GM Fyren's WotW Brimstone

Game Master Fyren

A fell smile crosses Felrin's face at the ogre's question. I am so tired of running, of hiding, of feeling hunted. 80 years of it! It's time to turn this damn game around.

"Oh, 'Jack, not to worry, we'll find you plenty of bad little 'uns to smash. And we'll use little words, so your head doesn't hurt. Ready to smash?"

Malum considers the ogre's words thoughtfully.
"Hmm, it is possible that they have given him something to make him more pliable... we used to do similar things with the 'merchandise' during transportation so they won't cause a fuss."

Numair makes his way past the crowd and into the cell. "Like my friend said, there will be plenty of other little ones here very shortly. You may kill however many you like. Grumblejack, you said your name was? I am Numair. I think we would all welcome your help in this escape, as there don't seem to be any other prisoners. I think we will all make a nice team."

He looks the ogre over after Malum's words and the haziness in his eyes is noted. "Hmm, perhaps they have enspelled you ..."

sense motive to sense enchantment 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
knowledge (arcana)1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
spellcraft 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

might as well try an untrained Heal check as well ...

heal 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (2) + 1 = 3

Yikes! What are the odds of rolling each of 1-4 on four rolls? :-)

Curses! It would appear I need to study up more on how spells affect those of the giantish persuasion. Unwilling to admit he doesn't know, Numair says, "It doesn't seem to be a spell, but sometimes these effects are a little different on larger races, so there is a chance it could be something I'm unfamiliar with."

Numair thinks a bit more, looking the large brute over. "If you accept our offer and help us Grumblejack, perhaps we could even make a long term arrangement, if you're interested. Being someone who ... dislikes combat, a large friend who could keep the bad guys away from me while I work my magic would be quite beneficial. Something to think about, if you enjoy the breakout!"

Diplomacy 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (14) + 11 = 25

Leaning in behind Numair, Gil whispered into the mans ear "The ogre just said he doesnt like big words, you would likely do well to speak with a more...shall we say, "rural" selection of words. Wouldnt want him getting angry now."

"Well, we shall see. If need be, I'll rephrase it."

He turns back to the ogre. "I was just wondering if you'd like to be my bodyguard, if you like working with us once we're out." Numair clarifies.

Grumblejack squints at Numair and glowers magic?! 'jack not like magic. Words that make things happen not possible.
He stands up abruptly and heads for the door making Twigs lurch out of the way lest he get squashed. We - ex-cape now? Smash bad little 'uns
On his way out the cell, the ogre promptly walks into the edge of the wall by the open door and steps back blinking That not here before! and staggers out of the cell shaking his head and rumbling something about his head being fuzzy, sliding along the east-west corridor using a wall for support.

Twigs lets out a low whistle as the giant draws to his full height, giving him a wide berth as he drags himself through the hall. Twigs will follow suit, ambling behind well out of the way of the monster, grinning his gap-toothed grin at the others, making the 'a-ok' gesture. Choice. Yew got us an ogre. he mouths, rubbing his hands together.

"Haha!" Izabelle laughs, unable to contain her excitement as she keeps pace with the ogre. "We're going to have some fun, Jack. Show these jailers who's boss."

She moves past him, scouting a little bit ahead of their position towards the stairs.

Steath: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

The ogre stomps out of his cell woozily and stops at the corner of the T-junction, looking this way and that appearing thoroughly confused.

Izabelle takes the lead and marches on ahead as the group (with the ogre now following the rest of the party) heads to the guard room with the stairs and contemplates its next steps.

Positioning himself at the back of the group, Gil was still bringing up the rear. Partly because of his role as ranged support, largely because he had no desire to get hurt when others could do that for him, but mostly because he did not yet have any reason to trust any of his companions. Even Numair, whom he had a decent rapport with so far, was still not to be trusted just yet "Bit too slick for my liking that one, but we shall see."

As they entered the guard room and the mumbling about searching everything began, he moved to the stairs, training his crossbow in the steps while trying to stay hidden.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 13 +2 if not spottet. Heres hoping 2 of that 17 AC is Dex, then ive got a hit!!

readied Attack Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 8

"I shall stand guard here while the rest of you conduct your search." Turning to the ogre he added: "Grumblejack, do you want to stay here with me, in case some of the bad little ones come up here? You can sit down and rest, I will call out if I need your help. How does that sound?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 This roll is more of a "How well does Grumblejack like Gil" check.

"I still believe it is important we find and neutralize Blackerly and Mathias as soon as possible. They may very well know something is amiss, and we do not want to give them the chance of getting with reinforcements."

Numair does eye Gil a little bit at his suggestion. "While a rear guard may be good to prevent being surprised from behind, I think sticking together is the smarter play. A large group of guards could overpower smaller groups of us. Why don't we start with the stairs?"

"I think we need to press forward, eliminate any other opposition, and if possible get equipped with more 'lethal' equipment. The stairs should be a good start."
Malum will position himself roughly in the middle of the group so that when he channels evil he includes all his current allies and still has range to affect any good enemies in range.

Grumblejack thumps down on his rear at the top of the stairs at Gil's suggestion. okie little 'un, 'jack sit here but we go find bad little 'uns to smash if they no come up? 'jack not want go back in stone room with closed door.

short words - check, being nice (from the ogre's pov) - check, asking rather than ordering him - check, decent roll - check... yeah I'd say grumblejack likes gil so far

"Let's keep moving. Waiting around is asking for trouble."

Izabelle will sneak down the stairs to see if anyone's waiting for them.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

@Izabelle - The door at the bottom of the stairs is closed. Opening it will negate any stealth so what I can do is take your roll and assume you want to stealth AFTER you open that door provided no one is around ready to jump down your throat the minute the door opens... please confirm is you wish to continue and whether there are any dissenting voices in the group to Izzy's course of action ;) Also, does this mean the group is ignoring everything else on the level and not splitting up? Going into other cells, looking around nooks and cranies for other prisoners, hidden staircases etc. will take another 0.5 hrs lets say and take you folks down to T-37 hours provided you're not interrupted.

Felrin collects a set of keys from whoever had them last, and quickly opens the doors of the remaining cells. At each door, he takes a quick peek inside, looking for occupants or anything else of obvious interest left behind.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (3) + 7 = 10
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

I believe there were four cells left to check, he'll go through them in alphabetical order on the map.

Once this quick search is complete, he joins the rest of the party at the head of the stairs, eager to move on and get out of this place.

I was working under the assumption that the discussion tab talk of searching the level would have been "muttered amongst the group". Going on that, Gil would hold the stairs while everyone went about that.

Sensing the ogres borderline trust, Gil decided it best to let Grumblejack actually have the short rest he was promised. "I will hang back with Grumblejack here for a moment longer, let him rest a little, just make some noise if you need us and we will be right there." He looked at Grumblejack "Isnt that right Grumblejack? Even a fuzzy head wont stop you if there are bad little ones to smash, right?"

Thinking back on Malums proposal that the ogre might be drugged, Gil looked around the room, trying to locate a barrel of water "Surely they must have one around here, I doubt they go down to the well every time they get thirsty."

T-37 hours

Felrin's search of the other cells comes up largely empty. Scratched in a corner of one of the cells (18d) on the wall is a faded message that reads "Tell Laura I love her. They may burn me but My love for her will never die."

All the cells are windowless except for one which appears to be slightly more comfortable than the rest (18c). There are no manacles or chains to be seen in this one and a small barred window on an outer wall high up near the ceiling.

Peering out with some difficulty Felrin notices that the cell is in fact located on the upper floor of the castle/prison. It's a rather significant drop down. To his south, he can barely make out the main spire of Branderscar built right into the wall surrounding the castle/prison rising up even higher. Beyond the wall, the tiefling can make out the murky waters surrounding the island Branderscar is built on. It's too dark outside at present to make out any further details.

Back in the guard room, while the rest of the party debates next steps, Giltharon bonds - or rather attempts to bond - with the ogre some more. Dey make 'jack head go fuzzy - Grumblejack smash bad 'uns for giving 'jack fuzzy head! rumbles the ogre emphatically. The archeologist's search for water comes up empty however.

Since Felrin peeked out and noticed its night, I'll now mention its about 1 am. Your sentence is scheduled for roughly 2'ish in the afternoon in 37 hours.
Edit: a cookie for anyone who gets the laura reference. :)

Izabelle waits impatiently for the others as they search the rooms. In her mind she can see the ambush being set up on the other side of the door as they dilly-dally, crossbows all lined up to turn her into a human pin-cushion. She rolls her eyes. How annoying.

She'll press her ear up against the door and see if she can hear any movement.

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Erp. In fact, she'll take 20 whilst the others are spending time doing other things. Final result 26.

As Izabelle presses her ear up against the door for the 30 mins while Felrin is searching, she hears the usual sounds an old castle/prison makes in the dead of night - creaks, groans, an occasional door slamming shut somewhere - but nothing that would indicate a marching parade of men at arms on the other side.

Yes this is purposely vague... *IF* there's an ambush on the other side, they wouldn't be making noise now would they? They'd want to lure you in... ;)

Felrin rejoins the group at the top of the stairs and says quietly, "I found little of any use, though I learned a couple of things. It's the middle of the night out there, and we're up pretty high in what must be the main building of the prison. There's another taller tower to the south, and the whole place is on an island. Couldn't see much else."

He moves towards the stairs, asking as he does so, "Anyone know a Laura?" Heading down, he joins Izabelle at the bottom of the stairs, club in hand, and gives her a nod, whispering, "Ready when you are."

"If she was a blond haired, green eyed Halfling lass with dimples, she is now working on a Chelaxian Plantation..." Nodding his readiness at the others. "Lets do this, I can almost taste the freedom."

Before you folks go charging through that door I'll need a marching order please (think the first 15 minutes in Saving Private Ryan when the landing craft ramp goes down... mwa haha). The door is a single door roughly 6-7 feet wide so you'll be going through one at a time and the ogre will have to squeeze through since it's a tight fit for him.

Malum will be about 3rd or 4th... depending on whether Jack goes before him or after.

"Tell Laura I Love Her" is a song...I cheated and applied the mystic art of Google-fu though, so no cookie for me.

Gonna assume a little more time passed after Gil talked to Grumble, before everyone gets ready at the door.

Failing to find water, Gil instead looked around briefly for signs of any remaining ale from the guardsmens earlier merriment.

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

So, likely no im guessing...

As everyone busied themselves with the short search of the area, Gil kept wondering how to "get the ogre running" again. "Hmmm, if I cant use liquid to help flush his system, maybe..." Suddenly remembering his earlier offhand remark, he walked over to the ogre, crossbow slung across his back Sorta assuming its got a strap or something, like a rifle -.-.

"Hey, Grumblejack, can I call you Jack? You hungry? You see we killed 4 of those bad little ones back there." he motioned back towards the cells. "Such a waste to let good meat rot like that dont you think? The other little ones will just put them in the ground when they find them." He stepped in front of the ogre, ensuring he had its attention. "We even took their clothes see?" He pulled at the edge of his new pants. "You wont even have to unpack them or anything. Theres even a nice fat one. Tell you what, ill go get him and if you want a bite, you take a bite."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Pausing for a moment to gauge the ogres reaction, he nodded to himself before setting off at a walk to go get Tubby. "Best make friends with the oaf, even if I have to pander to its stupidity and act like some sycophant. Twigs couldnt have done a better job of it! Still its well worth it if only to make sure he tries to eat someone else first when he decides to turn on us. We Dorans may be proud, but first and foremost, we are smart!"

"Tell Laura I Love Her" is a song...

ding ding. An old 'teenage tragedy' type songs that were popular in 50's-60's. Guy enters a car race to buy Laura a wedding ring so he can propose to her - car mysteriously bursts into flames in the second verse - guy dies and those are his last words. I had a bit of poetic inspiration there and figured some other poor sod was burned (at the stake in this case) and happened to scrawl that in the wall before his sentence was carried out.

Jack will feel better in time... we'll see how/if he evolves though if he sticks with you guys long enough... we'll see. He has his own motivations just as you all do.

Marching order finalized with an action plan in place by you folks by tomorrow night (Aug 1 8pm EST) or time ticks down closer to your sentencing.

Felrin rejoins the group at the top of the stairs and says quietly, "I found little of any use, though I learned a couple of things. It's the middle of the night out there, and we're up pretty high in what must be the main building of the prison. There's another taller tower to the south, and the whole place is on an island. Couldn't see much else."

He moves towards the stairs, asking as he does so, "Anyone know a Laura?" Heading down, he joins Izabelle at the bottom of the stairs, club in hand, and gives her a nod, whispering, "Ready when you are."

Numair's eyes light up at Felrin's mention of the tower. "A tower to the south you say? I suspect that may be where this Mathias is. I strongly suggest we try to go that way; I feel it imperative we eliminate that threat. I do not think we would like him to be backing up a group of guards. What do you all think?"

Leaving Grumblejack to either partake of Tubby or ignore the meal, Gil moved to the stairs to listen in on the group now cramped together at the foot of the stairwell.

"I concur Numair. As a spellcaster he also presents the threat of potentially being able to warn the mainland of our escape. The less time we leave for him to realize as much, the better." Looking up over the edge back at the ogre, he quickly added: "I do however suggest we refrain from involving old Jack here when or if we reach the tower. His fuzzy head could be the cause of magic. No telling what he might be able to compel our giant friend to do."

As far as marching order goes, heres what it looks like so far. Im writing it here so its "official". Anyone who disagrees just say so. Im "taking the lead" on announcing this simply because I was tasked with it last time.

1: Felrin

2: Sabel

3: Twigs

4: Malum/Numair

5: Malum/Numair

6: Grumblejack

7: Gil

I suggest Grumblejack near the back, simply because any hesitation or ill adviced behavior from the ogre up front could completely screw our plans depending on the circumstances. Also, with Gil trying his best to buddy up to the big lug, chances are he can "give orders" to Grumblejack when a fight breaks out (through careful choice of words and suggestions ofc :P)

That order looks fine.

"Crushing him certainly would send a message." Izabelle says. She seems to enjoy the thought, smiling widely.

Izabelle is up for a fight. OOC however, fighting a wizard (and the warden no less) at 1st level mightn't be such a good idea...

Thank you... only other thing I will need is your approach method - i.e. quietly opening the door, bursting through the door hoping to catch any potential ppl on other side unaware, something a mix of the two? Once decided, someone from the front of the group can go ahead and march/sneak/waltz/burst/moonwalk through and check out the other side. ;)

My recommendation is sneaky. If there are guards waiting to ambush us... I think we are screwed... :)

I'm good with sneaky. Does that mean Iz and Twigs switch places in the order and Felrin and Twigs take the sneaky lead? Iz is pretty sneaky too, so we could all three go if she'd like.

I'm good with sneaky. Does that mean Iz and Twigs switch places in the order and Felrin and Twigs take the sneaky lead? Iz is pretty sneaky too, so we could all three go if she'd like.

doesn't really matter... order is more for who is going to be first through the door. After that, anyone in front can sneak or do whatever as far as move/actions go. You can't stealth and open the door if someone is right on the other side looking at it... but hypothetically, if you open the door and it opens w/o making a loud squeak/squeal and someone on the other side has their back turned or is far enough away or somehow distracted, then you could stealth and scout etc. Hope I covered that correctly... :)

Yeah, sneaky is best. If we go through gangbusters and no one's there, then we may inadvertently provide a new warning.

Gil votes the same, so thats 4, gogogo.

Seeing his new-found companions lined up and ready to move out, Felrin turns to the door and opens it as quietly as he's able (if it's locked, he did have one of the sets of keys).

Opening the door just a crack, he peeks through, gradually opening the door to take in more of whatever lies beyond.

If he's not immediately punctured by a bunch of crossbow bolts, or otherwise made aware that he's been spotted, he'll move on:

Thrilled at actually making it off the cell-block floor, Felrin steps through the door, his club held out before him. He makes way for Isabelle and Twigs to come through behind him and looks around for guards, gear, and exits.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21

As Felrin started to open the door, Gil moved back up the stairs to check on Jack.

"Hey there Jack, the others are moving out the door now and they want to be all sneaky like. You are really big and easy to see, so lets wait just a moment before following them ok?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

As Felrin started to open the door, Gil moved back up the stairs to check on Jack.

"Hey there Jack, the others are moving out the door now and they want to be all sneaky like. You are really big and easy to see, so lets wait just a moment before following them ok?"

[dice=Diplomacy]1d20 + 6

No need to keep rolling diplomacy... Grumblejack does listen to reason. There are certain things he isn't fond of but he's pretty smart for an ogre. ;)

Okidoki...was a poop roll anyway :)

Cant wait to find out if he took a bite or not.

congrats Brimstone - you're the first ones off the level and win the meta-challenge!

The party tries their best to be quiet as Giltharon gives the signal to move off the stairs and check out what’s on the other side of the door. The door swings open to reveal a rather dimly lit hallway on the other side. I'll do up the map tomorrow with more details. Flickering torches in sconces set along the wall provide the only source of illumination. Approximately 25 feet in front of you are two wooden doors on either side of the hallway and the hallway continues down as far as you can make out at present.

The group huddles together by the door in the hallway to discuss their next steps. As Felrin, Izabelle and Twigs prepare to quietly scout ahead, a loud noise akin to a trumpet rings out around you. BWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEPPP!!!

It’s loud enough in the stillness of the night to make you jump. As the newly freed prisoners look about for the source, Malum lets out a quiet groan under his breath. Striding towards you is none other than your favorite sergeant-at-arms, Tomas Blackerly with 2 guards on either side of him and a big smile on his smug face.

well well well look who made it out of their little cells - he grins as he comes to a stop in front of the group. congratulations folks, you have provided entertainment for a lot of people tonight as you orchestrated your breakout! Unbeknownst to anyone, you’ve all been part of our newest gameshow – Branderscar Breakout! I hope we didn’t scare you too badly. None of you were ever in any *real* danger… He takes out a dagger and folds the rubber blade backwards which bends with a loud ‘sprroinng’ sound.

He chuckles at the surprised look of shock on your faces. no really – it was all in good fun see? Everyone’s here to partake in the festivities and celebrate! Both wooden doors you saw earlier burst open and a throng of people led by Mathias burst into the hallway wildly clapping and cheering – you notice friends, acquaintances, families in the group but are just too bewildered to say anything but stare at the changing scene.

Tomas is clearly enjoying his moment in the spotlight – In fact my friends, we have a real live celebrity here with us tonight to congratulate you on your accomplishment! he motions behind you towards the ogre. As the group turns to Grumblejack, a toothy grin splits his face as he reaches up and pulls off his latex mask revealing none other than Markadian the Fifth. The king of Talingarde himself! Whooz the king baby!

‘Grumblejack’ gives you all a hearty thump on your collective backs as you try to stammer something and pick your jaws up off the floor. And now my fellow ‘prisoners’ he intones formally – now for something completely different!

OK ... it's been a bit since I read it, but I'm pretty sure that's new! :-)

Numair stairs, his mouth agape before he realizes how undignified it looks. This cannot be real, can it? Numair is going to try and disbelieve this, if he can.

will 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 3 = 15

umm... that was an OOC post... the entire thing... ;) hence the 'please don't kill me' in discussion... your GM has a warped sense of humour sometimes. And now back to the real story today.

Current Time: Shortly after 1 am
Lower Level Map

Real post this time - I promise!

With marching order decided and a plan of action in place, the party tries their best to be quiet as Giltharon gives the signal to move off the stairs and check out what’s on the other side of the door - except the ogre who joins the group and appears to be noisily smacking his lips at the rear chewing on something you'd rather not think about... Giltharon shudders inwardly as Grumblejack thumps him on the back almost causing the half-elf to pitch forward. Come little pointy ears, We smash bad little 'uns now. 'jack escape stone place! he rumbles, mouth split wide open in what passes for a grin - teeth and what he's been chewing on in open display.

The door swings open to reveal a rather dimly lit hallway on the other side. Flickering torches in sconces set along the wall provide the only source of illumination. Approximately 20-25 feet in front of you are two wooden doors on either side of the hallway and the hallway continues down as far as you can make out at present. Felrin's low-light vision helps you folks see about 50-60' out in front. I'll assume he is communicating what he sees to the group.

Felrin quickly tries to find the darkest shadows to make himself inconspicuous in the open hallway, straining to hear or see any signs of activity. Everything appears quiet in the dead of night thus far.

As the door is now open (I know it shows closed on the map, I'll fix it next time around), anyone who wants to stealth can do so, before or after moving through.

Gil was stood looking at Jack as the ogre got up and moved to the stairs, grizzly chunks of Tubby still held in its large fist. In spite of the soft waves of nausea rolling around in his stomach, he was unable to look away. It was mesmerizing, and he found himself rather fascinated, delightful chills running down his spine with every chomp.

"Yes, right you are Jack, right you are. Take a moment to finish eating though, so the others can do their sneakiness." When Jack moved down the stairs and into the hallway, Gil made sure to stay behind him, using the ogre as cover to stay hidden.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (4) + 7 = 11

After listening for a few moments to be sure all is quiet, Felrin moves on down the hallway as quietly as he can. He stops and listens at the doors on either side of the hall.

If he doesn't hear anything, he'll do this:

He turns and gestures to Iz and Twigs that he's going to check out the door on the left. Gingerly turning the knob, he opens it as quietly as possible. As before, he'll open it a crack and take peek through, then open it slowly to see what's beyond it.

Stealth: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (9) + 9 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

If he doesn't hear anything, he'll do this:

He turns and gestures to Iz and Twigs that he's going to check out the door on the left. Gingerly turning the knob, he opens it as quietly as possible. As before, he'll open it a crack and take peek through, then open it slowly to see what's beyond it.

Belay this. You can keep the rolls for the next time you need stealth and perception but when you get to the door, your vision is going to extend further down the hallway so I need to fill in what else you see which may change your mind on opening the door. Detailed post later tonight. Also, btw if you could refer to cardinal directions (N, S, E, W with up always being north - instead of left/right, that would help prevent any miscommunication on whether you mean your left, my left or the ogre's left :)

umm... that was an OOC post... the entire thing... ;) hence the 'please don't kill me' in discussion... your GM has a warped sense of humour sometimes. And now back to the real story today.

Ahhh ... OK. My joke detector sometimes malfunctions at 4:30 am ;-)

Numair keeps his eyes on Felrin, at least as much as can in the dim light. He tries to keep his mind off of the ogre and his snack, but can't help shuddering a bit anyway.

Shortly after 1 am

As Felrin moves forward towards the door in the west wall, he can see the end of the hallway. It ends in a set of double doors with two guards on either side. They are standing but leaning against the wall facing each other and look thoroughly uninterested in their current guard duty.

Stealth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Izabelle will stay just a little behind Felrin as they move.