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View Full Version : [M]Castle Greyhawk: Against The Little Guys IC



John
10-18-2011, 05:05 AM
HEROES WANTED

Herzog Akitrom the Merely Worried, Lord of Castle Greyhawk, requests the assistance of all able bodied adventurers. In recent days. Castle Greyhawk as fallen under siege by the druids of the Golden Bough is what is clearly an over reaction to the mighty Herzog's "Fireball Fun in the Forest" program and is in need of assistance to parlay, or should they continue to be unreasonable, aid in fighting them.

There is also the issue of the mists. It has been reported by several people, not the least of which was the half orc Eyargh the Perpetually Drunk, that a mist has appeared on occasion with in the castle walls and the surrounding areas. Witnesses have also reported the disappearance of several people who either went into the mist to investigate or were swallowed by it.

It has also been reported by Ilyea Lott, that a rainbow coloured dragon appeared from the mists and ate his mother before dancing a jig and retreating back into the mists.

Adventurers will be paid the sum of 1000 gold pieces for helping with and stopping these threats.


It was the reason you went to Castle Greyhawk. And a damn good reason at that. One thousand old pieces is a lot of money. So gathering your things, you left your home, or wherever you happened to be at the time, and ventured into the world to seek your fortune at Castle Greyhawk.

The world can be a difficult place, and no doubt you met with hardships along the away. Finally, however, you arrived at the castle and were sent to the courtyard to await Herzog who would address all the adventures that had arrived.

The castle itself, is more properly, a walled compound housing two great towers and the Citadel Union, a semicircular building that is positioned so that it's rounded side faces away from the towers. The wall is circular, 25 feet high with a diameter of around 400 feet. The only building outside the walls is a stables next to the southern gate. Otherwise, the castle is surrounded by a clearing, whose tall grasses are poor and damaged by the usually inclement weather. The clearing extends in all directions from the compound for 500 yards, and the castle guardsmen are frequently called upon to clear away any woodland encroachment.

The wall itself consists of mainly unworked metals with a brick covering and is patrolled by about 14 guards, who scan both the inside and the outside of the compound. The wall has one gate on it's southern face.

The interior of the walls has dozens of houses and even more stalls where local and exotic wares are traded. The whole area seems more like a small town than a castle.

Upon arriving in the courtyard, which is nestled between the towers, you immediately hear jaunty music being played by a band of three minstrels standing beneath a banner which reads "Welcome Heroes." Of course there are other adventurers, and even more arrive after wards, but they all seem to be much as you are. Newcomers to the profession of adventuring.

After waiting for an hour, finally Herzog arrives at the courtyard escorted by two guards. His face as beaming as he sees the number of people who have arrived, but the smile quickly fades when he realizes that none of you are seasoned as far as he can tell. Taking a moment to clear his throat, he begins to speak.

"A warm welcome to you all this fine day," Herzog spoke loudly. "I would like to thank you all for coming. As I'm sure you already know, we have two problems here at the Castle. The first of which, the druids of the Golden Bough, have agree to stop the attacks and will meet with you all in two days time at noon in the clearing outside the castle walls.

For now, I would like you to investigate the mists that have been appearing in and about the castles. You may feel free to wander about the grounds and question anyone you need to. Accommodations have been provided as well as all the supplies you will need." As if on cue, several guards came into view carrying crates of food and other assorted adventuring supplies.

I will be unavailable for a time as I do have other tasks to attend to, but I'm sure you can find out enough information without my help. And I recommend you start at the market," Herzog motioned with his hand at a section of the interior with a great many stalls.

"And I would recommend that you all work together," Herzog a hint of concern on his face. "Strength in numbers and all that." Shifting uncomfortably for a moment, Herzog glanced at one of the guards before wishing you all luck and heading back to his tower.

After stocking your supplies form the crates provided by Herzog, you make your way to the market. Reaching the first row of stalls, you hear a disturbing sound mixing in with the other wise joyful and exuberant sounds of the market. The sound of a child crying.

As you turn a corner, you see a small redhead boy, perhaps about nine or ten years old sitting with his back against the wall. His clothes are dusty and ragged. His face is tear-streaked, with dark smudges covering his freckled cheeks. His hands are clutched around a small battered tin cup that contains one copper coin. From his neck hangs a tattered sign with the word, "Orphan" written on it.

Upon seeing your party, the boy attempts to dry his eyes with the torn sleeve of his shirt, rules bravely and says, "Copper for a new orphan?" his tone is respectful and he speaks with a cockney accent. "Beggin your pardon, but poor old dad has been lost in the dungeons below the castle for two days now and I can only assume the worst, ma'ams and sirs."

Meinolf
10-18-2011, 06:06 AM
Mendel looked upward to stare at the sitting brat in the face. With a sharp and precise movement, he jams his gnarled left finger 'twixt the boy's eyes, "Nice try, runt, but not good enough! I know a greedy soul when I see one, and while on most days I would commend you for trying -- today is not one of those days. You actually thought you would try to con Mendel? The GREAT mendel!? Why, the very thought is inconceivable!! Now," with a gesture of his hand he slaps the boy across the face, "move along."

As an afterthought, he looks down once more at the tin cup. "Bagh, not even worth my time."

John
10-18-2011, 08:18 AM
The moment the hand meet with his face, the boy started to cry, clutching the cup tighter and shrinking away from the party.

"I knew no-o-o one wou-ou-ould help me-e-e-e," the boy sobbed as he spoke. "My poor old dad i-i-is probably ly-y-ying dead in the dungeon. Or worse! Now-ow-ow I'll never know."

Tune
10-18-2011, 01:09 PM
Eccawen had happened to be wandering the same marketplace path as another larger group was, and she nearly bumped into a Gnome who suddenly stopped in the middle of the street. She hung back, frowning from the sound of crying.

ice try, runt, but not good enough! I know a greedy soul when I see one, and while on most days I would commend you for trying -- today is not one of those days. You actually thought you would try to con Mendel? The GREAT mendel!? Why, the very thought is inconceivable!! Now," he slapped the kid, "move along."

Eccawen's jaw dropped. The crude sign around the boy's neck read 'orphan'. She couldn't imagine why gnomes were cruel creatures. She stepped past the gnome, and knelt by the child, "ease your tears, ease your tears. It will be fine. You say your dad is lost in a dungeon? Can you point me in that direction? I'll do my best to find him, I give you my word." She looked down at the tin cup again, and rummaged through her robe for her small money pouch. She tossed a couple gold coins into the little boy's cup, and smiled.

"When I find your daddy, what's his name? And what's your name? I'm sure he'll he happy to hear your alive and well when I find him."

Lord Tully
10-18-2011, 03:58 PM
Gilder was finding his way through the market when he heard somebody yelling, followed closly by the sound of someone else crying. He followed the sound and arrived just in time to witness a particularly nasty looking Gnome slap a small child. "I'd tell you to pick on somebody your own size, but I guess you have to find children for that." he said stepping in front of the Gnome to stand in his way, "And here I thought that Gnomes were all cheery little shoe makers."
Gilder had always found Gnomes a bit interesting, they were either the picture of kindness or completely horrible, in his experience anyway ~I guess the phrase 'middle ground' never entered the Gnomish language.~ he absently thought to himself while waiting for the small man to respond.

Meinolf
10-18-2011, 08:41 PM
Looking upward, Mendel scowls at the half-breed before pointing his left finger at the cur's family jewels, "Watch yourself tall one. I'm not like those mean little cobbler's that haunt your dreams. No -- I am a million times worse. I ..."

Mendel stops mid-sentence at the distinct 'clink, clink, clink' sound of gold touching tin, and whirls around to see a faerie maiden coddling that runt from before. "No! No, no, no! By Garl's nuggets, are you really that gullible girl? That little brat is conning you. I could see pixie dick over here fall for it, but I expected better of your kind. Bagh, of all the gorram days to get surrounded by a bunch of goody-goody's." Still scowling, Mendel looks down at the tin cup, "Huh, well at least it is worth taking now."

Before bending down to help himself to the shiny gold peices, Mendel feels a stirring around him. Taking notice, he can see that quite a bit of a crowd is now surrounding the little con-artist, and is sure to bring the guards in to see what all the ruckus is about. "Ah hell -- This is Verbobonc all over again."

Korvis
10-18-2011, 10:15 PM
Amili watched the spectacle from in the shadows, her eyes narrow. The gnome slapping the child, the elf tossing the coins, the half-elf challenging the gnome, and the gnome beginning to help himself to said coins. Amili sighed agitatedly, noticing Kass's plea. Quickly and silently appearing from the shadows before the gnome, placing her hand on the gnome's arm. Kass smiles very sweetly on the outside, with Amili's anger boiling under the surface.

"Sir, maybe we could find a more couth... and interesting way of settling this." Not yet removing her hand... "Im leaving to find this child's father. If you are afraid, feel free to stay, but a few gold coins will not heal the wound of being an orphan." Amili's anger fading slowly as Kass casts a kind look with her bright green eyes toward the high elf.

Meinolf
10-19-2011, 12:49 AM
Today was becoming quite the troublesome day indeed. Mendel had only wanted to see if the mists were true, and find out once and for all if his dreams were indeed prophetic in nature. So why was he being manhandled and jeered at by the cohorts of a con-artist waif?

Mendel visibly shook with rage at having his arms jostled behind his back, and the puny weight of a half-breed leaning down to apply pressure. "Ya git -- if you know what is good for ya, you'll release me now and make yourself scarce. 'Cause if you don't, then when I am through with ya lifeless corpse, even Hades won't accept you into his realm!"

Korvis
10-19-2011, 01:04 AM
Immediately, Amili took control. Her head snapped back toward the gnome, locking onto his face with slit-narrow eyes. In her peripheral vision noticing the crowd growing larger.

Counting her options, she knew she couldnt be caught out in the open. Not like this. She would be answering for a literal lifetime of crimes. Leaning her head back, and lifting her hand from the gnome's arm, she very slowly walked backward back into the shadow, a faint disgusted sneer crossing her lips before the shadows passed back over her green eyes and she dissapeared.

(ooc:i would like her to head toward the dungeon from there, however, if you would like to stop me in the interest of getting this thing going as a group, i am still there, in the shadows. just not visible, or trying not to be visible anyways.)

Awean8
10-19-2011, 04:07 AM
"So I heard I could find some gold here?", Dryden had said referring to the 1,000 gold pieces he had been told about by Robert, the local poop-farmer. The archer adjusted the longbow that was strapped to his back in order to make it more comfortable.

The kid that had started to garner a large crowd made Dryden smile as he watched him. It reminded him of when he was a child. He used to cry all the time when mom would beat him over the head with a wooden spoon when he didn't wipe his feet, or when he used all her money on "magic beans". She was executed a few seasons ago for smacking a fully armored knight over the head for not saying excuse me when she had sneezed. She managed to knock him into a coma. Good times. Good times.

"Here kid, don't spend it all in one place ya here?", he said flicking the coin so hard that it beamed the kid straight in the forehead. Carelessly striding to new interests the man quested for what he believed would reward him 1,000 gold pieces. It wasn't too long before his proud steps had halted when he had realized that he had no idea of where he was going. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about any mists huh kid?"

John
10-19-2011, 04:18 AM
The boy with the red hair slowly stopped crying, bringing his dirty tattered sleeve to wipe away the tears; which in the end did little more than smear more dirt on his face.

"Thank you ma'am," he smiled meekly at Eccawen. "Dad went into the dungeons to search for a treasure. He had heard the there was a good lot of gold down there and he was just trying to earn a few coppers for the evening stew," the boy sobbed again. "His dream has always been for to taste a bit o' potato before I'm a full grown man. Bless his soul." Starting to stand, he winced in pain as the coin thrown by Dryden hit him in the forehead. Rubbing his forehead, he bent down and picked up the coin, placing it in his pocket.

"Thank you sir," the boy smiled. "And I don't know anything about them mists I don't sir. The adults said to stay away from them and that's just what I've done."

Moving to Eccawen, the boy placed his hand in hers .

"Thank you again ma'am," the boy spoke, his tone becoming a little more cheerful, yet still with the underlying sorrow at the disappearance of his father. " I don't know if dad's still alive, t I'm so happy you will help to find out. Bless your soul ma'am." And with that, the boy started pulling Eccawen along.

Tune
10-19-2011, 03:41 PM
Eccawen had enough mind to knock some sense into the brutes that terrorized. First the damned Gnome, then that man, Eccawen thought, listening to the boy's words. "A bit of potato?" Eccawen murmured. She had no idea how hard it was in the local region to find or afford a potato for dinner and she already had plans to take care of the father's dream when/if she found him.

She followed after the boy, elbowing through the crowd that had gathered, casting glares towards the brutes who tried rough handling him. They need to learn, when dealing with a crying child, being rough is the worst way to accomplish anything, she thought, being dragged off down the streets by the boy. She never really ventured into a dungeon before, so this would be an interesting adventure indeed. Could she find any clues to the mists and the disappearance of the townspeople in the dungeon? She sure hoped so.

If the boy's father wasn't alive... she'd share some of the 1,000 gold coins she planned on earning, even if it killed her. It's best to have a plan, and save up than foolishly waste hard earned money, she reckoned.

Auki
10-19-2011, 06:28 PM
Irin rubbed a slightly ruddy nose; the motion was rough, almost impatient. It did nothing to remove the dirt layering her face. She assumed it had ingrained into her pores by now; ignored for so long, it had no intention of leaving if not chased off by the shower of a water bucket. Cleanliness was not considered her priority of life. She had clotted blood splattered over her torso, streaking webs of grim with the mud that accompanied it. Bathing in order to keep her health in check was a necessity. Anything else, an inconvenience.

Apparently, the folk around had different ideas of what was important. She asked questions about the mist, demanded herself answers, but each time was met with the same upturned nose and disgusted expression. Curse them.

She traipsed around the markets in silent disgruntlement, putting aside all glares and sneers that came her way. If the gold pieces were to be hers, if this settlement was to be returned to normal, they would have to confide their knowledge in the adventurers. It seemed to task of gathering information would not fall on her but those that Herzog had suggested she work with were long gone from sight.

Thoughts of buying supplies on top those she had crossed her mind but those selling did not wish for her presence either. Perhaps it was the smell of her, driving away their other customers, but enough snark remarks gave her hint to take her leave. One shop was closed, thankfully, and as such the crowds were thinned around it. She headed there, appreciating the space, and looked around, wondering what her next action should be.

Korvis
10-19-2011, 06:45 PM
Silently slipping from shadow to shadow, Kass followed the boy. She would make sure that he got his father back. Even if they didnt have a copper to their name, money is a cruel joke when you dont have anybody to love you. Not to say she wouldnt be depositing bit of coinage into his cup after she saved his father... but that would come later.

Worse come to worse.... if his father was already dead... which very well could be... Well, she would cross that road when she came to it..

Enigma
10-20-2011, 02:44 AM
Sabine found herself with the others drifting into the marketplace. There was a small knot of people near the wall. There was a child crying, boisterous yelling and something being tossed around about cobblers. With a frown, the young cleric in her light green robes pushed her way through the crowd.

"Someone asked for a cobbler?" Sabine asked. Knowing how to make and repair boots was a very important skill for a travelling sect. She raised an eyebrow at the sight of red-headed boy trying to lead a young elf maiden away. The boy's cheeks and eyes were red, as was the bump forming on his forehead. There was also a gnome staring angrily at everyone and a human warrior. Behind her she could hear others moving through the crowd.

"So," the half-elf asked with a faint smile, assuming a casual stance with her quarterstaff as she addressed the group, "what's going on over here?"

Lord Tully
10-20-2011, 03:54 PM
~PIXIE DICK!?!~ Gilder thought as his face harden with fury, his hand almost went to the mace at his belt but the ranger decided that exposing the contents of the Gnome's skull to sunlight would only traumatise the young boy. Intentionally trying to keep his temper fom boiling any more, he deliberatly turned from the Gnome to a woman who was asking what happened, "Well, Stumpy there was being a prick to the boy," he said in a low voice while gestureing to Mendal, "I was going to kick his ass a little, but that doesn't seem like a good idea now that this crowd has gathered."
He looked back at the gathering of people to see the boy leading the elf woman away to the dungeon where his father went. Having little better to do until the meeting with the Druids, Gilder decided to follow them, ignoring the human warrior entirely.

Tune
10-21-2011, 12:29 AM
She had the weird feeling she was being followed, but with the large group of warriors she seen earlier, it wouldn't be a surprise if they were to follow, trying to catch a whiff of anything that would lead them to the gold. Bunch of greedy people, Eccawen thought, walking along behind the boy.

"Might I ask, what's your name, kid? My name is Eccawen Meridan," Eccawen said, trying to make small talk with the poor orphan. She could still hear the gold pieces rattling in the pin cup.

She hoped they reached the dungeon soon. Every minute it took to reach the dungeon was another minute the boy's father could be dying of starvation. And all for a little extra money to fulfill a dream of eating potatoes. The human world is in worse shape than I heard, Eccawen thought, squeezing the boy's hand.

John
10-21-2011, 01:14 AM
"Cullum," he smiled up at Eccawen, continuing to lead her through the crowds of people.. "Cullum McCreedy ma'am. Beggin your pardon, but do you think poor ol' dad could still be alive?"

Meinolf
10-21-2011, 03:54 AM
Though he is not one to normally associate himself with gits and sycophants, there was one word that nagged incessantly inside of Mendel's vast erudition mind. Gold! Here was a win-win situation. There was gold to be had, and morons to die. This party of adventurers is clearly what Moranis, the great gnomish genius, had in mind when he described his theory of evolution -- which stated, succinctly, that evil is always superior, because good is dumb.

Making a quick calculation of the probability of any of the halfwits he's seen so far living through the deep, dank depths of the dungeon, Mendel figured that he would get nearly 90% of all that delicious gold that was just waiting below in the cold earth. Truly this was the promised reward from the Father that Mendel had dreamed so vividly of. With this in mind, Mendel -- with that sly look on his face -- followed the sashaying hips of the fair elven lass and her red-headed waif.

Anne Bonny
10-21-2011, 04:33 AM
Morwyn had been sidetracked.

She had arrived in time for Lord Herzog Akitrom's speech, certainly. But in doing as the lord directed, she headed to the marketplace for information. Unfortunately, brightly colored canvases of a painter selling his artwork had caught her golden eye, and the little elf became distracted.

It wasn't until several minutes had passed that (after nosing through several delightful paintings of flowers) the little elf girl remembered the lord's task. Morwyn winced to herself. How could she expect to help the poor people of Greyhawk if she dawdled about so? Very foolish, she scolded herself.

It was then that a small cluster of people passed by and caught Morwyn's attention. And closer to her still, two half-elves were discussing who the group was and what they were doing. Morwyn remained silent, as it would be silly to ask again what was going on rather than to listen, but flushed a deep scarlet at the male's foul language.

Still, she pieced together that the boy's father was trapped, in danger, and quite possibly dead (how dreadful!), and the group was planning on helping him. Well that settled the question of what to do next! Without any further hesitation, Morwyn was trotting along behind the hodge-podge of adenturers.

Shepherd
10-21-2011, 05:25 AM
Torvah listened to Herzog Akitrom, the Merely Worried's, speech with a mixture of boredom and disdain. He cared little about these so called "mists" that seemed to worry this area and little about the monetary reward, though 1000 gold was a very nice sum. He was here for one reason and one reason only, to see if the rumors about the druids attacking were indeed true. He had no dealings with the Order of the Golden Bough, in fact he'd never heard of them till a rumor of renegade druids attacking a castle reached his ears about a week back.

Anyone who knew anything about druids would know the story was preposterous, they didn't randomly lay siege to castles, nor did they conjure up mists capable of spiriting people or away, or send rainbow dragons, whatever the hell those were, to dine on people's mothers. It was all just too absurd, so Torvah decided to change his course and head to the castle and figure out just what in the bloody name of Nerull was going on.

After the kings speech Torvah helped himself to some of the supplies laid out. Never hurts to be prepared, he thought, and since it looks like I have to investigate these mists before we get to speak to the druids, I might as well take some of the things that are offered. Ask around for information, huh..., he thought, well why not start with a guard, they'll certainly know at least what these attacks are about.

Torvah noticed a lone guard sitting on a low wall eating what appeared to be his lunch and walked began to walk towards him. "Excuse me sir, but... I was wondering if I could ask you a few questions about what exactly has been going on here lately?"

The guard gave looked Torvah a look that seemed to say Can't you see I'm not working right now, but then he seemed to think twice about it. "May as well, though I doubt I'm gonna be able to tell you anything you don't already know."

"I appreciate your time sir," said Torvah. "I was wondering if you could give me any more information on exactly why the druids are laying siege to the castle. That seems rather out of character for druids."

"Well," the guard thought for a moment, "laying siege may not be the right word, but they are sending woodland creatures and trees to attack the castle. But the reason they're attacking is cause of the Lord's FFITF program."

"FFITF program?" asked Torvah curiously.

"Yes, FFITF, the Fireball Fun in the Forest program. It got them all worked up."

"And what is the FFITF program exactly?" asked Torvah.

"It was rather ingenious actually," replied the guard, "you see, the mages around here are all trained for combat, they all have spells like fire balls and acid arrows. But the mages get kind of antsy when they don't have anything to shoot them out. I'm mean, what's the point of having spells if you can't use them right?" said the guard, nodding his head in agreement. "So the lord figured, take the mages into the forest and shoot some spells at a few trees, all in good fun mind. The trees don't fight back or move, and the wizards get to let off some steam. Which was a great idea in theory." The guard then paused noticing a slightly strained look on Torvah's face.

"Go on," Torvah encouraged, though he said it through gritted teeth.

"Well, it got the druids all in a tizzy cause there was a bit of miscalculation on what exactly the aftermath would be. Part of the forest burned down and two of the wizards got burned pretty bad. In fact they are still in the infirmary. So it didn't quite go like the plan, and now the druids are attacking for us disrespecting or desecrating or some D word, there forest. I don't get what the problem was myself," the guard said, genuinely confused, "it was just a few trees, they'll grow back."

Torvah bit his tongue at the guards last comment, while true, the forest could be restored, the trees that died will not come back, they are as dead as if they were a person killed. Why could people never understand that? Torvah thought. If your brother dies, just cause your mother has another child doesn't "replace" the one that was lost. Trees were no different.

"Well, I can understand the druid's hostility then. Throwing fireballs in the forest is definitely a bad idea. It seems the lord had an error in judgement." Torvah said, trying to keep his opinions on the matter to himself. They weren't important, resolving this dispute was.

"Nah... you don't say?" said the guard, sarcasm dripping from his words. "Gee, we're so glad we have you around to tell us these things." The guard looked over his shoulder and called to some of his fellows on the wall. "Hey guys, this guy says not to throw fireballs around in the forest. He says it's a bad idea."

Torvah heard the faint chuckling of the guard on the wall and had to resist the urge to root the guard to the spot with the grasses around him. Instead, he bit his tongue, let out a mild chuckle and said "I suppose I deserved that...," resulting in an eye roll from the guard. "Thank you for your time. I'll be on my way."

A short time later Torvah was drifting through the market place. He had no desire to buy anything, he considered a healing potion, but decided that his magic would suffice. He'd stopped at a few stalls to ask a bit more about the druids and the mist, but other than everyone being absolutely sure the two were connected their only other advice was to stay away from the mists. Not something he could really do at the moment.

As he made his way through the market place he stumbled across a small group of adventurers being led around by a small boy. They seemed to have attracted a crowd, but that held no interest for Torvah. He needed to find out where this dungeon was with the mists. If they truly were connected to the druids, he'd want to know about it before the negotiations. He'd also make sure he got one of them to teach him the spell.

Being around all the people in the market place was a refreshing change for Torvah. He had grown used to being secluded and sometimes missed being around people. He briefly wondered how his brothers and sister were doing on the farm, though he doubted they were all still there. Kale and probably Erich were too restless for farm life, they probably did like he had and left to find their own way.

Coming out of his brief reverie, Torvah noticed that the crowd around him had begun to thin. Checking the sun, he realized it wasn't late enough in the day for business to slow, then he noticed the cause. Some of the shops in this area seemed to be closed, perhaps in some kind of religious observance, for he could think of no other reason.

Torvah was at a bit of a loss about what to do next. He had no knowledge of this city, and even less about where these mysterious mists could be found. As he looked around at the closed shops, contemplating his next move, he noticed he wasn't the only one out of place. What appeared to be a rather stout young lady, covered from head to foot in grim and dirt was standing in front of one of the closed building, looking around. Ah, a street urchin, judging by the look of her Torvah thought. Perhaps the little lass can show me to where the mists are.

As Torvah approached the young girl however, he realized his analysis had been in error. It wasn't a street waif after all, but seemed to be a dwarven maid, and she seemed just as lost as he was. Another adventurer Torvah judged, looking her over better now, though, after his last judgement proved false, perhaps this presumption would be as well. Only one way to find out.

"Pardon me miss," Torvah said as he approached the woman. He crinkled his nose as he approached; the shift in the winds brought the pungent odor that encircled her to his nose. While not a pleasant smell, he'd certainly smelled worse on some of the animals he'd tended. "And forgive me if I've misjudged you, but from the look of you I take it that you're a fellow adventurer here to investigate the mist and earn some coin, yes? If so, would you happen to know where this "dungeon" that everyone says these "mists" are in happens to be located. I can't, for the life of me, figure that part out."

John
10-21-2011, 05:42 AM
Cullum led the group to a small two story shop on the edge of the marketplace. He looked a little surprised when he saw Torvah and Irin standing there, but it didn't dissuade him from making his way to the door,Walking passed them, he nodded, still holding Eccawen's hand, and took a key from his pocket and pend the door to the shop.

Leading the group inside, he stopped and pointed to a large bolted trapdoor in the middle of the floor.

"That's it," Cullum exclaimed, pointing at the trapdoor. "That's where my poor ol' dad went. Come on. Let's go."

Enigma
10-21-2011, 05:56 AM
Sabine frowned down at the Gnome, but he was already turning away, following the young boy and the elf. She turned towards Gilder, but he too was following after the two.

"The boy walks with purpose," Sabine said quietly. One who knew their path - and drew others in their passing. It was as good a place to start as any. She fell into a comfortable stride, quickly catching up to Gilder.

"My name's Sabine," she told him as she matched his pace. "Do you know where the boy is taking us?"

The answer came from the boy himself, who stopped at the door of a shop and produced a key, letting them inside then pointing towards a trap door.

"That's where my poor ol' dad went. Come on. Let's go."

"Did you hear anything when your Dad went down there?" Sabine asked, wondering what was going on?

John
10-21-2011, 06:22 AM
"Begging your pardon ma'am," Cullum looked at Sabine with weepy eyes. "I didn't hear anything at all. Poor ol' dad said he'd be safe and be back in an hour or two. When he didn't come back, I bolted the trapdoor. "

Auki
10-21-2011, 08:10 AM
"Pardon me miss and forgive me if I've misjudged you, but from the look of you I take it that you're a fellow adventurer here to investigate the mist and earn some coin, yes? If so, would you happen to know where this "dungeon" that everyone says these "mists" are in happens to be located. I can't, for the life of me, figure that part out."

Irin (quite stupidly) looked behind her at the bare wall, convinced there must be someone other than her in his line of sight to whom he was speaking. Noticing the way he wrinkled his nose, however, made it quite clear he was directing those questions at her. Her cheeks reddened ever so slightly; part from anger and part from embarrassment. It was one thing that the townsfolk treat her with such disdain but now they paraded it in her face? His words might be kind but actions, indeed, spoke louder. She was about to bitterly retort when she noticed his apparel. He did not seem to be a common citizen so perhaps his questions were indeed genuine. Not that it excused him but it gave her more reason to talk to him civilly.

“I ain’t heard about no dungeon, sorry. Just been looking for somethin’ odd and hopin’ it would be a clue. Adventurer, yes I am, though…” She paused and then, with the blunt air of finality, said, “Wish I could be more help to ya.”

As she went to turn away, still flushed from the nerve of his attitude, she found a group of misfits making their way towards the two of them. A boy almost as dirt-covered as she made his way past, flourishing a key in his hand as he went to unlock the door.

"That's it," Cullum exclaimed from inside the shop. She peeked inside to see him pointing at a bolted trapdoor, "That's where my poor ol' dad went. Come on. Let's go."

“See that,” she explained to the druid, “Be odd. I say it be in our interest to explore should ya not resent the company.”

Lord Tully
10-21-2011, 03:32 PM
"I'm Gilder." He said introducing himself to Sabine, and was about to answer her question but the boy did it for him. When the went through the shop and came to the trap door Gilder stepped forward to inspect it. "That's quite a heavy bolt, you must be a very strong lad to have gotten this into place." He told the boy trying to get him into higher spirits.
He was about to lift the bolt and enter whatever place the trapdoor hid, but decided to take a quick look at the shop first. It seemed to be a mage shops and he'd long since learned that with mages the smallest thing can turn out to be useful.

Tune
10-21-2011, 06:11 PM
"That's it," Cullum exclaimed, pointing at the trapdoor. "That's where my poor ol' dad went. Come on. Let's go."

Eccawen patted his hand, and looked down at the large bolt on the trapdoor. "It would be foolish of me to venture down there alone, Cullum," she said, looking around at the other adventures who followed her. Just as I thought; well, at least they could be of some use to me, she thought. She gestured towards the other adventures nearby, "I am sure any of them would love to accompany me. They seemed to take a liking to you. I'm sure they'll be glad to help." She grinned.

She ruffled the boy's hair, "I'm going to go take a look around to see if I can find anything that can help me, ok? Wait here, I shouldn't be too long. And if I am, you can drag me back." She wiggled her hand out of the boy's grasp. Smiled, and walked off towards one of the stalls others clambered around.

Eccawen's nose wrinkled more to the site of the despicable Gnome than to the smell of the female dwarf near by. Judging by the woman's weapons, and the size of her biceps, Eccawen deduced that the dwarven female could hold her own. She nodded her head, and slipped in beside the two half-elves, Gilder and Sabine.

"Hello," said Eccawen, smiling brightly, "I happened to see you two earlier in the crowd," she turned towards Gilder, "and you helped out with that brutish Gnome, didn't you? I'm Eccawen Meridan." She bowed, her swords' tips scratching the floor. "Oh damn it! Being short does not help keeping things from dragging on the ground." She laughed nervously, a small blush upon her cheeks. She rubbed at one of her earlobes, a habit she picked up from her travel to Greyhawk.

Korvis
10-21-2011, 07:07 PM
With the new additions to the group, Kass steps into the store from leaning against the wall listening outside. She walks to the center of the group. "Im going in. Anybody who wishes to accompany me is free to do so. Any moment we waste.." She looks toward the child, her expression softening a bit.. Now that they are in private, she pulls back her hood, shaking her head, swinging her long red hair behind her. "Suffice it to say the sooner we get going the better it is for everybody."


[Ill leave it at this for a moment, and see what everybody's responses are before moving forward.]

Anne Bonny
10-21-2011, 07:58 PM
Seeing an opportunity, Morwyn stepped forward. "Excuse me! Um... pardon me," she murmered as she squeezed through the others in the group, doing her best to catch the redhead's attention. Finally, she was able to position herself before the half-drow.

"I'm Morwyn, Hawkglitter in human tongue," she introduced herself with a slightly awkward courtsey. Morwyn glanced around her, suddenly feeling a bit breathless and flustered in the midst of so many strangers before returning her eyes to the much taller Kass. "Um, I agree with you, that we should get going, that is. I'd like to help."

Meinolf
10-22-2011, 08:00 AM
Mendel has just entered into the only thing more dangerous than a land-war in Blackmoor. A dark, confined space -- surrounded by oafish brutes -- and being led into what felt like a trap. Alarm bells were ringing inside of Mendel's inquisitive gnomish mind, 'How did this young flimflam get a key to this building? Indubitably he came about it through nefarious, ill-gotten deeds -- actions which I find mildly amusing most of the time. But not when he is trying his ploys against me! Me, of all people!! Certainly there must be some hidden agenda that the young street urchin is trying to accomplish. Now, let us have a look about this hovel of his and see what we might lear- ... Gack! By Moranis' giant black helmet! What is that most foul of stenches? Did that little purse snatcher actually leave a body to mark his territory!? Oh no, it's worse -- much, much worse. It's a dwarf.'

Realizing how perilous this journey has just gotten for the only important person of this adventuring party, Mendel decided to start acquiring important bits of information, and fast -- especially the ones that glittered and shined, to make this trip through the lowest of Hells worthwhile. Bitterly, and vehemently staying out of breathing range of the fairly odoriferous dwarven muckraker, and with half an ear open to the conversations of the child's patsies, Mendel keeps a very sharp eye out, scouring for any source of wealth and information.

However all too soon it came about that everyone was crowded around the trapdoor, readying to enter Father-only-knows what booby-traps that rapscallion had laid out in store for them. Mendel reluctantly followed suit, still unsure of what lay ahead, but making sure he brought up the rear, and that he was well enough away from that dwarf!

Lord Tully
10-22-2011, 04:29 PM
After finding nothing except for a few robes (Which he had never really liked) Gilder turned his attention to the woman appressing him. She was a full foot shorter then him, but by the look of her she was fully elven, she was the first full elf he had ever seen this close up and the experience was a bit different then he'd anticipated. For one thing she was much shorter then he thought she'd be, but decided against telling her that.

"I'm Gilder, I don't really have a last name, but yes, I tried to confront the little coward but I didn't think the child needed the sight of Gnome blood to ruin his day further." he said reaching into his pack and retreiving a torch. After lighting the torch on a nearby candle he nodded a greeting to Morwyn and Kass and went up to the Trapdoor. "Well if nobody has any objections I'll go down first." He announced to his would-soon-be companions. He pulled the bolt on the door back and waited to open the door a few moments in case there were objections.

Enigma
10-23-2011, 07:49 AM
"I'm Gilder," the half-elf introduced himself, when the boy turned from the trap door.

"Begging your pardon ma'am," Cullum looked at Sabine with weepy eyes. "I didn't hear anything at all. Poor ol' dad said he'd be safe and be back in an hour or two. When he didn't come back, I bolted the trapdoor. "

She glanced towards Gilder, but he was investigating the shop - so she did too. It held... robes. Even the cupboards she peaked inside held robes.

"You don't suppose they've got a good, hard wearing robe suitable for the rigors of the road that resists staining in a pale green, do you?" Sabine asked Gilder, when she noticed Eccawen approaching.

"Hello," said Eccawen, smiling brightly, "I happened to see you two earlier in the crowd," she turned towards Gilder, "and you helped out with that brutish Gnome, didn't you? I'm Eccawen Meridan." She bowed, her swords' tips scratching the floor. "Oh damn it! Being short does not help keeping things from dragging on the ground." She laughed nervously, a small blush upon her cheeks. She rubbed at one of her earlobes, a habit she picked up from her travel to Greyhawk.

"I'm Sabine," she introduced herself, but the elf had her sights set on Gilder.

With a sigh, she turned back to the boy. "How long ago did you father go down there?" she asked.

Tune
10-23-2011, 06:29 PM
"Im going in. Anybody who wishes to accompany me is free to do so. Any moment we waste.." a female drow said. Truthfully, she thought they were reclusive, and stayed underground, so she had very few interactions with a drow. She smiled at the thought. "Suffice it to say the sooner we get going the better it is for everybody."

"I'm Morwyn, Hawkglitter in human tongue," another female elf said, standing before the drow, "Um, I agree with you, that we should get going, that is. I'd like to help."

"I'm Gilder, I don't really have a last name, but yes, I tried to confront the little coward but I didn't think the child needed the sight of Gnome blood to ruin his day further." Glider then grabbed a torch from the wall, and unbolted the door, but hesitated before opening it.

"I'm Sabine," the other half-elf said. "How long ago did you father go down there?" If she remembered, Cullum said his father disappeared two days ago, but she didn't speak up. Instead, she looked up at Sabine, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Sabine. Looks like we're starting our first mission. It should be fun!" Eccawen had to pretend to be excited, though looking at Cullum's face, she had to recall the vow she made to the boy. Refueling her spirits, she stepped up towards the trapdoor, sliding in beside Morwyn, and Kass.

"Since we'll all be going to look for Cullum's father, I am Eccawen Meridan," she said, beaming, "knowing each other's names will make our endeavor easier, will it not?" She hoped everyone would introduce themselves before -or after- entering the dungeon. It would definitively make things easier for her.

John
10-23-2011, 09:35 PM
"How long ago did you father go down there?" Sabine asked Cullum.

"Well ma'am," Cullum replied. "It's been two days since he went in. I Just know something horrible has happened to him." Cullum's eyes became very sad, looking as though he were about to cry

Korvis
10-23-2011, 09:51 PM
"knowing each other's names will make our endeavor easier, will it not?"

Kass smiled warmly, waving one hand and curtsying. "Im Kass. Mostly."

She looked around at the motley band of adventurers... it was kind of nice being in a group like this. As a thief, it is most common to work completely alone. Even her friends were generally able to be burned at a moments notice. Life as a thief could be a lonely existence. Even with people around you, you trust nobody. You know the potential in other people to be kind to your face, and throw you under the cave-troll the moment you let your eye stray from them. She had first hand experience with that.

Her warm smile was genuine. She could feel Amili warning her from under her consciousness. She shook it away. Amili knew Kass had a tendency to trust too early. But that was what Amili was there for. To protect her.

Enigma
10-24-2011, 03:27 AM
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sabine. Looks like we're starting our first mission. It should be fun!" The elf told her, glancing back at her, then turned to address the rest of the room.

"Since we'll all be going to look for Cullum's father, I am Eccawen Meridan," the elf said, beaming, "knowing each other's names will make our endeavor easier, will it not?"

"Well ma'am," Cullum replied. "It's been two days since he went in. I Just know something horrible has happened to him." Cullum's eyes became very sad, looking as though he were about to cry.

"Two days?" Sabine asked, blinking. She drew the boy close to comfort him. That was a long time. Just what was down there?

"I'm Sabine," the half-elf said, turning slightly to face the room. She touched the carved wooden disk she wore as a pendant over her studded armor. "I'm a... Tenderfoot cleric of Fharlanghn, the Dweller on the Horizon."

She wondered if any of them knew that as a tenderfoot, she was the lowest of the low? Still, as her master Isur told her when she was just an initiate, each journey started with the first step.

Lord Tully
10-25-2011, 05:52 PM
He listened to the introductions and tried to remember everyone's name, but he felt it was time to move on since nobody seemed to object to him going first. "I'll call if there's trouble." he told everyone and with that Gilder gave a firm pull on the trap door.

The trapdoor opened to reveal a sturdy wooden staircase leading downward. Attached to the wall to either side of the staircase is a hand rail.

At the bottom of the stairs, built into the wall, is a small wooden guard house with barred windows, and an elbow-high shelf with a tiny slot just above it. On the front of the guard house is a sign. It reads, "Adults-3 copper, Children under 12-Free."

On the shelf is a small bag with a note sitting next to it. The note reads as follows;

"Zando;

I did what I could but was unable to make you a "cash register" with the specs you wanted. Instead, I was able to alter the magic on this bag of holding. The bag will only hold coins and the user need only speak what he wants to retrieve to pull it from the bag(as long as it has already been placed inside). I'm sure this will make things much easier for making change for your customers. I have also added a password to the bag as a security measure. The password is "poppycock" and if you like, once spoken, you can change it at will. I hope this is all to your liking and I expect the full tour, free of charge, once you're up and running.

Your friend, Alouicious T. Parpleboddy III"

By the time he finished reading the note, Gilder was smiling broadly. "This will be very useful." he said to himself. The room held nothing else of interest so he called up the staircase "All clear, come down if you're still interested." He hooked the Bag of Holding onto his belt and slipped the note into his pocket, deciding to tell the others (or at least those who didn't seem like they would flat out steal it) about it later.

As he waiting he took a quick look inside the guard house hoping to find out what the sign was charging for, surely the basement of a shop selling nothing but robes wasnt THAT interesting. Unfortunatly he found nothing and simply stood in the guard house door way waiting.

John
10-27-2011, 04:37 AM
http://i40.tinypic.com/vxdag2.jpg

Cullum frowned, but wished the party "good luck," as the ventured down the ladder into the dungeon. Little more than a cursory examination of the first area was needed and they ventured down the tunnel, deeper into the depths of the dungeon below Castle Greyhawk.

The tunnel leads into a large chamber with grey, fitted-stone walls and a finely-polished limestone floor. A few reddish-brown stalactites and stalagmites protrude from the ceiling and floor, attesting to the fact that this is a natural chamber. In the center of the room are four pinewood tables, each surrounded by five stools. Against the northern wall stands an elbow-high counter. Two beer taps are built into the counter and a small, stone fireplace is recessed into the wall behind the counter. A sign above the counter reads as follows:

Ale, Pixie Mug - 10 Copper
Peasant Mug - 1 Silver
Jumbo Mug - 2 Silver
Monsterburger - 1 Silver
Full Tour - Free

Three small passages lead out of the chamber to the north, east and south. An arrow painted at the entrance to southern passage has a profile of a sea serpent emblazoned on it. A similar arrow pointing toward the northern passage shows a bear. The third passage, the one you just entered from, has an "Exit" sign mounted above it. Other exits from the chamber include a wooden door set into the southern wall and a large natural passage leading farther to the west. A plaque beside this last passage reads "This way to tremendous monster of gigantic proportions."

Tune
10-27-2011, 08:40 PM
Eccawen's eyes adjusted to the torch light, her hazel eyes gazing around the chamber. "This was not what I was expecting," she whispered, carefully walking towards the table in the middle of the chamber. She ran her finger tips across the wooden surface, and lifted to the light. Barely any dust. She whipped her fingers off on blue robes, and looked over her shoulder to the rag-tag group of travelers that descended down the stairs. This is going to be intriguing she thought, smiling to herself.

She looked around the room some more, not moving, though her eyes scanned the crudely painted signs pointing in different directions. The serpent, the bear or the tremendous monster? Eccawen sighed, and looked towards the rest of the group. She didn't want to choose which path they would take. Maybe they'd split up into groups.

"Which way are we going?" she asked, "it doesn't matter which way we go. I just want to save Cullum's father before anything bad happens."

Anne Bonny
10-28-2011, 04:24 AM
"Wait," Morwyn squeaked as they passes the abandoned guard shack. "Shouldn't we pay the admission?". Her gold eyes followed her new companions as they passed by the sign that clearly stated the prices, one after another. She frowned and dug into her pouch to find a few coppers and, standing on her toes, reached over the counter to place them inside the shack. The owner would surely be back sometime, she reasoned to herself before trotting off after the others.

Though a bit musty smelling, the underground chamber wasn't as old and stale feeling as Morwyn had expected. In fact, the little elf mused that it might be quite lovely in a few more decades, when the stalagmites and stalagtites are allowed to grow. And when, of course, there was the feeling of immenant danger hanging in the atmosphere of the cave that tarnished it's beauty just a bit.

Eccawen asked which way they would go, and Morwyn looked at their options in wonder. Several different caverns spiraled off into the unknown from the main room, each as dark and mysterious as the last. She supposed the logical choice would be to simply choose one of the passageways and search it, then move onto the next if they were unsuccessful. But if the place was big enough to confuse a grown man, there must be twists and turns to them. What if they got lost as well?

Morwyn bit her lower lip in concern and hurriedly reached into her bag to withdraw a journal and pencil. With gentle, curving lines she drew a small likeness of their room in the center of a blank piece of parchment. Perhaps if she kept track of their progress, they would be less likely to fall to the maze they might very well be stepping into.

When her small task was finished, Morwyn looked back up at the signs around them. "Well I would prefere not to go the way of the tremendous monster," she said with some apprehension.

Snotgirl
10-28-2011, 09:53 PM
Alicia had listened attentively to Lord Herzog's speech, but even so her brow furrowed as she connected it with the tales she had heard on her trip to the castle. It seems that, in recent days, Castle Greyhawk had fallen under siege by a local druid sect in what is clearly an over reaction to the mighty Herzog's “Fireball Fun in the Forest” program, and is now in need of assistance to parlay, or -- should they continue their obstinance -- aid in fighting them.

'Of course the druids were mad,' Alicia thought in exasperation, 'they were reducing to ash the very forests that house the druids!' In firm conviction, Alicia decided that if she was expected to fight the druids, then she would rather absolve herself of the whole situation. But, of course, the druid's weren't the only thing that required her attention here. Other frightful details, such as the mysterious mists and a murderous dragon who liked to jig after eating someone, must also be looked into. Unfortunately, Alicia still wasn’t sure if someone had written that last bit on the poster as a joke or not, and it dragged at her heels that this entire trip might have been for naught.

Still, there was always the matter of the 1,000 gold pieces. She knew for certain that she could make great use of that -- not for herself of course, but to give to the poor families in the slums. She had seen children begging in the streets, and wealthy nobles that walked right past them as though they didn't exist at all. Alicia, with her altruistic heart, always donated quite a few of the coins she gained in her travels toward the children.

As the knightly woman walked through the streets wondering what she should do next, she noticed quite a few of the locals were staring at her. It was no surprise that they did so, afterall she was rather tall, and it was uncommon to see a woman with a claymore strapped to her back; still, it made Alicia feel self-conscious nonetheless. Her wandering feet had led her to a store selling fresh fruit when she felt a slight chill slide down her spine.

Alicia, in startlement, immediately looked around -- looking for the source of evil that had caused her unease. It wasn’t as overwhelming as pure evil tended to be; it was small, but not small enough to slip her by. She abandoned the apples she had been mulling over and slowly inched her way down the streets, placing a hand on her claymore in a cautious gesture, and gently pushed through the marketplace crowd. The crowd parted for her without a noise of protest, the people unconsciously stepping out of her path as they floated around the open stalls.

Alicia finally saw an open shop which the crowd shied away from. Walking inside the wooden frame of the doorway, Alicia expected trouble; but what she saw instead was a group of elves, a human, and a gnome. She scanned all of them in concentration, and finally pinpointed the emanation of evil from the glowering gnome. Frowning, Alicia stalked over to the gnome and crouched down, noting how his focus immediately turned to her. “Sooo, it is true what they say: evil comes in all sizes.”

Korvis
10-29-2011, 03:06 AM
Stepping silently through the dimly lit cave, Kass watched Morwyn place her coins behind the counter, and silently rolled her eyes at the pointless gesture.

"Which way are we going?... it doesn't matter which way we go. I just want to save Cullum's father before anything bad happens."

"I agree. I said it before, but our target could be in serious trouble as we speak. I say we continue going straight. It would be easiest to retrace our steps if we go straight, at least for now."

A chill goes down her spine, as she steps forward toward the middle passageway. She pulls back her cloak, revealing all of her deadly sharp throwing knives and daggers, the chill fading as she caresses the backs of them.

Casting a determined look back at the rest of the group before turning around and slipping into the darkness, she silently walks under the passageway.

Enigma
10-29-2011, 07:45 AM
"We're looking for a missing man," Sabine pointed out to the complainer at the gatehouse. "And we've been asked to find out what's happening here at the castle with the mists. This is for the greater good."

The next room beyond made her frown. "An underground tavern you have to pay to get into? And what's with these prices?" she asked, wandering around the table.

Seeing the other woman sketching the room reminded her. Reaching into her left belt pouch, she pulled out a wooden pen and folded sheets of papyrus, then dug out a small vial of ink. She quickly sketched the room, then blew on the papyrus to speed it drying.

"I've got to get myself a proper journey book," Sabine muttered.

Meinolf
10-30-2011, 09:27 PM
Drudging through the tiring speeches of the dingbats he has found himself in the company of, Mendel was startled out of his malaise state when the world suddenly turned to gold. Even the very air had the scent of raw, unearthed gold to waft against his prominent nose. Turning his head in bewilderment, the surprised gnome's heart fluttered as his blue eyes came upon the valkyrien maiden, and he knew -- though he is not quite sure how -- that this golden haze was a warning from his Father that this woman before him is trouble. Yet, rather than shirking away from the lass, the gnome found himself rather allured to the pleasant golden dream.

“Sooo, it is true what they say: evil comes in all sizes.” The gnome was shocked out of his lustful appraisal when he realized that the knight was now crouching before him. With a leer the gnome replied, “My, my, my. You look as though you are the true epitome of all that is good.” Letting his gaze settle over the swells of her breastplate, Mendel added, “of course, I can see why evil would rise all about to let you make comparisons,” the gnome snickered.

While, admittedly, Mendel was rather awestruck by the knight's beauty -- and that dazzling golden aura that showered around her was certainly something to take account of -- he nevertheless came to the same conclusion that he made for the rest of those in the room: 'Too tall, and far too scatterbrained. It seems Father is right once more, she is definitely going to be trouble.'

Snotgirl
10-30-2011, 09:34 PM
Alicia beamed at the gnome's comment on her virtues, and said “While others may wish to be the image of all that is good, it is my heart and spirit that drive me.” With a bit of mischevious of her own, Alicia added, “As for you, it seems that the little ones do tend to have the sharpest tongues.”

Her brow furrowed a bit as she noticed where exactly his gaze was settled, and a touch of modesty came about. Blushing at his attention on her breastplate, Alicia stood up once more to ease her discomfort. “You do not shy from me as I would expect of one so evil ... perhaps there is hope for you yet.” Alicia slowly settled her claymore back into it's sheath, and kept a level gaze on the now attentive gnome. “Very well, count your blessings for it shall be I that will be your judge,” with her eyes smiling at the gnome, Alicia turned to see that most of the others in the room had emptied down into the cellar. “After you?”

Meinolf
10-30-2011, 09:35 PM
'Oh my my my, this is a disaster just waiting to happen.' Looking past the woman toward the cellar entrance, Mendel absently stroked his bushy mustache as he complied with the maiden's request and stepped through the framed portal to the earth below. The footfalls of all the players in this act echoed around the cavernous room just beneath the active marketplace, and as the others entered a discussion over which path to take, Mendel continued forward until he stood squarely at the intersection. Goosebumps began to dot his skin from the damp chill in the air, and Mendel's mind raced as he assayed what just took place.

'This situation just took a very nasty turn for the worse,' thought the great Mendel. 'Damn it all, but I was wrong -- the pushovers from before were mere patsies to the waif; but this one is not quite as featherbrained as I first suspected. Oh no no no -- that one could tell from the moment she entered the room who was the most important player, and is most certainly dressed to kill. I need to watch myself around her, or else this fun little romp of adventuring might just be my downfall.'

While the golden haze that at first had been so addicting to the gnome was wearing thin on his eyes, he was still quite thankful for the earthen scent that filled the air around the knightly woman. Though masked as it was, Mendel's prodigious schnoz could still pick up the powerful odor of rotting vegetables in the air, prominently coming from behind the wooden counter. Wishing to leave behind the dismal smell, Mendel begins to turn in a full circle, noting the four new paths that opened before him. Now, if only his Father would give him a sign ...

"Well I would prefer not to go the way of the tremendous monster," so said a timid elf a few feet from where Mendel stood. The gnome wiggled his nose whiskers in agreement at that. 'More importantly, there are three lairs that lead out three very similar paths. It would be best to eliminate the fourth option first.' With a harrumph the gnome moved toward the southern walls wooden door.

Tune
10-30-2011, 10:00 PM
A female knight had joined their ranks. Now Eccawen had seen it all. A female knight, who would have thought? The gnome was quite taken with her, so much so their flirtations made her skin crawl. "No sense of modesty," she mumbled beneath her breath.

She was about to pipe up but the gnome decided to pick out an option in which she could agree to. She pinched the bridge of her nose. "Is that our destination, gnome?" Eccawen felt nauseated. The others seemed not to fell the same as she, so she shrugged it off. The sooner they were moving, the sooner she would feel at ease. Could playing her flute cause a commotion? Her backpack felt heavy; the yearn to lose herself in serene music was almost too much to ignore. I promise, I shall play you as soon as we are out of this place, she thought, shifting her weight.

Walking towards the wooden doors -side stepping the gnome completely- she paused, and turned back towards the group who had yet to move. "If you wish to make haste, then move your feet. Every moment we waste dawdling here, the worst off things could be for Cullum's father."

Eccawen looked down at the gnome, wrinkling her nose. "Lead the way," she said, trying to recall the gnome's name, "Mendel."

Lord Tully
11-01-2011, 03:40 AM
Gilder stood in the door way contemplating the current situation, one passage lead to a bear, one to some kind of serpent and one to a tremendous monster. Asside from the exit none of the other passages had an indication of what lay beyond.
~I'd rather go for the bear.~ he thought to himself, ~If I can't convince it to help it would at least be the easiest fight, probably.~
His thoughts were interupted by everyone wondering where to go, as well as yet another addition to the party, a woman who seemed to be a knight of some kind. He was at a lose on what to do as well, but then he remembered. "Wait." he called as some in the group seemed to be about to follow that lout of a Gnome. "I knew this would come in handy eventually." he said as he reached into his pack and retrived his Arrow of Guidence. "This should tell us which way is best." Gilder said as he made his way to the head of the party. He then tossed the arrow up into the air with a slight twist and waited for it to settle on the ground.

John
11-01-2011, 03:47 AM
http://i41.tinypic.com/2he8qb4.png

The Arrow of Direction hits the floor and spins for a moment before coming to rest pointing at the western corridor.

The door opened by Mendel reveals a short T-shaped corridor. The two ends of the T each end in another wooden door. Emblazoned on one of the doors is a silhouette of a barbarian warrior holding up a battle axe. Upon the other door is a silhouette of a well-proportioned woman wearing a long flowing gown.

(while you can't actually see the areas at A and B due to the doors, I decided to just have them go up with the corridor rather than add two more map posts)

Meinolf
11-02-2011, 05:44 AM
Mendel looked at the quick-lipped bard with a queer look in his eye, 'What do I look like, you?,' before opening the wooden door and gazing on what laid beyond. "Great, more doors. Girl, why don'tcha open that door over yonder -- or is all you're good for is movin' your lips?" Mendel pointed at the left door with the silhouette of a busty human woman emblazoned on it.

With a crook of his left index, Mendel motioned for the female knight with that wonderful golden glow to come forward and take care of the right door with the berserker as its sign. "No worries, my dear. I'll watch your back." Mendel said with a bit of a snide smile crossing his lips.

Snotgirl
11-03-2011, 01:55 AM
Alicia smiled and told the little gnome, "I wouldn't doubt it for a second." She walked cautiously to the door and put her hand on her Claymore. She flung the door with the man on it open.

Tune
11-03-2011, 02:10 AM
"Great, more doors. Girl, why don'tcha open that door over yonder -- or is all you're good for is movin' your lips?" Eccawen arched her brows, her lips twisting into a cockeyed smirk. "Wouldn't you like to know, little man," she said, drawing her short sword.

Following behind the gold plated female knight, she rolled her eyes, much to the annoyance the gnome was causing her. Don't let the likes of him get under your skin, she thought, sighing deeply. One hand on her short sword, the other on the handle of the door with the busty lady, Eccawen pulled open the door a few seconds later than the knight. She clinched onto her short sword, bracing herself for any sort of attack. She'd feel foolish if nothing jumped out of the shadows. Looking over at the other door, she surely hoped whatever laid on the other side of the doors would kill each other at a moments notice.

"If I die, I expect to be buried with dignity, even if I lose my head," she said to the knight.

John
11-03-2011, 03:59 AM
The door opened by Alica reveals a very clean restroom. There is a mirror, a washbowl and a towel on a shelf attached to the blue tiled walls. The toilet is simply a bench with a round opening in it that leads into darkness. The door opened by Eccawen reveals an identical room with the addition of a couple of potted plants. There is also a slight rumbling noise coming from the toilet.

As Kass entered the shadows and made her way towards the western corridor, she was able to hear the sounds of quacking coming from the northern corridor just before four ducks with single horns protruding form their foreheads entered the room. Upon entering, they stopped and looked over at where the sounds of footfalls were falling as Kass moved, their eyes seeming to strain to see what was making the sounds.

Korvis
11-03-2011, 04:55 AM
Freezing in place, taking a deep, silent breath, and collecting herself, realizing that she was too excited and nervous. She needed to calm down if she expected to move stealthily. 'Damn uniducks'

She moved forward away from the uniducks, searching for another passage.

Kass could see that the passage went on for quite a while, but in the darkness, she couldnt really make out just how far it went. Moving stealthily forward, she could see a sign..

"70 feet to Terrible Monster of Gigantic Proportions"

Pausing, she hesitated for a moment. This "monster of gigantic proportions" sounded like the most dangerous thing in the dungeon... she doubted that there actually was something so terrifying... but she couldnt help but shiver a bit, goosebumps crawling up her arms and neck. She learned over the years to trust these feelings.

Moving forward again, every 10 feet, she saw a sign.

"40 feet to Terrible Monster of Gigantic Proportions"

She could feel Amili warning her to stop and calm down... but she knew every moment passing could be the moment that child's father died... and he would be an orphan for the rest of his life. Her eyes narrowing, Kass shrugged Amili off, putting one foot in front of the other.

Anne Bonny
11-03-2011, 05:51 AM
"Oh dear."

Morwyn wrung her hands together as she eyed the arrow on the group, obviously pointing the way to the "tremendous monster of gigantic proportions." As she had stated before, it was certainly not what she had been hoping for. She gave a quick glance at Gilder, searching his face for some sign that his arrow must be wrong, but found nothing.

Suddenly, a gentle quacking echoed through the caverns, and Morwyn's gold eyes snapped toward the northern passage. Four uniducks waddled into sight, their ringing voices announcing their arrival joyfully.

Yes, there was a daunting task at hand and a young boy who depended on them. Yes, their little group was already drifting off in different directions. And yes, there was a very real chance that they might come face to face with an unknown beast very soon. But first, these little creatures needed to be addressed.

Morwyn dropped to her knees and opened her hands toward the ducks, a childlike grin spreading over her face. The ridiculous little creatures walked up to her in their funny, wavering gait, and complied by coming well within arm's reach. The elf girl ran her fingers over their necks and backs gently, savoring their smooth, glossy feathers, while the ducks nearly purred in turn.

With some reluctance, Morwyn remembered herself and gracefully rose back to her feet. The uniducks swirled about her, keeping their close proximity even when she took a step forward. They seemed content in her presence, and their comical innocence was enough to bolster the girl's courage.

"Well if this is the right way, then off we go," Morwyn said to the uniducks as she started after Kass.

Tune
11-03-2011, 06:17 AM
Eccawen's head snapped to the sound of quacking. What on Earth...? She barely seen the shadow of a pointy eared elf squat down out of her view. She couldn't really tell who it was. The rumbling from the 'toilet' drew her attention. She looked over at the knight before stepping around the door. One foot in front of the other, she edged into the bathroom, wrinkling her nose from the smell. The potted plants did little to ease the smell. Grasping the tilt of her short sword with both hands, she stopped a foot away from the toilet.

"May the Gods have pity if I find stool in here," she mumbled to herself. Standing on her toes, she leaned forward, peering down into the dark hole, her sword positioned over her head just in case she needed to kill something.

Enigma
11-04-2011, 12:12 AM
The uniducks purring under the hands of Morwyn made Sabine smile, but she agreed that it was important to find the boy's lost father. The arrow on the floor was pointing down a passageway.

"It seems we have a path," she said quietly, readying her quarterstaff as she followed Morwyn down the passageway.

Snotgirl
11-04-2011, 12:38 AM
Alicia frowned as she realized what she was staring at. Then she smiled, she was standing in front of a bathroom. It had almost felt ominous, Alicia thought. She turned her quizzically when she heard the sounds of quacking. Alicia was looking for the sounds of the quacking when she heard a rumble, coming from the room where the little elf had opened.

She walked into the bathroom where Eccawen was looking into a toilet. Alicia sidled up to her and asked, "What are you looking for?"

John
11-04-2011, 01:53 AM
She walked into the bathroom where Eccawen was looking into a toilet. Alicia sidled up to her and asked, "What are you looking for?"

It's what Alicia was intending to do, but that was before something completely unexpected happened. She didn't see the snakelike head rise out of the toilet behind her as she turned to go see what Eccawen was looking at. She did, however, hear the scream-like noise it made, which echoed through the corridors as it attacked.

Monster Initiative roll 1d10
[dice0]

Snotgirl
11-04-2011, 01:59 AM
Alicia whirled around and came face to face with a snake like head. Alicia immediately went for her Claymore.

initiative
[dice0]

Tune
11-04-2011, 02:05 AM
Eccawen jumped when she heard the scream something made. It wasn't human, that much was for sure. Sword still grasped in her hand, she turned to face Alicia who was still in the other bathroom. From around the knight's armored form, she spotted the snakelike head of the creature pop out of the toilet.

She shivered, "that's disgusting." She didn't know what to expect next. The rumbling noise from the toilet to her side still disturbed her, but the threat of the snake-like creature was ominous.

The rumbling noise stopped, and Eccawen blinked, lowering her sword to a more defensive position. "Strange," she mumbled, watching from the ladies room.

Meinolf
11-04-2011, 02:34 AM
Mendel was disappointed to learn that the rooms were nothing more than the indoor latrines. He was about to turn back and see what all of the quacking was about when a blood curdling scream came forth from the little berserker's room and a darting snake's head hurdled out of the still open door and toward the female knight. Startled into action at the first sight of danger -- and most importantly a potential threat against his life -- Mendel roared in a most manly way before grasping the haft of his hammer and swinging it down at the snake head, hoping to hear a most satisfying crunch.

Initiative Round One, no modifiers.
[dice0]

Awean8
11-04-2011, 03:45 AM
In his usual stupidly careless manner he had managed to wander down the apparently still open trap door, and into the dungeon. He paid no mind to it. To Dryden this little walk was just something he was doing to passed the time until he got to the point where could acquire enough currency to lure a mass of females.

"Yeah, that would be the life....."

As he daydreamed he had barely even noticed that there were actually other people down here along with him, which to him made things a little awkward. Here he had thought that he was the only one that took occasional strolls down wet Typhoid-infested dungeons in the completely out of the way search of monsters and chests full of goodies, (You'd be surprised by what by what you'd find in places like these), but no there was at least like ten others who had apparently shared the same interest. They all looked a little too grave for any good companionship.......They probably don't even drink. Bummer.

Just as he was pondering over these thoughts he had noticed what had come from out of the toilet from within the other room, and instinctively he pulled his bow out along with the arrow to place against the string. Quoting the words from a certain Mr. Callahan who he had coincidentally met out out west, "Go ahead, make my day."

[dice0]

Auki
11-04-2011, 07:35 AM
Despite her forcibly friendly advance towards the druid, he did not seem overly keen on the offer. It seemed that he would, indeed, ‘resent the company’. Perhaps she was over-analysing - counting her eggs before the hens had lain ‘em or whatever those farmer folk used to tell her – but he certainly wasn’t jumping forward to join the group down that odd trapdoor. If he wanted to ponder around the shop first, so be it. Whatever he be doing, it wasn’t a job for a warrior. Her axe would be of no use searching cobwebs and dust bunnies.

Even when she reached the first chamber, the group was already moving on, dispersing in the wake of their differing curiosity. She glanced down each corridor, mulling over the details of each sign. The sea serpent image piqued her interest the most but she could not see anyone who had taken that route. In fact, the only people in sight were heading for this apparent “tremendous monster of gigantic proportions”. Irin scoffed a laugh – Size didn’t matter, not in concerns to what would make a worthwhile opponent. She was not looking for a battle per se but her mind told her it would be likely to happen. It was best to get the hardest of enemies out the way first before her stamina was stifled by fatigue. Pondering between the signs, she eventually sighed and placed herself in front of that which lead to this ‘tremendous monster’. She waited until those before had moved on ahead slightly before she followed after, cautious about making her presence obvious even if it was difficult to silence the noise of her shifting armour.

Korvis
11-04-2011, 06:02 PM
Nervously, Kass advanced... every 10 feet seeing a sign. "40 feet"... "30 feet".... "20 feet"... "10 feet"... "0 feet"... The air had been getting progressively more oppressive the farther she walked. Now a bead of sweat dripped from her brow, as she took a deep breath, sliding close to the entrance (ooc:can't remember if this is a door or what...) and listening carefully to what was on the other side....

Hearing nothing at all... Kass stealthily moved forward, peeling back the large curtain and stepping inside the large room.

Lord Tully
11-07-2011, 02:23 AM
Gilder noticeably winced as the arrow settled and pointed to the 'Tremendous Monster" corridor. ~Of course it would be that way, it always is.~ He thought, trying not to look too outwardly pained by the result. After retrieving the arrow from the ground and resisting throwing it against the wall for its almost constant attempts to get him killed he heard a number of strange noises (Including a horrible ear piercing shriek) off to the side.

After looking into the side passage some of the others had gathered around, he saw that the rooms on the south side of the chamber were in fact the toilets. Immediately after this revelation he noticed the snake creature crawling out of the toilet. Placing his hand on his forehead, unsure if he was more confused or frustrated by the creature's appearence. As a number of his comanions moved to fight the toilet dwelling beast, Gilder concluded that he would only serve to get in the way if he joined the fight and turned toward the western corridor. When he saw that others had gone this way as well Gilder moved quickly to catch up with them not wishing himself or any of them to be caught alone should something horrible jump out of the walls.

Shepherd
11-07-2011, 05:06 AM
Torvah walked up the stairs to the second floor of the shop, in part to get away from the crowd down below and in part to see what kind of place he'd found himself in. Upstairs he found a small but well stocked kitchen and a combination bedroom and study with a single bed and a desk pushed against the only window in the room. Strange, Torvah thought. Why is there only one bed if the father and son both live here? At least... I think they live here. The boy did have a key. Ignoring the though Torvah decided to have a look around.

I wonder if the desk would hold any answers. As he began searching, he found that the desk contained many papers and legal documents concering the zoning rights of animals withing the castle walls. Since when are their laws against where an animal can be? Torvah wondered. He could understand if the animals were dangerous, but what would a robe seller need with dangerous animals?

Giving up on finding anything helpful upstairs, Torvah returned to the gathering below, only to find that they were all decending into the trap door. Having nothing better to do, so he decided to follow. He was curious as to what was going on that caused a large band of adveturers to be entering the cellar of a shop.

As he decended he noticed his surroundings were a natural cavern, but that furnishings had been placed in them. Before he could fully take everything in, however, he noticed that four small quacking ducks with horns on their heads had encircled an elven girl. What in the world are those? He asked himself, having never seen nor heard of such a thing in his studies or travels. He very much wanted to converse with one and see what it was, but sadly he had not prepared any spells for dealing with animals today. He hadn't thought he would need them in the city.

His curiosity peaked by this place, he continued to follow the group that was heading for a large tunnel. As he approached he saw a sign that stated that down the tunnel was a "tremendous monster of incredible proportions." What kind of monster would live under a shop and advertise its den? Such odd behavior. And then a thought occured to him... the guard house... the smell of stale beer... the benches and human furnishings... the signs... Torvah slowly began to realize what this place was intended for. And he started to get very, very, mad.

John
11-07-2011, 05:06 AM
Round One Battle Order

Dryden, Alicia, Mendel, Monster. Eccawen defending this round

Awean8
11-09-2011, 02:09 AM
"Well, I guess here goes nothing."

Dryden pulled back the string of his bow with the ease only a yeoman like himself could. With one swift motion Dryden let the two arrows that he had lined into his string to fly from between his finger tips soaring majestically through the air towards the toilet monster. The whistling of the fletchings spinning against the air sounded from throughout the dungeon. The dual arrows were truly a threat to behold....



My hit check for my first arrow

[dice0]

My dmg check for my first arrow

[dice1]

My hit check for my second arrow

[dice2]

My dmg check for my second arrow

[dice3]

My next init check.

[dice4]

Snotgirl
11-14-2011, 10:27 PM
Alicia watched as the arrows impacted on the...toilet monster. She unsheathed her claymore with a shhiing sound. The light gleamed off the sword, momentarily mesmerizing the monster. Alicia stepped forward and sliced down, hoping to take off the monsters head.

Hit
[dice0]

Damage
[dice1]


Initiative for next round.
[dice2]

Meinolf
11-16-2011, 12:54 AM
Mendel heard something whistle past the tip of his ear, but cared little for what it could've been and focused instead on the target before him. Bringing his hammer around his shoulder and into a wide arch, Mendel's right hand shifted down to join his left at the bottom of the weapons haft, in order to put all of his weight into smashing that snake's skull.

To-Hit Roll vs Snake, 20 THAC0.
[dice0]

Damage Roll vs Snake, 1d4+1.
[dice1]

Initiative, round two.
[dice2]

John
11-17-2011, 11:53 PM
The snakelike head dodged the attacks before letting out a scream-like noise. As it did, a second head emerged from the other toilet, it's neck trailing down into the blackness, and both heads attacked.

Head one attacking Alicia; Needs 13
[dice=1]20[dice]
Bite damage 1d6
[dice0]

Head two attacking Eccawen; Needs 9
[dice1]
Bite damage 1d6
[dice2]

Initiative round 2
[dice3]

Tune
11-18-2011, 08:28 PM
Eccawen could have sworn she had seen an arrow fly through the air from out of no where. Blinking, she watched as the knight and gnome both missed their target. Eccawen cursed as a snake head struck out against her, narrowly missing her arms. She gritted her teeth, frustrated.

"You will feel my blade, serpent," said Eccawen, eying the retreating snake head. She slipped into an attack posture, perfect for a dash and slash. She'd need to time it right, or else the two people in front of the adjacent bathroom door blocked her attack. She'd hate to hit one of them, but they'd be foolish to still be in the way of an attacker from behind while a two-headed hydra attacked from the front.


[dice0]

John
11-18-2011, 08:59 PM
Attack order round 2; Dryden, Hydra, Alicia, Mendel, Eccawen

Awean8
11-21-2011, 02:57 AM
Both Dryden's arrows whizzed passed the strange adventurers heads as they both disappeared into the darkness failing to hit the urinal beast. Pulling two new arrows from out of his quiver he strung them onto his bow and once again pulled back the string to strike.

Hit roll for the first arrow.

Hit rolls.

[dice0]

Dmg rolls.

[dice1]

Initiative roll.

[dice2]

John
11-22-2011, 04:31 AM
The arrows hissed passed the heads, shattering against the wall. Reeling back, the heads prepared to strike once again.

Head one attacking Alicia needs 13
[dice0]
Damage 1d6
[dice1]

Head two attacking Eccawen needs 9
[dice2]
Damage 1d6
[dice3]

Initiative round 3
[dice4]

Snotgirl
11-23-2011, 02:36 AM
Alicia hissed in frustration as her Claymore missed the massive serpent. "How do I miss such a target?" She was certainly off in her game. "Well, lets try one more time shall we?" She grunted as she hefted her sword and swung at the piss monster.


Attack
[dice0]

Damage
[dice1]

initiative
[dice2]

Meinolf
11-23-2011, 05:34 AM
The serpent body squirmed as Mendel's hammer smashed against the limestone floor, slithering just out of the devastating blow's path. Dropping to one knee, Mendel twisted his hands and his hip with the foiled blow into a sideways swing across the snakes body, hoping to send the spike puncturing through the underbelly.

To-Hit Roll vs Snake, 20 THAC0.
[dice0]

Damage Roll vs Snake, 1d4+1.
[dice1]

Initiative, round three.
[dice2]

Tune
11-23-2011, 10:30 PM
She yipped when the hydra cut her across her hand. Biting back her ill temper and the pain, Eccawen watched as the gnome tried his luck at killing the hydra. Much to her dismay, she could make see past the others in the way. Slipping past the others, sword at the ready, she rounded the bathroom, and slashed at head #1 opposite of the gnome. "Taste my blade just like you tasted my blood."

[hide=Eccawen vs Hydra Head #1]
To Hit:
THAC0 20
Short Sword


Damage:
Short Sword 1d6
[dice1]

Initiative Roll Round 3
[dice2]

John
11-24-2011, 04:27 AM
Mendel's mace connected with the head, an audible crunching noise emanating from it as it fell to the floor battered and motionless. An instant later, the head was pulled back into the toilet by the long neck with the second head hissing and screaming loudly at the damage caused by Eccawen before retreating back down the toilet.

Meinolf
11-28-2011, 07:04 AM
As the pointed end of the warhammer skewered through the serpent's skull, Mendel smirked at his own grandiose show in battle. It was by sheer gnomic luck that he managed to hold onto his weapon as the snakes body suddenly became taut and reeled itself back into the latrine, its skull shattering and flesh ripping as it pulled itself free of the spike. "Inconceivable!" exclaimed Mendel.


----------------

Mendel's perplexion increased to even greater heights as the room suddenly vanished in front of his superior gnomic eyes. Between one moment and the next, Mendel found himself standing on the precipice of a vast and unending abyss. Across the gaping maw, Mendel beheld a monstrous figure -- reptilian in nature with a venomous ichor oozing along its gnarled hide. Rising to great heights above its squat truck were many heads -- far too many to count -- and their twisted, hideous faces reared downward onto a feast of heroes that had dared enter its domain.

Unbidden wisdom rushed forth, and Mendel knew that the creature before him was, in essence, the same as that which he had just vanquished -- yet unfettered by the ages and primordial in its power. Stepping back from the eidolic beast, the great gnome felt a hand grip his shoulder in a vicious, golemic grip. Startled, Mendel twirled his head to face his assailant, only to find himself facing a harsh figure draped in obscene attire, face coal black, eyes burning bright as furnaces and wielding an ivory oar.

With a soft rumbling voice, the man spoke to Mendel, "Child o' Gaia, and Our harbinger to lands unclaimed -- We bring to thee a spark o' enlightenment. The creature thou seest beyond the void is a force o' nature and brethren to all who prey upon the living. We have tamed this grandchild o' Tartarus and hath charged him with guarding one o' the gateways to Our realm. Beware acolyte o' Hades, for the scions of the Hydra art as numerous as their forebearers heads. Beware seeker o' Our Realm, for to enter the domain o' Hades is to face the visages of horror no man was meant to bear witness." As the ferryman's final word wafted from his lips, his mighty grip let up and he pushed Mendel into the abyss ...


----------------

Faced with the empty latrine once more, Mendel turned to find that the two women were still breathing heavily from the attack of the Hydra, as if but mere moments had transpired. Gripping the warhammer that once more weighed gravely in his hands, the great Mendel's mind focused on one point: the beast guarded the gateway to Hades' riches, and his domain was a bottomless lake. Walking away from the scene of their petty brawl, Mendel stalked over to the central passageway once more. Looking to his right, he found what he was after: the southern passage that led to the sea serpent. Motioning to the women Mendel called to them with a bit of adianoeta to his words, "This way to the Father."

Tune
11-30-2011, 08:07 PM
Eccawen sheathed her sword after the hydra withdrew into the latrine. Exhaling deeply, she watched the gnome stalk out of the latrine, and towards a different direction.

"This way to the Father," said Mendel.

"Is it just me or did that sound rather ominous coming from the gnome?" she whispered to the knight.

Looking down at her bleeding hand, she scoffed, wiping the small bleeding wound off on her robes. "That will leave a stain." Following after the gnome, Eccawen had a sense of foreboding. Every step further in the dungeon was another dance at death, so it seemed. She couldn't forget about Cullum's father, lost and possibly injured.

John
12-15-2011, 05:48 AM
http://i39.tinypic.com/a1invr.jpg

The passage opens into a large, low-ceilinged cavern the walls of which are covered with a luminous green fungus. Flowing through the center of the cavern is a stream. A newly-made bridge crosses the stream. On the far side you see a holding pool of some type. Built around the holding pool is a five foot wide dry moat.

A water trough has been cut into the stone floor, leading from the stream to the holding pool. Another trough winds it's way around the outside of the chamber, exiting down a wide dark passage. A sign beside this passage reads, "Zando's Performing Porpoises-Showtimes: 10:00, 12:00, 2:00, 4:00." At present both water troughs are dry, their connections to the stream blocked by boards.

Two other passages lead out of the cavern. One follows alongside the stream, the other, a small damp passage, is in the eastern wall.

Meinolf
12-22-2011, 03:12 AM
Mendel wonders briefly what a porpoise is before gesturing with an open arm toward the bridge and says, "Ladies first."

Meinolf
01-09-2012, 04:27 AM
As Mendel crossed the bridge that arched over the small stream, some movement caught the edge of his good eye. Thinking at first it was just the shadows playing tricks on his mind, the gnome was startled to see a plump dwarvish man with a wild handlebar mustache looking back at him. The dwarf was attired in red overalls and cap with a white undershirt, and around his waist was a tool man's belt. Brandishing a maniacally disturbing grin, the stranger bolted toward the bridge, tackling Mendel into the filthy water of the stream, sending this stories protagonist toward the pipe at the other end.

As Mendel struggled against the strength of the man, visions of coins filled his head before the world went to black.


http://i1124.photobucket.com/albums/l577/meinolf_eiderdrake/Itsame.jpg