Episode 2

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DMJ

Oct 18, 2018 1:07 am
Downstairs in the basement levels

Iasu continues his treatment of the newcomers.

Everyone seems to be getting better...except for Sizhen. He has been complaining about being lightheaded and disoriented ever since Bryn woke him up in the upper chamber. The Alijanian had fallen victim to the demonic bug's droning wings; apparently it had quite an effect. Sizhen is closing his eyes and laying his head to the side resting on the high back of a chair. Thorn thinks he sees Sizhen talking to himself.

Iasu looks over at the Alijanian. His suspicions were right he fears.

Thorn is the last to remain untreated by the medic.

Perhaps after a bit too long of a delay, everyone looks around and searches the room. Trece is nowhere to be found.

Talking it through, everyone does remember him climbing the ladder and perhaps entering the basement hall. But he is not in the room now. No one can remember him being in here.


Required Action for Thorn: X, I'm not sure if you have all the healing poutices and/or med treatment, Hit Dice, etc. that you want. Let us know your status. Jabes can get Iasu involved if you need it.

Preparatory Action (All): Everyone get stats in order. Address HP. Adjust powers or spells spent/gained. Get the character mini-sheet updated so if we go right into full action during the weekend, there are no delays.

DMJ

Oct 18, 2018 1:16 am
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Maeriks is able to get moving to some degree. Groping in the darkness, he finds his basket-woven backpack. It is tipped over, but he knows his supplies well. His cooking supplies are there. He gets his hands on his flint and steel, dried shavings, oil, and even twine wrapped reed torches. He has the capability now to bring in some light if he so chooses.

In his search Maeriks also finds a couple of the bodies of the slain bats. They are cut and blood is caked and smeared on their fleshy hairy hides.
Oct 18, 2018 8:55 am

Was Ivor's body in the same room?

Maeriks wouldn't have brought his cooking supplies since the plan was to go in assault and loot mode. I think it is fair to say he would have a small pack of rations, waterskin, and maybe a small tin cup.


Finding his waterskin, Maeriks immediately takes half a dozen deep pulls, nearly emptying the skin. Then a bit more refreshed, he sits and waits a few more moments, just sitting as still as possible. Each adjustment of his sitting position brings sharp pains from his lacerated muscles.

Then carefully, so as to avoid making noise and to not shift things around with his shivering hands to where he'll have to search for them again, he pulls out the bundled food ration. The masala spiced coated nuts pressed into a bar a favorite of his from this region. He prepared this batch with a bit more heat than usual. At the time he had envisioned him and the crew resting atop piles of imagined treasure looted from the palace. He would pass around the bar and all would dance about from the heat and drink heavily. He laughs a very short laugh at the image, and then is pulled back to reality.

Where they go? A painful thought. Did they think I be dead? Did they survive?

No matter now. Maeriks knows he is on his own and if he is going to make it, he's got to get out of this room and find out what happened. A short moment to gather himself and then he is out of here. He unwraps the nut bar and clips off a small bite. The heat is intense. At first he regrets the choice, wishing for something simple like bread, but then he feels the warmth reach his belly as he swallows. This is just what he needs he decides. He takes another bite and then another. His lips burn and his eyes water. More bites. The shivers give way to sweat. A few more bites and it is consumed. With the masala fire burning in his belly and giving him energy, Maeriks gets to work.

Casting Goodberry, converting food ration into an energy bar with magical electrolytes for 10 HP.

Feeling energized, Maeriks gets into motion. He collects his pack, and pulls out a torch and the flint and steel. Holding those in one hand, he shrugs the pack back onto his shoulders with several gritted teeth gasps of pain. He then lays his glaive beside him and the torch on the ground in front of him and strikes the steel on the flint. After no more than a half dozen strikes he gets the torch fired up. Maeriks always good at the fire. he thinks with a grin. Unnecessary, but he actually uses druidcraft to get the torch burning.

What does Maeriks see?
[ +- ] Norach Maeriks Mac Mahan Mac Hannoc
Last edited October 18, 2018 9:00 am
Oct 19, 2018 7:02 pm
Kray absent mindedly takes the spliff. "Thinking about the dead." He sipped at the spliff, letting the smoke curl up into his nostrils, the weight of the losses clearly weighing on him. After a moment, Kray spoke again. "This place has the potential to be a tomb..." Kray exhaled lazily. "Moving forward, more care must be taken, all caution exercised. Keep an eye out for traps and the stink of death."

He passed the spliff, making it available to any wanting to partake. Kray leaned forward towards Bryn. "I'll be counting on you to keep the fangs of those traps off us." He smiled, almost wolfish. "Treasure Hunter."

DMJ

Oct 20, 2018 10:15 am
Upstairs

Maeriks lights the torch. Eerie orange light bathes the room.

He notices the two statues in the west corners first, imposing carvings. One of a priest-like men with a braided beard and dull face. The other of a winged lion with a bearded face of a man. Heavy with shadows shuddering across them both as the flame flutters.

This places is old. Neglected. Gloomy in the grime and cobwebs. Strange mars and burns on the walls.

The large bats on the floor - cut and broken - scattered about and mostly kicked away into the corners.

Some sort of rugged and worn brass lever and rack of pulleys protruding up from the floor with a chain and rope connected to it. The chain feeds through the door to the south. The line of rope, lying in a slack coil on the floor and cut at the loose end. Both the rope and the chain route through the floor as well.

Boarded windows on the east wall. No light shines through them. Maeriks knows it must be night outside now.

A large door to the north, but one barricade with rugged brass beams bolted to the wall. Completely sealed.

Thick double doors open to the west. Another large room is beyond.

Then Maeriks sees him, lying to the side near the wall. A blanket has been stretched over him, covering his face, upper body, and waist.

Maeriks sees the corded muscles of his pale arm, laying motionless. Lifeless. He recognizes his fellow Dannein in mere seconds, without pulling the cover back.

The dread sets in. It is Ivor laying dead on the stone paneled floor.
OOC:
Maeriks is in Room 6 of the Upper First Level (aka the 2nd story of the palace)

DMJ

Oct 20, 2018 11:05 am
OOC:
Fellas, will be back later today (Sat 20 Oct) for more entries.

X, if you haven't already (maybe I missed it), post up whatever Thorn elects to do on HD rolls and the option of medical treatment from Iasu.
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DMJ

Oct 20, 2018 5:21 pm
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Oct 20, 2018 6:11 pm
After several more minutes, Iasu begins to pack up his herbs and gear. He inspects Sizhen once more, peering into the Alijanian's eyes and counting his breaths. The physician clucks his tongue, then mutters in what sounds like Heshbaan but different, "Alrajul yueani min marad aleumq..." Seeing only uncomprehending looks, he switches to heavily accented Yuoric, "Your friend suffers from the Depth Sickness. It is caused by the chasme...the demon bug, you understand?... who spoke the words of the Underworld aloud. These words are not meant for the world above and can break the minds of men, overwhelm them by sinking into their breath, into their marrow, into their dreams..." Iasu clucks his tongue, "There is nothing that can be done about it beyond what I have already done. Hopefully it will only be a dark dream and he can cast out the invasion. Hopefully the dream will not last as an endless sleep and descent into madness." With a final cluck of the tongue, Iasu straightens the floppy cloth cap on his head, then walks out of the room, closes the iron-banded cage door, and bolts it on the other side. He moves to stand behind the swordsman.

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Last edited October 20, 2018 6:32 pm

DMJ

Oct 20, 2018 6:24 pm
After Iasu's departure, Bryn, Kray, Sizhen, and Thorn are left in the spartan sitting room.

The room has two exits. One to the west is the door through which everyone initially entered, and through which Iasu just departed. The portcullis door is heavy hinged, sturdy, and made of steel and brass bands welded and bolted across one another. It is a rugged gate-like door, certainly built more for stability than for aesthetics.

On the opposite east wall is an older looking heavy oak, brass-braced door. It is closed. There is a hanging lock on it, but it hangs open and unclasped on the bracket. There is a heavy beam brace bolt thrown across the middle of the door, securing it to the threshold on either side. This door looks formidable and sound, but by appearances it could be opened from this side with the removal of the wooden beam brace bolt.

The swordsman moves up to the gate door, on the other side of it from the group. He shifts a support bolt down across it for reinforcement. The beam squeaks as it pivots and rattles as it falls into place within the iron bracket on the other side.

There the swordsman stands, looking into the now-encaged sitting chamber. His eyes linger on Sizhen for a time.

The Alijanian appears to be asleep now, or asleep sitting up. But he continues to whisper words, unintelligible, and quiet enough that no one understands what he is saying.

The swordsman speaks through the gate. Iasu stands a few steps behind him in the other room.
Oct 20, 2018 6:27 pm
Seen again, the swordsman certainly has some strangeness about him. His ears are pointed. His skin is a strange tone. Tattoos cover his body. His eyes are bright, but an extraordinary color. Orange perhaps? Or golden?

Speaking to Kray, he says in Heshbaan,"We agreed to talk once we won a safe rest and your minds were cleared." After a short pause, he looks around to all of the men and continues, "I am Elam. This is my domain in the Adriyalet House."

Kray and Thorn are getting some of the words, but Bryn steps up and begins quietly translating.

Now focusing on Kray, the swordsman speaks calmly "Your Seetan monk has slipped away. He broke my request that you and your men to follow me and my companions, only treading where we guided. Your man's departure is a violation. Did you direct him? Tell me if you know where he is. Speak only truth to me."

DMJ

Oct 20, 2018 6:30 pm
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Oct 20, 2018 11:28 pm
Maeriks stands staring at the covered body of Ivor, blinking much and sucking in is bottom lip. After a time he reaches down and slowly and smoothly draws back the sheet, all pain completely forgotten in those moments. He sees the knife like piercings that match his own. He stares even longer then, lip trembling. Slowly and carefully again, so as to not disturb the Ivor's rest, he covers him with the sheet.

In a near whisper he says "I swear to you my brother. I swear... The man who has kept the bats will die before I leave this place."

That's all the time I got right now. Will post more later or tomorrow.
Oct 20, 2018 11:55 pm
DMJ says:
Downstairs in the basement levels


Required Action for Thorn: X, I'm not sure if you have all the healing poutices and/or med treatment, Hit Dice, etc. that you want. Let us know your status. Jabes can get Iasu involved if you need it.

Preparatory Action (All): Everyone get stats in order. Address HP. Adjust powers or spells spent/gained. Get the character mini-sheet updated so if we go right into full action during the weekend, there are no delays.
Xorthan says:
Thorn accepts the ministrations of Iasu with a nod of thanks to counteract the poison.
OOC:
Thorn is at full HP, so no need for bandages and whatnot. Thorn is interested in these characters as well, but hearing Iasu's advice to wait for a clearer head, he rests in silence, looking about the room. Exits? Areas of weakness? Rolling out two d20s, J, in case we're still poisoned.
[ +- ] Thorn Character Sheet
Thorn passes on the offer of Kray's spliff. He sits on a straw-stuffed padding on the floor, looking around at the room, looking with some concern at the man close by suffering from this Depth Sickness, as Iasu called it.

Then he listens as Elam speaks.

"What's he talking about, Mercon?" he says softly.
Oct 21, 2018 1:03 am
DMJ says:
Kray and Thorn are getting some of the words, but Bryn steps up and begins quietly translating.

Now focusing on Kray, the swordsman speaks calmly "Your Seetan monk has slipped away. He broke my request that you and your men to follow me and my companions, only treading where we guided. Your man's departure is a violation. Did you direct him? Tell me if you know where he is. Speak only truth to me."
Kray shifted in his chair, sinking further into whatever comfort it might provide. At any rate, the respite from the toxic zombie gas and the stirge swarm, not to mention flying demons, was welcome.

He turned toward Thorn, eyes on Elam, voice at a volume meant for all to hear. "Elam wants to know about our new friend Trece, who is hopefully doing better than our new friend Lord Sizhen."

Kray was in no mood for subterfuge, and spoke plainly, matter of fact, casually turning his gaze back to Elam. "The man took his own path. Inward, through the gate... from the ever so fiendishly elegant trap-room."

Not typically one for charity or free exchange, Kray now poses his own question, his tone one of feigned amusement. "Tell me of this place. It seems... a battleground. Perhaps littered with more death traps?"

His demeanor suddenly shifted, very direct and businesslike. Straight to the point. He was certain Elam would like the cutting to the chase. "You see we have work to do, my associates and I. And I would know more of what we're up against, prior to moving forward. You provide an opportunity."

As I'm sure do we.

Kray punctuated it all with gentle sip of his spliff, now dangling from his hand, resting on the arm of the chair.

A persuasion roll, in case useful J.
Last edited October 21, 2018 1:11 am

Rolls

Persuasion - (1d20+9)

DMJ

Oct 21, 2018 2:30 am
Upstairs

Off in the distance, coming from the rooms to the west, Maeriks hears shouts. And also, he is sure of it, dogs barking.

And then yelping.

It seems like the sound of a struggle, but it is very faint.

Maeriks sees only darkness after the edge of his torch light. Shadows fill the edges of the larger room to the west.

DMJ

Oct 21, 2018 2:43 am
Downstairs in the basement
The interchange with Elam
OOC:
For this interchange, I want to picture it how it happens in a real event, but for PBP game purposes I want us to manage in a way that is hopefully a little quicker. Trying to avoid letting the flow and pace bog down – instead head towards a turning point download that provides decision points, and then decision that lead to the next scenes.

Here’s what is needed:

Give me a general style or demeanor of the PC group’s side of the exchange.
Is it aggressive? Agreeable? Stubborn? Respectful? Manipulative? Deceptive?
Basically describe how you are steering, what you are trying to get to, and some of the angles you may want to play.
Include generalities about what you want to expose, what you would hide.
Tell me the reason you would explain why you are here. What are your goals?

You would be asked who you are. What are your names? Where are you from? Who do you work for or work with?
When pressed, what would you say? What names would you drop? What names would you avoid mentioning?

How would you try to prove your trustworthiness, that you are not going to try to kill, harm, or steal from Elam and his men?
What are the things you want to know? What do you ask about or ask for?

One more to respond to in some manner:
What do you know of Iz Jeddriss and what is your reason for searching for this fiend?

After that, we'll mix in the dice. The content of your post and dice results will steer the response and download that follows.

OOC:
Some of the dice required, you guys have already anticipated.

Kray sent in Persuasion. That was on the list. Done.

Thorn sent Investigation in the past. Sorry I missed that, X. Found it. That's done.
Here are the other dice I'd like to see:

Required Action Kray: Either Deception or Intimidation Check (your choice, whichever you think best applies)

Required Action Kray: Insight Check

Required Action Bryn: CHA Save (MYSTERY!)
Oct 21, 2018 3:19 am
Bryn chose to stand trying to take a relaxed, neutral posture while he busied himself with translation duty doing his best to relay what Elam was requesting and trying reproduce Kray’s silver tongue in Heshbaan.

Rolls

Cha Save - (1d20+3)

(8) + 3 = 11

DMJ

Oct 21, 2018 11:08 am
Tracking incoming rolls...

Kray Persuasion: 12
Kray Insight: _?
Kray Deception or Intimidation: _?

Thorn Investigation: 12

Bryn CHA Save:
11

DMJ

Oct 21, 2018 11:57 am
Elsewhere in the basement levels...

The loud bang on the cage door. Ahri ka Shalim was resting his eyes, but he brings himself back to full attention. Though it must be longer than a day now since he has slept, he knows that he must keep his senses sharp. His life may depend on it. His chances for freedom certainly do.

Ahri keeps his seat on the straw stuffed floor pad in the corner of the cell, leaning his back against the stone wall.

It is Akkeen standing outside of the cell door. He has his hood back. He holds an oil lamp in one hand, and adjusts the wick so that the light brightens into the small dungeon room. The bars of the door cast long shadows across the floor and the back wall.

The tattooed lad holds up a ring of brass keys and rattles them from the other side of the cell door.

Ahri's hands are still in the manacles, but when he stands up this time he does not lose his balance as he did when he was under the effects of the poison. The drug has completely worn off, and Ahri's head is clear now.

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Oct 21, 2018 12:15 pm
Akkeen speaks through the gate, in his clear and careful voice that Ahri has come to know. Akkeen speaks Heshbaan perfectly with precision grammar and vocabulary, but the Otessite accent is strange to hear. The young man looks Heshbaan, but where he must have lived to develop such an unusual speech pattern is quite a puzzle.

"You must come with me. I hope you will cooperate, nobleman. You may have a chance to regain more control of your fate if you are obedient and speak candidly."

Akkeen pauses as Ahri steps forward and continues when the two men are closer, separated by the cage door.

"...but if you are malevolent...deceptive..."
Ahri studies the tattoes all over this young man's face. They are elaborate and drawn to perfection. And Akkeen's eyes are a strange blueish-green. They shine a piercing and almost metallic glow.

"...then you will be treated harshly...as an antagonist. A rabble rouser."

Akkeen holds gaze with Ahri for a moment longer, then shifts to a more welcoming stance. "I shall open the door at this time now. Yes?"

He does so with a click from the keys. He opens the door and puts the keys away under his robes.

"We go then. Move along," he says, motioning with his free hand and nodding his head in the direction down the dark hallway.
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