2. The First Delve

"I have no love for goblins, I wouldn't be completely opposed to wiping them out regardless. That said, I'm sure that would not be to our advantage except in that completing the task might just get us the clout needed the find out what the Beggars are really after. Perhaps we should talk to the orcs about it first? Wouldn't mind riding the dungeon of them either for that matter.

I do still very much want to explore the northern part of this level that we glimpsed earlier, the dragon hoarde or some such thing?"

Pickles give a big smile and nod of thanks to Ricard and Luther, "His not so bad that Gnast, not quite as self promoting as the Orc Chief. But there is some opportunity to be had here, and if we can cause some chaos could be to our advantage as we." Pickles eyes seem to sparkle at the last comment. "Shall we make a visit to the Goblins first and see what they are like? Maybe we can collect our Gnome friend before we leave."

A quick summary of the game so far to assist you with your "what should we do next?" decision-making …

1. You have been recruited by the chieftain of the Open Sore orcs to discover what Zorrel Gnast, the leader of the bandit group "The Ghost Beggars", is looking for in Stonehell. The chieftain is also willing to pay for intelligence on the bandits’ operation. He’ll pay up to 1,000 gold coins for this information and has granted you passage through Open Sore territories. Just bear in mind that (i) he fully expects you to deliver on this (and there are likely to be consequences if you don’t), and (ii) orcs are not renowned for their patience.

2. Zorrel Gnast is expecting you to clear the Wolf Gang goblins out of level one of Stonehell so that the Ghost Beggars can move in as part of the territory grab.

3. The Wolf Gang goblins are somewhat favourably disposed towards you after you rescued them from orc territory and shared some loot with them.

4. A dwarven architect has offered to pay you for details of any examples of master stonework that you find.

5. You stumbled across a hidden sanctuary to "Chthonia Trimorpha". You have promised to keep the location of this sanctuary a secret.

6. The kobolds seem to be regarded by all as a genuinely neutral faction within the dungeon. The other inhabitants leave them alone in return for the goods and services they provide.

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Day 3, 12:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

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Ricard nods in agreement with Pickles plan,

"Yes that sounds like a good idea, I just hope we don't grow sympathetic towards the little green buggers when we visit them in their home. Remember, goblin children grow into goblin raiders!"

"Sounds good, maybe the goblins know what the Beggars are looking for."

"Are we ready to go now, then, or do we want to rest before we head out to possible goblin slaughter?" In a lower voice, Gabbro adds: "Any of you have any idea who those other people were? It seemed like Gnast sent some of his Ghost Beggars to follow them after they left. Does anybody recognize them from another adventuring party?"

Johann is the tortured gnome you rescued from the orcs. He’ll happily join the party as Ricard’s retainer once he’s recovered. But he still needs at least a couple more hours of bed rest before he’s capable of adventuring.

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Day 3, 12:30 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

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Looking at the others "We should probably pick up some oil while we are back also unless someone has more. I wouldn't mind a rest and some devotion and prayer time."

"Agreed," Jessica says in response to Luther. She could use a little downtime; getting more oil was definitely a good idea.

The only stall at the market that might have oil is the junk merchant. You scour his wares, but draw a blank.

If Luther wishes to rest sufficiently to memorise spells, then that will take a full 8 hours.

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Day 3, 12:40 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14

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Pickles had finished his meal after Gnast left and sat back satisfied, a grin on his face. It appeared he was going to have time to look around and explore the small market, check up on Johann and get some rest. He patted his full tummy and set off with or to find his companions.

Now that the tense part of the day was done, Ricard finds his own lunch while the others look for oil.

Yes, levelling up only gives you the ability to memorise spells. It doesn't grant the spells themselves.

Luther will tell the group " I need time to pray and offer devotions to the Creator so I may get the benefits of my rank."

"So then maybe we take some down time before we head back out?"

Ricard asks the question between bites of stale bread and watery ale.

"Yes, that sounds good to me. It's always best to set out to murder refreshed." Gabbro goes with the others who may be resting, to arrange for lodgings.

The Kopper Kettle
You retire to the dormitory at the Kopper Kettle to rest up and allow the casters to (re)memorise their spells. At this time of day, you have the room to yourselves, although quality sleep is difficult, not least because of the general hubbub from the adjacent tavern. You rise again at 9 pm, semi-refreshed and ready to go.

By that time, Johann is also ready and keen to join the party as Ricard’s retainer. With the 3 gold pieces that Pickles gave him yesterday, Johann purchases a backpack and is happy to carry anything for anyone. Otherwise, he is currently unarmoured and unarmed. He is also without his spell book and, until he recovers or replaces it, will be unable to cast spells.

Everyone deduct 1 copper piece for a bed in the inn and one day of rations.

Luther - let me know which spell you have memorised.

@NJWilliam - this would also be a very convenient time for your character to join the game. Please finalise and submit.

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Day 3, 9:00 pm
Fenwick, Elf 1: 5/5
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
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Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

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Bob's character sheet approved - just add the sketch to your in-game avatar when you've done it. See this post for a quick summary of the current political situation on level 1 of Stonehell.

The Hellions are joined by a thief named Bob. He's been asking around the Kopper Kettle for any adventuring parties that looking for extra hands.

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Day 3, 9:00 pm
Bob, Thief 1: 4/4
Gabbro, Elf 1: 4/7
Jessica, Cleric 1: 5/5
Luther, Cleric 2: 9/9 (Lantern)
Pickles, Halfling 2: 10/10
Ricard, Fighter 2: 12/14
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Johann, Gnome 1: 3/5

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