The Spiral Obsession [IC]

[jmbrown]

Your eyes gloss over. Your body limp and unresponsive. All you hear are screams and the ringing of your own ears. How long has it been? A week? Two weeks? Perhaps a month?

The smell of the open sea washes over your senses. You remember the ship the Blushing Nymph. You remember being on her crew, whether deck hand or hired help. You remember the skipper, Jan Svantmeyer, a burly human in his 30s, give the orders to head for land.

Then you remember the cannon fire. The chain shots destroyed the main mast. The poor man in the crow's nest fell 80' to the deck below and several men on the weather decks were sliced in half. Several more cannons tore through her hull and the ship was forced to run ashore on the beaches.

In the confusion, several dozen humans boarded the ship. They masked their approach with potions that expelled thick, choking gases. They wore painted masks, striking fear into the less experienced ship hands, and captured the crew with nets and lassos.

Now here you are, hanging some 30' above the stone floor in what appears to be a large stone structure built into the side of the mountain. Every day the natives lower one of your ship mates, half-starved, and sacrifice them in a bloody ritual. Hanging their bodies upside down, their liquids drip over a massive tree far below. Yes, you remember that much.

Now it's your turn. Fergus Axegrinder, Anecerak, McGruff, and Alacris. Your cage touches the ground and hands pull you over to the hole where the trees branches jut out like grasping hands. Suddenly, the room shudders violently. Your captors race off out the room, leaving you on the ground in a delirious state.

Cool water drips from the branches and touches your lips in kind and you suddenly feel rejuvenated. The pain of weeks of starvation and near dehydration suddenly wash away. Alacris hears the cry of his god and Anecerak's spells suddenly flood into memory. The hunger is there, and the mental scars will heal with time, but you rise to your feet ready and able.

You're standing in a large room about 50'x50' with a 100' ceiling. The walls and floor are made from rough stone and the ceiling is a natural cavern. Moss, grass, and other flora grow from the sides of the stone giving this place a very ancient feel. The far northern side of the room has a 20' circular hole. Massive, twisting branches covered in blood and gore jut out of the hole. Blue water periodically drips from the branches and the spots were it falls causes grass and moss to grow in size.

Hanging from the ceiling are two dozen cages. The four cages you were in have been lowered. Seven men and a woman can be seen hanging in the cages; they babble incoherently to any calls. A series of interlocking wenches and levers in a corner attach themselves to the chains that keep the cages aloft.

The two exits are to the south and a smaller one to the east. Sounds of fighting can be heard echoing from the south which suddenly reminds you that you're equipment is gone aside from the ragged remains of your clothes.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus stands up, strangely re-invigorated after the weeks-long ordeal which surely should have left him a barely conscious wreck. He quickly surveys the room, and scowls in anger and disgust at the strange tree dripping with human fluids. Near to him he sees Anecerak, McGruff, and Alacris slowly getting up, they miraculously seem to be in good condition as well. Then he notices the hanging cages in which the other crewmates are still imprisoned.

(To his 3 companions on the ground) "Come on, we gotta help them fellas in tha cages!"

Fergus quickly walks over to the wenches and levers in the corner that control the cage chains, and looks at them with an expert eye, trying to find out how to get the prisoners to the ground safely, and how long that would take.


OOC: Did I understand correctly that the dripping water healed us?

Fergus has the Engineering non-weapon proficiency which should presumably help him to understand quickly how to operate the lever thingies to get the hanging prisoners back on the ground. I'm not sure if I need a check for this though if I only investigate for now?

[jmbrown]

OOC: Did I understand correctly that the dripping water healed us?

Fergus looks down at his beard and notices a wet, blue stain the same color as the liquid dripping from the branches. The blood on the tree itself slowly being absorbed as if the tree was a sponge.

It takes Fergus a matter of seconds to figure the simple mechanism out. In a minute he pulls the right levers and cranks the wench which lower the eight cages.

The memories flood back, again. Five of the caged humans are Rodney, Albert, Weems, Torgil, and Westley; all of them deckhands. The youngest human, no more than 14, is Loric the cabin boy. The emaciated (yet still rotund) bearded human is Big John Jasper the head cook. Finally, the woman, who's still wearing clothing of fine quality, is Jade Minayus the baroness of Lamonte!

It was the baroness who chartered the ship to come to Simerus. Everyone remembers the terms of her contract to the captain: "I wish to see the islands. I believe my fee is fair enough." The ship set sail the following day.

All eight people are conscious but unaware of their surroundings. Any attempts to arouse them prove futile. The cages are iron but weak with rust. The locks in particular are nearly rusted through and it's a wonder the mechanism works at all.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus gives the cages and locks a trained blacksmith's and engineer's look, seeking for the weakest points.

(to the party) "Oy you lot, help me break 'em cages up! Them feeble locks look rusted all ta hell, try and pull 'em off if ye can!"

Provided they can get any of the cages open, Fergus will try and pull the addled captives to the strange blue water dripping down, in the hope that stuff will clear them up as well.

"'ere, this blue goop a-drippin' down... Tha stuff woke me right up when it got on me! Try and get some of tha stuff on tha brain-addled ones, mayhaps they's gonna wake up too!"

"'Come on, get a leg up! Let's get as many o' tha crew up and runnin' again and then get tha hells outta here!"

[bdf101]

A bit dazed, looking better than he feels, Cris manages to rouse himself out of the shock of sudden freedom and, after giving thanks to Thor for being saved, he decides Fergus has a point- the liquid just might help stir the prisoners from their stupor.

However, he doesn't quite completely trust the stuff- it's dripping from a tree which absorbs blood? Stranger things have happened, aye, but best not to take any chances. Cris decides to constantly monitor himself for any strange feelings or effects (other than the usual relief/light-headedness of being released from a cooped up cage).

While collecting the liquid in any container lying round/large leaves/his hands, Cris remembers reading a manuscript about jail-breakers using chairs as levers. So he performs a scan of the area for any chairs or long bars(wood, iron, anything strong) they could use to force the cage.

[bdf101]

OOC:
For that matter, have the natives left any keys or packs/pouches we can look through for keys? Since they were just about to take one of us for sacrifice, it's possible they left the keys lying around when they panicked and ran off.

Anyway, if there aren't any keys, and Fergus hasn't managed to break the locks yet by the time Cris has collected enough of the liquid for the prisoners, he picks the most promising looking rod, and asks "Fergus, my good dwarf, pull as hard as you can, and gimme a space so we can get this bar in there"

Once it's in, with both of us (and any other members who've roused themselves), throwing ourselves against the lever, we should easily be able to pop the lock- Assuming lever is about 2m(6ft), we shove about 6inches through the bar, with the gate at say 2inches from the fulcrum. Apply force near the end, we should get at least a 15x force multiplier, more for the guy shoving at the end. (Hooray for engineering!:smallbiggrin:)

[jmbrown]

There's nothing in the area aside from the described features (gaping hole with tree branches jutting out, two exits, moss covered stone, hanging cages, giant wench for cages). There's a noticeable trail leading to the larger exit and a smaller trail leading to the smaller one but nobody can accurately determine exactly how many creatures made the trail. Light pours in from holes in the ceiling and is enough to illuminate the entire area.

Cris tries gathering the liquid by cupping his hands but it evaporates immediately while leaving a brilliant, shining luster to his finger nails and moisturizing his dried and salt cracked skin. He rips off a leaf to catch the liquid but the leaf doubles in size for every drop until it grows over 10' in length at which point the liquid simply evaporates the moment it touches the leaf.

Fergus tries to bend the bars and kick the locks but they're surprisingly sturdy despite their rusted appearance. He can't move the cages towards the dripping branches as they're chained to the ceiling.

[bdf101]

OOC:
Should we take it from the DM that we shouldn't try to break the prisoners free? Part of the plot or something?

If not, I think Cris may have a few more tricks up his sleeve

[jmbrown]

Should we take it from the DM that we shouldn't try to break the prisoners free? Part of the plot or something?

((You should take it from the DM that Fergus tried to break the locks and bend the bars but failed.))

[bdf101]

Awesome. Operation Jailbreak is till on. Hmm. He's probably stronger than me too, bein a dwarf and all.

So Cris cautiously looks out the two openings to see what's outside, taking care not to get shot by a stray arrow or something.

[jmbrown]

Anacerak and McGruff try their hands at breaking the cages but make just as much progress as Fergus (none).

The larger exit opens up to a wider room with a sudden drop off. Several thick chains connect to a large (30x30) wooden platform 100' straight down. It's obviously a lift of some sort but there are no control mechanisms in the area. A double set of stairs lead up and down. Looking up, Alacris sees that there is no roof here and the peak of a mountain is visible under the clear blue sky. There's a series of pulleys attached to the chains at the top floor some 30' up.

McGruff figures it would be faster if two hands searched instead of one. He takes the smaller exit which opens into a narrow (5') hall. Unlit torches hang in their sconces and a door at the end of the hall (20' from the exit) is ajar. McGruff hears movement in this area and urges everyone to make as little noise as possible until they come to a decision... or at least find their equipment.

[evil-frosty]

As McGruff wakes up he grunts some choice swears. As he sees the smaller east exit he will go over there and see what there is to see. As he goes he will say "I am going to go check out this exit and see if our equipment might be down there."

[bdf101]

@ DM: Do the sounds of fighting come from up or down the double stairs?

Cris relays what he's seen to the others in a hoarse whisper.
If there are no sounds from above, he tells the others that he'll go upward to see if there's anything useful on the roof.

[jmbrown]

@ DM: Do the sounds of fighting come from up or down the double stairs?
The sounds are coming from the bottom of the elevator shaft so down on the bottom floor. The sounds echo up the shaft making it impossible to listen for sound coming from above. Alacris begins moving up the stairs, meanwhile...

McGruff moves up to the door as silently as possible (quite a difficult task for a stumpy legged dwarf) and pokes his head through the threshold. This small room is circular (about 10' diameter). The walls are actually wooden shelves with various materials shoved in them from clay pots to ragged sails and discarded wood. There's a pile of rags and clothing, all of which were worn by the ship's crew (McGruff notices clothing once belonging to the ship's navigator, first mate, boatswain mate, quartermaster, and gunner as well as several dozen deck hand uniforms).

Standing before him, back turned, is a tall humanoid with a furry red hide. He's trying to put on a suit of armor which McGruff instantly recognizes as his suit of chainmail! Eyes darting around, McGruff sees the rest of the party's equipment strewn about. He isn't certain if all of it's there but he can make out Fergus' studded leather suit and even Anacerak's spell book which is piled among other books in a makeshift stepping stool.

((Now this part is time sensitive. McGruff knows it takes at least 2 minutes to put on chain mail unassisted. The humanoid has already gotten an arm through the suit and is trying to wriggle his head through.))

Alacris is heading upstairs.

McGruff is standing by the threshold in the smaller hall.

Fergus and Anacerak are studying the tree/sacrifice room (both Fergus and Anacerak are within sight and earshot of McGruff but neither can see into the room from where they're standing).

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus tries his best to break the locks with his bare hands and feet, but doesn't get anywhere. Realizing that it's futile he looks around for anything to use as a lever but the room is apparently empty of anything usable as a tool. He checks to see what the others are doing and notices that McGruff has gone off towards the smaller exit. Fergus waves to McGruff (and shouts "OY!" in case McGruff is not looking in his direction) and makes a "pushing down on lever" gesture to indicate he wants to know if there's anything sturdy lying around where McGruff is.

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will motion for Fergus to come to him. When he arrives I'll point out all of our equipment to him and ask him"How do you want to handle the red furry creature?"

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus sees McGruff motion to him and walks over (cautiously, if possible and he noticed the urgency in McGruff's gesture). Peering into the room he sees the red-furred creature still with his back turned and trying to get into armor. This seems like the perfect moment to attack the thing, as long as it's hampered by the chainmail!

Fergus tries to convey to McGruff as quickly as possible that they should both rush the thing at the same time and try to bowl it over with a charge. Once it's down, whoever manages it should try and grab a weapon (which are also lying about in the room?) and stab/slash/bludgeon Mr. Red Fur until he stops moving.

[bdf101]

Guys, since the creature is encumbered and can't see with the chainmail around its head, you could probably wind it so it can't call for help, then knock it unconscious. Try not to kill it if at all possible- that way we might be able to get some information on what's going on.

Cris, of course, has no idea about all the excitement below and continues upward (away from the fighting) to scout the top, and maybe get an idea of the island's layout. He's relying on the sounds of fighting below and his unencumbered unarmoured state to help him stay hidden and silent.

[Edwin]

Dusting his robes off, Anecerak rises from the cold stone floor. Walking around examining the room of their captivity, especially the tree, he looks for any items that may hold some sort of magical aptitude.

Noticing the urgency of Fergus and McGruffs gestures, he calmly skips his way through the room, stopping at the huddle.

In an almost silent whisper, he says:

If I may be so bold, I would recommend knocking this rather simple looking creature to the high heavens, rather than slaying it. We need information, after all, especially about the lay out of this place.

Peering down the corridor, he measures the figure with his fingers in the air.

And do it quickly, before it regains its composure.

[jmbrown]

Fergus waves to McGruff (and shouts "OY!" in case McGruff is not looking in his direction) and makes a "pushing down on lever" gesture to indicate he wants to know if there's anything sturdy lying around where McGruff is.

Despite Fergus' yelling, the humanoid doesn't hear him over the *chinking* of the chainmail suit he's trying to stuff over his head.

Fergus and Anacerak sneak over as best they can. The humanoid has just stuffed his head and arms through the armor and is working on fastening the clasps.

Everyone's equipment, including weapons and armor, is scattered about the room within reach.

ELSEWHERE

Alacris makes his way to the top floor. It's a tower, half collapsed, with a large trebuchet overlooking the sea and the controls for the elevator lift.

The building itself is a pyramid shaped construction set into the side of a mountain. From the vantage point, Alacris can see more than half the island. Several smaller islands are visible in the far distance to the north but a larger mountain blocks sight to the south and west. Past the mountain base and miles of forest Alacris sees the beach and the small bay where their boat was shot at with cannons. Moored out in the ocean are several sloops-of-war and row boats are beached on the sand.

Arming the trebuchet is a humanoid in leather armor with a wooden shield and a club tied around his sash. He has ruddy red fur and a monstrous face with skin like leather. His back is turned to Alacris and he's standing near the edge of the tower platform tying down the trebuchet which is armed with a large boulder.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus is tired of waiting and decides to take action.

"He's almost done dressin' dammit! I ain't waitin' no longer, grab whatever is handy and smack 'im! And I ain't riskin' me life fer ta satisfy yer darn curiosity, so if the bastard dies he dies!"

Fergus will check on the ground between himself and the monster for the most appropriate weapon (best is his or any other trusty battleaxe, next-best is a harpoon, but anything else will do in a pinch as long as it is easy to grab), then rush forward not bothering to be stealthy and hit the monster as hard as possible.

EDIT: I mean of course Fergus will choose an appropriate weapon that is lying on the ground between him and the monster, make a beeline for that and pick it up, then rush the monster and smack it with the weapon.

EDIT 2: For what it's worth, he puts all the anger and disgust at what happened to him and his comrades into the blow. :smallwink:

EDIT 3: Is this thing orc or goblinoid-like enough so that Fergus' dwarven battle training against those things will do any good?

[bdf101]

Methinks 'tis time to go back down and report. Cris makes his way back down, taking care not to rouse attention.

[Freelance Henchman]

Also, I was wondering in what condition those people in the cages are? Are they nearly dead or something from lack of water and food? How much could Fergus tell?

[jmbrown]

Alacris begins moving downstairs. The sounds of battle mask his exit.

ELSEWHERE

Fergus' harsh whispers in his heavy dwarven voice are louder than intended. The humanoid's ears perk up and he spins around looking at Fergus dead in the eye. Seeing the creature face-to-face, Fergus and McGruff instantly recognize it as their hated enemy, a hobgoblin.

Because Fergus takes the initiative, he has surprise.

Begin Combat

Although he can see the haft of his axe buried under a pile of rags it would take him too long to dig it out. The only immediate weapon is an unlit torch above his head which would make a fine club. Grabbing it, he charges the hobgoblin.

Fergus gains a +2 to hit for charging, +1 to hit a hobgoblin, +1 to hit a surprised opponent, and -2 because of nonweapon proficiency. The hobgoblin is considered to have donned the armor hastily (AC 6 vice 5). Furthermore, chainmail's ringlets evenly distribute the weight of crushing blows giving Fergus a -2 penalty to THAC0 (22)

[roll0]
[roll1]

With all his fury Fergus smashes the torch into the hobgoblin's face. He feels the bones of its skull concave and without a sound the hobgoblin topples over.

End of Combat

Fergus, McGruff, and Anacerake +35xp
Fergus additional +10xp for single-handily defeating the hobgoblin
Alacris +25xp for risking his neck scouting out the area alone

At this point, Alacris makes his way back in the area to see the fallen hobgoblin. Everyone's equipment is in the area but retrieving it from the shelves and rags then donning it would take around 10 minutes.

While equipping yourselves, you all notice that what's not on hand are your valuables. Anything of apparent value from gold pieces to gems has been removed. Thankfully the hobgoblins didn't use Anacerak's spell book as a fire starter and all pages are intact.

There are several other miscellaneous items. Fine strips of cloth, a hooded lantern, five pints of oil, flint and steel, several vials of perfume, 100' of hemp rope, and a crate of soap missing about half the bars. The dead hobgoblin, aside from the half fastened chainmail, has nothing on him.

[Freelance Henchman]

OOC: Will you do all the combat rolls for us, jmbrown? I'm not complaining, just wondering. I'd prefer it actually since I'm really not too up on the rolls either. :smallsmile: And Fergus just rolled a 19 there and reached a total of 21, when he needed to roll low (lower than or equal to 18) to hit, right?

[jmbrown]

OOC: Will you do all the combat rolls for us, jmbrown? I'm not complaining, just wondering. I'd prefer it actually since I'm really not too up on the rolls either. :smallsmile: And Fergus just rolled a 19 there and reached a total of 21, when he needed to roll low (lower than or equal to 18) to hit, right?

OOC: I edited the above post while you were posting so be sure to read it.

If you don't roll then I'll roll for you. Simple as that, really. Sometimes I'll have to roll for actions you wouldn't know the results of but for the sake of speed I'll be doing things like initiative and saving throws.

THAC0 is kind of confusing at first but you're still rolling high. Your final THAC0 was 20 (+1 hobgoblin, +2 charge, +1 surprise, -2 nonproficiency, -2 chainmail resists bludgeoning). Remember that you always subtract from THAC0 so 20 - +4 is 16 and 16 - -4 is 20 (double negatives cancel each other out). Subtract the AC from your final modified THAC0 to get your to-hit; in this case 20 - 6 = 14 so a 14 or better would have hit.

[Freelance Henchman]

"*crunch* Eat tha' ye pig-faced bastard!"

Fergus drops the bloody torch, and decides that there's no telling when more enemies will turn up and being surprised donning armor like that hobgoblin sounds like a bad idea.

"I dinnae want ter spend too much time gettin' me things, let's just arm ourselves, and look fer sumthin' ta get the others outta them cages!"

He will retrieve at the very least his axe which he just saw lying there, and next will look for his medium shield for some protection. Then he will look around for keys to the cages, or alternatively make note of anything that might serve to smash open the locks, maybe a hammer. Last in order, if he can see his shortbow and a quiver and arrows he will take that as well.

EDIT: turned around the order of looking for his bow and arrows and the keys to the cages.

[Freelance Henchman]

OOC: and sorry, yet another question: I took the harpoon proficiency because it sounded like a nicely maritime weapon (whale hunting and such). Now I don't even know if D&D considers that just a different word for "spear" or if it's mechanically different, i.e. if it can be thrown as well without penalty or such. What does it do?

Oh, and can you tell me in what condition Fergus saw the prisoners in? Are they near dead?

[evil-frosty]

"Nice Job Fergus, Now we get to loot!" And with that i will start looking around for all of my stuff and equip it.

[jmbrown]

((The harpoon is a throwing weapon like a javelin. If you try to use it in melee you'll suffer a penalty.))

In 30 seconds Fergus grabs his axe, shield, bow, arrows, and harpoon. The hobgoblin has no key on him but there is a craftsman's hammer (which Fergus recognizes as belonging to the ship's carpenter) and sets off to the cages.

Everyone else? Anacerak would only take a minute to grab his belongings but Alacris and McGruff would need help donning their armor and gathering their things.

[Freelance Henchman]

OOC: What do you call those spike-like metal things that you sort of hold with the tip on something you want to break and then hit them on the other end with a hammer so the force of the blow is directed on a tiny spot? I'm not a native English speaker and can't even remember the word for that, but presumably Fergus as a good workman would know it if he saw it or something similar and find it useful to break those locks.

[evil-frosty]

OOC I believe they are called spikes.

"Fergus could you please help me with my armor here?" When my armor is on i will go around and collect everything that can still be used(most of what you already mentioned.)

[Freelance Henchman]

OOC: "chisel" or "auger bit" is what I meant apparently. If Fergus can find something like that he will pick it up, maybe a dagger as an improv chisel.

"Nae, dinnae waste too much time 'ere! I be runnin' ta get tha others out and try and make 'em ready ta fight with that blue healin' slime!"

[Edwin]

Hastily picking up his spellbook, dusting the words of the dirt of it, and quickly scanning through the pages, Anecerak asserts his conscious knowing that it is intact.

With the sound of a faint click, he opens his bag, placing the book it its own separate compartment, making sure that the lock on the bag is securely fastened. I'm not loosing that again, he though to himself.

If you would actually listen to what I have to tell you this time, I suggest you grab only the most basic gear, and then let's get the blazes out off these apes primitive domain.

With a tiny flash in his eyes, he continues.

Get the baroness, too.

[bdf101]

OOC: It appears our mage has taken a fancy to the baroness :smallamused: Let us vie for her favour:smalltongue:

Anyway, Cris returns and tells the others how the other exit is layed out, and what's at the top. After doing so, he helps McGruff get his armour on (we need at least one meat shield functional, lol), making sure to keep his warhammer close at hand. Then he asks McGruff to return the favour.

Once our equipment is done and ready, Cris heads back to see help out Fergus with the prisoners. After helping them get roused beneath the drippings, he prepares himself to cast detect evil on the tree.

OOC: @DM, is the hobgoblin's brains scattered all over the floor? Or is it just unconscious? If unconscious, Cris keeps an eye on the hobgoblin, and drags him out to the room with the cages.

[Edwin]

Anecerak decides that while the two metaphorical battering rams get their bearings straight, he will stand watch at the entrance, ready to warn the fighters of any threats, before swiftly retreating to the safety of same.

OOC
A fancy indeed, but more profitable than anything else. I see some opportunity to earn a couple of gold pieces on the life and death of a baroness, no? :smallamused:

[jmbrown]

Things happen in this order:

Anacerak and McGruff gather their belongings. Alacris helps McGruff and Anacerak is finished as soon as the dwarf is fully armored and packed.

The hobgoblin is unconscious but near death. Using his knowledge of healing, Alacris stabilizes the hobgoblin who has a severely fractured skull and is unconscious and near death. He drags the body to the main room where Fergus has, quite easily wielding the carpenter's hammer and using a rusty stilleto he found among the rags, broken the locks to the cages.

As Fergus drags the bodies one-by-one to the branches, the waters drip down their lips. Within seconds the deck hands, cabin boy, and cook spring to their feet. They look bewildered but the curative powers of the water have left them renewed.

When the baroness comes to, she stands slightly dizzy. She's a strong looking woman, 5'10" with short sandy blonde hair, tanned skin (looking a little pale with the lack of food), and piercing blue eyes.

"Mr. Axegrinder... what in the Nine Hells is going on here?"

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus scowls at the pointlessness of bandaging up the darn hobgoblin when grave danger is afoot, but ignores it for now.

He has to slightly crick his neck to look up at the tall baroness and says to her and the group of ship hands:
"Nae much time ta explain milady, thar's hobgoblins about this building, and we ain't outta danger yet! There be fightin' some way down, we dinnae know who be attackin' but I suggest we dinnae stay aroun' ta find out."

"Everyone go ta tha' room yonder, it's got all o' our equipment, McGruff an' Cris be thar already! All of ye get yerself armed an' pack all tha other things we might be needin', me thinks we should make a break fer it to tha forests! I'll be watchin' tha exit fer any attackers, when ye're ready get back here so's I can get me own armor on! If ye can bring it ta me from tha room as well as me other stuff, I'd be much obliged!"

This being said to the group, Fergus hurries over to big exit, readies his shortbow and an arrow and watches the stairs up and down and that lift thing for any movement.

(to Anecerak) "Ye better go an' help tha others collect our things so we can get outta here quick as possible, I be guardin' here fer now.

[jmbrown]

"+400xp for successfully rescuing the crew

Lady Jade is noticeably frustrated over the current situation but orders the crew to the storeroom to grab whatever arms they can. Several minutes later, everyone is armed with simple weapons and Lady Jade tucks away twin daggers.

"This tree is strange. It absorbs blood and produces this healing liquid. Quite terrifying in its usefulness and activation. I guess you could say 'for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction.'"

Fergus is helped into his armor and everyone is sufficiently equipped. As soon as Fergus' last strap is affixed, there's a grinding sound coming from the elevator shaft. The lift begins to raise, slowly, but surely. Using his infravision Fergus sees at least 12 humanoid shapes rising up in the elevator. The shaft is 100' deep and Fergus determines it'll take three minutes for the slow mechanism to rise to their level (that is, if they're rising to this level).

Westley and the other deckhands look anxious. "There's a gobler controlling the lift, yeah? Let's kill 'em and ambush them when they come up the stairs!"

Big John Jasper draws a meat cleaver from his belt. "Aye. The ranged fighters can pelt 'em from afar. If they come up here we have the magic tree to heal us.

Jade cuts in [color=red]"There's not much blood left on the branches, cook. If it works like I assume it does then it will dry up in a matter of minutes. We're too small and weak to risk any prolonged fights so please don't let your lust for blood destroy us. We should sneak down the stairs and try to make out our captors. By the way Alacris described the boats, the city-states have sent soldiers to attack this fortress."

Jade turns to Alacris, Fergus, Anacerak, and McGruff.

"What have you? Without my signet ring I'm no more a baroness than you are a king. I value your opinion the highest, rescuers. Shall we fight or flee?"

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus wants to quickly assess our resources. He has a shortbow, about 12 heavy sheaf arrows (unless they didn't find all of them?) and a harpoon for ranged weapons. What do the others have for (especially ranged) weaponry at the moment? And if that lift is stopped mid-rise, can the monsters easily get off and storm up the stairs or would they be stuck somehow?

[jmbrown]

Alacris has a shortbow, McGruff has a crossbow, and Anacerak has a sling. The tactical advantage for the high ground is fair but it would be trivially easy for the army to block both sets of stairs. The stairs run all the way down and Fergus notes stone blocks that act as a fail safe if the elevator's mechanism is destroyed or tampered (effectively keeping the lift from tumbling all the way to the bottom).

All the deck hands and Lady Jade are armed with melee weapons although you remember the baroness having some skill in knife throwing when she sought to entertain sailors on the mess decks.

[Edwin]

We may be able to create a barricade to trap the interlopers in the corridor? Or at least, use some of this rubble to slow down their assault?

Anecerak unfolds his sling and picks up a bullet from his pack.

That is, if we even want to fight these hobgoblins.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Bloody hellfire... we be too darn exposed here, and I dinnae relish dieing just after we miraculously escaped certain death. I says we run fer it and try ta get shelter with them soldiers what turned up. Tha gods may reward tha brave, but methinks we showed 'nuff bravery fer this day!"

Fergus peers down again and tries to check if any of the enemies carry ranged weapons that they might use to fire at the group running down the stairs.

"But if we fight, I be ready. Got mah bow and arrows, and mah trusty harpoon, and I see ye got yerself some shootin' weapons too. Might be able ta take out enough o' them bastards that we even tha odds when they storms up here."

"Ain't we got that lamp oil left? Mighten use that ta make tha stairs slippery, I dinnae remember if that stuff be working that well fer that purpose."

Is there any more fighting noise coming from downstairs actually? Or did they fight off the soldiers? Fergus wonders why they are coming up now when the tower is being attacked.

[bdf101]

Upon hearing Fergus' alarum, Cris, having finished channeling detect evil on the tree, recalls how the shaft was laid out from his initial reconnoitre.

He pondered to himself: Did the shaft have any other exits? How are they spaced? What is the elevator box thing like? was it just an open platform (so we can hurl rocks), or was it a cage, with a sealed roof?

[evil-frosty]

"I think we should go seek shelter and avoid fighting these creatures. All we know is that they are humanoid and that there are 12 of them. They might be more skilled at fighting then us and thats a risk i'd rather not take."

[jmbrown]

The baroness sheathes her daggers.

"Very well, let's evade our captors. The stairs will provide us cover. Move down slowly and stick to the shadows. Pray the elevator overtakes us."

The baroness and the deck hands take the left set of stairs; the party, the cook and cabin boy take the right set of stairs. The stairs are enclosed by walls but open up on each floor to give a view of the elevator. The baroness motions everyone to the third floor (you began on the 4th).

The elevator passes and everyone gets a good look at the creatures onboard. There are 5 hobgoblins armed with spears, swords, and a big nasty looking hobgoblin with a whip. Seven smaller, mustard green skinned humanoids (which the dwarves identify as goblins), are armed with clubs and javelins. All of them are noticeably wounded and battle weary. A few of the creatures would likely fall from bleeding wounds alone.

The elevator stops on the 4th floor and the baroness signals everything is clear. The structure shudders for a second and cannon fire is heard in the background. The battle sounds become heavier from the bottom floor as a mix of goblin, hobgoblin, and human cries of battle are heard.

From this floor (third) the party peers into the next room. Unlike the 4th floor, the 3rd floor is a large common room built around the elevator lift and stair shaft. There's about 40 stuffed mattresses neatly laid about in even patterns each with a foot locker. In the eastern corner is a fenced off area with a large pile of hay in the center; several goblin weapons, rags and other refuse are scattered about. In the far corner is the tree, the branches extended and growing wildly across the ceiling like pulsating veins. No liquid drips from these branches.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus tries to stay out of view of the goblins as well as possible and makes his way to the second floor once he has reached the third.

(quietly to the party members) "I bet they came up ta get some healin' from tha tree and will return to tha battle right after! They ain't gonna be happy when they see their tree fodder be gone, so let's hurry down!"

[evil-frosty]

"I agree we got to keep moving or we might get caught."

[jmbrown]

Everyone moves down another floor. The second floor is a long, enclosed hallway going in four directions and intersecting at the elevator shaft. At the end of each hallway is an opening with a ballista sticking out. Two hobgoblins are located in the northern and western halls firing giant bolts at unseen targets. One of the hobgoblins turns around to reload and he spots the party. Before he can react he's silenced by a cannon ball that rips through the ballista and tears him in half.

The baroness speaks. "Any of you good at climbing? I'm going to scale the scale the wall. See if I can reach the other army and warn them that you're in here. Don't want any collateral damage. If you're coming, let's go. If not..."

None of the deck hands follow her.

[Edwin]

Mighty as magic may be, I make a poor climber.

Anecerak eyes the surrounding, scanning for any easy opportunities to scale the wall, watching for incoming hobgoblins.

We may be able to find another way to reach the assaulting army though. Perhaps on a lower level.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Dwarves ain't much good at climbin' milady, at least I ain't. But methinks, we should give them soldiers outside a hand by killin' tha remainin' bastard what handles that ballista! Then they gonna have a easier time meetin' up with us here. I'd say tha rest o' ye get further down, and maybe McGruff can aid me jus' in case tha gods decide it ain't me luckiest day."

Fergus weighs his harpoon thoughtfully in one hand and peers at the goblin manning the remaining ballista.

Did I understand that right? There's another goblin handling another ballista here?

[bdf101]

Unfortunately, milady, our armour makes us poor climbers.
Considering the small size of our group, it is unlikely there will be any collateral damage. Mayhap 'twould be best, if you were to remain and act as our spokeswoman when we make contact with the attacking forces.
We also have yet to ascertain the nature of the attackers. And in this uncertain world, as often as not, an enemy of my enemy is still my enemy.

I would urge you to reconsider, milady.

That pointed out, Cris leaves the baroness to make her decision and gets ready to support Fergus should he botch skewering the other goblin.

Edit: where I explain why Cris thinks we shouldn't continue down without the dwarves Dwarves have stubby legs, and if we continue down, catching up won't be easy. So, we might as well watch our Fergie in action. Also, orange looks terrible on white.

[jmbrown]

The baroness considers Alacris' words. ”Very well. Alacris and Fergus will remove that ballista while the rest of us make contact with the human forces. McGruff, please take the lead. Anacerak, stay by my side. The rest of you: when we reach the bottom, spread out in groups of two. Breach tactics, everyone!”

Fergus and Alacris are left with the hobgoblin artillery whose back is turned to them. He’s currently aiming at an unseen target and is completely unaware of his surroundings.

The bottom floor completely opens up into a large, squarish room about 100’ in each direction. Being a pyramid shaped building, the roof slants upwards to a tapered point. Mighty pillars hold up the top floors and the trunk of the massive tree rips through the ground like a spike. The bark is green with purplish vines like veins running through it. Several dozen runes of power are carved into it and it’s surrounded by a pool of glowing blue water.

To the north, hiding behind the pillars are 6 hobgoblins and 7 goblins. All of them are wounded and tossing javelins at 8 invading human soldiers in chain mail with shields and spears. The humans are taking cover from the javelin throwers and the goblinoids take cover whenever the humans toss their weapons.

The only other exit is a cavern that opens up into the mountain in the opposite direction of the invading forces.

The deck hands are getting anxious. ”C’mon! Let’s run these bastards through!” The baroness thinks to herself unsure of what to do. ”Gentleman, I can’t say our survival is for certain. Any of you who wish to hide and wait I will not think lesser of you.” The baroness readies her daggers.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus conjures up the image of himself on a whaling boat and imagines the goblin as a fat, juicy whale. He makes a few testing throwing motions, then lines up the shot and throws the weapon at the goblin!

"Hiiiyaah!!!

jmbrown: I'd be obliged if would show me what to roll, or just roll for me. I'm not sure how throwing weapons are handled. Fergus is proficient with the harpoon.

[Edwin]

While I agree with my less.. mentally skilled friend Big John here, I think a more tactically skillful approach is in order.

Anecerak pauses, gesturing towards first the hobgoblins hiding behind the pillars, and then the humans they're fighting.

If we were to split up in two groups, one range another, more brutish group, we could use the muscularly buffed platoon to scale the hobgoblins, effectively exposing their flanks to the humans across the plaza.

After a moments breath and after putting a bullet in his sling, Anecerak continued.

All the while the ones with the ranged weaponry, alonng with me, attack them from their now turned backs. If we don't diminish them almost instantly, their moral will certainly break within seconds.

[jmbrown]

Edwin and McGruff are the only ones with ranged weapons. The baroness will toss a dagger then charge into melee. There's a pillar where McGruff (if he chooses to stay behind), Anacerak, and the baroness can stand while gaining cover from most of the hobgoblins.

The deck hands will gather together in one large group and, from their position, flank the nearest group of goblinoids. Their intention is to push the goblinoids into a corner so the invading humans can converge on them.

SURPRISE ROUND (Alacris and Fergus)

Fergus decides to toss his harpoon. What's Alacris' action?

SURPRISE ROUND (1st floor fighters)

Anacerak has his sling out. What's his action?

McGruff?

[Edwin]

I shoot my sling at any hobgoblin that looks like he is able to cast spells, arcane has priority. If there are none such hobgoblins apparent, I aim for the one nearest to me.

No matter what, I hold my fire until we are noticed, or until the group of deckhands charges the gobs.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus throws the harpoon!
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will shoot his crossbow at a hobgoblin with a ranged weapon.
Attack:[roll0] (I do believe i have no bonus or minus)
Damage:[roll1] (Since when do Crossbows only do a d4?:smallconfused: I move for a d8.)


I am sorry i have not posting as frequently, I am rather busy with volleyball practices and tournaments, and regular homework and stuff. I'll try to be better about it in the future.

[bdf101]

Cris sights along his bow and looses an arrow at the hobgoblin. Having done so, in a fluid motion, he lays down the bow, picks up his lucern hammer and closes up to finish the job.

(1d20)
(1d8)

[bdf101]

rats, that didn't work
[roll0]
[roll1]

[jmbrown]

Upstairs

Alacris fires an arrow that strikes the hobgoblin in the calf. He spins around, shouting in pain and is silenced by a harpoon that flies straight through his open mouth.

Downstairs

The archers hold their fire until the hobgoblins are engaged. Shooting into melee would be dangerous and there's no point in alerting the goblinoids early.

Big John Jasper leads the charge with the cabin boy and deck hands closely behind. They flank and surprise a group of two goblins and a hobgoblin. Despite their surprise, the goblinoids are trained warriors and are immediately on the defensive. Torgil, a deck hand, manages to club the hobgoblin on the shoulder but that does little but agitate the monster.

The baroness hisses "Shoot, this is bad. Let loose!"

The 'archers' fare better. Avoiding the goblinoids the deck hands are fighting so as not to accidentally hit them, the baroness points out two hobgoblins not far from their position. The baroness' dagger skips off the ground but McGruff scores a bolt in the healthiest hobgoblin's shoulder and Anacerak's well placed bullet strikes the monster in the throat and fells it.

Battle Report

5 hobgoblins out of 6, some wounded.
7 goblins, mostly wounded


Round 1 Initiative
Human Invaders: 2
Goblinoids: 6
Party: 9

McGruff and Anacerak, actions please.

I'm using group initiative. Your actions add to your initiative which determines who attacks and when

MEANWHILE

Fergus and Alacris hear the sounds of battle intensifying downstairs. Before they can react, 3 goblins and their hobgoblin handler come rushing out of an opening carrying bolts for the ballista. The goblinoids are surprised.

Surprise Round

Alacris has his shortbow out and Fergus is unarmed. Both are standing by the open elevator shaft which is blocking a direct line of movement to the goblinoids (either party could reach the other on a full move but the excludes an attack). The goblins have their arms full with ballista bolts and the hobgoblin is armed with an awl pike and has a short sword at his belt. All four goblinoids have three javelins in sheathes.

[evil-frosty]

I will shoot my crossbow again looking for a goblinoid around the thick of the fighting.
Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus immediately goes for his battle axe and medium shield when he sees the enemies. When he is ready he will charge at the big hobgoblin and attack him first, ignoring the goblins for now.

"I'M GONNA CUT YER TONKERS OFF YA FILTHY BILGE RATS! YAAAARRRRRR!!!"

(I was going to put the dice rolls in here with an edit, but that doesn't work apparently, posted a new reply with them.)

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus strikes at the hobgoblin with his axe.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[bdf101]

Alacris, with bow ready in hand and surprisingly calm (though he wishes he'd taken the time for a leak beforehand), looses off two shots at the leader, who he considers to pose the greatest threat. Then, before the goblinoids, leaderless (or at least with their leader distracted), can properly react and prepare their javelins for casting, Alacris picks up his Lucern hammer, ignoring his shield entirely and charges in support of Fergus.


[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]

[evil-frosty]

Now for the Honorary Yell of: TTTTTTTTWWWWWWWEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTTTTTYYY YYYYYYYYYYY

[bdf101]

oh, and that all happened before Fergus charged. I imagine the hallway's a bit crowded for archery after battle's joined.
This roll's for the Lucern hammer after the surprise round. I'm still going for their leader if I can reach(long polearm). If not, any goblin that's threatening to flank Fergus will do.
[roll0]
[roll1]

[jmbrown]

Upstairs

Alacris fires an arrow which strikes the elevator chain and snaps. Fergus moves his full movement around the shaft to reach the hobgoblin but the two goblins are blocking the path. Alacris fires a second arrow which snaps off the hobgoblins armor harmlessly.

Round 1

Goblinoids: 5
Fergus and Alacris: 10

Alacris fires an arrow this time scoring a hit against the hobgoblin for 5 points of damage. Fergus brings up his axe to cleave the hobgoblin but the faster goblins drop their ballista bolts, draw clubs and try (futilely) to beat Fergus but each blow bounces harmlessly off his armor. Fergus brings his axe down on the hobgoblins head cleaving it in twain.

Round 2

Fergus and Alacris: 6
Goblins: 8

Fergus keep attacking and Alacris shooting?

Downstairs

One of the humans speaks "Escaped prisoners? Take advantage, men! CHARGE!!"

Anacerak and McGruff fire but to no avail. The enemy's are too defensive.

The humans, armed with maces and shields, charge the goblinoids. 4 hobgoblins and 5 goblins launch javelins at the charging humans. 3 of 9 javelins strike the humans, felling 2 and seriously injuring another. The humans engage the goblinoids with little success. One human scores an excellent hit on a goblin dashing its brains against the wall.

The deck hands move to flank their foes and the baroness charges into combat. The hobgoblin skewers Westley who falls to the ground gurgling blood. "Westley, no!" Big John Jasper cries a war scream so loud it causes everyone in the room to briefly pause and look in his direction. He grabs the murderous hobgoblin's hair with a big, beefy hand, swings with his meat cleaver, and decapitates the poor beast in a single swing.

Weems and even the young cabin boy lash out with their makeshift chairleg-clubs beating their two goblins senseless and sending blood and teeth flying.

Battle Report

3 hobgoblins and 4 goblins remain

Round 2

Human Invaders: 3
Goblinoids: 4
Party: 5

The goblinoids drop their weapons and surrender. The humans move in to put them on the ground but the deck hands blood lust has not bee sated. Leading the charge, Big John Jasper moves in while the baroness tries to stop him.

What do Anacerak and McGruff do? They don't have a clear line of fire to the remaining goblinoids without the chance of hitting a friendly.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus strikes whichever goblin is standing nearest with his axe.

"Bring yer pretty faces ta me axe! RRAARRR!!!"

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Edwin]

Well, McGruff, I suppose you'll want to charge in for the mop-up? By all means, help the clobbering buffoons slaughter those hobgoblins.

Anecerak waves his hand towards the the goblinoids, a faint smile spreading across his face.

Unless of course you seem some alternative use for them, in which case I propose we swiftly stop the imminent carnage, yes?

[bdf101]

Seeing their hobgoblin leader has fallen, Alacris feels that now would be the perfect time to charge the remaining underlings and break their morale. He grabs his Lucern Hammer and charges in calling upon Trym, so that the goblins might hear their doom approaching.:smallfurious:

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will charge now too seeing that the battle is almost over.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[bdf101]

psst, McGruff: They've surrendered. Slaughtering people who've surrendered is dishonourable.

[evil-frosty]

2 things i probably have read it more closely then i did and i guess then i will take that action back and help in stopping Big John.

[jmbrown]

((Keep the chatter in the OOC, please))

Downstairs

McGruff and the baroness try to halt the angry deck hands but get trampled instantly by the big, raging cook. McGruff takes 2 points of damage as he's knocked prone and gets a foot in his face.

The humans fare much better. Thrusting out with their shields, they hold the deck hands back. "On the ground, now!" They drop to the ground while Big John Jasper is pulled down by at least three humans.

Round 3

The goblinoids are a non-threat and the humans are tossing their weapons aside. Several point to Anacerak still taking cover behind the pillar. "You, there! Drop your weapon, hands where I can see them, get on the ground!' At least 12 more humans in chain armor with shields can be seen making their way into the building in a loose formation.

Upstairs

The goblins club at Fergus futiley. Fergus retaliates but his axe harmlessly strikes the ballista. Alacris charges in and brings his lucern hammer over Fergus' shoulder and smashes a goblin's brain in.

Round 3

Fergus/Alacris: 7
Goblin: 8

The goblin turns and runs with full speed. The corridor is too small for Alacris to swing his weapon in a wide arc but Fergus can take a free swing if he chooses.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus gladly takes his free swing with the battle axe.

"OY, COME BACK HERE, IT'S GOBLIN SEASON!"

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Edwin]

Oh do relax, you mindless simians..

Anecerak tugs his sling back into his robes and raises his hands in the air, slowly walking towards the humans.

Futile as it is, I mean you no harm. Otherwise I would have been pelting away at you doing the battle.

A strange look of discomfort and disgust spreads across his face as he reaches the group. Passing by McGruff's persona stretched out on the ground, he lunges down, sitting besides him, whispering almost silently.

I do not want to stay with our captors too long. I will need your metaphorical swordarm if we are to escape, of that I am sure. Any suggestions?

[jmbrown]

Upstairs

Fergus overswings and his axe penetrates deeply into the wooden door frame. He can un-wedge it but won't be able to attack this round.

Alacris still has an action. The room the goblin ran into a room that, from your angle, looks like an armory of sorts. There are crates and empty weapon racks stacked up.

Downstairs

Two humans rush Anacerak and slam him to the ground. "I didn't ask for your lip, boy."

They drag him over to the group and search him. "Hoo-hoo, boy! A spell book! We can get a pretty copper for this one."

Two squad's of 12 men each enter the room lead by a short (barely five feet) man with a crew cut and bristly mustache. He wears a breastplate emblazened with a golden sun and wields a glowing longsword with a fine shield. He speaks in a deep, gruff voice "Secure the area! Toss those gobblers in chains! Check the fallen! Griffon and Chimera squad, form up on the stairs pikes first! Lamia squad, bows ready cover the cavern in back!"

The gruff man stands Anacerak, McGruff, Lady Jade and the deck hands up. Everyone's weapons are piled before them and the gruff man is sorting through the pile.

"No means of identification. Mostly improvised weapons though I see some of foreign make. A spellbook bound in a fashion that's definitely not local. I'm going to ask you some questions and your answers hinge on your freedom, understood?

"Who are you people, where did you come from, and what are you doing here?"

[Edwin]

Boy? Boy!? By the horrible lifespan frontline goons tend to have, I would wager my own age exceeds yours. Now unhand it me.

Anecerak Wrestles free of their shove and sits down carefully besides McGruff.

Carefully watching the awfully short man, studying him carefully, he listens intently. Shifting his balance, he looks around for Alacris and Fergus before answering the midget-like man.

You may interrogate the others at their leisure, as for me; My name is Anecerak, I hail from the mainlands, and I am not here on my own volition. I was captured by these putrid goblinoids like wild prey while traversing the sea by vessel.

Taking a hard glance at the soldiers contemplating about selling his spellbook, he continues.

And do not touch my book. It's my possession, and mine by right.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus pulls the axe out of the wood, and follows the goblin as soon as he can.

"Damn and blast this sodding place!"

[bdf101]

Fergus, I'll be keeping the pressure on those goblins, follow soon as you're able.

Concerned the goblins might equip themselves more adequately and become a threat that may strike the group in the rear, Alacris strides after them to keep them unbalanced, getting ready to swing at any opportunities that present themselves.

[jmbrown]

Round 4

Downstairs

The little man has a sour look on his face as Anacerak speaks. One of the deck hands speaks up "Those monsters killed Westley and most of the crew! They f-fed them to that horrible tree!! You can't let these demon's live!!!"

The little man twitches his upper lip making his mustache look like a dancing caterpillar. "Fed? As in the tree is living?" He looks blankly at the tree. Despite its odd coloring and unidentifiable genus, it looks like an ordinary plant. "Regardless, I will not stoop to goblin level. Attacking unarmed sentients is murder, gobbler or no. I'm still unsatisfied and have many ways of making men spe--"

Lady Jade interrupts. "Captain O'Toole, correct? I am Lady Jade Minayus, Baroness of Lamonte. I chartered this ship to sail me around the archipelago. I am an... artist of sorts and lost my muse. I wished to see this land so I may rekindle my creative spirit. These goblin marauders, as I assume they are, overtook our ship and 'sacrificed' her crew to this tree. Somehow, these brave hired hands; Anacerak, McGruff, Fergus, and Alacris, the later two whom are bravely destroying the fortress' defenses on the upper floor, somehow escaped their bonds and rescued us."

"Captain O'Toole" is taken aback by the sudden surge of information. "Squads! Secure the second floor. Be on the lookout for two armed warriors that aren't damn gobblers! I see no signet ring proving your claim, Ms. Jade, but will assume it was removed in your capture. I'll give you the benefit of the doubt for now but will make a formal investigation later. Deck hands, if you want blood, I'll give you the option, but you will remain here until the second floor ballistas that are harrowing my advance team are removed."

Upstairs

Alacris chases after the lone goblin as Fergus removes his axe. Fergus sees six additional goblins bolt out a side room and dash up the stairs in an all out sprint. They completely disappear into the upper floor. Furthermore, six humans on each flight of stairs (twelve total), the front warriors wielding awl pikes while the back ones wielding maces, charge up. They spot Fergus and yell "Contact! Drop your weapon and get on the ground!'

Alacris has the goblin cornered who's cowering with his club in hand. Hears muffled shouts from outside. What does he do?

[bdf101]

Raising his hammer threateningly, Alacris growls:

Surrender or die, goblin. Which shall it be?

[evil-frosty]

(I lost the link to the OOC sorry) McGruff will collect his stuff in the pile and grunt thank you to the Baroness for handling it.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus sees the soldiers and decides that maybe it's best not to appear too threatening to a overwhelmingly large group. He drops his shield and axe to the floor, but remains standing.

"Oy, I'm on yer side! We got taken prisoner by them goblins and just fled when ye boys attacked! We jus' took out tha' ballista crew here, but thar be more goblins waitin' upstairs, at least 20 by me own count! Me name be Fergus, ye must have met tha rest of tha crew downstairs, they jus' went ta meet ye! Me buddy Alacris jus' followed tha lone remainin' goblin here to tha room over there! *motions to the room where he is*"

[jmbrown]

The goblin Alacris has cornered drops his club and surrenders. Fergus is slammed to the ground mid-sentence and his items kicked aside. Alacris sees a pikeman charging into the room. ”Contact! Two! On the ground, now!”

Both Alacris and the goblin are swarmed by human militia that yank them to the ground.

Meanwhile, Downstairs

A squad of archers arrives lead by a funny looking man with a twisty mustache, van dyke beard, beady black eyes, a large waistcoat, cane, and comically oversized hat with a large plume feather.

”Area secure, Captain. We spotted several goblinoids in the upper floors. Charging them would be suicide, even with my magic.” The captain nods ”Indeed. It’ll be a long siege, however, I want to secure the back caves first, Magellan.”

Magellan tips his hat. ”Unfortunately, the St. Marie carrying our battle cleric was lost at see. I’ve managed to divine her position but they’ll be delayed for three days at the least.” Captain O’Toole’s belt glows briefly as he slams his fist into a pillar causing a large crack. ”Damn it all! We can’t afford an assault on either position.”

Magellan nods to the group. Captain O’Toole nods as well and turns to the deck hands. ”Now’s your time for vengeance. My men will remain here until the medics arrive. Until then, it’s too much of a risk to push into the caves or upper floors.”

“I’ll let you have your blood. Clear out the back caves where the gobblers keep their primary supplies and coastal cannons. Perhaps you’ll even find their chief who ordered the attack on you and beat answers out of his mouth. I’ll let you have claim to any legal goods you may find. ”

“Or, don’t. I can handle this fight either way. One of my ships is returning to harbor and I’ll allow free passage.”

All of the deck hands raise their hands. The baroness turns her gaze to McGruff and Anacerak. [color=red]”You and the others are hired hands and your contract has effectively ended. You’re not obligated to fight but If you truly want revenge, or hell, gold and glory, now’s your chance.”

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus scowls while being restrained, but bites back any actual comment. In his head though he curses all long-legs and goblinoids alike. He will not resist and wait, presumably the soldiers will bring him to the rest of the crew that likely has seen the same treatment.

[Edwin]

How would a mage qualify as a hired deckhand? I would be highly improbable, not to mention quite unwise, to hire someone with magic training, and then have them scrub the floor, yes?

So, you know, to keep in line with my character, and the idea that Ms. Jade is quite intelligent, which is what she has been showing so far, could we assume that Anecerak was doing something else than manual labor? Maybe as mystical advisor, or simply one chartering a place on the Baroness' ship.

Anything really.

Edit: As an aside, Anecerak has absolutely no experience or training with nautical traveling, or anything else that seems useful to a deckhand of any kind.
Anecerak lets a slight growl slip as he rises and picks up his spellbook, glaring angrily at the soldiers. Dusting his robes, he turns to the Baroness and McGruff.

Going back into those caves to do the capital big cheese over there's dirty work seems rather counterintuitive, I'd say. Especially considering that we only recently escaped the grasp of captivity.

He eyes the short, bossy man, slipping to the pompous man apparently named Magellan. Continuing in a low, hissing voice:

Though, I must say, I have a royal feeling urging me to wipe the smug smiles of those two flatulent bastards. And for some reason, the best way to do that would be to defeat this wretched band of bedraggled creatures.

[jmbrown]

"Haha Hooo." Magellan chuckles behind Anacerak, obviously eavesdropping. "If you want to impress me you'll cut off a root from the this marvelous specimen."

He motions to the tree as Alacris and Fergus are dragged down the stairs and assembled with the rest of the ship's crew. As Fergus and Alacris are brought up to speed, blood runs the base of the tree. The vein-like vines soak up the water from the pool and curl up into tight spiral patterns, glowing blue and driving liquid up to the branches.

"Marvelous, eh Captain? I've heard about a tree like this in passing tales but I would like to conduct more research to be 100% positive.

Yes, my irate little mageling friend, if you want to impress me you'll grab at least a fist sized chunk of this beautiful tree's roots. Perhaps... perhaps I'll share a scroll from my immense collection or give you an enchanted wand."

The Captain waves his hand. "Enough. Whether you help me or not, you're obviously tired. You may eat, bathe, rest and equip yourself should you choose to fight. If you choose to leave, the same services will be offered on my ship."

[Edwin]

Still trying to keep his words private to only him, the group and Lady Jade, Anecerak continues in an annoyed tone.

The hubristic, presumptuous mage's vague attempts of mockery and ridicule aside, I'm still advocating that we do as they ask. You want revenge, I want to pursue profitable matters, as well as tiny dash of revenge on the nitwits and their captain.

[Freelance Henchman]

"I'm stayin'. Gonna freshen myself up some, then I'm gonna cut me a gefargin' bouquet o' goblin heads. They's gonna pay fer what they did, and if'n I got any say in tha matter tha thrice damned tree is gonna slurp their stinkin' blood when all this be over!"

Fergus would like to collect his items (axe, shield, bow and arrows, and if possible his harpoon that was last seen stuck through a goblin's face). He will want to eat something and rest a bit, maybe take a nap. He waits for the Captain to show him and the others that want to stay where to go for rest.

[bdf101]

I have no pressing duties elsewhere. If you require a war-cleric, I am at your service.

With a sheepish grin, Alacris continues: However, your men seem to have stripped me of my gear. If you would return to me my hammers- those with the mark of Trym, my bow and mayhaps a mail-shirt off one of those captured hobgoblins, I'd be obliged t'ye, Cap'n.

[jmbrown]

Everyone receives 350xp for getting the hell out of Dodge.
Anacerak and McGruff receive an additional 125xp for helping in the fight downstairs.
Fergus and Alacris receive an additional 115xp for fighting the hobgoblins upstairs.

The invading force clears out the 2nd floor and sets up traps while Captain O'Toole is debriefed on the situation including Fergus' intel on the upper floors. Traps are set up on the stairs and elevator shaft while the bodies of the dead goblinoids are placed in the stairwell allowing the wind to carry their rotting stench into the upper floors. The fallen humans are burned on a pyre and Westley is given a seaman's burial (his body cremated and his ashes spread into the sea).

The captured goblinoids are forced to set up camp at the base of the building which the hobgoblins call "the arbortorium" in their language. Good food of grilled fish and herbs is served, a fresh water stream is available for bathing, everyone is given fresh clothes, the deck hands are given simple leather armor and cutlasses. The ship's manifest is found and Captain O'Toole uses it to properly return all treasure the party once had which was found in the upper floors. The baroness is given a flintlock pistol, cutlass, and dirks although her signet ring wasn't found.

When all is said and done, 8 hours pass by. Anacerak and Alacris spell's are refreshed and the sun has just kissed the horizon casting shades of orange across the sky. While sitting around a camp fire, the deck hands sharpen their swords while Captain O'Toole and Magellan discuss the situation.

"My name is Captain Hannigan O'Toole and I run the Free Albatross, the mercenary company you see before you. We are hired out from Port Toro, one of the larger colonies in the Simmerus Archipelago. Being new here, I should get you acquainted. The largest export of the island is pharmeceuticals. Drugs, herbs, and indigenous creatures are illegal transported from the islands to the mainland destroying the natural ecology and enticing crime.

These hobgoblins are part of a larger tribe that we've been battling for the past year. The tribe raids passing boats and purchases other mercenary pirates to strengthen their numbers. They've taken over several smaller islands in the past and this stronghold is but a small step in eradicating their presence."

Magellan nods. "My name is Aloysius Ferdinand Perdue Alexsandr Magellan, one of the few wizards you'll find that enjoys the open seas vice stuffy towers and dark dungeons. The good captain has paid well for my services and I've enjoyed learning much about these islands. There's untapped power to be found here and I'm glad we've targeted this stronghold in particular. This 'tree' holds much for my research.

Now, for the business, I've used my magic to see much of the inner sanctum. It drops down into the mountains by at least 50 feet; the bottom levels being 10' lower than sea level. However, there is definitely fresh water beneath the mountain unless this tree, magnificient as it is, can survive on salt water. By my count, there are at least a dozen goblinoids in the lower caves. An easy mop up for Captain O'Toole's fine crew--"

The captain butts in "But I'm not risking it. Twelve goblins, shoot, twelve hobgoblins are an easy fight but it's the traps I'm worried about. Goblins are crafty. What they lack in strength they make up for in cunning. I've told you twice before and now I'll make it three, you may leave if you wish. My ship is available to take you to Port Toro. You have nothing left on this island--"

Big John cuts in "But revenge, sir. Thank you for rescuing us but my shipmates were my only friends. I will not live happily until their heads are on a pike. Seeing how you handle things, I want to make them suffer as much as possible. Mercy is not an option!" The other deck hands hurrah while the baroness sighs.

It's nightfall and the deck hands are preparing for their incursion. Lady Jade, armed with a tonbak (a foreign looking drum which she paid a soldier for), sets up a loose formation and follows from the rear. She otherwise gives complete control of the group to the four hired hands who saved everyone from captivity.

Magellan taunts Anacerak "Do be careful down there, little mageling. A tree this special certainly won't take kindly to the theft of its roots. But, if you do manage to bring something..." He flashes his spell book which is thick and overflowing with loose pages.

[Edwin]

Anecerak grumbles as he follows the group, walking in the rear besides Lady Jade. Mumbling under his breath, he curses Magellan's hubris.

Imbecile! Were it not for his promise, a promise he had better keep, of magical supplies of rarity, I would fly back there and stuff a spell or two up his moronic mouth.

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will offer to lead the way down, (if anyone protests he will use the argument he is able to see without light). So rolling for climbing, in case if you want it, [roll0]


I suggest the mage be back with the Lady Jade, Cris in the middle to possibly heal anyone who needs it and then me and Fergus lead the way.

[Freelance Henchman]

As the other infravision-capable dwarf, Fergus will join McGruff in the vanguard. He has armed himself with axe and shield, and is carrying his harpoon as well as shortbow and arrows. In a move he hopes won't bite him later on, Fergus is too disgusted by the goblin-smelling chainmail that is laying around apparently and has kept to his studded leather armor.

"Aye brother, looks like us be tha only ones capable o' seein in tha dark, so we gonna scout ahead without attractin' attention from torches and tha like. Ye go on first, I'll follow closely.

[jmbrown]

It's near midnight, everyone's fully rested and well fed, newly equipped, refreshed and ready for goblin slaying.

Fergus and McGruff, against the Captain's suggestion, both take up front positions a good 5 yards ahead of the party and out of their torchlight. Torgil and Big John will lead the humans followed by Lady Jade, Anacerak (flanked by Weems and Alacris), Albert, Loric the cabin boy and Rodney in the back. Weems will hold the torch keeping the immediate area around the party illuminated.

The guards at the cavern entrance tauntingly whistle Taps ((the song that plays at American funerals)) and the brave warriors step forth into the darkness. Immediately the musty smell of preservation fluids mixed with ocean air blasts everyone's nostrils. The ground is wet and slippery requiring the party to move half speed (matching the dwarves' half speed) to maintain their footing. Several times people slip and fall but everyone is paired together to minimize sliding away into the darkness.

After traveling downwards 15' in an eastern direction, the two dwarves feel the ground becoming level. Immediately they come across a side path leading to the north and curving around. The sea air is stronger in the northern path while the thick, musty smell is more pungent to the east.

((Fergus and McGruff are leading the party so either dwarf will make the leading decision unless someone else chimes in with a suggestion))

[Edwin]

The foot of the tree would logically be placed at the bottom level of this blasted place, which in turn would most likely be the most foul, too. Therefore, I say we turn east.

Anecerak looks to the front of the party, tapping his foot impatiently, waiting for the dwarves to make the decision, with or without his input.

[Freelance Henchman]

(to McGruff) "Aye, let's see that first."

Fergus advances east, towards the odd smell.

[jmbrown]

Not even 10' from their position, the dwarves stumble over a thick but well hidden cord.

SNAP

Over a dozen barrels fall from a well hidden net placed in the ceiling and slam into the 15' gap between the dwarves and the group. They spill their contents; discarded organs, giblets, animal heads, and blood. While no physical damage is done, the smell is absolutely foul. Everyone except Big John is sickened and Loric vomits on the spot.

Inbetween coughs, Lady Jade commends the goblinoids on the tactic. "The goblinoids *cough* were expecting a human invasion. Lucky *hack* for us we put some distance between the *cough* scouts OH GODS, LETS CONTINUE MOVING."

[Edwin]

Anecerak spits and stumbles on the slippery intestines laying about the cold stone floor, kicking liver and appendix' aside as he moves forward, waving his hand to disperse the horrid smell.

Argh, what egregious tactics have these loathsome goblinoids been reduced to?!

He coughs as he takes another step.

[jmbrown]

Continuing on from the horrific stench, the path begins to narrow and curve around in the opposite direction. Having traveled 100 yards at a gentle slope in a spiral direction, McGruff stops. Dwarven instinct kicking in, he feels the wall and notices that it's engineered to slide away. Fergus checks the opposite wall and it too is designed to slide away.

Try as they might, however, no amount of effort budges the sliding doors. Fergus, with his knowledge of engineering, surmises that they're operated mechanically.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Hrm... Thar might be some mechanism what makes them walls move... wonder if thar be a way ta shift em from inside this tunnel. Let me check tha surroundin's fer something."

Fergus will examine the walls, ceiling and floor near the sliding walls for anything that might trigger the mechanism, like floor plates, hidden holes with some small lever in it or similar. He will first wave to the rest of the group not to advance for now and check the place in darkvision first, and if that finds nothing he will go to the group (who should wait and stay back) and get a torch to check the place in natural light.

[jmbrown]

Through careful study, Fergus finds a total of 5 sliding doors. A few feet ahead of the general area, there's a small patch of artificially created earth. It's about three square feet and covered with earth to blend in with the rest of the cavern.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus points out the patch of earth to the others, but beckons them not to touch it.

"Aah... what do we got 'ere then, eh? Lemme see what' be hidden in that hole."

Fergus takes one of his arrows out of the quiver and very carefully pokes it into the earth patch several times, checking for any minor traps (though he will also be careful not to activate any lever accidentally). If there's nothing snapping on the arrow, he will call the group close and show them the earth patch.

"Guess thar might be tha trigger fer tha walls. Let's get that dirt in there removed."

Fergus will start digging, with his bare hands since he has no appropriate tools.

[evil-frosty]

Can McGruff take his axe and just slide the dirt to the side, using it as an impromptu shovel? If so, He will tell Fergus to step aside.

[jmbrown]

McGruff's axe wouldn't help in this situation; it's too large and unwieldy to effectively haul dirt from such a small hole. Fergus feels some pressure from prodding the spot and when he removes the clump of dirt he finds a hole with a taut rope running through it.

The deck hands are getting restless. "Leave it to a dwarf to play in the dirt. C'mon, we got gobblers to kill!" Torgil, whose said little the entire day, begins drawing circles in the ground with his foot.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Oy ya silly buggers, show some fargin' patience! I got something, this here rope must open tha doors!"

Fergus points out the rope in the hole to the group.

"I'ma guessin' tha walls slide away when tha rope either gets pulled on or cut. I was seein' 5 o' them slidin' walls *he points them out*. Ain't no tellin' what's behind tha walls, but I'm guessin we can surprise any goblers what would have normally ambushed us from there. I says we try pullin' tha rope, or cut it, and see what happens. What say ye?"

[jmbrown]

Big John shrugs. "Whatever makes killing gobblers faster." Weems, Albert, and Rodney nod their heads dumbly in agreement. Lady Jade sighs "I'd rather not get caught up in pointless battles but you're the tactician, not I. If you think they'll ambush us down the road unless we strike now, so be it." Torgil drops to his knees and furiously scrapes circular shapes into the ground "So much hate. So. Much. Hate."

[Edwin]

Noticing the young man's outbursts, Anecerak turns to the dwarves up ahead.

Uhm, dear.. agape anthropoids, it appears that one of the already mentally challenged lads back here are having some sort of mindless breakdown.

He waves his arm to get their attention, keeping his eye fixed on the boy as he walks backwards, slowly away.

Could you finish rattling through the dirt up there and lend your assistance to our more immediate concerns? Perhaps, Lady Jade, if you would be so kind and talk to the kid?

Continuing his slow treads, he makes sure to be as far away from Torgil as well as the sliding walls that Fergus pointed out, all the while muttering something about apes and monkeys.

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade moves to Torgil. "Look, Miss Jade. We started here... and now we're here... spiraling down. Down into the abyss. My moms warned me when you stare into evil, evil stares back." Lady Jade tries to comfort him "We all agreed on this" to which he replies "Because it was already too late. I want to save death the trouble of dragging me down."

Big John slams the wall with his fist. "Ignore him. He's just claus... clustro... closetphobic. We're seamen, not miners. We need the open ocean! C'mon, dwarves! Cut the rope or pull it or march on, we're gettin' restless!"

[Freelance Henchman]

"Get ready ye lot, I'm cuttin' tha rope! Get in defensive position and keep an eye on all o' them walls!"

Fergus will cut the rope with whatever tool seems appropriate.

[jmbrown]

Fergus cuts the rope. The sound of rusted metal scraping on metal echoes throughout the corridor as the stone doors slide open. Immediately the smell of preservation fluids washes over the air as five humans step out from the dust.

Loric cries "Hey! It's the first mate!" Flanking the group are five noticeable crew members; the first mate, a deck hand, the boatswain mate, the navigator, and the lookout. Their eyes are blank, their skin is pale, and they shamble clumsily as if their legs are made out of lead.

And in the few seconds this happens, Alacris alone registers the monsters in his head. Zombies.

Round 1

Zombies: 1
Party: 5

All five zombies lurch towards Fergus and McGruff who are closest to them.

[Edwin]

Sweet mother of the Arcane, here we go..

Anecerak shifts balance to his back leg, bracing himself for whatever comes, getting his sling out of its pocket, stone in hand.

[Freelance Henchman]

"What? What's *them* doing here?"

Fergus nervously wields his shield and axe, and calls out to the zombies.

"Oy, what happened ta you?"

[Edwin]

They're obviously not in their right minds. In fact, I don't even think they have minds..

With a swift flick of his hand, Anecerak fires his sling at the nearest attack deckhand, mercilessly aiming for the head.

I understand if your manual brains have trouble acknowledging that these gaunt figures are no longer the men you knew, but I suggest you get over it quickly, or we'll be nothing but leftovers in a matter of seconds.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Form a defensive line!"

Fergus holds his position beside McGruff and waits for the zombies to come to them. He will strike with his axe as soon as any one comes in range.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[evil-frosty]

I will also attack the nearest one, with my axe.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[bdf101]

Realizing that the group is facing undead, Alacris recalls what his mentor has told him about turning the foul creatures, and focuses his concentration on his Hammer, a sigil of Trym. After a quick prayer to the Thunder Giant, he chants the necessary incantions and calls upon Trym in a thunderous voice.

Begone, foul creatures, in the name of Trym!

[jmbrown]

Alacris bellows a challenge to the undead monsters but there's no power to his words.

The zombies swarm over the two dwarves, three on Fergus and two on McGruff. They're slow, and their windup long giving Fergus and McGruff the time to get in powerful swings. Fergus effortlessly lops the head off the zombified deck hand and its body crumbles into a pile of dust. McGruff easily eviscerates the lookout who also crumbles into a pile of dust. Anacerak fires a bullet, his aim true, blowing a hole through the head of the navigator.

"By the gods! It's not natural! It's not right! These were my friends!!" The deck hands are flipping out. Even Big John is pivoting on his heels, deciding whether to stay or run. "Stand your ground! These aren't the men you once knew! Don't break your formation!"

The zombified boatswains mate and first mate clumsily swing and miss.

Round 2


No point in rolling initiative. Zombies always attack last.

The deck hands are still freaking out and Lady Jade trying to keep them from running. Two zombies remain.

[Freelance Henchman]

"THEY'S ONLY MEAT PUPPETS NOW, NAE THA FRIENDS YE KNEW! HELP US, YE THRICE DARNED FOOLS!"

Fergus avoids the clumsy, grasping dead hands as well as possible and hacks at whatever zombie is nearest.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Edwin]

Oh you lovable fools. These are no more the men you knew than the goblinoids are your life long friends.

Anecerak smiles, firing another bolt at the approaching zombies.

But, by all means, stand and whimper. I know your keen minds must have pierced the tactical conundrum of this fight, and I am sure you came to the conclusion that the dwarves and I will handle this alone. Yes, stand paralyzed. Good call.

[evil-frosty]

Laughing at Aneceraks joke McGruff will swing again

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[jmbrown]

24 hour rule, sorry bdf101

McGruff cuts into the zombified first mate. Unlike the other zombies, he's tougher and bolstered by dark energies. Fergus swings wide completely missing the zombified boatswain mate. Alacris moves to flank the boatswain mate and swings but the ceiling is shorter than he predicted and his lucern hammer scrapes harmlessly across it. Anacerak fires a bullet at the weakened zombified first mate hitting the zombie for 2 points of damage.

The boatswain mate attacking Fergus winds back and slams the dwarf HARD in the face for 8 points of damage! Hot blood runs down Fergus' beard and he spits out a tooth as his head spins. The zombified first mate clubs McGruff in the chest for 4 points of damage knocking the wind out of him.

Round 3

"Cowards! Simpletons! You wanted blood? Here's your chance! Charge now or forever remember the day you cowered like a beat dog!"

Lady Jade finishes her speech with a fiery beat on her tonbak drum. Big John screams a war cry, raises his cleaver, and charges followed by Weems, Albert, and Rodney. Loric the cabin boy and Torgil remain behind.

Fergus is fending off the zombified boatswain mate and McGruff is fighting the zombified first mate who looks haggard. Anacerak sees an opportunity for one more sling attack before the charging deck hands block his shot.

[Freelance Henchman]

"Unggghhh!! Dwarven ancestors stand by me!"

Staggering from the massive hit, Fergus tries not to panic and strikes back at the boatswain mate with his axe.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Edwin]

A sound tactical decision would be to retreat until such time as the cleric can restore your wounds, not to keep charging headlong into the fray, master dwarf.

Seeing the opportunity for another shot, Anecerak flings yet another pullet at the nearest zombie.

[evil-frosty]

"IS THAT THE BEST YE CAN DO?!?!" screams McGruff as he swings again.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[bdf101]

Seeing the dwarves in some trouble, not to mention a world of pain, Alacris charges, bellowing at the deckhands and hopefully providing inspiration for them to stand their ground. Throwing in his weight to throw the zombies back, he hopes this will allow the more wounded of the dwarves enough of a respite to regroup or switch to a ranged supporting role.

[jmbrown]

Anacerak launches a bullet at the zombified first mate, striking the monster in the back for 2 points of damage. Lady Jade aims her pistol and fires blowing the zombie's hand apart but otherwise not dealing any major damage. Fergus and McGruff have little room to swing in the tight corridor and have to stand at awkward positions to avoid hitting each other, both missing their intended target.

The came the cavalry.

Leading the way, Big John lops off the boatswain mate's arm off with a single swing. Weems and Albert combined club the zombie with their maces in two different locations and the zombie collapses in a pile of dust and rags. Rodney brings his mace down on the first mate's head, splattering goo all over McGruff. The dark magic gone, the powerful zombie instantly decays and crumbles into a pile of clothing and dust.

End Combat


+325xp


Lady Jade points to Alacris. "Fergus took it the hardest. Check him out. The rest of you, scrounge around. Find anything useful." Nobody listens to her. C'mon, miss. These were our dear friends. Give us a moment to mourn."

Loric is trying to calm Torgil down who's hyperventilating. Fergus and McGruff are standing over what remains of the zombies; dust and clothing. There are lumps in the clothing but Lady Jade orders the two to sit down while she and Alacris inspect the wounds. Fergus is certain his nose is broken and McGruff feels as if he cracked a rib.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus staggers to the wall and sits on the floor heavily. He leans against the wall, breathing through his mouth and closing his eyes for a while.

"Aargh. Think me nose is broken... What tha hells was this anyway, they WANTED us to find this and free the dead abominations?"

[bdf101]

Ho Anacerak, mind helping me getting a few bandages on the dwarves? It's good to have someone with knowledge of healing and herbs around.


After binding and taking care of the minor injuries along with the mage, Alacris casts cure light wounds on the most seriously wounded of the dwarves so the party may continue on down without too much delay.

[roll0]

[Edwin]

I doubt there are any herbs in this accursed place that will alleviate the wounds of our comrades. Or the rascal deckhands, for that matter, should they need it. I will look, though.

Scouring about the tunnel and the newly opened room, ravaging through pots and compartments, Anecerak looks for herbs of healing or beneficial nature.

[jmbrown]

The pain immediately subsides as Alacris heals Fergus. A blow that would have killed any man is instantly cured, such is the power of Trym! While still tender and the bone fractured, Fergus is fit for fighting.

Anacerak searches the rooms which are little more than closets carved into the walls. Among the rags he finds 5 gems (one stone in each set) that look like a snail's shell with ruby red patterns twisting in a spiral fashion. Neither Fergus or McGruff can accurately appraise or identify them and Lady Jade shrugs "If a dwarf can't tell a stone from a gem it must not exist or isn't part of this world. It could be valuable or valueless but if those things were with the zombies I won't touch them."

Anacerak also finds a hip flask among the remains of the old lookout. Big John chuckles "Old Man Red. Always sneakin' rum from the stores. He used to fall out of the crow's nest a bunch but luck would have it the rigging would break his fall." Loric pipes up "That ain't no alcohol, sir. I see him fall and break his leg once but after a swig of that flask he was tap dancin' like a bard. If rum does that, sir, then dwarves would rule the world."

Sure enough the flask doesn't smell like alcohol. It has a sweet honey scent to it but the contents are otherwise a mystery.

[evil-frosty]

Time for the old potion test

McGruff will ask"Here give me that." He will then dab his pinky in it and taste the liquid on his pinky.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus winces as Alacris casts his healing spells, but is mightily relieved as the divine energy flows through his smashed nose and knits the wound like, well, magic.

"Aah... I thank ye, lad, that be a true miracle that is, praise be ta Trym. I'm feelin' alright... even better I be sure once we feed tha goblin wha' turned our friends inta monsters his own liver. Tis' a deed most foul, and tha gods be smilin' on us fer destroyin' them abominations I be sure. May our friends' souls rest in peace now that tha evil spell over their bodies be broken."

Having a look at the strange gems, Fergus can only shrug. "Any o' ye scholarly types can tell if there be magic on them stones?"

Otherwise, Fergus stays sitting on the ground for a while, getting his breath back and gingerly touching his broken nose.

[jmbrown]

Time for the old potion test

McGruff will ask"Here give me that." He will then dab his pinky in it and taste the liquid on his pinky.

It's sweet and there's a brief sense of relief from the pain.

[evil-frosty]

"I think this liquid might have some power of healing but i have no clue on how powerful."

[Freelance Henchman]

"A healin' draught? Good, tha' will come handy."

[Freelance Henchman]

"Right... I'ma feelin' better, shall we go on then? How's ye doin' McGruff? Ye want ta drink that healin' stuff?"

[evil-frosty]

"Nah, I am fine right now but I'll keep it on me so i have it if i need it."

[jmbrown]

Continuing ahead, the path twists down a few more feet before straightening out and leading away from the base of the complex above. A hundred feet ahead it opens into a large, spacious cavern. To the left of the path is a steep slope which drops off at least 50' to a pool of water; the depth impossible to tell from this height. The path wraps around the circumference of the cavern and slopes down into the water below. From the ceiling massive living roots jut out in every direction and flail about slowly carving patterns into the walls and lapping up water from the pool.

At the center of the pool below is a small island about 20' in diameter. The largest root, mammoth in size, is buried into the water next to this small island.

[Freelance Henchman]

"I dinnae see anythin' interestin' here... looks like roots and nothin' much else. Anyone see any other exits from this room?"

[Edwin]

I surmise that this must be the center of this morbid complex, and the roots the nurture of the healing tree from above. Thus, I advise you to be on guard - something is bound to be dangerous down here..

Handing one of the deckhands a knife and a small bag, he nods towards the nearest, smallest root springs. He smiles.

Mind fetching a couple of samples for me, my dear friend?You will be duly payed for the service, of course.

[jmbrown]

Weems tries cutting a chunk of the roots off but the only pieces at this level are thick and hard like metal. "Roots are too high up, sir. We'll have to go down into the water to reach a root where it becomes weaker."

Lady Jade turns to Fergus and McGruff waiting for them to lead the way.

[Edwin]

Anecerak grumbles as he examines the nearby roots.

For once, why can't it just be easy..

[Freelance Henchman]

"Hm... I guess since we came in here, we might as well have a look 'round. Try an' don't fall into tha water though. Incidentally, did anyone bring a length of rope? Jus' askin."

[jmbrown]

Fergus and McGruff take two steps before noticing the ground in front of them is weak. Quickly scanning the path, there are several spots purposefully dug out and then repacked with soft earth so that if pressure was placed on them the floor would collapse.

Lady Jade points to the water. "You guys notice how the water swirls in a circular pattern? I think it's fresh. It has to be unless this tree survives on stagnant pools."

As everything is taken in, a humanoid figure steps out of the largest root and stands on the island before stepping back in a few seconds later. Big John runs his finger along his cleaver "Looks like a trap if I ever saw one. I'm starting to get cold feet about all this."

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus stops for a while, and takes a long, hard look at the area before him.

"Aye, 'tis a trap fer sure... After what we saw earlier I ain't eager ta just walk forward and eat whatever them goblins got prepared fer us here. Thar be pit traps on this path at the very least, and there's probably more waiting for us further ahead."

Fergus takes a look at the ship hands.

"Any of ye can handle a shortbow? I got mine with me, but me thinks I ain't goin' to be able ta use it same time as me axe. One of ye take it and provide cover while we slowly go forward here. Me thinks we should secure this spot, it looks important."

Fergus then takes the bow and quiver of arrows off his back and offers it to whoever says he knows how to use them.

[jmbrown]

The slope leading into the water is steep but climbable. One could also tumble down it if they were particularly nimble. The sink holes are only a few feet across allowing one to jump across. The roots, as one has tested, are as strong as metal and good to tie rope off of although none of the deck hands brought any.

Fergus tests the sink hole with his foot and comes to the conclusion that it could hold everyone's weight, except perhaps Big John who weighs more than twice everyone else. Exactly how many people could individually cross without weakening the sink hole to its stress point is unclear even to the dwarves.

Rodney accepts the bow and slings the quiver over his shoulder. "Me dad was a woodsman. Always said "Boy, you would make a great tracker" but I liked the open sea better."

[Edwin]

Had you taken his advice you could have avoided the poignant fate that inevitably awaits you. Wise man, your father.

Anecerak takes a look at the sink holes from a distance, throwing a bullet from his pack into the various sinking or two.

He beckons the younger deck hands forward towards the holes.

Why don't you go first? Glory and revenge, and all that..

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will tell Fergus,"I have some rope." McGruff will also give his crossbow and bolts to anyone who knows how to use it so that he can cover me and Fergus.

[jmbrown]

"My father was also eaten by an owlbear, an abomination created by your kind." Rodney tosses in dryly.

Anacerak's stones bounce off the hard earth with no effect. The sink holes were designed to look like a normal path until an unfortunate soul stepped foot on it.

"Why don't we toss the wizard on it? I hear wizards can float like feathers." The deck hands look noticeably anxious and Lady Jade turns to try and calm them down.

Edit: Loric the cabin boy takes the crossbow. He doesn't look trained in it but he certainly doesn't want to go near the water. McGruff attaches the rope to the only still root in the area. He's satisfied that it's secured.

Who goes down first?

[Edwin]

Eyes cackling with internal energy, Anecerak tip toes as he raises his hands in strange gestures, one hand pointing towards the unruly deck hand.

You try that you asinine imbecile, and I'll turn you into nothing but scrap clothing and puffs of dust before you can raise a hand!

His voice is not loud, but filled with anger and contempt, almost as if was tearing at the air around him. Turning his head towards Lady Jade, hands still held high. He smiles at her, though his eyes still batter with resentment.

No respect for the fine arts of magic, have they, Lady Jade?

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade shrugs and smiles in reply "And you no respect for them. Funny how the universe balances itself."

"Regardless, there shall be no wizard tossing under my watch unless you want a lead shot in your gut. This looks like a dead end so let us investigate and leave."

[Freelance Henchman]

Oy, everyone calm down, save yer wrath fer tha gobblers.

Now, I suggest one o' us gets tha rope tied around his waist and slowly goes forward, screen out tha area fer any surprises afore tha rest of us go down as well. Tha rest of us keep holding that rope and be ready ta pull tha explorin' one up if he falls down some hole.

As fer who goes down, I ain't tha most nimble by a long shot, but I weighs as much as a human so we find out quick if tha ground can carry any of ye, also I presents a small target fer any shooters poppin' up, and I got me shield here, so maybe it's best if I be tha one to go down.

I ain't exactly savorin' tha thought ta go down like a big target as such, so if any of ye got a better suggestion I be all ears.

[bdf101]

Very well, my good dwarf, if you're volunteering, I'll ready my bow. Perhaps Big John, you would be kind enough to anchor Fergus down? Your strength and weight would provide a great help.

Alacris notched an arrow to his bow and calmly looks on in case any hostile goblin decides to snipe at Fergus.

[jmbrown]

With everyone in agreement (and everyone silent on the matter assumed to be in agreement although Big John grumbles about not being able to see if Anacerak is indeed buoyant), Fergus ties a rope around his waist. Being onboard a ship gives him great skill in knot tying and after satisfied, Big John begins to lower him down the side. Fergus slides down about 40' and touches the cool water. Prodding its depth, Fergus sees that this particular spot is only knee deep... for a dwarf's knees, at least.

No sooner does Fergus begin sloshing in the water that the large root before the small island begins to quiver. A man-sized seem splits the root open as a beautiful woman steps out. She resembles an elf, naked, with dark gray and brown mottled skin, piercing green eyes, hair of leaves and ivy, and long arms. The grass and plants on the tiny island instantly spring to life accentuating her perfect features.

Before she even speaks the water erupts as three hobgoblins rise from the deep wielding weapons and spitting hollow reeds from their mouths. A larger opponent, pressed against the mud and completely hidden from sight, lumbers forward. He's human-like in appearance with a sloping brow, wide chest, and sagging belly standing almost 8' tall. Fergus and McGruff recognize the creature as a half-ogre.

The lead hobgoblin, wearing a head dress and wielding a staff, holds an open palm up.

"Curious. I was expecting humans, not a dangling dwarf. Before I swim up to this lure like a hungry fish I must ask; why have you come?"

The deck hands are hesitant and Big John looks a second away from dropping Fergus' rope to go for his cleaver. Even Lady Jade is perplexed by the situation as she shifts aim from the half-ogre to the hobgoblin leader.

[Edwin]

Watching the action below, Anecerak steps in behind Lady Jade, whispering in her ear.

It seems we have discovered what could well be the source of this resplendent and most regal tree, Lady Jade. A fey creature..

Taking a peak down the hole, measuring the distance between the Dwarf and the assailants, he readies his sling and turn his head towards the Lady.

The Dryadic creature is by far the most dangerous opponent, though the front most goblinoid seem to possess more power than mere brute force. Maybe you should make sure he does not get the opportunity to cause undoable harm.

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade whispers back "I... don't think I can bring harm to such a majestic creature. I know bits of lore about fey and they're neither malicious nor benevolent. Let's pray she's a neutral party in this."

Big John calls out to the hobgoblin angrily "Who're we? WHO'RE WE?! We're the sailors you ambushed, kidnapped, and left in cages to be sacrificed to this HORRID tree!"

The hobgoblin taps his staff and a globe of light illuminates the surrounding area. He steps forward, putting himself 30' from Fergus "I'm no pirate, human. I didn't order your capture nor took part in it. You came to me... or, one of your kind did. You humans all look alike to me."

The deckhands begin speaking to each other in hushed whispers. Even Big John nearly loses grip on his cleaver.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus glances at the dryad with a worried expression (being a dwarf who has no great love for forests other than as a source of building material and kindling) and says "Um..." nervously, and wonders if she can sense the sap of a thousand hacked up trees on his hands screaming for vengeance for turning them into cabinets and such.

He then turns to the lead hobgoblin and says in an angry tone: Yer tryin' ta play us fer fools? We saw hobgoblins capture our ship, killin' our friends, then imprison us fer weeks up in tha tower and feed our mates to tha tree, and you even made undead abominations of some o' them! Don't try ta deny it, we found yer trap on tha way here and had ta destroy em, gods may rest their souls! Are ye seriously claimin' ye ain't had anythin' ta do with that?

[jmbrown]

"Hobgoblins? Really. Perhaps they drugged you too much..."

Fergus recalls what little he can remember the night of the attack
(from the first post) In the confusion, several dozen humans boarded the ship.

The hobgoblin chuckles softly. "I am only guilty of piracy although I will not say I'm innocent of caging you nor watching the cruel torture used against you. Humans did this, not I. I merely served as their protectors. As for your zombified friends--"

The dryad cuts him off "A life for a life. That is my way. But should you drink too much your mind will soon decay." The hobgoblin stares blankly before turning to Fergus. "Indeed. Your mates were given the choice of drinking the sap. You were betrayed by your own kind."

Big John drops his rope and draws his cleaver in rage.

"Now we're getting somewhere! I'm an honorable warrior but not a foolish one like my brethren. I will make my last stand here and many will die in this hallow soil. I prefer, however, to live. In exchange for the coin paid I wish to leave unharmed. I know of a secret exit."

[Edwin]

You want us to pay you, so that we can leave?

Anecerak stares down the hole, throwing mistrusting glances from the nymphic creature to hobgoblin leader.

We outnumber you one to three, and while I will agree you have the mystical advantage readily openhanded, do not disparage the power of this lumbering mount of muscles beside me. Now, pay us some tribute, we can talk..

[jmbrown]

"You really don't kn... oh. Oh ho ho!"

The hobgoblin leader throws his head back in a true belly laugh. "The irony of this situation. Delicious. Let me speak clearly."

"I will pay you to ensure I safely leave this place. I was hoping to make a last stand here but I have no quarrel with you humans like I do the captain that assaulted my stronghold. There's a vault with a back exit and judging by the fact your pockets aren't aligned with gold I'm going to assume you missed the door. Take me and my servants safely to the vault and everything inside is yours. Betray me and, well, I may die but I assure you I will not die without dragging a few to hell with me."

[evil-frosty]

The only action McGruff is going to take is to grab his crossbow back from the deckhand, thinking that if something hands he will be able to use it better. Other then that he stands observing everything going on.

[Edwin]

Anecerak's eyes narrow, closely inspecting the facial features of the goblinoid.
His brows twitch for a second, his hand reaching into his garments for the wand, concealing it in his sleeve.

Interesting proposal. I have but two inquirers. One, what assurance do we have that you will not simply plant the metaphorical knife in our backs as we turn, or that you have some sort of apocryphal creature in that vault, making our lives infinitely abysmal?

He smiles, as he continues.

And second.. In addition to the payment, which we will want in full, I will require parts of the trees roots. A small sample for.. experimental research, if you will.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus holds up one arm and makes calming motions.

'ere... everyone wait a minute. Thar be more goin' on here than we knew be my impression. We can cleave heads soon enough anyway, but let's just parley a moment afore we start tha killin' and whatnot. I fer one got a hankerin' fer some knowledge about what the hells is going on in this place. This ain't no usual pirate hidey hole, maybe we stumbled over somethin' bigger than a random magic tree with some brigands protectin' it. Could be tha chief here just wants ta dish us some hogwash to save his hide, but I'm willin' ta risk it just in case it brings some light in tha darkness.

If'n I think back now, tha ship got attacked by masked... fellas, but me thinks them was human. After we got captured I dinnae remember much, was woozy as hells from somethin', so coulda been humans or anythin' else really what was the captors. And I dinnae think they coulda packed all o' tha crew in them cages in tha tower either, so what happened to tha rest? All sacrificed? What were ye hintin' at with tha "betrayed by our own kind" bit, though I be hopin' there was nae dwarves that done any betrayin'.

Hobgoblin chief, what do they call ye by name, and what be tha name of tha human what spoke ta you first? What is he, a mere pirate who got big plans all tha sudden? And what's that talk about "drinking tha sap", and "a life for a life", and what's it got ta do with tha... tree lass over there? What's her role in all o' this?

[jmbrown]

Interesting proposal. I have but two inquirers. One, what assurance do we have that you will not simply plant the metaphorical knife in our backs as we turn, or that you have some sort of apocryphal creature in that vault, making our lives infinitely abysmal?


The chief chuckles again. "Don't be mistaken. I'd gladly shove the "metaphorical knife" in your back were that I owned such a device. You have me at a disadvantage, human, and like I said I don't want to waste my life in inglorious one-sided combat.


And second.. In addition to the payment, which we will want in full, I will require parts of the trees roots. A small sample for.. experimental research, if you will.

The chief points to the dryad "Take that up with the lass. It's her tree, not mine. She just tolerates my presence and I her.

The dryad, as if on cue, speaks "Many have claimed ownership to this island. All have fallen. Many more will claim this island. They will fall as those before. I will protect my grove but my sacred [a word in an indecipherable language] will bless those that respect her."

The chief shrugs his shoulders "So much that was. There are root extracts in the vault. Another bullet point to add to the list of benefits for my life."


'ere... everyone wait a minute. Thar be more goin' on here than we knew be my impression. We can cleave heads soon enough anyway, but let's just parley a moment afore we start tha killin' and whatnot. I fer one got a hankerin' fer some knowledge about what the hells is going on in this place. This ain't no usual pirate hidey hole, maybe we stumbled over somethin' bigger than a random magic tree with some brigands protectin' it. Could be tha chief here just wants ta dish us some hogwash to save his hide, but I'm willin' ta risk it just in case it brings some light in tha darkness.

If'n I think back now, tha ship got attacked by masked... fellas, but me thinks them was human. After we got captured I dinnae remember much, was woozy as hells from somethin', so coulda been humans or anythin' else really what was the captors. And I dinnae think they coulda packed all o' tha crew in them cages in tha tower either, so what happened to tha rest? All sacrificed? What were ye hintin' at with tha "betrayed by our own kind" bit, though I be hopin' there was nae dwarves that done any betrayin'.

Hobgoblin chief, what do they call ye by name, and what be tha name of tha human what spoke ta you first? What is he, a mere pirate who got big plans all tha sudden? And what's that talk about "drinking tha sap", and "a life for a life", and what's it got ta do with tha... tree lass over there? What's her role in all o' this?

The chief spits at Fergus "You didn't tell me your name dwarf and I won't speak mine. I made my terms clear. A vault full of treasure in exchange for allowing me to climb up and walk past you unmolested. I'll even give you my staff, a symbol of my station. My warriors know the staff means I have fallen and will surrender unconditionally. The human soldiers would be pleased to know this... another bullet point on the growing list of how much you're getting out of this deal."

"I'm growing impatient, humans. If I die here I'll drag that skinny loudmouth with me first."

The chief points at Anacerak with his quarterstaff and chuckles evilly before lowering it and waiting for a response.

[Freelance Henchman]

From his unique position alone at the bottom of a slippery-walled pit, facing 3 hobgoblins (one of which is possibly a spellcaster of some sort who just swore to kill at least ONE of us), a half-ogre and an unpredictable magical creature of the forests, Fergus suggests:

Ya know, I think we should take his offer. Somethin's fishy here, and I'd like ta keep me health spare fer smashin tha real culprits, and I dinnae think that is him. We get whatever be in that vault, we get his staff so tha rest of the gobblers surrender and then we focus our strength ta deal with whoever is the real mastermind of the attack on our ship.

He looks nervously to the enemy group and up at the shipmates.

[Edwin]

Grumbling nasty words, still clutching the wand in his hand, Anecerak snaps in fingers.

Not particularly wise of you to insult those that hold your life in a string, now, is it?

He smiles grimly.

Be that as it may, however, I agree with my vertically challenged friend down there. We may as well spare our resources for the bigger fish, to use the analogy already put to the task. I say we take the deal, and be done with these infernal caverns.

[jmbrown]

Big John is none too thrilled about not getting his revenge but the deck hands are completely silently as they move to the side. Big John reels Fergus up and the hobgoblins climb up the ridge themselves with the leader flanked by his bodyguards. The half-ogre lumbers up last.

The chief sneers at Anacerak and purposefully bumps into Big John who growls in reply. The chief orders his guards to sling their long swords around their back making it impossible to draw their weapons in a timely manner. Pointing with his quarterstaff, he asks the dwarves to lead the way as they return to the path near the entrance that forked east and north (the party took the east path). The rest of the party flanks him from behind making a back attack should the goblinoids turn hostile.

The chief speaks as he walks "I suppose you'll be taking control of this island now. It's a valuable tactical resource that is, if you can get over knifing someone for it. We tried animals but no; it has to be a sapient, intelligent creature." the group passes the rags of what was left of the zombies. "The sap is addicting, however, and the magics that weave itself through the tree corrupt your soul. We tried bottling it but the goblins killed several of my elite soldiers to get a taste. I have since banned anyone from entering the sacrificial chambers under penalty of death."

Taking the northern passage, the party rounds a bend opening up to a view of the coast. Several cannons are ligned up and the chief flicks an unseen trip chord causing the cannons to slide back and slam against the wall. Moving up to a viny growth, the chief rips back the plants and inserts his quarterstaff into a small opening. A minute later a CLICK is heard as a meticulously crafted stone door slides open.

The room itself is small and squarish with pots of oil hanging on the wall. The chief snatches Loric's torch, lights the pots, and hands it back. Immediately the room glimmers with the sight of massive piles of copper, silver, and gold. Chests, crates, and sacks are scattered about with no method of organization spilling their contents out in the open.

The chief casually trips another chord and spears drop from the ceiling harmlessly. He moves over to the far wall and begins working an elaborate mechanism of sliding plates. "Give me a minute, please, and you'll have my staff and I'll be on my way."

[Edwin]

Eyes wide open, surprised at the sheer amount of gold in the treasury. Scanning the room for root samples visually, he nods towards the chief.

No more traps I assume?

[jmbrown]

The chief ignores Anacerak having slid the plates into the right formation causing a door to slide out from the floor. He begins walking down the stairs with his guards in tow.

"Enjoy your gold, humans. It should be worth the pain your captors cause you. Before he left this island, your captain voiced his fondness about that barrel of Simmerian rum." The chief points to a casket in the corner while laughing heartily.

The chief walks off down the pit with his guards. The half ogre hesitates and Anacerak only hears the chief call up in goblin.

"Kill the mage first."

Surprise Round

Only Anacerak is ready for this as only he speaks the goblin tongue. The half-ogre is standing over the trap door about 10' away, his muscles noticeably tense.

[Edwin]

A crooked smile spreads across Anecerak's face as he hears the chief shouting from the corridor. Never trust anyone. Never let a friendly voice go unquestioned.

Swinging his hand, still holding the wand, he quickly points towards the half-ogre, his crooked smile growing even bigger.

Splendiferous!

[Freelance Henchman]

(this happened earlier, before the fight) Fergus stares at the treasure pile with an open mouth.

Bloody hell... that's a fortune, that is. We tell them soldiers this stuff is here, they'll confiscate the lot and we get nothing for our trouble and riskin' our lives, ye mark me words.


On hearing the chief talking about the tree, Fergus grows thoughtful and comments:

Addictive... tha' sounds like a vicious cycle ta me. Ye start usin' tha healing sap, ye get addicted ta it, and now ye need ta kill more people ta get more sap... Can't even retire with yer ill-gotten gains, ye need ta kill until ye get killed yerself ta get more sap.

[jmbrown]

The ogre moves to grab a flaming pot of oil. As he ***** his arm back to toss it at Anacerak, the mage finishes the command word. At first, nothing happens and the ogre hesitates as if expecting something.

A second later, Anacerak watches in horror as the flesh falls off his skin. Everyone sees the wizard go from flesh and bone to rotting skin. His eyes run out of his skull and two red dots flare up in their sockets. An unholy, pervasive aura surrounds Anacerak. Alacris, while he doesn't understand the new form, knows that Anacerak has joined the living dead.

What Anacerak knows.
Anacerak subconsciously understands that he's shapeshifted into... this. He realizes a sudden boost to his cognitive thought process and the name "lich" passes through his brain. He becomes 'aware' that his body is coursing with negative energy that protect his flesh from mundane weapons, he himself can cause a man's blood to run cold through touch, and he's surrounded by a horrific aura that causes the weak minded to run in fear. While the spells he memorized are still engraved in his brain, their power must surely be amplified in this new form.

The ogre tosses the fire pot at "Anacerak" and it splashes him. His enhanced quickness reduces the effect to 4 points of damage and splashes Big John, Albert, and Rodney who scream in pain.

Round 1

Everyone, except the ogre, is filled with fear. Anacerak emits an aura so terrifying that the deck hands, even the ones on fire, claw and scrape at the walls. Alacris, who's closer to the doorway, is forced to run directly out. Everyone else either cowers pitifully or soils themselves.

Lady Jade, who retains her wits, begins reciting an oratory tale to incite courage to the horrified people.

Anacerak?

[Edwin]

Waving his new, steel cold, bony fingers around the air, in intricate gestures, mumbling unintelligible words in dead and obscure tongues. Finishing his spell, he thrusts his hand forward, as a wall of fog appears in front of him.

Puzzled, he looks down his body, wondering, before rapidly retreating out the room.

Interesting.. Friends, do not be alarmed, I am in need of your services to fell this vile ogre. This is a matter for later!

I cast Wall of Fog in front of my, to obscure the vision of the half ogre, and then I run out of room if I can manage that.

Also, if I can, I try and suppress my aura.

[jmbrown]

The half-ogre, visibly frightened but still maintains his wits, bends down to pick up one of the fallen spears. Anacerak finishes his spell, filling the room with thick fog, and charges out the room suppressing his aura. A spear goes flying out the fog with perfect aim and would have beheaded Anacerak but the negative energies surrounding his new form causes the spear to bounce off harmlessly.

Anacerak is still on fire and takes 1 point of fire damage. One of the deck hands stops screaming although it's impossible to tell whom.

Lady Jade tells an inspiring tale and without the pervasive aura everyone regains their composure.

Round 2

Half-Ogre: 8
Party: 9

Everyone inside the vault can barely see 5' in front of them. Lady Jade calls out "Anacerak has fallen to some fell magic. Let's deal with one problem at a time!"

Alacris and Anacerak are outside in the area where the cannon-trap was tripped. The mage Alacris once knew is no more; before him stands a terrifying undead monstrosity.

Regardless what bdf101 as a player may know, Alacris was horrified as Anacerak fled the room. It wasn't until he surpressed the aura that Alacris even began to think rationally thus missing Anacerak's attempt to calm his allies.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus wields his axe and shield, and runs towards the general direction where he last saw the half-ogre.

TO ME! GET THAT HALF-OGRE!

[Edwin]

I am glad to see you have regained your composure, friend. Now if you would please assist the others in felling the ogre - I am wounded, and I have to figure out a way to restore myself..

Anecerak nods towards Alacris as he speaks, noticing his obvious fright.

Once again, he waves his arms around, creating infinitely intricate patterns of movement in the air, his word echoing as he speaks the words of magic.

I cast Shield on myself

[bdf101]

Upon getting over the initial shock of seeing a lich appear before him, Alacris attempts to understand what he's seen. Anecerak has been a decent, if rather avaricious companion so far, and if a bit out for his own skin, doesn't appear to be evil. The goblins, on the other hand, have broken their word, assaulted the team, and are even now threatening the lives of his shipmates.

Making up his mind that they have to take out the goblins/ogre first before dealing with what has happened to Anecerak, Alacris calls out:
Listen to the Lady, men. I know not what has befallen Anecerak, but as of now, he is not the threat to us. For all we know, the ogre has cast an illusion upon our mage to divide our ranks. Let us deal with the treacherous beasts who are now before us. Then we shall see what can be done for the venerable mage.

Having rallied the men, Alacris charges at where he last saw the ogre too, seeing it as the greatest threat, and serving as the figurehead for the goblins as well.

[evil-frosty]

Realizing that he has regained control of himself, McGruff will charge the half-ogre with Fergus trying to flank if all possible.

Attack if needed,
Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[jmbrown]

Fergus is first to stumble upon the half-ogre and pays for it with a vicious thrust from a spear dealing 7 points of damage.

Fergus repays the attack with a critical axe swipe that carves into the half-ogre's thigh for 8 points. McGruff's attack fails to penetrate the half-ogre's armor. A shot rings out and Fergus feels a sharp impact in his right shoulder but isn't harmed. Lady Jade calls out "Did I hit the half-ogre?"

The half-ogre retreats out the vault leaving behind a trail of blood. As he exits the vault (and the fog cloud) he's cut off by Alacris who's just as surprised, swinging and missing completely. The half-ogre speaks "Wizard magic don't scare Oglaf. I will crush! CRUSH YOU TO GOO!"

Inside the vault, Fergus and McGruff hear the deck hands talking.

"Albert's down!"

"He's not breathing! He's dead!!"

"There's some of that blue sap bottled up here."

"Quick! Get it down his throat now!"

"Gimme some of that! I'm dyin' here!"

"It hurts..."

"Around and around and around and around. Closing in and falling down. Don't you understand? It's the spiral!"

"Someone shut Torgil up before I wring his neck meself!"

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus gets hit by Lady Jade's bullet and screams AARGH! THAT WAS ME! STOP FIRIN' INTO THA FOG BLINDLY!

Fergus then storms after the half-ogre and attacks him again with his axe at the nearest possible opportunity.

Stop blithering about ye fools, and help us fight that damn ogre! All hands, come ta our aid!

[bdf101]

After regaining his composure, Alacris stands firmly in the way of the exit, recovering himself for a second swipe at the half-ogre.

[roll0]
[roll1]

and failed miserably, it would seem :smallannoyed:

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will follow the half-ogre as he flees and attack him again.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Edwin]

Don't drink the sap, you moronic proselytes of reason! Did you not hear what the treacherous chieftain said? Ìt will turn you mindless, derive you of what little sense you possess.

Anecerak stared towards the fog, clutching his sling in his hand, knowing that firing a bullet would ultimately result in him striking an ally.

[jmbrown]

Alacris backs up and takes a swing with his hammer but the half-ogre takes a step back avoiding it completely. Little does he realize this puts his thigh in easy reach of McGruff who chops into it. The half-ogre spins around in pain and thrusts at McGruff but Alacris comes barreling through the fog, inadvertently deflects the spear on his shield (snapping it in half) and drives his axe through the ogre's calf for 2 points of damage. The half-ogre, critically wounded, kneels down and bellows in the dwarves' faces. Lady Jade exits the vault with scimitar in hand but only succeeds in lopping off a lock of the half-ogre's chair.

More voices from inside the vault

"Albert's alive!"

"Miraculous."

"Gimme that water. Grab one of these fallen spears."

"We should have killed the gobblers."

"It's that mage's fault. His greed did this!"

"No! It's all of them! We could've won this day but they stole our glory!!"

"We can kill the half-ogre."

"Why stop at just the half-ogre?"

"THE SPIRAL!"

"Someone shut him up before I shut him up myself!"

Round 4

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus follows the ogre, following the blood on the ground. As the ogre goes down on his knees, he aims an axe strike at the bellowing monster's head.

Go ta HELL ya filthy giantkin!

[Freelance Henchman]

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[Edwin]

Hm, such is nature of those of lesser mental faculty, I suppose. Treason..

Anecerak whispers, barely hearable if not at a short distance,this will be the end of me...

Taking a deep breath, his skinny chest, bony chest puffing up to twice it's regular size, he shouts at the top of what used to be his lungs.

Dwarves! Those infallibly treacherous deckhands have reverted into savagery, and plan murder us where we stand. Defend yourself!

And most importantly, me..

I take a few steps back, enough so that I'm clear of the room, and reactivate the fear aura.

[evil-frosty]

"Fergus we have to take this giantkin down quickly so we can handle the dumb crew.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[bdf101]

Gritting, his teeth, Alacris takes yet another swing, thinking to himself, Third time lucky?

[roll0]
[roll1]

[jmbrown]

The half-ogre swipes at McGruff, misses, and the dwarf swings his axe straight up into the half-ogre's armpit severing tendons and piercing his heart. The half-ogre collapses on the spot.

Lady Jade cautiously exits the vault while reloading her pistol. "He's dead? Well, our work here is finished--"

"Not quite."

Big Joh, Albert, and Rodney exit the vault spears in hand. There's a cold, far removed look in their eyes. Big John steps forward "We've grown tired of your company. Ever since you were hired you've brought nothing but trouble and misfortune. Let us divide the treasure and be on our way. We will not be taking the same ship as you curse magnets."

With the immediate danger lifted, the magic in Anacerak's form weakens and he shifts back to his mundane human self.

[spoiler]
+200xp for "defeating" the hobgoblin chief
+275xp for killing the half-ogre

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus is outraged.

Ye blame US fer tha ship gettin' hijacked!? Bah, blast her scurvy hides, and ta think I went outta me way ta free ye fools as soon as I got outta them cages instead o' just runnin! Suit yerself then, take yer share of loot and begone!

[Edwin]

Curios..

Anecerak eyes his new, or rather, old form, feeling his arms, his legs, his chest, making sure they are, in fact, now longer animate flesh. Slightly disappointed, he walks back into the treasure room, just in time to overhear the conversation. Retreating to back of the party, relishing the relative safety of the dwarven frontline, he sternly look towards the deckhands.

Putting aside the fact that you neglect the use of common sense necessary to see that getting hijacked, as my bearded comrade puts it, had nothing to do with us, tell me; how do you figure you deserve an even share of the treasure?

He pats his robe, looks over his shoulder, and back at the men.

For half the time this foul adventure have been going on, you've been left doing nothing but sob and, evidently, slowly going mad.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus holds his side, where the ogre's spear hit him, and asks Alacris if he can provide any more aid. Ye got any more healin' blessings, mate? Or maybe some bandages? This hurts quite a bit.

As for tha treasure, this room holds enough so we cannae carry all o' it anyway, and they did help before, so they deserves somethin' fer their troubles in any case I'd say. Even if they gonna leave us hangin' now.

[Edwin]

They're layman, and thus they deserve a layman's pay. You do not pay a sailor the same salary you would a proper mercenary, do you?

A grim expression spreads across Anecerak's face, obviously annoyed.

[evil-frosty]

I agree with Anecerak, you guys have done very little to help and without us you all would be dead in some cages and no one would care. Now after you owe your lives to us you're are threatening us?

MCGruff will also slip Fergus the healing potion he has. And starts to mutter how stupid humans can be.

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade raises her hands in protest. "Lets be fair, gentlemen. A troupe's share is not measured by what they could have done. If that were the case a stout warrior would get a better share than the scout even though both risked their lives."

Big John grips his cleaver so hard his knuckles turn white. "You keep talking about saving us! FAH! It was you who betrayed the crew! You who sold us out! You who dealt with that hobgoblin leader like dealing with a devil! A POX ON YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!"

At this point, McGruff and Anacerak make their comments and pass the healing liquid to Fergus

Loric the cabin boy grabs Big John's arm trying to keep his rage from boiling over. In his fit, Big John kicks the boy so hard that he sends him flying several feet back and... tumbling down the mountain. There's a brief moment of silence as time seems to stand still.

Everyone's surprised

Then Torgil drops to his knees shrieking as Big John, Albert and Rodney charge the group.

Round 1
Party 8
Mad Deckhands 9

Fergus has the healing liquid in his hands. Did he sling his shield or did he set his axe aside?

[bdf101]

After casting a contemptuous glance upon the deckhands, Alacris looks Big John in the eye:
You think of butchering the ones who saved your lives? We have fought together and shared blood, sweat and company of the seas and the roads. Where's the honour in that, Big John? We were the ones who took down that ogre. Without us, it would have shredded you lot to mincemeat (a bit of intimidation and reminder of our prowess might help).
Think you can get away with taking the life of the baroness, a noble? For her house will surely hold you responsible for not seeing to her safety. Think you can withstand the might of Thor, a lord of the seas? For if you assault my friends I assure you I will not stand idly by. You have observed firsthand the arcane might of the mage, and the prowess of our dwarven comrades. I would advise you not to rush into a path you won't live to regret, men.

to Fergus:
How bad is the wound, Fergus? I've one last blessing left, so if it ain't serious, we could patch you up and save it for when things look rougher, as they're likely to get.

EDIT: d'oh. Serves me right for not refreshing before submitting a post.

[Edwin]

Perfidious hounds!

Anecerak yells as he sees the deckhands charging, reaching idly for his sling.

You have sealed your anathema with this act. Your malediction will swift and painful..

[evil-frosty]

McGruff tired of the deckhands looks forward to the fight.

Attacking Big John:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus has the healing liquid in his hands. Did he sling his shield or did he set his axe aside?

Fergus is right-handed, so he put the axe on his belt for the moment to receive the bottle.

Fergus was pretty badly hurt by the ogre's spear and decides he can really use the healing power of the potion. He opens the bottle and drinks the whole lot down, dwarven quaffing style.

[bdf101]

Alacris moves forward to make some time for Fergus' quaffing, covering McGruff's back and getting ready to charge anyone attempting to flank McGruff. If no-one does so, Alacris takes a swing at Big John, since without their leader, the crew is far more likely to give up.

[roll0]
[roll1]

EDIT: wth is up with my rolls? I swear, apart from healing Fergus, every one of my rolls have been horrendous

[jmbrown]

Anacerak steps back and launches a sling bullet over Fergus' head but it skips harmlessly off the far wall. Fergus chugs the potion and finds his wounds healing (5 points of damage healed) and McGruff makes a fine attack against Big John who deflects with his cleaver. Big John and Albert swing wildly but their maces don't break through Fergus' armor. Rodney sneaks around the distracted dwarf and charges Anacerak with a deadly strike but Alacris steps in and takes the blow to the chest for 2 points of damage. Alacris thrusts but his leg gets caught on the rope that was holding the cannons in place and he falls flat on his face leaving a clear gap between Anacerak and Rodney.

Lady Jade fires a shot at Rodney, misses, and steps in between him and Anacerak with her cutlass drawn.

Round 2

Deckhands: 1
Party: 1

[Freelance Henchman]

Having quaffed the potion Fergus drops the bottle, draws his axe and aids McGruff in taking down Big John.


Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[evil-frosty]

Swinging again.
Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Edwin]

Taking a few steps back, desperately trying to position himself in a way that'll make charging him impossible, Anecerak flings another bullet, this time towards the advancing Rodney.

Watch out, Lady Jade, these men seems deeply affected by the eerie fluids of the tree. Dangerous things happen when the unskilled handle the bewitching energies of foul magic.

[jmbrown]

Subscriptions not updating >:(

Anacerak launches a bullet at Rodney which nails him in the temple and he falls like a sack of bricks. Alacris stands up and repositions himself for any more chargers.

Seeking to kill Fergus quickly, Big John and Albert move into a flanking position but the dwarf is too thickly armored to injure. McGruff swings wildly and nearly topples over from the ground made slick with moisture from the salty sea air.

Lady Jade sings a battle hymn filling Fergus, McGruff, Anacerak, and Alacris with adrenaline.

+1 to attack rolls and saving throws

Round 3
Deckhands: 3
Party: 5

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will yell to Fergus Get back to back, so they cant flank us. With that McGruff will try to maneuver his way into position.

Attack:[roll0]
Damage:[roll1]

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus tries to get into a back to back position with McGruff, and will then strike at whichever enemy is nearest.

By me ancestor's beards, I'll see ye fall ye stinkin' betrayers!

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[bdf101]

Seeing Fergus recovered, Alacris joins in the dwarven advance and cover any side that seems exposed, shouting:

There's no need to be conservative, boys- We outnumber them 3 to 2. Now it's our turn to flank 'em while Anecerak and Lady Jade pour in the missiles.

So saying, Alacris maneouvres around to Big John's side to finish him off if McGruff's punishing blows haven't already done so.

[jmbrown]

Anacerak fires a bullet that bounces off Big John's studded leather. Lady Jade closes in with her scimitar.

Both dwarves swing their axes but the deckhands are faster with their lighter weapons. As if mocking Alacris, Big John brings his cleaver down on McGruff splitting his skull for 6 points of damage. McGruff's eyes roll into the back of his head and he collapses.

Lady Jade screams "Bastard! You'll pay for that, dog!" as she plunges her scimitar into Big John's thigh for 2 points of damage. Alacris winds up as Fergus chops into Big John for 8 points of damage followed up by the cleric of Trym coming down with his hammer on Big John's head. There's a sickening CRACK as his skull caves in and his body crumples to the ground.

Round 4
Albert: 3
Party: 8

McGruff is splayed out motionless his blood draining across the floor.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus screams Someone help McGruff! as he launches himself at the remaining deckhand, trying to keep him away from the unconscious dwarf. He strikes at Albert.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

[bdf101]

Give it up, man. Your leader is down, likely dead. You're likely to be so, too, unless you drop your weapons and sit quietly. If you don't give up now, I won't bother trying to restrain my dwarven friend here a second time.

If the deckhand gives up, Alacris immediately turns his attentions on McGruff, using the healing he's picked up at the cloisters.

[jmbrown]

Albert spins towards Alacris' voice. His eyes are cold and emotionless, saliva runs down his chin, and he laughs like a maniac. "To the hells with you, cleric!"

He swings his mace at Fergus who steps back and raises his axe. Anacerak puts too much power behind his sling and it goes flying from his hand, catches in the wind, and blows down the side of the mountain. Lady Jade misses with her scimitar and Fergus swings wide. Alacris thrusts out with his hammer crushing Albert's lungs and sending him toppling over the mountain.

End Combat

Only a second has passed since Albert toppled over. Torgil is still screaming in the corner and McGruff continues to bleed out.

[Freelance Henchman]

As Albert tumbles down the mountain, Fergus puts away his axe immediately and looks for the healing potion bottle he just dropped. He will retrieve it and see if there's any of the liquid remaining in it, which he is not sure about since he had to drink so quickly. If anything is left, he will pour it into McGruff's mouth.

Ancestor's souls protect ye McGruff, we gonna get ye up and fightin' in no time! Come on, stay with us!

[jmbrown]

The bottle is dry. There was only a swig left and the remaining residue isn't enough to do anything. Lady Jade sets about stabilizing him using bits of torn cloth wrapped around his exposed head wound. "Still alive but he'll be hurting for a while. Alacris, you said you had some healing left?"

[bdf101]

Indeed, I had 2 prayers for cure light wounds ready to be invoked when we were preparing. The first was used to bring Fergus back to health. And as soon as we've stabilized McGruff's condition, I'm call upon Trym to bring McGruff back to his stout self.

[jmbrown]

Alacris, with no healing tools in hand, resorts to casting his final prayer to bring McGruff back to consciousness. His head is throbbing and he can barely speak let alone stand as the skin surrounding his exposed skull mends itself perfectly. While this is happening, Lady Jade calms the shrieking Torgil who stops his wailing long enough to stand. She invites him into the (still) foggy vault.

A minute later, Lady Jade exits the vault alone and with a stoic expression on her face. "This place is horrible. Let's gather up the haul and move on. We can count and share it in the safety of the Captain's camp."

It takes nearly 30 minutes for Anacerak's wall of fog to dissipate. Whatever powers filled his prior form were potent indeed. Torgil's body is seen resting peacefully in a corner; there's a smile on his face and his neck is twisted at an odd angle. The trap door in the center of the room is closed and no amount of struggling or brute strength forces it open.

While stuffing some baubles into a crate, Lady Jade speaks about the wand in particular "As a seeker of lore, I've heard a thing or two about such a creation. Supposedly a bumbling wizard apprentice set about creating a wand to do wondrous things. Exactly what his definition of wondrous was is beyond me but the original wand would have random effects desirable and not. It was purchased by an eccentric gnome illusionist, known for their trickery, and copied for centuries. I've never heard of a wondrous wand transforming the wielder but it's safe to assume that no two wondrous wands function exactly the same. Magellan must have given you a rare or powerful one without actually knowing it's true function...

...Or, perhaps you just got lucky and didn't activate one of its nastier abilities. I've heard of wondrous wands trapping the wielder in one of the outer planes." Lady Jade visibly shivers at the thought and makes a semi-circle over her heart.

In addition to several chests full of coins, there's several potions holding the blue sap, a bag of dried roots (that wriggle ever so slowly), and several casks of rum (very fine rum as Fergus would no doubt likely try) with the stamp of "Port Toro" etched into the wood. The hobgoblin chief's quarterstaff is of exceptional make but what enchantments, if any, will have to be gleaned in safety.

McGruff is beyond heavy lifting but there's enough hands to carry the goods back to the surface provided Anacerak, who's also gravely injured, is willing to haul an extra load.

+1750xp for a job well done
Leveling up will be done once you're rested up and get some training and with the mercenary company available there's plenty of training to be had.

[Freelance Henchman]

After seeing that McGruff is in stable condition, Fergus takes a look at the rum casks.

NOW we're talkin', tha' be lookin like some high class rum in thar, just right fer an old sailor! Let's get tha loot back ta base, and then we drink to tha fallen and celebrate this small victory!

[evil-frosty]

Rum??? Gimme some of that. It'll do more good then anything else right now.

[Edwin]

Anecerak stumbles into the treasure room, dusting his robes and tucking his sling away. Smiling, he looks at the dwarves, Lady Jade, and finally glancing towards the roots and the staff.

It seems like our excursion have given us its most valuable treasures, companions. Now, the root sample are of a great interest to me, as is the staff, so I'll be taking those, agree?

Blinking, he looks up.

Not.. Uhm, to be.. You know.. Argh.

The words come spitting, as if blisters are forming in his mouth as he speaks.

Greedy..

[jmbrown]

(in response to Anacerak's comment) Lady Jade simply shrugs her shoulders. It seems the day's events have hit her hard and she has nothing to say at the moment.

The first thing everyone notices back at the camp sight is Captain O'Toole chewing out one of his lieutenants. The soldiers are burning the bodies of dead goblinoids and the guards eye the party with contempt. Magellan and the Captain are the first to approach the group and Magellan giggles as he speaks "I see you were successful. Funny thing happened while you were gone--"

Captain O'Toole pounds his massive, obviously magical gauntlets into a pillar and nearly shatters it. "They stole one of my ships!!! The men I had stationed outside to make sure the goblins didn't climb the walls were ambushed and killed by a small party. By the time I noticed, all the goblinoids in the upper floor escaped and stole one of my carracks!"

Lady Shrug gives a half-hearted smile and shrugs. "Quite unfortunate, Captain. I failed to find my signet ring, many men died, and McGruff and Anacerak are knocking on death's threshold. If you don't mind, we'd like to count this out and speak later."

The Captain gives a suspicious look but finds a soldier goofing off and storms away to rip him a new *******.


I'm going to be flying home today so my time will be limited. I've got the treasure list at home so I'll try to post that before flying out.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus looks for some food, then sits down with the others. If they brought a cask of rum, Fergus will open it and offer everyone a nice measure of rum to toast the fallen, even the deckhands that ended up betraying them. He will pray for the dead comrade's souls, and thank the dwarven gods for their chance to pay back the goblins at least a little.

[Freelance Henchman]

As for the loot, Fergus wants nothing to do with any of the magic stuff in this place, not the chief's staff and definitely none of the plant roots and such, so Anacerak can help himself to any of that without at least Fergus objecting. He would like any gems and gold though, or possibly any weapons of good quality. A clean chain shirt or other good armor would also be welcome, in case gear like that was in the room.

[evil-frosty]

After having some rum McGruff will go to sleep trying to heal some of his injuries.




McGruff doesnt care if Anacerak takes the staff or plant roots. He is in the same boat as Fergus in terms in what he wants.

[jmbrown]

An hour later, all the loot is counted out. Lady Jade borrows some parchment and nominates herself treasurer unless someone else objects.

Yon Treasury

Large, heavy chest: 5989 pieces of copper
Smaller chest: a mixture of silver (898) and gold (976).

All the coins are minted from various civilizations. Clearly these hobgoblins preyed on a wide variety of travelers.

Large Sack: contains a melody of gems which the dwarves successfully appraise. 2 chipped opals (20gp each), 2 flawed rubies (200gp each), 3 black opals (150gp each), and 3 cut diamonds (1500gp each).

3 vials of blue sap
4 small casks of Port Toros Rum (valued 100gp total)
A sack of the iron-tough roots extracted from the tree (still wriggling slowly)
Ship's cargo and crew manifest

Most curious of all is half of the ship's navigational charts. Several pins point out the spot where the crew was ambushed.

Anacerak asks for the staff and roots. The quarterstaff is made from a cured wood, hard like iron, and has a disturbing shrunken goblin head attached to the end. Holding makes Anacerak noticeably more aggressive. Surely if it weren't for the 1st and 2nd degree burns on his body he'd like to take on the entirety of these mercenaries.

In total there's approximately 1,124 gold worth of coins and 5,390 gold worth of gems. Lady Jade suggests the party members receive the gems first as portable wealth is better (especially on the open ocean) than coins. Lady Jade splits things as so:


Anacerak
Quarterstaff
Roots
Black opals (450gp)
44gp

Fergus
Diamond (1500gp)
244gp

McGruff
Diamond
244gp (1500gp)

Alacris
Diamond (1500gp)
244gp

Lady Jade
4 casks of the rum
Rubies and chipped opals (440gp)
200gp

Rainy Day Party Fun
5,989cp
898cp


Fergus can requisition a fresh set of chain mail, however, it'll cost him twice the price due to supply and demand. While everyone's sipping on rum and massaging sore muscles, Lady Jade espouses her thoughts.

"We're free now and a few hundred gold richer as a result. I've lost my signet ring and, to be honest, my family disowned me when I chartered this voyage. I'm a commoner, then. No more influential than yourselves and less likely to survive as well."

"If the hobgoblin chief was correct, our enemies are from within. I spoke with the captain briefly and he said the bodies found discarded outside and the zombies we fought don't match the crew manifest entirely. My prime suspect is our former captain whom may very well be hiding in Port Toros, a fine city if a little seedy. The ship is also beached on the other side of the island and surely there are clues to be found there as well.

"What you do now is your concern. You're rich enough to buy some land and retire as craftsmen but I believe you're destined for greater than that. I plan on traveling the islands, singing songs and spreading word in taverns of your deeds today. However, there's an obvious element of danger involved with you four and as a tale weaver I can't pass that up.

"So. Should you choose to pursue this trail of lies and deceit, you can count on Lady... no, I'm no longer nobility. You can count on Jade Minayus of Lamonte to bolster your spirits and provide an extra set of eyes. You're the heroes of this grand tale and a great writer knows never to write himself in his tales."

[bdf101]

In a brief aside to Anecerak, Alacris asks for a vial of the treesap and a sample of 2 roots to be sent to the mother superiors back at the convent for study.

Also, sorry to be harping on this again, but what was the result of the detect evil I cast on the tree day 1?

[Freelance Henchman]

I'm too young ta settle down, an' in any case I want ta see tha bastards what planned all this hang. Me thinks we make a good team, we got two dwarven warriors fer tha rough stuff, a priest fer healin', a mage fer tha magickin' and I appreciates yer presence milady, if ye will allow me ta keep on calling ye Lady Jade.

So if we travel on searching for them pirates, count me in.


Also, Fergus will pay the exorbitant fee for a new chain shirt seeing how much battle they have already experienced in a short time.

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade tells Fergus to save his coin. She donates the caskets of rum to Captain O'Toole whose stern expression melts away as he drives a spiggot into each barrel and tosses them towards his companions. Lady Jade offers a final mug to anyone who asks "I know it's a death wish separating a dwarf from his drink but we certainly could use some allies in this new land. The captain may bring us one step closer to the questions we seek."

24 hours of complete bed rest and Fergus, Anacerak, and McGruff heal 3 hit points. Alacris heals McGruff, who's the most grievously injured, back to full health and tops off Fergus.

There's approximately a day and a half left before the reinforcements arrive. Captain O'Toole's disposition is friendlier but he's still cross that somehow his party was ambushed and a boat stolen. He ends up finding the tunnel leading to the treasure room and moves to question Lady Jade but the presence of the dryad interrupts him.

Several times in the day she appears at the base of the tree stepping out from the iron tough bark like it's water. Captain O'Toole orders his men to maintain a wide berth but otherwise ignores the woman who appears harmless. Magellan tries striking up a conversation but she says nothing more than simple pleasantries.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus grumbles over the loss of fine, fine rum, but gladly accepts the last mug of the stuff that Lady Jade offers.

Aye, yer probably right Lady Jane, can use any help we can get in this forsaken place.

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus accepts the new chain shirt gladly.

Tha's great, cannae drink rum when yer dead anyway, eh? This is gonna come handy I be sure.

Fergus adds:

Also, me thinks we should try and talk to that dryad, ask her about the history of this place. Someone built this place, and I'm curious how all this came to be. I says until them reinforcements arrive we try and talk to her, maybe try ta placate her with presents of some sort. Although I ain't fer knowin' what a creature like that will like, don't want ta insult her after all.

In any case, we should try and get her ta tell us what she knows about who was reignin' here and used the tree fortress as base recently.

[evil-frosty]

"I agree with Fergus that seems to be a sensible plan of action."

[jmbrown]

Lady Jade is still hungover from last night's party and she feably nods her head in approval. She cougs twice and says in a weak voice "One should never drink with a dwarf and battle hardened soldiers. Alacris? Anacerak? If one of you could do the honor I would like to save my voice for the day. She doesn't appear hostile, even to dwarves as fey normally are."

[bdf101]

Alacris nods: "Tis a fair course of action, especially if we learn more about this tree and its background."

[Freelance Henchman]

Best if any of ye humans do the talkin' rather than me or McGruff. So how about an offerin' of some sort? We got some rare plant or sumthin' from tha mainland that don't grow here maybe?

[evil-frosty]

Dont we have some of that tree juice stuff? We could give that back to her.

[bdf101]

I'm not sure she'd be interested, seeing as how quickly that stuff vanishes naturally. Although it's definitely worth a try.

[jmbrown]

((Dumb subscriptions not updating :smallmad:))

Lady Jade rubs her temples in pain. "I would rather Alacris or Anacerak speak to her. My head is throbbing and I would like nothing more than to rest."

[Freelance Henchman]

Do them feyfolk love anythin' else BUT plants? I ain't got a clue.

In any case, we should just go and try ta strike up a conversation with her. If she wants anythin' she's bound ta tell us sooner or later. So, Alacris or Anacerak can do tha talkin', while McGruff and me stay back and try not to annoy her.

[evil-frosty]

I for one agree with Fergus as it seems the best approach.

[bdf101]

So then, shall we go down once again, this time to try my charms against the lady of the tree?

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus gets his equipment.

Nae time ta waste really, get yer stuff and let's go. Take yer weapons just in case we run inta some stragglin' goblins or such.

[evil-frosty]

McGruff will gather up his gear as well without saying much beyond asking for help with his armor.

[bdf101]

Just as a suggestion, my dear dwarves, perhaps you ought to leave your battle axes behind, or at least hidden out of way? Seeing as how we think the lady may be a dryad, and considering the general opinion dryads tend to hold towards axes...

[Freelance Henchman]

Fergus grumbles a bit, but agrees that anything too axe-like should be hidden away. He will stash his axe in his backpack, but have his harpoon slung across his back.

[jmbrown]

As the party readies their gear to head back underground, the tree shudders slightly as the dryad steps out from it. While not the first time she's appeared to tend to the flowers around the trunk, the soldiers predictably creep around to peer at the naked fey. As if on cue Captain O'Toole exits his tent and leers at anyone thinking about abandoning their post.

Lady Jade takes a swig from her wineskin. "Well, we won't have to go back down to that musty dungeon. I can still smell the rotting meat from that trap set earlier."

[bdf101]

So er, what exactly were we thinking of asking her again, fellas? :smallredface: