Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 d20+7=17 ; Sunday November 8th, 2015 8:29:39 PM
[OOC: Note that Micah channeled energy back in the cellar (Tuesday's post). Anyone injured by the rats should be healed 3 points.]
Micah silently wishes they had not obstructed the connection from the Giggling Ghost. Though it was prudent to do so, if it were open it would give them a quick alternative to effect a rescue should Riebel plan some treachery for Agrippa.
No longer having that option available, he watches him for any signs of potential perfidy (Sense Motive 17).
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 d20+7=17 ; Sunday November 8th, 2015 9:13:05 PM
[OOC: Note that Micah channeled energy back in the cellar (Tuesday's post). Anyone injured by the rats should be healed 3 points.]
Micah silently wishes they had not obstructed the connection from the Giggling Ghost. Though it was prudent to do so, if it were open it would give them a quick alternative to effect a rescue should Riebel plan some treachery for Agrippa.
No longer having that option available, he watches him for any signs of potential perfidy (Sense Motive 17).
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Sunday November 8th, 2015 11:09:54 PM
Norr nods, giving his tacit approval to whatever Agrippa decides to do. After all, she won't be too far away to call for help... Hopefully.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Monday November 9th, 2015 12:52:00 AM
Pesmer turns to Agrippa as she is asked to come alone into the house, him being rather nervous about this. "Agrippa.. Shall I cast a protection spell on you before you enter if you wish to enter?"
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 d20+5=9 ; d20+5=23 ; Monday November 9th, 2015 2:59:56 AM
Agrippa's hair on the back of her head sands on end when she is pointed out (OOC: I'm not sure if I should re-roll Sense Motive or not to determine hostile intent, but if I do, I rolled a 9). Looking around, the party appears to be in a general consensus. Everyone appears to be lettin' me decide, she thinks. "Alrigh', I'll go. She nods to Pesmer, accepting whatever protective spell he deems appropriate.
She walks in once invited. However, when he closes the door behind her, she jumps from nerves. If he gives her a look, she'll reply, "Sorry, err... you should've seen how huge these rats were." She will ready an action to defend herself if another loud sound like that happens again.
As Thalras opens the door, she'll look again for any signs of rats, small or large, down the corridor, hand on her dagger hilt (Perception: 23).
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Monday November 9th, 2015 8:15:48 AM
With the paranoia of novice adventurers, Koh and Stohp grow alarmed, and remain alert. Norr too is alert, but with less negativity!
Some in the party, especially Micah, focus on this drunkard of an alchemist, but all you sense is boredom, self-loathing, and the desire for drink. He honestly does not seem to care what you do, but darned if he will give you something you value for free.
Pesmer buffs Agrippa as Roland keeps an eye out.
Inside, Agrippa stands by the door in the back of the foyer. Rielbel Thalras takes out a key, unlocks the door, and pulls it wide.
You are at the top of a stairway. At the bottom, there is a flicker of torchlight. You see some broken glass fragments on the floor. An old dank closed-up smell of decay and chemicals rises up the stairs and assaults your nose.
"Haven't been down there lately," says Rielbel. "Place prolly could use a sweep."
Agrippa, if you make a perception check vs DC15, then Please Highlight to display spoiler: {you hear a scurrying sound down there.}
Rielbel closes the door and locks it again, then leads Agrippa back out.
"Now, you want in, you bring me a voucher for a nice stay at the Ghost!"
He slams the door shut.
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 d20+5=22 ; Monday November 9th, 2015 8:21:08 PM
(Perception: 22) Agrippa puts a hand on her hip. "Ruuude~", she grunts, testing a fang with her thumb. Ears still buzzing from the protective spell, she confirms with the party, "Le's go back to the bar, 'n talk abou' this."
Once out of earshot of the house, she'll tell everyone about what she saw and heard, [b]"Somethin' was scurryin' down there... Don' ask me wha' scurrying sounds like, I tell ya I jus' heard scurryin'.
Now, the circumstantial evidence seems condemnin' to me; a were-rat hole leads into a bar, an' the drunk, nigh-naked maker of pots is more concerned abou' keepin' us out then gettin' rid o' the infestation. But... I couldn't sense no malice on 'em. Whacha guys think?"
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Monday November 9th, 2015 10:11:57 PM "His selfishness does not speak well of his character," say Micah, "but it is his right to deny us free access. If a voucher is his price, then I see no choice but to pay it. Does anyone know what that would be worth? Unless Happy is willing to donate it, I am inclined to paying it out of the reward money."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 5/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Monday November 9th, 2015 11:13:51 PM "Never hurts to ask. Well sometimes it does but you know what I mean."
Roland (Andrew Z.) Tuesday November 10th, 2015 2:27:37 AM
" something seems off about this man, I'm glad you got out safe Agrippa. Let's talk to the Giggling Ghost and see if we can get that voucher, or at least a little more information about this alchemist "
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Tuesday November 10th, 2015 2:51:35 AM
Pesmer, having cast Shield upon Agrippa, goes through his spellbook as he awaits her return. When she comes back and the party returns to the Giggling Ghost to discuss, Pesmer jots down a few notes about the look and feel of the drunk before speaking. Agreed. I have a bit of coin on me if we cannot get the voucher for free. I assume Happy would be more inclinded to give one up to you, Agrippa, as you worked for him before.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Tuesday November 10th, 2015 12:58:34 PM
Norr joins the others as they return to the Giggling Ghost, relieved that Agrippa is unharmed. "We can ask Happy first and decide later."
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Tuesday November 10th, 2015 1:10:18 PM
Resigned to the situation, the party returns to the Giggling Ghost, where Happy has a tale or two to tell about Rielbel Thalras. The man was evidently a respected potion maker, but his daughter ran off to join the Hands of Love, and he's descended into drink at the thought of what she's got caught up in. It's been months since he has sold anything, and he's just living off his savings. Happy has had to throw him out a few times for getting drunk and insulting Caeroldra in pretty blasphemous terms.
Knowledge Local or Knowledge Religion 10: Highlight to display spoiler: {Caeroldra is a God of Testing, the one devoted to hedonism.}
Knowledge Local or Knowledge Religion 15: Highlight to display spoiler: {The Hands of Love are a Cult of Caeroldra, with a reputation for getting their hooks in you. They offer pure pleasure, but the price you pay for it later is high.}
Knowledge Local or Knowledge Religion 20: Highlight to display spoiler: {Copy and paste this URL into your web browser: http://www.woldiangames.com/Woldipedia/index.php/Hand_of_Love.}
The tavern keeper hears you out, and is willing to give him a pass, but you have to deliver a warning.
"Sure, here you go. But you tell him that if he makes a mess of himself or the bar, or if he gets messy and loud, then he's banned for life. I mean, I feel for the guy, but I run a classy place, you know?"
Voucher in hand, you return to the alchemist. Rielbel greets you at the door, plainly eager for good news. "Ha! Time to pay the piper!" He dangles the key to the basement in front of you.
Unsure what any of it means, Koh just tags along for now, hoping this guy wouldn't be...y'know. Rowdy on their trust. She kinda feels bad though, he seems a very sad man. Maybe he needs some words of encouragement - but from a better speaker than her
So that group of fanatics is involved? Stohp quickly explains to the others what the Hand of Love is (follow the link so I don't have to type all that out). "I didn't know they had an operation around here. Might they be involved somehow? Then again, ratfolk don't exactly seem the type to follow the Goddess of Passion.."
Dang, I thought for sure he was one of 'em, Agrippa thinks to herself, feeling only a little pity for the broken father. Still, he should let his daughter do what she wants without goin' drunk 'n blasphemous.
Armor equipped, both daggers on her waists, and nose plugged, Agrippa is prepared for the basement descent. If there is a party formation request, she will ask to be around the middle of the party.
"Here, your voucher. Happy... y'know, I think he misses wha' you used to be. I've known him for a'while an' he's forgivin' enough. If you see it in yer'self to be proud of your daughter's choices 'n lift your spirits, you wouldn' need these vouchers to see Happy again. He woul' love to serve a productive merchant o' the Fence again. Now, we're gonna get your lab clean. I hope you find it in yerself to make use o' it again." Agrippa grins, trying desperately not to show her fangs. (Diplomacy: 21; to try and stop his alcoholism)
"Also, Happy warned if you make a scene, he'll ban you fer life." Agrippa grins again, with fangs.
Before entering the basement, Micah takes Rielbel aside from the others. "We were told of your troubles. I am deeply troubled by your pain. I must confess I am too young to truly understand it. But I do know that you are not helping your daughter by destroying yourself. You must prepare for when she returns. If she did, would you want her to see you like this?" After a moment of silent sharing, he pats Rielbel on the shoulder and says, "Thank you for granting us access to your house. You may have saved lives."
Micah then readies his sword and hammer after offering to provide magical light to whoever wishes it.
Roland (Andrew Z.) Tuesday November 10th, 2015 10:01:23 PM
Roland goes down in the basement, hammer in hand. " who shall be the torchbearer? I don't have a free hand to hold the light. "
Knowing what little he does about the cult and listening to Stohp as she explains the rest, Pesmer does wonder just how deep into this organization the daughter really is. Did she go in thinking it was one thing then get captured? He sure hoped not..
Saying nothing as the others talk to the Alchemist, Pesmer waits till they all enter the building before he addresses the man. Gently patting the drunks shoulder, he speaks softly. "Enjoy yourself at the bar.. Though, from one who studies the art to another... I hope you sober up, friend. If your daughter needs help.. Let us know." (Diplomacy 22)
As they venture into the basement, Pesmer shakes his head towards Roland's question as he holds up his quarterstaff. "Neither do I. Cannot fight with my staff and cast magic and hold a torch."
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 5/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:52:20 AM
Stohp volunteers to hold the torch, she only needs one hand for her sap anyway.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 d20+1=7 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2015 2:50:36 PM
Norr prepares for battle before entering the basement with the others. Sufficiently armed, he keeps an eye out for anything out of place there. (Perception 7)
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:03:51 PM
To Stohp, "I think Domi's blessing of light will be more flexible. However, the torch might come in handy if we need to ignite something or light another area." He asks a quick prayer and recreates the light spell after asking Roland where he would prefer it to be placed. [OOC: will cast light on helmet, hammer, shield or something else.]
He then stands ready to grant a strength surge to one of the combatants in the front line should the make a melee attack. (This grants +1 to hit on melee attacks for one round.)
Koh Shatterhorn (Alex F.) HP: 13/13 AC/TCH/FF: 14/13/12 CMB: +4 CMD: 16 Wednesday November 11th, 2015 9:44:29 PM
Koh brings up the rear, just so she can take her time with her large size. And the others are pepping up the drunk.
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 d20+2=10 ; Wednesday November 11th, 2015 10:53:21 PM
Pesmer has his Quarterstaff in hand as he peers about the house as they make their way towards the stares and down them. (Perception 10) He looks for signs of wererats or dire rats.
Looking over to Micah as he casts his light spell, Pesmer becomes a tiny bit distracting in the magicks of such divine prayer. "One day we will have to discuss our way with magicks to one another, yes? I am all the curious to see your gifts and way of life, friend." He smiles at Micah, truly interested in his companions religious beliefs and powers.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Wednesday November 11th, 2015 11:07:57 PM
The potion-maker scowls at Agrippa and Micah, disdaining their sympathy. "Blabbermouth innkeeper! My business is my own, and I'll thank you to stay out of it."
"Here!" he says as he unlocks the door. "May you find as many rats as you seek!" He steps back, scowling. At Pesmer's kind words, he mostly looks puzzled and says nothing.
The stairs going down are steep and stone. The stairway is only five ft wide, so the Taurs have to squeeze. Here are the squeezing rules, your new best friend:
Squeezing: In some cases, you may have to squeeze into or through an area that isn't as wide as the space you take up. You can squeeze through or into a space that is at least half as wide as your normal space. Each move into or through a narrow space counts as if it were 2 squares, and while squeezed in a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty on attack rolls and a –4 penalty to AC.
When a Large creature (which normally takes up 4 squares) squeezes into a space that's 1 square wide, the creature's miniature figure occupies 2 squares, centered on the line between the 2 squares. For a bigger creature, center the creature likewise in the area it squeezes into.
A creature can squeeze past a creature while moving but it can't end its movement in an occupied square.
To squeeze through or into a space less than half your space's width, you must use the Escape Artist skill. You can't attack while using Escape Artist to squeeze through or into a narrow space, you take a –4 penalty to AC, and you lose any Dexterity bonus to AC.
Norr sees a flickering light down below. Stohp holds a lit torch anyway. Micah casts a Light cantrip on some one or other of Roland's gear, and Roland seems willing to go first. Koh volunteers as rearguard. It is single file, so who is headed in what order in between?
[OOC: Yes, please, I am asking for a marching order!]
Agrippa (Jacob) HP: 10/10 AC: 16.(t)13.(ff)13 Thursday November 12th, 2015 12:03:35 AM
Agrippa offers, "I'll go after the armor-wearers, but before the Taurs. So tha's like third or fourth." She also hides her amusement at how serious lighting is to everyone else without her eyes.
Roland (Andrew Z.) Thursday November 12th, 2015 6:12:10 PM
Roland gladly leads the party, on his guard for any possible threat with hammer in hand. ( ready an action to swing at any hostile creature with power attack)
Pesmer Zerase (Ryan W.) HP: 8/8 AC:12/12/10 Thursday November 12th, 2015 6:39:56 PM
Pesmer falls in line right after Agrippa, going before the Taurs but mostly after everyone else. "I think this is a good place for me." He mostly says to himself as the party moves. He had enough ranged magick attacks to suit his place in line.
Norr (David S.) HP: 18/18 AC: 18/11/16 CMB :+5 Thursday November 12th, 2015 7:28:07 PM
Norr sighs, noticing the size of the stairs. He presses on however, directly behind Pesmer, slowly but surely.
Micah (John) HP: 10/10 AC: 17/10/17 Thursday November 12th, 2015 8:48:51 PM
Micah says to Pesmer, " I would like that. We will have to make sure 'one day' is soon". He then moves into position behind Roland, assuming that Norr doesn't wish to squeeze in before him. Shield ready and right hand poised to empower Roland with strength surge should he attack.
[OOC: If Norr is second then the readied action will be on Norr.]
Stohp (Mitch) HP: 5/9 AC: 13/12/10 CMB: +4 Thursday November 12th, 2015 9:50:46 PM
Stohp files in behind Nor, holding the torch high so everyone could see.
The Tunnel in the Cellar (DM Cayzle) Friday November 13th, 2015 8:17:11 AM
The young heroes proceed down the flight of stairs. By the time Koh sets foot on the highest stair, Roland has his foot on the bottommost.
Roland Micah Agrippa Pesmer Norr Stohp Koh
Roland, at the foot of the stairs, sees at least four big dire rats and four regular-sized rats ... but these regular size rats are not normal rats. Their teeth and claws glow, and as he watches, their fur starts to glow too.
This is clearly a room meant to be a first-rate alchemical lab, but right now it is a shambles. No human has been here in months. Every piece of glassware is broken, and the spill of chemicals and potions everywhere has created a toxic environment. There is a glowing pool in the sink. The place stinks. There is glass underfoot. The only thing still working as it should is the continual flame illuminating the place.
The dire rats see the smaller rats glowing, and they get agitated. So far they are out of range of Roland's hammer, but they are not running away, and in fact look like they will attack next round.
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