Treasure (DM Nick K) Monday January 8th, 2024 6:15:54 AM
Kwarsk’s training was abruptly interrupted. Four yelling children bolted up him, evidently oblivious to the danger of so doing during his practice.
“Treasure! Treasure! We found treasure!” A very dirty Tully shouted. Kwarsk could see the lad was covered in dirt. Had he been dragged through a hedge backwards he’d have been cleaner. Sister Bonny was not going to be happy. He then saw the other three and they were not looking much the cleaner.
“Yeah, yeah, we found treasure! LOTS of treasure!”
“We’re gonna be RICH for sure!”
“And probably famous.”
“We can BUY the orphanage, I reckon.”
It was impossible for Kwarsk to get a word in edgewise.
“We gotta tell the others. Oh, I bet Zarsy can reach it.”
“Gotta be someone small – can’t squeeze in otherwise.”
“Yeah, but it’s WAY too big to pull out.”
“I bet Fingers can do it.”
“Naw, he’s like, totally HUGE.”
With that the quartet darted excitedly away to inform Paige, Zarsellet and any other Patcher they could find of their monumental discovery. One such person was a very shocked Sister Bonny.
“Oh my. Oh my! This simply will not do. Look at you. Just LOOK at you. As if I haven’t got enough problems with all those pesky mice in the larder. I’ll be a week at scrubbing the dirt off you lot. And never you mind all that nonsense about treasure. What we need here is a DRUID! - Or some kind soul that will convince those mice to go eat somewhere else.” Sister Bonny waved her broom threatening at the bolting children, but as ever, made no effort to strike them. She shook her head muttering. “More nonsense.”
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Monday January 8th, 2024 1:00:48 PM
Burton was having a nice nap in one of the high backed chairs by the fire when the darling children (or something like that) woke him up. "What, what is going on?" He stands up and stretches while looking around the lounge for the source of the noise.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=1 Monday January 8th, 2024 2:09:22 PM ”Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!” Paige moves to stand in front of the children, her arms stretched out in an attempt to corral the grubby kids. ”You can’t just barge in to anyone’s house without being invited inside! Manners!”
The cleric looks up at the adult accompanying the orphans, a broom in her hand and asks, ”do you have charge of these children? Where’s Walid?” (Diplomacy = 1+6=7) The red-head is not at her most diplomatic!
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Monday January 8th, 2024 2:36:12 PM What we need here is a DRUID!
Naithi's ears perk up as she rides down the road. She had never trained mice before, but there could be uses for having such small companions. Anyway, this looks like the orphanage that had been described to her. She nods her head to Lothlo to indicate her intentions and then turns Camalayas towards the lady with the children.
Excuse me, but I couldn't help but overhear that could use some help and need a Druid. May I be of assistance? I am a druid, if not a very powerful one. Also, I'm looking for a friend of mine, Myre, that moved down here. A young drow with a pet pig. She might be with a girl named Paige or a guy called Finger.
It would be hard to picture the young girl in front of you as anything other than a druid. A 15 year old girl riding on top of a giant rabbit. Although her face looks mostly human, her beastfolk facial features make her resemble a child or fairie, or some cross of the two. People always mistook her race's facial features for youthful innocence. It also doesn't help that she come up to most of their thighs and weigh less than their armor (3'6" and 36lbs).
She is dressed in an immaculate blue and white travel outfit, having collected trophies from her past battles. The blue Griffin skin cloak she liberated from a dread wizard with a feathered hood that transitions into soft fur that covers her back. Underneath leather coat thick as armor that once belonged to a bogeyman which has since been tailored into a sleek and very revealing feminine design that would be immodest and impractical if the gaps revealed skin rather than her blue dragon scale armor. With the armor it is modest yet stunning and distinctly fey.
My name is Naithi (N-eye-thee), and this is Camalayaas. You don't need to worry about the kids, she is very friendly and well trained. She says as she pets her fluffy dire rabbit.
Those close to Myre might know that Naithi was previously known as Murder Muppet, a nickname she earned as a slave in the orc gladiator pits in part due to her deceptive strength. After escaping the orc encampment she became better known as the Fairy Child Druid.
You can probably tell by her appearance that she is one of the beastfolk. Specifically a Sloth-kin, which you would lump in with the Ursine or Bearfolk.
Camalayaas, her dire rabbit (reskinned large cat), has intelligent eyes and is Naithi's Wild Sibling (from the Lost Child class). She also rides with a fuzzy guard dog named Fizzgig and her trusted "Cuddly Mule" with soft fluffy hair.[/b]
ooc: Myre was previously in the Culverwood Campaign with Naithi and Lothlo.
DM Sanity Notes and Active Spells (Note that as a Lost Child both Naithi and Camalayas share hit points)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Monday January 8th, 2024 2:39:15 PM
ooc: I assumed this conversation was taking place outdoors. Assume Naithi did not barge into the orphanage without permission.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 32/32 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+15=16 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 4:28:56 PM
Hearing the kids calling out, excited and guessing about treasure, Zarsellet stands and moves over to them. "Treasure? Are you sure it doesn't belong to somebody? We can help you out but we can't be stealing! Walid has been very clear on that!"
OOC: 16 for Zarsellet's Diplomacy to try and calm the kids down....
OOC: Naithi, If I read correctly the kids are in the Patch, not at the orphanage.
Lothlo Monday January 8th, 2024 6:38:05 PM
(posting for William, he doesn't have access to the board yet)
Lothlo sees Naithi nod her head to the side and turns his mule to follow her.
While only slightly on the tall side for a human, Lothlo appears almost a giant standing besides the petite Naithi. He appears to be in his mid twenties, his short, well kept cinnamon hair framing a strong, lively face covered in the dust of a long day's ride. His bright sapphire eyes periodically scan the for something, whether he's keeping an eye out for danger or just something for tonight's dinner is hard to say.
A well toned frame can be seen beneath his studded leather armor, and multiple quivers can be seen partially covered behind his crimson cloak, one of which contains his well worn and meticulously crafted bow, the telltale sign of a sharpshooter.
Greetings, I am Lothlo Windwood. We were just arriving in town when Naithi heard mention that you might be in need of a druid. How might we be of service?
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Monday January 8th, 2024 6:44:53 PM
Disturbed by all the commotion, Rhys comes to the front door of the Patch to see what is going on. ”Would everyone please PIPE DOWN!” he lets his voice get louder and deeper at the end. ”Now miss, it may look and sound like this is an orphanage, but I can assure you it is most definitely not!”. The elf looks at both the woman with the broom and the female beastfolk at the door. ”You can find the orphanage at a place called Pucinnis just up the road. This is The Patch”, he points at the sign above the door. “This place is both a home and a place of business for an adventuring group that by chance includes the afore said Paige and Fingers. Now just who might you be, and for that matter who might you be as well?”. Rhys shifts his gaze back to the woman with the broom.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 25/T 13/FF 22, HP 44/44, CMD 18/22 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Monday January 8th, 2024 8:51:24 PM Kwarsk is a dwarven male in his fifties. Stocky and muscular, his body just fits behind his everpresent Stone Tower Shield. He moves at an inexorable dwarven pace, deep blue eyes flicking here and there with the practiced perception of a professional bodyguard. His helmet covers most of his flaming orange hair but for his trimmed medium-length beard and sideburns-become-muttonchops. He seems to be ever-wearing a contemplative look, considering the wisdom of each of many possible responses to this situation, his closed mouth set in a straight line under a substantial nose.
He wears a shiny chain shirt behind that Tower Shield, has a thin quiver of three javelins to one side of his back, a shiny dwarven waraxe in his right hand with a kind of back-holster (presently empty) for it, and a well-crafted warhammer at his right hip.
Kwarsk seems bewildered, and perhaps a bit out of his comfort zone with the Patch's population nearly doubling in a few breaths!
He looks to and fro, listening to all, and deciding to watch for danger, thankful he was already armed and armored.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 d20+11=25 ; Monday January 8th, 2024 11:25:17 PM
Fingers has finally been to the Catacombs, days after everyone else had gone. He just [purchased][left an order for] some scrolls, and bought an item he's sure that Zar and Burton will appreciate.
As he rounds the corner to the Patch, he can't help but notice the small crowd in front of the building. Paige is there, and Rhys is yelling at some strangers, a giant rabbit, a bunch of orphans jumping up and down, and that must be Sister Bon--
a giant rabbit?
(Knowledge Arcana check to see if this is a Magical Beast that he knows about: 25)
Should any of the newcomers happen to glance up the street, they'll see this minotaur, just over 8 feet tall to the tips of his horns. He's casually-dressed by city standards, as opposed to the "barbarian" look most people associate with minotaurs. He's got no adventuring gear at present except for two items tucked in his belt: a small magic wand and a large leaden blackjack.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 ()"]Lothlo[/link] (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 Monday January 8th, 2024 11:36:18 PM
Lothlo glances at the sign for the Patch and notes that the description doesn't sounds like any sort of orphanage he's ever heard of.
OOC: Looks like I have access to the board now, thanks!
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 12:28:14 AM
ooc: Fingers can recognize that it is a medium sized dire rabbit (reskinned large cat) that can be a druid's animal companion. It is not magical, but this one is clearly more intelligent than most
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Tuesday January 9th, 2024 5:42:56 AM
Burton: Is awoken and enquires about what is happening. Fingers: Marvels at the commotion and the strangeness of the sight before him. Kwarsk: Maintains his guard. Surely the influx of so many strangers was a trap! Lothlo: Cheerily offers his and Naithi’s services. Naithi: Introduces herself to Sister Bonny – who was struggling to keep up with the manic children. Paige: Attempts to impose order on proceedings Rhys: Succinctly explains the reality of the situation and seeks explanations from the strangers. Zarsellet: Attempts to calm the children.
“Come out here at once!” Sister Bonny ordered the over-excited children. Faced with that order and Paige’s stern expression, the children wisely retreat.
“I can only apologise for the intrusion. I’m Sister Bonny and I’m working with Walid now. There’s so many of these children, someone needs to help and instil some order. Well, obviously that’s a work in progress.”
Sister Bonny was tall and lean with sharp, but not severe features. A woman in her early fifties, she had the air of someone who’d seen it all before and was seldom flustered. She lined the children up and dusted off the worst of the dirt from their backs with her ubiquitous broom.
”Now then, let’s apologise to these good people and leave them to – a druid? Oh my. It would seem that my prayers have been answered. It’s the mice, you see. I keep the larder clean, but they keep returning. What is to be done?” As she turned to speak with Naithi, the children broke ranks to excitedly explain about their treasure.
“Dezi found it.”
“She was fetching the ball.”
“Yeah, coz it rolled under the stables.”
“The old one that ain’t been used in -uh – forever.”
“So she squeezed under and found it.”
“The ball.”
“No, I mean, yeah, but the treasure! It’s still there. Gully and Fee are keeping dog.”
“But it’s sorta real big. Yeah as in HUGE, so we can’t get it out and we know that you are EXPERTS and everything!.”
“So we thought you’d help.”
“With the treasure.”
“Yeah, coz we got the ball.”
The questions and answers came at the speed of a galloping horse, but at the end of it, it was clear that the orphans had found some sort of strong box: a reinforced large chest, mostly buried under the old stables. Establishing ownership would be all but impossible given that. As was pointed out by the children, the place hadn’t been used in generations. In truth, it was now barely more than a ruin. Perhaps opening the casket would yield important clues, if it could be retrieved and opened.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=2 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 3:32:44 PM
Paige is used to the orphans, and nods at the minder when Sister Bonny identifies her role at the orphanage.
Looking past these regular folks, the red headed half elf is more interested in the strangers asking for Myre - and who know of Fingers and herself! She studies the girl - hardly taller than Zarsellet and slighter of build. Beastfolk are not unknown to the cleric. In fact one of their kind, Fenfaren, had been one of the party when the group was new to Plateau City. She had helped her dad tend a few in his infirmary, so had some knowledge of their physiology. Pound for pound they were scrappy fighters! Paige wonders if this one needs her help? Does it have fleas, or maybe a tick bite? (Perception = 2+6=8). Neither the girl nor the rabbit seem afflicted, but the cleric is distracted. She spots the WLA pin worn by the human holding his hand outstretched in greeting.
”Lothlo Windwood” Paige repeats, reaching out a hand to clasp the one offered, and giving it a firm shake, before turning to the beastfolk. ”And Naithi? I’m Paige. Paige Potter. But Myre isn’t here…” Giving the two a thoughtful look and repeating Lothlo’s offer: ”be of service?”, The cleric looks ‘round at her companions with raised eyebrows and a questioning look.
(OOC: Paige is a broad shouldered half-elf with an athletic build. She has chin length shaggy red hair, green eyes, and slightly pointed ears. She is garbed in servicable clothes: cream linen shirt, quilted crimson vest, brown trousers, etc and proudly sports a WLA badge (Journeyman) on her chest, The high Woldian symbol of Domi hangs from her neck on a leather cord. A healers kit is slung over one shoulder.)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 d20+5=22 ; d20+10=27 ; d20+5=15 ; d20+5=22 ; d20+10=23 ; Tuesday January 9th, 2024 3:37:41 PM
Naithi leans forward and scratches Camalayas ear as the children pet her on their way out. Turning to Rhys she says, almost to herself Yes, if it's your place I should introduce myself first. She continue speaking in a normal tone. As I said, my name is Naithi. Myre, Lothlo and I escaped an orc camp together before she had traveled and joined go with you. As for why we are here... That is a bit if a long story.
The short version is that we attended a ball in the Veil of Twilight with Maab and the fey where food and drink flowed freely. We were sent back to Freedom's Landing in Culverwood, and the next morning we awoke in New Ellena. Since we were here we thought we would visit Myre as we figured out what to do.
Naithi then smiles warmly at Sister Bonny. A few mice shouldn't be a problem. I can probably get them to come with me today. Since it's for the orphanage there's no cost, as long as I can keep a few to practice my animal training.
Wild Emathy = 22,15,22 (Success, mice are now friendly with her and will progress to helpful)
Handle animal check to have the mice stay with her and in her pocket like pets while being fed and well treated = 27 (likely succeed as giving dangerous aid is only a -10 penalty. In not, Naithi will return daily until they are helpful. Rolls passed. Takes 3 encounters at most.)
Handle Animal to train to Perform = 23 (Success after 5 weeks of training).
Pinky, Precious, and Mistoffeles. Once fully trained Naithi will allow other adventures to carry Pinky and Mistoffeles like pets if they want.
ooc: I'm partly training the mice just to familiarize myself with the process. Naithi will want to train several pets, but it is unlikely she will be able to train anything for combat given the restraints. If she does, said animal will likely retire after one module since it doesn't level.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 3:46:51 PM
Zarsellet listened carefully to the kids. It wasn't easy since they all seemed to want to tell the tale, at the same time. A buried chest? While that was every child's dream, adults... well, seasoned adventurers learned that such things were either dangerous or of no actual value, and sometimes both. But, for the orphans this was worth checking.
He moves over to Paige. "Paige? What do you think? A chest or strongbox of some sort buried under the stables? Might just be some old box full of tools.... But I think we should check it out, just for the kids. ?? I think Muuru and I could handle it, but will defer to your judgement. Maybe one other if more strength is needed? We do have some tools around here right? Shovels, a crowbar and some rope maybe?"
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Tuesday January 9th, 2024 6:00:20 PM
Lothlo listens to his druid friends plans. Befriending the mice? Definitely a more elegant solution than a bow. Are you able to coax them to show you how they are getting in? Or if there is one you can't make friends with, perhaps we can spook it and see where it runs to escape. Once we find their entry point we can help repair it to prevent more unwanted guests from entering the Larder.
Lothlo listens to the kids talk. By any chance is the stables near the larder? If so, it could be that there is more than just a dog by the treasure, the mice may have made a home there as well.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 6:20:41 PM
Pleased that the conversation has taken a more orderly turn, Rhys stands down and offers his hand, first to Sister Bonney, then Naithi and finally Lothlo. “Please forgive my rudeness. My name is Rhys and as you now know, I live here with my companions and we provide a variety of services to the local inhabitants of the Nightmare Quarter including the local orphanage.”. The elf looks small in comparison to Fingers but stands almost 6 feet in height. Unarmed at the moment, if you overlook the dagger protruding from on of his finely crafted leather boots, he is dressed in simple leather breeches and a dark forest-green shirt adorned with detailed elven embroidery on the cuffs and stand-up collar. A black leather belt with a buckle shaped like the head of a panther completes the outfit.
”Perhaps we should head over to the orphanage to see just what is going on there, and Naithi can try her luck at convincing the mice to dine elsewhere.” Rhys reaches for a dark green cloak and fastens it with a WLA Journeyman badge about his neck. He slings a black leather scabbard across his back with the hilt of a long curved blade protruding from within.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:01:45 PM
She then shakes Paige's hand. It's nice to meet you. Are you also a member of the WLA? They helped me with my riding skills when I joined in the Emerald Kingdom. The young druid notices Paige's healing kit and wonders how it differs from her vet kit.
Naithi smiles at Lothlo's questions. My plan was to befriend them and take them with us the old fashioned way. Mice aren't the best talkers, even with the spell.
If it is on the way and the group splits up she will offer Zarsellet (I think he's the only other small character I've met) the use of her climbing kit with it's rope, crampons, pitons, etc. He should be able to use it to attach the rope to the chest for everyone to pull out.
To Rhys she explains that splitting up may not be necessary. Befriending the mice will only take about a minute, and getting them to come with her will only take a few seconds.... If it works. If not she will repeat the process tomorrow. The hard part is finding them, but if they are hiding she can use speak with animals and more then with food.
Fortunately, if she is providing the mice with food, shelter and safety, it should not be a hard sell.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 25/T 13/FF 22, HP 44/44, CMD 18/22 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday January 9th, 2024 9:33:22 PM
Kwarsk marvels at how, just from establishing a home in Plateau City, adventurers seem to find them fairly easily... one does have a WLA pin though, so perhaps the WLA is trying to restock the Patchers on the sly?
Kwarsk says, "Ahem. Sounds like there's mice to... befriend and perhaps buried treasure to unearth... hopefully enough to better-fund the orphanage!"
Kwarsk looks at everyone and says, "Shall we continue our conversation on the way over there?"
Then he takes a few steps towards the front door, and half-turns to see who's coming along.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Tuesday January 9th, 2024 10:52:22 PM Hello, there says the minotaur, approaching the group.I'm called Fingers, I'm one of the Patchers, and since I was eavesdropping I couldn't help overhearing.
Now as for this other group of adventurers... he turns to the children. I hear you found a treasure chest, right? Okay, I don't want to make you sad, but you have to realize that it could be something ordinary. Just tools or gramma's old clothes or something. You should be ready for that, okay?
And one other thing. The Patchers have a rule: Whenever we find a chest, and before anyone opens it, our trap expert checks it to be sure that it's not going to blow up or something.
And who is our trap expert? That's right! Me!
Okay gang. Let's go!
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Wednesday January 10th, 2024 8:26:52 AM
Burton: Sleepily rubs his eyes. It was a good sleep. Fingers: Introduces himself and structures the excited children’s expectations before leading the way Kwarsk: Cheerily makes his way to the door endorsing others to follow. Lothlo: Offers sensible solutions to the ingress of mice and ponders the proximity of infestation to stables. Naithi: Introduces herself and gives some history. She anticipates that trai8ning a few mice won’t be a big problem. (NB: We aren’t at the larder yet, but the rolls can carry over.) Paige: Introduces herself as she assesses the newcomers. Rhys: Makes polite introductions and dons his cloak ready to investigate. Zarsellet: Is in favour of checking out the ‘treasure’, but consults with Paige on the specifics.
The strange group makes its way to the old stable. As they do Sister Bonny explains that she’s new to the area and is still very much learning as she goes. She confirms that there’s a lot of work to be done at the orphanage and is rather shocked that no one else was appointed to support Walid prior to her arrival.
Clouds drift across a watery sun as a quickening wind blows dust, dirt and dried leaves along the street. The still very excited children lead the way. It’s a torturous route, one that is replete with shortcuts, but soon enough you find yourselves in a small ‘courtyard’ behind a cluster of houses. Courtyard was hardly the correct term as it was just a piece of waste ground. There were another five children loitering, plainly making sure that no one stole their treasure.
Sister Bonny turned to look at Naithi. ”I think we had best deal with the ‘treasure’ first. I believe that you’ll handle the mice problem most expeditiously and I simply won’t get these children back until this matter is resolved.”
Abutting a dilapidated building is a ruin of a stables. The roof is only partially present and what there is, is far from complete. Ferns and grasses grow from cracked, long-blocked guttering. Upon your arrival the children again all speak at once. With some calming and distraction, courtesy of Calamayas, some order is instilled and the Patchers’ attention is directed to a crawlspace at the side of the building.
The self-appointed leader of the children, Dezi, steps up. She’s a gangly girl, face replete with freckles and looks to be almost 13 years of age. Thus one of the oldest present. ”About time you lot showed up. I mean, anyone could have come along and taken our treasure. Good thing we were guarding it.” She then went on to explain that she’d come across the box when retrieving their ball. She then indicated that the box was four feet long and about eighteen inches wide. It had three stout bands of metal across the lid. She couldn’t report more as the box remained mostly buried. They’d scraped around the lid to reveal that, but the box itself seemed very stuck in hard, compacted ground. The floor of the old stable, under which the box rested was flagged: large, heavy stones covered its surface. The old tunnel in – possibly dug by rats or raccoons was not wide; so the floor was still solid and fully supported.
Peering in between the dying brambles and crumbling wattle and daub walls, the floor remained – that seemed entirely due to the fact that those flagstones were simply too large to ‘repurpose’ as most of the rest of the building had been.
(NB: The tunnel is roughly 15”-18” tall and about 18”-24” wide. Without further investigation you do not yet know if it descends – thus how far below the stable floor it actually sits.)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 10:14:13 AM
Zarsellet moves up to the opening and quietly sings a few words of a spell, causing four floating lights to appear. He directs them into the opening so he can see. "So, how far back is the box? You weren't risking being eaten by rats or carnivorous worms while crawling down there were you?"
He glances back at Dezi with a grin on his face when he mentions the 'carnivorous worms'. "Once we get this thing out for you this hole should be covered. Wouldn't want anyone else to have to chase a ball down there again!"
OOC: How far into the hole can we see with the dancing lights? If he left his pack and equipment with someone could Zarsellet crawl in? He is 3' 5" and 40 pounds.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 10:44:29 AM
ooc: I used to deal with Squeezing rules a lot when I played Bosk, my minotaur character.
(Abbreviated) You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed, you take –4 penalty on attack rolls and to AC.
If less than half your space's width, you must use Escape Artist. You can't attack while using Escape Artist to squeeze through or into a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty to AC, and you lose any Dexterity bonus to AC. Takes at least a minute.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=15 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:09:31 PM
Paige acknowledges Zarsellet’s query: ”Sure! Let’s check it out….for the kids.”. The half-elf laughs, enjoying the bard’s enthusiasm.
Spotting the hole under the ruins, the cleric run’s through spells worth considering…summon monster (1,2,3), stone shape, mage hand*, a few protective spells should someone decide to venture down the tunnel after shrinking themselves or morphing into some small creature.
”I might be able to magically enlarge the opening, but first I would need to see what’s going on” Paige volunteers, before moving forward and crouching down to peer over Zarsellet’s shoulder and into the hole. (Low light vision, light from Zarsellet’sdancing lights, Perception = 15+6=21)
*GG Yule prize: slender needle with arcane marks. Prick hand once per day for mage hand
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | d20+3=11 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:32:45 PM
As the Patchers wander off to investigate the treasure Burton grabs his top coat and wanders along behind the main group. As the tunnel investigation begins he stands to one side watching what is happening around the main investigation. (Perception = 11)
Burton is plainly dressed in neutral colours, his clothes are practical for traveling if a bit worn around the edges. At 5’ 10” he is quite tall and he is quite broad but as in enjoying the good life way rather than athletic. He is cleanly shaven with blond hair to just below his shoulders.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Wednesday January 10th, 2024 5:42:11 PM
Lothlo looks at the tiny hole and shakes his head. Ooh, that's a mighty tight squeeze. No chance I can pull out my bow if there is something down there, and not it looks even harder to get a good line of sight on anything. The sharp shooter glances at the dilapidated building, then at the massive Minotaur. Finger was it? I'm thinking that tight hole isn't a good match for you either, do you want to come with me and see if we can find the flooring above where the treasure is? If something was buried beneath the floor, perhaps person that put it there had a way to access it from inside the house.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+8=14 ; Wednesday January 10th, 2024 8:50:23 PM
Rhys can but stand and wait as Zarsellet, Paige and Naithi consider their options. (Perception 14)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Wednesday January 10th, 2024 10:18:56 PM
Naithi watches as the Patchers eagerly lead the way towards the crawlspace, their excitement palpable. She leans forward on Camalayas, running her fingers through the soft fur on the rabbit's back.
As she does so, she notices several of the children reaching out to pet Camalayas as well. A warm smile spreads across Naithi's face at the sight of their enthusiasm.
Careful now, she cautions gently, she may be big, but she's still a gentle soul.
The children nod in understanding, continuing to stroke Camalayas with reverence and excitement.
Naithi hangs back a little, not wanting others to think she is after their...what ever it is. Still, she offers to lend her tools, strength and small size if they will help. I have done this a few times before. In the way here Lothlo and I tracked down a few rumored treasure. The most recent one has me crawling down a tight tunnel like this, and inside was a ring of time travel that sends you forward in time at a rate of one second per second.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Thursday January 11th, 2024 12:06:00 AM That's a good idea, Lothlo. I'll come with you. In fact...Paige? Maybe you should come with us. See if its easier to do your spell from the floor above the chest than by widening the tunnel.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:48:11 AM
Burton: Wanders along behind the others. He maintains a nonchalant watch on all that happens. Fingers: Agrees with Lothlo and asks for Paige to accompany them. Kwarsk: Stands stoically silent. Watching. Lothlo: Recognises the difficulty of navigating the hole and suggests exploring the stable floor. Naithi: (Thanks for the elaboration of the rules) Offers her help whilst gladly occupying the enthralled children – with Camalayas’ help. Paige: Peers in over Zarsellet’s shoulder. The dancing lights provide good illumination and like Zarsellet, she can see that there is a dip that renders seeing the actual box impossible. Rhys: Stands by, watching and waiting. Zarsellet: Calls up his Dancing Lights. They illuminate the crawlspace well, but fail to reveal the box as the tunnel dips after 4’ or so. Zarsellet is fairly confident that he could manage to wriggle through – without equipment.
The ‘treasure’ was almost forgotten in the excitement of petting a giant rabbit.
”Can he change colour?”
”Might be a girl rabbit”
”Is she magically?”
”It’s a boy rabbit. Girls don’t get that big.”
”Is too a girl. You wanna tell Ma Miggins she’s little?”
As once again the children pepper questions in rapid fire succession, Dezi heads over to Zaesellet.
”Wow. Lights! Yeah that would have been SO helpful in finding the ball. Yeah, there’s only a small dip and then the box is about that much further in.” She helpfully held her arms out to roughly indicate three feet.
As this unfolded an old man ambled up to Rhys. He was white haired – what there was of it, with a stringy beard and moustache. He leant on a short walking cane.
”So, what’s goin’ on ‘ere then, Young un? Not got us an infestation of them giant centipedes ‘ave we?” He then jabbed with the stick at the ruin. ”Place needs tearin’ down if you ask me, eh.”
Paige, Lothlo and Fingers carefully step around prickly briars and brambles. They were for the most part, long dead, but that in no way diminished the sharpness of their thorns. The footing was unstable: filled with shattered stone, rotting wood and small pieces of broken glass. (Difficult Terrain). Underneath this mess was a surprisingly solid floor. Yet by pacing things out, the three were able to estimate roughly which stone would have to be lifted or broken to yield best access to the tunnel and box below. The thought occurred that it being such solid stone, perhaps Kwarsk might be able some insight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ OOC: Zarsellet and Naithi can fit in the hole. For others Escape Artist rolls would be required.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 25/T 13/FF 22, HP 44/44, CMD 18/22 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+6=9 ; d20+13=28 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 11:08:13 AM
Kwarsk contemplates the hole, and considers the best ways to deal with the issue.
He hears Lothlo and Fingers talk about checking the stable floor.
Kwarsk applies some thought to just expanding the tunnel. (OOC - Knowledge: Engineering = 9)
Thinking that the tunnel might quickly collapse and turn into a 'big dig' operation, Kwarsk moves to a new task, joining Lothlo and Fingers.
A floor of stones... interesting..., Kwarsk thinks to himself.
(OOC - Perception = 28, 30 if Stone involved.
Stonecunning: Dwarves receive a +2 bonus on Perception checks to potentially notice unusual stonework, such as traps and hidden doors located in stone walls or floors. They receive a check to notice any such features that they pass within 10 feet of, whether or not they are actively looking.)
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Thursday January 11th, 2024 1:32:12 PM
Burton wanders over to the old man; "Good day sir, have you lived in the area long?" Burton takes a couple of silver pieces from his purse making sure the old man sees the action: "I don't suppose you know who used to work here do you? Looks a right state I think your right that it needs pulling down how long has it been like this?" Burton hands the man the silver pieces.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday January 11th, 2024 4:18:24 PM
Naithi giggles at the children's questions, her eyes sparkling with amusement. No, Camalayas can't change colors, she explains patiently.And yes, she is a girl. As for magic... well, let's just say she has her own special brand of it.
The children continue to chatter excitedly among themselves, debating whether Camalayas is truly a girl or not. Eventually, they turn their attention back to Naithi.
What about Fizzgig? one of them asks curiously. is he magical too?
Naithi shakes her head, stroking Fizzgig's soft fur tenderly. Fizzgig is not magical, just cuddly and very well trained.
While The Patchers set to work examining the floor of the old stable, searching for any sign of how the chest might have been hidden or easily removed. Naithi leans forward, resting her chin on her hand as she watches them with keen interest. Wouldn't it be easier just to dig it out or summon an animal to sudden the hole?
After pondering the issue for a moment, she speaks up. Do raccoons and wild animals often visit this part of town? Or do you think it's more likely that someone deliberately sent an animal to dig a hole directly to the chest?
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=11 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 4:52:17 PM
After removing his pack and such Zarsellet takes a dagger, for digging if he has to, and ties the end of the rope to his feet. "If you hear me scream pull me out quick!" He grins as he says it but hopes it isn't required as he hands the other end to Muuru. "And please don't tear the floor up while I'm under it."
He refreshes the dancing lights cantrip and starts into the hole, low-crawling to the dip and pausing to look around.
OOC: Perception 11
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+1=20 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:05:48 PM
Rhys eyes the old man who has approached him with caution (Sense Motive 20). ”Bit of a mystery to be fair. What do you know of this building? he replies.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:41:05 PM
Naithi asks Zarsellet if he would like her to go with him or aidc him in some other way.
ooc: Naithi is intentionally letting others take the lead as she is an outsider and doesn't want to overstep or make others think she is after their treasure or ancient garden tools.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () d20+12=32 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 5:48:06 PM
Lothlo looks around the crumbling building. He hears Zarsellet call out and responds
No worries, we're going to be very careful up here. Let us know if you a see anything down there indicating the floor tiles can be moved, it should be much more obvious from below.
The place may be falling apart, while the settling and breaking down of the building might make an unappealing place to live, the same makes it more likely that anything that was once hidden is now easier to see. He checks the seams where the stone flooring comes together for signs that any of the stones are loose or have the potential to be moved. He also checks for signs of a mechanism that might open the flooring in case it was designed so that the chest could be accessed from within the building.
Perception = 32 (nat 20)
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 d20+12=28 ; Thursday January 11th, 2024 9:24:24 PM
Lothlo has a good point; there might be a trap door or something above the chest. He sweeps away any debris and pulls up the weeds, then examines the floor.
Perception: 28 (+2 for traps)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday January 11th, 2024 9:52:07 PM
Kwarsk considers the newcomers for a moment. Were they truly friends of Myre? Did they come to help in reality? Kwarsk mentally notes Lothlo as a typical hunter/archer type. How good is he in a battle? What if monsters rush him so he can't use his bow? Kwarsk finds Naithi to be inscrutable. There were few to no Fey in the Scab, at least in his personal experience. She said she was a Druid... those are less common than wizards and clerics... I wonder what she can do besides talk to animals?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Thursday January 11th, 2024 10:45:42 PM ”I’ll be over in a moment!” Paige calls to the folks wanting her to help move stones and such from above the hidden chest.
”Hang on shorty” she says to Zarsellet , as she catches him before he enters the tunnel and casts Guidance on the blue haired gnome.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday January 12th, 2024 2:42:22 AM
"Of course it could be some ones grave, the dwarven or halfling who owned the stable and couldn't bare to leave the place. Then there would be no need to go back." Say's Burton just loud enough to be heard by those around him; "All moldy bones and rotten rags, if it's truly dead." Burton turns away covering the slight smile on his face.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday January 12th, 2024 2:44:10 AM
OOC: How do you make the speech part of a message bold so it stands out? I've tried writing it in word first and pasting but it just stays un-bold in the message.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Friday January 12th, 2024 4:58:27 AM
Burton: “Thanks” the old man and asks questions of him. He then speculates that it might be a grave. Fingers: Sweeps away some debris and weeds to get a better look at the floor. Kwarsk: Considers the various approaches to be taken before stepping into the ruin to examine the floor. He also ponders the newcomers. Lothlo: Looks around, specifically studying the floor and for signs of implements to remove a slab etc. Naithi: Wonders whether the hole was manufactured or the result of a natural den. She offers to help Zarsellet, but leaves it at that. Paige: Gives timely assistance to Zarsellet with a bit of divine guidance. Rhys: Also asks the old stranger what he knows. Zarsellet: With rope secured, he ventures as far as the lip of the dip.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As soon as Burton speculates that it could be a grave, the children erupt once more into excited chatter, each seeking to outdo the other in describing how grisly the find will be.
Kwarsk follows the small group into the derelict stable. It takes him no time at all to recognise dwarven craftsmanship. (Kwarsk only) Highlight to display spoiler: { The blocks are traditional Four Step square slab: four step being a standard measure of a dwarf's foot placed end to end four times. From this he knows that they will each be a hand span’s deep – roughly 4 inches. They are heavy. They are very tight fitting and that’s why, unlike the rest of the edifice, they are still very much in place. Your skill with stone tells you that in order to lift them, you’d need to lift three – staring at the edge and working in: not easy without picks and levers.}
Fingers finds a surprisingly solid, well constructed floor. It seems far more robust than the rest of the building. He notes how perfectly each cut slab of stone abuts its neighbour.
Lothlo does not see anything remotely of use. He does spot an old wasp nest under what remains of the roof behind him. Pigeon droppings also cover a good swathe of the ground there.
As tempting as it is for Naithi to follow Zarsellet, she doesn’t. She has her hands full – of children that are bigger than her. It seems that they think of her as a peer and expect her to be just as animated as them.
Paige watches as Zarsellet’s feet disappear into the tunnel.
Rhys and Burton question the old man. ”Well now, as it ‘appens, I ‘ave been a-livin’ in these ‘ere parts for most o’ me life, so I ‘ave. yep, came ‘ere when I were about the same age as them there young uns. Course it were rainin’. ‘Ad to be rainin’ didn’t it? And then everythin’ what we brung wi’ – the buildin’, right….Well, yeah, that were there right enough. Course, it were in a lot better nick then. Twere a halflin’ what had the place if memory serves. ‘E dint build it though; not from what I ‘eard. Don’t rightly know why ‘e up and left. Rumours say ‘e owed money. Others reckon ‘e inherited and dint need the place no more. Yeah, ‘e did used to keep donkeys in there. That’s what I remembers. Then Old Moany took over the place. Tight as duck’s – well you gets the idea. ‘E never spent a copper on the place and that’s a fact. Stayed there for – what, twenty years, then went and died. That were maybe a good year back – if memory serves.
Whilst all this is happening, Zarsellet edges forward. He gets very dirty, but progress isn’t as bad as it had seemed it was going to be. Upon reaching the lip, he looks down. (Zarsellet only) Highlight to display spoiler: { The ground descends at roughly 30 degrees. You note that after only 5’ in the flagstones above are no longer visible. The descent takes you 3’ below those stones. You do see the much talked of box. Soil and rubbled have fallen back to obscure much of it, but it is otherwise as Dezi described. Its breadth is about 18”. It’s length – at least 3’. The far ends remain buried. Three stout metal bands wrap around the lid – as far as you can tell. It looks solid. It looks heavy. It doesn’t look like a grave/tomb – unless for a gnome or similar.}
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Friday January 12th, 2024 9:09:39 AM
Kwarsk turns to Fingers and Lothos (and any other Patchers in the area of the floor), "The stones are heavy, tight-fitted, and of Dwarven work. We can get them up, but we'll need tools for leverage - some picks, some levers...
Fingers, do you have any tools like that back at the Patch or do you and I need to go shopping?"
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday January 12th, 2024 11:52:33 AM
Zarsellet finishes his scan of the box and starts backing up. He wanted to report what he saw before the crew above started digging.
"I was able to see the box, and can easily get back to it. Pulling up the floor here won't get you to it. The tunnel goes down below the earth that is packed below the floor. I think trying to dig through that will cause the whole thing to collapse."
"I didn't see anything dangerous. The box looks sturdy with metal bands around it. I think the best option would be for me to go back down and dig around it to see if there is some way to attach a rope and have it pulled out."
"Paige? Do you have a light orison prepared? My dancing lights have their uses, but your light lasts a lot longer. Maybe cast it on my left hand before I go back?"
OOC: Unless someone has a better idea?
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Friday January 12th, 2024 12:53:51 PM You know what? says the minotaur. This will sound silly, but maybe I should go into the hole.
I can shrink myself down*. Plus, I'm more limber than I look.** I could check the chest for motion-sensitive traps, maybe even open it. Either way I could dig it out and attach the rope.
* Reduce Person ** Escape Artist
[OOC: To put text in bold, put {b} before it and {/b} after it, but use square brackets instead of curly brackets. For italics, do the same with {i} and {/i}.}
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday January 12th, 2024 1:22:59 PM
Burton thanks the old man for the information, as he turns away he winks at the man and starts to talk apparently to the Patchers but ensuring the children can hear; " Not Smorgasbord the halfling Necromancer? He was well none for how white his skeletons were he used to dissolve the bodies in vinegar before raising them. I heard he managed to turn himself into a particular horrible lich but at 3 foot tall he wasn't taken very seriously. He disappeared must be what yes 20 odd years ago."
OOC: Hopefully Burtons story is in bold.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Friday January 12th, 2024 2:27:43 PM
Naithi can't help but laugh at Burton's joke, imagining a tiny lich trying to strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. She shakes her head, still smiling and lets out a giggle.
Don't worry, she assures the children, ruffling Fizzgig's fur reassuringly. Even if there were any skeletons left, Fizzgig here would have taken care of them. The vinegar would soften them and make them taste better, and you know how dogs love bones.
Fizzgig gives a low growl and a Happy bark, as if to prove her point, and the children giggle both in myrth and nervously.[/b]
She then tells Zarsellet, My climbing kit has plenty of rope, pitons and a hammer. Normally I hammer the pitons into rock to run my climbing rope through, but you should be able to wedge them under the metal bands on the chest and then see can all pull on the rope to pull the chest out. Even the kids and Camalayas can help.
She then holds up her ring of time travel to so that she really did climb down a pit to retrieve the magic item that allows a person to travel forward in time at one second per second... There must have been a story behind that item's creation, but nothing in the pit hinted at what it could be.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday January 12th, 2024 3:32:04 PM
Zarsellet gives way to Muuru, then replies to Maithi. "Muuru can shrink down to my size and he's good at spotting traps. Let him take the tools and rope and he can attach the rope so the chest can be pulled out."
OOC: Assuming that the chest isn't bigger than the tunnel?
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Friday January 12th, 2024 5:46:23 PM
Lothlo listens to those below discuss their progress. A hammer and pitons is a good idea, though it sounds like they may have this under control. No reason to mess up the floor if the box is on it's way out, though we should probably be ready to remove the tile and help if anything goes wrong.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Friday January 12th, 2024 8:41:46 PM ”I can help with a light, Zarsellet, but I’m all for letting Muuru have a chance - or anyone else who wants to give it a go. Seems like the ‘treasure’ has been down there a long time. There’s no rush as far as I can tell.”
The cleric gets out of the way of those at the mouth of the hole, suggests the kids stay back/out of the way, and watches those who take turns at trying to get the chest out of the hole.
The cleric casts light on a ring she has, and will loan it to Zarsellet or anyone going into the tunnel.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Saturday January 13th, 2024 3:05:14 AM
While still pretending (badly) to be talking to the adults Burton continues his tale to the children. Turning to Naithi Burton says; " No my dear, this is no box of skeleton bones, you see lich store their souls in an object which can be very fancy or a plain old thing and until that is destroyed they stay alive, well upright. Anyway the local people kept defeating Smörgåsbord because his heart wasn't really in the evil ruler bit he wanted to be a baker. But he kept coming back " Burton glances at one of the smaller children and whispers in a voice loud enough to be heard by all " there was a very nice pie shop in that area of town. Anyway finally after the locals defeated him again they thought about locking him away but crypts are expensive so he disappeared!!! "
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Saturday January 13th, 2024 10:28:29 PM Acutally, Zar, I can't shrink to your size. More like Paige or Burton's; I'll still have to squeeze in. And to be honest, the spell will only last a minute.
Maybe we should have Burt cast it on me instead; it will last longer. Burt, I don't suppose you've got Reduce Person prepped, do you? Or should we come back tomorrow?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Sunday January 14th, 2024 1:12:06 AM
Naithi shakes her head. I have the feeling that if we don't accomplish this today the kids will find a way to sneak out and stuff it out themselves, and they might take more risks. Zarsellet or I should be able to attach ropes to it easy enough. Another option is that I could try summoning an earth elemental to carry it out. Unfortunately, I ain't speak their language yet, so I would have to do my best to pantomime going in to take the chest out.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Sunday January 14th, 2024 4:17:31 AM
Burton shakes his head; "Sorry Fingers it's not a spell I have learned yet. It's not something i thought I needed. I am learning to change my own shape to that of a beast but it's not quite right yet. And I agree with Naithi if we leave it it will be empty or gone in the morning."
OOC: Burton will have Beast Shape I & Lightning Bolt when Level 5 goes live (if it hasn't already).
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Sunday January 14th, 2024 4:21:19 AM
Burton clicks his fingers as an idea comes to him; " Could we just break in the side of the chest so we don't have to dig it out and or at least get an idea what is inside before we do dig it out?"
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Sunday January 14th, 2024 5:21:40 PM
[B]For that matter, Paige could Stone Shape the flagstones and your elemental could dig a nice stable hole. That would give me the room I need to check it for traps. And the ropes and digging don't matter until I do!
So do we think that would work?
As for Plan A: Zar, you've been in the tunnel. Do you think a human-sized guy could reach the box in under a minute?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Sunday January 14th, 2024 5:56:35 PM ”I don’t know who or what dug this tunnel, but it’s most likely the box wasn’t put in this way. I’m worried that too much fooling around down in the hole might cause the sides or top to collapse.” Paige tries to get a feel for how the group feels about the matter before continuing. ”How about anyone who wants to try to get the treasure out give it a go right now*, and if it doesn’t show signs of budging, we give it a go from up top.**”
* this next round? ** Paige will supply stone shape and try to shape a tunnel/well roughly 3ft square and 1.5 ft deep to get things started after those who want to go down the tunnel have had their chance.
(OOC: Paige will work from above the treasure - going down through the stable floor.)
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Sunday January 14th, 2024 9:55:43 PM
Rhys stands ready to pull the gnome out of the hole should he need it. ”Just bang your heels together and we’ll pull you out of there as fast as our friend Kwarsk can down a mug of his beloved white gold.”
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Sunday January 14th, 2024 10:02:16 PM
Zarsellet goes back to the tunnel. "Let's keep it simple first. I'll take my dagger and dig around the box to see how tall it is, and how wide it is. And I'll see if once the edges are loose whether or not I can budge it with a strong push."
"If it can be pulled out maybe that's what we should do. It not, then we can try and figure out a way to dig through from the floor above. I'm concerned that doing so might risk collapsing the tunnel on it and crushing the box with a ton of dirt and rock."
Zarsellet heads back down to the box and starts scraping the dirt along the sides and edges of the box to see how big it really is, and if possible how heavy. ??
OOC: Unless somebody has a shovel and/or pick, better digging tools. ??
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Monday January 15th, 2024 7:45:12 AM
Burton: Teases the children by making up a suitably macabre story. Unabashed by Naithi’s logic, he continues to embellish his story. He agrees with Naithi – getting the box out now is best. He wonders if breaking into the chest, in situ, would be easiest. Fingers: Offers to go retrieve the box. Then asks Burton if he could cast Reduce. Given the limitations of that idea, he offers other options. Kwarsk: Informs those nearby of the construction of the floor. Lothlo: Thinks that they should stand ready should anything go wrong. Naithi: Offers her spikes and rope to pull the box out. She adds that the children will likely take risks to get it if they don’t get it out now. Paige: Casts Light as needed and ushers those back not needed to expedite the box’s recovery. She then offers to ‘stone shape’ her way in from above. Rhys: Offers to pull Zar’ out as soon as needed. Zarsellet: Offers to dig the box out, believing that coming from above may cause material to bury it further. He asks Paige for a Light Spell. Then agrees with both Fingers and Naithi as he way forward. He then returns to carefully scraping around the box hoping to determine its size and weight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zarsellet returns to the box and commences digging – with the dagger it’s more scraping than digging, but it is effective in loosening the compacted earth around the sides of the chest. What quickly becomes apparent is just how solid and robust the thing is. With the earth scraped away all the way around and down the ‘front’ side, he sees that it is indeed quite substantial. He’s now confident of the dimensions: three and a half feet long by one and a half feet wide. He is yet to establish just how deep it is. More, he notes that the chest was wrapped in leather. That leather had clearly been well oiled. Yet the long time it had remained buried had still taken some toll on that covering and in places he noted the stout wood of the chest underneath. The metal bands were solid and showed no ill effects from the time underground. It seems that the chest might be dragged back up the tunnel – if it wasn’t too deep (large). Even so, without someone to help clear obstructions, it was unlikely to be liberated in that fashion.
As he focuses on his task the children rampage outside. One young lad declares himself to be “Lil Smorgy the Pienomancer!” Children squeal and scatter, taking refuge behind stout heroes, wondrous rabbits and fearsome guard dogs – and each other.
“Don’t recall me no Smorgus Bord.” The old man scratches his head. “Musta been a while back, I reckon.”
Amidst all this Naithi looks up at the sky. It was going to rain (auto success). She was sure of it.
All others stand ready, albeit Burton isn’t spared a few reproachful looks for exciting the children to such a degree. All this noise attracts more curious individuals. Two decidedly frumpish-looking middle aged women turn up. One is very dark skinned with tightly curled black hair confined under a floral patterned headscarf. She looks to be in her fifties. The other, equally stout, has grey hair and an anchor tattooed on her left forearm. Those arms look capable of strangling a bull.
“What’s all this blooming noise about then? We don’t want you lot causing trouble round here. This is a good neighbourhood, this is.” States the solid looking woman with the tattoo.
“Elnid has the right of and no mistake.” Confirms her friend, nodding in emphasis. “You lot had best pack up and be on your way before we call the authorities. Oh look, it’s Old Man Wiggins, might’ve known you’d be involved somehow.”
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Monday January 15th, 2024 1:57:28 PM
Burton smiles to himself as the kids run amok and laughs out loud at the declaration of Lil Smorgy the Pienomancer. "I am definitely getting these kids some sweets when we are done. he says to the world in general.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+6=12 ; Monday January 15th, 2024 2:58:32 PM
Kwarsk walks over to Paige and says to her, "Paige, I think your spell sounds like it'd be the quickest way before the neighbors raise too much of a fuss. I've examined the stones and if you cast your spell you should do it here and be mindful of subsidence, we don't know the composition of the substrate."
(OOC - Knowledge: Engineering = 12. Is this a rare case where Stonecunning's +2 might apply to a skill other than Perception?
DM - please add appropriate "stonework technobabble" when summarizing what Kwarsk told Paige.)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=18 ; Monday January 15th, 2024 3:25:13 PM
Zarsellet comes back up and goes over to Kwarsk and Paige. "That's one very sturdy box, and too big to pull through that tunnel. Paige's magic will be good for getting the stone out of the way. But we'll still need better digging tools, to get through the dirt under the stone floor and to finish digging up the box. It'll have to be dug out before we can lift it."
OOC: Knowledge-Engineering 18 for digging the box out?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=20 ; Monday January 15th, 2024 4:02:14 PM
Paige listened to the advice of others when she cast the stone shape spell, so hopefully the opening created was situated directly above the chest. Once the 3ft square by 1.5ft deep well is created, she concentrates on summoning a dog via the use of magics. She envisions a small terrier, since they like digging. Once it appears, she commands it to ”dig” after which she looks around to see if she can spot a shovel in the debris of the old stable.(Perception=nat. 20! +6=26). The cleric isn’t adverse to doing a little digging herself.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Monday January 15th, 2024 4:26:46 PM “When you speak with the authorities, please do give our regards to Captain Garrick. Tell him Rhys Saelion sends his regards and that we would be happy to fill him in on the details of our activities”.
The elf then turns his attention back to the stone floor, now reshaped by Paige’s spell.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Monday January 15th, 2024 5:45:31 PM
Lothlo hears others outside and sees that they may need to hurry. We are ready and waiting above you. If you need anything from us just give us word.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Monday January 15th, 2024 10:46:33 PM
Fingers realizes that this task will be quick using our magic, or will take forever, in which case some real digging tools may come in handy.
Dezi, come here! I need your help. He gives her some coins. Take some of your friends here and find us some shovels or other things to dig with. Find someone with a garden, any workmen you see, ask storekeepers, whatever. Do not *steal* anything, that's what the money's for. Can I count on you?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 d20+10=14 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 12:44:47 AM
If all other plans fail Naithi will try trying a for around the crest and pulling it out. If that fails Naithi will summon a small earth elemental and try to pantomime instructions to it to go into the tunnel and remove the chest using earth glide.
Naithi will try to use what she has learned training animals to help her communicate with the whenever's through gestures.
Handle animal= 14
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Tuesday January 16th, 2024 5:30:45 AM
Burton: Enjoys the children’s antics. Fingers: Sends Dezi and some others to obtain some digging tools. Lothlo: Stands ready to give such support as is needed. Kwarsk: Advises Paige on the best location to use her spell. Naithi: Prepares continency plans whilst advising the little terrier where to dig. Paige: Stone Shapes a sizeable hole and then calls forth an over excitable, yipping terrier that immediately sets to digging. Rhys: Calmly addresses the two nosey women. Zarsellet: Advises going in from above and that proper tools will be needed for excavating. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The two nosey women say no more, but cross their arms watching. They occasionally gesture at the sky, seemingly as aware as Naithi of the coming rain. Fingers dispatches Dezi and two others, who race away excitedly. No sooner have they gone than Paige’s magic twists and contorts the protesting stone. The ground shakes, but only close to the spell. The displaced material piles up around the lip of the hole, rendering it slightly deeper. It seemed that one and a half feet wasn’t quite deep enough - no surprise to Kwarsk: what sort of dwarf would lay his flagstones on a shallow bed of earth?
The terrier dove headlong into the hole and immediately began randomly scrabbling around, kicking dirt all around with great determination, but absolutely no focus. That was the case until Naithi had a polite word with him. More constructive digging then ensued.
The remaining children gaped in wonder at the sight of such magic unfolding before them. Even the two nosey women stare bug-eyed at the scene.
Alas, there is nothing to hand of any use for digging. It seems that Fingers, like the others, must await Dezi’s return. Whilst waiting, the little dog barks to declare he has found something. Sure enough the unmistakable metal of a stout reinforcing band shows through the dirt. Just then, the first reluctant spots of rain start to fall.
”Oh, Tarnations! My washing!” So saying the large dark skinned woman lumbered off. Her friend tutted and quickly followed. It was however, no deluge. That might come and if so, would make the extraction of the box all the more challenging.
Everyone waited.
Only a few moments later Dezi returned with a pick axe, a spade and a shovel. The shovel was definitely sized for a gnome.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 9:34:08 AM
ooc: No need to change anything, but to clarify:
Camalayas is the Medium Size rabbit that Naithi (small) rides on and who is her Wild Sibling. It has an int of 6, which is high enough to understand speech, but she cannot speak without magic. She and Naithi can feel each other emotions.
Fizzgig is a guard dog like you can buy from the PHB. Well trained, but doesn't understand common any better than any other dog unless I use speak with animals
Summon Elemental: I can pantomime to them, but do not yet speak their languages.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+6=7 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 10:53:10 AM
Kwarsk says, "Fingers, if you don't mind, I'll take the pick. I'm not a miner by trade but every dwarf grows up learning mining where I'm from."
Kwarsk turns to Dezi and says, "Dezi, may I please have the pick?"
(Presuming Dezi agrees) Kwarsk assesses the best place to use a pick in line with the group's overall strategy discussed thus far, and then gets to work!
(OOC - Knowledge: Engineering = 7. If DM allows Stonecunning, then 9. Perhaps Zarsellet will offer constructive criticism to correct Kwarsk's aim?)
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+6=16 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 11:15:26 AM
Rhys looks skyward as the first drop's of rain fall. He looks to the horizon in each direction, examining the shape of the clouds and their movement as he assesses the probability for significant rainfall (Survival 16).
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=23 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 12:56:46 PM
OOC: Knowledge-Engineering 23
Zarsellet takes the shovel that was properly sized for him and joins Kwarsk in the pit. Not wanting to insult a dwarf in their area-of-expertise he does advise him to use the pick to break the ground and allow him to scoop it up and out of the hole with the shovel.
"Let's keep this area well lit. Kwarsk may be able to see in any shadow or darkness. But some of us still see better with good lights."
OOC: Throwing the loose dirt out of the hole and a few feet away. Don't want to build a berm that will just wash back in with the rain.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Tuesday January 16th, 2024 1:06:15 PM
Burton will make his way to the workers and say; "If you need some light say when you do and I can caste a spell. I can give you about an hour."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Tuesday January 16th, 2024 5:31:08 PM
Lothlo looks at the rain starting to fall and turns to the kids. Can you help me build a small hill of dirt like this around the entrance. We're basically building a small wall to divert any water from flowing into the entrance. We'll keep everything as safe as we can for those digging.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 11:14:03 PM Good job, team! says Muuru to the kids who brought the tools. If there's any coin left, you three can share it. Paige, I'll take that ring.
He puts the glowing ring on the tip of his right horn - 8 feet, 2 inches off the ground -- and stands near the hole to provide light to the diggers.
When the rain starts, he hoists the tail of his cloak over his horns to keep his head dry, taking care not to obscure the ring.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=5 ; Tuesday January 16th, 2024 11:42:00 PM
Sensing that time is of the essence, Paige uses the last of her highest level magic to cast stone shape once again and remove 15 cubic feet of material from around the now visible chest. She does this when there is no one and no thing (ie terrier) in the hole.
After rummaging around in her pack, the cleric pulls out a coil of rope (silk rope, 50ft). ”Mayhap we can tie this ‘round the chest, to help ease it out of the hole? she asks those who are digging and in closer proximity to the thing. ”Or, we can use it to effect a rescue if need be.” she thinks, studying the sky (Survival = 5+4=9) but only gets a raindrop in her eye, for her trouble.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 16th, 2024 11:57:55 PM
Naithi checks with the Patchers on close by shelter (are the stables still covered?) in case it starts raining so she can quickly direct the children to safety if thunder and lightning start.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Wednesday January 17th, 2024 4:59:36 AM
Burton: Offers to supply light if it’s needed. Fingers: With a light shedding ring in place, he illuminates the ground for those digging. Lothlo: Asks if the children can build a small hill. Kwarsk: Opts for the pick and sets to work. Naithi: Seeks to ascertain what shelter is available nearby should the weather get worse. Paige: Again calls upon her divine magic to excavate the hole further and offers a rope for retrieval of the box. Rhys: Does his best to assess the coming weather. Zarsellet: Selects the gnome sized shovel and gets to work.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige’s spell captures everyone’s attention, not least that of the children. Once more stone grinds and protests as it is warped up, out and away. A long, low “table” results, situated to the left of Paige. The hole is now fully excavated. The chest sits exposed at the base of the hole, albeit it still seems stuck to the ground. It’s plainly been there for some time. The three thick metal (Kwarsk Highlight to display spoiler: { readily identifies them as iron}) are clearly seen. Each of them has a clasp half way down and each clasp has a very stout padlock. (Fingers Highlight to display spoiler: { The locks are old, as such you’d expect them to be simple to unlock - Except, they are so old the mechanism is likely rusted shut,})
Rhys looks skyward. (Highlight to display spoiler: { It is definitely going to rain and rain hard. There’ll be no storm, though it might seem like one. The clouds building from the West look heavily laden with rain.}
Paige looks skyward - and gets a fat droplet of water in her eye.
Kwarsk and Zarsellet stand aside as Paige gets to work. She did a neat job of exposing the box. Both men though see the need for manual work to clear the clinging dirt and lever the thing up off its base. (Fingers Highlight to display spoiler: { gets a clear view of the scene and instantly recognises the utility of a crowbar.})
Naithi recognises that the old stable, despite having a roof in places, really wouldn’t offer any meaningful shelter. Looking around, there’s nothing immediately apparent: this small parcel of ‘wasteland’ sits at the back of many properties. The land adjacent is private.
Lothlo gets the children to move some earth. It’s a brief venture as Paige’s spell does the bulk of the work. Still, despite their short foray into earth removal, the children all manage to get incredibly dirty. Highlight to display spoiler: { And its all HIS fault}
Burton notes the clouds gathering. Likely some additional light may well be needed, but no extra light is required to see that the hole will quickly fill with water if it rains with any great force.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 10:21:25 AM
Now that Paige's magic has cleared so much away from the box Zarsellet focuses his effort on digging down on one side of it, trying to see how deep they'd have to go and if possible to dig under it. "If we can dig under it in the middle here we can loop the rope under. Then it's just a matter of those above pulling while we try using a lever to break it loose...."
OOC: Unless someone wants to try the locks and just leave the chest here?
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=5 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 11:29:11 AM
It looks to Paige like it might be a while yet before the chest is either (1) levered out of the hole or (2) opened in situ. Regardless, those working to release it deserve some shelter from the storm. ”Does anyone have a tent we can set up over the hole, to keep the water off those working within?”
Having listened to Burton’s story, the cleric wonders if the chest might contain the remains of some long dead (or undead) Plateau City crime boss? A shelter over the excavation pit might be a good idea for more than the weather.
”Sister Bonnie! Rein in your charges. It’s time these kids get on intimate terms with soap and water. With rain obviously on the way, the sooner they are inside the orphanage, the better.” (Diplomacy=5+6=11). Paige’s suggestion might come out more like admonishment, but the cleric isn’t about to accept resistance to the idea that the children should be taken away from the site - for their own good - as well as her peace of mind.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday January 17th, 2024 11:45:23 AM
Kwarsk says, "Thanks Paige! The remaining task will be a lot easier now that we don't have to concern ourselves with a cave collapse.
Zarsellet, let's dig here and here to make room for Paige's rope.
Fingers, you probably have time to pick the lock while we prepare the ground. Interested?"
(OOC - Knowledge: Engineering Take 10 + 6 = 16. Without any apparent significant danger, Take 10 now feels appropriate to use to dislodge the chest enough to put a rope beneath it.)
Kwarsk moves into position, ready for Zarsellet to do the same.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 2:38:51 PM
Naithi offers the use of her tent, rope, iron stakes, sledgehammer, lock picks, etc as appropriate. She also offers her strength to help pull it out.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | d20+3=7 ; Wednesday January 17th, 2024 3:33:14 PM
Burton will stay out of the way of the people working in the hole and watch out for anything happening outside the stable. Perception (7).
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 3:52:03 PM Those locks are rusted shut, Kwarsk. The only kind of "pick" that will work is the kind you're holding. I'd suggest you give it a try but I'd still rather check for traps first.
Naithi, thanks, we'll set up your tent. Burton, give me a hand with that.
OOC: Depending on the size of the hole and the (beastfolk-sized) tent, we'll either pitch the tent over the opening, or lay it flat across the hole.
OOC: As far as we know, is anyone back at the Patch? Because if we agree to excavate the chest, Fingers will send some kids to fetch our mule-cart.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Wednesday January 17th, 2024 5:27:29 PM
Lothlo listens as plans are being made to pull the chest out. If we are wrapping a rope around it, my mule can also help pull it out if we need a little more strength.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Wednesday January 17th, 2024 7:11:14 PM ”I am no wizard, but those clouds are carrying a lot of water! I think we need to be quick about this.” Rhys lends a hand to those erecting the tent. ”If it comes down as hard as I think it might, we might need to deflect any surface flow away from our excavation.”. As soon as the tent is pitched, the elf will begin looking for large items to arrange upslope of the excavation site.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Thursday January 18th, 2024 10:28:31 AM
Burton: Stays out of the way, but keeps a wary eye open for trouble. Fingers: Advises about the condition of the locks and assist in erecting the tent. Lothlo: Offers the assistance of his mule. Kwarsk: Agrees to help Zarsellet dig around and under the boz whilst asking Fingers if he’d care to tackle the locks. Naithi: Offers her tent and her strength to assist with the chest’s liberation from the hole. Paige: “Admonishes” Sister Bonnie in order to protect the children from whatever may lie within the chest as well as the fast approaching inclement weather. Rhys: Helps erect the tent over the hole and then sets to ensuring any surface run-off doesn’t go into the hole. Zarsellet: Suggests digging under the chest so that ropes can be passed to haul it out. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ If Sister Bonnie took umbrage at Paige’s tone, no one knew because Fingers’ suggestion of collecting the cart gave the children and young priestess something useful to do. She quickly gathered them up and the whole mob of them exited the scene to retrieve the cart.
Burton watched as the tent was pitched - over the excavation. That would certainly help; not himself though - there wouldn’t be room for many under that awning. Highlight to display spoiler: { He does spot a single crow earnestly regarding the scene from a roof top behind him.}
Being so small, there’s room enough for Naithi to calmber down into the hole alongside Zarsellet. Kwarsk occupies all the space on the opposite side of the chest. Between the three of them they are quickly able to clear away most of the earth that cakes the sides of the chest. They find that the chest is actually almost two foot in depth. The locks are indeed filled with dirt - that looks to have solidified. The biggest issue is that the chest, having sat for so long, is decidedly stuck to the ground beneath it.
Kwarsk Highlight to display spoiler: { is undaunted by this apparent state. He is very much of the opinion that digging a little deeper and than levering with a pick axe under the chest should liberate it from the ground’s grasp.} pauses to stroke his beard as he studies the scene.
Rhys looks around and starts to create a small ridge/dam. Yet until it rains in earnest it is difficult to judge where the water will flow.
The sky grows darker. A few heavy droplets fall.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday January 18th, 2024 10:42:30 AM (OOC Knowledge: Engineering Take 10 + 6 = 16)
Kwarsk says, "Zarsellet, Naithi, let's dig a bit deeper on each side,then dig under - the surface of the earth may be attached to the chest very well, but the earth beneath it... not so much. We can get the chest out - it'll just have a "chest beard"," Kwarsk says with a half-smile/wry grin.
Kwarsk leads by example, setting to work on his side of the chest.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+8=16 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 11:14:19 AM
Unable to determine just where an influx of water might come from, Rhys tours the periphery of the stables trying to determine the slope and lay of the surrounding area (Perception 16). He then returns to the area immediately adjacent to the hole and begins pouring water from his flask onto the stone floor to see which way it flows. The elf uses this information to decide where to place his make shift diversions.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=6 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 11:14:54 AM
Paige twitches the hood of her cloak up over her head. She’s been out in all sorts of weather conditions and a little rain won’t hurt her!
Once a rope can be fastened around the chest, the cleric will give it a tug to see if she can get it to budge. Her strength (6+3=9) isn’t up to the task. She cedes her spot at the end of the rope so someone else can try.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+8=16 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 12:06:06 PM
Unable to determine just where an influx of water might come from, Rhys tours the periphery of the stables trying to determine the slope and lay of the surrounding area (Perception 16). He then returns to the area immediately adjacent to the hole and begins pouring water from his flask onto the stone floor to see which way it flows. The elf uses this information to decide where to place his make shift diversions.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Thursday January 18th, 2024 1:18:04 PM
Burton stays to the side ready to help anyone who asks, he will also keep an eye on the suspicious actions of the crow. Once Rhys has decided where he wants the dam built Burton will assist him to build his dam.
OOC: Roughly how far away is the crow?
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Thursday January 18th, 2024 5:19:44 PM
Lothlo sees Ryhs pull out his water and is impressed with his ingenuity. That's a great idea Rhys. We can see how the ground is sloping now and better divert any rain that comes. Hopefully they can get the chest up before things get too wet. Lothlo will help to add additional walls to block the water if the test shows it is going to be necessary.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=27 ; Thursday January 18th, 2024 7:42:00 PM
Once they get the rope attached to the chest Zarsellet thinks on Kwarsk's idea. "Dig out a little on either side. Then we can shove it and maybe break it free with a rocking motion."
OOC: Know-Engineering 27
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday January 18th, 2024 11:23:59 PM
Naithi let's the Patchers take the lead as she helps out with tying the rope and digging out the chest.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Thursday January 18th, 2024 11:40:46 PM When you tie the rope, be sure it won't slip off sideways. Fingers smiles. Because a [i]Grease[/] spell on the chest will loosen it for sure!
OOC: When they give the word, he casts the spell on the chest.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Friday January 19th, 2024 5:01:35 AM
Burton: Whilst regarding a curious crow, he helps Rhys with his task. Fingers: Prepares to cast a grease spell upon the chest. Lothlo: Commends Rhys for his ingenuity and assists in his labours. Kwarsk: Suggests chiselling away under it and leads by example. Naithi: Nimble fingers get to work in helping thread the rope under the chest. Paige: Undaunted by the weather Paige prepares to haul on the rope. Rhys: Attempts to determine where to build the best defences against any watery incursions. Zarsellet: Also suggests that they might be able to rock the chest to help liberate it from the ground’s clutches. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burton makes a mental note of the black bird’s position: some fifty to sixty feet away and mostly up atop a neighbouring rooftop. He and Lothlo aid Rhys in constructing a dam of sorts. The floor itself is impressively flat, even after many years, but the surrounding material forms all manner of hillocks, scree and undulations. Still, some is re-appropriated to make the dam, which is finished in a timely manner as the first of the heavy rain starts to fall. It patters loudly on the awning; a drumming accompaniment to the digging below.
It takes a further fifteen minutes, by which time anyone not under cover is soaked, before two tunnels have been dug under the chest. Kwarsk advises Fingers to save his spell. Greasing the chest won’t help liberate it as there’s no gap between the chest and the ground: it’s effectively glued in place – but not for long. Naithi helps thread the ropes with Zarsellet’s help. Fingers ensures that the rope is knotted securely. Paige gives it a test ‘haul’. Whilst her efforts do not free the chest, they do prove that the rope won’t snap and that the knots will hold. It’s then all hands to the pumps, so to speak, as the rope is grasped and Kwarsk calls out a useful Dwarven hauling song. It’s not possible to pull with everyone under the tent; so more get wet, but with a sudden crunch the chest is pulled up!
(OOC: Dexterity checks from all those pulling on the rope. DC:12 or get a very wet behind. Kwarsk’s DC:10 - as Dwarves are generally very stable and used to such tasks. NB: It’s up you to decided whether you were pulling or not; so long as there are at least three, you free the chest.)
The chest vis pulled up onto the lip of the hole. It does, as Kwarsk had opined, possess something of a beard. Now that the chest is up that ‘beard’ can be easily chipped away.
(What now? Examine the chest in situ or convey to the patch? Does anyone try to “shake the box”? Etc.)
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+10=16 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 10:11:01 AM
Rhys pulls at the ropes along with the others. When the chest suddenly comes free, the elf is thrown backwards but regains his footing at the last second (Acrobatics 16).
”Well done everyone! Now, did I hear someone mention a cart? Let’s get this thing back to the Patch and see what it contains.”. He shakes water from his cloak and pulls the hood over his head to prepare for what looks like a wet trek home.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+10=30 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 10:19:55 AM
With a great group heave, the Patchers pull the chest free!
Kwarsk has diligently trained for precisely this sort of slippery situation with the Monks of Pantheon and does not slip or slide, not even a fraction of an inch!
(OOC - Acrobatics = 30.)
Kwarsk says, "Patchers, let's get this chest back to the Patch - for all we know there's old papers or other fragile things in there that the rain will ruin. Adjust your stance and walking pace like so and it'll be fine." Kwarsk finishes with a brief physical demonstration and then, once the Patchers nod or agree, it's off to the Patch!
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+10=16 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 10:55:59 AM
Rhys pulls at the ropes along with the others. When the chest suddenly comes free, the elf is thrown backwards but regains his footing at the last second (Acrobatics 16).
”Well done everyone! Now, did I hear someone mention a cart? Let’s get this thing back to the Patch and see what it contains.”. He shakes water from his cloak and pulls the hood over his head to prepare for what looks like a wet trek home.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 d20+2=16 ; d20+2=12 ; d20+11=16 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 1:19:06 PM
Naithi and Camalayas help to pull up the chest, just barely managing to keep their balance as it comes free. As the others discuss what do do next Naithi looks around at the wild life. She still finds it odd that the tunnel lead straight to the chest and worries something like a druid might have been directing the animals to dig there.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+3=14 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 3:04:00 PM
Zarsellet helps to free the chest and almost falls as the thing 'sails' into the air.... "Great job everybody. Now we probably should get the thing somewhere safe to open where 'prying eyes' can't see what it contains!"
He climbs up and casts Prestidigitation to start getting the filth off of himself and his friends. Wet is OK for now, but muddy is not.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Friday January 19th, 2024 4:01:26 PM I guess two of us on each side can grab a rope and start moving it. Volunteers? (Fingers knows that despite his size, he's far from the strongest person here.*) Hopefully it won't get too far before we meet up with Sister Bonny and our cart. The rest of us will strike Naithi's tent and catch up.
Oh, just to remind you all...Muuru chuckles. This "treasure" belongs to the orphans! Get ready to haggle....
(*OOC: I don't know if we can tell by looking who are the strongest party members -- but you'd be surprised. I just hope they're among the volunteers.)
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday January 19th, 2024 5:24:23 PM
Burton will supervise the hauling of the rope in other words he will keep out the way unless it obvious more hands are needed. With the rain starting Burton will check to see if the crow is still watching their activity.
If the crow is still there Burton will discreetly point it out to Naithi; "I'm no expert but is that normal for a crow to sit and watch people digging up a box for nearly 20 minutes even when it starts to rain?"
OR
If the crow has disappeared he will keep an eye out during the journey back to the Patch.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () d20+4=18 ; Friday January 19th, 2024 5:42:52 PM It's starting to get wet, let's get this chest out of the ground. Lothlo gets a good grip on the rope and settles into a solid stance to avoid losing his balance as they pull up the chest. Now let's put this in the cart and get to somewhere dry to get it open. Dex=18
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Friday January 19th, 2024 9:42:39 PM
ooc: In response to Muuru, the three strongest players include the two smallest players and two girls.
Naithi is the smallest party member and probably looks more like she has a gymnast build than a power lifter. She does have on dragon scale armor and the bear beast folk all have increased strength. Myre also may have mentioned Naithi to the group previously. I would imagine the children are oblivious to her strength while the Patchers can likely deduce her strength is at least 14 if not 16. Her strength being 18 might surprise a few of them.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=19 ; Sunday January 21st, 2024 2:38:53 PM ”Many hands make light work. If we all work together, we can do this! announces Paige, as she prepares to step in and help manipulate the chest when others are tired. The cleric manages her fair share of the burden without loosing her balance or getting in anyone’s way.
(Dex=19)
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Monday January 22nd, 2024 5:07:18 AM
Monday 22/Jan/24 Burton: Asks Naithi about the crow’s watchful activity. Fingers: Suggests using he rope to carry the chest and reminds all of the orphans’ claim to it. Lothlo: Agrees with the others: get the chest back ‘home’. Kwarsk: With truly impressive Dwarven stability Kwarsk helps liberate the chest. He agrees with Rhys about getting the chest back before opening it. Naithi: Also retains her balance and ponders the making of the tunnel.Highlight to display spoiler: { She knows that given all the disturbed earth hereabouts that the crow is likely waiting for everyone to move away and then descend to look for grubs and worms etc. The rain won’t trouble it overly} Paige: Helps and encourages the rest. Rhys: Manages not to slip and suggests getting the box back to the patch. Zarsellet: Too stays upright and agrees to the plan of taking the chest to the patch. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The rain starts to fall heavily. It doesn’t fall in a steady stream, but blows in with powerful, drenching bouts before relenting slightly to more steady rain before again falling with a vengeance. Despite this very inclement weather the Patchers organise themselves and fabricate a rope stretcher of sorts so that the chest can ride on it and the its weight can be shared by four.
Heading back the route is unsurprisingly deserted. The rain deters all but the most desperate from venturing out. Yet rounding a corner the group encounters a very wet Sister Bonny, along with Desi and the mule and cart. Desi is sitting on the cart, ostensibly driving the thing. She has an oversized oiled cloak covering her and seems to be the driest thing in the vicinity.
”My pardon for the delay. I had to get the children somewhat settled, otherwise they’d all be here soaked like drowned rats.” Sister Bonny explained as she gestured towards the rear of the cart.
The chest was a very solid thing and far from light. It lacked carrying handles, making transporting it difficult, but with so many hands assisting, it didn’t take long to get the box loaded. Water pooled deeply in places as the deluge continued. Yet the heavy rain did nothing to dampen Desi’s spirits. All the way back she speculated as to what the box might hold.
Arriving back at the patch, it was found to be quite full. Somehow word had spread of ‘treasure’ and the rest of the orphans has appeared. All wanted to help. All wanted to talk. It was noisy. Through this organised chaos the chest was moved. Its progress was greeted with excited OOHS and AAHS. Finally it was placed o the ground near the hearth. Things grew quiet as each studied it6 in turn deciding how best to proceed.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Monday January 22nd, 2024 11:54:37 AM
(OOC: Fingers casts Detect Magic on the chest while en route if possible, or as soon as it gets to the Patch.)
Fingers still wants to check the thing for traps; even though the locks must be chiseled open, it could still be a hazard. And even if he finds nothing, he doesn't want the spectators too close when it's opened.
On the other hand, the kids have a right to watch this; they found it after all.
Bring it back to the courtyard. We'll set up a tent to keep us dry while we work. Sister, your troop can watch from the doorway. That should be a safe distance; and if they start to push forward for a closer look, they'll think better of it once they start getting wet.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+15=17 ; Monday January 22nd, 2024 11:55:01 AM
Seeing the crowd of children too close to the chest Zarsellet tries to help and keep them back at a "safe" distance.
"Alright, anyone that is NOT a professional locksmith, metalworker, or explosives professional PLEASE stay back a safe distance! Let the professionals do their work to SAFELY open the chest.... and HOPEFULLY, NOT release a cloud of poisonous gas into the room!?!"
OOC: Wow! Crap roll there. Diplomacy 17.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Monday January 22nd, 2024 1:23:33 PM
Kwarsk says, "Fingers, this is your show. I can place my Tower Shield so as to allow a narrow view but provide more cover to those inside - just let me know where you want me and my shield."
Kwarsk waits expectantly for Fingers' reply.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Monday January 22nd, 2024 2:35:01 PM
Rhys takes in the swarm of children and helps herd them to a safe distance. ”Do you know what I hope is inside?” he calls out to the orphans. ”I’m hoping for jars and jars of boot black and brushes! Just look at the awful state of my new boots!”. The elf points down and his muddy boots and fakes a big pout.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Monday January 22nd, 2024 4:47:59 PM
Burton arrives back at the Patch with the others and observes the crowd inside; "We really need to get some locks. Burton checks the alcohol supplies are safe while the other Patchers sort the chest out. "Shout if you need anything from me." he calls to the Patchers as they investigate and herd children.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Monday January 22nd, 2024 5:24:25 PM
Lothlo is glad to hear that everyone is taking precautions to keep the kids safe when the chest is opened. It may also be worth angling the chest slightly away from the door if we are concerned about traps. That way, if there is something dangerous inside the doorway isn't in a direct line of fire.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Monday January 22nd, 2024 10:05:56 PM
Naithi explains her concerns about a druid possibly having gotten and animal to dig the hole and explains that all the disturbed earth hereabouts that the crow is likely waiting for everyone to move away and then descend to look for grubs and worms etc. The rain won’t trouble it overly.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Monday January 22nd, 2024 10:48:59 PM
Paige collects her ring from Muuru, and after coiling her silk rope, returns it to her pack. Knowing the centaur’s ways, she figures opening the chest could take a while. She looks at the rag-tag group of orphans and tries to find the cleanest and quietest kid, and asks: ”how would you like to come with me to the infirmary and roll bandages, hmmm?”
Before leaving the area (courtyard) she casts bless on EVERYONE - Patchers, orphans, and Sister Bonnie. The cleric then tells Rhys, with a knowing look: ”if I’m needed, I’ll be in the infirmary.”
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 5:25:52 AM
Burton: Checks on important stuff once back at the patch. Fingers: Casts Detect magic on the chest. Suggests safety be a primary concern in opening the chest. Lothlo: Advocates further precautions against traps. Kwarsk: Offers to defend against anything nasty with his mighty tower shield. Naithi: Explains the crow’s activity. Paige: Casts Bless on all and takes a particularly small and quiet child to the infirmary. Rhys: Herds the kids aside and distracts them. Zarsellet: Tries to convince the children to stay back. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Everyone is wet to varying degrees. As discussions proceed more children edge towards the fire to dry out. It takes time. A tent is erected and the chest is dragged out under it. Fingers can find no evidence of any magic on the chest, but like everyone else, can only speculate as to what may lie within. He carefully examines the three hefty padlocks. They will indeed need to be removed via brute force. (A ‘Knock’ spell would work) Further examination of the chest informs Fingers that it would be easier to snip the ends of the hinges and extract the pins therein, thus opening the lid in the opposite way. That might also affect any traps within. With regard to the latter, he’s quietly confident that there aren’t any.
The children all giggle at Zarsellet’s imprecations to move. The “poisonous gas” reference elicits a plethora of fart jokes. Some calm ensues when Rhys successfully garners their attention. The children are distracted even more when Fizzgig wanders in and shakes violently spraying all of them with water.
There isn’t much more others can do, other than roll bandages and get drier, not that Camalayas seems unduly bothered. Kwarsk stoically and firmly plants his shield and peers at the hinges.
Kwarsk Highlight to display spoiler: { Those are good, solid dwarven hinges or you’re an elf! Yes, extracting the pins will be easier than cutting the bolts, but not a lot.}
The rain continues, but the squalling bursts abate leaving a steady downpour; one that will certainly clean the streets of the worst of any filth or smells, at least for a while.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 9:20:22 AM ”How about a snack before we get to work?” Paige asks the small and quiet child. The cleric nicks some oatmeal cookies from the Patchers treat stash, and pours two mugs of milk before heading to the infirmary - tray in hand. Over cookies and milk, the cleric demonstrates how the long strips of fabric should be rolled up into little coiled bundles. The red-head and the orphan work in companionable silence…waiting.
(OOC: don’t forget bless cast on ALL folks in the courtyard.)
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 10:46:12 AM
With no challenges to his hope for the contents of the chest arising from the orphans, Rhys turns his attention back to opening the chest. He hurries across the courtyard, dodging puddles as he heads towards the small forge. A moment later the elf re-emerges carrying a number of forging tools including a blacksmith’s hammer, two forging chisels and a pry bar. ”These may be helpful! They are what I use in shaping steel, surely they can un-shape a hinge or a lock! They would work better if we had some way to heat the metal without the chest catching fire”.
(OOC the tools should provide a +2 circumstance bonus to a craft metal check)
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 11:35:53 AM
Zarsellet shrugs at his failure to control the kids. With their joking about 'farts' when he mentions poisonous gas he moves in among them and starts humming a little tune. Suddenly the kids that made the fart jokes hear loud fart sounds, coming from right behind them.... as if they had done it.
Once the kids figure out what he's doing he switches to some other 'fun' spells, like Dancing Lights to make a human sized flaming figure to walk through the crowd, another Ghost Sound to make the sounds of a swarm of rats running through the group, and then summoning a little guitar and playing a kid's favorite tune, then tossing it in the air at the end and letting the magic dissipate so it just disappears....
OOC: Providing distractions while the others work. Not sure what roll(s) would apply? Perform? Varies between +12 to +15.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 3:06:49 PM
Naithi looks around the room and watches the others as she tries to determine more about their location that appears to have both an infirmary and a forge.
ooc: How large is the building? Does everyone have their own room? Are there other places of note besides the forge and infirmary? Etc
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 4:24:07 PM
Burton sticks his head out the hatch from his important guard duty; "If they get out of hand Zar I could always web the little darlings to the floor." Under his breath he adds I also have a lightening bolt at hand.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 5:11:47 PM
Lothlo sees Rhys haul out his blacksmith tools for opening the chest. I have a more specialized tool kit for crafting bows and arrows. Probably less useful in general for this type of thing, but if you need any tools that are more slender I may have what you need.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday January 23rd, 2024 10:13:46 PM
Kwarsk says to Fingers, "Fingers, the metal on that chest is of dwarven make. You're probably already thinking it, but I agree: see if it's easier to open the hinges and pull the pins. I don't know what that'd do to any trap inside, that's why I'm hiding behind my Tower Shield," Kwarsk finishes with a half-smile.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Wednesday January 24th, 2024 5:14:11 AM
Burton: Quips that he stands ready to ‘help’ Zarsellet. Fingers: Quietly ruminates on his options. Lothlo: Offers more specialised tools for the task of chest opening, should they be needed. Kwarsk: Discusses the options with Fingers. Naithi: Assesses the lay-out of the Patch. Paige: With oat biscuits and milk Paige sets to waiting. Rhys: Helpfully provides some tools for the job of opening the stout chest. Zarsellet: Provides excellent distraction for the children. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The giggling of the children escalates to gales of raucous laughter due to Zarsellet’s magic. It is therefore little wonder that Burton contemplates more drastic measures of instilling some control, albeit none of those are seriously contemplated….much.
Naithi is left to wonder about the set-up at The Patch as everyone seems very focused on the chest: everyone except Paige who was enjoying some quiet in the kitchen.
Tools were fetched and precautions taken. Finally the delicate task of opening the chest began. In accordance with Kwarsk’s musings, it was the hinges that were tackled, rather than the padlocks securing the front. Fingers was the very epitome of calm patience as he unhurriedly set about his task. It took time; time in which the children might have become restless or bored had not Zarsellet worked so tirelessly to entertain them. Finally, the last pin was removed and Fingers eased the back forward – just enough to ascertain if there was a trap or two still lurking within. There wasn’t.
The chest was opened – fully!
Kwarsk peered around his shield. Fingers looked down and others crowded around. Taking up pride of place within the box was a mummified dog. It was undoubtedly a large dog as it just fit in the box. It was well preserved, seemingly, but the wrappings prevented any detailed analysis. It was not alone. There were other items under it, forming a bed of sorts. With the dog carefully removed those items were easily identified.
1. A strange doll that looked like a shaggy, white goblin. 2. A sheet of vellum declaring “Vandy” to be the recipient of Guard Dog of the Year. Sadly the vellum is torn and the identifying year is missing. 3. A decidedly chewed ball. 4. A dog collar with what appeared to be silver spikes (Appraise required) 5. A jar of dog treats. Being tightly sealed the jar’s contents seem in wonderful condition. 6. A truncheon - also chewed. 7. A large metal water bowl. 8. A leash, with tag affixed “Vandy”. 9. A small box with a hook clasp.
Fingers again carefully examines the much smaller box. Strangely, it has been painted with a picture of a smugly seated cat. Inside there is a money pouch. Opening it Fingers empties a quantity of small colourful stones into his meaty palm. (Appraise required)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 d20+6=18 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 12:03:55 PM Well, now, says Fingers. I absolutely did not expect that we were exhuming a grave.
He looks towards the doorway, hoping that none of the children are watching. Don't let the kids see old Vandy; they'll be scarred for life.
But we'll explain that he (or she) was buried with their toys and stuff, and that the right thing is to put them all back. Either where we found it -- with a proper inscription on the lid -- or in a graveyard somewhere. If there's one that takes pets.
Reflexively, Fingers estimates the value of the stones. Appraise: 18
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 12:33:25 PM
Zarsellet examines the sheet of vellum awarding 'Vandy' as Guard Dog of the Year. This was turning into an interesting mystery!
OOC: Is there any information on the sheet, such as who awarded the honor to the dog?
"Check for any information, possibly on who's dog this was. It was buried in a very sturdy box. Not the kind of thing someone would do and just abandon it."
OOC: Also examine the big box to see if there might be a false bottom? The contents could be a distraction.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Wednesday January 24th, 2024 5:40:34 PM
Lothlo looks at the contents of the chest and frowns, it was not the happy ending for the children that he had hoped for. We should make plans to bring the chest back when the weather clears up, Vandy would want to be returned to the home they loved.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 7:35:16 PM
In the infirmary, Paige puts the small quiet orphan to work grinding ingredients with a mortar and pestle, after explaining some easily available ingredients can be used to make poultices, compresses, or plasters that aid healing.
Trying to draw the kid out of his/her shyness, the cleric will ask: ”what’s the scariest thing you’ve ever seen?” After the kid has shared his/her experiences, the half elf will recount the time she encountered a giant spider in a neighbour’s barn. ”It was as big as a dog!”
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Wednesday January 24th, 2024 7:57:01 PM ”A dog? A mummified dog? Who goes to that trouble for a dog?” Rhys thinks to himself.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 d20+10=28 ; d20=14 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 8:20:06 PM
Naithi scratches her head when she sees the contents of the chest. We might be able to check with the Catacombs or WLA to learn more about the guard dog. I prize winning dog would be recorded by breeders to track lineage and boost sales.
That said, this whole thing rubs me wrong. A freshly dug hole leading straight to a chest. A pet buried deep under a building. A dog buried with colored stones. And why would there be a chewed truncheon...and the wrappings....
Is anyone able to cast detect magic, just in case. When we are done here I'll cast mending on the chest... Perhaps I've heard to many ghost stories, but this seems almost ritualistic.
Naithi tries to recall anything she can and mummies, related burial practices, druidism, etc.
Knowledge Nature = 28 All other knowledge checks = 10 (untrained knowledge capped at 10)
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+6=16 ; Wednesday January 24th, 2024 10:32:53 PM
Kwarsk thinks deeply about who would mummify a dog.
He also actively positions his Tower Shield to obscure the dog from the kids' sight as best he can.
(OOC - Knowledge: Religion = 16)
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Thursday January 25th, 2024 2:30:01 AM
Burton wanders in to the yard when the tapping and banging has stopped; "Someone really loved that dog, to bury it in such a fine box with it's toys." He glances at the vellum "possible buried under the stable so it could continue to guard the stable in the afterlife as it had in life, or it's master wanted to keep it close. A much loved friend and guardian, when we have finished we should return it to it's resting place."
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Thursday January 25th, 2024 5:04:15 AM
Burton: Casually opines his view of events. Fingers: Is surprised at the contents of the chest. He appraises the stones Lothlo: Advocates returning the chest to where it was found. Kwarsk: Protects the scene from casual inspection whilst considering what sort of person would do this. Naithi: Is troubled at the find and wracks her memory for clues. Paige: Continues to teach/coach her pupil. Rhys: Considers it a lot of effort for a dog. Zarsellet: Thinks it both mysterious and fascinating and seeks further clues. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Having heard Burton’s theory, it would seem that it is both logical and plausible. It certainly tallies with all that Naithi can recall about corpse preservation. Whatever was done here wasn’t a macabre ritual, but something out of honour, love and respect; or so it seemed to her. Likely, it had been a secretive endeavour. The owner would not wanted this to be well-known – for the site to become a circus and so that Vandy could continue his guarding undisturbed in the afterlife….perhaps. It was difficult to be sure without further information.
Fingers examines the stones more carefully. To his surprise, mixed in amongst the other semi-precious stones are three miniature carved cats: one of jade, one of marble and one of soapstone. The workmanship is excellent. Each cat is no bigger than the end of Paige’s thumb. Still, he estimates the trio to be worth roughly 100 gold, more to the right buyer. The other stones of which there are twenty, are definitely more pretty, than valuable, but still could easily fetch another hundred or so.
Naithi examines the document. It appears to have come from “Goldgrim Security”. A stamp in the bottom left corner seems decidedly Dwarven in design. It also lists one Talbert Gravelden as receiving the award on behalf of Vandy.
At this point Desi peers around the side of Kwarsk’s shield.
”Ooooh, interestin’. Can I have the dolly?” How she’d managed to get so close was bemusing, but in fairness all attention (except Paige’s) had been very much on the box and its strange contents.
Paige continued her patient, quiet work with Allum. The lad was small for his years; scrawny, with a shock of brown hair. There was nothing about him that was remarkable. He was however, a good listener and capable student, quickly picking up what he was shown and worked diligently without fidgeting.
Faces turned to Desi. She had found the chest. They then turned back to the box. Had they found everything? Was there indeed a false bottom. It merited further investigation. Strangely, the more they found the odder things seemed. The box was very solid rendering casual assessment difficult, but both Naithi and Fingers concluded that there was certainly the capacity for a false bottom and and false lid! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=15 ; d20=17 ; Thursday January 25th, 2024 11:41:53 AM
Paige thanks Allum for sharing his name, and ensures that he is comfortable using hers. She lets him know he is doing a good job and his contribution is meaningful since it will help Paige minister to folks from the Nightmare Quarter when they need care.
The cleric knows it’s the quiet ones that watch and listen unnoticed. She carefully steers the conversation (Diplomacy=15+6=21) in order to learn how the child spends his days and what are his observations on his life. The half-elf listens patiently in order to pick up details that might reveal problems at the orphanage or interesting goings on in the quarter. (Perception=17+6=23)
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Thursday January 25th, 2024 2:22:30 PM
Burton will let the experts investigate the possible false lid and bottom on the box and keep out of the way. While they do he comments; "If this Talbert Gravelden is a dwarf which seems likely there is a chance he is still around or at least someone might remember him. And if Vandy was such a well known guard dog even he might be remembered."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Thursday January 25th, 2024 4:37:15 PM
Lothlo listens to Naithi and Fingers. Hmm, so you're saying that the burial could be a decoy? Considering the colored stones that were there, that makes me very curious what kind of things they might be there to distract us from.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=9 ; d20+8=22 ; Thursday January 25th, 2024 6:34:49 PM
The leads from the document were promising, but with Naithi and Fingers indicating a possible false lid AND bottom? He searches both trying to see how to possibly open either.
OOC: Perception 9 for the lid, 22 for the bottom?
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Thursday January 25th, 2024 7:02:34 PM
Rhys looks on as the investigation of chest continues.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday January 25th, 2024 9:58:18 PM
Kwarsk is bemused at how Desi snuck up on him. He's typically proud of how perceptive he is, given his training with Pantheon's monks.
Kwarsk says to Naithi, "Naithi, any details there about Vandy's owner? And is... that mark... a dwarven rune?"
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Thursday January 25th, 2024 10:11:49 PM Desi, glad you're here. We need you to tell you others.
The chest is actually the coffin for a dog named Vandy that died many years ago. It was buried with its leash and dish and its toys - that doll is one of them.
Tell you what -- we'll put these things together, and Burton will come show them all to you. He'll tell you why the coffin was where we found it.
But when we're done out here, we need to put all of Vandy's things back in the coffin and bury it again. That would be the right thing do, wouldn't it?
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday January 25th, 2024 11:19:07 PM
Naithi shares what she has learned from the document as well as the possibility for a false bottom and lid.
She will then let fingers do his thing, or check for a false bottom/kiss herself is he isn't interested.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Friday January 26th, 2024 5:31:15 AM
Burton: Postulates that Talbert, if a dwarf, might still be alive. Fingers: Explains to Desi about their plans for Vandy. Lothlo: Ponders whether the burial is a decoy. Kwarsk: Asks Naithi for more details. Naithi:. Explains all she knows of the document and box. Paige: Speaks with Allum to learn more about him and the goings on in the orphanage and area. Rhys: Watches on warily. Zarsellet: Checks both top and base for concealed areas. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burton is correct about the notorious longevity of dwarves. Still, dogs do not share that great lifespan. Perhaps the man, heartbroken at the demise of his ‘best friend’ left for a life new, abandoning his old life behind him. Perhaps. Yet how did that possible story mesh with the false compartments – if they were truly there?
Fingers explained matters to Desi, who merely pouted, but said nothing more on the matter.
Zarsellet was far from convinced that the lid was anything other than extremely tough and well-constructed. The base was a different matter. That most certainly would lift out, but so well fitted was it that the whole box would have to be emptied and upended.
Meanwhile Paige learnt that life at the orphanage was, by and large, well-ordered and safe. The quality and sometimes quantity, of the food varied, but for the most part, he considered himself fortunate. He just wished that he had more books to read. He liked reading and books were expensive. As to rumours, he confessed that he didn’t really pay them much heed. For the most part, the other kids liked to outdo each other; so the stories were invariably embellished: like the one about a skin-eating monster that sucked off your flesh and wore it as a disguise!
Rhys had noticed Desi sneaking up, belatedly. Boy, was she a sneaky one! It was no wonder that Kwarsk hadn’t heard her.
Before the box was completely emptied, Naithi pointed out that there was indeed a small section within the lid that could be peeled out – with the right tool. The panel was far from large, being only as wide as Naithi’s little hand and twice as long. Before anything else she clarified for Kwarsk that it wasn’t a dwarven seal. It was, in all likelihood, a business stamp.
All eyes turned to Fingers. He carefully prised open the section in the lid – having first diligently checking it for traps. None were found. His care was well founded, for nestled, tightly packed with scraps of cloth were four narrow phials. Each was labelled with old dwarven runes: runes that Kwarsk could translate with ease.
Two were apparently Holy Water and the other two potions of Healing!
There was, apart from the raising of yet more questions, the matter of the base.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday January 26th, 2024 8:33:07 AM
Zarsellet was surprised when a hidden compartment was discovered in the lid. But, it was small. The contents didn't make sense for a burial crate for a mummified dog. But not much about this thing was making sense to him. He'd never had a pet that he would have considered doing such an elaborate burial.
"Let's empty the chest and tip it up. I think that bottom is false but can't lift it with everything on it, or while standing on it."
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday January 26th, 2024 5:08:55 PM
Burton will gather all the contents from the box apart from the mummified dog and take them to show the children. He will explain what the Patchers and guests have found out so far.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Friday January 26th, 2024 5:24:56 PM
Fingers had used Detect Magic on the unopened chest, but clearly the material blocked detection of those vials. He casts the spell again on interior of the chest and all its contents. (He's especially curious about those little cat gems.)
That done, Fingers directs everyone to carefully remove the items (excluding Vandy himself, of course), put them into a tray or box, and set them aside a few paces away. This is so the kids will have something to gawk at; hopefully Burton or someone will take the hint and take it into the building away from the tent.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () d20+12=22 ; Friday January 26th, 2024 6:04:14 PM Do you think that the chest was blocking the magic, or do you think the vials are fakes? Not sure why you would go through the trouble to hide them if they are fake though.
On the mention of fakes, Lothlo briefly wonders if the dog is fake considering how well preserved it was, or if there is anything else unusual about the dog itself.
Perception = 22
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Saturday January 27th, 2024 9:31:57 AM
While others are maneuvering the chest to get to a possible false bottom Kwarsk begins analyzing the chest, watching for any weaknesses in the chest's material he could point out to Fingers and crew.
(Kwarsk is concerned that sudden motion to the chest could cause joints to break and possibly damage any contents of the false bottom and looks to warn the Patchers of that, if he sees it.)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Saturday January 27th, 2024 3:58:15 PM
Naithi tries to help keep the children occupied by letting them sit on Camalayas and pet Fizzgig.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Sunday January 28th, 2024 11:44:27 AM
Paige nods at what Allum says, as she continues to inventory the supplies in the small infirmary. She agrees with what the orphan says about books - that they are expensive and hard to come by. The cleric is happy to learn the kid is literate. She asks him if he can read the various labels affixed to the vials and medicinals lined up on the shelves. If he can, she will explain the properties and uses of each item after he has sounded out the name. Hoping to make instruction fun and easy, she recounts a story or anecdote about the various potions and unguents..
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Sunday January 28th, 2024 2:39:38 PM
Rhys returns the hammer and chisels to the small backyard forge and wonders about the buried ‘treasures’ unearthed by the patchers.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Sunday January 28th, 2024 7:41:49 PM
Burton: Gathers up all bar the dog and takes it to show the children. Fingers: Again casts Detect Magic: this time on the vials of liquid and the small ornaments. Lothlo: Ponders whether the dog or phials are fake and peers most carefully at them. Kwarsk: Carefully monitors the condition of the chest to ensure no damage occurs to any hidden contents. Naithi:. Helps distract and occupy the children. Paige: Imparts some knowledge to Allum. Rhys: Returns the borrowed tools whilst pondering the strange find. Zarsellet: The contents of the chest were confusing to him. Nothing seemed to make much sense, but with more clues maybe it would. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fingers determines that the potions do indeed appear to possess some magic. He prises them carefully from their secure setting. Meanwhile Burton shows the still very excited children what they’d found in the chest. The care taken to circumvent the issue of the mummified dog was decidedly undermined by Desi animatedly describing the ‘giant’ dog in the box. Naithi sought to distract them further with the help of Fizzgig and Camalayas, but it was still raining and Sister Bonnie didn’t want them any wetter than they already were. The rain though, troubled neither Fizzgig nor Camalayas greatly.
Lothlo’s careful scrutiny informs him that, as far as he can tell, the items found do appear genuine and not fakes.
Kwarsk focuses more on the stout box itself. He has few, if any concerns, as the chest seems very robust.
To Paige’s surprise Allum proves that he can read surprisingly well and he shows a quiet, focused interest in what she tells him. He even asks pertinent questions to ascertain the difference between certain similar items.
Zarsellet waited patiently as the chest was made ready for a careful examination of the base. To this end, it was carefully repositioned on its side. Once Fingers had his attention pried away from the remarkably detailed tiny cat figurines, he applied himself to the removal of the base. Those little cats were not magical, but did exhibit excellent craftsmanship. Perhaps a collector would pay more than his initial estimate. The base was a very snug fit and it took a good amount of careful manipulation to free it. Once free, it was found to conceal a very narrow section, barely as wide as Zarsellet’s finger. That is to say, the hollow section occupied the entirety of the base, but was very shallow and so could be easily overlooked. Basically, it was just deep enough for its contents: two sheets of vellum.
Grim doings. Aye, that’s what it were and no mistake. I owes me life to Vandy; so you gods had best take real good care of him. You will. I knows you will. That’s because you saw what happened. Stinking Necromancers running around waking all manner of abomination! Course, that would be more than enough to defeat any old dog, but Vandy, he weren’t no ordinary dog. Nope. Turns out my pooch had him some celestial blood in his veins! How’s that for a turn up? Well, it were right useful that he did, because only that spared me life, I reckon. Died protecting me from them ghouls and ghasts, he did. Gave me time to get me Number One Easing Hammer, Mighty Myrtle. She worked hard that night, but tweren’t enough to save Vandy. Couldn’t stay here after he were gone. Place just weren’t the same, but I knowed that Vandy would’ve wanted to keep going, to carry on guarding; so I asked Old Challim to make a tomb of sorts where he could carry on his vigil. Now, if some other b£$$<£r (word scratched out) needs protecting and you’ve a noble cause, then I spose Vandy wouldn’t mind helping. Be sure to bury him in this here box, real safe like, under your threshold. That way no haunt will be troubling your house. Course, Vandy will need some valued trinkets in with him so he knows who he’s protecting. Treat him proper. Best dog ever. Talbert Gravelden.
The other parchment is a scroll. It is Divine in Nature: Cure Serious Wounds (3d8+5)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Sunday January 28th, 2024 9:48:03 PM
[B]Well now, there's a story for you!
There are still questions, but more of a matter of curiosity than anything. Like, when did this battle take place? Could we track down Old Challim?
If Talbert buried the gems so Vandy would "know who he's protecting", were they his or was someone else being protected?
Are the potions and holy water part of the consecration of the tomb? Some kind of mild protection spell? Or were they just "valued trinkets" of someone else?
It sounds like Talbert wouldn't mind if the chest were respectfully relocated. Maybe to the orphanage?
And if he goes through the trouble of writing out his story, why would he hide it in a secret compartment? I'd have laid it on top so it's the first thing seen.
And finally: There's no good reason not to rebury everything with Vandy, is there?
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+10=29 ; Monday January 29th, 2024 10:59:21 AM
Zarsellet considers the words and the curious location of the document. Could it actually be some sort of ritual magic protecting something?
He casts detect magic again and very carefully scans everything again for any sort of residual magic. OOC: Spellcraft 29.
"Bury him under the threshold and include some valued trinkets so he knows who he is protecting? And what Necromancers? Seems every answer just opens more questions."
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Monday January 29th, 2024 2:39:11 PM Necormancers? That is not the surprise I was expecting to find hidden in the compartments of this box. Lothlo considers what this could mean, and whether the necromancers are long gone or are still active in the area. I don't know much about these things, but do you think that if we add our own trinkets to the box that the dog would protect the orphanage?
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Monday January 29th, 2024 4:34:15 PM
Once Burton gets to hear about the additional information he heads out to the yard to see for himself. When given the chance he will carefully read all the documentation; "Interesting." is all he adds clearly deep in thought.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Monday January 29th, 2024 5:21:01 PM
Kwarsk ponders, and then says, "... So, we rebury the box, now that many know what's in it... don't you think someone will learn of it and just dig it up again to take the valuables? What if we sell the valuables with the proceeds to the orphanage, and each child in the orphanage puts a small trinket inside that's important and personal to them?"
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Monday January 29th, 2024 7:10:32 PM Oh, I get it now, says Fingers, reading the scroll once more. This was hidden in the chest because it wasn't meant for mortal eyes. See? It's addressed to the gods, for when Vandy's spirit arrived at the afterlife.
Hmm. Talbert Gravelden. Old Challim. Grimgold Security. Those names sound familiar to anybody? Fingers racks his brain (Knowledge (Local): Take 10 = 17)
Kwarsk, your idea sounds fine, but if we bury it with same...care that Talbert took, I think that few graverobbers will take as much trouble as we did to dig it up.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Monday January 29th, 2024 10:14:39 PM
Retrieving a woven basket with a hinged wooden lid from off a shelf, Paige invites Allum to help create a small first aid kit for the orphanage. Several of the bandages rolled by the orphan find their way into the basket as well as various ointments that promote healing of simple scrapes or relieve the itching of bug bites or stings from plants. She includes a few sachets of teas labelled carefully to identify their healing properties with regards to reducing fevers and headaches and a tin of home-made honey and lemon lozenges with the admonition that they aren’t candies, but rather something that might soothe a sore throat. That said, she pops one in her mouth and offers one to Allum with a wink, ”self experimentation, don’t cha know!”
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Monday January 29th, 2024 11:14:33 PM
Rhys returns from the forge in time to hear the discussions taking place. ”I like Kwarsk’s suggestion that we sell the valuables to provide funding for the orphanage and then rebury the chest with trinkets from the kids. We could make a plaque venerating the dog for all to see, and it could continue its eternal vigil beneath the entrance to the orphanage. I can forge some new bands and hinges for the chest.”
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 30th, 2024 1:36:09 AM
Naithi shakes her head vehemently. Can anyone verify how long this has been buried at the previous location? I don't trust necromancy. I'm equally sure they are should bury it again just as we found out, re-bury it at the orphanage with our gifts, and that it is a trap and we need to burn everything before we fall into this trap. I mean, can a deceased celestial dog even help us without necromancy? This is either fate or a trap.
Either way, after this I'm getting some holy water and a hide from undead potion from the Catacombs.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Tuesday January 30th, 2024 5:02:20 AM Burton: Carefully and unhurriedly scrutinizes the documents. Fingers: Thinks that the box’s contents raise as many questions as they resolve. He further considers the names. Lothlo: Wonders about necromancers and Vandy’s apacity to protect them/the orphanage. Kwarsk: Suggests a way forward to help the orphanage. Naithi:. Is convinced that it’s an elaborate trap. Paige: Continues to tutor Allum. Rhys: Agrees that reburying Vandy at the orphanage is a good idea. Zarsellet: Thinks that moving Vandy to protect the orphanage is a viable option.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Patchers stand around as the rain continues to fall. The discussion is polite, but earnest. There seems to be much at stake. Zarsellet’s recasting of Detect Magic yields nothing new. The same applies to Burton’s careful re-reading of the missive. It could be, as postulated, that the hidden compartment was not intended for mortal eyes. Equally, it could be that Talbert was not playing with a full deck. Perhaps the loss of his beloved friend had unhinged him in some way. It seemed that few, if any things could be ruled out – even the possibility that it was an elaborate trap. Yet, why bury something so malign of intent with holy water and curative magic? Such things could not readily be obtained from those aligned to darkness: not readily, yet far from impossible.
Fingers wracked his brain. The names, surely they’d mean something to someone. From what he’d read, it seemed to infer that Old Challim was a priest or at least aligned to a church. As to Grimgold Security, it wasn’t a name with which he had any familiarity.
Inside Allum took the offered sweet and his face lit up upon tasting it. Sister Bonny then entered the kitchen.
”Well, the digging seems to have stopped, but I think that the talking has only just started. They should probably do that inside, out of the rain.”
Naithi regarded the box sceptically. Yet no one had said anything about re-interring it at The Patch. That was to be at the orphanage. Was that wise? She certainly had her doubts. A consensus needed to be reached, but that seemed far from likely at present.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+8=22 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 12:08:06 PM
Hearing the names Muuru mentioned Zarsellet considers them again. Talbert Gravelden. Old Challim. Grimgold Security.
OOC: Knowledge (Any/All) 22 to recognize any?
He reads the paper one more time. "It's possible that we're chasing a snipe.... Look at how he ends it with 'Best dog ever'. It's pretty elaborate, but I've heard lots of hero stories, and this reads a lot like some of them. Maybe Vandy was a really good dog, but just a dog and Talbert Gravelden just went a bit overboard with his grief after the battle that killed his beloved pet...."
"I think maybe we should just bury the animal again, with proper honor. But the valuables should go to the orphanage for finding the crate. If anyone wants to add trinkets so Vandy might 'protect them', they can."
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Tuesday January 30th, 2024 12:35:14 PM ”Shall we go find sister Bonnie?” Paige asks her helpful assistant as she closes the top of the basket, and hands the makeshift first aid kit to the orphan, adding: ”and see what the others are up to?”
The cleric will lock up the infirmary, and steering Allum in front of her, follow the sound of voices to the back of the house towards the kitchen.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Tuesday January 30th, 2024 3:01:08 PM
Burton notes down the text on the documents and lists the items found; "I could go and investigate what is said here and the combination of things in the box to see if I can find any arcane objects like it. I would suggest we keep Vandy dry wet dog smells bad enough as it is, wet dog mummy could be truly horrible."
Burton waits for the views of the Patchers to his suggestion before carrying on.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday January 30th, 2024 7:11:20 PM I hope I'm not over stepping, but once the rain stops I would like to go to the WLA and the Catacombs to see if we can learn anything about this dog or the necromancer.
It would be dangerous to go back in the tunnel until it is dry. When the ground is dry I will help give it a proper burial, wherever we decide to lay it to rest.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Tuesday January 30th, 2024 8:08:08 PM All right, then. I'll put Vandy back in his coffin, along with his personal effects -- including the valuables, for now -- and move it out of the rain.
Rhys, why don't you get started on the repairs. We should get some new locks while we're at it.
Naithi, that's a good idea. Start with the WLA; remember, the names are Talbert Gravelden, "old" Challim, and Grimgold Security.
Anyone want to try our friends at the Cathedral? In case Challim was one of theirs?
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday January 30th, 2024 8:45:46 PM
Kwarsk says, "Fingers, you must already be a powerful mage, because you're reading my mind! We, or at least some of us, should go now to our friends at the Cathedral and show them the box contents before we rebury it - well, at least show them the writings and perhaps the... glass vials and other trinkets."
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 d20+8=17 ; Tuesday January 30th, 2024 9:45:27 PM ”I’ll get started on the repairs to the chest. We may also want to chase down that teacher of necromancy at the Hollow Pit. He may know something about these necromancers that killed the dog, and he owes us one!”
The elf takes a few quick measurements of the chest with bits of string, tying knots at appropriate lengths along each strand before retreating back to the forge and getting a fire started. The roughed out blade of the kukri lay half finished on the anvil where he had left it. While the coals are heating up, he will start grinding down the kukri blade to finalize its shape and contours. (Craft Weapon 17).
On the forge reaches temperature he will I start heating up one of the iron bars he has stored in the back. The bellows are a bit rickety and the forge is small so it takes a while to get the iron glowing a bright orange. Only then can he begin drawing it out into iron strapping for the chest.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Tuesday January 30th, 2024 10:19:11 PM Yes, I think re-burying the dog is a good idea. It's what the owner would have wanted. Lothlo hears what Rhys say. Wait, so you do know of necromancy going on in the area, or at least being taught? Is that common in these parts?
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Wednesday January 31st, 2024 4:51:50 AM
Burton: Offers to investigate further and suggests keeping Vandy dry. Fingers: Seeks to summarise the situation and suggests a way forward. Lothlo: Agrees with re-burying Vandy and queries the prevalence of necromancy in the area. Kwarsk: Agrees with Fingers: take certain items to the cathedral and consult with those there. Naithi:. Offers to go to the WLA and Catacombs to seek clues and advises waiting until the ground dries before re-interring Vandy. Paige: Returns with Allum to see what the others have been up to. Rhys: Offers to start repairs and also suggests speaking to a certain Necromancer at the Hollow Pit. Zarsellet: Wracks his brain for any echoes of the stated names and suggests reburying Vandy.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With the rain still falling, options are somewhat limited, but that doesn’t stop Rhys returning to the workshop to start assessing what was needed to make good any repairs. It certainly doesn’t instil any sense of tranquility on the excitable children, many of whom are still running around playing ‘IT’ with it now being called Lil Smorgy the dreaded Pienomancer. The girls shriek “Pienomancer!” and run away. Sister Bonny, clearly embarassed by this turn of events, reprimands them and does her best to instil some sort of order. It’s fleeting.
After an hour, the rain stop and Sister Bonny hurriedly collects her charges, taking the time to thank each member of the Patch for their time and patience. She is especially grateful to Paige.
Paige: Highlight to display spoiler: { Sister Bonny tells you that Brother Kayle is the oldest person at the cathedral. If anyone would remember pertinent details of times long past, it would be him. She explains that he’s not a priest, more of an attendant-caretaker and is somewhat deaf now. He’s also a very good gardener and if not at the cathedral, will most certainly be in his garden not far from it.}
Zarsellet finds nothing familiar in the names Talbert or Challim, but Grimgold Security, that rings a distant bell. Highlight to display spoiler: { It was a Dwarven private security firm that at its zenith supplemented the night watch. It folded as a business years ago. Possibly when Duncan returned….or maybe just before. It was certainly some time ago.}
Items were carefully moved indoors and respectfully ordered that they might be catalogued. Returning everything would, it seemed, have to wait until further enquiries were complete. The children exited all talking excitedly about what they’d each give Vandy to guard over them…...and protect them from the pienomancer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 12:46:18 PM ”A dog!?!” Paige bursts into peals of laughter when she learns that the orphans’ ‘treasure’ is a mummified canine. The cleric suspects there’s no dark plot, but rather an owner who was very fond of his most excellent working dog.
The half elf concurs with those who suggest tarping the finds until the rain stops and the ground dries up, then reinterring the remains.
The red head is glad when the noisy children are rounded up by Sister Bonnie. She slips Allum a silver coin. ”For books” she says, with a knowing look. She thanks the minder for the information about Brother Kyle, and lets her know she’ll share that information with her friends.
When the noisy crew of orphans are gone, and it’s just the Patchers and the newcomers, Lothlo and Naithi, Paige will volunteer the information shared by Sister Bonnie: ”I dunno that this dog has anything to do with our quest to figure out the Pyramid Group that Ardreth worked for, or what that Duncan fellow who’s got Clarisse all bothered is about - but if you all want to make further enquires about the dead pet and his owner at the Black Cathedral, Sister Bonnie suggests Brother Kyle might be the person to talk to. Works as a caretaker and is the oldest person at the cathedral. She says if anyone would remember details of the long past, it would be him. Says if he’s not at the cathedral, he’s probably working in his garden not far from it.”
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 12:59:51 PM
Rhys continues his conversation with Lothlo…”Yeah. There is a gnome named Mavros who runs a necromancy school at a place called the Hollow Pit here in the Nightmare Quarter. He believes necromancy doesn’t always have to be evil and he is studying ways to make it serve good purposes. He was trying to use it to reattach peoples legs and had other ideas on how to use it in medicine. Misguided as I think he is, he seems pretty sincere. We saved his butt and a few of his students a while back so he probably owes us a favour.”
The elf continues working the iron at the forge, alternately heating it and stretching it out with hammer and anvil.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Wednesday January 31st, 2024 2:57:17 PM
Burton closes and secures his notebook under his cloak; "I will be back later I'm going to look into this afterlife protection." He then heads off into the rain.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday January 31st, 2024 4:05:51 PM
Kwarsk says, "All right then, everyone going to the Cathedral, follow me with the writings and items stored in something waterproof like a scroll case. We can stop by the Hollow Pit after."
Kwarsk moves adjacent to the front door, turns on one heel and watches expectantly.
Once a team is gathered, he'll open the door and lead the way to the Black Cathedral.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 9:27:31 PM "Grimgold Security.... Wait. Grimgold Security. Hey guys. I think Grimgold Security was a private security firm, run by dwarves? Worked with the night watch I think. Folded a long time ago though. When Duncan returned? or maybe right before then."
"Maybe if we can find anybody on the watch that's been around that long? Just a thought?"
Hearing Kwarsk he joins the group.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Wednesday January 31st, 2024 11:06:49 PM Naithi, says the minotaur, can I come with you? I may pick up some stuff at the Catacombs and it could be too heavy for me to carry.
(ooc: He actually plans to get some padlocks for Vandy's chest. If the Catacombs doesn't carry such mundane things, he'll stop by a locksmith.)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday February 1st, 2024 12:19:57 AM Please do. Naithi says to Fingers. It will make finding my way back much easier. Do you have any suggestions for items that will help fight the undead?
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Thursday February 1st, 2024 6:03:37 AM
Burton: Continues his enquiries by heading out into the rain. Fingers: Asks to accompany Naithi to the catacombs Lothlo: Listens intently to all that is said. Kwarsk: Decides that they should head to the Cathedral first and then the Hollow Pit. Naithi:. Agrees and welcomes Fingers company. Paige: Informs the others of Sister Bonnie’s suggestion of speaking to Brother Kyle. Rhys: Recounts his dealings with Mavros to Lothlo. Zarsellet: Imparts his recollections of Grimgold Security and joins Kwarsk in his suggested venture.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
With folks moving around hither and yon, it takes a little time to organise just who is going where and who, if anyone is staying at The Patch. There is, however, no prevarication with Burton. He knows where he’s going and for what he is seeking. He is the first to disappear out into the rain. Naithi and Fingers head to the Catacombs. Those remaining gather themselves for a trip to the Cathedral.
Burton Highlight to display spoiler: { makes his way through the sodden streets, the sound of steady rain his sole accompaniment as he organised his thoughts in readiness for the enquiries he wished to make. Yet he couldn’t quite shake the feeling of being followed. Stopping, he looked around…..Perception roll required.}
Naithi and Fingers Highlight to display spoiler: {headed through the rain to the Catacombs, only to find it unaccountably closed. To the side of the doorway there is posted a small note.
CLOSED Big party last night. Back tomorrow!
On their way they had passed a small locksmith’s, barely more than a hole in the wall. Returning there, they found a gnome hard at work over a last – he was clearly a boot mender as well as a locksmith.
[b]”So, a lock, eh? Well, I do have a few good padlocks. Depends how big the thing is what you’re a-locking. Then again, It also depends how much you’re a-looking to spend.” His impressively large moustache fluttered as he spoke. There was a small open ‘window’ that could be shuttered firmly close. It was at present open and it was through this that they conversed: Naithi and Fingers were still out in the rain.}
The rest made their way to the Cathedral. There they encountered quite a crowd. The holy premises made an excellent place to shelter from the rain. Amongst the many thronging the door, it was not apparent if any of the clergy were present.
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Thursday February 1st, 2024 11:22:43 AM
Fingers describes the locks they're replacing. He makes a point of using locksmith's parlance (Craft: Locks: Take Ten = 18), hoping that by identifying himself as a fellow craftsman, he'll get a better price (or at least be cheated less).
Next stop: the WLA to ask about those three names.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Thursday February 1st, 2024 12:26:34 PM
Kwarsk makes his way through the crowd to the door and knocks, loudly because of the background murmurs of the crowd, and then patiently waits for someone to open the door.
As Burton hurries through the rain his thought run over the questions he needs to ask and where he should look. However, something draws his attention, as he moved he discreetly scans his surroundings. With the rain fall he doesn't expect to see many people on the street.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Thursday February 1st, 2024 6:32:57 PM
Lothlo offers to stay back and keep an eye on the chest. The rain isn't good for his arrows anyway. While there he tries to clean up the box as best he can, the best dog in the world deserves a clean place for his eternal rest.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Thursday February 1st, 2024 8:23:32 PM
Rhys remains at the Patch working on the straps and hinges that will replace the rusty iron on the chest. It is hot and sweaty work, but iron bands and barrel hinges are not difficult to shape, and he can periodically hold items up to the chest to double check for size.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Thursday February 1st, 2024 11:08:45 PM
Zarsellet stands beside Kwarsk while the big man knocks, loudly, on the door. He considers adding another but would have to use a weapon to make as much noise as the dwarf.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Thursday February 1st, 2024 11:37:01 PM
Naithi follows Fingers and helps when she can, even though his knowledge of locks far exceeds her own. As they walk between locations she asks him how he got started in his career and came to join the Patchers.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Friday February 2nd, 2024 1:08:05 AM
Paige hadn’t really planned on going to the Black Cathedral. The whole affair of a long dead dog buried with a few trinkets and letters of commendation seems a bit of a wild goose chase, and not something Barem or Clarisse would get involved in. But who really knows?
The cleric is more interested in getting to know Lothlo and Naithi and discussing recent events affecting Nightmare Quarter and seeing if the newcomers were interested in joining the Patchers in their work to better conditions for folks living in the Quarter.
It looks like Rhys and Lothlo were going to hold down the fort, while everyone else seems to be haring off in different directions.
Paige decides to go with Kwarsk and Zarsellet to make sure they don’t get into too much trouble. ”So you want to talk to Berem or Clarisse first, or this caretaker guy Sister Bonnie spoke of? Brother Kyle? If he’s not at the Cathedral, he’s probably in his garden nearby.”
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Friday February 2nd, 2024 4:47:05 AM
Burton: Burton makes his way through the rain…. Fingers: Negotiates with the locksmith. Lothlo: Remains at the Patch to clean up Vandy’s ‘tomb’. Kwarsk: Knocks on one of the cathedral’s doors. Naithi:. Chats amiably with Fingers as they go about their business. Paige: Brings her common sense approach along with Kwarsk and Zarsellet. Rhys: Remains at The Patch working to reconstruct the chest better than ever. Zarsellet: Patiently waits alongside Kwarsk.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Finally the rain eases. People shift and make their way out from under the portico of the cathedral. It is still drizzling, but that seems a sufficient reduction for most to go about their business. The door opens to reveal Clarisse.
”My apologies, the door should not have been closed, but we have just finished a private service that required quiet contemplation. That is done. What is it that brings you banging on our doors?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Burton Highlight to display spoiler: { pauses and looks around. There’s no one paying him any particular attention/ The few people on the street had their heads down and were scurrying about their business. That wasn’t it. He looked further. Up. On a rooftop. There was a single crow. It was staring at him. Yet, did it it have any eyes? He couldn’t see any, but the bird was distant and it was raining. Likely it was just his imagination. (Further Perception check – to exceed 20 total for further details)}
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lothlo and Rhys went about their respective tasks, taking satisfaction from a job well done.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fingers and Naithi were able to obtain three padlocks of quality. Designed for outdoor use, the gnome claimed that they’d even work in water – provided they were well greased and oiled. Fingers paid a fair price and they moved on – on to the WLA. The rain eased to a slight drizzle by the time that they’d reached its stout door. Having rung the bell and presented the requisite passes, they were admitted. A wiry man in his late forties sat behind a desk. He didn’t look at all like a clerk. He appeared to be someone who had fought many a battle and was ready to don his armour at a moment’s notice. He eyed the pair hawkishly.
Yes?”
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 d20=15 ; Friday February 2nd, 2024 12:49:55 PM ”Halloo, Clarisse!” Paige gives a wave of acknowledgement to the cleric of Gargul, from her spot standing behind Kwarsk and Zarsellet. ”We’ve got a little mystery we’re trying to resolve, she adds, ”but I’ll let my friends explain.”
While her companions engage Clarisse, Paige looks around to see if she can spot anyone who might meet the description of Brother Kyle. (Perception = 15+6=21)
Burton shakes his head and hurries on; a crow with no eyes what a daft idea, how would it fly without bumping into something. But there was a crow watching us dig up the box, wouldn't hurt to peek into the books.
OOC: If Burton has time after his primary search he will have a quick look to see if he can find anything one crows without eyes. (So if you don't want him to look then he doesn't have time if you don't mind he will.)
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Friday February 2nd, 2024 5:35:48 PM
Lothlo finds a bucket of water and a sturdy brush and continues to clean up Vandy’s ‘tomb’. Even after all these years buried, as he clears away the caked on mud it becomes even more clear the care that was put into building this for Vandy.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday February 2nd, 2024 6:49:52 PM
Zarsellet hears Paige's words and grins. "Well.... The simple version is that we, I mean the kids, orphans found a bow Buried treasure sort of thing. The box was good construction, dwarven construction so not anything cheap. Locked and hidden, partially buried."
"We got it back at the Patch and opened it. Really strange. There was a mummy wrapped dog in it with what looked like dog toys, and some gems. There were secret panels in the lid and bottom of the box. The top held holy water and healing potions. The bottom held what reads like a letter from the owner of the dog. Said he was a celestial dog or something and had saved him in a battle against a horde of undead."
"Anyways, there were some names we're trying to figure out to get more information about the thing, Talbert, Challim, and Grimgold Security. We may have a lead on Grimgold Security. It was a dwarven security company that supplemented the night watch years ago. Think that the company folded about the time Duncan returned. Nothing on the others though."
He glances at Kwarsk to see if he has anything to add.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday February 2nd, 2024 6:51:49 PM
OOC: "bow Buried treasure sort of thing." should have been "box, Buried treasure sort of thing." Also forgot to mention showing her the letter.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Friday February 2nd, 2024 9:36:03 PM
Kwarsk rummages around in his backpack and pulls out the writing buried with the dog. He says, "Clarisse, this is the letter. Like Zarsellet said, do any of these names, Talbert, Vandy the guard dog, and so forth mean anything to you? If not, we'd love to show the letter to Berem, but also to Brother Kyle. Sister Bonnie at the orphanage thought Brother Kyle is old enough to have a chance of having met Talbert and Vandy decades ago."
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Friday February 2nd, 2024 9:47:09 PM
Rhys works with Lothlo getting the burial box cleaned up and refortified. It feels good to work the forge and the elf is in a good mood. He engages in conversation with his new companion. ”Once we are done here I can give you a tour of the place. It used to be some kind of warehouse but was really the lair of a poisoners guild working for the Sharas Tel, a group in league with the Drow. When we defeated them and disrupted their plans, the cathedral must have figured we were worth keeping around and gave us the deed to the place. It used to be called the Pumpkin Patch but we fixed it up quite a bit and renamed it the Patch. Now we use it as our home and as a bit of a clinic for the locals of the Nightmare Quarter. Paige provides healing services, Fingers is a budding alchemist and can whip up some useful potions and oils and Kwarsk, Burton and I help out where we can with more investigative and security needs. We try to involve the orphans from Puccini where we can, mostly to teach them some skills, but also to help them earn some coin. They’ve kinda adopted us.”
Rhys goes back to the forge to get the hinges before continuing, ”The Black Cathedral has a Bureau of Administrative Affairs that is trying to help out the needy and improve the area in general. They hired us to look into the Poisoners Guild originally and have used us on a couple of other occasions. I never thought I would be working for a church of Gargul, but they’ve been good to us and haven’t asked us to do anything that went against our morals.”
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Friday February 2nd, 2024 10:39:05 PM Good day, sir, Fingers addresses the counterman. We're trying to track down some local history.
We have a document that describes a melee between a resident of and a horde of undead. We guess this must have been many years ago, but another document from the around the same time was signed by a "Goldgrim Security".
Is there anyone in the League who might know anything about this?
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | d20+3=18 ; Saturday February 3rd, 2024 4:41:00 AM
Burton carries on to his destination but as he does he keeps an eye out for 'the crow'.
Perception Roll 18
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Sunday February 4th, 2024 10:21:54 PM
Not knowing anyone it the location, Naithi sticks with Fingers and attempts to learn more about him and The Nightmare Quarter.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Monday February 5th, 2024 5:08:56 AM
The man rubbed his chin and then having again checked Fingers credentials, scratched his cheek.
”Well now, that’s not so easily answered. The thing is, we do document events – of our membership, as they relate them. If you’re wanting to know about some undead ‘invasion’, I think that you’ll find other avenues more swiftly explored. Likely that might cost. Them mages are a tight lot. Squeak when they walks, they does. Now, as to what we has here…..You’ll need to know the year in question. See, all the documents are coded by year. Having a name too. That helps. Well, personally, I’d say it makes a huge difference, but likely there’d still be a whole heap of reading. When did you say all this stuff happened?”
At the cathedral, Paige looks around, but doesn’t spot anyone likely to be Brother Kyle.
“I confess, the name ‘Challim’ does ring a distant bell. Yet for the life of me, I cannot say why. Grimgold? No, we’ve had no dealings with them, not that I recall. As to Brother Kyle, he’s easily found. It’s been raining, so he’ll be in his shed. It’s a small affair, but sufficient to his needs. You’ll find it behind the apple tree. The shed is covered in honeysuckle, so it can be missed. The garden is at the back of the church. It’s not large – land is at a premium here, but Brother Kyle achieves much in the space we have.” Clarisse responded.
Rhys and Lothlo continue their work on the ‘tomb’. Once all the dirt is removed, they find a mark engraved on the base. It is a clever blending of three symbols: Wardd, Pantheon and Gargul.
Burton wends his way to the Star Mage Guild, easily enough. (He loses sight of the strange crow.) However, getting access to their library is another matter entirely. They are extremely protective of their books and two fees are required: one for the care and upkeep of the books, the second to pay for the ‘guide/chaperone’. No one is permitted access to the books unsupervised. The cost for both is a hefty 20 gold. They are unapologetic about the price as it deters casual enquiries and so helps the books stay in excellent condition. Highlight to display spoiler: { As Burton checks his funds, the mage addresses him further: ”I’m surprised that you’re here actually. I would have thought you’d be running around trying to catch the murderer. After all, that is what you do, isn’t it?”}
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Monday February 5th, 2024 3:29:08 PM
Burton glances up at his chaperone; "[b]Which murderer? There are so many these days it's hard to keep track. By the way, since when did the guild charge members? I was under the impression that's what fees are for.[b/]" Burton leans forward and 'accidently' lets his Star Mage Guild Journeyman amulet fall out of his shirt where it hangs on a chain.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () d20+3=13 ; Monday February 5th, 2024 5:46:15 PM
Lothlo brushed some remaining dirt off the newly exposed symbol, a strange marking he's not familiar with. Hmm, that's a unique symbol. Looks like it's an amalgamation of Wardd... Pantheon... and Gargul. That's an interesting combination. I wonder if that group was somehow related to fighting off the undead. I suppose it could also just be a logical group of gods to ask protection for a spectral watchdog.
Lothlo examines the symbol and tries to remember if he's heard any details behind the meaning of this symbol before.
knowledge (religion)= 13
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Monday February 5th, 2024 9:42:16 PM
Rhys looks over Lothlo’s shoulder but the markings are foreign to the elf as well.
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Monday February 5th, 2024 10:12:15 PM
Kwarsk says, "Thank you very much Clarisse - can we reach the garden by walking around the outside, or is it in an enclosed courtyard and we have to go through the cathedral?
Paige, Zarsellet, let's go around to the back of the cathedral, shall we?"
Kwarsk first waits to learn what Clarisse says about the best route to the garden, then asks Paige and Zarsellet to follow him to the garden.
[OOC - Kwarsk will begin leading the group there as soon as they agree; if they don't, he'll hang around to find out why not.]
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Monday February 5th, 2024 10:18:06 PM
Paige waits for Kwarsk and Zarsellet to wrap up discussions with Clarisse, and then is happy to follow her companions to their next destination.
”Sister Bonnie said Brother Kyle is hard of hearing, so make sure you have his attention and speak clearly when you address him.” she advises as they make their way to the garden at the back of the church.
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 12:15:00 AM
Naithi watches the process as Fingers relays the information.
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Tuesday February 6th, 2024 4:56:24 AM
Burton: Speaks with his chaperone. Fingers: Considers his response. Lothlo: Examines the strange symbol. Kwarsk: Seeks the quickest route to the garden. Naithi:. Waits for Fingers to lead the discussion. Paige: Reminds he others with her of Brother Kyle’s ‘deafness’. Rhys: The strange marking means nothing to Rhys. Zarsellet: Follows Kwarsk.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Half of Burton’s fee is voided. The receptionist is unapologetic however. ”Well, as a member, you understand the worth of our books. The knowledge contained within them is priceless. Alas, their care and maintenance is not. We are working on transcribing and copying the oldest and most damaged tomes. Perhaps, as a member and one that shares our love of knowledge, you could spare some time to help with this? Finding good scribes willing to donate their time is far from easy in this town.” (NB: You have not indicated that Burton will part with any money yet; so no chaperone is present) The receptionist then continued. ”Oh, as to the murder; this place seems positively lawless at times. There’s far too many killings. As to this last, from what I hear, some poor hapless beastfolk lost their life. Shame. Harmless lot, by and large: they don’t deserve that.”
Kwarsk us directed around the side of the church. Its walls reach out, almost touching the neighbouring buildings, such is the demand for land here, but a narrow, well-trodden path wends its way under several flying buttresses, eventually taking him and those following to the rear of the cathedral. There a small garden is found. Nestled against a wall at the far end of this small plot is a honeysuckle covered small shed. It has a stable door and the top half is open; secured back to the side of the shed wall. The trio pick their way along a path between various beds of plants, around a large frame of runner beans towards a small apple tree. In the ground, some fresh growth shows. Other areas seem dormant. The apple tree looks still heavy with fruit. The shed can be approached without incident. There they find a man asleep. He’s slumped on a chair with a wide brimmed hat covering his head. Thick, earth stained gloves cover his hands. He is snoring gently.
Back at the patch Lothlo comes to the conclusion that this seemingly unique symbol was likely concocted by the man that made or commissioned the chest. He doubts that he’ll ever see another like it.
At the WLA base Fingers ponders the dilemma and Naithi patiently waits to see what his next approach will be.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 11:18:40 AM
Paige looks to see that Kwarsk and Zarsellet are ready, then she will reach out and gently shake the sleeping fellow’s shoulder saying in a cheerful voice: ”time to wake up, old man!
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 11:46:12 AM
Satisfied with their refurbishment of the chest, Rhys cracks open the last keg of dwarven ale in the pantry and fills a tankard for himself and Lothlo if the human is so inclined. ”We May have a bit of a wait. Dealing with the cathedral never goes quickly, and the WLA is in the far side of the city.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Tuesday February 6th, 2024 11:55:24 AM
Kwarsk 'a-hems' somewhat loudly, yet not a shout. If/when that doesn't work, he begins gently tapping the sleeping gentleman on his left elbow for about ten seconds and then stops and looks to see what Paige and Zarsellet are thinking and then turns his attention back to Brother Kyle.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Tuesday February 6th, 2024 1:35:50 PM
Burton hands over the 10gp so he can examine the arcane book collection; "I would be more than happy to assist with the transcribing of the books. However, I might be busy hunting down the murderer or murderers of the beastfolk. It might help if you could tell me all you know or have heard." Burton opens his notebook and makes notes of what the receptionist has said so far. "By the way what did you say your name was?
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Tuesday February 6th, 2024 2:19:41 PM
[B]Hmm? Oh, sorry. My mind wanders sometimes.
Yes, the citizen who fought off the undead was named Talbert Gravelden. Apparently he had the help of his guard dog, who died in the defense. He buried the dog with the help of a cleric or craftsman named Challim, then moved away.
And Goldgrim Security bestowed the honor "Guard Dog of the Year". I don't know if this was a regular thing they did, or a one-time posthumous honor.
I'm sorry, we have no idea of what year it was.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Tuesday February 6th, 2024 5:36:01 PM
Lothlo graciously accepts the tankard of ale. Thanks, that looks delicious. I probably should have guessed that that cathedral would take a while, I've never known such organizations to be without a fair amount of ceremony to get anything done.
A tour of the place would be lovely. You say that this used to be the lair of a poisoner's guild? Now that's a nasty business. Other organizations of thieves and murderers you at least have a fighting chance to get away with your life, but with poison there's not much you can do until it's too late.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 d20+15=34 ; Tuesday February 6th, 2024 8:45:56 PM
OOC: I typed a post yesterday!?! Oh well....
Zarsellet grins at Paige as she shakes the old man awake. "Hello sir. Pardon our waking you sir. We need some information and were told that perhaps Brother Kyle might know what we needed. You are Brother Kyle, right?"
OOC: Diplomacy 34
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Wednesday February 7th, 2024 5:11:35 AM
Burton: Pays to see the books and makes other enquiries. Fingers: Relays such information as he has available. Lothlo: Chats with Rhys. Kwarsk: Attempts to wake the old man. Naithi:. Continues to follow Fingers’ lead. Paige: Attempts to gently wake the old man. Rhys: Kindly pours Lothlo a drink. Zarsellet: Seeks to confirm the identity of the old man.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Burton Highlight to display spoiler: { ”Introductions. A, yes. Well, I am Velmanius Dongraven; that’s Don GRAH-ven, not Dong Raven; not that it matters, everyone just calls me, Dongo. As to this latest crime, sadly nothing yet has been officially recorded; so all I have is hearsay and rumour. That rumour is pretty grisly though; so it’s little wonder that the story is travelling so swiftly. By all accounts it was a dogfolk that was killed. As if that weren’t bad enough, they say the poor soul was SKINNED! Shocking, I know. Still, I’ve learnt not to believe everything I hear. It’s more likely that only some skin is missing and that there was a lot of blood. At least then they won’t be claiming it’s a vampire attack. Last thing we need here is a panic. Now then, let me get you that chaperone.” Dongo then pulls a small rope and a distant bell is heard. ”Just sit tight. Won’t be long.”}
Lothlo and Rhys converse amiably. They note that the rain has finally ceased.
Fingers and Naithi are informed that there was an incident – many years ago, wherein some employees of Grimgold security happened upon break-in, or they were ambushed: details are vague on that. The upshot was three people were killed. A dog played a pivotal role that night in alerting others and fighting the undead attackers. It certainly saved its master’s life. Grimgold officially recognised the animal’s valour – posthumously. It died in the attack. Grimgold’s fortunes declined markedly though. It was believed that the company had somehow invoked a curse. A few years later it had ceased to exist.
After some gentle rocking, tapping and nudging, the old man wakes up. He blinks and rubs his eyes, before taking in his visitors. ”Eh, WHAT? I DIDN’T TRAMP NO MUD THROUGH THE CHURCH. MUSTA BEEN THEM KIDS.” He didn’t exactly shout, but was certainly far from quiet. There seemed much truth in what they’d been told: the man was hard of hearing.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Wednesday February 7th, 2024 5:37:23 PM
Lothlo takes a sip of his ale. If you don't mind my asking, how exactly did you cross paths with the poisoners guild? That's not exactly the kind of group people want to mess with. Naithi and myself ended up drawing the ire of a vicious thieves guild with the last group we were a part of, I don't want to even think of what they would have done to us if they had access to poisoners.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Wednesday February 7th, 2024 6:38:46 PM
Burton carefully notes down everything Dongo says about the murder; "You have been most helpful Dongo " Burton slips a couple of extra gold into the pile of coins on the desk "I'm sure that if you hear of anything else in the matter of the murders you might be able to trouble yourself with letting me know. I can be found at the Patch Burton Fleming is my name. I will endeavor to assist you in the transcription of the older books as we most certainly would not want t loose the priceless knowledge they contain. Burton steps back from the desk and wait the arrival of his chaperone.
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 7:28:31 PM
Rhys leads Lothlo up the stairs and shows him the sleeping quarters. ”The Poisoners Guild used this as their headquarters. We’ve fixed it up quite a bit since then, but it was a warehouse at one time and still has a bit of that feel. When Paige, Kwarsk and I first arrived in Plateau City we met Fingers and answered a job posting put up by the Black Cathedral. This poisoners Guild had concocted a poison based on drow poisons that even put elves to sleep. They would poison someone and steal all their possessions, even leaving a few with precious more than their underclothing. We agreed to help find some answers for a fee and eventually tracked them down to this place. We managed to bring them down, but many fought to the death. Turns out they were affiliated with some group called ’Sharas Tel’…means friends of the Drow! It’s likely they had connections farther afield than Plateau City but nothing we could track down. The Cathedral got the deed to this place and granted it to us for our services. We still work for them on and off.”
The elf continues the tour downstairs. ”We use this area with the counter as a reception and waiting room. Just behind it is Finger’s alchemy lab and across from it Paige’s pharmacy where she stores medical supplies, balms, salves and the like. Next is the clinic where she examines and treats those that need medical help. Down the hall is the kitchen and pantry, and across the hall are the dining area and our planning and sitting areas. The back door leads to the courtyard and alley. You’ve seen my makeshift forge, Fingers wagon, a one horse stable, and the well and lavatory. I sometimes use the courtyard to practice my swordsmanship and Kwarsk has set up an exercise area in the basement…not sure about that area, that’s where they stored all the poisonous creatures they used to make new poisons.”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 8:41:22 PM
Placing a hand on the man’s shoulder, and giving him a comforting squeeze, the cleric looks directly into the old fellow’s eyes. ”Relax, old man. You’re not in any trouble. In fact you might be able to render us a great service! But first, why don’t you let me help you out.”
Still leaning forward over the man in order to peer into his face and gauge his reaction, she raises her holy symbol from ‘round her neck and shows it to Brother Kyle, before saying a brief prayer to Domi, asking the god to. remove deafness and restore the fellow’s hearing.
Paige then steps back, in order to allow Kwarsk and Zarsellet to move in and ask their questions.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 10:40:21 PM
Zarsellet raises his voice to talk with the old man. "NO PROBLEM SIR. THERE'S NO MUD WHERE IT SHOULDN'T BE. WE'RE JUST HERE BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE SAID THAT YOU MIGHT KNOW SOME NAMES THAT OTHERS DIDN'T. MAYBE YOU REMEMBER FROM YEARS AGO. WHAT DO YOU KNOW OF TALBERT, CHALLIM, OR GRIMGOLD SECURITY.?"
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Wednesday February 7th, 2024 10:47:38 PM
Kwarsk adds, "AND A DOG NAMED VANDY!"
Kwarsk suddenly thinks, wait, did Paige just cast a spell on Brother Kyle?!?
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Wednesday February 7th, 2024 11:54:08 PM Well, thanks, sir, says Fingers. That's pretty much all we could hope to get. Unless you know what years Goldgrim was active, or know of anyone who might have been worked with them, then we'll be on our way!
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Thursday February 8th, 2024 6:14:01 AM
Burton: Thanks Dongo and adds a ‘tip’. Fingers: Seeks any other clues before departing Lothlo: Converses with Rhys. Kwarsk: Adds to the questions then ponders what Paige just did. Naithi:. Quietly listens. Paige: Calls on divine aid to assist the old man. Rhys: Recounts something of the Patchers’ history. Zarsellet: Seeks some answers of Brother Kyle.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Fingers doesn’t receive a precise answer, but the ‘guesstimate’ is that this all took place about fifty years ago...or maybe that was when Grimgold started trading. Apologies are tendered before Fingers and Naithi depart. Perhaps the others will have more luck. ~~~
Meanwhile, at the back of the cathedral….
”EH, WHAT’S...oh. ... “ Brother Kyle looked at Paige and then slowly, very slowly eased himself up onto his feet. He took off his dirty gloves to reveal weathered, wrinkled hands, his skin like parchment. He took Paige’s hands and shook them gently. ”Thank you, thank you, Miss. The blessings of Gargul be upon you. Not right sure how long that there spell will last, but I’m sure gonna enjoy me some birdsong while it does. SO, what’s that you’re wanting to know? Them names, they don’t...oh, wait: Challim? Would that be Old Challim? Yes, he was here – here when I was a nipper. Old he was, even then. How’d you come by his name?” ~~~
Rhys and Lothlo continue their discourse content to leave the matter of when and where the box will be re-interred until all are returned, not least because the orphans must collect items of their choosing to add to the chest, so that Vandy might protect them as well. ~~~
Burton’s chaperone is a very pretty, young girl called Harmony. She had masses of tumbling, curly blonde hair, a constant smile and a very short tunic that displays a great deal of shapely tanned leg. Burton would assess her age to be something in the region of 16-18.
”So, can I help? Is it secret stuff? Important? It must be important or you wouldn’t be here.” So whispered excitedly before stepping back to pirouette before finally leading the way. ”Book are great, aren’t they? You can find so many wonderful things in them. What are you seeking? I bet I could help.”
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:54:46 AM
Paige will wait until her companions have asked all their questions related to the ‘Orphan Treasure’ mystery, before muddying the waters with some questions of her own.
”You’ve been here a long time, then, old man. More recently have you seen or heard anything about a dwarf named Duncan? Used to lead a group called The Delvers, but might be involved with a group called Pyramid Industries now? Might be trying to amass power and money for some nefarious goal known only to himself? Possibly involving yon Scar?” the cleric points in the direction of the cursed part of the Nightmare Quarter. She’ll tease out whatever details the old caretaker might share, before taking her leave of the old man.
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Thursday February 8th, 2024 2:08:15 PM
Burton smiles at Harmony enthusiasm; "I am looking for any information on the use of a deceased animal to guard against the undead. We have found a mummified guard dog in an elaborate box or coffin buried under an old stable. The coffin explains some of what the dog would do. Burton shows the girl his notes from the documents in the box. "I am just seeing any truth in the matter as we might use it to protect an orphanage. If I get time I also want to see if i can find anything on an eyeless crow."
As he follows Harmony he makes small talk asking how long she has worked at the Star Mage Guild, and how her magical studies are going.
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Thursday February 8th, 2024 5:27:43 PM
Lothlo takes another sup of the ale then tosses in a magical icecube that doesn't melt and won't water down the delicious brew as it chills it. Ahh, so they were making a sleeping drug. I'd heard about murders in the area, so I guess my mind jumped to the conclusion that it was lethal poison of some sort.
What is the Cathedral's power like in this area? It sounds like they must be very powerful and influential if they are responsible for things like stopping a poisoner's guild.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Thursday February 8th, 2024 8:56:45 PM
Zarsellet lets Paige ask her question, thinking about the full details to answer Brother Kyle's question. "Old Challim? Well, we found this large chest, buried under a building by the orphanage. Actually the kids found it, and we helped pull it out and open it."
"There was a dog in it, wrapped up like a mummy, some toys that seemed to have been for the dog, and a letter. The letter said that the dog was named 'Vandy' and that he was the recipient of Guard Dog of the Year. The letter, or document I guess, was marked indicating that it came from “Goldgrim Security”, and said that one Talbert Gravelden accepted the award for Vandy."
"There were also some hidden compartments in the chest, and we found a letter signed by Talbert Gravelden. In the letter Talbert Gravelden indicated that he thought Vandy was more than just a dog, possibly a celestial dog, and that Vandy saved his life fighting a number of undead monsters. In the letter he also mentioned asking 'Old Challim' to make a tomb of sorts for the dog. And he said in the letter that if anyone found Vandy he should be re-buried to provide protection from any haunts or such things."
"So, Goldgrim Security we found out that they were a Dwarven private security company that worked with the night watch. Old Challim we think might have been a priest, or at least worked for some church? This church? We checked with Clarisse. She recognized the name but didn't know for sure and she directed us back to you."
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Thursday February 8th, 2024 9:32:21 PM
Rhys takes another drink of ale before answering Lothlo. ”The Black Cathedral has been given authority over this quarter of the city, mostly to expedite their efforts to rehabilitate the Scar. That’s the cursed area where most of the buildings have collapsed. In truth, I don’t think the city guard want to spend much time down here. There are a few who care…Captain Garrick for one, we have worked with him a bit and he doesn’t seem to mind us doing a bit of policing. The Cathedral has a group called the Bureau of Administrative Affairs, underfunded and understaffed. It’s run by a cleric named Berem and his assistant Clarisse. They are working hard at cleaning up the Scar and working with the locals to improve the overall situation down here in the Nightmare Quarter. I like both of them, but truth be told, The Black Cathedral itself gives me the creeps.”
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:31:39 PM As they walk between locations [Naithi] asks him how he got started in his career and came to join the Patchers. - 2/1/24
Me? The old story...back home on the Taur Isles, I was always the bookish one, reading scrolls and fiddling with gadgets and all. My brothers and friends...well, they weren't mean or nothing, but while they were running around hunting and brawling, I never felt part of it.
But I heard stories about the big city. Inventions, magic, all sorts of fascinating stuff. Managed to make my way here to see what I could learn.
I set up a stall where I made locks and traps. Must have been good at it, because one of my clients was a holy order that commissioned me to make a silver reliquary. And the paladin who came to get it told me that adventuring parties need someone to open locks and traps.
That's how I got into this line of work. As for how the Patchers met...
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. d20+7=20 ; Thursday February 8th, 2024 10:54:51 PM
Noting Zarsellet has asked all the dog questions and Paige has asked all the long shot questions, Kwarsk remains alert and attentive to Brother Kyle's responses, sussing out whatever he may notice about the man.
(OOC - Sense Motive: 20.)
Naithi (JamesD) AC: 20/13/18 HP: 55/55, CMD: 19 | Camalayaas AC: 22/14/18, CMD: 18 Friday February 9th, 2024 2:20:56 AM
Naithi listens carefully to Fingers story, glad he is opening up to her.
Ooc: Late night with the kids, so short post tonight. Naithi will chat more tomorrow
Treasure! (DM Nick K) Friday February 9th, 2024 5:24:53 AM
Burton: Chats with Harmony and explains his search. Fingers: Converses with Naithi as they return to the Patch. Lothlo: Asks for more details pertaining to the Cathedral’s agenda and influence. Kwarsk: Carefully assesses Brother Kyle. Naithi:. Listens to all that is said. Paige: Asks what Brother Kyle knows of Duncan and his schemes. Rhys: gets Rhys up to date on matters in the Quarter. Zarsellet: Explains all they know to Brother Kyle and asks what he recalls.
~~~
Naithi and Fingers converse on their way back to The Patch.
~~~
Brother Kyle sits up straighter, or as straight as his tired, old back permits. He then slowly and carefully steps out of his small shed evidently marvelling at all the sounds and conversation that he can now so clearly hear.
”Well now, well now, that’s a right lot of questions you youngsters have. My oh my, Old Challim, haven’t thought about him in YEARS. No, make that decades. Yep, I do recall him though. How could I not? I were just a nipper myself then and Old Challim, he were old even then. Course, everyone looks ‘old’ when you’re a kid right? Still, I definitely do remember him embalming a dog. Bit of a hobby it were – for him, I mean – mostly smaller animals. The dog, that were the biggest thing I think he’d ever done; so he had me assist him. Strange procedure. I honestly didn’t see that much – none of the grisly stuff anyway. I don’t recall him saying nothing about it being ‘celestial’, but from all the stories going around, seems the dog was a hero – real brave. Never met the dog’s owner. Saw him though – from a distance. Tired looking dwarf, it were. He chatrtted with Old Challim a bit and they hugged. Then that dwarf took the dog away – in a fantastic looking chest! What a thing that was. Not small mind. Good thing he had him a barrow. Now as to all that malarkey about wards and protections, I couldn’t rightly say. Still, there’s plenty what believes that burying an animal under your doorstep keeps evil away. That’s nothing new. Course, that’s mostly with cats, but – I doubt you could get better than that heroic dog. Well, that there chest; Old Challim didn’t make it. I guessed that the dwarf-fella – he made it or bought it. Looked new to me. ‘Course, all this happened a long time before Clarisse were around and it’s not like it were official church business. Old Challim were just helping a friend out. That’s what it looked like to me. As to this here Duncan fella. Well now, well now, I’m not a one for politics myself and – to be honest – my hearing wasn’t what it ought to be, so if’n you’re talking about more recent events, honestly, I’m not the fella that you’re looking for. Sorry about that. I wish I could tell you more, specially after what this here lovely, young girl went and done for me.”
As the man talked Kwarsk formed the opinion that he was being honest and was grateful; not just for the healing, but for that opportunity to talk.
~~~
Burton, with Harmony’s helpful, if decidedly loquacious help finds only generalities: documents pertaining to superstitions and the merits of them. One treatise on the matter of interring animals within properties concluded that much depended on the animal and the connection with the house or owner, although to Burton many of its ‘conclusions’ seemed speculative. From the prose, the treatise was old. He did unearth an interesting article on ‘undead agents’- “Immortui Vassali”, that claimed such could be readily identified by their sightless ‘stare’.
~~~
Back at the Patch Lothlo and Rhys’ conversation is disturbed by urgent knocking upon the main door.
~~~
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday February 9th, 2024 10:27:02 AM
As Burton reads through the various books, tomes and scrolls for bits of information he carefully makes note of anything useful; recording the information as it is given and the source. As he does he keeps up a conversation with Harmony; At one point he asks; "Dongo mentioned a murder or possible more than one of beastfolk in the area. Have you heard anything about it? Like when it happened and where? He though it might have been a dogfolk."
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Friday February 9th, 2024 10:31:10 AM
During the day Burton will ask Harmony about her studies, if there was any particular area of magic she was concentrating on and if she was a mage or a sorcerers.
OOC: Sorry meant to add this last bit to my post.
Paige Potter (Carla) AC 19, HP 45/45 CMD 13 Friday February 9th, 2024 4:45:46 PM ”Well, guys” Paige says, addressing her two companions, ”looks like the orphans’ treasure is just a working dog who went above the call of duty and got a special burial on account of being well loved by it’s owner. I suggest we follow through with the plans to re-bury the whole kit and kaboodle, after sharing the story with the orphans. You up to creating the ‘Ballad of Vandy’, Zarsellett?”
The cleric thanks Brother Kyle for answering their many questions, and takes her leave. ”Let’s see who’s at the Patch, and then head over to the Crypt for some victuals. I’d like to take Zolbur up on his offer of hospitality!”*
* Membership at the Crypt + vouchers for up to 100 GP/month for games, food, and drink!
Lothlo (WillD) -- AC: 20/15/16, HP: 51/51, CMD: 21 () Friday February 9th, 2024 5:34:31 PM
Lothlo hears a knock at the door and looks up from the drink. That doesn't sound like Naithi's knock at the door, are you expecting someone?
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Friday February 9th, 2024 8:30:54 PM
Zarsellet thinks about the information that they'd gotten. "The 'Ballad of Vandy'? That sounds like an excellent idea, fun too. Not that I really know about the actual battle, but I'm sure I can make up something properly heroic."
"Are you sure we're done with this? The document had a stamp from Grimgold Security. There might be an old guardsman, or retired that might have heard of them. Or know something about Duncan? And maybe Talbert Gravelden was a member of Grimgold? I don't know that it matters anymore but they might know something more about the necromancers that created the undead, or the battle with the undead. A few actual details might be good for the Ballad...."
Rhys (Bob W) AC 22/26 vs AoO; CMD 23/25 vs Disarm or Sunder; HP 44/44 Friday February 9th, 2024 10:04:53 PM
Rhys heads to the door to see who it is. “Yes.”
Kwarsk (Wayne) AC 26/T 14/FF 23, HP 54/54, CMD 21/25 vs. Bull Rush & Trip. Friday February 9th, 2024 10:13:49 PM
Kwarsk says to Brother Kyle, "Brother Kyle, thank you so much for sharing with us all that you remembered. May your restored hearing last the rest of your life!"
Kwarsk then turns to Zarsellet and says, "Zarsellet, maybe the others are having more luck with their own investigations on Grimgold. I agree with Paige that we should head back to the Patch first, but I still like my alternative plan I suggested when we were at the Patch earlier."
Kwarsk takes a few steps, turns on one heel to look at Paige and Zarsellet, and says, "Ready to go?"
Burton Fleming (Alex) AC:17 T:12 FF:11; HP: 25/25 Fort: 4 Ref: 4 Will: 7 | Saturday February 10th, 2024 3:43:48 AM
Burton will add to his search as the day goes on and look for further information on the "Immortui Vassali" and any reference to a necromancer led attack or revolt in the area over the last century or so. He will start from a period of about 25 years ago and work back from there.
He will make notes of anything that might fit, anything about the Immortui Vassali and anything on the use of intelligent creatures hides or skin.
As the day draws to an end Burton stands up and stretches he will see if Harmony wants to grab something to eat before he returns to the Patch with his findings.
Zarsellet Fahring (Randy) AC 16, CMD 14, HP 43/43 | Fort: +5, Ref: +8, Will: +5 | Perception +8 Saturday February 10th, 2024 10:00:50 PM
Zarsellet nods to Kwarsk. Maybe the others had luck? As they start back to the Patch he casts a cantrip to summon a Lyre and starts playing and working on some phrases.... "Vandy the heavenly hound, tore through zombies and ghouls, put them down. He bit through leg bones of skeletons.... Hmm, what rhymes with skeleton that would work there?"
Muuru "Fingers" Murgirun (Shawn) | AC:13(17), T:12 FF: 11(15) | HP 22/34 | CMB:5 CMD:17 | Fort:3 Ref:5 Will:3 Saturday February 10th, 2024 11:57:53 PM Well we got a lot of information, Naithi, says Fingers as they near the Patch. And my first impulse is to bend the ear of whoever's home. But others are out getting info as well, so we should wait until everyone's back. I'm hoping that as a group we've gotten the whole --
Say, he says as they approach the Patch's front door. Who's that?
LOG ON