[D&D] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[D&D] jnc says, "I wish I was still playing. I wish being able to say `Hurr` a lot."

[D&D] Matthew asks (of jnc), "What happened to you? Why aren't you still playing?"

[D&D] jnc says, "Lack of time."

[D&D] jnc says, "I'm at work as we speak, for instance."

GM has arrived.

GM says, "arr"

Arly says, "Hooray."

Fincul has arrived.

[D&D] Fincul says, "I missed hearing Skalheth say 'hurr'."

Arly says, "So..."

GM says, "so I am hoping the smiths will show up, so I will wait a few minutes"

GM says, "but since they are off for a bit in-game and we are starting late I will not wait too much longer"

GM says, "ok then"

GM says, "the remaining conscious guard and Kaylee carry off the body of the guard sargent, while the other four guards continue to lie there on the ground"

Onyx has arrived.

GM says, "Onyx presumably tiptoes after them invisibly"

GM says, "although since she is invisible you cannot say"

[D&D] GM says, "speaking of Onyx, it's Onyx"

Arly says (to GM), "Not too invisibly, since Onyx just walked in."

GM says, "Iorg watches them go, and then steps out into the main tunnel cautiously."

GM says, ""Your friends seem a trifle .. impetuous," he remarks"

Arly says, "Sometimes it pays off."

GM says, ""Apparently so.""

Fincul says, "Mmm."

[D&D] Onyx exclaims, "Arrr!"

GM says, ""Well," Iorg says, "I suppose it's lucky you were chasing us all over the sewers, or else we wouldn't have much of an alibi for attempting to assassinate Lady Kianna""

Kaylee has arrived.

[D&D] Fincul tries to remember what question he was about to ask Iorg before the footsteps arrived.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "There we go. Hello, all."

Fincul says (to Iorg), "Speaking of chasing you through the sewers..."

Fincul asks, "How did you come into possession of those remarkable contraptions which you set on us?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "(That's not the question, but it'll have to do :) )"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Heh."

Arly says, "Yes, I was wondering much the same thing..."

GM says, ""Contraptions?" Iorg asks. "Oh, you mean the guardian statues.""

Fincul says, "Yes, precisely."

GM says, ""I'm not exactly sure. I believe this place must have been some sort of wizard's lair at some point -- there were a number of unusual things in here, including a very strange flock of ice-bats.""

Fincul chuckles.

Arly says, "Yes, I believe we saw them."

GM says, ""We chased those out, only to be set upon by the statues -- luckily, in one of the other rooms I found this amulet to control them.""

Fincul says, "That would explain the mysterious presence of these rooms in the middle of a sewer."

GM says, "Iorg produces a small amulet, shaped like the head of one of the statues."

GM says, ""Unfortunately, I don't think it's working now that they're destroyed.""

Fincul nods. "I wonder if they can be mended -- it would be a shame to see such works destroyed so readily."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Don't forget you guys have 4 prone guards at your feet, and someone going to fetch someone to get them ;-)"

Fincul looks pensive. "It appears that at this point in time we have several choices."

GM says, "Iorg shrugs. "It's not really my specialty, but you're welcome to take a shot at it if you like.""

GM says, "He offers the amulet to Fincul."

GM says, ""I think we'll be clearing out of the city soon anyway.""

Fincul says, "We could remain here exchanging information. We could evacuate ourselves and anything important you don't want the watch to inherit before the guards return."

GM says, ""Someone's impersonated us!" says Bren. "We have to clear our name!""

Fincul says, "We could go investigate the attack on Lady Kianna ourselves -- which might prove difficult, what with us not being particularly known at the palace. Or we could sleep."

GM says, "Iorg yawns. "It has been a long day.""

Arly says (to Fincul), "There's no time for the latter right now."

Arly says, "Clearly, our best course of action is to investigate the attack ourselves."

Fincul says, "I would personally suggest removing our selves and any goods of importance from this place before anything else, because as the guard said, they will be returning for their comrades."

Fincul nudges one with his foot.

GM says, ""That does seem like a good first step.""

Arly asks, "How long will that take, though?"

Fincul asks (of Arly), "Do you think it's safe to let them stay in our room?"

GM says, ""We don't have much, and I'll burn the rest.""

Arly says (to Fincul), "I'm not sure, but time is limited, so it may be our best option for now."

Fincul frowns at the suggestion of wanton destruction, but doesn't say anything.

Kaylee says (to Guard), "This guy is heavier than he looks."

GM says, "Iorg nods to Bren, and the two of them start carting stuff out."

GM says (to Kaylee), ""It's all muscle, he says, but just look at that waistline.""

Kaylee nods.

Arly rolls his eyes.

Fincul goes into the side rooms to look around.

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Is Kaylee liking a channel, or are the two stories interspersed?)"

Kaylee asks, "So what was it that made you think the mysterious assassin was holed up where you found me?"

GM says, ""Well, here we are at the guardhouse -- I expect to get a statement from you, but since you cooperated, and don't match the description of the assassin, I'll let you go if you can get someone of good character to testify for you""

[D&D] Kaylee says, "We didn't have a channel, though we could move to one."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I've just been watching."

[D&D] GM says, "we are looking at Kaylee while Bren and Iorg heft things"

[D&D] Fincul says, "No, that's fine. Just wanted to make sure I understood."

Fincul looks in particular for anything that might have been left behind by the place's *previous* occupants, that I+B may not have noticed.

Kaylee says, "Well, I helped heal Clancy earlier this week."

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 7 = 16

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 7 = 20

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Once for each room :) )"

GM says, ""We got a tip," the guard says. "One of the diplomats at court's bodyguards reported seeing a man dash off across the grounds and into some bushes: we checked them out and found an opening into the sewers that led here""

Kaylee says, "And I have some friends in the temple of Raz."

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 7 = 21

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 7 = 13

Kaylee asks, "Do you know which diplomat? Cassis?"

Kaylee asks, "How long ago was this?"

GM says, ""Raz, eh? I used to know somebody there -- I didn't think he was still the priest there, but perhaps he's still alive after all.""

GM says, ""Old fellow? Has a daughter?""

Kaylee exclaims, "That's the guy!"

Kaylee asks, "How'd you know him?"

GM says, ""My granddad and his dad used to be adventuring buddies -- our families kept in touch""

GM says, ""But let me see now -- that diplomat, yes, that was Cassis. Why?""

Kaylee says, "Adventuring buddies! Neat."

Kaylee says, "Well, the group I"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "ila'"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "The group I've been with these last few weeks met someone claiming to be Cassis on the other side of the swamp. Gave 'em a job to carry something across it for him."

Kaylee says, "The group I've been with these last few weeks met someone claiming to be Cassis on the other side of the swamp. Gave 'em a job to carry something across it for him."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(sigh)"

GM says, ""Claiming to be Cassis?" the guard raises an eyebrow."

Kaylee says, "But once they got to town, they found a different person, also claiming to be Cassis."

Kaylee says, "Who had some sort of vendetta against the people who had been living where you found me."

GM says, ""That's interesting," the guard says. "I know I'd heard about some diplomat filing a complaint against some men that assaulted him the other day.""

Kaylee says, "That's him."

Kaylee says, "I happened to find a 'to-do' list of his, where his plan was to infiltrate and destroy this organization, and then meet with Lady Kianna."

GM says, ""Happened to find, eh?""

Fincul, if he doesn't find anything of particular interest while looking around, helps carry stuff back to the rooms. Taking note of what sort of gear I+B are apparently in possession of.

Kaylee says, "I didn't think anything of the last item on the list at the time, but since she's been attacked, I can't help but wonder if destroying the organization was only a pretext to have a private meeting with her."

GM says, ""Well," the guard says. "I guess I'll go ahead and get a statement from you, like I said, and then we'll send out somebody to ask Cassis to step in and have a chat.""

Kaylee nods.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "AFK Ellric a sec, if you want to take up the other thread."

GM says, "Meanwhile, back in the sewers, Iorg and Bren rifle through their rooms, each emerging with a full pack and not much else"

GM says, "You can see old clothes and a scroll case bulging out, and Bren stuffs what looks like a short sword into his"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is there anything useful that they're leaving behind?"

GM says, "Meanwhile, they also have a stack of other papers and a pair of books which they douse in oil and set afire, watching until it's burned to ash"

Fincul exclaims, "Eeeagh, the books!"

[D&D] GM says, "they're leaving behind some supplies -- food, lanterns, blankets, rope"

[D&D] GM says, "hatchet"

GM says, "Iorg shakes his head. "Nobody outside the brotherhood ought to get their hands on these," he says."

[D&D] Fincul nods. "So, nothing you can't buy for under 10gp at Ye Olde Adventuring Shoppe."

[D&D] GM says, "right"

Fincul sighs.

Fincul says, "Very well. If you have everything, we can show you the way to our inn."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "I forget, did we ever hear the innkeeper's name IC?"

GM says, "Arly and Fincul each find something small in their searches: Arly finds a loose brick behind which is stashed a rusty hexagonal iron amulet on a rotted leather cord, and Fincul finds, tucked in a corner in a pile of dirt, a small tarnished silver talisman shaped like a fat beetle"

[D&D] GM says, "I don't believe so"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Can I tell anything about the amulet?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(back)"

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "just that it's got a rune scratched into it that you don't recognize"

Fincul says, "Mmm. Interesting."

[D&D] (from Kaylee) GM says, "Oh, and it glows."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I'd like to try Spellcraft on each."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Iorg leads the way out of the sewers and then you guys take him back to your inn."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Or Lore, whichever -- same bonus."

[D&D] GM says, "go for it"

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 10 = 25

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 10 = 20

GM says, "where, probably, Kaylee and Onyx eventually rendezvous with you"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Sure--my statement is basically the same as our conversation."

Fincul asks (of Innkeeper), "Do you have a spare room for a couple more travellers?"

GM says, ""Always glad to fill another room," he grunts."

Fincul looks at his robe. "Oh, and is there a washer woman I caa have these sent to?"

GM says, ""An extra silver and I'll have the girl bring 'em back tomorrow.""

Fincul says, "Excellent -- thank you."

Kaylee says, "Well, they're going to be interviewing Cassis."

Kaylee says, "And Cassis knows where we're staying."

Kaylee says, "He probably won't be... happy about it."

Kaylee says, "We can either scamper, or be ready for him."

[D&D] GM says, "The rune on the amulet is pronounced 'Chock' and means 'Begin' in an old arcane dialect; the beetle is associated with the home and family"

Fincul joins Kaylee et al. after having unloaded his pockets and sent his clothes downstairs. His current clothing is surprisingly normal, and he appears displeased about that.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Hee"

Fincul's ioun stone confirms this.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Your ioun stone is a mood ring?"

GM says, "(It's about 11pm)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "A manual mood ring, you might say -- two stones, one with a blue frowny face on it, and one with a yeloow happy face."

Kaylee says, "I say we either find another inn in which to spend the night, or camp out here, ready to pounce when he comes after us."

Fincul says, "Mrm."

Fincul says, "Or we could just change rooms, and ask the innkeeper not to tell anyone."

[D&D] GM says, "(various people are still banged up from earlier, I should point out)"

Arly says (to Fincul), "We don't know if he can be trusted."

Arly says, "Staying elsewhere would appear to be the best course of action."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Oh, right, like me."

Kaylee says, "Yeah, I wouldn't trust him vs. a bribe the likes of which Cassis could supply."

Fincul frowns.

Fincul says, "The man has my clothing."

Fincul looks at himself.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Can we get Skalheth to cast some cures before he goes?"

Fincul says, "He has my *pointy hat*."

Kaylee says, "He'll have it tomorrow."

Fincul nods and sighs.

Fincul says, "So how do we keep people from pointing and say, 'oh, that group of rather recognizable adventurers? they went that-a-way'"

Kaylee says, "Personally, I'd be up for a counter-trap."

[D&D] Fincul says, "We could put straw dummies in our beds."

[D&D] GM says, "I don't think he's still around, although you could dig him up tomorrow morning"

Arly says, "I wouldn't necessarily mind, but we don't know exactly what we're up against, so it may not be worth the risk."

[D&D] Fincul says (to GM), "And the Raz-man already said he'd cast speak-wi-- oh, wait, that's not what you meant."

[D&D] GM says, "yeah, he'll be around at noon, I guess"

[D&D] Kaylee laughs.

Fincul says, "Very well."

Kaylee asks (of Arly), "Mind which?"

Fincul says, "If we are relocating, I may need to borrow a pack from someone."

Fincul says, "I seem to be short of pockets at the moment."

Onyx says, "I need to heal a tad. Tha' fight took it out o' me."

Arly says (to Kaylee), "Setting up a counter attack."

Arly says, "I wouldn't mind seeing Cassius's head on a pike, I think. Not that I have a pike."

[D&D] GM says, "if you had a pike, you could have cassis's head on a pike, if you had cassis's head"

Onyx says, "How 'bout an axe? I got a axe."

Kaylee says, "You can get one from the fish market."

[D&D] Arly says, "Cassis, oops."

Arly says (to Onyx), "Well, I have a longsword."

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims (at GM), "Yay!"

[D&D] GM asks, "ok, so what are you guys doing? are you sleeping or staying up?"

Arly says (to Kaylee), "That's good to know."

[D&D] GM asks, "and what room or where outside the inn are you doing these things?"

Fincul says (to Onyx), "I can give you another potion, if you need it."

Fincul says, "Or anyone else, of course."

Onyx asks, "How y'all feelin?"

Kaylee says, "I probably need something--I got pretty badly burned by that fireball."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I wanna sleep."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Wherever the rest of the party decides to go, I'll sleep there."

Onyx says (to Fincul), "I'll take one, thankee. Much obliged."

[D&D] Onyx asks, "1d8+1?"

Fincul gives Onyx and Kaylee each a vial of CLW.

[D&D] Fincul says, "Right."

Kaylee rolls 8-sided dice: 4 | 4 + 1 = 5

Onyx rolls 8-sided dice: 2 | 2 + 1 = 3

Fincul puts his last one away for later.

Kaylee says, "Thanks."

[D&D] GM asks, "so are you staying in the room?"

Fincul says, "Quite welcome."

Kaylee says, "Let's stay here. We can sleep, I dunno, under the beds, and I'll keep watch half the night, and someone else can keep watch the other half."

Fincul says, "Alright."

Kaylee says (to Fincul), "I know you spellcasting types need a full night's sleep, and I'm still wired from my brush with the law."

Arly says, "I'll keep watch."

Kaylee says (to Arly), "Excellent."

Fincul says (to Kaylee), "Thank you -- I appreciate it."

Arly says, "When Cassis comes to meet his doom, I want mine to be the face he sees."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Is there a guard that patrols around here?"

[D&D] GM says, "there are occasional guard patrols through the streets here, yeah"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Are they regular?"

[D&D] GM says, "no, it rotates"

[D&D] GM says, "you probably recognize most of them by now, though"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I meant something more like, 'are they on a regular schedule?'"

[D&D] GM says, "oh, yeah"

[D&D] GM says, "every two hours, roughly"

Fincul tries to crawl under his bed like Kaylee suggested, and ends up having to fit himself between a pile of books and a magic staff.

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee hee"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "How tall is our inn?"

[D&D] GM says, "three stories -- you're on the second story"

Kaylee says, "Hmm. Actually, Arly, if you and Onyx wouldn't mind taking shifts between you, I think I'll patrol on the rooftop."

Onyx says, "Can do."

[D&D] Fincul says, "The first story was the bit where we chased down Mendrick and then cleansed a tomb of evil."

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims, "Ha!"

Kaylee says, "OK--sleep well, everyone."

Arly says, "I shan't sleep."

Kaylee scootches out the window and scampers up to the roof.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Mor's End doesn't have a curfew or anything, does it?"

[D&D] GM says, "no, it doesn't, although the streets tend to clear out at night"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(Sara's AFK with Ellric, but can come back as needed)"

[D&D] Kaylee nods.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "More wondering if it would be illegal to spend the night on the roof."

[D&D] GM says, "nah, knock yourself out"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "OK, then, I think we're set."

[D&D] GM says, "just not, you know, off"

[D&D] Kaylee laughs.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Hey, I have 'Endurance'. Perfect for staying up all night ;-)"

GM says, "The night is cool up on the roof, with the breeze whipping in from the lake"

Kaylee breathes in the lake air deeply.

GM says (to Kaylee), "it mixes, of course, with the breeze from the swamp, but even that doesn't smell unpleasant, just strange"

GM says, "There are a few street lamps down below, but mostly the night is black"

GM says, "and silent, which is why you're able to hear the distant drumming at all"

Kaylee watches the streets with particular care during the hour the guards are furthest away.

Kaylee . o O ( drumming? )

Kaylee listens more closely.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 7 | 7 + 2 = 9

GM says, "It's far away but unmistakable, although there seems to be no pattern in it: just constant, repetitive drumming coming in from far off"

[D&D] Fincul says, "I bet it's those orcs who want to retake the swamp."

Kaylee swings down into the room, finding Arly awake. "Hey, do you hear that?"

Kaylee holds open the window.

GM says, "In the room it's fainter, but you can still make it out if you listen"

Kaylee says, "I'm going to check it out."

Kaylee says, "Back in one watch."

Arly turns to Kaylee and nods silently.

Arly listens intently.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(an hour)"

Kaylee flits out the window and down the streets.

[D&D] Fincul says, "(AFK a few.)"

GM says (to Arly), "the same drums, beating out a constant rhythm"

GM says (to Kaylee), "it's harder to hear when you drop down to street level, but it's still there"

Onyx snores quietly.

Kaylee, happening to pass a guard on patrol, asks, "Hey, what's that drumming?"

GM says, ""Eh?" he says. "Oh.""

GM says, ""Never a good sign when there's drumming from the swamp.""

Kaylee asks, "Why? What happens?"

GM says, ""'Bout five years ago there was drumming, and then a raid on the city the next night. The same thing a few years before that.""

Kaylee says, "Oy."

GM says, ""'Course, sometimes there's drumming and then nothing comes of it. But if you'll excuse me, I'd better go mention this.""

Kaylee says, "Well, I guess we'll be prepared this time."

Kaylee nods.

GM says, "The guard pulls his cloak around himself and hurries off."

Kaylee flits out to the wall, climbs another building, and surveys the swamp.

GM says, "The drumming's louder here, and mixed in you can make out faint chanting, just as repetitive as the drumming"

Kaylee tries to make out the words.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 8 | 8 + 2 = 10

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Mmm, probably not."

GM says, "It doesn't sound like words, just like chanting in time to the drums"

GM says, "(and you don't speak orcish or goblin or trollish or whatever anyway)"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Nothing in view, I presume?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Right."

[D&D] GM says, "right, just the darkness of the swamp -- except, actually, one point of light in the swamp that you can barely see from here"

[D&D] GM says, "like a small campfire"

Kaylee tries, from her memory of her trips through the swamp, to remember where the light might be coming from in relation to the temple/lake/path.

GM says, "Not someplace you've been -- it'd be off the path"

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Back.)"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "How far from the wall?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(approximately)"

[D&D] GM says, "mm, maybe an hour's walk in daylight"

[D&D] GM says, "maybe a little longer -- the path isn't exactly straight"

GM says (to Kaylee), "then you notice movement on the edge of the swamp"

Kaylee looks around to get a few silhouette landmarks... then watches the movement as she notices it.

GM says, "The near edge of the swamp is still a hundred feet or so from here, so it's hard to tell what exactly it is"

GM says, "But it looks like somebody moving out stealthily"

GM says, "There's a brief flash of brightness as the fraction of moonlight left illuminates something shining in the figure's grasp"

GM says, "Then it vanishes as the figure ducks behind some bushes, zig-zagging towards the wall"

Kaylee backs up to the edge of her building, then runs straight out, leaping off the building and trying to clear the wall as she falls.

GM says, "ignoring the gate entirely"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Oh, towards me?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(I was picturing a building taller than the wall, but close by.)"

[D&D] GM says, "not directly towards you, but roughly towards the city wall"

[D&D] GM says, "right"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "And it seemed dramatic ;-)"

[D&D] GM says, "(the gate, that is, is not in this part of the wall)"

[D&D] GM says, "so if you would like to leave the city you'll need to do something similar"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Oh, wait, I get it--the wall is a ways away from the city proper?"

[D&D] GM says, "it's like (swamp)<------cleared space-(figure)->(wall) (building/you)"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Alrighty. Can I do the jump I wanted to get out in the cleared space area?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "If not, I'll just scale it."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I will laugh if Kaylee comes down in that space as the figure climbs up and over the wall right behind her."

[D&D] GM says, "I think you'll have to scale it -- the buildings are kept away from the wall on purpose"

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims, "Hee!"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "All right. I'll leap of my building, at least, and run to the wall to scale it. If I see a guard, I'll say something to 'em."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(tumble roll:)"

GM says, "There aren't any guards, although whether this is an accident or a sign is unclear"

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 13 | 13 + 12 = 25

Kaylee scales the wall, then runs along it, stooping, to where she saw the figure.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(along the top, that is)"

GM says, "The figure's vanished into the darkness -- but then, it's hard to tell without being on the ground, since it's mostly-moonless nighttime"

Kaylee stops, listens.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 17 | 17 + 2 = 19

GM says (to Kaylee), "a very faint scraping noise on the ground, and then you see the figure"

Kaylee smiles, watches.

Skalheth has arrived.

Skalheth says, "Hurr."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Hey there."

[D&D] Arly says, "Wow, Skalheth."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "It's Skalheth! What are you doing skulking outside the city?"

Skalheth asks (of Kaylee), "What you doing outside at this time of night?"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Wait--it *is* you?"

Skalheth says, "Tracking."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "Yep."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Ha! Ha ha."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee hee."

[D&D] Onyx says, "'tis a fine pickle"

Skalheth says, "Tracking goblins. Good thing I found you."

[D&D] Onyx exclaims, "oooh, battle potential!"

Kaylee asks (of Skalheth), "I thought you were attacking the city or something. What's up? What's that drumming?"

Skalheth says, "Some of the swamp goblins are planning a raid, I think."

Kaylee nods. "The guard said a raid happened the last time they heard drumming."

Skalheth says, "They got shiny new weapons from somewhere. It's making them bold."

Kaylee says, "Let me guess--from diverted crates like ours."

Skalheth shakes his head. "Think they're the masters here, and not just another denizen."

Skalheth says, "Hurr... Hadn't thought of that. Maybe."

Kaylee says, "We met up with some folks who said their weapon smuggling operation had been diverted."

Skalheth says, "Hum..."

Kaylee says, "Someone has it in for this city."

Kaylee says, "Lady Kianna was attacked tonight."

Skalheth says, "I was thinking they dug up the weapons from the ruins."

Kaylee asks, "Could be. Er, what ruins?"

Kaylee asks, "Ours?"

Skalheth says, "No."

Skalheth says, "It's in goblin territory. I don't go there much, but there was a bunch of them there this evening."

Kaylee nods.

Skalheth says, "They've been guarding them for a while now."

Kaylee says, "If not dug up, they could be receiving the diverted shipments there, then."

Kaylee says, "Either way, we should warn the guard."

Kaylee asks, "Have an idea when the raid is planned?"

Skalheth shakes his head.

Skalheth says, sadly, "They don't talk to me any more. Getting full of themselves."

Kaylee says, "Aww. Sorry to hear that."

Kaylee asks, "None of 'em you could convince to tell you what's going on? An old swamp chess buddy?"

Skalheth says, "They greet me with spears now. It would not be safe."

Kaylee nods.

Kaylee asks, "Well, I'll go talk to the guard--been by there several times already. Anything else we should do?"

Skalheth says, "Just be ready."

Kaylee nods.

Skalheth says, "I wish I could help you more..."

Kaylee says, "See you later. Oh, I don't suppose you have any healing spell handy? Got a bit burned in the sewers."

Kaylee says, "No, your information is invaluable."

Skalheth nods, and stretches his hand out.

[D&D] Skalheth asks, "Er, what's cure light wounds, again?"

Kaylee pulls up the back of her shirt, where she got most badly burned.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "d8+level?"

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

Skalheth rolls 8-sided dice: 3 | 3 + 4 = 7

Kaylee says, "Oooh, nice. That feels worlds better. Thanks."

Skalheth smears a minty-smelling plant goo on Kaylee's back. It tingles.

Skalheth says, "Farewell, and good look."

Kaylee nods smartly.

Skalheth picks up his spear and lopes off into the swamp.

Kaylee runs off to the now-familiar guard station.

Skalheth has left.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "That was nice."

[D&D] Skalheth says, "That was fun. Now I need to go see about supper."

[D&D] Skalheth waves.

[D&D] Kaylee wave!

[D&D] GM says, "yay thanks"

Kaylee asks (of Guard), "Hey, you hear that drumming?"

[D&D] Arly says, "Yay cameo."

GM says, ""I hear it -- we've increased the gate patrols by the swamp.""

[D&D] GM says, "speaking of time, how much longer do people have? I don't want to keep anyone up too late, but I admit this is taking longer than I expected"

Kaylee says (to guard), ""I have a friend who's a bit of a swamp rat, who says the swamp goblins are preparing a raid, armed with shiny new weapons they got from Goddess-knows-where."

[D&D] Fincul says, "I'm fine."

[D&D] Arly says, "Well, I'd like to be in bed by midnight, but I don't really want to go to bed until I... uh, I hate to say this, but... do something."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Hee"

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims (at GM), "Quick! The room gets attacked!"

[D&D] Onyx says, "I'm falling asleep, so if you guys want to activate Onyx-bot (who'd be snoring at the moment in any case) I can live with it."

GM says, "The guard spits. "Weapons or no, we'll handle it -- no need for those Elwain bastards to stick their nose in.""

[D&D] Onyx says, "BTW, this is probably my last gaming session for about 3ish weeks."

Kaylee asks, "Elwain? You think they're behind it?"

[D&D] GM says (to Onyx), "yeah, we're wrapping things up tonight. or, at least, bringing them to some reasonable stopping place for a couple months"

GM says, "The guard shrugs. "Behind the goblins? Not likely.""

[D&D] Onyx says, "alrighty."

Kaylee asks, "Oh, they're offering to *help*?"

GM says, ""The rumor going 'round is they're trying to get us to sign some kind of mutual defense pact -- but I know what that means, Elwain troops quartered here, and their fat politicians runnin' the city.""

Kaylee says, "Oho."

Kaylee asks, "Is someone else in charge after Lady Kianna?"

Kaylee says, "I heard she was attacked tonight."

GM says, "He scowls. "Damn council's in charge now -- can't agree on anything.""

Kaylee asks, "Could they sign such an agreement?"

Kaylee asks, "Or would Lady K have to approve it herself?"

GM says, ""I suppose," he says. "At least they could agree to it temporarily.""

Kaylee says, "Hmm."

Kaylee says, "Well, do let someone know the goblins'll probably be better armed than usual. And if you get any weapons off of 'em, it'll probably be a good idea to check out where they came from."

GM says, "The guard nods. "I'll pass the word around.""

Kaylee says, "Thanks."

GM says, "He ducks inside, and then comes out again to start his patrol."

Kaylee heads back to the inn.

GM says, "And that is the only thing of interest that happens tonight"

[D&D] (from Fincul) GM says, "<end>"

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

GM says, "Bright and early the next morning some of you pry yourself out from under the beds"

GM asks, "And what then?"

Fincul says, "Mrmbl."

Fincul asks, "So. We were attacked?"

Onyx says, "Gah. Food."

Arly says (to Fincul), "No."

Fincul nods. "Good to hear it."

Arly says, "Not a sign of them all night."

Kaylee tells the Raz people that working on the path is probably not a good idea today, since the swamp goblins are massing and planning a raid.

Fincul asks, "Are we going to see Cassis this morning, or should we do to him what he did to us?"

Onyx munches bread and cheese, and quaffs a mug of something <which smells terrible>.

Kaylee says, "Oh, that's right, we had a meeting."

Kaylee says, "I, uh, shouldn't be there, probably."

Fincul gets out his book, to prepare as usual.

GM says (to Kaylee), "I assume you also let the Raz priest know speak with dead won't be required"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Heh. Right."

GM says, "He does stop by the inn and heal everyone the remaining amount, however"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "But I do ask for one more... yeah, that ;-)"

GM asks, "After Fincul finishes preparing, what next?"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Did the past raids happen at night, or during the day?"

[D&D] GM says, "night"

[D&D] GM says, "since, right, goblins can see in the dark"

[D&D] GM says, "although generally they carry torches to burn things anyway"

[D&D] Kaylee laughs.

Kaylee says (to Iorg), "What can you tell me about your smuggling operation? It looks like the goblins may have your weapons now."

GM says, "(assuming you passed on what happened last night)"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(right)"

GM says, ""I feel some obligation to try and do something about this," Iorg says."

GM says, ""I haven't been in the swamp before, much, but perhaps I can get directions to the ruin and look around there""

Fincul checks on breakfast and his clothes after studying.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Can we pretend Skalheth told me?"

GM says (to Fincul), "your clothes are in a neat pile outside the door"

[D&D] GM says, "sure"

Onyx runs through some morning stretches after finishing her meal and smelly drink.

Kaylee says, "Confront the goblins directly? That sounds reasonable. Skalheth actually told me where the ruin is, though it's guarded."

Fincul exclaims, "Wonderful -- they even thought to use starch in my hat!"

Onyx says (to Fincul), "Good hat."

Fincul dresses, eats, and swaps ioun stones, not necessarily in that order.

Kaylee says, "Maybe we can prevent the raid entirely. That'd be sweet."

GM says, ""I don't think there's enough of me to confront the goblins directly," Iorg says, "Even if you come along""

GM says, ""But I've always worked by stealth before, more or less.""

Kaylee nods.

Onyx says (to Iorg), "You havena seen us fight."

Kaylee says, "I'm not, ah, the most inconspicuous individual."

Onyx asks (of Kaylee), "Ya don' say?"

Kaylee flashes a grin at Onyx.

Kaylee asks (of Iorg), "You want to go on your own?"

Onyx says, "I think we most o' us stand out a tad."

Kaylee says, "Arly here's fairly stealthy. And Fincul could make one or two of you invisible, too."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(Am I remembering right?)"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(about arly?)"

GM says, "Iorg frowns. "I would appreciate if you came part of the way, at least, to guard my path -- then I could reconnoiter the ruins.""

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

[D&D] Arly says, "Well, I have an excellent Hide score."

[D&D] GM says, "and that's not just good skin"

Kaylee says, "Sounds good to me."

[D&D] Arly says, "And a good, if not exceptional, Move Silently score."

Kaylee says, "Let's do it."

[D&D] Kaylee laughs.

Fincul returns. "I heard you mention my name before I came in."

Kaylee exclaims (at Fincul), "We're going back into the swamp!"

Fincul says, "We do have something left over from our earlier endeavors that could help one blend in with the goblins, if that's what you're seeking."

Fincul says, "Although of course, it is in finite supply."

Kaylee says, "Bring it along; let's see what happens."

Fincul asks (of Kaylee), "Shall we leave a note, in case Cassis comes by?"

Kaylee asks, "Weren't we going to meet him?"

Fincul asks, "'Unavoidably detained at an earlier meeting'?"

Fincul says, "Well, yes."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Do you want me to prep an extra invis, BTW?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "And/or anything else?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "You Make the Call."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Then I'll skip it for now."

Fincul asks, "Are we off now, then?"

Kaylee nods.

Fincul says, "Lead on, m'lady."

Kaylee exclaims (at Gate_guard), "Hello again!"

GM says, "The six guards glare at you. "The gate's closed," they say, "Unless you have urgent business.""

Kaylee says, "Oh. We were going to try to stop the impending goblin raid."

GM says, "One of the guards blinks. "Now I recognize her," he says."

GM says, "(it's the guard who carried the body with you)"

Kaylee exclaims (at guard), "Hi!"

GM says, ""You really get around, don't you? But fine, if you'd like to take a shot at it, be my guest - don't expect the gate to be open a moment past sunset, though.""

GM says, "He motions to the others, and they lift up the bar and swing the gate open enough for you to exit"

Kaylee says, "Aww, you're the best."

Kaylee gives him a peck on the cheek as she walks by.

Kaylee exclaims, "See you later!"

Fincul just tips his hat politely.

GM says, ""..if you're lucky.""

Arly says (to GM), "We won't need luck."

GM says, "The gate swings shut with a thud as soon as the six of you are out."

GM says, "and then you head south."

Onyx says (to Arly), "Don' be discountin' the luck."

GM says, "The swamp is almost completely silent; when a bird does cry it's piercing, even though it's flying far off"

Arly says (to Onyx), "We shall not be needing it."

Onyx says (to Arly), "'Course, a good prayer ne'er hurt none, neither."

GM says, "The mud is just as sucking as you remember it, however, and when you take Skalheth's advice and leave the main path it becomes swiftly more and more unpleasant"

GM says, "but eventually the ground starts to rise slightly, and dries, and then you spot the ruins"

Fincul catches a juicy-looking mudbug and drops it in his pocket.

GM says, "It looks like an old guard outpost, maybe: it has three buildings, mostly collapsed, and a mostly-intact tower"

Fincul says, "Mmm. Tower."

GM says, "there are over twoscore goblins arranged outside: most sitting around lazily, some throwing daggers at a tree, some watching a swamp-rat fight"

Arly mutters under his breath, "Goblins? Why not set a flock of wild hummingbirds on us?"

Kaylee asks (of Iorg), "What do you think? Can you make it past them?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(quietly)"

GM says, "There are also a half-dozen ogres, standing around in a cluster apart from the goblins"

[D&D] (from Kaylee) GM says (to Arly) "So take that."

GM says, "Iorg glances over. "It'll take some doing," he says."

Fincul stage-whispers, "Does anyone here *speak* goblin?"

GM says, ""But probably.""

Kaylee says, "Not I."

GM says, ""I do, as a matter of fact," Iorg says."

Fincul blinks.

Kaylee says, "So, disguising ourselves as one probably wouldn't... oh, hey."

GM says, "He shrugs. "Brotherhood of the Quill teaches languages.""

Fincul asks (of Iorg), "How's your accent?"

Kaylee says, "Makes sense."

GM says, ""Not brilliant, but it might pass.""

Fincul nods. "Then I think we might be able to get more information by disguising you than by simply making you disappear."

GM says, ""I'm not *that* short," he says."

Kaylee asks, "What if some of us went invisible, and some went disguised?"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "How tall is a goblin and/or an Iorg?"

[D&D] GM says, "goblins are like four feet; he's like 5'5""

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "How does the dust work? Would it change apparant height?"

Fincul frowns. "Perhaps you're right."

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

[D&D] GM says, "it'll work on Onyx, even"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Yeah, but he'd still be about a head too tall, I think."

[D&D] GM says, "but a conventional disguise would be trickier"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Well hey."

[D&D] Kaylee nods.

Kaylee says (to Fincul), "I thought you said the dust could change how tall you looked, too."

Fincul says, "Somewhat, yes."

Fincul hovers his hand a bit below Iorg's shoulder.

Fincul says, "He'd be a bit tall for a goblin... but not absurdly so."

[D&D] GM says, "(yeah, I guess it changes by up to a foot in either direction)"

Kaylee says, "You could try an ogre, I gues."

GM says, ""I could stoop," Iorg says."

Onyx says, "Shamble."

GM says, ""..But stealthily.""

Onyx sniffs Iorg.

Kaylee asks, "Someone else want to go with them as the dumb cousin? And someone else invisibly?"

Onyx says, "You don' smell like one o' them."

Kaylee says (to Onyx), "I think the dust even takes care of that."

Arly says, "I shall go invisibly."

Onyx says, "Hmmm. Alrighty then."

Kaylee says, "Though there's certainly plenty of mud to change that."

Onyx says, "I can go wit' him, I guess."

GM says, ""The things I do for the cause," he mutters."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "How many invisibilities do you have?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "One invis, a bag of five disguises."

Kaylee says (to Arly), "Yeah, you're the stealthiest."

Fincul asks, "So... we'll disguise Iorg, and vanish Arly?"

Kaylee asks, "And disguise Onyx, to go with Iorg?"

Arly says (to Kaylee), "I'm also far too tall and good looking to ever pass as a goblin."

Fincul asks (of Kaylee), "As an ogre?"

Onyx asks, "An' what we gonna do iffen they see through our disguises?"

Kaylee says, "Not that she speaks ogre. But maybe she can just grunt."

Onyx says (to Arly), "Keep yer shirt on, brotha."

Fincul nods.

Kaylee pokes Onyx in the ribs. "You're good at that."

Onyx exclaims, "Unh!"

Kaylee says, "Perfect."

Onyx asks, "Uh, ogres carry axes?"

Fincul says, "Not to worry. That will be covered as well."

Kaylee says, "You got that axe from a skeleton ogre."

Kaylee says, "I think."

Kaylee says, "Skeleton something-big, at any rate."

Fincul mentally pictures a goblin, dressed and armed like the ones below, as he sprinkles dust over Iorg's head and shoulders.

Onyx says, "Yeah, but these here fellas ain' t skeletons. They's juicy."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Was it a skeleton ogre? Or am I misremembering?"

GM says, "Iorg's form wavers and is replaced by one similar to the goblins below"

[D&D] GM says, "it was a large skeleton, as I recall. but ogres do sometimes carry axes, although clubs or spears are more common"

[D&D] GM says, "but like Fincul says, it gets covered by the illusion"

Fincul squints at the ogres, to see what they're wearing and wielding, and then tosses another pinch of the dust at Onyx.

[D&D] Kaylee nods.

Onyx tries not to sneeze.

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Do I roll for duration, or is that a sekrit GM roll?"

[D&D] GM says, "hmm, I think I'll roll it"

Kaylee says, "My my, a marked improvement."

Fincul asks, "Before I cast a spell on Arly, are there any plans to be made?"

Kaylee ducks.

[D&D] GM says, "but it's at least 7 hours, so it shouldn't be an issue"

Onyx pokes Kaylee in the ribs.

Fincul says, "The invisibility will not last as long as the other illusions."

GM says, "(It's a slightly weird sensation, since it looks like a large ogre finger but feels relatively small)"

Kaylee asks, "Go in, find the weapons, destroy 'em, run?"

Fincul says, "Er, I should note that you ought to be wary of touching any one, as that could give you away."

Onyx says, "Iffen I touch anyone, Ahl be swingin' me axe, so don' you worry none. Er, much."

Kaylee says, "We'll be here if you need us. Hoot like an owl. Or maybe just scream like a banshee."

Fincul looks at Iorg. "And be careful of low dooryways and ceilings. You are still not actually as short as you may seem to be."

GM says, "Iorg nods."

GM says, ""Well then," he says, "Let us go.""

Fincul nods. "Alright. Arly, evansce."

Fincul taps him on the shoulder.

Onyx says, "Ahl holler the tribe war-cry. Ye cain't miss it. Later, y'all."

GM says, "Arly fades out as the oddly-matched pair sets off"

Fincul mumbles quietly to himself. "I hope we remember which goblin and ogre they are."

GM says, "Iorg sets a course that weaves casually past the other goblins without actually going near any of them. Once one shouts out some sort of greeting or request in goblin; Iorg shouts something back and keeps walking."

[D&D] Fincul realizes something fairly amusing.

Onyx . o O ( Wish I had a turkey leg. )

[D&D] GM asks, "?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Since this isn't actually a spell, I don't think we can voluntarily dismiss it when we're done with the illusion."

GM says, ""Which should we check out first?" Iorg mutters. "The ruined buildings or the tower?""

Onyx mutters back, "Tower."

Onyx angles a bit in the direction of the tower.

GM says, "A large goblin's leaning against the door of the tower, cleaning his ear with a shiny new dagger."

GM says, "The door itself looks old but more or less sturdy, although there's no lock"

GM says, ""Can't come in," he grunts. "Boss is busy.""

GM says, "Iorg coughs for a minute. "But I sick," he whines."

[D&D] GM says, "(goblin subtitling provided for your convenience)"

GM says, ""Too bad you sick -- probably you ate bad swampberries.""

Onyx frowns and grunts at the delay.

[D&D] Arly says, "Hee hee."

GM says, ""But she sick too." Iorg gestures to Onyx. "We want rations now.""

GM says, ""Who you talk to about rations? Rations over there.""

[D&D] Onyx asks, "can I try intimidate as a goblin?"

GM says, ""Over where? Come show.""

[D&D] GM says, "sure"

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 6 | 6 + 8 = 14

[D&D] GM says, "(with your ogre bonus that should do nicely)"

GM says, ""I no want to --" Onyx swings her glare over at it, and the goblin breaks off. "I show.""

GM says, "Iorg gestures at the door as he walks off with the other goblin."

[D&D] Onyx says, "arly? stealth time, dude."

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 7 = 20

GM says, "The door slips open silently and then shuts again, as Onyx stands in the way to block prying eyes"

GM says (to Arly), "inside there's a small entrance-room (which has one goblin in it, sleeping against the staircase), and stairs leading up and down"

Arly asks (of GM), "Nothing else of note here?"

GM says, "just some animal bones on the ground"

Arly asks, "Can I tell what kind?"

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims, "Pick the goblin's pocket! He's sure to have several copper!"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Didn't you spend enough time with the coppers last night?"

[D&D] Onyx says, "And I met a nice cooper."

GM says (to Arly), "probably swamp-rat"

Arly says, "Okay. I'll check out what's downstairs."

[D&D] Kaylee sings, "Roll out the barrel"

Fincul asks (of Kaylee) (quietly), "I'm surprised you're not taking a nap. Did you get any sleep at all last night?"

GM says, "downstairs is a small hall, wet and unpleasant due to the damp ground around"

GM says, "it ends in a barred gate, on the other side of which is a cell"

GM says, "in the cell is a man in torn and muddy clothes, sleeping"

Arly asks, "Do I recognize him?"

GM says, "Hmm, he does look kind of familiar -- hang on, that's Cassis-1"

Kaylee says, "Good point."

Arly says, "I knew it."

GM says, "(quite bedraggled)"

Kaylee curls up under a bush, goes to sleep.

Arly says, "Okay... Well, I'll have to come back for him, but at least now we have confirmation."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Really?"

Arly says, "So, I'm going back upstairs and head upstairs instead of down this time."

GM says, "upstairs it again has a small landing; there's a ladder up to a trapdoor in what is probably the roof, and a door (which is closed) (through which you can hear faint noises)"

Arly listens intently at the door.

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 7 = 26

[D&D] GM says, "(I guess that means you hear it)"

[D&D] Arly says, "I'd hope os."

[D&D] Arly says, "So."

GM says (to Arly), "It sounds like a conversation between a man and a woman"

GM says, "The man is saying "So, is the army sufficiently fierce?" He chuckles."

Arly asks (of GM), "Do I recognize the voice?"

GM says, ""I don't see how you expect to fool anyone.""

GM says, "Hmm, it sounds vaguely familiar -- it's not, for instance, Cassis-2"

Arly asks (of GM), "And is the door closed all the way?"

GM says, ""I don't have to fool just anyone -- I have to fool the council long enoigh to get them to sign the agreement.""

GM says (to Arly), "it's open a crack"

Arly says (to GM), "Okay, I'm going to try to open just the tiniest bit farther to see if I can see who's in the room."

GM says, ""But with rumors of high-quality weapons in the hands of the swamp goblins -- drumming in the night --""

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 7 = 22

GM says, ""They'll fold, believe me. Especially with the ones we've promised power to after Elwain takes control""

GM says, "You slide the door open, revealing one of Cassis's bodyguards, and a woman you don't recognize"

GM says, "The chamber is rough but set up like a general's tent: there's a map of the city on a table, various tactical marks on it dictating strike points, and the like"

GM says, "Also a window out onto the goblins and such below"

Arly asks (of GM), "Where are they in relation to the map?"

GM says, "They're standing on neighboring sides of the table, looking at the map"

GM says, ""Anyway -- tonight we strike, burning and looting. When they get past the walls it'll be a telling blow.""

Arly asks, "Are there any little knick-knacks or anything out in the hallway? Or like a doorstop or something?"

GM says, ""Then we rally the troops and drive them off.""

GM says, "There's a stray stone, yeah"

Arly picks up the stone and tosses it down the hallway.

GM says, ""Eh? Something there?" the bodyguard says, walking out and looking around the hallway."

Arly asks, "So he's actually out in the hallway now? Where in relation to me?"

GM says, "a few feet away -- good thing you're invisible"

Arly quickly sneaks in the room while the bodyguard's back is turned.

GM says, "The man eventually shrugs and comes back inside."

Arly asks (of GM), "What does the woman look like?"

GM says, "The man leans out the window and glances up at the sun. He shouts something in goblin, and a few minutes later, about half the goblins and ogres pick themselves up and head out into the swamp."

[D&D] Onyx says, "Guys, I'm bailing. Its been fun - Sorry I'll miss the final battle. Hopefully we can catch up in a few weeks. :-)"

GM says, "The woman's dressed like a noblewoman on a trip to the swamp -- fancy clothes, but not too fancy"

Arly says, "Hrm, okay."

Arly says (to GM), "And she's still by the table, isn't she."

Onyx has disconnected.

Onyx goes home.

GM says, "Iorg, back with the group, says "He's telling them to go gather torches and spears, I think -- I guess he intends to make a bonfire here this evening.""

GM says, "Yes"

Arly asks (of GM), "What kind of footwear is she wearing?"

GM says, "riding boots, somewhat spattered in mud"

Arly asks (of GM), "And the bodyguard is still at the window?"

GM says, "yes"

Fincul says, "Why would they need spears for a bonfire, I wonder."

Kaylee says, "They're attacking tonight."

Kaylee says, "Spears are great things to wave."

Kaylee asks, "Where *is* that Arly, anyway?"

Fincul shrugs. "If he's not here, he could be anywhere."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "How long has he been gone?"

[D&D] GM says, "about twenty minutes now, maybe thirty"

[D&D] Arly says, "That long? Hrm."

[D&D] GM says, "I think so -- it took a while to weave slowly past all the goblins; you could go back faster, since you don't have to worry about them talking to you"

Arly grabs the map and makes a break for the door.

GM says, "The man and woman blink as the map vanishes."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."

Arly says, "And now I'm moving as fast as I silently can out the room and down the stairs."

GM says, "The man hurries to the window and shouts something else out, and you don't have to speak goblin to be able to tell that this means "something's up -- grab your weapons""

Fincul says, "Er."

GM says, "Meanwhile Arly pounds down the stairs, followed by the man. The woman seems less interested in leaving the room"

Arly says, "And out the door. Out the door! I'll come back for the real Cassis."

Fincul says, "I suspect we should remove ourselves from here quickly."

Fincul says, "As it appears that the goblins are mobilizing."

Kaylee says, "Alrighty then."

[D&D] Arly exclaims, "Awww, we can take 'em!"

Kaylee says, "Ogres first, goblins last."

Kaylee gestures to Onyx to lead the way, and follows in her wake.

Fincul follows Kaylee.

[D&D] Fincul says, "If we do have to fight, at least Iorg and Onyx can probably catch them all flatfooted."

GM says, "But then things get messy, or at least confusing"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Since I doubt they'll be expecting to be attacked by them."

Arly says, "Uh oh."

Fincul says, "If we get caught, we're your prisoners."

GM says, "A man whom you recognize as one of Cassis's bodyguards tears out of the tower door"

GM says, "He flings something into the air, and suddenly Arly materializes, about ten feet away from him and about fifty feet away from you guys"

Arly exclaims, "Run. Run run run!"

Fincul says, "This is Bad."

Arly draws his sword.

GM says, "Arly's carrying a large map under one arm"

GM says, ""You!" says the man"

Arly steps away slowly.

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Slowly?"

[D&D] Arly says (to Kaylee), "I'm being dramatic here."

GM says, ""Grab him!" the man shouts to the goblins and ogres (again, a phrase which needs no translation)"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "It's dramatic to get pig-piled by goblins? ;-)"

Kaylee exclaims, "You run too!"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Is anyone close enough to Arly to seriously hamper him?"

GM says, "There are three ogres and a dozen goblins left, and they grin nastily and draw their special-issue weapons"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Or is he fairly safe, having much longer than goblin legs?"

[D&D] GM says, "not yet, but they're scattered over the field, making it hard for him to run past them to safety"

[D&D] GM says, "he might be able to, though"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Screw that, I'm taking 'em out."

[D&D] Arly says, "Or at least the goblins."

Kaylee runs up behind an ogre in Arly's way and tackles it.

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Oy gevalt."

Kaylee exclaims, "This way!"

[D&D] Fincul says, "If anyone grabs him, I want to cast a spell at them."

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "How many goblins/ogres are in my direct vicinity?"

Fincul moves away, but keeps looking over his shoulder to see if Arly's in trouble.

GM says, "Arly is next to four goblins and one ogre; there are eight goblins and two ogres scattered around the field"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Didn't we have a knock-down drag-out fight with just 2 ogres a few sessions ago?"

GM says, "(one of which Kaylee just tackled)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "A level ago, though."

Arly says (to GM), "Okay, I'm going to start by taking out the goblins."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Still."

GM says, "the four goblins are drawing their daggers and poking at Arly with them"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "There's also a nasty bodyguard."

[D&D] Arly says, "HA ha."

GM says, "as they close in on him"

Arly asks (of GM), "Roll attack?"

GM says, "yep"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 20 | 20 + 10 = 30

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Sweet."

[D&D] Arly says, "Wow, rock."

GM says, "Arly's sword slices a goblin in twain"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Roll again to see if you crit... or never mind."

[D&D] Arly says, "Only one?! Awww."

[D&D] Arly says, "I was hoping I'd slash them all in twain."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "So, is the ogre in Arly-grabbing range?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I don't think D&D has carryover attacks."

[D&D] GM says, "sorry, this is where the cleave feat would have been handy"

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "yes"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Can I act, or do I need init?"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Well, I know that now at least."

[D&D] GM says (to Kaylee), "(that's what the cleave/great cleave feat does)"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Aha."

[D&D] GM says, "the good guys are getting a surprise round here, so you can all act"

[D&D] GM says, "I don't think the order matters yet"

Fincul makes a fairly rude gesture at the ogre with one hand. "Mortulus!"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Is there an attack-to-trip attack or some such?"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Or should I just attack normally?"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 3 = 4

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Woot."

GM says, "The ogre topples with a crash, just like a tree trunk"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I'll play Onyx from the other computer; just a sec."

Onyx has arrived.

Onyx gumbles, and runs forward as if to attack Arly, but at the last minute swings past him at the bodyguard.

Onyx exclaims, "Grrraaaaaaah!"

[D&D] Onyx says, "And, heck, rage, too."

[D&D] GM says, "the bodyguard is ac 16"

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 7 | 7 + 10 = 17

[D&D] Onyx says, "Good thing I raged, then."

Onyx rolls 12-sided dice: 9 | 9 + 5 = 14

Kaylee pummels her ogre.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 11 | 11 + 5 = 16

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 15 | 15 + 5 = 20

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "2 hits?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Trip requires a melee touch attack, then contested Str versus their Str or Dex (whichever's better)."

[D&D] GM says, "the ogres are ac 16 also, yeah"

Kaylee rolls 2 8-sided dice: 4 6 | 10 + 4 = 14

[D&D] Fincul says, "Sorry about the delay -- my connection fell down."

GM says, "Kaylee smacks the ogre upside the head as Onyx slices open the man's side"

GM says, "next round; roll initiative"

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 9 | 9 + 3 = 12

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 1 | 1 + 8 = 9

[D&D] Arly says, "Gah."

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 0 = 14

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 15 | 15 + 6 = 21

Kaylee has connected.

Kaylee walks the plank to adventure. Arr!

Kaylee has arrived.

GM says, "The bodyguard:"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 4 = 18

GM says, "The ogres:"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 - 1 = 7

GM says, "The goblins:"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Decided to put both on one computer different windows ;-)"

GM says, "so Onyx, bodyguard, goblins, Fincul, Kaylee, ogre"

[D&D] (from Fincul) GM says, "The warrant:"

[D&D] GM says, "yay"

Arly asks (of GM), "When do I go?"

Onyx says (to man), ""Graah? Grraaagh!""

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 9 | 9 + 10 = 19

Onyx rolls 12-sided dice: 7 | 7 + 5 = 12

[D&D] Arly asks, "Before the ogre, I guess...?"

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "oops, sorry, you go just before the ogre"

GM says, "Onyx's axe makes a matching gaping wound on the other side of the man"

GM says, "He backs away slightly"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 14 = 27

GM says, "and vanishes from sight"

[D&D] Onyx asks, "Does she get a bonus to AC since her outline is different from her real outline?"

[D&D] Arly exclaims, "!!!"

[D&D] Onyx says, "Not that it matters, I guess."

[D&D] GM says, "hmm, I'm not sure what the deal is there -- I think that when you make physical contact with somebody they get a save vs the illusion"

[D&D] GM says, "I think since you're basically in the same place you don't get an ac bonus, though"

[D&D] Onyx says, "I suppose gaping chest wounds count as physical contact."

GM says, "Then the goblins go"

GM says, "three stab at Arly, another two at Onyx, two at Kaylee, and the remaining 5 look around and try and figure out what's going on"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 1 = 10

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 17 | 17 + 1 = 18

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 1 = 12

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 1 = 12

[D&D] Arly says, "Hee."

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 1 = 9

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 1 = 14

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 19 | 19 + 1 = 20

GM says, "Only one of them makes contact, though, stabbing Kaylee with his dagger"

GM rolls 1 4-sided die: 2 | 2

GM says, "a glancing wound"

GM asks, "Fincul?"

[D&D] GM asks, "Kaylee, then?"

Fincul jogs forward a few yards to get in range, lines up his shot to get as many ogres and goblins as possible, and yells "Hava-Shuul!"

[D&D] GM says, "ah good"

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Sorry, was checking the range -- 40ft.)"

[D&D] GM says, "you can catch three goblins and one ogre in a line, if you like"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Sounds good to me."

GM says, "Three of the goblins wandering around too close to Fincul look up in surprise to see him jogging forward, and then collapse"

GM says, "The third ogre cries in pain and looks over towards him"

GM asks, "Kaylee?"

Onyx ignores the goblins swarming around and keeps at the ogre.

[D&D] Onyx says, "ILAW."

Kaylee ignores the goblins, etc.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 20 | 20 + 5 = 25

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 19 | 19 + 5 = 24

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 2 | 2 + 5 = 7

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Crap."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Oh well, 2 hits."

[D&D] GM says, "jinkies"

Kaylee rolls 2 8-sided dice: 1 1 | 2 + 4 = 6

[D&D] Kaylee cries.

[D&D] GM says, "aw"

[D&D] GM says, "Arly? several goblins still near you, or you could deal with one of the ogres (one of which Kaylee's pounding on harshly, one of which Fincul zapped), or you could chase the bodyguard wherever he went"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Do you try to see invisible with 'spot'?"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Do I have any idea where he went?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "I think Tracking."

[D&D] GM asks, "I dunno, can you think of a way to track him?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Tracking isn't a skill, of course."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "(It's a feat, right?)"

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

[D&D] GM says, "but Arly has it, so"

[D&D] Arly asks, "I mean, I can try to track him with Wilderness Lore or something, but does that work with magic escapes?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Right."

[D&D] GM says, "how about if you make a Wilderness Lore to look around for traces"

[D&D] Fincul says (to Arly), "If he's just invisible, you'd be looking for the usual footprints and stuff."

[D&D] Arly says, "Sure."

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 8 = 26

[D&D] Kaylee says, "And there you go."

GM exclaims (at Arly), "look, bloodstains! leading into the tower!"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Yay."

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Okay, things are under control out here, so I'm going into the tower."

[D&D] Kaylee laughs and laughs.

GM says, "Arly dashes into the tower, following the bloodstains up the stairs"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Where's the map?"

[D&D] Arly says, "I have it."

[D&D] GM says, "uh, still under Arly's arm, I guess"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "BTW, how did we segue from 'helping Arly escape before the ogres grab him' to 'all-out battle with the entire goblin army'?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "But it seemed to big to fight with."

[D&D] GM says, "luckily it doesn't affect his swing"

GM says, "outside, Kaylee's ogre takes a swing at her with its club"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "It's under my... uh... other arm."

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 8 = 20

GM rolls 2 6-sided dice: 6 3 | 9 + 7 = 16

[D&D] Fincul says, "Perhaps when he stuck it under his arm, he tucked it into his breastplate."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Jinkies (to borrow a phrase)"

GM says, "Despite the ogre's wounds, its club catches her heavily in the chest, busting a rib"

Kaylee says, "Oooof."

GM says, "The other ogre lumbers towards Onyx and swings its club"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 8 = 24

GM rolls 2 6-sided dice: 2 3 | 5 + 7 = 12

GM says, "It too smashes heavily into its target"

[D&D] Onyx says, "Eh, they're rage HP anyway."

GM says, "Next round, Onyx (the ogre nearby has been wounded by Fincul's spell, though not terribly; there are also a bunch of goblins)"

Onyx returns the attack.

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 3 | 3 + 10 = 13

Onyx misses, getting confused by her own disguise.

[D&D] Arly says, "Well, things WERE under control"

GM says, "Arly traces the bloodstains to the ladder, and hears the faint sound of chanting from the other side of the trapdoor; the map room door is shut"

GM says, "Meanwhile, down below, the goblins swarm around Fincul"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 7 | 7 + 1 = 8

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 1 = 19

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 2 | 2 + 1 = 3

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 6 | 6 + 1 = 7

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 14 | 14 + 1 = 15

GM rolls 2 4-sided dice: 4 4 | 8

GM says, "Two of them connect, stabbing him in the shoulder"

GM says, "Others jab at Onyx and Kaylee"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Ack -- fast little suckers, aren't they."

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 9 | 9 + 1 = 10

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 16 | 16 + 1 = 17

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 1 = 9

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 1 = 13

GM rolls 1 4-sided die: 2 | 2

GM says, "(Onyx is grazed by one for 2hp)"

GM asks, "Fincul?"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Oh, is Bren here? And/or is Iorg doing something?"

Fincul draws the wand of Vampiric Touch and pokes one of the healthier goblins with it.

[D&D] GM says (to Kaylee), "good question -- they both seem to have vanished"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "We could say that Iorg is out convincing the other goblins not to converge here; that everything's OK."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Or that; great."

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 15 | 15 + 3 = 18

GM says, "The goblin shrieks as its life force is sucked out and into Fincul"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Caster level of a wand of a level 3 spell... level 5?"

GM says, "It collapses to the ground, drained dry"

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

Fincul rolls 10 6-sided dice: 1 6 6 1 1 2 2 6 3 1 | 29

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Dude, poke that at an ogre."

[D&D] GM says, "2d6, man, not 10d6"

[D&D] Arly says, "Oops."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Er, right."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Hee."

Fincul rolls 2 6-sided dice: 1 4 | 5

GM asks, "Kaylee?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Sorry, multiplied when I should ahve divided."

GM says, "(your ogre is tottering, though goblins surround you)"

Kaylee takes a deep breath, clenches her teeth, and barrels into the ogre.

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 20 | 20 + 5 = 25

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 16 | 16 + 5 = 21

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 18 | 18 + 5 = 23

Kaylee rolls 3 8-sided dice: 5 3 1 | 9 + 6 = 15

GM says, "Kaylee's series of kicks and uppercuts send the ogre crashing to the ground to join his buddy"

GM asks, "Arly? through the trapdoor or the door?"

Arly says, "Trapdoor."

[D&D] Fincul asks, "How many baddies are still running around in or near the battle?"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "1 ogre, many goblins."

GM says, "You pull yourself up through the trapdoor and look around: the rooftop's empty, but the trail of blood leads a few feet and then stops, forming a puddle -- with a footprint in it"

[D&D] GM says, "eleven goblins, 1 ogre, (and 1 paralyzed ogre)"

Arly slashes his sword at the area above the footprint.

GM says, "roll for it"

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 3 | 3 + 10 = 13

Arly Gah.

Arly says, "Er..."

[D&D] Arly says, "Gah."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Man, if there ever was a time for a drama die..."

GM says, "Somebody laughs and steps to the side"

GM says, "Meanwhile, down below, Onyx's ogre takes another swing of its club"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Can we see Arly on the roof?"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 8 = 20

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

GM rolls 2 6-sided dice: 5 4 | 9 + 7 = 16

GM says, "It crashes into her again, winding her"

[D&D] GM says, "(Man, I hope she's got a fair amount of rage hp)"

GM says, "Next round, Onyx"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Looks like she started with 49, and got an extra 8."

[D&D] Fincul hopes someone has been keeping track of her losses.

Onyx exclaims, "I look better than you, and my club does more damage!"

[D&D] GM says, "she's down 34, I believe"

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 14 | 14 + 10 = 24

Onyx rolls 12-sided dice: 3 | 3 + 5 = 8

GM says, "Your axe bites into the ogre, sending it tottering but not toppling"

[D&D] Onyx says, "Hmm, I had just 30. 12, 2, 16."

[D&D] GM says, "oops, guess I misremembered the first club"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "That was me for the 16."

GM says, "Meanwhile, up on the roof, Arly cries out as bolts of energy fly from nowhere and strike him -- or, nowhere until they strike, when the bodyguard materializes"

GM rolls 3 4-sided dice: 4 2 2 | 8 + 4 = 12

GM says, "(12 damage for Arly)"

GM says, "The goblins go stabbity stabbity"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 5 | 5 + 1 = 6

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 11 | 11 + 1 = 12

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 1 = 19

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 1 = 11

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 12 | 12 + 1 = 13

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 8 | 8 + 1 = 9

GM says, "One strikes Fincul with its dagger"

GM rolls 1 4-sided die: 2 | 2

GM says, "Not very effectively, admittedly"

GM says, "and then it is his turn to respond"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Er, how does the test go for aiming a spell at someone invisible?"

[D&D] GM says, "he just became visible again"

[D&D] GM says, "so don't sweat it"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Oh, whoops. Never mind."

Fincul swings his staff at the least healthy-looking goblin.

[D&D] Fincul says, "(How do I keep missing important lines like that...)"

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 18 | 18 + 3 = 21

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "Is this the warlock staff, or your old staff?"

GM says, "*clonk* the goblin topples"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I think all the goblins, once hit, have died."

[D&D] Fincul says, "Old staff. Unfortunately, Fincul took your advice about not using it yet."

GM says, "dagger dropping from its limp hand"

[D&D] Kaylee laughs.

GM asks, "Kaylee?"

Kaylee runs up the side of the tower.

[D&D] GM says (to Kaylee), "there's also the last ogre, you recall"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Yeah, but it's fighting Onyx."

[D&D] GM says, "true, true"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "She's a big girl ;-)"

[D&D] GM says, "you can probably run up the tower and get in one attack, but not a flurry"

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "One regular attack, or a half a flurry?"

Ghogg has arrived.

[D&D] GM says, "one regular attack"

Kaylee rolls 20-sided dice: 4 | 4 + 7 = 11

[D&D] GM says (to Ghogg), "the/a bad guy's on top of the tower with Arly and Kaylee; others are down below fighting ogres and goblins"

GM says (to Arly), "your move"

Kaylee flips over the edge of the tower right at the bodyguard, who neatly sidesteps. Kaylee nearly falls over the other side.

Arly says (to GM), "Oh, the bodyguard is going down."

Arly rolls 1 20-sided die: 10 | 10 + 10 = 20

[D&D] Fincul says, "Onyx, who is disguised as an ogre, is fighting an ogre who is not disguised as Onyx."

[D&D] GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] GM says, "I keep forgetting about that"

[D&D] Fincul says, "A band of goblins was fighting Kaylee, who was knocking them down like things that are easy to knock down lots of quickly, until Kaylee ran away leaving them confused."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Right, that's another reason not to get involved--I might forget who's who ;-)"

[D&D] GM says (to Arly), "that's a hit, roll for damage"

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Is the bodyguard a human?"

[D&D] GM says, "yeah"

Arly rolls 1 8-sided die: 4 | 4 + 5 = 9

[D&D] Kaylee says (to Fincul), "Actually, I only attacked my ogre, but that sounds like it was fun."

[D&D] Arly says, "I just wanted to make sure he wasn't a goblin, too. :)"

[D&D] Fincul says, "And Fincul is surrounded by his own swarm of goblins, whom he's swatting like mosquitos."

[D&D] Kaylee asks, "That'dve been a bit of a giveaway, wouldn't it've?"

GM says, "The bodyguard gasps as Arly's blade slashes open his chest; he topples backwards, falling off the tower, and slams messily into the ground"

Kaylee says, "Oh, you didn't need me after all."

Kaylee says, "Carry on."

Arly exclaims (at Kaylee), "I do need you!"

Kaylee says, "Oh/"

Arly says (to Kaylee), "Cassis, the REAL Cassis, is in the basement."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "'Oh?' I meant."

[D&D] Arly says, "We need to go fetch him."

Kaylee exclaims, "Neat!"

GM says, "meanwhile, the last ogre shrugs its shoulders and swings at Onyx again"

GM rolls 1 20-sided die: 4 | 4 + 8 = 12

GM says, "But this time she's worked out how to parry its club"

GM says, "(thankfully)"

GM exclaims, "next round, onyx vs last ogre, fight!"

Onyx says, "Ug. You fight light these goblins."

Onyx rolls 20-sided dice: 5 | 5 + 10 = 15

[D&D] Onyx says, "Bah."

[D&D] GM says (to Fincul), "want to take a swing at the ogre? one hit is probably all it's going to take"

[D&D] Fincul says, "If it's close enough, sure."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Arly and Kaylee charge down the stairs, picking up the keys which are helpfully hanging in a niche, and unlock the doors"

[D&D] GM says, "sure"

[D&D] GM says, "ac 16"

[D&D] Fincul asks, "Are my goblins attacking first?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "And/or Kaylee's goblins."

[D&D] Kaylee says, "My goblins are clamoring at the edge of the tower."

[D&D] GM says, "the goblins have been distracted by the guy falling off the tower"

[D&D] Kaylee says, ""come back!" they say, "We have not tasted of your fists as we desire!""

[D&D] GM says, "(they've got no sticktoitiveness)"

Fincul steps over a fallen goblin to smack the ogre.

Fincul rolls 1 20-sided die: 13 | 13 + 3 = 16

[D&D] Fincul says, "(Is that a hit?)"

[D&D] GM says, "yep"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "Exactly."

Fincul rolls 1 6-sided die: 5 | 5 + 3 = 8

Fincul says (to Onyx), "Allow me to remove this inconvenience, m'lady."

GM says, ""Ha!" the ogre says, dodging Onyx. It steps backwards and Fincul brings his staff up and *smack*."

Onyx says, "Good hit, little man."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Kaylee and Arly pull Cassis-1 out of the basement and upstairs"

GM says, "and since the goblins are all getting the hell out of there it looks like the finish, until, with a flash and a roar, the tower topples"

Fincul asks (of Iorg), "Can you tell them that the battle's over, we thank them for their participation, and they can pick up their paychecks on the way out?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "Timing."

[D&D] Fincul says, "So, I just want to get this absolutely clear..."

[D&D] Arly asks (of GM), "Did we get out in time?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "A small goblin and ogre army was amassing outside the city."

[D&D] Onyx says, "I take it we never saw that woman, either."

[D&D] Fincul says, "It was sufficiently threatening that the council was considering signing a mutual defense pact with another city to protect themselves from it."

GM says, "Bits of flying masonry go everywhere; luckily you're only bruised, but when your vision clears you see that very same woman standing some distance away, pointing her finger casually at the tower"

[D&D] Onyx asks (of inky), "Also, what is it with you and toppling towers?"

[D&D] Fincul says, "And the four of us, with no outside help whatsoever, just routed it completely."

[D&D] GM says (to Onyx), "something freudian"

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Dude, my towers are always getting BIGGER."

GM says, ""Fools," she says"

Kaylee asks, "Who are you?"

GM says, ""It'll be messier, but I'll just kill you all -- then I'll tell the council that a goblin scouting party got you, and it'll all come out the same in the end -- a pact signed with Elwain""

[D&D] Arly says (to GM), "Not on your LIFE."

GM says, "Oddly, it's Bren who's there to answer"

[D&D] Arly says, "ILAMRR."

GM says, ""She's Lady Della, the worst of a bad lot in Elwain.""

GM says, ""I don't think I -- oh, I remember you," she says, looking at him. "The little slave boy. I think I gave you that scar.""

GM says, ""Well, I'm always glad to finish a job I started -- you do recall the penalty for escaping slavery is death.""

Kaylee says, "Didn't, uh, someone have a wand? That might come in handy right about..."

GM says, ""Wait!" Bren says. "Aren't you going to ask what happened to Iorg?""

[D&D] Arly says, "I have a throwing axe or two."

GM says, ""Oh yeah, the mouthy one," she says. "Don't tell me he escaped too? Where is he?""

[D&D] Fincul says, "A touch wand, not a ranged wand."

GM says, ""Right here," the goblin next to her says, and sticks a dagger in her throat."

[D&D] Arly exclaims, "Hooray!"

[D&D] Kaylee says, "I meant Iorg ;-)"

[D&D] Fincul exclaims, "Yay!"

[D&D] Fincul says, "I bet he's got a level of assassin."

GM says, "and then it is really over except for the taking incriminating documents off their bodies back to the council and revealing that the goblin threat is overrated and so on"

GM says, "and no doubt there is a star-wars style ceremony in which you are given the keys to the city"

Arly asks (of GM), "Does the map mean anything now?"

GM says (to Arly), "it's evidence he was planning an attack, yeah"

Arly says, "That's what I thought, woo."

GM says, "and I assume that since it is past 1am folks are sleepy, but thank you all very much for sticking with it"

[D&D] Arly says, "That's really it? Aww."

GM says, "and I hope this was fun -- I haven't done any d&d in a long time"

Fincul says, "It was very fun."

Arly says, "But at least we sent the game out with a bang."

Kaylee says, "Yeah, it was a blast."

Fincul says, "Yay, Iorg."

Fincul says, "I almost trust him now."

Kaylee laughs.

Fincul asks, "Is there any debriefing of Casses?"

Kaylee asks, "Right--was Cassis 1 the real cassis after all?"

[D&D] Arly asks, "Doesn't he have to be, dramatically?"

GM says, "ah, yes, Cassis explains that he was sent to investigate some issues with the weapon shipments; he took the token of the brotherhood's favor owed to it by the weaponsmith (which it turned out Cassis-2's group had taken a rubbing of an forged)"

Kaylee says, "And would Fincul's spell have revealed such (on the document thingy)"

GM says, "He had heard rumors of a threat of a replacement, so he decided to hand off the documents to you in case he was ambushed; he gave you the ring so that if he was ambushed, his buddies would be able to find you and get the documents from you"

GM says, "unfortunately, they didn't hear he had arrived until after you'd handed over the documents"

Fincul says, "Silly Cassis."

GM says, "(he wasn't really recruited for his brains, more for his position and cheery idealism)"

Onyx has disconnected.

Onyx goes home.

[D&D] Arly says, "Right."

[D&D] Arly says, "GRR."

GM says, "Cassis-2 was in cahoots with Elwain, of course, with the promise that he'd get to replace Cassis permanently and take his lands and so on, once Elwain seized Mor's End"

Fincul says, "A*ha*."

GM says, "so he feared that Fincul's spell would reveal too many of his lies"

Fincul asks, "If we'd have tried to meet him, would he have tried to do us in, or would he have been gone again?"

Kaylee asks, "What was the deal with rooting out the Brotherhood? To meet with and stab Lady Kianna, as I suspected?"

Fincul says, "Well, the brotherhood's anti-Elwain."

Kaylee says, "And knew about the real Cassis."

GM says, "right, the intent was to set up the Brotherhood members as the fall guys here"

GM says, "and between them "plotting against the government" and the goblins, to rush Mor's End into an alliance with Elwain"

GM says, "that would swiftly turn it into a fiefdom thereof"

Arly says, "A good plan. But NOT QUITE GOOD ENOUGH."

Fincul says, "Darn that Elwain. Someone's got to give them what for."

GM says, "and, right, once Elwain moved in Lady Kianna would have conveniently failed to recover"

GM says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Fincul), "yes, but that will have to wait for .. THE NEXT ADVENTURE"

Kaylee asks, "Oh, and the crate? Or is that another next adventure thing?"

Fincul says, "I assume the crate belonged to the brotherhood."

GM says, "the crate was part of the weapon-smuggling scheme, right"

Kaylee nods.

GM says, "bring the crates out looking empty and then pull the weapons in at the destination"

Fincul says, "I dunno about the bloody death, but Iorg's theory is as good as any."

GM says, "oh, and reward-wise, everyone gets 2000xp (halfway to level 5), plus probably some stuff from Cassis & co, although that's kind of confused"

GM says, "but if we play any more we can deal with the reward later"

Kaylee says, "The various ogres and goblins had +1 stuff, at least."

Kaylee nods.

Fincul asks, "Stuff in the monetary/item or in the exp sense?"

Arly says, "Okay, cool."

GM says, "they mostly just had masterwork stuff (which isn't bad)"

GM says (to Fincul), "the former"

Kaylee says, "And also brotherhood-issue, though again they'll be grateful and stuff."

Fincul says, "Not to mention these fancy oversized decorative keys, which will be useful in so many ways."

Kaylee says, "And the copper from the dead goblins."

GM says, "hee hee"

Kaylee says, "I learned a valuable lesson from all this."

GM asks, "really? what?"

Kaylee says, "It doesn't matter what size die you roll: they all have 1's."

Arly exclaims, "Hee hee!"

Fincul says, "I learned a lesson too."

GM asks, "oh?"

[D&D] GM says, "(I figure as gm it is my job to ask the leading questions)"

Fincul says, "'If you prepare yourself for a non-lethal fight with humans you want to interrogate afterward, you will end up battling an army of goblins instead'"

GM laughs

Arly says, "The lesson I learned may have been the most important of all."

Kaylee laughs.

[D&D] Kaylee exclaims (at GM), "There's your cue!"

GM asks, "dare I ask?"

Arly says, "Well, I learned that over-confident bravado only produces good die rolls once in every three times it's tried."

Fincul says, "Hee."

GM says, "yay"

Arly exclaims, "Let it never be said D&D isn't educational!"

(From Fincul) Onyx says, "I learsnxkskSNORE"

GM says, "yay more"

Arly exclaims, "Hooray!"

GM says, "onyx learned she should stick to games GM'ed in her timezone"

Fincul asks (of GM), "Wait, what did you learn, though?"

GM says, "hmm"

Onyx has arrived.

Arly says (to GM), "I'm sure I'll learn that lesson tomorrow morning."

Onyx says, "I learned that it doesn't matter how late you stay up--the big battle always happens after you're asleep."

GM says, "I learned that no matter what crazy-ass things I stick into a session on a whim, I can always make up a semi-plausible explanation that handles it all, or at least keep the plot moving long enough to distract from the holes"

Arly asks, "There were holes?"

GM says, "(I learned this at age 6 -- it's not a skill you lose)"

Arly laughs.

GM says, "although then it involved missing cookies from the cookie jar"

Arly says (to GM), "Cookies teach all life's most important lessons."

Kaylee says, "I'd be fascinated to find out what stuff you stuck in on a whim."

Onyx has disconnected.

Onyx goes home.

(From Fincul) inky1983 says, "It was Cassis! I saw him take the cookie!"

GM says, "yay"

Arly says (to Fincul), "That flat-out rocks."

GM says (to Kaylee), "well, all of it, pretty much"

Kaylee says, "Really? Heh."

GM says, "the original plot was "you go into the swamp and discover there's a swamp uprising and have to fight the goblins""

Fincul says, "Wow."

Arly says, "And it got just a taaaaaaaaad more complicated, I see. :)"

GM says, "well, I'd hate for you guys to get bored"

Fincul says, "I think I can safely say that we did not."

Kaylee says, "Hunh."

Kaylee says, "The first few sessions didn't even have much to do with the swamp."

Fincul says, "Except maybe Arly while Kaylee was telling the watch about what Skalheth said."

Fincul says, "But that does not count."

GM says, "hee hee"

Kaylee laughs.

Arly says (to Fincul), "I'm still carrying a longsword, you know."

Arly says, "Besides, he made up for it with a superb final fight."

Kaylee says, "Except that we went through it every time."

Fincul says (to Arly), "I still have Darkray's Irresistible Tickling prepared, you know."

[D&D] Arly says, "Complete with a guy with huge gashes in his chest falling off the top of a building."

GM says, "hee hee"

[D&D] Arly says, "ILAMRR."

Arly says, "What I said on channel."

Arly exclaims (at Fincul), "Don't think I know that's no laughing matter!"

Fincul says, "*Ten rounds* worth."

Arly says, "Er, don't know."

Fincul says, "(I had really been hoping to use it on Cassis-2.)"

Kaylee says, "How long was that battle? I forgot to check Onyx's rage timeout (it was 7 rounds, but I had lost track when I thought to check)"

GM says, "yeah, he was going to be the main villain up until today"

Kaylee says, "Hey, Cassis-2 survived."

Arly says, "Yeah, but since we have the real Cassis now, his power/influence is somewhat lessened."

Kaylee says, "Right, so he's out for REVENGE."

Fincul asks, "Oh, hey, how did we get Onyx and Iorg back into the city?"

Kaylee says, "Uh, as prisoners? ;-)"

GM says, "hmm, I'm not sure"

Kaylee asks, "How long did it last?"

GM says, "I guess Iorg probably knows a back way in, and then you hide in the sewers until it wears off"

(From Kaylee) GM answers, "three weeks."

GM says, "1d6+6 hours"

Kaylee says, "I was wondering what you actually rolled."

GM says, "oh, I didn't roll"

Kaylee says, "Unless you were going to... heh."

Fincul says, "Go on, we're all curious."

GM says, "I figured this'd take less than an hour, and certainly less than 7"

GM rolls 1 6-sided die: 1 | 1 + 6 = 7

GM rolls 1 6-sided die: 4 | 4 + 6 = 10

GM says, "Onyx is going to be in those sewers a while"

Arly says, "Ha."

Kaylee says, "I'd like a function that lets you roll dice privately, but says, "X rolls some dice behind a screen" to everyone else."

Arly says, "That'd be neat."

Fincul says, "Mmm. There's a secret roller for 7th Sea, but not here."

Fincul says, "But that'd be easy enough to make."

Kaylee says, "Oh? Excellent."

Kaylee says, "The little interlude with Skalheth was great, BTW."

GM says, "yeah, he said "hey, can I come in?""

Fincul asks (of GM), "Should we wait until the next time, however long that is from now, before we try to work out the amulet and pendant (and staff) and stuff?"

Kaylee asks, "When?"

GM says (to Kaylee), "right when you were looking at the swamp"

Kaylee says, "You better tell us now before you forget ;-)"

Kaylee says, "Sweet."

GM says, "oh um"

Fincul says, "Wow. Excellent timing."

Kaylee asks, "Hence the "Wait, there's a glow of a campfire." bit?"

GM says, "I don't know what the first two do"

Fincul says (to GM), "Ha."

GM says, "no, the campfire was on the tower in the ruins"

Kaylee says, "Ah, got it."

GM says, "the staff is an entire Next Adventure in itself"

Fincul says, "Ooh."

GM says, "although it didn't exist until Kaylee or whoever said "if there's a staff in the coffin, I grab it""

Kaylee says, "Speaking of Next Adventures, Kaylee (if left un-plot-hooked) will be interested in joining the BoQ, and in still helping the Raz folk."

Kaylee exclaims, "Yay!"

Kaylee says, "Well, it existed on the mural before that."

Arly says (to GM), "I KNEW it."

GM says, "yeah, but it was just there for decoration by the jewel, I wasn't thinking the guy actually had a staff"

Kaylee says, "Cool."

Arly asks, "Well, it's almost 2:00 here. Is that about all the wrapping up that needs to be done?"

GM says, "yeah, definitely"

Fincul says, "I think we're past wrapping and into chatting."

Kaylee says, "Yup. Night night, all."

GM says, "I am just kicking around if anyone has other questions"

GM says, "night guys"

GM says, "thanks for staying up so late"

Fincul waves to Arly, GM.

Arly says (to GM), "Thanks for the super-fun game."

Kaylee says, "It's crazy to think that the next time I game online, I'll be in Seattle."

GM says, "glad you could play"

GM says (to Kaylee), "hooray"

Kaylee says, "I'll say."

Fincul asks, "Oh, did you say what would have happened if we'd tried to meet C2?"

Arly says (to Kaylee), "You and inky could be in the same room."

Kaylee asks (of inky), "You do have 2 computers, right?"

[D&D] Arly says, "And if I'm there visiting, maybe we could play D&D in real life. Assuming people do that."

Kaylee says, "Though emily tends to be on the second ;-)"

Fincul says (to Arly), "If we get Emily to play, then four of them could be playing from the same room."

[D&D] GM says, "that's crazy talk"

GM says, "mmhmm and mmhmm"

GM says (to Fincul), "oh, I think he would have just put you off more"

[D&D] Fincul says, "I won't believe until I've seen it."

GM says, "or been in a meeting with Lady Kianna"

Kaylee says, "Busy *stabbing* Lady Kianna."

GM says, "well yeah"

GM says, "ok, righ"

GM says, "t"

GM has disconnected.

GM goes home.

Kaylee says, "OK, I'm actually off now."

Arly says, "Bye all."

Kaylee has disconnected.

Kaylee exits stage left.