Up, up, up the stairs (DM) d20=8 d100=21 d20=10 Tuesday September 21st, 1999 6:15:24 PM
Milo makes it quickly up the stairs, and discovers that the door is apparently barred from the other side. The halfling quickly side-steps as K'nara barrels against the door. It fails to yield, but K'nara easily manages to catch herself before she tumbles backwards.
Flueterflam Tuesday September 21st, 1999 7:15:08 PM
"This is so weird. What's going on?" Fluet is becoming very confused listening to everyone argue about who might who.
Figment Tuesday September 21st, 1999 7:15:09 PM
"Rats. Looks like we better focus on the sewer. Maybe we can find the others - if they exist - before they are warned. Something tells me our idea that there is an outside force at work is correct.". The wirey mage once again begins work on the raft until done.
Milo Wednesday September 22nd, 1999 11:27:50 AM
From the top of the staircase... eyeing the door with annoyance, "Yeah, outside this door. Your right about one thing though..." walking back down the stairs towards the raft... "it looks like the sewers for us... that is unless some of you burly warriors want to have a shoulder smashing contest with the door." Again, Milo looks back at the sealed portal with an irritated look. "Whoever invented the door bar should be shot repeatedly with a heavy crossbow."
Olana Wednesday September 22nd, 1999 12:28:39 PM
"Wait," says the elf softly. "The door opened, and then closed, did it not? Why?" Frowning, she continues - "Let us be careful, just in case another trap has been sprung, or we have been joined by someone or something who could be harmful to us." Olana will have a look around, if she finds nothing, she will go back to raft building.
K'nara Wednesday September 22nd, 1999 3:25:30 PM
The human bladesinger does NOT look at ALL happy. "Well, Shadrach, if THIS doesn't convince you that something stinks around here--besides yon sewers, that is--then nothing will." K'nara dusted off her armor, scowling and stomping down the stairs. "No, Milo, I won't waste my time trying to batter down that door...we've got a raft to build and oars to fashion."
Shadrach Wednesday September 22nd, 1999 3:25:31 PM
Since he WANTED to check out the sewers, Shad kept his mouth shut about the party's previous arrangement that the door must be shut and barred unless the Emerald Talons identified themselves. He began to help Olana building a raft.
Ingrge Wednesday September 22nd, 1999 5:12:07 PM
Having started on the rafts and been interupted, ingrge now posts himself so he can see as much of the stairwell and the sewer entry as possible and keeps guard with his bow at the ready.
Raft Craft (DM) d20=11 Thursday September 23rd, 1999 7:02:41 AM
With Figment's directions, the group quickly assembles the raft. After a few minutes of jostling, they manage to get it down to the sewer canal.
Figment Thursday September 23rd, 1999 7:02:42 AM
evaluates the water flow to determine if it will be possible to paddle upstream. If so he offers "I would bet we will be more likely to find them upstream. I would doubt they'd be coming from downstream. But I'm afraid I'll not be as much help as you guys when it comes to paddling. My expertise is more of the mind than of might."
K'nara Thursday September 23rd, 1999 5:04:37 PM
The female fighter nods to Figment. "I'll paddle, or push the damn raft if I have to. This whole situation doesn't feel right...so I'll be happy to do whatever it takes to get it over with."
Olana Thursday September 23rd, 1999 6:24:34 PM
The elf hops lightly onto the raft, and grabs a paddle. "Alright," she says with a cheery smile. "Which way?"
Milo Thursday September 23rd, 1999 6:28:06 PM
To Knara, "If you really want to push, I'll stand to the rear and watch your back... We don't need any aligator surprises if we can avoid it."
Shadrach Thursday September 23rd, 1999 8:39:26 PM
Shad grabbed another paddle and set to. He set his trident on the inside so nothing could grab it. "Off we go!" he said cheerfully.
Ingrge Thursday September 23rd, 1999 9:09:16 PM
lightly stepping in to the center of the raft, Ingrge sets himself up to keep watch with his bow at the ready.
Going with the flow (DM) Friday September 24th, 1999 1:20:45 PM
The current is not that stiff. After a brief debate, the group determines that the water wheel, while not taking up the entire canal, would still prevent the raft from going upstream (unless everyone got off, flipped it sideways, moved it past the wheel...). The craft is manuevered 100 feet downstream, where the Talons discover a huge iron grate blocking further progress. No type of humanoid could fit through those openings in the grill.
Shadrach Friday September 24th, 1999 1:44:48 PM
Shad sat thoughtfully as the craft bumped up against the grate. "We oughta check the possibilities. See if this grate can be unlocked, Milo? We try to spot a secret passage on the way back, and maybe send someone to peek past the water-wheel." He shrugged. "If none of those pan out, it would be an inside job."
Milo Friday September 24th, 1999 3:06:36 PM
With a smirk on his face, Milo faces the iron grate and begins to look for any way he could possibly unlock or open the thing. "Ya know, these are put here for a reason... I almost hope that I don't find anything... On the other hand, if I don't, its back to the door smashing contest."
Figment Friday September 24th, 1999 3:06:37 PM
I'm kind of wondering how the gator got in here. He must have come from up stream because I'm sure there are not enough rats in this small section of pipe to sustain such a large creature. Check below the water line to make sure the bars go all the way down.". Figment looks around to see if the bars have been recently installed. "These should not be here in a sewer line...".
Olana Friday September 24th, 1999 9:18:54 PM
Olana does her bit to keep the raft steady as Milo works on the gate. "I suppose this gate was put here for the security of the House... which suggests there's another one like it, down past the water wheel."
Flueterflam Saturday September 25th, 1999 2:02:51 PM
"Maybe the grate wasn't put here for the safety of this house. Maybe, it was put here to keep people like us in, and keep something else ::shudders:: from getting outside."
Ingrge Sunday September 26th, 1999 9:14:05 AM
Looking at the grate, Ingrge hears Fiments question and says. My guess is that that gator got down hereas a baby and has been feeding so well it never left ....and now it can't. Hmm...I wonder, Ingrge quickly puts up his bow and carefuklly steps to the edge of the raft and then grabbing hold of the grate hops onto it and climbs as far up it as possible and then searches for any hidden exits.
Gate Search (DM) d20=14 d20=6 d20=20 d20=13 d20=17 d20=19 d6=5 d6=5 Sunday September 26th, 1999 7:43:52 PM
The crew searches the area and determines the following: No secret doors are detected; The gate appears to have been in place for many years, and has been imbedded into the walls and ceiling; and, by prodding underneath the waters, it appears that a gap of at least a foot exists between the bottom of the gate and the floor of the canal (the bottom of the gate is 3 or 4 feet below the water line).
Ingrge Sunday September 26th, 1999 8:42:43 PM
gently getting back on the raft, Ingrge says. well so much for down stream. Before we go all the way back upstream I would like to stop at the landing one more time and check out the sewer stairwell a bit closer. We checked in the cellar and on the landing but we didn't really check the stairwell itself very closely did we? I think I am beginning to smell something a bit fishy. If we dont find anything at either place, well I expect we have a rat in the house, so to speak.
Figment d20=8 Sunday September 26th, 1999 8:42:44 PM
is having real trouble believing someone would put a grate in an inaccessible underground waterway that would be sure to catch garbage and back up. He disbelieves there is a grate and begins to look for in consistencies. "I think your reasoning is sound if this thing is what it appears to be. Just to be sure I think we should check up from the water wheel but I think our path does indeed lie upstairs in the house."
Olana Monday September 27th, 1999 1:18:46 PM
Olana looks in frustration at the gate, and then nods at Ingrge's and Figment's suggestions. "If we check the stairwell, and then past the waterwheel, then I think we've covered everything." Getting ready to paddle the raft back, she adds - " How's this for a theory - the story was given to us, purely to get us into that cellar and within range of that nasty clock and the blue mist. I mean why did someone open the cellar door upstairs and close it again rapidly? It's like someone wanted us dead, had a look and got a nasty shock discovering we were still very much alive. If that's the case - then they'll be planning something else right now, I should think.I think we need to post someone upstairs to keep watch."
Milo Monday September 27th, 1999 7:19:55 PM
Getting a gleam in his eye and a grin on his face, "OOHHHH oooohh... intrigue, I love a good intrigue... especially when I'm not the one that everybody is intrigued about." Stroking his chin... "Perhaps the butler..." and then shaking out of his reverie, "I seriously think that our answers lie beyond the basement door."
Shadrach Monday September 27th, 1999 8:23:20 PM
"Who'd hate us that much? Oh wait...I know. Parnath is in fact Lady Colsum! Yes, a powerful green dragon takes the form of an overweight, fat, old, rich peasant woman. No doubt all the make-up is just part of his dedication to the role..." Shad's snickers echoed up and down the tunnel.
Row, row, row your raft (DM) Monday September 27th, 1999 9:12:42 PM
The crew makes it back to the landing after a couple of rounds of paddling. A review of the stairs leading upward reveals nothing new.
K'nara Tuesday September 28th, 1999 8:54:31 AM
K'nara, who'd been amazingly quiet all this time, finally speaks. "I'm getting VERY tired of this...but there IS the possibility that there is an answer that lies beyond the clock's mechanism. We can check THAT out first, and then--when we find nothing--THEN we can come back over here and kick Colsum's...er, ah--ask the Madam if there isn't something else to all this?"
Shadrach Tuesday September 28th, 1999 8:54:32 AM
"As long as we do it without violence...unless she turns into a green dragon."
Figment Tuesday September 28th, 1999 8:54:33 AM
"I doubt she is involved. I would bet it's someone in the house. What I can't figure out yet is why... If there is no robbery in the works, if there is no access to this place but from upstairs, what motive would there be for fixing it so that everyone thinks there are wererats or something else worse at work down here? The wine is worth something but it could easily have been taken just by walking down and getting it. This is too elaborate for that. Perhaps we'll be suprised at what we find upstream. Tell you what, unless you want me along with you I will volunteer to go back into the cellar and watch the stairs. If there is activity I can make the perpetrator sleep well.". If there is no objections the mage moves up the stairs, back into the cellar and positions himself near the door between the rooms so as to not be visible from the stairs - and waits quietly.
Flueterflam Tuesday September 28th, 1999 5:33:35 PM
Knowing that somehow, probably some time in the near future, that they would get out, Fluet keeps himself quiet and content for the time being.
Ingrge Tuesday September 28th, 1999 10:14:27 PM
listening to K'nara and Figment, Ingrge says to figment. i think you should perhaps stay with us for the nonce. as it is we are forewarned hat someone can/did come in so we can just be extremely careful upon our return. For any one person to remain behind might be deadly if they are perhaps faced with overwhelming odds.
Milo Wednesday September 29th, 1999 2:15:33 AM
Remains sitting quietly on the raft... thoughtfully considering the possibilities.
Rounding out the search (DM) Wednesday September 29th, 1999 7:06:12 AM
The group debates a moment, then heads up stream to the Wheel. K'nara the brave wades past it with light in hand -- fifty feet, and discovers an identical metal grate imbedded in the walls of the channel. On the far side can be seen debris piled up (branches and such), with enough gaps for the water to continue flowing freely. Once back at the raft, K'nara and company head to the landing for further debate, as the alligator (or was there more than one?) has been spotted again.
Shadrach Wednesday September 29th, 1999 9:30:18 AM
"All right. I'd say that was conclusive. Time to get moving." He walked back through the wine cellar and up the stairs. Standing there, he pounded on the door and yelled, "We're the Emerald Talons! Open up!" And if you don't open up, he added to himself, we'll break the door down.
Figment Wednesday September 29th, 1999 11:56:32 AM
Before Shad bangs he offers "Perhaps we should look at the clock first to see if anyone has bothered it since we trekked into the sewer. Milo? Any interlopers detected?".
Figment Wednesday September 29th, 1999 2:28:24 PM
"There's one other place we didn't look - under the water line in the sewer. That gator diappeared for a time and then reappeared. Maybe there's an underwater passage. Just a thought..."
Milo Wednesday September 29th, 1999 3:16:40 PM
"Ooh yeah... my trap." Moving across the room swiftly, Milo carefully inspects the ink trap to see if it has been disturbed.
Olana Wednesday September 29th, 1999 4:46:47 PM
Moving quickly toward the stairs that lead to the main house, Olana gets ready for trouble. "Subtle, Shad," she whispers with a wink. "Subtle."
Ingrge Wednesday September 29th, 1999 7:35:30 PM
Silently shaking his head, Ingrge looks up at Shad and says when you want me to open the door just say so and I will whip something up that should do the trick. But lets make sure we are ready for whatever it is that we are planning to do.
The Barred Door (DM) Thursday September 30th, 1999 6:00:39 AM
Milo checks the trap, and sees that it has not been triggered. Shad addresses the door, and is answered with silence.
Figment Thursday September 30th, 1999 10:25:46 AM
smiles at Shad's fruitless attempt. "Somehow I doubt we will be getting a response - unless we are lucky. We were supposed to be dead by now. I think we will need the guile of Ingrige or the shoulder of K'Nara to open the door. So are we ready to depart the bowels of the house and brave the intrigue and betrayal above?"
Olana Thursday September 30th, 1999 1:14:16 PM
Olana waits patiently, ready to help with the door if necessary. "What are we going to do,once we get out," she asks. "Stick together and do a systematic search? Maybe Madame Colsom's been kidnapped."
Shadrach Thursday September 30th, 1999 1:52:32 PM
"Yep, Subtlety is my middle name. From now on, you may all call me Subtle Shadrach!" He announced pompously. "Forget that wizardly stuff, don't need it to open a door!" Shad prepares to break the door down.
K'nara Thursday September 30th, 1999 3:05:19 PM
The female fighter's smile is toothy. "Why, Figment, please DO feel free to dive into the sewer water to check for 'underwater passages'...because--while I'm willing to tromp through the stuff on the party's behalf, I draw the line at diving under it." K'nara nodded up the stairs. "I'm more agile than strong (STR: 13), but I'll lend a shoulder to that door...I want some answers about this situation as soon as possible."
Ingrge Thursday September 30th, 1999 6:16:48 PM
Shaking his head in wonder at the hardheadedness of fighter types, Ingrge says. Well if you two get tired of having bruised shoulders upon which you must depend if a fight arises, just let me know and I will attempt to open it with a spell.
Milo Thursday September 30th, 1999 6:21:05 PM
Milo jumps with his fist in the air, "Whooo hoooo!!! Let the shoulder smashing... I mean door smashing contest begin." He is all grins as he gets out of the way.
Flueterflam Thursday September 30th, 1999 10:52:29 PM
"Yeah, I'm sure it would be really great to dive underwater in the same direction that the alligator went. Good luck I say if the alligator met us half-way to wherever the passage may lead." After his sarcastic comment, he stands, waiting for the smashing.
Figment Friday October 1st, 1999 10:45:39 AM
shaking his head and smirking at the comments the wiley mage offers "I suppose diving in would be ONE way of checking things out. Myself, I would be inclined to use a pole or something and run it against the wall underwater as we paddled down. But if you feel strongly that someone should go swimming be my guest! I won't stop you. Actually, I would say that upstairs would be a more likely direction for our investigation to take at this point. I would suggest letting Ingrige open the door quietly so as to not arouse suspicion. Announcing our arrival from the basement would only help whoever we're working against. If we leave and say we didn't find anything we stand a good chance of the guilty party coming back down and checking their trap - and thus falling tnto ours. I have an idea. Let's move the furniture back the way it was and act as if no trap was sprung. We can tell the good lady that we killed all the rats and found the sewer entrance. then we could leave as if everything is OK. Then we could return - perhaps invisibly - and watch for someone coming back down. Any other ideas on how to proceed?".
K'nara Friday October 1st, 1999 3:42:28 PM
K'nara smacked her head and sighed. "A _spell_!!! Of course! Sorry, I should have thought of that first, of course!" The woman warrior snorted. "My forte is fighting, not thinking--and this whole situation has got me ticked off. Please, Ingrge--if you...or anyone else...has magic appropriate to getting that door open...kindly DO open the door."
Shadrach Friday October 1st, 1999 3:42:29 PM
Shad looks faintly disappointed. "Fine, fine. If somebody has a spell for opening doors, go ahead." If not, the smashing will commence!
Ingrge Friday October 1st, 1999 3:45:46 PM
Chuckling lightly, Ingrge will walkk up to the door and cast a knock spell upon it.
Milo Friday October 1st, 1999 7:59:27 PM
Looking rather disappointed, Milo kicks half heartedly at the dust on the floor... "Silly wizards... with spells that open doors... hrmph... unnatural if ya ask me..."
Knock-off (DM) Saturday October 2nd, 1999 7:06:57 PM
You hear the bolt slid back, and quickly get the door open, before any would-be enemy manages to re-secure it. You find yourselves looking back into the main entry room (the one containing the couches. Nary a soul stirs, and it's hard to see in the gloom (the dark curtains are still drawn over the windows, leaving a twilight throughout the house).
Ingrge Sunday October 3rd, 1999 2:09:21 PM
Hearing Milo's comment and Hrrummph, sets Ingrge to chuckling some more and he asks Milo. Are you sure you're not just a short dwarf? If you like, after we all exit, I will re-latch the door behind us and you can wear your shoulder out trying to open it yourself? We can always come back and let you out when we leave...if that is we remember. Ingrge will then step aside. allowing K'nara to lead the way while Ingrge once again readies his bow.
Flueterflam Sunday October 3rd, 1999 9:05:33 PM
Fluet shrugs his shoulders. "Whatever works. Now what?"
Figment Monday October 4th, 1999 10:29:37 AM
smiles at the exchanges as he exits into the foyer. He looks into the rooms coming off the entry area to see what they are and where they might lead.
Milo Monday October 4th, 1999 10:53:21 AM
At Ingrge's retort Milo's eyes light up, "No no no... don't be too hasty to judge, I was merely being sarcastic.... I love to watch a brute open the door, when it can ususally be done in a more subtle fashion... The part about the smashing I love is their shoulders... they ones they walk around rubbing afterwards that is." With that Milo draws his short sword, and squeezes into line behind Knara.
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