat, “he patted me, his son on the back, like I should revel in what happened, and laughed. ‘Son,’ he said to me and the other dwarves nearby listening, ‘you saved us with a single cough.’ "

The group was silent for a while until Abraxis cleared his throat and asked, “So…why do they call you Manslayer then?”

The party laughed and Wyn grumbled, “Ahnd for this tale of genocide ahnd dwarven greed, I had to shelve moi story?”

Lannis shrugged. “Maybe. I mean, I’m sure my story is more interesting than yours.”

Wyn eyed Lannis with an ached brow. “That…I doubt high, mon ami. I doubt it highly.”

PBEM, Episode 9 - Hall and Kobold Library

NINE

(I/C)

Kovid gave the door a bristling snarl and grabbed his pick as if ready to knock it down when Lannis stepped forward, laid his hand on the dwarf’s arm and shook his head. “Not worth it. Please. Quiet.”

Meanwhile Brendon turned to Wyn and said, “For a swamp elf, you are either very brave or very dumb. Don’t go alone.”

“I only want check dis way to know paths. Just in cases. I no go witout com-pan-yons. Dat be stupid. Like eatin dee gator teet first."

The scout grunted and the party looked at the two passages. “I’m not sure what all of you are thinking, “Lannis said, “For now it would seem more strategically sound to try the hallway with less potential vectors for attack."

Lyra agreed. “The north west path leads to a bunch of paths and you smells like water? If it's worth anything, if we have to investigate an area first, I'd also prefer it to be the one with less paths to explore. Less of a chance we could get blindsided."

The party agreed and lined up with Brendon in the front, followed by Kovid and Wyn walking abreast, the dwarf holding the lantern aloft. Then came Lannis and Lyra together, the Cleric with her sling at the ready. And finally Abraxis, “I'll protect our backside. My shield is yours!"

As a group we began walking down the NORTH and EAST passage, the Fighter watching behind us with care while Brendon took his time, scanning for any loose stones, leaning debris, or anything untoward that might cause a problem. Wyn and Kovid followed close by, eyes peeled and running their hands on the castle stones as they travelled. Kovid was giving the walls a solid thumping, scraping at the mortar with a thumb nail and sniffing it.

“Wot you doing, Dwarfriend?” Wyn asked.

“I wonder,” Kovid muttered, “I wonder who built this place. The stonework is…solid, but the wear on it is centuries made. This is an old Castle.”

“Halgafar was a well loved elven lord. And elves do live a long time, mon ami. I could see easily 400 years this castle be old.”

“450.”

Wyn frowned. “Perhaps. But I would trust a more conservative figure of 400 years old.”

“Maybe, if you wanted to practice being wrong. 450 is the better age.”

Lannis’ staff thumped out, lightly smacking both the Dwarf and Elf in the head. “What part of quiet, and shut the hell up, don’t you dickweeds understand?”

The party walked down the long hall to the east for some time, 60, 70’ easily, before it turned to the north and some 15 paces or so away there was a door on the WEST wall as well as the CORRIDOR continuing to the NORTH to the limit of the lantern light and then some. Kovid held the lantern higher while Brendon gave the WEST DOOR a once over (>Find, Red 56) and listened carefully (<Hear Noise, Red 17).

“Well?” the dwarf asked.

“The door isn’t trapped, it opens in and to the right, and I would guess it’s been used in the recent past as the knob is clean of dust and grit. There is no key hole so it is not locked. And although I listened long and hard, when we first arrived at the door I thought I heard something shift inside the room, soft and gentle – but it did not repeat and I am confident that I did hear something but nothing since.”

“It’s up to you guys. Are we going to try this door and go in, or keep going down the hall?”

Time now is 10:36 AM.

(OOC)

Nothing left to say about the door and no further listening will change anything. So far no secret doors have been found and unless there is a fight, no Wandering Monster Checks for at least 2 more turns in the halls – if you continue down.

PBEM, Episode 8 - Sitting Room and Armory

EIGHT

(I/C)
Abraxis continued to look over the Ballista, running his hands over it and murmuring. Meanwhile Lyra cleaned off her club and then unlooped her sling and wrapped it around her right wrist. She bent down and picked up one of the giant rats and dragged it into the WEAPONS ROOM while Lannis, Brendon, and Wyn listened down the halls. “Mon ami, you should check out the west door,” the elf whispered to Brendon who nodded absently, ears cocked down the halls while Lyra dragged the rats and Abraxis continued to check the machine.

Kovid had moved back into the hall, standing near Brendon, head tilted and trying to hear as well.

“Abraxis,” Lyra whispered. “Is that thing loaded?”

The Fighter reached lower and lifted the tail end of the rust heavy BOLT. “No. Not for some time. The rats were…malo…bad. But we should be ok, not like this can go off without some loving work. And even then it’d only go off once.”

“How much work?” Lannis asked.

“Monsieur Luc,” Wyn cocked his head west. “The door, eh?” Brendon again waved his hand and then held up a finger, looking at the NORTH and EAST passage. “Hmmph. Grossier,” the elf said, heading to the NORTH and WEST passage.

“Twenty minutes and a full FLASK OF OIL,” Kovid answered Lannis, Abraxis echoing his answer a moment later. “It won’t go off without some effort to make it happen and then loaded and even then, you’d be lucky to get a single shot out of it.”

Wiping her hands clean, Lyra moved back into the middle of the room, sling unfurled and took out a sizable stone, loading it up. Lannis went off to the WEAPONS ROOM door after Abraxis left it, made sure it was shut, and then wiped some dirt on the bottom of the door to hide our presence.

Meanwhile Wyn stepped eight paces of so down the passage to the turn off, far enough away from the party for his infravision to kick in. The passages were the same temperature, bluish green and featureless, and went as far as he could see. It appeared there was an additional turn off down each passage – from the NORTH the passage continued NORTH and had a side passage going WEST. And from the WEST, the passage continued WEST and had a side passage going NORTH.

Meanwhile Brendon satisfied nothing was nearby, finally went to check out the WEST DOOR, giving it a full once over (<Find Traps, Red 24) confident that it wasn’t trapped, neither was it locked as there was no keyhole on the door. Kovid nodded to Brendon and stepped forward, Abraxis bracing the dwarf, his sword out and ready. Wyn meanwhile came back into the room and Brendon had his bow out.

With a nod, Kovid went to open the door and was surprised to find it stuck. Turning the handle and steadying himself, he shoved and pushed at the door (>Open Door, Yellow 4) but failed to budge the portal. Brendon dug in his backpack and handed the dwarf his Prybar, “Use this.”

Thanking the thief, Kovid worked the prybar into the jamb of the door and push, twisted, and shoved as hard as the dwarf could, veins sticking out of his neck and forearms and he shoved (>Open Door +1 Bonus, Yellow 5) and the door failed to budge. He gave the portal a critical look (>Stonework, Yellow 4) and then shrugged. “Manling, I don’t know why the door isn’t opening but it has been closed for some time and I would guess it is blocked from the other side somehow.” He returned the prybar. “I don’t see how we can open it.”

Wyn shared what he had seen down the NORTH and WEST Passage. “There was faintly the smell of water down there, an’ I gotta say, it reminds me of home. But, it splits into at least 4 different choices after a bit and I am not sure which way to go.”

Time now is 10:26

(OOC)

Door to the WEST cannot be opened, 2 attempts. Only if someone stronger than Kovid attempts and would only get one attempt – or if anyone in the party goes up in level – then you would get another chance. Otherwise all further attempts will end up no result. (Kovid has a 15 Strength).

Alternatively you can attack the door with hammer, picks, and axes and break it down that way.

You have the NORTH and EAST passage which turns to the EAST after a short distance, and the NORTH and WEST passage which eventually splits into 2 choices after 15’ and then 2 more choices each way after another 35’.

PBEM, Episode 7 - Sitting Room and Armory

SEVEN
(I/C)

Lyra shook the rat free, trying to back up, “Shit! I should have had my sling out. A little help here?”

Sword leading the way, Abraxis took three mighty steps and slashed his broad sword hard at the giant rat that was harassing Lyra, "Die Vile... uh.... how do you say... Vill... Vas... Ver... Ah Yes, Vermins!! Die Vile Vermins!"

Meanwhile Lannis, closer to the door, sidled westward and looked around nervously, gripping his staff. “Yeah! Good job! Kill them quieter please. Not so loud Abraxis!”

Wyn slid his short sword from his cross sheath and stepped past Brendon who pulled out and arrow and nocked it. “Dwarfriend, I ‘ave your back,” he said. “Yes, Wyn. Finally a little action!”

Kovid already engaged with the giant rat in front of him swung his war hammer in a wide arc, and the rat skipped backwards before running in again. He beat around the rat, heavy hammer chipping stone and clipping the rat, but unable to land a killing blow (<+2 to hit, Yellow 2). However his actions did force the rat to sidle too much to the left and Wyn gave it a deep stab in the flank. The rat tried to pivot but its side gave way, and the elf scored a second, then a third and fourth blow, his sword blade quickly going red (>+3 to hit, Orange 19) as he pricked, poked, and bled the rat to death (1-6+1 Dam, Orange 4: 5 Damage and killed!) until with a final squeak it fell over and ceased to move.

The Fighter hacked down hard, slicing the end of the rat’s tail as it skipped forward, and Lyra hit it on the other side, the two of them working in tandem on the Giant Rat. Hemmed in and before it could think about fleeing, and all the while Lannis kept saying, “Quieter! Kill it quieter you louts!” Abraxis growled deep and slammed his sword down dead on against the rat (>+5 to hit, Blue 19) but the sword turned and it was with the flat of the blade (1-8+2 Dam, Blue 1: 3 Damage) hurting the vermin badly but not killing it. Lyra took advantage of the stunned monster to line up her club and swing (>+0 to hit, White 19) hitting the Giant Rat hard across its back (1-6-1 Dam, White 4: 3 Damage and killed!) and crushing the last of its squeaking cries.

As the growing silence of the post battle stretched out, the group caught their breath and waited (WMC: Red/Black 3) but nothing seemed to have caught wind of the battle and Brendon put his nocked arrow away. Lyra checked out her wound and after wiping it clean, commented that it “would be ok for now.”

The group cleaned their weapons while Brendon looked into the now open room. The WEAPON’S ROOM was 20’ square with a pair of dilapidated racks on the EAST wall. The racks appeared to be empty. On the SOUTH wall was a rusted BALLISTA with a single BOLT, 6’ long, finned, and heavy, under the machine. After giving the room a once over, Brendon gave a cocky grin and announced the room was safe from traps (>Find Traps, Red 31).

Lyra stayed outside the room watching and wary, while Lannis and Wyn took up position in the hall, listening to make sure we aren’t surprised by wandering monsters. Abraxis and Kovid, both fighting men, came in on Brendon’s say so and looked over the machine making appreciative noises and grunts about the size and thrusting power of the BALLISTA while Lyra shook her head ruefully. Abraxis (> Wis, Blue 16) and Kovid (=Wis, Yellow 13) talked about the machine and checked it out before coming to the conclusion that the Ballista was in POOR condition and could probably only be fired ONCE more – but the firing spring and wheels were rusted and before moving or firing the machine, would need 1 FLASK OF OIL to effect enough of a repair to move and then shoot it. Since the Ballista weighed 175 lbs it was unwieldy to carry and looks like it had been here for at least 30 plus years.

Giving the room one last look over (Blue 3, Red 4, Yellow 6) they found nothing else of interest in the chamber and considered this room finished for now. There are EXITS @ WEST DOOR, NORTH and EAST Passage and NORTH and WEST Passage. Lantern had 5 ½ hours of oil remaining.

Time now is 10:16

(OOC)
Good job! TWO Areas Complete and Combat finished.
Base XP: 15 per explored area, Each Rat 15 xp

Lannis, Abraxis, Brendon, and Kovid: Add 35 xp
Wyn and Lyra: Add 40 xp

PBEM, Episode 6 - Sitting Room and Armory

SIX

(I/C)

Lyra swiped some of the soot with her boot on the floor. “Goddess Áine’s red mane,” she swore lightly, “What’s the plan? Which hall should we take?”

Brendon lifted his finger to his lips and hissed. “Shh.” He pointed to the two doors. “I’d like to not leave anything behind us.” He pointed to the east door where the vermin noise was coming from. “I’d like to check this one first.”

Lannis nodded his head but smacked the secret door first. “Let’s at least partially close this to make it less obvious.” Wyn came over and helped the Magic User shut the door until it was practically flush. From there the Magic User looked at the lone cloak and Brendon came over as well, calling Lyra. “Before we hit the door, lets check out whatever’s left in here.”

“Senor Lame-us Offphth,” Abraxis whispered, holding his sword higher, “ I will stand here and watch for nothing to come.”

Lannis looked at Abraxis. “Seriously? Were you dropped as a child?”

Abraxis smiled. “Often, and as an adult as well.”

Brendon and Kovid went to the couch to give that a once over while the other 3 looked over the cloak. It was a standard sized cloak that looked like the bottom was ragged from being dragged and the lower foot and a half was pretty muddy as well. “Short person,” Lannis offered.

“Yep, dragged it along and tore the bottom,” Brendon agreed. “I would guess under 5’ in height.”

“Easily,” Lannis agreed. “Mud’s the same as all over the outside as well. Crusted and dried but not flaked off. Cloak’s used a bunch, maybe every day or two.”

Lyra was silent during all this, fingering her holy symbol when she used the end of her club and lifted the edge of the cloak aside. It hung strangely and she could see there was an inner pocket there. With a higher lift of her club, she tilted the cloak more and three yellowy/orange tomatoes rolled out. “Gardener wears it, and harvests with it.”

Kovid was giving the couch a hard look and held Brendon’s arm for a moment, eyeing the heavy wooden frame on the stone floor (<Stonework Check, Yellow 1). “Couch hasn’t moved in years. Can see where the weight of it has worn the stone a bit, and there is a discolored line where it touched the wall and floor.”

Feeling better about it, Brendon said, “Let’ssee what stories this couch holds,” and the two of them lifted it aside, checked under the cushions, and although the couch was stale smelling and a bit foul, dust and thin webs under it, it was without issue and concern.

Giving the tomatoes to Wyn who placed them in his box (Add 3 yellowish tomatoes (3) to inventory) Lyra went back to the NORTH and EAST Passage with Abraxis, listening and watching the room with care.

Finally, Wyn and Lannis looked over the Brazier. They were confident it hadn’t been lit in some time, but some time being a matter of weeks or a month – not 30 years. There was precious little there but ash however the two of them put their minds together and found a few hardened chunks of burn wood where Lannis (< Int, Pink 7) and Wyn (< Int +2 Bonus, Orange 13) were convinced it was local wood, poorly seasoned, and maybe a week or two old.

By this time we had checked out everything and the group drew together at the EAST Door where Brendon gave it a once over for traps (> Find Traps, Red 86) and then gave a cocky grin to Kovid who stepped up and said, “I am with you, Master Theif.” Putting his lantern down near the door but not too close where it could be in the way or smashed, the dwarf bounced his War Hammer to his off hand and grabbed the handle and turned, pushing the door in.

(Initiative Check: Party 1 Silver, Foes Red/Black 3)

The room seemed to be a WEAPONS ROOM for the Castle but before the Dwarf could say anything, TWO GIANT RATS came running out of the room. The Group was scrambling to ready themselves in time as the first rat charged Kovid and entangled itself in his legs, trying to bite him (+1 to hit, <Red/Black 14) finding the weak spot in the back of the dwarf’s knee but not getting through the woven chain links between the plates.

The second rat charged past the dwarf and hit Lyra hard, the Cleric taking a half step and using her club to keep the 35# beast at bay. It managed to scramble under her shield and bit her numerous times, finding a wear spot in her chainmail (+1 to hit, >Silver 17) where the sharp teeth hit hard enough to draw blood and bruise her skin (1-3 Dam, Red/Black 4 /2  – Take 2 Damage). Lannis (Int >15, no roll) hissed, “Fucking hell! Be careful, those things carry terrible diseases in their bite! (>5% Disease chance, Red/Black 64).

Brendon shook his head and called out, “Bring the NOISE!” as Abraxis started to wade forward, sword swinging and the Fighter started singing, “Pearl Jelly Time! Ha! They don't eat, Senor don't sleep, Senor don't feed, don't seethe...”

(OOC)

Time is 10:05

Combat Round
I need everyone to decide:
Front Line - engage the enemy head on
Support Front - engage the enemy in conjunction with another person
Missile Fire - stay at least 5' away and use missile fire
Spells & Other - use spells, rods, wands, potions, anything else

Do not Diablo it – discuss it ok, but do not min max the map – decide what your character is going to do in the combat and give everyone the opportunity to do the same. If you do NOT have a weapon out, you will have to draw one. If you have a Dex 13 or greater, you can swap a weapon or quickdraw a weapon if you did not have or wanted to swap - otherwise you have a -4 to hit on first draw round or swap.

Based upon everyone’s comments – Lyra Club, Abraxis Sword, Brendon Bow, Kovid Warhammer. Lannis your Staff is too big to put away normally so is assumed out unless you specifically are doing something with both hands or leave it somewhere.

The Rats had Initiative and their round. It’s now yours.

Lyra got bit for 2.

PBEM, Interlude 1 - Lyra

I had sent each person a small list of questions about their character that I was going to then disseminate to the group via email. Would help roleplaying via email answers easier when coming up with things the party would say to one another. This was the first one, Lyra Adder the Cleric.

Follows:

During the week-long trip, one of the things the group was interested in was Lyra Adder’s god as her holy symbol depicted a braided woman with red hair. “There are many gods and goddesses but I pray to and draw my strength from the Goddess Áine.”

“Annie?” Abraxis asked. “I have not hear of this Goddess, except in song.” He clears his throat and starts to sing, “The sun, it will be coming out, mañana…”

Lyra sighed, “No, Áine is the goddess of summer, sovereignty and fertility.”

Lannis nodded and Wyn grunted, “Nice. What a do she do besides make babies come out?”

“She has ordinance over crops and livestock,” Lyra continued, holding her symbol, “and is said her will could bring good fortune to farmers.” She looked up at the sun briefly and then continued her tale, “Áine Is said to be a beautiful young woman in dark earthy robes and a crown of braids adorning her head. She also has been said to appear as a mare to some, red in color much like her own hair.”

“Horse god,” Kovid grunted. “Never had much use for horses. Too damned tall. Taste good though.” He gave the Cleric a once over, pursed his lips to make his beard bristle, and then asked, “So, how did you find yourself a follower of this Áine?”

Lannis leaned against Wyn and whispered, “So is a follower of Áine an Áine-is?” Giving a single barking laugh he then realized no one else thought his joke was funny. “That’s always been my problem being the smartest guy in the room, my sense of humor is too advanced for the rest of you.”

The Cleric gave the Magic User a withering look and after gathering her thoughts, continued her story. “I was low born to an agriculture class of serfs, raised by my farming family. While farming was not an innate talent of mine like my parents and my two other sisters, I did my part. Harvest seasons never amount to more than a small amount of gold, but during my later teenaged years life proved harsh as the drought during the Summer of ‘66 caused the ground to become parched and infertile.”

Wyn nodded. “I remember that time, it was a bad year all around.”

Agreeing, Lyra resumed, “Starvation and illness took many in our village, forcing too many of the families to abandon their homes and farms and leave in search of new opportunities. I remember vividly the night before my family was set to abandon our homestead, a Red Mare came to me in a dream; surrounded by a bountiful harvest of healthy crops. I awoke feverish and focused and the following morning I urged my family to wait out just one more month. And wouldn’t you know it? In those coming weeks the rain came in plenty and so did our crops. My family was able to expand their farm holdings to some of the other abandoned lands. And I have followed Áine ever since.”

The group was silent, digesting the cleric’s tale. Kovid gave a grunt and then offered, “Well, I for one am glad then to have you with us. And Áine’s guidance as well.”

The party continued on all the while listening to Abraxis sing, “Mañana. Mañana. I’ll be adoring you, Mañana. It’s only a day away.”