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Creative Corner => Current Games => Play By Post => [D&D 3.5] Krevborna => Topic started by: Skyrock on July 14, 2020, 05:40:17 PM

Title: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 14, 2020, 05:40:17 PM
(https://files.catbox.moe/aoz616.jpg)
Nadja wakes up with a massive hang-over, and Fuyuko also learns a valuable lesson about overindulgence, and why both would be better advised sticking to candyfloss.

The following days are otherwise uneventful as you complete your equipment procurements, with Lusica off the trail and less skilled investigators unable to pierce Tanya's disguise.

Eventually you set off to pay a visit to Kovel Mansion in Old Chancel. It looks uninviting, its windows boarded up and its overgrown garden filled with trash, litter and refuse. The gates in the wall hang off the hinges, offering no resistance to your intrusion.

At the northern side of the building is the main entry - and also the only apparent one.
To the west of the mansion are number of huddled and partially dilipated wooden outbuildings

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 15, 2020, 01:33:53 PM
Hank walks up to inspect the ground. "Niko, look at this."  He points to the tracks.  "It looks like there is a lot of traffic here for a condemned building...  Hmmm... Those are Lucy's weapons, and see here!  It looks like she went in with four guardsmen and didn't come out.  David would you mind getting a birds eye view for us?"

The gnome gives a curt nod. His eyes roll back into his head and with an eerie whistle a dove pops out of his front pocket and alights on his ink-stained forefinger.  He casts the dove up in the air and it flies around the mansion, stopping to inspect a few areas of interest before landing back on David's hand and crawling into his front pocket.


Hank asks, "Did you see anything?  Can anyone make out what it says at the entrance?" 
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 15, 2020, 01:38:36 PM
The only thing visible from the sky is the unroofed inner courtyard. It is completely devoid of life at this time, but surprisingly clean and kept in much better condition than the exterior of the house suggests.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on July 15, 2020, 03:01:55 PM
Niko grunts dismissively at Hank.  "I saw.  Do we follow or see what was of interest in that building?"

He points at outbuilding 3 on the map.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 15, 2020, 07:28:03 PM
"Even I couldn't hide in a shed for long, it should be quick to check."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 15, 2020, 07:51:21 PM
The trip to the outbuilding is quick and uneventful. It is filled with soiled straw and rusty iron cages, suggesting that it used to be a kennel for dogs.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 15, 2020, 09:39:55 PM
Having no idea about if the figure was unusual in any way--though fairly confident that they wouldn't be a threat if they did try something--the ninja spoke up first. No doubt Hank would go into some proselytising rant or talk about turning their life around; she would rather just know who they are. Maybe bribe them with food. Or soap. Soap seemed like a good idea.

"Not an awful hiding attempt. Why are you here?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 15, 2020, 09:43:15 PM
The hunchbacked figure clutches its club even tighter as it is found out,

"You. Humans. Leave. Now! I found those edible bugs first!"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 15, 2020, 11:21:34 PM
Giving the figure a dumbfounded look, Yuki reaches into a pocket and the pouch within, scattering rations--up to a day's worth--towards the figure, albeit not so far as to immediately come off as an attack. It wasn't like someone eating insects would care about food winding up on the floor.

"You're just looking for food?"

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on July 16, 2020, 12:02:02 AM
Niko rolls his eyes at the accusation that he might want to steal some bugs to eat.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 16, 2020, 08:34:26 AM
The figure wolfs the food down with one hand, but without letting go of its club and without letting you out of sight or coming too close to you.

"What you want? This my home and my bugs!"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 16, 2020, 11:56:36 AM
"The mansion. Does anyone go in there? If you tell us what you've seen, we'll leave."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 16, 2020, 12:02:54 PM
"You are not here for my bugs?" He still seems a bit suspicious.

"Bad and dangerous people live there, ruffians and thugs and thieves, the whole lot. Many traps too. Not a good place to go, best to avoid it.

Yesterday there were some red guards. Didn't come for my bugs or my home, they came to bother them instead. I just laid low and preferred it to leave it that way."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 16, 2020, 02:48:55 PM
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"We are not here for your bugs, Mr........?"  Hank waits expectantly for a name.

"In fact if you could give us some more details about what you know about them and this place we'd be happy to clear those dangerous people out and you could have the bugs of the whole property if you'd like.  How does that sound?"

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 16, 2020, 03:25:12 PM
"I'm not a Mister Something. I'm just Spider, hiding in the dark nooks and crannies and eating the bugs."

He laughs as if he had told a great joke only he gets.

"I don't want to live in the big house. I prefer my home. The big predators ignore it, it has enough space to house me, and it is mine. Although I think they went in here and stole some of my bugs when I wasn't looking. I swear I should have more.

There's not much else to tell. I haven't seen their big boss in some weeks, guess they backstabbed him or however thieves get rid of their big boss.
The three sub-bosses don't seem to have determined their new leader yet, heard some bickering on quiet nights. In fact I heard some bickering just last night, something about what to do with that Red Guard tart. They are some sorcerous ginger tart named Lyra, some big beefy dude named Crven who can huff so hard that he blows embers, and some creepy hook-nosed guy named Haakon.
A couple of weeks ago they had three young and pretty ginger tarts showing up, sisters and orphans from what I have overheard, looking to get inducted. They must have been desperate to try their fortune with this lot."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 16, 2020, 03:48:17 PM
"Useful."

Yuki looks at the others, then exits the little outhouse. That was probably all the useful information that they were going to get out of the man, and on the chance he was under the employ of the bandits here, then talking about Lusica or what they should do to his face was no doubt a bad idea. The safest thing to do was kill him, as with any witness you didn't want to speak out, and hide the body. But no doubt someone would complain about the practical option.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on July 16, 2020, 04:45:35 PM
"There's no point bargaining with their kind. Caliban understand but a few things." Mist says.

She steps forward, picking up a cockroach and holding it in her hand. Her normal poker face turns into a grin.

"You will show us around this place." she says, before eldritch energy appears in her palm causing the cockroach to violently explode. "Or No. More. Bugs."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 16, 2020, 04:48:54 PM
The caliban trembles, then without further comment runs out of the outbuilding and for the hills.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 16, 2020, 04:52:38 PM
"I would have just snapped his neck, but I suppose that works too."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 17, 2020, 06:20:23 PM
The other two outbuildings used to be the groundkeeper's cottage judging from the rusty gardening tools, and the hound master's cottage judging from the rotting leashes, slings and other tools of the trade. Neither contains anything of worth or notice.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 17, 2020, 11:38:13 PM
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Hank offers a silent prayer of thanks and protection for Spider.

Hank ready's his bow.  "Well, gang. Let's go light them up!" 

He creeps up to the front door and takes a position to cover those party members who are better able to check for traps and open the door. His follwers take a defensibles position by the gate.
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 18, 2020, 01:59:25 PM
As far as Hank can tell, all is quiet on the other side of the door.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 18, 2020, 09:02:10 PM
"Yes, yes, let's just take it slow until we get caught."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 18, 2020, 09:03:21 PM
The entry door is entirely untrapped. You easily find your way into room #5.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 18, 2020, 09:20:24 PM
For lack of a better idea where to go, Yuki checks the doors in the entryway for traps before heading left.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 18, 2020, 09:35:28 PM
Room #8 is unoccupied but by a glass vitrine case containing a wunderkammer in the far north-east corner, and a small shrine at the northern wall.

The southern door leading to room #9 is entirely untrapped, and has also no sounds coming from it.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 18, 2020, 09:38:50 PM
"I'll keep going and let you know if I find anything. Look around more if you want, just make sure we aren't followed."

Not having an interest in shrines or magic, she continues to pass through to room 9.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 18, 2020, 09:49:49 PM
The doors to both inner courtyard #6 and room #10 are untrapped. The courtyard is lifeless - but room #10 has some life in it. You hear loud declarations of card colours and numbers, apparently some gambling is going on.

The boards on the windows of room #9 have some recently added strange runes carved into them.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 18, 2020, 10:16:01 PM
"There are people ahead. Gambling, if we want to take them by surprise."

Yuki keeps mum about the runes on the window. No point translating that for everyone else until there's some point, even if Niko already knows of her involvement with the fey.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 19, 2020, 01:42:32 AM
"Stand watch here while we clear the way," Hank whispers to his followers.  I'll signal for you when after we clear a path.

His mind focuses on Yuki. Coming.

Hank stays alert as he creeps into room 9.  He nods at Yuki and hunkers down.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on July 19, 2020, 05:45:31 PM
Niko hangs back a room with Peri, weapons at the ready.  He knows he isn't particularly stealthy and doesn't want to be the one who gives away their position.

"What is the plan?  Kill them?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 19, 2020, 07:58:25 PM
Hank knocks a second arrow. His breathing slows as his mind sharpens on the hunt.

Yep...  Unless of course you were planning on inviting them to church.

*WINK*
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 12:21:13 AM
"I would never have expected you to approve of my methods.

Nevertheless, Yuki prepares to open the door once Mist is in place.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 11:13:39 AM
As Yuki opens the door, there are three people - two men and one woman - sitting around a chained chest and playing cards. They are completely surprised at not only someone being so deft to ignore the warnings, but also someone being so quiet they didn't hear them.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 11:38:42 AM
Yuki moves in first, clearing the doorway for other shots.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 12:12:37 PM
Yuki's target goes down in a single strike. Only two more to go...
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 20, 2020, 12:47:36 PM
Hank fires.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 12:51:00 PM
The other two go down. That part of the house is now cleaned out.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on July 20, 2020, 01:18:15 PM
Niko steps through the door and looks disappointed that there is nothing for him to do.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on July 20, 2020, 02:37:43 PM
Mist looks around the room for signs of magic, her hands sliding over any money on the table, depositing it neatly into her pouch.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 02:48:33 PM
Mist doesn't find any magic, but some coin - 50gp in total.

The bandits were also carrying some other mundane gear.
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 20, 2020, 04:06:21 PM
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After looking over the room Hank calls to his followers. 
Come on in.

If anyone wants these let me know, otherwise I'll hand them to Calim, Salverus, and David to cover us.

He gathers up the pistols and the marbles, meets his followers in room 8, and hands them the unwanted equipment.  You know how to use one of these, David?  Just point and shoot.  Hank smiles teasingly.

Of course I do, you cheeky абдал. David checks the mechanisms on two pistols and shoves them into his belt.

Hank crouches down and nocks a second arrow facing the door to room 7.  I can hold fire if someone else wants to get in on the action.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 05:19:41 PM
Room 7 is empty but for an elaborate iron candelabre in the corner. There is no sound from the adjoining room 24.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 05:40:09 PM
Yuki searches the candelabra and the door for traps.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 05:42:00 PM
None of the doors in room 7 are trapped. The candelabra is a completely mundane specimen.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 05:45:09 PM
Assuming that the door is unlocked as well as untrapped, Yuki progresses into the next room.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 20, 2020, 05:47:23 PM
Hank moves into position - making sure to keep a careful eye on the ornate candelabra.  He hunkers down to cover Yuki.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 05:51:30 PM
Room 24 is adorned with a large oil painting of St. Vashtina's martyrium getting her eyes burned out with a red-glowing iron rod.

The doors to both room 23 and inner courtyard 6 are untrapped.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 06:04:26 PM
"We should check the last room before heading through the outside."

(Room 23 it is)
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 06:10:52 PM
At the far western wall of room 23 there is a rack containing various items: A belt, book, ring, tiara and warhammer, along with a quiver of arrows. As Mist can tell, they are all glistening with magic.

Fortunately Yuki is checking for traps, rather than to rush for the treasure. DIrectly in front of the door there is a pit trap concealed with a small carpet, covering the 5x5' square in front of it.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 06:16:59 PM
Yuki hops over the pit trap, reporting its existence back to the others before someone actually walks straight into the room, and considers the various magical items. Obviously, there's a risk they might be trapped too, or cursed.

"Can any of you tell if these would be cursed from over there?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on July 20, 2020, 06:51:05 PM
"There's something strange with the warhammer since it possessed two auras and the book is quite suspicious, cursed or not, as I am detecting necromancy. As for the rest...they seem normal enough, but one can never be certain."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 20, 2020, 06:52:18 PM
Yuki finds out that the warhammer is trapped with a small hidden lever tied to the wall and ceiling. The rack is moveable, but heavy, and would inevitable trigger the trap if not disabled.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 20, 2020, 06:55:46 PM
"Well, I think I can just take all of it if I disable this..."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 21, 2020, 06:43:26 AM
Yuki manages to disable the trap and to take the entire rack with her.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 21, 2020, 11:59:28 AM
If everything is good in there, Yuki, I'll set up to cover the courtyard.  Hank moves to the front entrance to cover the door to the courtyard.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on July 21, 2020, 03:33:57 PM
"So... where should we put this? It's a bit awkward. Maybe you could have someone take it."

Yuki jumps back over the pit, holding the treasure rack.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on July 27, 2020, 12:45:12 PM
The inner courtyard is quiet. Your own eyes confirm what your aerial scout has spied earlier - the grass is well-kept and well-trimmed, and there is none of the clutter and trash that marks the outside.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on July 27, 2020, 11:57:32 PM
As much as I'd like to help you hold your cumbersome rack, Yuki, why don't we go kill the bad guys first?

David pipes up. I'll hold it!
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 02, 2020, 08:54:40 AM
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on August 02, 2020, 09:08:20 AM
Mist looks around the courtyard.

<Which way now?>

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 02, 2020, 01:14:05 PM
Yuki hands the rack over to the volunteer, then follows outside. Going by where they had been, an exhaustive search would have to resume... here.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 02, 2020, 01:18:04 PM
The courtyard is still peaceful and quiet. No sound is heard from area 20, and neither does its entry appear to be trapped.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 02, 2020, 02:11:41 PM
Yuki enters the room.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 02, 2020, 02:19:00 PM
There aren't any traps either.

However, Yuki hears periodic thuds hitting the door between room 20 and 21. Some voices can be heard from 21 inbetween the thuds.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on August 02, 2020, 03:27:15 PM
"There's something behind this door, get in here."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on August 02, 2020, 07:18:58 PM
Niko moves to listen at the door.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on August 03, 2020, 11:31:36 PM
Hank positions himself behind Niko and knocks a second arrow.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on August 05, 2020, 05:55:47 PM
Mist moves into the room.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 06, 2020, 06:21:10 AM
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on August 06, 2020, 09:36:52 AM
"People are throwing darts, they are skilled. I expect them to be more dangerous than the card players. Same plan?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on August 10, 2020, 01:50:24 PM
Let's do it. Ready when you are. Hank slows his breathing and sharpens his focus.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on August 13, 2020, 10:56:52 AM
Niko carefully checks to see if the door is unlocked. 
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on August 13, 2020, 10:40:20 PM
Hank draws his shoulder blade toward his spine.  He inhales the comforting odor of sinew and kisses the bowstring as it grazes his cheek.  He exhales. It's good to be home.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 18, 2020, 02:55:02 PM
As Niko tries the door, a dart comes flying. Fortunately it missed the mark and gets stuck in the door behind him. Standing in front of you is a bunch of thieves who have until right now been involved in a darts game, and whose attention was fully focussed on the door you are coming through. This won't be as easy as the card game room.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on August 20, 2020, 05:22:54 PM
Responding instantly, Niko steps into the room and starts beating on the nearest dart thrower with both his hammer and spiked shield.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 20, 2020, 05:30:36 PM
The closest thief goes down under the onslaught, leaving just three more.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on August 20, 2020, 06:12:03 PM
Hank's bow twangs loosing a storm of flaming arrows at their smug opponents.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on August 20, 2020, 06:18:47 PM
The three thieves go down under the flurry of arrows, leaving you alone once again... for now.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on August 27, 2020, 07:16:44 PM
Hank rapidly snatches two more arrows and stretches his bowstring taught ready to fire again as the thieves' bodies hit the floor.  He eyes their punctured bodies while praying, "Lord, have mercy on these poor bleeders..."

Hank continues to watch the fallen rogues as he moves into the room.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on September 14, 2020, 11:44:23 PM
Time slows to a crawl as Hank's bow remains trained on the fallen rouges, and he eyes the door waiting for someone or some thing to burst forth.  The pools of blood spread and the door remains firmly shut.  Poor scrubs... 

Hank lowers his guard, searches the dart throwers, and scans the room for signs of what might be behind the next door.  Well, team.  This looks like the last door on this level. Let's gather here.  Mist and I can provide cover for you, Niko and Yuki, if you would be so kind as to charge into the face of danger. 
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on September 15, 2020, 03:48:10 PM
The floor between #21 and #22 is slightly worn out, as if it received occasional traffic. The individual tracks are chronologically far apart, as if only person did enter and leave at a time.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 20, 2020, 05:10:31 PM
If you phrase it like that in future, you can be a human shield. Yuki states, inspecting the door to the next room.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on September 20, 2020, 05:15:15 PM
Mist nods and moves into position, leaving space for Yuki to do her thing. The air around her shifted strangely as she prepared to channel an unnatural force.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on September 20, 2020, 05:17:31 PM
The next room is a dead-end. The floor has been secured with a pressure plate, dropping a razor net and all within when there is more than one person entering.

Towards the far end of the room, there are four caskets. Yuki can tell that all of them have been trapped.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 20, 2020, 05:18:31 PM
The assassin lets out a heavy sigh, looking at the room ahead. Everything is trapped. The floor. The caskets. Do we want to waste time on it?
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on September 21, 2020, 07:34:25 PM
Hank searches the bodies and finds a few items:
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on September 21, 2020, 08:37:59 PM
"If it is trapped there is a reason.  Perhaps not a waste of time after all?  Just throw something in there to set off the traps."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on September 21, 2020, 09:26:08 PM
The robbed corpses easily sail onto the pressure plate. The razor net softly jingles towards them, with more soft jingles joining them further south... and further south... and further south. The unexplored parts of the mansion are soon to be bound to learn of your most recent exploits.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 21, 2020, 09:31:40 PM
"I guess we just need to kill everyone, now."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on September 21, 2020, 09:47:32 PM
"We were doing that anyway," Niko says with a laugh.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 21, 2020, 10:43:04 PM
"Not my fault they're not in out of the way rooms to ignore."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on September 21, 2020, 10:51:37 PM
Subtlety has its advantages, but it's not like we didn't anticipate this outcome.  Shall we check the caskets and meet the enemies in the south room or face them in the courtyard as they come out?
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on September 21, 2020, 11:04:06 PM
We can loot things when they're dead. Better to move now before they can group up properly. I'm sure they'll send somebody to check on the others.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on September 21, 2020, 11:38:03 PM
Here we go!  Hank's excitement at the upcoming battle builds as he hustles out to the courtyard and takes up a defensive position. (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349226#msg349226)

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on September 27, 2020, 05:58:31 PM
Niko gets ready to charge anyone who comes out into the courtyard.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on September 30, 2020, 09:56:14 AM
Nothing happens for half a minute.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 01, 2020, 12:06:54 AM
Listen (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349341#msg349341)

They're more cautious than I expected. It sounds like they're lining up behind the three doors to the south. I could blow out one of the doors to surprise them and cause some confusion by forcing an engagement or retreat to the north to keep from getting surrounded if they all rush out.  If I shoot you could cover the other two doors and hit them as they come out...  Nevermind.  You stay hidden, and I'll shoot out the door from the North entrance.  When they come after me you can hit their flank.  David, Calim, Salverus, I could use back up in the North room.

Hank slinks up to room 5 and prepares to fire on the door to room 16.   

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 03, 2020, 06:50:15 PM
Mist hears nothing but takes Hanks advice and positions near an entrance to the courtyard.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 03, 2020, 07:37:57 PM
Yuki moves out of the way of the current door and presses herself against the wall, preparing for the fight.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 03, 2020, 11:06:52 PM
All right.  Going dark.  You should hear the door go down, and hopefully a few thugs as well. *SMILE*

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Hank pulls two shiny black adamantine arrows and stretches his bowstring taught. "This should do the trick.  Now don't get lost my beauties." He glances over at his team.  "Be ready to shoot when they come out." Holy fire lights up the dark bolts as he takes aim at the door opposite him in the courtyard and . . . FIRES! (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349364#msg349364)

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 04, 2020, 10:43:53 AM
The flaming arrows thud loudly against the doors, getting stuck but not causing more than superficial damage. Suddenly there is a lot more activity behind them.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 06, 2020, 03:06:10 PM
The southern door opens, and a mean-looking bald man with two fine pistols storms out. He quickly surveys the situation (noticing Yuki), then empties his guns into the man with the wicked looking bow who seems to be the biggest threat at the moment. He shouts "Archer up north!" as he drops his guns and draws a shortsword instead.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 06, 2020, 05:38:48 PM
Yuki notices the glance in her direction--and temporarily turns invisible, skulking out across the garden and past the man. After all, even if he heard her moving, he'd never pinpoint it in time. And then, as per usual, she threw a punch at him.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 06, 2020, 05:51:49 PM
David slaps his head in disbelief. "Fine time to pull the wrong arrows, Kess!  Now its up to me to save your ***!"

David cracks the door, takes aim, and fires a pistol (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349409#msg349409) at the bald thief.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 06, 2020, 06:10:09 PM
Another thief storms out of the eastern door, heading for Niko and stabbing him with a shortsword before he can yet react.

A thief appears on the edge of the roof, and tosses a lit torch in front of Hank.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 06, 2020, 07:36:45 PM
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Hank ignores the torch and shoots the thieves across the courtyard.
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 07, 2020, 01:30:31 PM
Rolled 3d4 : 4, 4, 3, total 11
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 07, 2020, 01:34:15 PM
The first two targets go down under the hail of arrows, and the one standing next to Niko takes a heavy wound. Only the torch-thrower on the roof staying unmolested.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 07, 2020, 03:20:30 PM
Mist steps into the room, Hazy quickly scurrying ahead to run between her enemies with her unnatural existence.

She gestures her hand at the pair and a dark wind envelops them, drawing attacks towards them.

Drawing further on the power of her patron, she casts an incantation, which roughly translates to 'Mist of darkness, with shimmering light, rob my enemy of their sight!'

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 07, 2020, 03:35:33 PM
The young thief goes down unconscious under the barrage of Mist's curse, but the baldhead shrugs off the astral assault..

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 07, 2020, 04:02:12 PM
Seeing the one shrug off her curse while the other fell, Mist believes Yuki or Niko can handle the other one and turns her attention to the one on the roof and fires a bolt of darkness at it, adding a little extra from her patron.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 07, 2020, 04:30:28 PM
The thief on the roof stumbles blindly.

The western door opens, and a redheaded girl in a servant's dress stumbles out looking as wild-eyed as the red-headed girl opposite her, staring at the third red-headed servant who had been taken down by Hank's arrows. They completely ignore you and run towards her fallen body, inspecting her wounds, slapping her and trying anything else to get her up again.

Another thief runs out of the western room, running towards Niko and giving him a wild stab missing wildly.

Another thief shows up on the roof, shooting at Niko and yelling at the redheads. "Action's over here, you useless chickens!"

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 07, 2020, 07:24:06 PM
"Better make sure you can make good on your promise before you declare yourself our savior, David."  Salverus grimaces and her curls bounce as she raises a pistol and fires (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349432#msg349432) at the bald man.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 07, 2020, 07:34:02 PM
The bald man is still standing up, even if wounded and reeling.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 07, 2020, 10:19:42 PM
The arrow shot by the yelling thief passes right through Niko without doing any damage, and he grins.  He then swings hammer and shield at the one in front of him.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 08, 2020, 01:29:08 PM
The bandit gets seriously wounded, but is still up and fighting.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 08, 2020, 02:24:49 PM
Peri protects Niko, biting at the man to try and pull him to the ground.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 08, 2020, 03:20:14 PM
The thief falls down under Peri's weight, now badly mangled.

A nasty and very tough looking man with some red scales on him appears on the edge of the roof and tumbles down gracefully, touching the bald man who suddenly seems to feel better. The two young redheads eyes him fearfully, and he bellows at them: "You silly gingers, pull your weight right now or I'll throw you right back into the gutter right after I've spanked you!"

A beautiful redheaded woman with a few silver scales on her skin and clad in chainmail also appears on the edge of the roof, surrounded by overlapping rings of whirling, levitating blades. She waves her rapier and shield along with some singsong at the torch, which suddenly erupts in a black ball of choking, eye-wetting smoke!

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 08, 2020, 07:57:59 PM
Calim's slender frame convulses with coughing.  He leans heavily on Hank for a moment before he straightens up and begins singing "Like an *cough* unsung memory..." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4JqumPxiI0&feature=youtu.be&t=30) 


Hank joins in.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 10, 2020, 05:47:11 PM
Haakon takes wild stab at Yuki hidden in the smoke, and misses by a far margin.

He withdraws towards the two standing redheaded serving girls, and kicks the corpse of their sister out of his way. "You could start by healing me up!" The redheads exchange nervous glances between the two mean thieves bellowing orders at them, then get ready to heal up the nasty baldhead next to them.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 11, 2020, 09:06:31 AM
The prone thief takes a desperate stab at Peri, but misses the nimble dog.

Crven tumbles through the range of Niko's hammer, and blows a barrage of fire from his mouth clinging to Niko and Peri.

Lyra points at the point where the torch used to lie, filling the smoke with a sudden fiery explosion!

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 11, 2020, 09:21:11 AM
If the assassin was terribly bothered by being set on fire, it was hard to tell through the cloud of smoke, pulling the same disappearing trick as before--only to appear just beside the target, hand wreathed in shadow as she made another strike at the bald man, singed but looking thoroughly unimpressed.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 11, 2020, 09:25:10 AM
The bald man goes down, leaving the redheaded young girls even more horrified and screaming as he suddenly dies with no visible attacker or even a projectile to account for.

The blinded thief on the roof stumbles forward and, having nothing better to do, reloads his gun.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 11, 2020, 01:21:40 PM
The fiery breath hits Niko and he grimaces.

In response, he concentrates for a second and bulks up even more as claws sprout from his fingers.  He then steps forward and slams his shield into the fire breathing man.  He can do that trick himself but this should be much more effective.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 11, 2020, 01:40:02 PM
As Crven takes a mighty whallop, sparks of flame fly off him towards the war hammer and its wielder, singeing Niko in the process.

One of the thieves on the roof tumbles down and runs at Niko with his shortsword, flanking him. He barely misses.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 11, 2020, 02:54:10 PM
Mist is irritated at the attack from beyond the smoke, which burned quite literally through the excess vitality she had drained from her curse.

Since the rearguard was a target, her only choice would be to close in to dissuade them from using the same tactics. Bumbling forward, she found her way out of the smoke, and as soon as she can see she send a curse towards the rooftop to both of the targets present. Immediately after the curse, a weapon of darkness forms in her hands.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 11, 2020, 03:07:44 PM
The two thieves reel under the assault of Mist's evil eye, clearly worse off than before, but still up to continue the fight.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 11, 2020, 04:31:36 PM
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Calim singing suddenly hushes to a raspy whisper.  "Go get 'em, Hank." 

Hank drops the song for a second and whispers, "Get bandaged up, and get out of here." 

He stows his bow and pulls out his shield and sword in one fluid motion.  With tears in his eyes Hank roars out the song (https://youtu.be/_LypjOTTH6E?t=27) as he rushes forward through the smoke.  He emerges from the conflagration with his back toward Mist - eyes and arms blazing - daring his foes to attack.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 11, 2020, 05:40:16 PM
One of the young apprentice girls steps forward and, after giving fearful glances at her betters, stabs Mist with her tiny blade. Her attack is far off the mark.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 11, 2020, 06:21:56 PM
David pushes open the front door and ushers everyone out.  Sylvarus thanks God for her fire elf heritage, notes the burns on Calim and begins bundling his wounds.




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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 11, 2020, 11:39:50 PM
As the apprentice attacks Mist, she strikes first with her superior reach, the weapon piercing straight through the acolyte's chest.
"Foolish." Mist says, visibly upset that the girl would throw away her life so easily.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 12, 2020, 12:26:08 PM
The redhead girl goes down bleeding out.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 12, 2020, 05:37:50 PM
Peri savages the man she knocked over.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 12, 2020, 05:53:00 PM
The prone thief perishes under Peri's assault.

The redhead back in the mansion looks very upset at her downed companion.

"No, Svetlana, don't you die on me too!"

She presses her hand on Sevtlana's wound, sealing it in the process. She is still unable to fight, but at least no longer dying.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on October 18, 2020, 07:23:59 PM
"Stay there and don't move and we won't have to kill you," Yuki states, staring down at the redhead. Well, they didn't seem like they'd know much, but getting healers on their side was always useful. Making friends with redheads could help some more with Tanya. And... had some of Hank's flunkies burned up in the smoke? He might need replacements, and this was a lot more visually appealing.

Then the now-visible assassin slipped off to deal with one of the thieves. By her entire hand being engulfed by shadow, that wasn't in any way uncanny to watch.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 19, 2020, 05:08:04 AM
The thief goes down unconscious under Yuki's assault. Only a few more to go.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 19, 2020, 10:39:39 PM
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Salverus's soot-stained fingers nimbly wrap Calim's growing blackened blisters.  She manages a smile as she says in a strained reassuring tone. "There you go.  Just take it easy.  You're going to be just fine.  Oh God - bless Calim and heal his body."

"Прокълнат глупак! I should have grabbed that torch! We didn't even bring a лечебна отвара! Новобранец грешка!" David mutters to himself as he helps Salverus.   

"You should leave the shooting to Hank next time. *COUGH*" Calim croaks and knods - still keeping time to music he looks up and mouths the words "When you think all is forsaken..."

 - as Hank cries out, "...Listen to me now! You need never feel broken again! Sometimes darkness can show you the liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight!" (https://youtu.be/_LypjOTTH6E?t=77)

Hank drops his rapier, stows his shield, whips out his bow, and rains death (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349582#msg349582) on the thief still perched on the roof above Mist.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 20, 2020, 08:51:24 AM
Lethally wounded, the thief on the edge of the roof topples down with a loud scream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn6hhrX34Pw), almost hitting Mist as he hits the ground.

The final arrow hits the red-headed mage on the roof, who seems strangely unfazed.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on October 20, 2020, 03:49:43 PM
Mist sees no enemies but notices that Niko is still in combat with someone. She chants a spell and abruptly vanishes from sight before moving to the room, her companion Hazy following behind.

Inside the room, she squeezes behind Niko and unleashes another spell.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 20, 2020, 04:03:56 PM
Surprisingly, the mean-looking man shakes off the spell targeted at him, and now even less up to start laughing.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 22, 2020, 10:01:56 AM
Niko once again strikes with hammer and shield, wanting this to to be over.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on October 22, 2020, 10:22:47 AM
Peri moves in to savage the man threatening her master.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 22, 2020, 11:03:58 AM
The fiery entanglement hindering Niko and Peri vanishes with a painful but not very damaging hiss. The man with the receding hairline tries to cartwheel past Niko, but falls down on the spot and curses.

The redheaded woman on the roof send some coppery sparks towards the edge of the roof, which come down as clattering caltrops hindering pursuit, before she vanishes out of your line of sight behind the smoke.

The little redheaded maid eyes you fearfully and drags her unconscious friend with her deeper inside in an attempt to get both away from you. She is clearly not thinking clearly at the moment after the onslaught she has witnessed.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 23, 2020, 04:40:45 PM
The man with the receding hairline goes down under the combined assault of Niko and Peri.

The little ginger maid drops her sister and smiles nervously, keeping her hand close to the dagger at her belt.

"Thank you, you big strong heroes, for saving me! I and my sisters have been held captive and made to serve this lot for way too long. Now, if you would excuse us, we would like to leave and seek for better employment elsewhere..."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 23, 2020, 05:02:13 PM
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Hank is already making his way through the smoke toward his companions.  He reaches out with his mind.  David!  Eyes east!  That firehaired mage is running away.  See if you can tail her.

David nestles into a shrubbery and throws up a pigeon which flutters over the Eastern street scanning for their assailant (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg349630#msg349630).



Hank hurries through the smoldering building and emerges out of the front entrance singing. "...can show you the light!" (https://youtu.be/_LypjOTTH6E?t=242)  Salverus has one arm protectively wrapped round the blackened Calim.  Both have their pistols ready - watching for any danger from the east.  Calim beams when he sees Hank and embraces his old friend. "You're going to have to do better than that if you want to kill me, Kess!"  he croaks. 

Hank tears up as he clasps his friend.  His hands glow with a soft golden light as he whispers, "Lord, thank you for my friend.  By your righteous sacrificial blood heal this your faithful servant, Calim Hakota."
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"...and curse him with a long life of dangerous adventuring with me!"     
"Forgive me for putting you in danger, brother."

"The only thing that offends me is how sloppy your singing is, Kess.  I won't forgive you until you agree to heed my lessons."

Hanks places a warm glowing hand on Salverus. "Lord bless your daughter.  Thanks for saving these yahoos."
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Salverus stays focused on the east. "Are you following her, David?"  

 
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on October 24, 2020, 02:22:02 PM
The bird circles the air, but the mage has vanished into the streets and alleys. It will take time and asking around if you still want to track her down.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on October 30, 2020, 06:16:20 PM
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Everyone's OK here.  How're the survivors doing?  Do they know where we can find Lucy?
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on November 02, 2020, 03:02:35 PM
Mist sees a lot of unlooted bodies and proceeds to correct this egregious error.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 02, 2020, 03:35:40 PM
It takes a while to sort and organize all the loot on the various bodies, but eventually Mist succeeds.

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The redhead maid stands protectively over the unconscious body of her sister and seems unwilling to just stand by as she gets robbed of her possessions.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on November 02, 2020, 08:38:55 PM
Niko stomps out of the room he spent all that time fighting in and looks around, assessing the damage.  He scowls and stomps over to the redheaded sisters, scowling more as he looks at the unconscious one.  He hunkers down to make sure that she is still breathing, then reaches out and places a hand on her head. 

He is getting really tired of how people in this damn place treat those with red hair.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 02, 2020, 10:53:35 PM
"So... do you know an Ottmar?" Yuki asks, folding her arms and standing near Niko.

Being unarmed probably wasn't reassuring now.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 03, 2020, 02:23:01 PM
The unconscious redhead recovers and opens her eyes with flickering lids. She looks rather fearful at you, especially at Mist who had struck her down.

The eyes of the unwounded redhead widen when Yuki mentions the name. "The big boss? He's down in the cellar, below the trapdoor." She points at the door to room #15. "He's... Not quite right, not that I have been down there, nor want to. Only the other bosses have checked there, and that one Red Guard woman. The oth... I mean, those despicable thieves have been arguing about whether to keep her and demand ransom, or to release her."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on November 03, 2020, 04:16:59 PM
"We need to see him. The sooner the better. And if all goes well..." Mist jingles her now-full coin purse. "Then we'll pay for a nice wagon ride for you to someplace where you'll be less likely to end up in a place like this."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 04, 2020, 01:35:51 PM
The healthy redhead eyes the purse greedily, while the one that was wounded by Mist still seems cautious. They excuse themselves for a moment and move into the corner of the room, talking with each other in a foreign language.

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Katya turns her attention to you and smiles her brightest and friendliest smile. "Yes, my saviours, I would be delighted if I could be of use to you, and the promise of a lease of a better new life would be most welcome to both me and my sister. Just follow me."

Svetlana hangs back, staying as close to the exit as she can and eying it nervously every now and then.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 04, 2020, 02:04:33 PM
Yuki gives them a long look.
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 04, 2020, 04:31:44 PM
Katya's smile freezes, and she gives Yuki a look like a deer caught in headlights. Svetlana gives her a 'Told you so' look, and shifts her feet in position to run at the first sight of trouble.

Eventually Katya finds her voice back.
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"Ahem. As I said, let me be of help with the trap door."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on November 04, 2020, 09:46:49 PM
Hank and crew emerge from the smoke blackened, bandaged, bleary-eyed, and grateful that they made it out ok.  As Hank goes to retrieve his rapier he says, "How are the survivors?  Were they here of their own free-"

His voice catches in his throat as he sees the two sisters and notes the body of the third flat on her back with one of his arrows standing erect, a grisly signpost, in the center of her breast bone. He heaves a great sigh, walks purposefully toward the body, and kneels in the pool of blood by her side.  He deftly removes the arrow from her crushed thorax, sets it beside her, and gently places his hands on her temples and rests his thumbs on her forehead.  As he prays he draws his thumbs down and rests them over her softly closed eyes. 

"Heavenly Father, I commend the soul of this young woman to your divine care.  I confess I do not know her story - only that I have killed her in battle.  Now that her suffering in this world has come to a violent end have mercy on her spirit, and forgive her her sins.  Embrace her into your tender care, wipe away each of her tears, and welcome her as your own daughter into heaven."  Hank hovers over her quietly for a moment.  Swallows hard, sniffs, wipes his nose, and rises. 

He looks through his red eyes over at the remaining sisters and says simply,

"I-I'm sorry."         
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 05, 2020, 03:58:30 PM
The two girls stare daggers at Hank and bite their lips, clearly not very happy, but also afraid of the consequences if they speak their minds in this company.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on November 05, 2020, 04:28:48 PM
Niko restrains himself from slapping Hank in the back of the head.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on November 05, 2020, 06:54:09 PM
Hank just offers a dejected stare at the sisters' feet and sighs.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 06, 2020, 06:48:37 PM
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They head over to the room. Before they even get to the locked trap door, you can hear loud banging and screaming from a woman from it. "Open up already! Open up! I swear you will regret it if you don't open up IMMEDIATELY!"

Katya glances back worriedly, but eventually her greed for the promised coins wins out. She works on the lock and steps back just in time to escape the flashing silver dagger of Lusica. The guardswoman looks terrible, insomniac, panicked and with burn marks and soot disgracing her wardrobe, hair and skin. Lucy's acting like a caged animal and not paying much attention to you as she stabs after the wild-eyed little maid.

Behind her, one of the tall Red Guard cohorts very slowly climbs up the ladder leading up and out of the trap door. He too looks to be in terrible shape, with stiff limb movements and a wide gash in his side. The wound is heavily swollen, with a suspicious clear liquid dripping from it.

In the darkness under them, you can hear something very large sniffing, growling animalistically and prowling around. From the sounds of it, it would be way, way, waaay too large and heavy to fit through the narrow shaft, even less so climb up the flimsy ladder. At least you hope so.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 06, 2020, 07:30:50 PM
Listening to the sounds, Yuki takes a deep breath and focuses, thinking back to her other talents. It wasn't just felling humans, after all.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on November 06, 2020, 09:08:04 PM
Niko claps his hands together loudly in front of Lusica's face trying to snap her out of it.

"Your companion has been poisoned with poison from a giant wasp and there is some sort of catlike abomination down there.  You have bigger things to worry about than stabbing the one who just let you out!"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 06, 2020, 09:22:54 PM
Lusica stares at Niko for a moment, then snaps out of her sleepless stupor.

"Ah, it's you. That's good. That's very, very good, much better than this lot of thieves here. - Whatever your business here is, don't go down that hole, it is very dangerous. Got rid of that lot? That is very convenient for us, very convenient, I won't forget. Now, if you don't have any pressing business, we will leave to report after we have rounded up what is left of them."

Katya looks even more wild-eyed, and Svetlana tenses to dash out while she still can.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on November 14, 2020, 02:11:12 PM
Mist stands between Lusica and the girls.

"You've done well Lusica. Now get some rest." she says, pulling out a wand. "You've earn this."
A soft light emits from the wand as it makes contact with the guardswoman and her injuries begin to fade.

"Let us take care of the rest." Mist says, looking at Yuki to see if she is ready and stowing the wand in favor of a different one.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 20, 2020, 04:45:55 PM
Lusica tenses up a bit.

"I'll relax after I have done my duty. I'll have to round those two up for interrogation, we will need all information we can get before we send a large and equipped enough unit down there."

She looks askance at Mist.

"Unless you'll want to go down there... Not something I would recommend, but I know you adventurer types. Still, you should get all the rest and information you can before you venture down that hell-hole. What might be of interest of you is that I only need a teeny-tiny trinket from there, a small ring of no real value but of sentimental value. The Cardinalesse would have you let all other treasure from down there, and will extend her favour and may extend you a reward if you reclaim it for her."

The ring Lusica describes to you afterwards sounds awfully similar to the one Tanya needs to reclaim her stolen pedigree.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on November 29, 2020, 02:38:31 PM
"We can fell the beast down there. No need to get the girls involved." Mist says. "But you sound awfully sure that trinket is down there...you've seen it with your own eyes?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 29, 2020, 03:10:33 PM
"You seem to care a lot about those girls... What if we only detain them until you return the ring, and then set them loose as they are no longer valuable? I could even see to it that the fines for the crimes they have been accessories to get included in your reward package, making them effectively indebted to you and forced to your bidding. How would you like it, not only to have those girls being set free, but being made into your servants working their debt off?"

She clears her throat before adressing the second part of the question.

"Of course I have seen the ring among the treasure piles. Sadly I wasn't able to grab it before being forced up again by the attacks of the great beast, or there wouldn't be my generous offer at all."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 29, 2020, 03:28:45 PM
"So, it's just the beast down there?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on November 29, 2020, 03:50:05 PM
"Yes, 'tis but a beast, singular. Still, you should be well-rested and well-prepared before you take it on. I would need a whole army to dislodge it from its cavernous chambers if I were to rely on the forces I have available."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on November 29, 2020, 11:01:25 PM
Yuki looks at the trap door, then back at the guard, then once more at the trap door, as if trying to work out how an army could be of use in a small basement entrance. "Are your troops so incompetent they leave no choice but to feed the monster until it's sated?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on December 06, 2020, 12:51:04 PM
"I only know what we'd need to succeed, not how to best apply it. I'm here to help people by talking and listening to them, not to hurt them or direct others on how to best hurt them. A small but very capable group as you might be more effective then sufficient numbers of our people.

So, let me summarize: All the other treasure down there, plus the redheads indebted to you, plus whatever other reward I can have permitted. You liked scrolls of identification, I believe? Anything else you would particularly desire in exchange for the ring?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on December 13, 2020, 12:39:57 PM
"Coin works fairly well." Mist says. While she is not sure how she will meet the expectations of both employers who seemed to be at odds with each other, that would be for her future self to deal with. "How about you take the girls to a safer place while we go to work."

She looked at her companions meaningfully. "Assuming we are all ready?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on December 13, 2020, 07:28:52 PM
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Having being lost in his own regret for slaying one of the people he should have been trying to save, Hank quickly becomes aware of the conversation after sensing something suspicious. His eyes refocus on Lucy, and he clumsily wipes his tear streaked cheeks managing instead to creating an ugly smear of soot and grime. 

"Lucy?  You're alive!  When we saw you'd come in ahead of us we were worried that you might be captured or . . . worse . . ." Hank stops himself from glancing back at the body of the young woman behind him. 

"I'm so glad you're ok, but, Lucy, I can't understand why you'd think lying to us could possible help your cause.  I am beginning to think that this Red Guard with which you associate is a bad influence on you and unworthy of your loyalty.  It makes me wonder why you continue to work with them, and how we're supposed to trust you at all." 

"The way I see it whatever treasure is here is already ours by rights and that you are additionally in our debt for having saved your life from this band of brigands and for presumably slaying this beast for the church.  I propose that we sweep the complex and give these women a chance to explain the criminal operations going on here.  If they're HONEST you can given them the choice to remain in our protection or to go with you.  If they're not honest you can do whatever the law requires for uncooperative informants.  Either way you can return to your superiors secured in the knowledge that we are your friends and that you've cleared this blot of corruption in the city.  You're welcome to think of additional ways to reward us in the mean time."  Hank heaves a heavy sigh and runs his grubby hand through his singed hair.

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"I want a bath..."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on December 14, 2020, 01:57:04 PM
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Lucy bites her lip, having been caught in her lie.

"Look, yes, I haven't actually seen the ring... But I have it on good authority that it must be down there, and that it mustn't fall into the wrong hands. Wee me is a reasonable woman who will make it worth your while if you let me safekeep it. Other parties interested into it are not so reasonable, and may stab you first and then search your estate for it second."

She stretches.

"I think I might best leave the rest to you, besides, I have... things to check at home. You know where to find me, I'll see what I can scrounge up for you. And if you find the ring, just think of me and my offer."

With that she directs her surviving guardsman to collect the two redheads and readies to leave.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on December 16, 2020, 07:30:01 PM
Hank turns toward the sisters.  "You have a difficult choice.  You can choose to confess your sins and repent of your crimes - sharing everything you know about this criminal enterprise including your involvement and pledging to never enter into such association again in which case I will take you under my protection and you will welcomed into the community of Svyata Nadezhda.  You will be treated with dignity.  Your needs will be provided for.  You will be taught a trade, given spiritual instruction, and be required to work in service bringing hope and help to the poor.  If you lie to me even in a small detail . . . and please understand, I will know it . . . or if you choose not to trust me . . . which I would not fault you for . . . you will be relinquished to this lady and the custody of the Red Guard for your crimes.  I trust you understand that they will not make you such a gracious offer.  It's a **** choice having to make this decision after what I have done . . .
 
"For what it's worth I deeply regret the finality of the hurt I have brought you and yours."  Hank's eyes, fixed on the sisters, turn red with tears. 

"It will haunt me for the rest of my life." 

He sniffs. 

"I offer what I can.  I offer you a choice." 

Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on December 18, 2020, 04:53:09 PM
Katya immediately blurts out: "But... we have no crimes to confess! We were kept against our will! Please let us go!"

Svetlana chimes in: "That's right. We cannot admit something we did not do."

Lusica puts on a worried expression. "That's what happened? You poor little things, I can't just leave you off like that. Why don't you come along so I can take a report? We could then also see that you get restituted with some of the ill-gooten loot after we have seized it."

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on December 19, 2020, 12:18:59 AM
Hank bows his head.  "I gave you the choice.  I pray the Lord would save you from lying lips and from deceitful tongues."

He looks up at the sisters with an expression that is both serious and pleading.
 
"'Those who follow the right path fear the Lord; those who take the wrong path despise him.
An honest witness does not lie; a false witness breathes lies.
The prudent understand where they are going, but fools deceive themselves.
A fool’s proud talk becomes a rod that beats him, but the words of the wise keep them safe.
A wise woman builds her home, but a foolish woman tears it down with her own hands.
You are trapped by the words of your mouth. You are ensnared with the words of your mouth.'"

He turns to Lucy.  "I know there's more to you than lies and intrigue, Lucy.  Remember how many people we killed today so that you could live, and consider that these girls aren't so different from your own before you set on your course.  You have a choice too.  Mercy triumphs over judgment." 
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on December 22, 2020, 11:16:45 AM
The reference to Lusica's past seems to strike a note with her.

"I'll... look after them, make sure that they aren't going too rough with them."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on January 19, 2021, 04:18:43 PM
Niko is currently indifferent to the final fates of the sisters.

"Shall we rest before we face the abomination?"
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on January 19, 2021, 04:29:01 PM
Mist nods. "I see no harm in waiting a little bit."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on January 20, 2021, 12:16:08 AM
Hank squats down and grips his hair with his dark stained hands.  His face scrunches into a grimace and a few more hot tears streak down his cheeks before he collapses to his knees with a heavy sigh.  "I could use a rest.  I don't feel very inspiring at the moment."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on January 27, 2021, 02:50:03 PM
Mist claims the book, allowing no objections. Seeing no immediate need for the other items, she lets the others do as they see fit. The tiara may prove useful, or it may not.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on January 28, 2021, 12:04:41 AM
"If we're staking claims, I could use an upgrade to my hammer," Niko says
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 07, 2021, 12:01:30 PM
Your preparations come to an end, and it becomes time to descend down the trap door.
Your companions come along with you, Nadja distributing enchanted berries among you, and Tanya speaking the blessings of the Saintly Blood Church over you she had learned in her cloistered time. They wish you luck and look not a little worried as you climb down the rickety ladder.

The creature that awaits you down there is huge, almost 20 feet tall and nearly as wide. It its covered in shaggy red fur, walks on four great feline legs with nasty claws and swings a huge spiked ball on a chain over its head. The rags that used to cover its body have burst off, but for a belt with vials of holy blood. It sniffs into your general direction, and with a loud roar, it scrambles towards you...

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on February 07, 2021, 12:21:08 PM
Mist descends and gets into position.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 07, 2021, 02:38:55 PM
Niko and Peri make it down, taking defensive positions.  Peri growls at the beast.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 07, 2021, 03:35:17 PM
"Enough blubbering, Kess.  Your god already knows what a безнадежден случай you are.  Now get down there and be the ловец  we need right now."  David pats Hank on the shoulder and hands him the new belt.

Hank stands and fastens on his belt, stretches, and gathers his equipment.  "Alright, but you guys will need to sit this one out.  You can cover us from the top if you can get a clear shot."  Hank activates two slender wands and an inky blackness swirls over his eyes.

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Hank climbs down and takes his position.
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 08, 2021, 10:13:37 AM
Yuki looks at the beast dispassionately. Big, yes, but would it make a difference?

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 08, 2021, 12:30:21 PM
Niko takes a breath, steeling himself, and charges at the beast.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 08, 2021, 12:51:43 PM
The hammer and the shield hit, but the life-draining spell stored within just fizzles as it strikes the target. However, red sparks fly from the points where the creature has been hit, searing Niko with their heat.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 08, 2021, 06:08:13 PM
Hank cries up at the opening as he draws his double bow taught.  "Oh hylah dah dah dah dah dah..." Calim drops the beat and Salverus joins the chorus"This... is our rivival anthem!" (https://youtu.be/aUBDb33yYd8?t=44)

Hank dances and sings as he fires (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg350421#msg350421) a slew of arrows - aiming for the target's throat.

Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on February 09, 2021, 11:46:37 AM
Mist moves closer, yet stays along the way to allow for an easy escape. Her companion Hazy closes in towards the monster, but its little shadow kitty feet don't quite allow it to reach it.

She unleashes a curse against the beast and then follows with a blast of darkness towards it's face.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 09, 2021, 12:55:06 PM
The creature howls in pain as the blast strikes it - it seems more effective than the mundane weaponry. It does shrug off both curse and blindness, though.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 10, 2021, 02:41:24 PM
Lacking a better option, Yuki disappears runs up to hit the creature, though she was curious about this new ring. And then disappeared from sight. Not that it would likely help, but it was worth testing the creature's senses.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 10, 2021, 03:06:35 PM
The creature ignores both cold and shockwave, but the adamantine ring seems to really hurt it, and it is already bleeding. It angrily eyes the vanishing Yuki as flying sparks sear her.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 10, 2021, 06:44:18 PM
Peri charges in behind Niko and bites at the beast.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 11, 2021, 04:13:10 AM
Peri's teeth do hardly graze the shins of the giant creature, which spares her the fiery sparks that have previously seared Yuki and Niko, but now it is angry.

It swings the ball-and-chain weapon with great fury, slightly overshooting Niko, but striking Peri at the side with fierce force.

Its clawed feet paw furiously at the spot where Yuki was last seen standing, attempting to hook their talons into her flesh and fix her in place.

A fiery globe the size of a medicine ball appears at the side of the creature. It hovers ominously, then a smaller globe of red light shoots at Mist!

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 11, 2021, 12:09:17 PM
Niko makes the split-second decision to bring the creature down instead of healing Peri, and strikes at it once with his shield.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 11, 2021, 12:27:01 PM
The creature simply shrugs off the attack. Its natural ability to simply ignore weak or unaimed blows seems to be much greater when not surprised.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 11, 2021, 03:28:32 PM
David grasps the amber amulet, whispers the arcane command word, and hurls it down the opening.  "гигантска оса в дупката!"  The diminutive amulet grows into an enormous wasp and interposes itself between Mist and the beast. 
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 11, 2021, 05:15:01 PM
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Hank slows his rate of fire (https://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg350463#msg350463) with the hope of piercing the menacing monster.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 11, 2021, 05:22:52 PM
The arrows just plink off the creature's hide like rain drops off granite slabs. It really seems to do much better when it sees what is happening without being blindsided.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on February 11, 2021, 05:40:42 PM
Hazy moves close to the beast, turning the odds slightly against it's favor.

Mist with great effort accelerates a spell, praying to her patron that she can bring proper madness to the creature through loss of sight.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: skydragonknight on February 11, 2021, 05:59:42 PM
Feeling emboldened, Mist fires off an eldritch blast at the distracted creature and moves closer to the creature afterwards, not daring to stay in the same position after making her attack.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 11, 2021, 06:10:20 PM
While it is now blinded, the eldritch force still dissipates as it strikes the creature. This will be a tough customer to put down.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 12, 2021, 11:00:59 AM
Once again conscious, and not particularly pleased about the position, Yuki does... something. Her shadowy reappearance certainly helps.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 12, 2021, 12:39:46 PM
Not realizing just how useless it is, Peri attacks again.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 12, 2021, 12:54:35 PM
The creature takes a large step towards the north wall and furiously exhales a barrage of fiery sparks at Niko and Peri. In its blindness, it overshoots a good bit, but it still hurts.

The light globe once again takes a shot at Mist.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 12, 2021, 01:16:43 PM
The giant wasp swoops in to sting the beast from behind.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 12, 2021, 05:30:21 PM
Not seeing any other options, Niko steps forward and strikes at the beast once again.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 12, 2021, 05:32:22 PM
While hammer strikes glance off the tough hide, the shield bash seems to be somewhat hurting the beast.
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: dman on February 12, 2021, 09:03:45 PM
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Hank continues to cry out as he dances and weaves while launching flaming bolts (http://minmaxforum.com/index.php?topic=18922.msg350492#msg350492) in time to the music. "Can you feel the darkness shaking? Oh! We are the dry bones rising..." (https://youtu.be/aUBDb33yYd8?t=103)


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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 12, 2021, 09:31:31 PM
If in doubt, hit the head. Even if that means jumping.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 12, 2021, 09:42:13 PM
The creature looks dumbfounded as it gets struck by an attacker bouncing at it out of nowhere. It gets down to its knees, buckles up as if to strike down Yuki with one anger-fuelled devastating blow...

...then crumbles into a heap, bleeding out.

P R E Y   S L A U G H T E R E D
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 12, 2021, 09:47:18 PM
"Right... I feel like I'm about to pass out," Yuki says, straightening from her landing and looking back at the creature.

"I hope it didn't eat the ring."
Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Nanshork on February 12, 2021, 10:25:12 PM
Niko reaches out and touches Yuki, and she starts to feel better.

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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Skyrock on February 13, 2021, 09:05:28 AM
The creature - along with its ball and chain weapon - crumbles into a large pile of red, stony dust as Mist jams her eldritch glaive into its neck, with a blood-curdling scream as if it were facing the fires down below - which may well be the case.

Now no longer being hassled, you can search the cellar at your leisure, and soon find the ring you were coming for. It is indeed as it was described to you, bearing the crest of the von Szepreszyl family. On the inside there is some inscription.
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You also find miscellaneous other items of interest:
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Title: Re: Chapter 4 - The Creature Walks Among Us
Post by: Raineh Daze on February 13, 2021, 09:42:37 AM
Yuki picks up the ring and turns it over in her fingers to read the inscription, looking amused. "How do they fit this many words onto such a small ring? And a story about fishermen, at that."