Mirror, Mirror: The Further Adventures

Game Master Terquem

this lock is too tough without a key. Prrhaps it is near by?

perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Notice something: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17
Kamastra Notice something: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Dismayed, Ballar sighs, A key? Wha 'bout those little metal things ya're always carry'n? Rolling his eyes, the dwarf checks the ceiling and walls for any sign of a tiny 'key'.
Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 13

Leaning over to Imrael, Ballar reassures, No worries, we've got two elves. When one fails, tha oth'r kicks it down. With a knowing wink, Ballar folds his arms to watch.

Would one of these might happen to work? Zaehura says, revealing the keys from post 74 again her open palm.

I'm sorry, Ballar. I really want to play along...I just have no idea what you just said. Am I supposed to...I think someone is supposed to hit something? I was about to start hitting the door like it stole my lunch money, but it looks like Z has got dis, so crises averted! =)

That's ok. I was setting up a bit of an inside joke. It has two parts to it:
First, in our previous thread, Keryth took to opening doors as a way to speed things up.
Second, ever since I joined, the job of door man has always been an elf (first Tierest, then Niversal). Given this history, Ballar has come to believe elves are here to open doors. So much so that he is willing to quote union dogma to support it. :)

lol that is hillarious, but also one might say elves have always opened 'doorways' for the stinkier and more hairy races, eh?

Moving beyond the corpse on the floor, and passing the unsecured door on the left, the party moves a bit to the south, catching up to Niversal, who has finished examining the lacked shut door.

Zae fishes a set of four small keys from a hidden pocket in her garments, holding them up, fanned out so that each can be seen clearly by itself and offers them to Niversal.

Bud looks at Keryth, "Did you hear that or do I just need a drink more than usual? By the look on your face you heard it too. Oh Imrael, there may be something behind this door that needs smited."

Oh please let there be something to bash. It's been too long since he's had a chance to bash something and I don't want the next thing to be me.

This place is filled with strange errant noises. I heard nothing, what was it?

Niversal takes the keys and tries them from left to right one key after the other.

Indeed I heard it as well Bud. Sounded like something large, but light on its feet, stalking us. Perhaps it is the same thing that killed the... dwarf woman?

"Is there?" Imrael asks Bud with no small amount of sarcasm. "Or has the lack of mirrors forced you to show a modicum of creativity in thy baiting? Has thy day grown so boring that you seek the low laughter that would come of having me siege-break a broom closet? Bah, no matter. I've long since determined that this place is abandoned--bereft of aught things still moving by their own volition. The corpses we come across are no doubt a former band of thieves--some ne'er-do-well lot that fell unto each other in the normal way of those without honor or trust.

So picketh thou thy pantry or closet of stationary. I'll war against it as thou 'twere a slayer of priests--all the faster that we might search the place in whole and return the quicker."

I will be unsatisfied if Imrael is correct. Whatever did kill the dwarf pretender, is probably after the same things we are and has a sizable lead on us and the only way this ends well is if we catch whomever it is before they leave. Though it is optimistic of me to hope whomever is still here is in fact still. Zaehyra speaks in a hushed tone. I am having regrets about not purchasing that dimensional anchor scroll when I had the chance.

Imreal moves purposefully through the ranks of the others to retrace his steps back to the unlatched door behind them.

He places one foot against the door and shoves. Finding the door swings open easily, he leaps forward in an aggressive stance, ready for any danger that lies beyond.

There is an immediate crashing sound,

*KeRack*

and this is followed by a cascade of sounds like thousands of pebbles falling on a stone floor

*rattlerattlerattlerattlerattlerattlerattlerattle*

which seems to go on and on.

Something to Imreal’s left darts from one place to another in the darkness.

Stealth Check: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17

In the darkness Imreal can tell that this is a storage room. It is stacked with small crates, rolls of cloth, bins with open tops, he cannot tell what might be in them without a closer examination, and barrels of various sizes, sacks of different shapes and filled with a variety of objects from indistinguishable to obvious (root vegetables, potatoes and the like). It appears as though the room is not deep, and extends only twenty feet to the right, and twenty five feet to the left.

"COME AND FACE ME YOU WORM!" cries the Angel of Confrontation, sweeping his mighty polearm to and fro, uncaring of what pitiful foodstuffs might be disturbed by his RIGHTEOUS search for the murderer of the corpses they have found. "My ARMOR is CONTEMPT! My SWORD is HATRED! DEATH is the SERVANT of the RIGHTEOUS and you shall FALL this DAY!"

The shouts of RIGHTEOUS COMBAT and shattering crates can be heard well outside by the others...and possibly several blocks away.

"Face me in COMBAT and you might at least tell your ancestors that you FELL to a WORTHY BLADE. But continue to RUN and you SHALL merely...die tired."

Imrael takes an over-hand swing and cleaves a particularly annoying bolt of cloth.

RIGHTEOUS PERCEPTION!: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (4) + 6 = 10 Apparently I'm not SMASHING ENOUGH! =p

Bud hears the noise and mumbles "Marbles?" in a questioning voice. I wonder if I should warn him. It they're not there then he'll just get mad again. Let's see what happens next.

Niversal keeps trying to unlock the door with the keys while keeping an eye and ear out for issues from the previous room.

Imreal disappears from the view of the others, charging to the left into the room. Shouting cries of challenge and smashing into anything that gets in his way.

He seems intent on pursuing, something, but the rest of you have no idea what, other than his heroic nature it is that compels him.

As the crashing and thrashing continues, Bud ponders the implications while Niversal tries each key in turn, and on the third key he unlocks the pad lock on the door in front of him.

Imrael roars in the way that only an angel of confrontation can when faced with a foe that will neither fight nor treat.
"AaaaaaaaaaaaaaaHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!"

He marches out of the storage room and pokes his head out into the hallway. "Are one of you able to stand in this doorway so my quarry does not escape? I think I have found the source of the murders, but they are skillful at evading GLORIOUS COMBAT.

And if someone is able to bring a light into this dark room, that would be helpful."

Imrael stays in the doorway, cutting off the thing's retreat until reinforcements can be brought up to close the trap.

Hmph. I would have guessed that he could see in the dark, Keryth shrugs while looking to the others to fulfill Imrael's requests.

This door is unlocked, but I will lock it again until we are ready. Niversal relocks the door. He will then turn around and move to the door way and block it drawing his daggers and crouching at the ready.

Bud looks at Keryth and says with a serious voice, "Only if he opens his eyes. He might be trying to make the fight fair." He then makes a face that will haunt Keryth's dreams for many nights, with what can only be called a smile by Bud.

Zaehyra speaks the word of her first orison, and touches the bandolier on Israel's right shoulder to impart a blessing of light so that it spills illumination like a heatless torch. The One guide your ways, She whispers with a crooked smirk.

"My the Lord of Reason guide yours," Imrael states in gratitude as he heads back in to the closet, eyes red with bloodlust.

The disappointment in Imreal’s plea resonates with a few of his friends, and slowly they turn their focus away from the locked door and move back to the open doorway to the large storage closet the avenging angel is struggling with.

While Niversal takes a position to prevent any escape from the room, Zae blesses Imreal with light emanating from his head creating a searching beacon that shines out from his scowling face with divine righteousness.

Turning back to the room, Imreal strides inward sweeping his gaze from side to side when suddenly…

A small black shape appears crouched on a tun against the far wall ten feet to Imreal’s left. It is vaguely humanoid in shape, with long arms, thick muscles and a flat brown face with a most peculiarly colored, blue nose.

The creature appears frightened, and aggressive, its mouth is partially open showing sharp teeth. It breathes deep and long breaths silently, trying not to be seen, but when the light shines upon it, it turns its head quickly in each direction, howls, a high pitched screech, and darts out of sight behind a vegetable bin.

That sounded like an animal, Israel stay your blade for a moment. Zaehyra says slipping past Niversal. Maybe I can convince it to come out here. Then, as if the dangerous looking thing wasn't scary enough, Zyehyra kneels and tries to beckon the beast to her, going so far as to lure the creature with food if it helps.

Handlen animal? : 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (9) + 15 = 24

Hey guys! Back in the world of tech and gadgetry, thanks for your patience!

From behind the bald woman, Ballar's eyes peer into the storage room in hopes of catching a glimpse of this strange animal. When the creature does briefly appear the dwarf racks his brain for something, anything which might help the party's animal specialist deal with this creature. What comes out of the dwarf's mouth suggests he hasn't got a clue, Wha tha devil? Looks like one o'those things from them lands. Oi! Careful it donna touch ya! Ballar clutches his Dorn a bit closer, If am right, it'll try'n grab ya! Then it'll take ya ta its lair ta conduct weird experiments an probe'ns. Ballar takes a step back to safely start swinging the fist sized ornate ball of iron in his hand, his eyes intent upon hitting the thing should it try to grab anyone.

[dice=Knowledge Dungeon "Wha tha devil's tha!?"]1d20+4[/dice] - I got nothing...knowledge nature anyone?

Keryth wanders closer to the doorway to possibly get a peek at what is causing the uproar...

Should he see the creature...
knowledge (all): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (20) + 9 = 29

With soothing words and gentle motions, Zae is able to draw the creature out from hiding. It remains crouched, almost sitting as it scoots closer and closer to her, its head darting side to side, mouth twitching, and eyes filled with nervous excitement. Occasionally it lets out a strange sound, a chirp, grunt, or rattle of the tongue against its teeth.

Well, aren't you a magnificent specimen, Zae says. But why are you locked up in here hmm? Was the lady outside your mom?

Speaking back over her shoulder as she rewards the beast with a treat for coming to her, I don't think this animal was hiding in here. I think it was frightened and shut in here either for its protection, or to separate it from its master; maybe the dwarf pretender out there. From the looks of it, its quite powerful. Possibly already well trained, though unlikely as well behaved as Kamastra.

Its a small cold mountain ape. Related to the baboon family. This creature isn't responsible for the wounds on the dead adventurers, but I wouldn't provoke it, it is quite strong. Not sure how it has come to be locked in his closet...

"Well, then what are we to do with it? If it's strong but unleashed we can't let it wander about where it will foul the rest of the place and continue to endanger others, especially if it gets out. We should kill it, just to be safe."

1= Keep the monkey as a pet | 2= Kill it | 3= Leave it | 4=Side with the wizard: 1d4 ⇒ 2

Ballar nods in agreement with the angel as he continues to swing the Dorn in an even arch, No use leav'n dang'rs fa oth'rs. Although ready to attack, the dwarf hesitates, waiting on the others to chime in.

The same could be said for the two of you. I am absolutely opposed to killing it. It would be easier to leave it here and tell some random druid it is here once we leave than to kill it. It would be a complete waste if it has been trained any tricks. Zaehyra says over her shoulder as she runs through a few command gestures to try to determine what tricks the ape knows, if any.

could be a familiar or a trained combat beast? If so Zae could use it

Show it the way out and I doubt we will ever see it again...

Ever the cautious sort, Keryth can't help but wonder if the ape isn't what it seems. Perhaps it is polymorphed? Or maybe disguised by illusion magic, he thinks to himself. Moving closer he really gives the ape a good hard looking over...

perception: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (14) + 13 = 27

Something is off with the ape. I can't exactly pin point it but... it isn't right. It should be able to smell Kamastra, a tiger, but does not seem to be bothered by the presence of a natural enemy. This might not be an ape after all. Perhaps it is disguised by magic. Or polymorphed. Whatever the case, I don't believe it is a wild ape...

Imrael throws his hands up in surrender. "Very well then. Do you want it to just follow us along? Beseems we've spent time enough on a thing that we're not trying to kill as it is.

I believe someone mentioned keys and a door...."

Niversal wiggles the keys and then walks across the area and unlocks the door once more opening it and gesturing to the group shall we?

Bud walks up to Imrael and puts his hand on his should to a quiet squish, and you see a small amount of ale run down his arm. "I'm sorry that wasn't glorious combat. Maybe a locked door will hold more luck for you." He then gives Imrael a big toothy(less) grin. and walks over to a spot a bit away from the door.

Niversal again unlocks the pad lock on the door, and then placing one hand on the wood he gently pushes it open.

The group at the door has discovered the tower’s wine cellar. Ahead of them, after a space of about five feet, is a narrow space between wooden racks of bottles, hundreds of bottles, and to the left and right through the door are casks of various sizes. The casks are marked with ports of call, brand names, and the nearly arcane markings of the brewer’s trades, indicating type of drink, alcohol content, and date of creation.

Bud says a few words to Imreal as the door is being opened, and gives the big man a grin, this means he is the last to see what is in the room beyond.

After teasing Imrael, Bud looks into the room and gasps and then has to pick his jaw up off the floor, LITERALLY. Throwing caution to the wind he rushes into the room pushing he way past the others and begins to examine all the casks. "Let's see what we have here."

Profession: Brewer: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Does he recognize any of these brewers since we're not in Kansas anymore?"

Cayden be praised! Standing at the threshold of the cellar, Ballar can't believe his eyes and does not bother to wait for the others to follow Bud in. His eyes sparkling, the dwarf passes bottle after bottle, keg and casket alike, reading the names of each as he hurries to keep up with the brew master.

Intuition - I don't suppose there's anything to be suspicious about here...nnaahh!: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16

Perhaps a little divination from one of the non-alcoholics :)

Niversal holds up a finger in caution but before he can speak two brave souls rush in and Niversal looks around the door into the room for traps and obvious exits.

perc: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20

Imrael lets out a sigh. It is no ordinary sigh, but it is the sound a yellow star makes as it's own mass can no longer support it's own mass and it begins the transition to becoming a red dwarf--and no force in the universe can stop it.

"Very well. There's no bypassing it so be about it. And as we are interested in gains-by-conquest, let me know as you find any bottles worthy of the name. I may provide guidance as needed."

Everyone gets Guidance as needed, +1 on skill checks. =)

Bud rushes into the wine cellar, with Ballar hot on his heels.
The language on most of the bottles and casks is indecipherable. Bud recognizes certain groupings of symbols and knows that what is indicated must be the characteristics of the draughts contained within, though as he examines each cask in turn, he is stumped to say what the details may be, until finally he comes across a small barrel marked in the common language of Du’Orbna

”Fingaelligan’s Heart of the Dragon Ale – 12% alcohol by volume, Coulknokken Brewery, Doarvton, Almorand

It is at the same time a fantastic and troubling find

Ballar lets his eyes wander all over the strange scripts and fonts on the labels of the wine bottles, casks, and barrels. Most of the wine bottles are made with heavy, dark glass, making it impossible to tell what might be a red, a white, or a rose. The total amount of bottles, and other containers here would easily fill a small wagon, and even if the vintages where not superior, would be worth a small fortune. He feels as if the stress of scouting this tower lifts from his shoulders as he peruses the various drinks, as if there is nothing here that should put a person on edge at all.

Meanwhile, Niversal looks into the room with an eye for danger and spots something suspicious

Bud walks up and down the casks and finally stops in front of one. "This isn't right. I can't read any of these casks except this one. I've a scroll to let me read the rest but this one is from Doarvton, the Coulknokken Brewery to be exact. Problem is it closed 53 years ago and no casks of Heart of the Dragon Ale have been sold for 25 years. Last one sold went for 790 gold pieces. I wonder if we should tap it and try it out."

Niversal will point that pouch out to those not looking at booze and suggest Imrael go have a look